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Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Skymiles and Holly Shepherd Open Week I with a Win in the $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Class

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Skymiles and Holly Shepherd sail over a fence on their way to the win at the Charleston Summer Classic’s $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class. Flashpoint Photography.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama rode Skymiles, owned by Loretta Patterson, to the win in yesterday’s $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Classic that saw fifteen tackle Allen Rheinheimer’s course.

Christopher Schroeder of Andersonville, Tennessee was the first to go aboard GK Performance Horses, LLC’s Enrique Van Het Vennehof.  Although the pair beat the 84 second time limit, with a time of 76.160 seconds, the four faults they acquired at fence 10 would place them in eighth place overall.  Second to go was Frank Owens of San Antonio, Texas in the irons of DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello.  But the pair earned four time faults with their time of 87.556 seconds which knocked them out of ribbon contention.

Schroeder returned to the ring, this time aboard GK Performance Horses, LLC’s Una Bella who completed their first round with a time of 78.372 seconds, but with four jump faults at fence 7, would finish the pair out of the ribbons.

The first clean round was Danielle Grice of Northfield, Minnesota and her own Boisterous who posted a time of 80.330 seconds.  Their second round saw them earn four jump faults at fence 4 with a time of 39.706 seconds, which would place them in fourth place overall.  Next to go was Josh Dolan of Bluffton, South Carolina aboard his own Slfannie Lennox; the pair turned in a clear round in 83.748 seconds, but with four time faults in the second round with a time of 43.476 seconds, would finish in sixth overall.

Christian Rogge of Cypressq, Texas was next to go with his own Lissa TSP and turned in a clear first-round effort in 76.654 seconds.  Four faults in the second round with a time of 37.700 seconds would finish them in third place overall.  Angel Karolyi of Aiken, South Carolina riding Hollow Creek Farm’s Amigo was next to go and turned in a clean first-round with a time of 79.980 seconds.  Their second round resulted in four jump faults and a time fault in 41.160 seconds which placed them in fifth overall.

Frank Owens of San Antonio, Texas was the next up aboard DS Holdings, LLC’s MTM’s Twenties Girl.  Their time of 84.297 earned them a time fault and with four jump faults, would place them out of the ribbons.

Holly Shepherd was next to go aboard Skymiles and went clean with a time of 79.378 seconds.  Their second round saw another clean round and the pair posted the fastest second round in a time of 36.879 seconds securing the win.

Schroeder returned for another ride this time aboard GK Performance Horses, LLC’s Diamant De Ravel.  The pair had four jump faults in a time of 80.587 seconds which would keep them out of the ribbons.

Victor Segovia of Wellington, Florida riding The Romeo Group’s Romeo turned in the next clear first-round in a time of 80.094 seconds.  Their second round effort resulted in ten time faults which would keep them from the winner’s circle.

Whitney Owens and DS Holdings, LLC’s S & L Show Guru turned in a first round effort in 76.512 seconds and seven jump faults.  Grice, this time aboard Rapid Rewards owned by Loretta Patterson, turned in a first-round effort in 84.502 seconds and four jump faults and a time fault.  The pair would not place.

Schroeder was last to go in the class and brought his third mount, his own Catungee, as his final effort of the day to steal the lead from Shepherd.  However, despite a clear first-round in 80.931 seconds, their second round time of 42.203 seconds would give them two time faults, placing them in the second position overall.

The action continues tonight when forty three horse and rider teams tackle the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by FarmVet at 5pm.  Dinner and drinks will be served ringside for VIP patrons and special guests Cenegenics of the Carolinas will be on hand to meet with those interested in living well longer.

For those of you still “on the fence”, there are some stalls still available for next week. What a great opportunity to give your young horses some grand prix experience and everyone a chance in your barn to do it all – surf and show!

In other news:

Social Calendar!

Don’t miss the action packed social calendar while at the opening week of the Charleston Summer Classic.  Tomorrow night, 5 to 7 pm, VIP patrons will enjoy drinks and dinner during the USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by FarmVet. Saturday evening, VIP table holders will enjoy appetizers and cocktails ringside and Sunday features the popular Ringside Mimosas for everyone!

Jumpers, Jumpers, Jumpers!

The $25,000 grand prix Week I and II are great for your jumpers and especially for those young horses looking to get a leg up on grand prix competition. The $2,500 Jr./AO Jumper Division is perfect for the rest of the barn.

Something for Everyone!

Due to popular demand, Classic Company has added a 1.20m Training Jumper to the schedule for both weeks along with a Walk-Trot Division.

Don’t Hoof It!

With all the action at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, you may consider renting a golf cart from the Official Golf Cart Company, Garrett Golf Carts, or call them at 843-881-8894. Weekly rentals for two-seaters are only $225 and only $275 for the four-seaters. Make sure to contact them and reserve your cart now – your barn and trainer will thank you!

Got Rooms?

Get a jump on it and book today!  This location is beautiful and a vacation destination.  So make sure to book your rooms and condos now! Classic Company’s Official Lodging Partner is the pet-friendly Land’s Inn at 2545 Savannah Highway in Charleston.  The Land’s Inn is approximately 18 miles from the show grounds and looks forward to welcoming you, your families and your four legged friends.  You can call them at 843-763-8885 or visit them on the web at creeksidelandsinn.com.  Make sure to mention you will be attending the Charleston Summer Classic shows.

If condo is the way you like to go and the phrase “seven miles from the show grounds” sounds good to you, the Classic Company recommends several and they are listed in the prize list. Most are located on Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island and all offer close proximity to the show and the beach. Classic’s newest lodging partner is Coastal Getaways of South Carolina and can be reached via web or at 843-789-4438. Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget!

Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget.

If you haven’t reserved your stalls or sent in your entries yet, please contact Classic Company immediately at 843.768.5503 or send them an email at info@classiccompany.com.

For those looking save the cost of postage, paper and personal time, make sure to go to Equestrian Connect, Classic Company’s Official Service Provider, to submit your entries today!

Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

More/Other, USEF

Emily Chapman Claims 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Title

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Emily Chapman, the winner of the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, riding CH EQ One Night Stand (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, KY – A sunny day at the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky provided the backdrop for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, held during the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show. The judges made a unanimous decision to crown Emily Chapman the 2013 winner of the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Chapman (Tuscon, AZ) rode Ted Chapman’s CH EQ One Night Stand to the Championship title under the tutelage of Zubrod Stables.

“It feels good to win the title,” said Chapman, a member of the Gold medal-winning 2012 U. S. Saddle Seat World Cup Three-Gaited Section Team. “I haven’t shown equitation since last year and we decided last minute to do it. My horse really likes equitation and it worked out for the best.”

A very talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail as a group and completed an individual pattern created by the judges for the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final supported by Zubrod Stables. The judging panel consisted of Chuck Herbert from Evansville, Indiana, James Nichols from Metairie, Louisiana, and Barbe Smith from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Chapman not only took home the Champion title, she also received a beautiful cast resin sculpture created by noted artist Patricia Crane, the traditional USEF Gold medal, and a bouquet of roses. In addition, she received a Championship cooler and an engraved leather halter for her mount.

The Reserve Champion in the Final was Kristin Smith riding Callaway’s Another Winner. Smith (Smithfield, KY) won the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final and is a member of the Gold medal-winning 2013 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team. Her Reserve Champion prizes included a Silver medal, bouquet of roses, cooler, and engraved leather halter. The Bronze medal was presented to Katie Moeller riding He’s My Beau.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Amateur riders age 18 and over are eligible to compete in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final by placing in an official qualifying class during the specified qualification period.

Results from the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final:

Champion: Emily Chapman, Tuscon, AZ aboard CH EQ One Night Stand instructed by Zubrod Stables

Reserve Champion: Kristin Smith, Smithfield, KY aboard Callaway’s Another Winner instructed by Zubrod Stables

Bronze Medal: Katie Moeller, Chesterfield, MO aboard He’s My Beau instructed by De Lovely Farm

Fourth Place: Dr. Morgan Wolin, Chicago, IL aboard Schroeder instructed by Stan Bodnar

Fifth Place: Jennifer McGowan, Cross Lanes, WV, aboard Love Drunk instructed by Melissa Moore

Sixth Place: Taylor Deer, Charleston, WV aboard Tanbark Heiress instructed by Stephanie Lilly

Seventh Place: Kathryn Evans, Concord, NH aboard CH EQ All About Charm instructed by Jim Lowry

By Kathleen Landwehr

For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Director, National Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Belgians Are Best in Furusiyya Europe Division 2 Leg at Budapest

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Dirk Demeersman and Bufero van het Panishof sealed victory for Belgium at round 16 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series in Budapest. Photo: FEI/Krisztina Hajdu.

Budapest (HUN), 12 July 2013 – It was “mission accomplished” for the Belgian team in Budapest, Hungary today where victory in the seventh leg of Europe Division 2 looks set to have earned them a place at the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in September as well as promotion to Europe Division 1 next season.  A total of 14 countries lined out for the marathon competition which went right down to the wire as the Belgians were locked in combat with Germany in the closing stages.  And it fell to experienced Belgian anchorman, Dirk Demeersman, to clinch it in the end with the only double-clear performance of the day from Bufero van het Panishof.

Germany finished just a fence behind but the rest were a long way further adrift, with Austria slotting into third ahead of Poland, Bulgaria, Italy and Slovakia in joint-fourth while the Russian team lined up in eighth place.  Only those eight teams returned in round two, the host nation missing out on the second-round action by just a single fence. Hungary’s Emil Orban and the 14-year-old Lacapo produced one of those precious first-round clears but when one of the 16-fault results collected by both Sandor Szasz (Great Pleasure) and Gabor Szabo (Timpex Cabale) had to be added to the four picked up by anchor partnership Laszio Toth and Isti, then their 20-fault first-round total was just too big to make the cut.

Plenty Difficult

The 12-fence track created by German course-designer Werner Deeg proved plenty difficult for many of the teams in the early stages, and there were just nine clears in the first round. Elimination for the pathfinders of both Belarus (Yahor Morotski and Wacantos) and Romania (Aron Jakab with Mephisto) hampered their country’s chances while the Ukraine, who stepped in with a three-member side due to the withdrawal of Denmark, could not post a first-round finishing score when second-line rider, Marina Vinnichenko, retired with Heltzapoppin.

Belgium and Germany were already in a tussle for the lead at the halfway stage with three clears apiece leaving them both on a zero score, while the Austrians were next in line carrying nine and the Bulgarians, despite only fielding three team members, were sharing fourth spot with Slovakia carrying just 12 faults.  Poland, Italy and Russia all made it into the second round with 16 faults each.

Slogged It Out

And the Germans and Belgians slogged it out to the very end.  Belgian pathfinder, Pieter Devos, followed his opening clear with a single mistake in round two with Dream of India Greenfield while second-line rider, Gregory Wathelet, matched his four faults picked up in round one with the eight-year-old Sea Cast Forlap.  Wouter Devos, on his Nations Cup debut, mirrored his brother’s result when following a first-round clear with Tonik Hero with four faults second time out, so Belgium was carrying 12 faults before Demeersman returned to the ring.

Meanwhile Germany’s Sebastian Karshuning and Tequila followed their first-round clear by double-faulting at their second attempt so when Markus Brinkmann (Pikeur Lux), Maynou Diederichsmeier (Goldstar) and Jorne Sprehe (Quidam’s Cherie) each left a single pole on the floor then the final German tally could be no better than 12.

Only another clear from Demeersman could reduce the German tally to eight and prevent a two-way jump-off now, and as he set off, the experienced 48-year-old veteran looked completely determined.  The 12-year-old Bufero van het Panishof gave a huge leap over the open water en route to a second fabulous foot-perfect performance and the only clean sheet of the day.  It was the perfect early birthday present for Demeersman who will turn 49 on Monday.

Well-pleased

Belgian Chef d’Equipe, Kurt Gravemeier, was well-pleased with the result from a whole range of perspectives.   “I’m very happy because we will now go up to the first league (Europe Division 1) next year and this is my first season as Chef d’Equipe for the Belgian team.  I was very happy with Wouter Devos, because this was his first Nations Cup and he did a very good job,” he said.

And of course he was delighted with Demeersman’s contribution. “Dirk was the only rider to jump double-clear here today,” he said with some satisfaction.

Demeersman commented, “I enjoyed it. It wasn’t my first time here – my last time was 13 years ago. It was my fourth time overall and I therefore knew what to expect.” And for Wouter Devos it was a very special day. “This was my first time to compete with my brother and it went really well!” he said.

The showgrounds located in the heart of the Hungarian capital city came in for a lot of praise from the riders and team managers today.  “The footing was good and the show as a whole was really nice,” said Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet, while Chef d’Equipe Gravemeier added, “We had good sport here today, the ground was perfect and there was a super course designer. They are very nice people here in Budapest and they have been very kind to us.”

With four legs left to run, Belgium now heads the Europe Division 2 leaderboard with 421 points followed by Sweden in second with 320 and Norway in third with 273. The Europe Division 2 series now moves to Bratislava in Slovakia on Friday 2 August.

For further information on the 16th leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Budapest, Hungary, go to website csiobudapest.hu or contact Press Officer Nora Zajonkovsky, Email prosperik@invitel.hu / info@budapest.hu.

There will be two legs of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series taking place on Friday, 2 August.  Hickstead (GBR) hosts the penultimate leg of Europe Division 1 while Bratislava (SVK) stages round eight of Europe Division 2.  For further information on the British fixture, check out website www.hickstead.co.uk or contact Press Officer Victoria Spicer, Email press@hickstead.co.uk . For details of the Slovakian fixture, go to www.csio.sk.

Detailed result here.

Facts and Figures:

Budapest in Hungary presented round 16 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series and the seventh leg of Europe Division 2.

14 nations lined out in today’s competition.

8 teams qualified for the second round.

Today’s winning team from Belgium looks set for promotion to Europe Division 1 next season even though there are still four legs of Europe Division 2 to run.

The remaining rounds will take place in Bratislava (SVK) on Friday 2 August, Gijon (ESP) on Friday 30 August, Arezzo (ITA) on Friday 6 September and at Kiev (UKR) on Friday 13 September.

The inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 Final will take place at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain 26-29 September.

Course designer in Budapest today was Werner Deeg (GER).

The winning Belgian team included brothers Pieter and Wouter Devos.

It was a Nations Cup debut for Wouter Devos.

There were five eight-year-old horses amongst the 54 that started in today’s competition and one was on the winning Belgian side – Sea Coast Forlap DC which collected just four faults in both rounds for second-line rider Gregory Wathelet.

Just one double-clear in today’s competition – from Belgian anchorman Dirk Demeersman riding Bufero van het Panishof.

Quotes:

Pieter Devos (BEL) – “The ground was very good. We are happy to be here. The course designer did a good job – we had good sport today.”

Gregory Wathelet (BEL) – “It was a pleasure for me to compete here. My horse is one for the future. I was happy to compete with my team as they were really good.”

Standings:

For the latest standings in Europe Division 2 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series check this link.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series check out this link.

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.

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

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

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

By Louise Parkes

Media contacts:

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

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

At Budapest:

Nora Zajonkovsky
Press Officer
prosperlk@invitel.hu
info@csiobudapest.hu

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

Tim Welland
tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7787 780 036

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Germany Cruises to Victory at Furusiyya Leg in Falsterbo

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Marcus Ehning and Plot Blue jumped double-clear to help secure victory for Germany at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series in Falsterbo. Photo: FEI/Roland Thunholm.

Falsterbo (SWE), 12 July 2013 – German riders recorded their second Europe Division 1 victory of the season at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 leg in Falsterbo, Sweden this afternoon.  Having missed out on the opportunity to collect points after withdrawing from St Gallen (SUI) last month, they returned to battle in Rotterdam (NED) where they came out on top.  And although they had to settle for third at the following leg on home ground in Aachen two weeks ago, today they were all but untouchable as they reigned supreme at the Swedish fixture.

In fact today’s performance was so smooth that the anchor partnership of Philipp Weishaupt and Monte Bellini found themselves redundant as their team-mates had it all sown up without their assistance.  ”It’s the first time I have managed to win without riding – I kind of feel a bit bad about that!” Weishaupt said afterwards with a laugh.  But today’s result sees his country lying sixth on the Furusiyya league table and well within sight of a qualifying spot for the series Final in Barcelona (ESP) at the end of September.

The Italians pulled off a big surprise when securing runner-up spot ahead of The Netherlands and Sweden in joint-third.  It was an uneasy day for the Swiss and French who filled fifth and six places while the Ukraine, one of the pre-competition favourites, finished a disappointing seventh ahead of Spain in eighth place.  There were nine teams on the start-list but just eight came back for the second round, and it was the Danish side, recipients of a wildcard invitation, who sat it out during round two after collecting a hefty 25 faults in the early stages.

Nice Distances

Course designer, Germany’s Frank Rothenberger, set a 12-fence test with nice distances, and four horse-and-rider combinations returned clear in both rounds.  Marcus Ehning was the first man into the ring with Plot Blue, and the star German duo gave a master-class in smoothness to post the perfect opening result for their side.

The triple combination came at the end of a bending line that began with a vertical at fence three followed by an oxer at fence four, but one of the biggest questions on the track was the tight turn to the open water at fence nine which was quickly followed by a narrow white gate, while the triple-bar front element of the penultimate double, and the final vertical, also claimed a number of victims.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was the cheeky refusal at the relatively innocuous-looking vertical second fence by Janika Sprunger’s Uptown Boy which set the tone for the Swiss team’s performance.  Olympic champion Steve Guerdat was the only Swiss rider to stay clear in the first round when 12 of the 36 starters kept a clean sheet.  When three of those 12 clears were registered by German riders they were out in front at the halfway stage on a zero score, but they only had a one-fence advantage over Ukraine, Sweden and Italy, each carrying four faults, while The Netherlands was just one fence further adrift with eight.  The Swiss carried 10 faults into round two while the French carried 12 and the Spanish just made the cut into the second round when collecting 20 faults at their first attempt.

Disappeared from the Reckoning

As the second round evolved, the Spanish disappeared from the reckoning and the French and Swiss continued to slide further out of contention.  Sprunger’s 12-year-old gelding repeated his boldness at the second fence and returned with 12 faults this time out, so not even foot-perfect second efforts from Romain Duguet (Quorida de Treho) and Niklaus Rutschi (Windsor XV) could rescue them when Guerdat’s Nasa lowered both the oxer at fence six and the following water-tray oxer at fence seven which were raised in height for the second round.

The Dutch looked like they might just produce one of their trademark second-round comebacks when pathfinders Jeroen Dubbeldam and Utascha improved from a first-round double-error to come home with a clean sheet and then Willem Greve produced the second part of his spectacular double-clear with the nine-year-old stallion Carambole.  But two mistakes from both Leon Thijssen (Tyson) and Jur Vrieling (VDL Bubalu) saw them finish up with 16 faults on the board.

The Swedish challenge faded when all four riders faulted second time out to leave them sharing that total of 16 faults while the Ukrainians, so impressive and effective when winning at the Piazza di Siena in Rome (ITA) at the end of May, fell apart when adding a 24 faults to their scoreline.  But the Italians added just eight more to finish on a total of 12.  Luca Moneta’s Neptune Brecourt followed his first-round clear with a mistake at the gate after the water, Emanuele Gaudiano and Cocoshynsky produced their second four-fault effort when hitting the vertical fence eight but Franco Francesco’s 12 faults with Cassandra could be discounted when Piergorgio Bucci registered a second lovely clear with Casallo Z.

It was all over long before the last-line riders took their turn however, as double-clears from Ehning and from Carsten-Otto Nagel with Corradina ensured that the single mistake made by second-line rider Rolf Moormann with the mare, Acorte, was all they had to count at the end of the day.  The only real effort Monte Bellini and Weishaupt would have to make would be to look good during the prize-giving ceremony.  Nagel was presented with the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award for his foot-perfect display with his lovely mare.

Very Happy

“We are of course very happy with today’s win,” said German Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker.  “All the riders did very good rounds, especially Philipp Weishaupt!” he quipped. “I don’t think we have any chance of going to the Final, but of course we will do our very best and want to win the remaining qualifier at Hickstead,” he added.  However with 182.00 points already accumulated and another chance to pick up more at the British fixture in three weeks’ time, it looks very much like Germany can make the cut to the inaugural Final in Spain.

It was an important day for Rolf Moorman. The 38-year-old rider is not one of the most familiar faces on the top German team but is a well-known and successful trainer and producer of horses in his home country and has developed a particularly good partnership with the 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, Acorte. “I have her since she was six years old and we brought her on through the Youngster Tours and so on.  Last year we did two 4-Stars and competed in the Nations Cup at Copenhagen (DEN) where she was double-clear and she was also really good at Gijon (ESP).  Last year she finished third in the German Championship and this year she was fourth,” he explained.  He got his call-up for today’s competition after showing good form in Aachen. “While I was there Otto (Becker, German Chef d’Equipe) said I could come on the team to Falsterbo and today my horse did a great job!  In the second round I didn’t ride her so well to the last fence and we had that down but otherwise she was very good,” he said. And when asked what it was like to be riding on a top team alongside Ehning and Nagel, he replied, “It’s very nice; they are all good people and we know each other well and when Marcus goes first you just watch and learn; it gives you a great feeling to be part of a team with him,” he pointed out.

The German Chef d’Equipe will be sure to send a crack side to the penultimate leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 leg at Hickstead as it is his country’s last opportunity to pick up more points. Each nation has just four opportunities to pick up points.

Lying second-last on the Europe Division 1 league table, the Ukrainians have a lot to do if they want to stay in the race, but they still have two more points-gathering chances at Hickstead and Dublin (IRL) next month.  The British meanwhile are bottom of the league table, but also have two more runs ahead, while the Swiss and Dutch, who hold the top two places, have used up all their chances but are quite secure.  The third-placed French will be hunting points at Hickstead while the Irish and Spanish, currently in fourth and fifth, will be battling it out when Europe Division 1 draws to a close at Dublin (IRL) in four weeks’ time.

For information on the 15th leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Falsterbo, Sweden, go to website www.falsterbohorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Malin Fredriksson Email press@falsterbohorseshow.se Tel +46 702 924 679.  The next Europe Division 1 leg of the Furusiyya series takes place at Hickstead (GBR) on Friday 2 August.  For details of the British fixture, check out website www.hickstead.co.uk or contact Press Officer Victoria Spicer, Email press@hickstead.co.uk.

Detailed result here.

Facts and Figures:

Falsterbo in Sweden presented the 15th leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series and the sixth leg of Europe Division 1.

There are just two more legs of Europe Division 1 remaining, at Hickstead (GBR) on Friday 2 August and Dublin (IRL) on Friday 9 August 2013.

9 nations started in today’s competition at Falsterbo.

4 nations were chasing qualifying points for the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final which will take place in Barcelona (ESP) at the end of September.

4 horse-and-rider combinations produced double-clear performances in today’s competition, two from the winning German team – Marcus Ehning with Plot Blue and Carsten-Otto Nagel with Corradina – along with Italy’s Piergorgio Bucci and Casallo Z and The Netherlands’ Willem Greve with Carambole.

8 of the 9 starting nations returned for the second round.  Denmark failed to make the cut when collecting 25 faults in round one.

German anchorman, Philipp Weishaupt (Monte Bellini) was not required to jump in either of today’s two rounds of competition.

Course designer was Germany’s Frank Rothenberger.

Germany’s Carsten-Otto Nagel was presented with the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award.

Quotes:

Rolf Moormann (GER), talking about the course – “The water jumped well.  The biggest problem on the course was the narrow vertical after it.  It was a good course and the competition was nice to watch, there were no bad pictures.”

Swedish Chef d’Equipe Sylve Söderstrand – “I am very pleased with today’s rounds. Three of our horses were beginners so I am happy with their results. This was good preparation and answered some questions before the European Championships.”

Marcus Ehning: “I am very happy about this win. I was the first rider to go in the competition so I was feeling a bit nervous but my horse was really great today and made my life a lot easier!”

Carsten-Otto Nagel about his double clear: “The crowd is unbelievable here and it’s always a pleasure to ride in Falsterbo. I am delighted with my result today; it couldn’t be better.”

Willem Greve (NED): “Actually, to be honest, my nine-year-old horse has always been good to me. I have had him since he was four and there has not been one day that he has let me down. I’m very proud of him and he’s a super horse.”

“I think it gives you an extra drive if the crowd is enthusiastic. Okay I never rode in Aachen, but to ride here, a double clear and the people they cheer for the Dutch, but they cheer a bit extra for Rolf and Malin than the rest, but they cheer for everybody and just enjoy the sport no matter who is jumping.”

Jens Fredricsson (SWE): “In the first round I had three of four small rubs and he was clear. Second round he jumped beautifully and I rode a little bit too strong into the last combination and the last stride a little bit too short, so he had a small touch. It’s a rider’s mistake, I would call it. The crowd is really interested, you know? There are a lot of breeders and horse owners and riders here and for the whole week it’s a lot of people. I’ve been coming here for about 20 years, and the crowd here is absolutely fantastic.”

Steve Guerdat (SUI): “My horse felt okay in the first round. In the second round I don’t know really – she just didn’t jump up. Yeah, that’s how it is today; sometimes you have the luck and you stay clear and sometimes a little less.”

Piergorgio Bucci (ITA): “It feels amazing to go double clear; I’m glad I’m riding the best horse in my life and after three years he gives me this big present; it’s really easy with this horse; it’s unbelievable.”

Ulrich Kirchhoff (UKR): “My horse jumped very well over the water, but I knocked the last fence over. Overall, he jumped very well and I got a super feeling. I’ve been here for five or six times and it’s a fantastic show for me. I have had a lot of success here. The people are horse people and you can feel it out there; it’s fantastic!”

Standings:

For the latest standings in Europe Division 1 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series check this link.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series check out this link.

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.

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

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

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

By Louise Parkes

Media contacts:

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

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

At Falsterbo:

Malin Fredriksson
Press Officer
press@falsterbohorseshow.se
+46 702 924679

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

Tim Welland
tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7787 780 036

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Granato and Hope Go One-Two in the $15,000 Welcome Stake at Summer in the Rockies V

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Alex Granato and Gangsta.

Parker, CO – July 12, 2013 – Summer in the Rockies V continued at Colorado Horse Park with the $15,000 Welcome Stake as the highlight event of the day in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena.

Brazilian course designer Anderson Lima built a challenging course requiring horse and rider to understand each other’s strengths. The course asked the riders to make the most productive choices and take advantage of time-saving options to come in under the tight time allowed. The course tested the best. An orange and yellow outside line triple combination going toward the in-gate (6A/B/C) tripped up many horse and rider teams, many at the “B” element.

Of the 31 horse and rider combinations, Hector Florentino and Liverpool, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms, were the first to go clean and advance to the jump-off round. Nine rounds later, Alex Granato and his own Gangsta put in a fault-free round. Three rounds later, Maggie Jayne and Pony Lane Farm’s Manneken Du Cory joined the group headed to the jump-off.

Then, four horse and rider teams in a row left all the rails in their cups within the time allowed: Caitlin Hope and Kathleen Hope’s Total Touch, Hunter Holloway and Hays Investment’s Yolo, Matt Cyphert and his Lochivar, and Hector Florentino and his second ride of the class, Anemone’s Vicky, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms.

Mark Mead and Balthazar, owned by Marianne Marshall put in, what appeared to be a faultless round, but incurred a single time penalty for being .607 over the time allowed.

The final horse and rider combination to progress to the short track was John Pearce and Forest View Farm’s Johnny B Good.

Florentino and Liverpool returned for the jump-off round and had a rail. Next, Granato and Gangsta put in an incredible clear and very fast performance, breaking the timer beam at 33.206. This put them in the lead, where they would stay to eventually win the class. The next pair to go double clear was Hope and Total Touch with a time of 36.136 earning them second place. Florentino and Anemone’s Vicky were the only other horse and rider team to be fault-free in the jump-off with a time of 37.851.

Granato and Gangsta
Granato and Gangsta

“I’ve had him just a little over three years now,” said Granato about Gangsta. “He’s been a great one. I stepped in with him after Charlie Jayne and have had a lot of fun with him right from the very beginning. He’s 13; he has a lot of fire and he has a lot of desire to do the job. He has a great attitude about the job.”

“In the first round I was a little worried because he was a little strong and he hasn’t done anything since the Prix last week,” he shared. “I had to take a little extra time in the first round to get him settled back. In the jump-off I lucked out a little bit but it worked out to our favor I let him take over and take on a good gallop and let him take hold of my hand and it worked out for us.”

Granato shared his thoughts on the 6 A/B/C combination that cost many of the horse and rider pairs a rail or two.

“A couple horses over-jumped ‘A’ a little bit and didn’t back up in time,” he said. “I was fortunate that I rode another horse earlier for Sarah Tredennick, so I got a good feel how the course rode. Through the triple usually he’s a little too bold through the vertical/vertical but he backed up and jumped it really well today.”

“I really think that thinking about time allowed made the difference for me,” said second-place finisher, Hope. “It is always one of the things I have to think about. My horse and I are a really good team. He knows what I like and he tries really hard for me. I think it had a lot to do with knowing your horse and what works well for you.”

“For instance, the outside line: some people did seven to six. I did six to five,” she explained. That’s something that works out well for my horse. My horse is very careful and pretty much if I stay out of his way, he does whatever he can to get his legs out of the way and it usually works.”

Hope, who trains with Diane Carney at Telluride Farm, is a junior at Lafayette College and has had Total Touch for four years. She doesn’t ride when she is away at school. She meets Carney at shows and just gets right back in the ring. She stays fit by going to the gym and running. During the school year Carney rides him and Richard Rinehart helps out.

Caitlin Hope and Total Touch
Caitlin Hope and Total Touch

“Going into the first round Diane wanted me to focus on the first three jumps – the five to the four and also the oxer at the in-gate, to get him turned and focused on the jump,” said Hope. For the second round we just wanted to be double clean and let the chips fall where they may. We have the Grand Prix this week also the High Junior Amateur Classic to look forward to, so we wanted to have a good class early in the week to set us up for the rest of the week. I think my horse is ready.”

“The course was fantastic and the class was competent,” said Carney. “There were 31 that could hit the center of the target. We were grateful to be part of the jump-off. Caitie and her horse, Total Touch, do a super job. They’re a match. We know the drill – our warm-up is the same every time. I say when she goes in the ring, ‘Focus on your straightness, focus on the time allowed, and let him jump clean,’ something that George (Morris) tells us to do all the time. I am very proud of them to be second in today’s class.”

This is Hope’s first time showing at the Colorado Horse Park.

“I really like it,” Hope said. “We’re here this week and next week and most likely, back in the future. I think the footing is great – my horse… it’s like a bouncing board for him so he really likes it.”

“I think the Colorado Horse Park is a special place to horse show,” said Carney. “I grew up in Colorado and certainly there wasn’t a place like this in the ‘70s. It is really a pleasure to be here. I haven’t been back to Colorado to show for about 20 years. The footing is great the maintenance of everything is fantastic.”

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

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Zafira Top $35,000 G&C Farm Cup

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Kent Farrington and Zafira. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Adam Prudent and Vasco Victorious in $6,000 Shell Energy Cup

Calgary, AB – July 11, 2013 – The ‘Pan American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows kicked off on Thursday with featured competition including a win for French rider Adam Prudent and Vasco in the $6,000 Shell Energy Cup 1.45m as well as a victory for USA’s Kent Farrington and Zafira in the $35,000 G&C Farm Cup 1.50m.

The ‘Pan American’ Tournament runs July 11-14, 2013, featuring CSI 5* competition and $625,000 in total prize money. The week will continue with the $15,000 CIBC Cup and $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup on Friday, the $40,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup and $33,000 ASHCOR Technologies Cup on Saturday, and the highlight event, the $400,000 PAN AMERICAN Cup presented by ROLEX, to wrap up competition on Sunday.

The $35,000 G&C Farm Cup was the highlight competition on Thursday with 62 entries jumping a challenging course set by Peter Grant of Vancouver, BC. Jumping in the beautiful Meadows on the Green, nine entries went clear to advance to the jump-off and just three were able to clear the short course without fault. First in the order of go and therefore first to return for the jump-off, Kent Farrington and Haity McNerney’s Zafira set the pace with what would prove to be the winning clear round in 37.88 seconds.

Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Victor, owned by Torrey Pines and Artisan Farms LLC, finished second with a clear jump-off round in 39.61 seconds. Mexico’s Nicolas Pizarro and Polasko placed third with a time of 43.81 seconds. Reed Kessler (USA) qualified two horses for the jump-off, finishing fourth with Ligist with four faults in 37.80 seconds. Kessler was also fifth with Iron Works Partners’ Wolf S with four faults in 42.23 seconds.

Class winner Zafira is a nine-year-old KWPN mare by Nassau x Cappucino van Berkenbroek. Zafira is gaining some valuable experience showing in the big rings at Spruce Meadows this summer and Farrington is very pleased with the mare’s progression.

“Zafira is a green horse to come to Spruce Meadows,” Farrington remarked. “It started out a little hairy. A year ago in the fall she was just doing 1.35m. She was a little behind, so I have come here and just tried to give her really strong miles. I started in the 1.45m and that went a little up and down, but now having been here for a while, she is getting more comfortable and she has steadily been improving.”

“Jumping a division higher in the 1.50m and being able to win is a great last week for the horse,” Farrington smiled. “Today she jumped great. That was her first class this week, so to march right into a big class like that, I was thrilled with her.”

Zafira has made a big step up this year and Farrington hopes to see continued success with the talented mare.

“I think she is just right on track,” he noted. “My goal was to bring her here and to give her lots of mileage and hopefully she stepped up and jumped some good classes and that is exactly what she is doing. I think leaving here she will be a much better horse where she will be comfortable walking into a lot of different venues and jumping some different classes.”

Farrington has a nice string of horses right now and is letting Zafira decide for herself where she will fall in the line-up.

“Like all of them, I get them when they are young and sort of produce them along the way and see how good they want to be,” he explained. “I think she is already a nice grand prix horse. She is only nine years old and where she goes from there I don’t know. The horses will decide if they want to be a superstar or they want to be a good second horse or a grand prix horse or what they want to do, but that is sort of always the unknown. You don’t know until you do it, but so far she is progressing nicely and I am happy with where she is.”

Zafira will show again later this week and then Farrington will make the decision about whether she will go to Europe or continue on to the Hampton Classic Horse Show in New York at the end August.

Prudent and Vasco Show Early Speed for Victory in the $6,000 Shell Energy Cup

Thursday’s schedule began with the $6,000 Shell Energy Cup 1.45m competition, held in the All Canada Ring, with 32 entries jumping a course set by Cristina Larangeiro of Portugal. The one round speed competition saw nine clear rounds with a win for Adam Prudent (FRA) riding Katie Prudent’s Vasco, an eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Andiamo x Clinton. The pair took an early lead, seventh in the order of go, and could not be beat with their faultless round in a blazing fast time of 69.62 seconds.

Brianne Goutal (USA) and Cloverleaf Farm’s Uata made a great effort in 70.68 seconds to finish in reserve. Leslie Howard and Peter Howard’s Lennox Lewis 2 had the first clear round of the class in 73.22 seconds to place third. Belgium’s Francois Mathy and Opus PSG cleared the course in 74.20 seconds and finished in fourth place.

Adam Prudent and Vasco
Adam Prudent and Vasco

“Vasco is a new horse that I just purchased before Calgary, so I have had him for six weeks now,” Prudent said of his winning mount. “He has come up quite well. We started him out in the 1.30m and now he is winning in the 1.45m. He has had results in every division since I have moved him up. He was doing 1.45m, 1.50m in Europe, but this is the first time I have shown him at this height and he is doing great.”

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam was the only rider to top Prudent’s time, completing the course in 67.10 seconds aboard Spy Coast Farm LLC’s Cyklon 1083, but four faults left the pair out of the ribbons. Prudent explained that his speed with Vasco came easily.

“I just let him open up his stride,” Prudent stated. “I didn’t even really try to go fast. He is just a naturally fast horse I think and it worked out for the best.”

“He is a very careful horse, very scopey, a great horse all in all,” Prudent added. “He is very calm. Once you start jumping he becomes a little hotter and goes towards the rail, but he is a very easy horse to deal with. I haven’t shown him on anything but grass so far, but he loves the big open fields and he loves opening up his stride.”

Prudent and Vasco will head back to Europe after this week’s competition where they will compete in Dinard and then Valkenswaard.

“He is a sale horse, so if he is not sold after that I might go to Arezzo for two weeks and then there is a month tour in Morocco that I might take him to. He will definitely step up. He is a horse that I bought to possibly do 1.60m. He has a lot of potential and a lot of scope.”

The ‘Pan American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows will continue on Friday with the $15,000 CIBC Cup 1.40m and $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.60m in the Meadows on the Green Ring. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

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

Charleston Summer Classic Kicks Off and Welcomes Merial

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Champlain Sovereign and Paige Parker sail over an oxer in last year’s $25,000 Pony Hunter Classic. Flashpoint Photography.

Riders, their horses, families and friends have arrived at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, home to the Charleston Summer Classic and world-famous show jumping and hunter action which kicked off yesterday.

As an added bonus, Classic Company’s sponsor Merial also arrived on the scene.

Many of exhibitors and horse owners have received information in the mail concerning Merial and their special promotion at the Charleston Summer Classic.  So be sure to stop by their booth and talk to Kate Stewart and Hillary Fanning, representatives from Merial, makers of ULCERGARD (omeprazole), the only proven and FDA-approved product to prevent stomach ulcers in horses, and receive an exclusive offer!

Merial is committed to equine health and well-being.  Horses can develop stomach ulcers from the stress of routine situations, including traveling, training, competition and stall confinement. These ulcers can develop in as little as five days. Helping protect your horse against stomach ulcers is important. You have the ability to help prevent stomach ulcers with just one daily dose of ULCERGARD.

With sixty-three percent of non-racing performance horses suffering from stomach ulcers, the odds are yours might be one of them. Treating with a proven product is important so you don’t waste valuable time and resources on something that doesn’t work. Go to ulcergard.com for more information about how and why stomach ulcers develop, and to equinedrugfacts.com for important resources to help determine whether products have been FDA-approved.

So make sure to stop by the Merial booth this week! Kate and Hillary are looking forward to meeting you!

Rachel Wadsworth of Flemington, New Jersey in the irons aboard Captain Lymington, clears an oxer in one of the many jumper classes offered
Rachel Wadsworth of Flemington, New Jersey in the irons aboard Captain Lymington, clears an oxer in one of the many jumper classes offered

For those of you still “on the fence”, there are some stalls still available for next week. What a great opportunity to give your young horses some grand prix experience and everyone a chance in your barn to do it all – surf and show!

In other news:

Social Calendar!

Don’t miss the action packed social calendar while at the opening week of the Charleston Summer Classic.  Tomorrow night, 5 to 7 pm, VIP patrons will enjoy drinks and dinner during the USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by FarmVet. Saturday evening, VIP table holders will enjoy appetizers and cocktails ringside and Sunday features the popular Ringside Mimosas for everyone!

Pony Mania!

Week I kicks off Pony Mania complete with Pony Model, Hunter and Under Saddle classes where the points accumulate to determine the Grand Kahuna Pony Champion in the Small, Medium and Large sections as well as the Green Small, Medium and Large sections.

Jumpers, Jumpers, Jumpers!

The $25,000 grand prix Week I and II are great for your jumpers and especially for those young horses looking to get a leg up on grand prix competition. The $2,500 Jr./AO Jumper Division is perfect for the rest of the barn.

Something for Everyone!

Due to popular demand, Classic Company has added a 1.20m Training Jumper to the schedule for both weeks along with a Walk-Trot Division.

Don’t Hoof It!

With all the action at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, you may consider renting a golf cart from the Official Golf Cart Company, Garrett Golf Carts, or call them at 843-881-8894. Weekly rentals for two-seaters are only $225 and only $275 for the four-seaters. Make sure to contact them and reserve your cart now – your barn and trainer will thank you!

Got Rooms?

Get a jump on it and book today!  This location is beautiful and a vacation destination.  So make sure to book your rooms and condos now! Classic Company’s Official Lodging Partner is the pet-friendly Land’s Inn at 2545 Savannah Highway in Charleston.  The Land’s Inn is approximately 18 miles from the show grounds and looks forward to welcoming you, your families and your four legged friends.  You can call them at 843-763-8885 or visit them on the web at creeksidelandsinn.com.  Make sure to mention you will be attending the Charleston Summer Classic shows.

If condo is the way you like to go and the phrase “seven miles from the show grounds” sounds good to you, the Classic Company recommends several and they are listed in the prize list. Most are located on Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island and all offer close proximity to the show and the beach. Classic’s newest lodging partner is Coastal Getaways of South Carolina and can be reached via web or at 843-789-4438. Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget!

Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget.

If you haven’t reserved your stalls or sent in your entries yet, please contact Classic Company immediately at 843.768.5503 or send them an email at info@classiccompany.com.

For those looking save the cost of postage, paper and personal time, make sure to go to Equestrian Connect, Classic Company’s Official Service Provider, to submit your entries today!

Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Karina Aziz and Top Gun Have Their First Grand Prix Victory at Summer in the Rockies IV

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Karina Aziz and Top Gun won their first Grand Prix.

Parker, CO – July 11, 2013 – A large audience filled the VIP area and the grass bleachers with the spectacular view of the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park on Saturday, July 6, to watch the highlight of Summer in the Rockies IV, the $30,000 Griffis Residential Grand Prix.

In the first round of the completion, 34 horse and rider combinations battled it out over FEI course designer Marina Azevedo’s track, attempting to progress to the jump-off round. Eight would succeed for a try at the win.

Alex Grenato and Page Tredennick’s Mullaghdrin Rado were the first of the eight to go clear in the jump-off with a time of 39.778.

“I went late in the order and there was only one double clear,” said Karina Aziz, who rode Top Gun to edge out Grenato’s lead, breaking the beam at 39.685. “I thought about doing a safe double clear round and Blair and Karen (Cudmore) told me I better not do that. I went for it and it worked out.”

“Top Gun was amazing in the class,” said Aziz of the horse she has had since he was 5. “He tried so hard. I did a few slices and really galloped to the last jump. I can really count on him. We’ve had a lot of top professionals ride him. He’s a really seasoned horse. I am really lucky to have him.”

Karina Aziz and Top Gun
Karina Aziz and Top Gun

“The courses were really good all week,” she added. “The horses have been jumping very well off the footing. It’s nice; you go out there with confidence. This is my first time at Colorado Horse Park. It is so great to come here and have my first Grand Prix win.”

Aziz hails from Toronto and has been doing the jumpers since she was 18. “It is so exciting that we’ve had this success so soon,” she said. “I just started working with Karen (Cudmore) in May. She’s very supportive as a coach. I am just really grateful.”

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

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Michael Dorman and Zephyr Can’t Be Caught in $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake

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Michael Dorman rode Zephyr to victory in the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake. Photo by David Mullinix Photography.

East Dorset, Vermont — Michael Dorman and Zephyr breezed into first place in the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, at the Vermont Summer Festival.  The six-week competition continues through August 11 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

Nine horse and rider combinations advanced to the jump-off including week one’s Welcome Stake winners, Mark Bluman and G&C Lagran.  2004 Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde was the first double clear round of the day, setting the time to beat at 36.251 seconds with AK’s Clowney.

Dorman and Zephyr sliced two full seconds off of Wylde’s time by stopping the clock in 33.746 seconds.  Four more horse-rider pairs jumped-off, but none succeeded in catching the time set by Dorman.

“I have a very big stride (with Zephyr) and I think I won the class because I was able to leave out a stride,” Dorman revealed.  “Most people were doing eight.  I could get seven.  That’s one of his positive things, that he has a huge stride.”

Zephyr, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood that Dorman has brought along for the last two years, has only stepped up to the Grand Prix level this year.  The chestnut gelding has proven to be a quick study under Dorman’s guidance.

“He was third last week in the [Vermont Summer Special] Grand Prix, so he’s catching on.  The jump is easy for him.  He just has to concentrate more quickly since everything happens so much faster and the jumps are bigger.  That’s his learning curve,” Dorman explained.

Zephyr’s natural talent and mild-mannered personality make him a pleasure for Dorman to ride.  “He’s an easy going guy.  I think jumping is basically just pretty easy for him.  He really enjoys jumping and he’s a straight-forward, happy horse,” Dorman remarked.

Canadian Chris Brandt designed the course for the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Open Welcome Stake in the Grand Prix ring, beginning with an open-ended approach to the first fence which allowed riders to start from the left or right lead.  “I chose the left, there were less jumps in the way.  I thought you could get a better rhythm, especially in the jump-off,” Dorman explained.

Dorman’s decision paid off as the rest of the course was smooth sailing for Zephyr, even through a demanding triple combination.  “It was challenging because [Zephyr] has a very big stride and the combination was an oxer down the hill to two tight verticals, so I was concerned whether he could balance and shorten up enough.  Once he got through that I was pretty comfortable,” Dorman commented.

Dorman, who is based at Wyndmont Farm in Wellington, FL, spends his summer traveling back and forth between the Vermont Summer Festival and HITS Saugerties (NY).  He looks forward to the trip north each summer.  “I think the management [in Vermont] tries really hard to make everything friendly.  The footing in the ring is nice and they have beautiful jumps.  They make a big effort to have nice jumps,” Dorman concluded.

For his efforts, Dorman took home a $1,000 gift card to Vineyard Vines in addition to his share of the prize money.  Zephyr and Dorman will also contest Saturday’s $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, beginning at 1 p.m. at Harold Beebe Farm.

2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the Vermont Summer Festival in its current Manchester area location.  The Vermont Summer Festival offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont.

The first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival feature a $30,000 Grand Prix.  The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held during the sixth and final week on Saturday, August 10.  The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, is held each Thursday.  The hugely popular $5,000 3’3” Hunter Derby is also held each Thursday for the first five weeks, with week six featuring the $15,000 Hunter Derby.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL).  For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Western/Reining

East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic Teams with Show by Appointment to Offer Finals Qualification Opportunity

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Blair Bynum and Talk About Candy compete at a Florida SBA show. Photo by Toni Steed.

Murfreesboro, TN – July 11, 2013 – Show by Appointment (SBA) and the East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic (ECRCHC) are teaming up to offer competitors another chance to qualify for SBA’s $100,000 Championship Finals. SBA will run a full set of classes concurrently with the classes at ECRCHC, which will be held July 17-21 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN.

By entering the SBA classes as well as their regular classes, riders can compete for two show associations, ECRCHC and SBA, and two sets of prize money with just one run. Part of SBA’s mission is to make reined cow horse showing more affordable, and the collaboration with ECRCHC serves this purpose by allowing riders to qualify for the Championship Finals without having to spend another weekend on the road traveling to a show.

“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.”

Along with the opportunity to qualify for the $100,000 SBA Championship Finals, riders who enter the SBA classes have a shot at claiming a circuit championship. SBA circuits are typically comprised of four shows in a certain region. At ECRCHC, riders will compete on two days and be assessed by two judges each time. Each judge will be counted as a show for the purposes of calculating the championships, and circuit champions will be presented with awards at the show.

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

“We’re working together to build a stronger cow horse community,” Steed said. “This is a combined effort. We’d like to thank all of the East Coast trainers and competitors for their support.”

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/

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

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