Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Alfano Wins the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic

July 18, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Jennifer Alfano guided Jersey Boy to the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby victory at the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic. Photo By: Anne Gittins.

Moreland Hills, OH – July 17, 2013 – Jersey Boy is a name that has become synonymous with hunter derby wins across the nation and the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic saw him in action last week when he took the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby victory. Jennifer Alfano also rode to the top of the leader board throughout their stay at the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic taking the High Performance Championship, as well as the Grand Championship with Jersey Boy. In the Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunters, Alfano guided Candid to the championship, and the first place finish in the $1,000 Pre-Green Incentive.

Jersey Boy dominated the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday, July 13. With Jennifer Alfano in the irons, the pair came out on the top, with beautiful rounds and perfectly cleared high options. Their scope and pace brought them to the forefront of the competition with ease. Jersey Boy took the victory with ease, while Rose Hill captured the fourth place and Maggie May earned the eighth place.

“Jersey Boy is definitely back, “Alfano said. “He was really good the first round and he jumped great. I was thrilled with him.”

Alfano’s win this year marks the sixth consecutive year that she’s won the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Chagrin Valley, five out of those six wins coming with Jersey Boy. Alfano was all smiles at the end of their stay in Chagrin Valley as Jersey Boy was honored with the High Performance Championship and Grand Championship.

SBS Farms, Inc. continued to steal the spotlight in the hunter ring as Alfano piloted Candid to the High Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunter Championship last week. They were awarded the three first place ribbons over fences, as well as the blue ribbon in the under saddle. It was Candid’s spectacular performance in the $1,000 Pre-Green Incentive Stake that caught the judges’ eyes. They were awarded the first place for their picturesque round, and also took the third place finish in the $5,000 National Hunter Derby.

“I have only had Candid a couple of months, but I love him. I am having so much fun with him, and I am really excited about him. He’s a really nice horse, and he keeps getting better and better. I love how consistent he is, and we are definitely going to do the Finals during the Bluegrass Festival in August.”

“He is really brave at the jumps, but when I first got him he was a little bit nervous with the horse show atmosphere – the golf carts, water trucks and tractors and all that. He really, for the most part, has gotten over that and has really gotten used to all of the action. I couldn’t be happier with him,” shared Alfano.

Alfano also guided Helen Lenahan’s Me Again to good ribbons in the Low Pre-Green 3′ Hunters. They were awarded the third place in the Pre-Green Incentive Stake, as well as taking the third and second place in the Pre-Green Hunters. The pair came back even stronger for the second week of competition, with Me Again snatching the win in the Pre-Green Incentive Stake and taking top honors throughout the Low Pre-Green 3′ Hunter division.

The two year partnership of Alfano and Billie Steffee’s Maggie May has continued to blossom since the fateful day at the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic when they were united, and they returned to defend their success from last year’s High Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunter division. They posted consistent rounds in the First Year Green Working Hunter, riding to two thirds and the fourth over fences, as well as the third place in the handy round during the first week. Their success continued Tuesday and Wednesday as they earned the First Year Green Working Hunter Reserve Championship when they sealed their victory with a win in the handy.

Jessica Litfin and Cenzington 002, owned by Doreen Toben, rode to the top of the Low Adult Jumper leader board last week. She eventually captured the division’s championship with speedy rounds. Litfin took the second place in the Stephen A. Communale Low Adult Jumper Classic, as well as the second place in a Low Adult Jumper class.

Alex Trolli and Del Piero took the first place finish in the Children’s 15-17 Hunters , as well as rising to the challenge the second week to take home the blue ribbon in the under saddle and a third and two fourths over fences. Jennifer Basile and Rasputin, owned by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, earned good ribbons in the Adult Amateur 36 and Over Hunters.

SBS Farms will take a few weeks to rest and refresh before the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show in Lexington, KY. Alfano will travel to Saugerties to show Candid and a few Baby Green horses, but she is anxiously awaiting the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals in August.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

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

Championships, Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

HITS-on-the-Hudson Presents the USHJA Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper North Regional Championship

July 17, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Now everyone can be a part of HITS Championship Weekend!

The inaugural $20,000 USHJA Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper North Regional Championship will be held September 4-7, 2013 at HITS-on-the-Hudson, during the richest weekend in show jumping.

The event will offer both a Team and Individual Championship, held under an international format over a four-day period. Riders must be registered with USHJA to be eligible.

Visit USHJA.org under Competitive Programs for the rider application and complete qualifying specifications. Don’t forget – the completed application and $30 fee is due to USHJA no later than July 21, 2013.

Championship Schedule:

Wednesday, September 4, 2013
First Individual Qualifier
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Team Competition & Second Individual Qualifier
Friday, September 6, 2013
Off Day
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Final Individual Championship

To request a Prize List for the Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper North Regional Championship, visit HitsShows.com.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Western/Reining

Register for SBA Championship Finals Qualification Opportunity at East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic

July 17, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Haily Findeisen and Sparkinastar – Youth Boxing and Level Two Boxing Champions on the SBA Florida circuit. Photo by Toni Steed.

Murfreesboro, TN – July 16, 2013 – The East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic (ECRCHC) kicks off on July 17, bringing droves of competitors to Murfreesboro, TN, for one of the biggest events on the reined cow horse circuit. Competitors at the ECRCHC can qualify for another major event new to the circuit this year: Show by Appointment’s Championship Finals.

The ECRCHC runs July 17-21 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN. Show by Appointment (SBA) classes will be held concurrently with ECRCHC classes, so riders can compete for two show associations, each with its own set of prize money, with just one run. Aside from having the chance to compete in a new show association for more prize money, those who register for the SBA classes alongside their regular ECRCHC classes will qualify for SBA’s Championship Finals.

The SBA Championship Finals, offering over $100,000 in cash and prizes, premieres this year and promises to be a new highlight of the reined cow horse circuit. It is slated for October 10-13, 2013, at Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, FL. With many standout horses and riders already qualified, the Championship Finals will present top-notch competition in a fun, friendly show environment. The Finals also feature innovative offerings, such as a class comprised of horses for sale that gives owners an opportunity to show off their sale horses and makes it easy for potential buyers to see prospects in action.

Riders who register for the SBA classes at the ECRCHC also put themselves in the running for a circuit championship. SBA circuits typically include four shows in a certain region and have been held in Florida and Georgia thus far, with another circuit on the schedule for Ohio in August. At ECRCHC, riders will compete on two days and be assessed by two judges each time. Each judge’s scores will be counted as a separate show for the purposes of calculating the championships, and circuit champions will receive their awards at the show in Tennessee.

*Josh Veal, SBA Open Hackamore Circuit Champion. Photo by Gayae Ghazaryan*

“We’re teaming up with the other biggest cow horse show on the East Coast,” said Show by Appointment’s Rick Steed. “We’re partnering with them to run SBA classes concurrently with their classes and give riders another chance to qualify while they’re already at the show, and we’re working together to build a stronger cow horse community.”

Riders should contact SBA show secretary Debbie Hall at debbie@firststringfarms.com or 321-863-0456 to pre-enter for the SBA classes at ECRCHC and claim their chance to compete in the $100,000 SBA Championship Finals, slated for October 10-13 in Sarasota, FL.

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

Sponsorship opportunities are available – for more information, visit http://www.showbyappointment.com/SBA-Sponsors.html.

Fast Facts: Show by Appointment Classes and Finals Qualification at the East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic

Event: East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic

Location: Tennessee Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro, TN

Dates: Wednesday, July 17 – Sunday, July 21

Entries: Contact Debbie Hall at debbie@firststringfarms.com/321-863-0456 to enter the SBA classes held concurrently with ECRCHC classes.

ECRCHC Contact: Paul Bailey, (931) 260-3909, http://www.ecrchc.com/

Upcoming SBA Shows:

Summer Reined Cow Horse Shows I, II, III, & IV
August 15-18, 2013 – Jackson, OH

$100,000 Championship Finals
October 10-13, 2013 – Sarasota, FL

About Show by Appointment

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

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

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Uncategorized

Captive Wild Horses at Risk of Heat Stroke

July 17, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Right now the majority of captive wild horses are at risk of heat stroke and death because there is no shade during the hot summer months at Palomino Valley Center (Reno) and other BLM holding facilities in the U.S.A.

On June 9th, Senator Mark Manendo and Anne Novak, Executive Director of Protect Mustangs, officially requested shade for the wild horses and burros at Palomino Valley Center near Reno and elsewhere to ensure the welfare of these treasured equids. Their request for shade was refused and the mitigation offered was unsuccessful because shade is needed.

Campaigns such as #Shade4Mustangs, “Gimme Shelter”, Palomino Relief Project, and #GiveUsShelter have launched because the American people are up in arms.

We ask that you intervene to bring emergency shade and care to prevent the deaths of our American icons of freedom before it is too late.

Trapped in the corrals the 1,800 wild horses and burros at Palomino Valley are enduring a horrible heat wave now and their condition looks worse each day.

We thank you for your compassion for our national treasures — native wild horses and burros who need your help. They need your urgent attention to survive the summer — captive in the federally funded corrals. They need #Shade4Mustangs and burros.

Sign the Petition

By Protect Mustangs
Berkeley, California

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

$75,000 Equestrian Estate Planning Group Grand Prix Highlights 2013 Silver Oak Jumper Tournament

July 16, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Kevin Babington and Mark Q were victorious in the I Love NY Grand Prix – The Book LLC.

Big weekend of exciting show jumping in New Hampshire

Hampton Falls, NH – July 16, 2013 – Five days of exciting show jumping highlight the inaugural Silver Oak Jumper Tournament set to debut at the Silver Oak Equestrian Center in Hampton Falls, NH on August 7 through 11, 2013.

The all jumper show is expected to draw a world-class line-up of stars from the United States and Canada and entries from across the globe. The event will offer divisions for children, adults, juniors and amateurs in addition to a big money international open jumper division.

The tournament has received the endorsement of the famed Global Champions Tour and this year’s show will also honor Silver Oak’s founder David Birdsall, who passed away earlier this year.

Also, the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament was selected as one of only two United States horse shows in 2013 to be used as Selection Trials for the Bolivarian Games, held every four years in the southern hemisphere. The event, ongoing since 1938, is open to athletes from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. This year’s contest will be held November 16, through the 30th in Trujillo, Peru. The famed Hampton Classic is other U.S. site for the observation and selection trials.

The main event dominates the Sunday schedule in Hampton Falls as top riders will vie for big prize money in the first ever $75,000 Equestrian Estate Planning Group Grand Prix. Top horsemen include Kevin Babington and Paul O’Shea, Irish riders that produced stunning back to back wins in the two big money events at the Lake Placid Horse Show earlier this month. Also on the roster to compete is defending American Gold Cup champion and Olympian Peter Leone and top amateur rider Charlie Jacobs, a big winner at this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival. Also coming to New Hampshire is the red-hot Peter Wylde, who just won back to back Grand Prix in Vermont. Jeffery Welles, winner of the $200,000 American Invitational will be on hand as will veteran superstars and United States Olympians Anne Kursinski and Leslie Howard, all part of the strong contingent of riders headed to New Hampshire in August.

Paul O'Shea and Primo de Revel won the Grand Prix at the Lake Placid Horse Show - The Book LLC — *Paul O’Shea and Primo de Revel won the Grand Prix at the Lake Placid Horse Show – The Book LLC*

In addition to the big money on Sunday, riders will compete for the $25,000 Boston Strong Bonus. The $25,000 cash prize will go to any horse and rider combination that win both the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Planning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak and the Grand Prix at Fieldstone the following week. The Silver Oak event will be held on Sunday, August 11, in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, while the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix will take place in Halifax, Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 17.

Sunday’s Grand Prix is preceded by the $15,000 Agero Speed Classic.

Saturday’s session features a number of exciting show jumping competitions, including the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classics for top Junior and Amateur Owner Jumpers and the $15,000 DG Ventures Speed Derby, a challenging test over 18-20 obstacles in a race for the title.

The best way to enjoy the weekend’s main events is an up close ringside table in the VIP pavilion. Discover the refined cuisine and gracious hospitality of executive chef, Jay Curcio and the White Apron catering team, while you enjoy tented ringside seating for the Grand Prix. VIP Tables of ten are available and include a Champagne Luncheon, Ringside Tables and special VIP Parking. Tables are going fast, so reservations are suggested. Visit this link for further details: http://www.silveroakjumpertournament.com/index.php/show-info/tickets?task=viewevent&itid=1.

Riders will be competing on the gorgeous Grand Prix field at the Silver Oak Equestrian Center or in the second ring, featuring world-class GCT footing.

The Grand Prix field has been over seeded with tens of thousands of dollars of fall and spring blue grass seed and aerated and a new irrigation system has created near perfect condition ahead of this year’s tournament. The huge Jumper Ring 2 (165′ X 320′) has seen over 44,000 pounds of brand new footing installed for this year’s event.

The Prize List for the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament is available here: http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=154084.

“We have heard from many of the nation’s best riders who have told us that they intend to be here and we’re also delighted that a number of international competitors, some from as far away as Greece, are also making the trip to New Hampshire,” said Show Chairman, Jeffery Papows. “We are focusing on a number of exciting entertainment attractions too. We know that the large crowds of enthusiastic supporters that come to Silver Oak will get to see a great show.”

Silver Oak Equestrian Center, located right off Route 95 less than 50 miles from Boston, has built a reputation as one of the leading equestrian sports venues in New England. Its 150-acre facility is dedicated to providing a first-class experience for equestrian competitors and spectators alike. Silver Oak’s unique grounds offer one of the country s largest grass Grand Prix and Derby fields along with four all-weather rings featuring world-class GGT footing.

“This is going to be a first-class event and a great facility and we’re going to showcase the sport of show jumping the way it should be,” Papows added.

Germany’s Olaf Petersen, Jr., has been named to design the courses for the Silver Oak Tournament. Petersen, one of the world’s most popular and respected builders, has worked the world’s best shows, including the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships.

The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament is proud to align itself with the Children’s Wish Foundation International as our feature charity. Show management is thrilled to bring world class competition and at the same time, play some small part in making the wishes of unfortunate children fighting serious illness dreams a reality.

Further information on the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament is available online at www.SilverOakJumperTournament.com or www.facebook.com/SilverOakJumperTournament.

We’ll see you in New Hampshire on August 7-11th!

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2013 Fast Facts

What:
Now under new management, Olympic caliber Show Jumping is set to return to Hampton Falls, NH from August 7 – August 11, 2013 for the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament. We look forward to beginning a new era as we bring world-class competition and exciting entertainment to Hampton Falls. Equestrian Estate Planning Group will be title sponsor of the $75,000 Grand Prix. The show benefits the Children’s Wish Foundation International.

Prize List:
http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=154084

Directions:

Silver Oak Equestrian Center
340 Exeter Road
Hampton Falls, NH 03844

From I-95:
Take Exit Route 101 West, pay toll
Follow 101W and take Exit 12
Turn left of the exit and follow to the end of the road
Turn right onto Route 27/111 W-Hampton Road
Travel one mile and turn left on Route 88, Hampton Falls Road
Follow for two miles
Silver Oak Equestrian Center is on the right

From I-93:
Take Exit 7, Route 101E
Take Exit 11, Route 108S
Merge onto Route 108, Portsmouth Avenue
Turn left onto Route 88-Holland Way
Turn right onto Route 27/111, High Street
Turn left onto Route 88, Hampton Falls Road
Follow for two miles
Silver Oak Equestrian Center is on the right

Information:
Silver Oak Equestrian Center
340 Exeter Road Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
info@silveroakjumpertournament.com
1-617-281-2953

Email:
info@silveroakjumpertournament.com

Website:
www.SilverOakJumperTournament.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings will be located on the grounds at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament.

Additional Contacts:
Caren Bayne, Director of Sponsorship
CABayne@aol.com
Telephone: (617) 678-3677

Vendor Information:
http://www.silveroakjumpertournament.com/vendor-village.html

VIP Table Sales and Ticket Information:
http://www.silveroakjumpertournament.com/index.php/show-info/tickets?task=viewevent&itid=1

Management:
Mike Belisle
Show Manager
mjrbelisle@yahoo.com
Telephone: (203) 605-1935

Horse Show Secretary:
John & Pam Rush
Rush Management, Inc.
2344 Laurel Road
Jacksonville, FL 32207-4139
904-396-4106 (phone)
904-592-6604 (fax)
www.rushshows.com

Advertising:
Caren Bayne, Director of Sponsorship
CABayne@aol.com
Telephone: (617) 678-3677

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 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

Uncategorized

James Lala Provides Homes to Unwanted Mares at His Wellington Quarantine

July 16, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Wellington, FL – July 16, 2013 – James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine provides federally required CEM testing for the importation of mares and stallions from Europe. The requirement for stallions is that they breed two test mares each by live cover. Then, the bred mares must be tested and found negative for CEM.

With over 200 international sport horses going through Wellington Quarantine each year, Lala must have enough mares on hand to provide the process required by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In fulfilling the requirements of the quarantine, Lala also has an opportunity to give unwanted horses a good home.

“I really like our mares and we give them a great home,” said Lala. “It’s important that they are safe for the stallions – that is our greatest concern. So, for a mare to be useful, she has to have a good nature. They should be sturdy and on the smaller side.”

“Some of our mares were donated by private people,” he continued. “Either they were lame or not useful, or they rescued them and they don’t want them anymore or they couldn’t afford them anymore. Maybe they were using the mare as a broodmare and breeding didn’t make sense any more. When this happens, they give them to me. They may check in on them, but they sign them over to me.”

Lala also works with several rescue organizations to find the right mares, including South Florida SPCA, Elite Rescue and Florida TRAC Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care Program.

“We have gotten a bunch of mares from the SPCA down in Hialeah and other rescues,” Lala said. “They are all good to work with. Lisa Wagner at SPCA does an incredible job. The horses all arrive looking good, with front shoes and up to date on worming and vaccinations. She genuinely cares about the horses; she’s selective about their placement. The majority of the horses have worked out. Any that don’t work out she will always take back.”

Lala gives a second chance to mares whose future is questionable or who might otherwise be euthanized. His program gives them a new purpose and a home with quality care.

“I have one Pinto mare I rescued just because I thought she was cute,” he said. “She is totally useless to me but she is so cute. We have one Thoroughbred – a 3-year-old with the most crooked leg I’ve ever seen. The majority of breeders would have put her to sleep. She is the one of the sweetest horses. I love her. I am so pleased that I could give her a second chance. She is a very good test mare.”

Lala works closely with Dr. Newkirk for all the breeding and testing and the protocol is regulated by a State of Florida Department of Agriculture veterinarian.

“I appreciate Dr. Newkirk’s extensive knowledge of reproduction and particularly live breeding. She is keenly aware of the risks involved. We work closely together to create an environment where the stallions, mares and handlers are as safe as possible.”

Lala is a man with a big heart who loves his horses. He learned firsthand that he would rather be resourceful and search for alternatives than end the life of one of his mares.

“A few years back I took in one that just didn’t work out as a test mare. She was very lame. I searched for months to find her a new home. I felt there was no option but to euthanize her. I was in the office crying as the killer truck was on the way. I couldn’t stand it. I called the truck and stopped it. I reached out again and this time was able to find her a home as a broodmare in Alabama.”

The mares are an integral part of the quarantine operation. Lala cares for the quiet, reliable mares season after season because they are an important part of the safety of the quarantined stallions. Currently he has nearly 20 mares. Lala is also interested in taking in mares that could potentially be suitable for riding.

“We have the most beautiful mare that a family gave us, hoping one day she’ll be sound again to be useful,” he said. “That’s where we step in. We can give these horses a home for life.”

About James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine

James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine, LLC is recognized as South Florida’s top CEM quarantine. Conveniently located just minutes from the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds, the facility is owned and operated by James Lala, one of the country’s leading riders and trainers.

Lala’s facility is known for being an ultra-safe, peaceful environment with fantastic amenities like top-of the-line GGT footing. It is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the show grounds but close enough to be convenient without a long ride down a bumpy and dusty road.

Now offering expanded services, Lala is accepting quality young horses in training, short or long-term stall rental, lay-up and rehabilitation horses, sale horses and show horses. He is also accepting quiet and accommodating mares to serve as quarantine test mares. Lala has several lovely horses for customer lessons and for clients in need of supplemental riding to stay in condition. In addition, ring and facility rental is available.

For more information about James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine:
www.jameslalaquarantine.com/
(561) 906-6668
james@jameslalaquarantine.com

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Summer in the Rockies V Winners Share Similarities

July 15, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Kelsey Thatcher and Athena.

Jackson Brittan and Ugaf Come Out on Top of the $10,000 North American League Low Jr/AO Classic Presented by WeatherTech

Kelsey Thatcher Captures First and Second of the Coveted $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior Amateur Owner Classic

Parker, CO – July 14, 2013 – The final day of Summer in the Rockies V featured a huge, 51-entry $10,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic Presented by WeatherTech and the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior Amateur Owner Classic.

International course designer Anderson Lima once again tested the horse and rider combinations with a higher level of difficulty to match the importance of the competition.

“You need to propose something to them with some challenge,” said Lima. “I like to make them get into the ring jumping, if it is possible, more jumps so they get better for the weekend. I like to make them jump doubles and liverpools during the week with easy distances – get-in-get-out. When they come to the Welcomes, the Prixes and the Classics, I can ask my questions. They can try to do a better job when you ask more.”

Kelsey Thatcher and Jackson Brittan competed horses in both classes. Thatcher, a student at University of Georgia, won the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior Amateur Owner Classic aboard Athena and earned the red ribbon with Everything. Brittan, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Dallas, TX, and Ugaf claimed the $10,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic Presented by WeatherTech. The two young, talented riders had similar reactions to Lima’s course and have both brought exceptional horses back from injury.

“It was definitely more challenging than it walked,” said Thatcher about the course. “It wasn’t too big and it didn’t look too technical but it got a lot of people. It was a careful course. Lima does a great job letting you go forward and, like the mountain oxer to the reverse Liverpool, you need to get them sitting back up. Same thing for the plank to the oxer. He (Lima) sets great courses. Making the time allowed tight, it’s a great thing. At any final, you need to be going along, so it’s a good thing to practice.”

“It was a pretty technical course,” said Brittan. “There were only three or four double clear rounds in the lows. It rode a lot harder than I thought it would. In the highs, I thought the skinny would be easy because my horse has a big stride. It was a six-stride and I thought that would be no problem for him. I thought I gave it a good ride but everyone was having that rail. It was a hard jump.”

Both Thatcher and Brittan have siblings who are also actively competing in show jumping.

“I have to say, I’m Maddie’s biggest fan and her harshest critic,” Kelsey Thatcher said. “It’s been fun – we have a little fun, healthy competition.”

Jackson has an identical twin brother named Spencer who also rides and competes. “We’re both really into riding,” he said. “We have a friendly sense of competition between us.”

The two also used similar approaches to tackle the questions proposed by the courses.

“It was really about being neat every time you land, just getting to the next jump,” said Thatcher.

“I went inside to jump number seven and was quick around the turns,” said Brittan. “I tried to turn neat around the turns and not go too wide. I have to watch time allowed with that horse because he has a really big stride and he doesn’t have a fast canter.”

Both winning horses have interesting backgrounds.

“Athena is amazing and everyone loves her,” said Thatcher. “I started bringing her back from an injury in August. Charlie (Jayne) gave her to me. She’s 12 now and she does have some big jumps left in her.”

“She’s a lot of horse to go from being ridden by Charlie who can hold her together and push her where he wants,” she said. “So we had to do a lot of flat work and I did several ‘chair in the airs’ in Florida. And, I’m not kidding, there are some great pictures online. It is supposed to be a quiet seven and she’d just leave in six.”

“The Jaynes (Our Day Farm) have been great about when I go to school,” Thatcher continued. “They keep her well flatted. We have to keep her in a ball so that we ask her to go forward and come back and keep her in a frame. If you don’t teach her on the flat, then you can’t do it over the jumps.”

“We got him about a year ago,” said Brittan about his stallion, Ugaz. “He’s from Portugal. We tried him in quarantine and he jumped really well. He had an injury so we had to help him come back. We’ve been building him up and he’s jumping really well and he’s fit.”

“His personality is my favorite out of all my horses,” Brittan said. “He’s really confident and straightforward. He doesn’t spook or get timid or anything. He knows his job. I feel like his confidence helps mine. He seems like he knows what he’s doing. We started training with Hector Florentino and Stransky’s Mission Farms at the beginning of the WEF (FTI Winter Equestrian Festival) circuit. He’s a really good trainer and he’s helping me with this horse.”

Thatcher and Brittan have showed at the Colorado Horse Park for years.

“I grew up riding here starting out in the short stirrup,” said Thatcher. “I did millions of pony rounds. I can remember watching the prixes and being amazed. So, yeah, it is a little bit of home.”

“I was born in Denver and we’ve competed here every year,” said Brittan. “I love it. The footing is so much better. The Grand Prix ring has really nice footing. I am really pleased with the changes.”

“You don’t appreciate good footing until you’re there,” said Thatcher. “Oh my gosh, they did such a great job. I don’t know about you, but permanent bathrooms – that makes me really happy. It is the little things that count. They have done a great job. It is an excellent horse show. We are going to be here next week as well.”

Brittan will also be here to compete in Summer in the Rockies VI.

“Since my stallion was really good today, we’ll move him up to the highs next week and see how that goes,” he said. “We’re pretty excited.”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Competitions, Dressage

David Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital Capture CornerStone Summer Festival

July 15, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

David Marcus, pictured here with Don Kontes, won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special riding Chrevi’s Capital at the CornerStone Summer Festival. Photo by Mike Werner.

Palgrave, Ontario – Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Campbellville, ON, and Chrevi’s Capital won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the CornerStone Summer Festival held July 12 to 14 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON. Caledon Equestrian Park will be the site of equestrian competition for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Marcus contested the grand prix division with Chrevi’s Capital and Don Kontes, both owned by Deborah Kinzinger. With his 2012 Olympic mount Chrevi’s Capital, a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Chrevi’s Cavallo x Weinberg), Marcus topped a starting field of nine entries to win Friday’s Grand Prix test with a score of 72.50%. Marcus also placed fifth with Don Kontes, a 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Don Schufro, scoring 67.07%.

“I have not done a national show with these two horses since they did their very first Grand Prix,” said Marcus. “I wanted to take them this weekend to a competition where I could just experiment a little bit with each of them. It was about making corrections, experimenting with where I could add, where I could take back, and seeing how that worked. I just wanted to play around with taking some risks.”

In Saturday’s Grand Prix Special, Chrevi’s Capital again emerged victorious while Don Kontes was third.

“Both horses were great,” said Marcus, 32. “With Capital, I think the risks I took paid off, because he had his highest score to date in a grand prix test from FEI judges. With Don Kontes, we made a few mistakes in the test this weekend because I was trying something new, but I think the risks I took will be good for his training in the long run.”

In his last FEI-sanctioned competition, the CDI3* Angelstone International Dressage Tournament held June 14 through 16 in Rockwood, ON, Marcus scored a rare grand prix hat-trick, winning the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle with Chrevi’s Capital, and the Grand Prix Special with Don Kontes.

Marcus will return to international competition by competing at two CDI-W events in August and September in Saugerties, NY, followed by CDI-W Dressage at Devon, PA, where he is a defending champion, having won last year’s Grand Prix for Freestyle with Chrevi’s Capital and Grand Prix for Special with Don Kontes. His long term goal is to represent Canada at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France.

Marcus operates David Marcus Dressage in Campbellville, ON, just west of Toronto, and spends the winter season competing on the highly-competitive show circuit in Wellington, FL. For more information, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Freddie Vazquez Wins $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Summer in the Rockies V

July 15, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Freddie Vazquez and Presently were victorious in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Parker, CO – July 14, 2013 – The battle for the title in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Summer in the Rockies V came down to the handy after a tie in the first round, and Freddie Vazquez chose an effective path and laid down a brilliant trip with Mark Senn’s Presently to secure the win over Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey.

“My horse could not have jumped better,” Vazquez said. “He was fabulous. It was a beautiful day to ride today, a good temperature and a beautiful sky.”

Twenty-two horses and riders came out for the International Derby. In the classic round, Cruciotti and Monterrey scored 178, a score no one could touch until Vazquez and Presently, competing third to last in the order of go, matched it.

Vazquez was awarded the victory in the classic round, with the first judging panel’s scores serving as the tiebreaker. But he had his work cut out for him to produce a handy round good enough to best Cruciotti, a young but formidable competitor who came into the class off a win three weeks ago in the International Derby at Summer in the Rockies III.

“The tie always makes me a little bit nervous, because I’ve got to then really turn it on,” Vazquez said. And turn it on he did. He and Presently found their way through the handy course with style, earning base scores of 86.5 and 85.5 from the two judging panels, plus 4 high option points and a 7-point handy bonus from each panel. Their 194 in the second round sealed the win over Cruciotti, who scored 187.5.

“I opted to do a little bit of a serpentine through the ring,” Vazquez explained. “I came back on the first fence, rode through the middle with the snake logs, back again over the birch vertical, back again over the oxer – just did a little serpentine which I felt could show our handiness.”

“We did all the high options,” he continued. “We had a nice trot fence. I tried to just allow a nice gallop for my ride, and then after the hand gallop I wanted to make sure he came back to me and could reach some height at the oxer. Obviously I’m very pleased.”

Course designer Skip Bailey offered the riders many options throughout the course. “I always give options,” Bailey said. “The riders love choosing their own path.”

The course began with a choice between two similar jumps facing different directions. Competitors then rode through the middle of the ring and over the “snake” obstacle, which had several segments that could be jumped from either direction. From there, they chose between two jumps set at a right angle in the middle of the arena and then continued to fence 4, a single oxer. All of the options came into play as riders selected several different routes through the first three fences, with some choosing a longer, loopier path and some negotiating tight turns.

A distinguished group of judges was on hand for the International Derby. Frank Willard, Mark Jungherr, Brian Lenehan and Geoff Teall assessed the performance of horse and rider over the classic and handy courses.

“It was such a great course and it’s such a great ring with great footing,” Teall commented. “I thought he (Vazquez) was awesome. He’s really gotten so good. We’ve been talking about him all week – he’s really improved so much over the last year. There are so many things that can go wrong when you’re on top, and he just had a beautiful ride.”

Teall added that he was impressed by the younger riders in the class, including Cruciotti and third-place finisher Hunter Holloway. Holloway and Chianti’s Dream, owned by Hays Investment Corp., scored 197 for their handy trip to win that round. “It’s really fun to see the kids do it that well, and have the opportunity to do it,” Teall said.

While some riders ran into trouble at the first fence, nothing could stop Vazquez and Presently. “You couldn’t build a jump scary enough for him,” Vazquez said. ‘You could light one on fire and he’d be happy with it – it might get his attention a little bit.”

“The footing is great,” Vazquez continued. “It was a beautiful course built by Skip Bailey – I’m a big fan of Skip. Showplace Productions and Pat Boyle gave him an incredible amount of material to work with, and he built beautiful, impressive fences that allowed good derby horses to really show their ability.”

Vazquez, who trains out of Messenger Hill Farm in Libertyville, IL, alongside wife Jodi, thanked his staff for helping him achieve the win. “My staff is wonderful, and my grooms are incredible,” he said. “My wife, Jodi, prepared the horse beautifully. Katie Kappler, another one of our head trainers, is also an incredible asset to Messenger Hill Farm. My assistants, my shoers, my vets, Katie Kappler, and number one of all, my beautiful wife Jodi – without them, this wouldn’t happen. I get the easy part.”

The International Derby capped a day that began with the $2,500 CHP Pony Derby and also featured the $5,000 USHJA National Derby. “It’s really a nice day,” Teall said. “I’ve never seen one where they had three derbies in one day, and I really enjoyed it. They make it a big deal and it’s fun to have that many people watching. Skip always does a great job and Pat always does a great job.”

The National Derby proved to be popular, drawing 38 horses and riders. Brianna Davis and Riveting, owned by Sarah Engel, were consistent in both rounds to finish in first overall. Riveting and Davis sat just behind the leading pairs with an 84 in the first round and earned an impressive score of 89 in the handy to step up and clinch the win. Their total score of 173 was one point ahead of second-placed Kelley Buringa, riding Katie Thomas’ Yahtzee.

*Brianna Davis and Riveting came away with the win in the $5,000 USHJA National Derby*

“I thought the course rode very nice,” Davis said. “I enjoyed all the fill and the course jumped well. Having that many options really made me think, that’s for sure. I just did what I thought would be easiest for my horse, with the turns and the different options.”

Davis, the head trainer at Mary Dunahay’s Savoy Stables in Littleton, CO, has worked with Riveting since the beginning of his show career.

“He’s one of the most special horses I’ve ever had,” Davis said. “I imported him as a three-year-old and I’ve had him with me ever since. He has a new owner that just bought him in Thermal, so she’s getting used to him. He’s a jack of all trades. He jumps beautifully, and the four white socks definitely help. He’s just very pleasant to watch.”

Rylee Shufelt and her own Harrington Park Quest started the day off by claiming the top spot in the $2,500 CHP Pony Derby. Shufelt trains with Lauren Stevens of Stepping Out Farm in Corrales, NM. She scored an 80 in both the classic and handy rounds to take first by a comfortable margin over second-placed Jordan Cobbs and John Wayne. She also finished sixth with her large pony, Camelot.

“The course was nice,” 10-year-old Shufelt said. “They gave you space to do the handy turns. I tried to take it subtle and make it seem nice and easy.”

Shufelt praised Harrington Park Quest and said she especially appreciates his attitude. “I love him,” she said. “He’s like, ‘Let’s do this, I know I’m at a horse show, I’m going to try.’ He’s just the best pony in the world.”

Full results available at http://www.showplaceproductions.com/chp/resultsDivisionList.php?competition=22.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Prize List:

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

About the Colorado Horse Park

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Dressage, Jennifer Ward

David Marcus Debuts New Mount, Don Altena

July 15, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Don Altena made his competition debut under Canadian Olympian David Marcus at the CornerStone Summer Festival. Photo Credit – Ally Dunlop.

July 14, 2013 – Palgrave, Ontario – Don Altena made his competition debut under Canadian Olympian David Marcus at the CornerStone Summer Festival held July 12 to 14 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON. Caledon Equestrian Park is preparing to host the equestrian events for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Marcus, who operates David Marcus Dressage in Campbellville, ON, and owner Deborah Kinzinger found Don Altena, a five-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Wonderboy x El Corona) last fall in Europe. The CornerStone Summer Festival marked their first competitive appearance.

“We purchased him in the fall as an investment horse,” explained Marcus, who chose to ride the FEI Five-Year-Old test, developed specifically to showcase future international prospects at their current stage of development. “The longer we have him, the more we like him. I wanted to take him to a horse show and see if the judges thought he was as nice as we think he is.”

The judges agreed, awarding Don Altena with a score of 74.40% in Friday’s competition.

“I was very happy with the result,” said Marcus. “Don Altena deserved the score he received. He showed off beautiful gaits, had no mistakes, and was very submissive and relaxed. He earned the highest score of the test for his canter and, in the future, I think he’s also going to have a real ability for the piaffe and passage work. He already has a talent for it, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.”

Marcus is based in Campbellville, ON, just west of Toronto, where he concentrates on training, coaching and horse sales for the top levels of dressage sport. He spends the winter season competing on the highly-competitive show circuit in Wellington, FL. For more information, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

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

Horses in the South – An Equine News Publisher

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