Chester Weber and his team during the dressage phase of the CHIO Aachen. (Photo courtesy of Scheytt Photography)
Aachen, Germany (June 28, 2013) – American combined driver Chester Weber proved himself worthy of his well-earned nickname, Mr. Dressage, by winning the Preis der Fa. Horsch – the dressage phase of the four-in-hand combined driving at CHIO Aachen in Germany. Driving his team to a personal international record score of 31.2, Weber dominated this world-class field and beat out current World Champion, Boyd Exell, for the win. “The team was fabulous to drive,” Weber described about taking the early lead in Aachen, “and it is humbling to sit behind them as they are like poetry in motion.” Following this record score in the individual dressage, Weber also won the Team dressage Pries der Montello Immobilenmanagement GMbH & Co. with a 38.21 on Thursday, putting Team USA in second place overall behind the Dutch.
Weber’s winning team is made up of his own Para and Senate, as well as Splash and Uniek, owned by Jane Clark. Together, these four horses showed their amazing power, grace and synergy to easily take two dominate the first two phases. Proudly representing the US, Weber now leads the individual competition in Aachen. “I truly believe they are the best dressage team in the world,” Weber added about the horses with a chuckle, “but I guess I am partial to them.”
This early victory will help drive momentum as Weber continues with the marathon and cones phases of the prestigious Aachen competition. As one of America’s most driven and decorated competitors, Weber continues to be a driving force behind American four-in-hand combined driving, and promotes the sport wherever he goes by bringing in the ribbons. For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com.
Calgary, AB – June 27, 2013 – The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments are in their third week and the competition is as tough as ever. Two FEI-level events were held today at the ‘Canada One’ Tournament, which runs through Sunday, June 30. Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward and Wannahave sped to their second win in the summer series in the $33,000 AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m. Ward won his sixth FEI competition of the Summer Tournaments in the $33,000 Cargill Cup 1.50m with Zander.
The tournament wraps up on Sunday with the $100,000 Esso Challenge, the third FEI World Cup qualifier to be held at Spruce Meadows this summer. Admission and parking are complimentary for the ‘Canada One’ Tournament.
The $33,000 Cargill Cup 1.50m had 55 entries, and 19 of those were clear rounds, but in the speed format of the competition, it was all about who was fastest over the course set by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada. Today, that was McLain Ward on Zander, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Cantos x Saygon that Ward owns with Grand Road Partners. They finished in 66.114 seconds. Reed Kessler (USA) and Ligist were just behind in second place in a time of 66.790 seconds. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Victor placed third after they stopped the timers in 67.559 seconds.
Ward said of his ride, “Zander’s really coming along well. I didn’t want to run him off his feet today. He has a really big stride and it was a course where a big stride could come in handy in a lot of the lines. He’s getting so seasoned now at this level of jumping that you can take some nice cuts. Early on, with the wall being a bit funny, and the line to the skinny (fence), I could take a hard cut on it and I knew he was going to respond well. I was actually a little surprised the time held up, but sometimes you get lucky.”
Ward also placed seventh with Cadence, a new ride for him, owned by Procedures Inc. Cadence was previously ridden by Megan Wexler in the grand prix ring. Ward rode Cadence for the first time yesterday and this was their first competition together. “His owner is pregnant, so she asked me to show him. He’s a seasoned grand prix horse and he’s a nice addition to the string,” he said.
With his two victories today, Ward will gain FEI World ranking points. Many FEI competitions are on the schedule at Spruce Meadows, and it gives riders a great opportunity to increase their standing. While Ward said that the world ranking system is suited to the European style of show jumping, it is great to have as many FEI competitions as there are in the Summer Tournaments, “particularly here in North America where we’re a little bit isolated from the European scene.”
He added, “I’m a professional who just can’t pick up my business and spend the year in Europe. I try to find a balance and I want to stay current in the sport. I try to go to Europe enough to know where I’m at against the best in the world. If I do go to Europe, I usually can only take two horses, and if one gets a little tired or injured, you don’t have the luxuries that they have while showing on the continent or we do when competing here at Spruce Meadows or Florida. To have this opportunity, to do this in the same fashion as the Europeans do, it’s a great asset.”
With the devastating flooding in Calgary and the local communities, Ward commented, “It’s a tragedy, and you hear about things more and more with mass media. It was lucky that the weather didn’t affect Spruce Meadows. I’m a big believer that it’s great for things to go forward. It’s terrible when you have a tragedy, whether it be a natural disaster or a death, but you have to continue forward with life the best you can. Whether it’s Spruce Meadows or other public events, I think it’s good for morale to feel like life is normal, as much as possible.”
McLain Ward and Wannahave
Ward and Wannahave Are Tops Again
Showing that the derby obstacles are no match for them, McLain Ward and Wannahave, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Manhattan x G. Ramiro Z owned by The Wannahave Group, sped to victory in the $33,000 AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m over 61 other entries. Ward and Wannahave took all of the natural obstacles in galloping stride to finish clear in 61.490 seconds for the win.
The course in the All Canada Ring was designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio of the United States. There were 25 clear rounds in the competition. Second place went to Wilton Porter (USA) on Radio City in 61.568 seconds, while Leslie Howard was third with a time of 62.465 seconds on Lennox Lewis 2.
The AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m was another in a series of competitions at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments that offered the natural derby obstacles in an effort to promote the derby style. Ward appreciates these opportunities.
“They have a series of these derbies, which are nice. Wannahave started out the Spruce Meadows tour a little bit not understanding the derby, and he’s gotten progressively better,” Ward noted. “He won in the second week and then today, so he’s really comfortable with the natural obstacles. That right there makes you faster because you can take a little bit more of a risk to them, as far as angles and leaving out strides. Now that I trust him with that stuff, I can just let his stride carry him and in these big fields, it makes him quite quick.”
Ward said that Wannahave is “jumping better and better” and they plan to show in Saturday’s $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m and is aiming toward the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby during the ‘North American’ Tournament.
Having been a regular competitor at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournament in the past and for the last three years, Ward has had a lot of success. “Last year didn’t win as much, trying to make the Olympic team and being injured; there was a lot on our plate. We have a good string of horses and it’s nice to pick up a few classes,” Ward acknowledged. “The horses across the board are handling it well, and my student Katie Dinan is doing great, which is exciting.”
With more entries than ever, the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments are extremely competitive, Ward said. “I think the level in the last three years has gone up a lot. There were always some good people here and it was always hard to win a class in the summer. But to get good ribbons, you could have a normal round and get a piece. That’s not the case right now,” he pointed out. “These classes are fast, there are lots of clear rounds, and they’re difficult. I think the level is quite good and for the next group down, for horses or riders, I think it’s a great education. You definitely have to be on your game to win here.”
The ‘Canada One’ Tournament continues tomorrow with the $33,000 WestJet Cup 1.45m and the $33,000 Duncan Ross Cup 1.50m in Meadows on the Green. For full results and more information, 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.
Gerco Schroder produced the only double-clear performance of the competition to help The Netherlands to victory in the Mercedes Benz Prize. Photo: FEI/Kate Houghton.
Aachen (GER), 27 June 2013 – The Netherlands won the Mercedes Benz Prize, part of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Aachen, Germany tonight. In yet another thrilling leg of this inaugural season, the result lay in the hands of the final few riders. And it was Gerco Schroder’s double-clear with the fabulous stallion London, the only one recorded on the day, that proved pivotal for the winning side when a last to go mistake from Ludo Philippaerts saw it slip from Belgium’s grasp.
This was always going to be an almighty clash, with the home team determined to rack up as many points as possible in their quest to qualify for the series final at Barcelona, Spain in September. The Dutch had a terrible day on their home turf in Rotterdam just a week ago where Germany reigned supreme, but tonight revenge was sweet as the host nation had to settle for third place behind Belgium and it was the flag of The Netherlands that was flying high over the hallowed Soers Arena.
Eight Nations
A total of eight nations lined out, and France slotted into fourth ahead of Ireland in fifth, Switzerland in sixth, Great Britain in seventh and Saudi Arabia in eighth place. There were only three team members in the Saudi Arabian side so they were always going to be under pressure, and they were already lying bottom of the order after the opening round as Frank Rothenberger’s imposing 12-fence track took its toll.
Even the opening vertical claimed a significant number of victims, while the rustic-coloured oxer at fence four also proved influential. However, it was the line from the oxer at fence six to the following open water and on to two further verticals that posed one of the biggest questions of the day. Time and again horses seemed a little startled at the open water which had an unusual looking turreted take-off board, and Belgian chances took a heavy blow when pathfinder, Gregory Wathelet, returned with 20 faults on the board after Desteny van het Dennehof seemed to give himself a fright here. The last vertical in this line also fell regularly when the distance didn’t come up comfortably while the penultimate triple combination, with its opening planks and long stretch to the final oxer, played a significant role.
Halfway Stage
Despite Wathalet’s big opening score however it was the Belgians who were out in front at the halfway stage, counting just the single time fault from Dirk Demeersman and Bufero van het Panishof after both Nicola Phillipaerts (Cortez) and his father Ludo (Challenge V Begijnakker) went clear. They had a significant six-fault lead over the French who were lying second even though Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize were eliminated at the triple combination, both Patrice Delaveau (Orient Express HDC) and Eugenie Angot (Old Chap Tame) collecting just a single time fault while anchorman Kevin Staut (Quismy des Vaux HDC) returned with five faults on his first tour of the track.
Germany lay third carrying eight faults, Christian Ahlmann and Codex One providing the only clear as Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna put a foot in the water and collected a time fault for the discard score while Daniel Deusser (Cornet d’Amour) and Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara) each made a single mistake.
The Dutch were in fourth and seemed to be already consigned to a minor placing with 14 on the board after nine-fault efforts from both opener Marc Houtzager (Sterrehof’s Tamino) and third-line rider Harrie Smolders (Emerald), a five-fault effort from Leon Thijssen (Tyson) and their only clear from anchorman Schroder. Ireland were in fifth with 21 faults, the British were in sixth with 22, the Swiss were next in line with 23 while Saudi Arabia were already burdened with 34 faults as the second round got underway.
Under the Lights
But how fortunes would change as the second round evolved under the lights. The Belgian lead looked vulnerable when Wathelet didn’t appear this time. “My horse was maybe a bit injured after the jump at the water. We tried him over a few fences in the warm-up and he wasn’t happy so we decided he wouldn’t jump again,” the rider explained afterwards. So when Nicola Philippaerts left the two verticals following the open water on the floor they would now be obliged to add those eight faults to their tally. Demeersman steadied the ship with a great clear from Bufero however, and by now the French had disappeared from reckoning with an additional 16 faults, Guillon bravely returning to the ring but unable to assist his side when collecting 18 faults with Lord de Theize this time out.
The Germans meanwhile could not produce a single clear at their second attempt, Ahlmann picking up five faults, Deusser collecting four at the bogey vertical at fence nine, Michaels-Beerbaum’s Bella Donna again putting a foot in the water while her brother-in-law Ludger, hero of the day in Rotterdam a week earlier with Chiara, lowered the oxer three fences from the finish line.
Rallied
The Dutch however really rallied with brilliant clears from Houtzager and Thijssen. Smolders nine-year-old stallion went into the water and lowered the first element of the triple combination but when Schroder and London produced the second of their spectacular fault-free performances then all the pressure was transferred to Belgian anchorman Ludo Philippaerts.
As he entered the ring for a second time the Dutch tally stood at just those 14 first-round faults while the Belgians had victory in their sights with only nine on the board. Ludo could even afford a fence down and they would still come out ahead by a single point, and that’s how it seemed it would end as he rode down to the last with just the poles from the oxer at fence four on the ground. But in his haste to get to the finish he saw a very long stride to the final vertical and the packed stadium of spectators gasped as he struck the fence. “I rode for the time after the triple combination and went forward, but the horse backed off the last and it was too far; we had no chance,” a disappointed Philippaerts said afterwards.
Plenty to Celebrate
There was plenty to celebrate in the Dutch camp however. Tonight’s success has earned the valuable 100 maximum points and moved them up two places to third spot on the Europe Division 1 leaderboard which continues to be headed by the Swiss followed by France in second place. It was “mission accomplished” for Dutch Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens, who said, “We had mistakes in the first round but we fought back and the team did a marvellous job in the second round. I’m very happy about that!”
It was a particularly great day for Schroder who took the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award for his classic double-clear with the very handsome 11-year-old stallion London with which he claimed double-silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games. “I had two fantastic rounds. London was in great shape yesterday; I was going to jump him in a small class but I decided to go in the bigger one and he was brilliant. I’m really happy with him,” he said tonight.
His team-mate, Harrie Smolders, said, “It was fantastic how we came back in the second round. This morning we had some problems with our horses and my nine-year-old had to compete in his first Nations Cup of his life, so to win in Aachen is fantastic.”
Talking about the course, Smolders said, “It was great, but not a typical Aachen course because the fences came up very quickly and the course was not so long. For us though it was a great day!” Schroder agreed with Smolders’ assessment of Frank Rothenberger’s test. “It was a nice course; maybe everything came a little faster than we are used to; the time was quite short and if you lost time it was expensive – that made it more difficult,” he explained.
French team anchorman, Kevin Staut, said, “When we come to Aachen everyone is expecting a place on the podium, so we are down a bit. We had some good rounds from Patrice, and Eugenie jumped really well. My horse didn’t have any Nations Cup experience at all, and a big foot in the water jump in the first round coupled with Olivier’s horse not being completely in the competition meant that we finished where we did.”
“It’s an amazing atmosphere, and it’s always nice to ride in a Nations Cup in Aachen. I thought that this year was especially difficult, although it was two fair rounds with strong teams, and it was great that there was suspense right until the end.”
It was certainly another great day in the history of the sport of Nations Cup Jumping and, with the Europe Division 1 series now really hotting up with only three further legs to go, the next round will take place in Falsterbo, Sweden in two weeks’ time. There will also be a leg of Europe Division 2 taking place on the same afternoon at Budapest in Hungary so there is another feast of equestrian action in prospect on Friday 12 July.
For information on the fourteenth leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Aachen (GER), check out website www.chioaachen.de or contact Press Officer Niels Knippertz at Email niels.knippertz@chioaachen.de, Tel +49 241 9171 182. The next two legs take place on Friday 12 July – at Falsterbo, Sweden, Europe Division 1 continues and for all information on the Swedish fixture go to website www.falsterbohorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Elisabeth von Schrowe, Email elisabeth@falsterbohorseshow.com. Budapest, Hungary hosts the next leg of Europe Division 2. Check out website www.csiobudapest.hu or contact Press Officer Dorottya Strobi, Email strobi.dorottya@lovasszovetseg.hu.
Facts and Figures:
The World Equestrian Festival at CHIO Aachen presents Germany’s largest and most prestigious sporting event.
During the 10-day fixture, organisers are expecting over 350,000 visitors and 112,000 had already attended by Wednesday evening.
The event has attracted 557 horses and 375 athletes from 30 nations who are competing for 2.67million euros in prize-money.
CHIO Aachen presents Nations Cups in five disciplines since 2008 – Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving and Vaulting.
The main stadium where the Jumping events takes place has a seating capacity for 40,000 spectators.
8 teams competed in today’s Europe Division 1 leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series at Aachen.
4 teams were chasing qualification points for the Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September – The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and France.
Sweden won the first-ever Nations Cup at Aachen staged in 1929.
France claimed the FEI Nations Cup honours in 2012.
Today’s team from Saudi Arabia consisted of just three riders while all the other nations fielded teams of four.
The oldest horse in today’s class was the 16-year-old mare Tinka’s Serenade ridden by Ireland’s Billy Twomey.
The youngest horses were both nine-year-olds: Never Last ridden by Switzerlands’ Werner Muff and Quismy des Vaux HDC competed by Kevin Staut for France.
1 double-clear performance in tonight’s competition – from The Netherlands’ Gerco Schroder and London.
2 eliminations – Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize (FRA) in round one and Great Britain’s Tina Fletcher who had a fall at the water with Unique IX in the second round.
Quotes:
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) – “I went into the water in both rounds. After the first round we analysed it – I had been too deep, so I tried not to be too deep the next time and I came too big! It’s Bella’s first Nations Cup at Aachen and her first under lights. I’m hoping to improve her water jumping for sure.”
German Chef d’Equipe, Otto Becker, talking about his team’s performance – “We didn’t have enough clear rounds. You need clear rounds, especially in the second round; we were not good enough today.”
Standings – Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping, Europe Division 1 after today’s competition HERE.
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.
Thousand Oaks, CA – June 27, 2013 – Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show featured both Para-Dressage and Para-Driving on Thursday, June 27. Lindsay McCall from the USPEA co-hosted the show with Para-Equestrian Driver Diane Kastama. Evin Rattner, who helped run the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Selection Trials and has worked multiple Para-Dressage shows, spoke with Kastama and McCall about his experiences with Para-Dressage and what we may expect in the future. Internationally known driver Keady Cadwell visited the show to talk about the 2012 Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships. Cadwell was the Chef d’Equipe for the U.S. Team and has been working with the Para-Drivers since 1998. To view episode #213, visit http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2013/06/27/dressage-radio-episode-213-para-week-goes-driving/.
Co-Host Diane Kastama of Arroyo Grande, CA: In 1991 a car crash left Kastama paralyzed from the waist down. Although a lifelong horse person and dressage enthusiast, riding without the use of her legs was not much fun and she soon turned to driven dressage and then the exciting sport of combined driving. Her relatives and friends thought she was crazy for taking on a sport that involves sitting atop a tall carriage, pulled by a horse going “hell-bent” for speed.
Kastama, Grade I, started competing with her home bred Appaloosas but now Diane competes with a pair of Section D Welsh Cobs, Rupert and George. She drives them single, pair and tandem. She competes against able-bodied drivers all over the Western United States and occasionally on the East Coast at the Intermediate and Advanced level. Kastama has also demonstrated her skills at Rolex, KY, Horse Expo in Sacramento, the “Night of the Horse” in Del Mar, and the Equine Affair and various therapeutic horse programs throughout California. She has also participated in the closing ceremonies at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Kastama is always willing to share her skills and knowledge and bring driving to the forefront of equine sports. Diane has been very successful in international Para-Equestrian competition, coming home with an Individual Silver and Team Bronze driving a borrowed Welsh Cob Stallion in 2002 Greven, Germany. In 2004 she place 5th with a borrowed Welsh cob in Edinburg, Scotland. In 2006 she came home with Individual Gold driving her own Welsh cob gelding Jasper. In 2008 Kastama and Jasper earned Individual Bronze and Team Silver.
When she is isn’t competing or driving, Kastama is very involved with the United States Driving for the Disabled (USDFD) organization which helps to foster and grow the sport of Para-Driving. To learn more about the USDFD, please go to www.usdfd.org or contact President Bev White at usdfdpresident@gmail.com.
Guest Evin Rattner: Evin Rattner is the Strategic Officer for DevonWood Equestrian Centre in Sherwood, Oregon. He’s responsible for the company’s technical development, including network operations and show services. Evin is also co-director of DevonWood Competition Services, the show management and scoring service that is a product of the facility’s premium show services group that started in 2000. To date, Evin has served as secretary for the USEF Paralympic Selection Trials & National Championships at the 2012 Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey, as well as a long-running involvement with popular CDI 3*s, The Dressage Affaire and the Del Mar Classic in San Diego. Today, Evin joins us from Portland, Oregon where is he currently preparing DevonWood for its 14th annual running of the popular Dressage at DevonWood show. To learn more about DevonWood Equestrian Center, please go to http://devonwoodec.com/.
Keady Cadwell
Guest Keady Cadwell of Southern Pines, North Carolina started her riding career as an eventer, and began driving competitively in 1990. Cadwell has represented the U.S. at three World Championships in the pairs; she was part of the U.S. teams in 1993 and 2007. In 2007, she also competed at Windsor (England), Riesenbeck (Germany) and Beekbergen (The Netherlands). At Riesenbeck, Cadwell had a tremendous dressage test, where they placed third out of 50 pairs in dressage.
Cadwell and her pairs team had a remarkable year in 2008, taking home wins at the Sunshine State CAI, Live Oak CAI, Southern Pines and the Kentucky Horse Park CDE.
In 2009, Cadwell took home the blue ribbon at the Sunshine State CAI in February, and placed second at the Live Oak CAI in March.
Since 1998, Cadwell has been involved with the U.S. Para-Equestrian Driving Team. She has participated primarily as a coach or chef d’equipe at nearly every World Championship for Para-Driving in the last 10 years. Cadwell assists fellow World Championship driver and sister, Miranda Cadwell, running the family’s Tremont Farm in Southern Pines, NC. To learn more about Keady, please go to www.tremontfarm.com.
Once a month the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including Olympians, Paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.
To learn more about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.
The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.
We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows, empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner?
Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile on your face! Learn more at www.horseradionetwork.com.
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.
The mood was festive last week in Conyers at the Georgia International Horse Park when the Classic Company produced the first-ever USHJA Child/Adult Jumper Regional Championships. This latest addition to the USHJA’s list of innovative competitions was a huge success!
Thirty-nine horses passed their inspection and were ready to go in Thursday’s opening round of team competition.
Six teams in the Children’s Jumpers representing eight states took on the technical challenges created by Olympic course designer Steve Stephens. Team Florida I with Chef d’Equipe Tinker Tindley captured the Gold medal. The team riders included Natalie Hughes, Morgan Gravely, Maaike Bentzon and Lauren Zavodney. The Silver medal was awarded to the combined Team of Virginia, South Carolina and Alabama which included riders Annie Bolling, Crawford Anderson, Caroline Ford and Michael Mahoney with Chefs d’Equipe J. Michael Halblieb and Ann Thal. The Bronze medal was presented to the combined Team of North Carolina and Maryland with Tracy Magness and Liz Hodges sharing Chef d’Equipe duties of riders Victoria Hoft, Gabby Hensley, Kimberley Paige Burton and Nikki Prokopchak.
The Adult Amateurs had four talented teams who tackled the course designed by Steve Stephens. But it was Chef d’Equipe Tracy Magness’ Team Maryland members Wendy Libert, Cathleen Driscoll, Ericka Caslin and Kellie Regan who were declared the winning team and received the Gold Medal. The Silver went to Team South Carolina with Chef d’Equipe Ann Thal and riders Heather Crespo, Elizabeth Porath, Lynn Seithel and Tracy Slaughter. The Bronze medal was awarded to Team Florida members Rachel Williams, Sarah Pauels, Andrea Randell and Cynthia Screnci along with Chef d’Equipe Tinker Tindley.
Team Florida wins the Gold!
The individual Children’s section saw 23 in the starting field. By the final round six riders found themselves in a jump off for the Bronze medal, while Michael Mahoney of Haymarket, Virginia and Gabby Hensley of Clarksburg, Maryland battled it out for the gold. Each dropped a rail so time decided their final standings with Mahoney receiving the gold; Hensley accepted the Silver and Nanny McFadden of Germantown, Tennessee was awarded the Bronze medal.
As an added bonus, Mahoney was awarded a spot in a USHJA Emerging Athletes Program 2014 Regional Clinic of his choice. Each of the individual children’s gold medalists from the remaining three regional championships will be presented with this same opportunity.
Sixteen Adult Amateurs competed for individual honors. Ericka Caslin had solid rides throughout the three days of competition, and in the last round found herself winning a three way jump off for the Bronze medal. Heather Crespo of Aiken, South Carolina came into the final round ahead in the standings with only six faults, but picked up four additional faults for a total of 10 faults overall and the Silver medal position. Andrea Randell of Monticello, Florida claimed the gold medal.
Chris Murphy, USHJA Zone Jumper Coordinator, commented, “I started with this task force about two years ago. The concept was first proposed at an annual meeting, and after much work on the original proposal and with the help of a working group, the proposal was approved. Registration for the event just happened a bit ago and overall, we have more than 300 applications. The South region had a really short qualifying time but we had a very positive response and about one third of our registrants hail from the South. I think that all and all, the weekend went really well; the kids and adults really enjoyed it,” she added. “I really want to thank Janet McCarrol and Bob Bell for helping to make this a huge success. We are always open to suggestions from trainers and riders to continually improve upon this event.”
The Adequan Pre-Green Classic was won by David Pelligrino’s Outspoken, ridden by Emily Hertz
The $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic saw 38 pony and rider combinations compete for the prize money and honors, but it was All Natural, owned and ridden by Storm McCormick of Parker, Texas, who took the championship ribbon and $3,000 first place check. In second place was Steal the Crowd, owned by Don Stewart and ridden by Bernadette Chungunco from Fairfax, Virginia, while third place was awarded to Tantalon Co-Captain, owned by Cecilia D’Amore and ridden by Lilly Bennett of Alpharetta, Georgia. For more information on the winners in this class, click here: http://horseshowsonline.com/ClassResults.aspx.
IN OTHER HIGHLIGHTS NEWS:
Devin Seek and Libby Gordon won the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant.
The debut of the Freestyle Equitation saw 18 compete over a course personally orchestrated to the rider’s choice of music. “What a fun class!” commented Gulf Coast Classic Coordinator Janet McConnell.
The Classic Company is heading to the beach! That’s right, it’s time to jump the jumps AND the waves all at the Classic Company’s Charleston Summer Classics. Surf and standards are the perfect combination for your family vacation that kick off July 10. And this year the Classic Company celebrates with back to back $25,000 grand prix classes. Make sure to get your entries in now because this is the horse show and vacation destination the entire barn will enjoy.
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. For those who have not yet entered, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.
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.
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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
Aachen, Germany – The U.S. Dressage Team emphatically marked their resurgence with a podium finish in Wednesday’s Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at the Aachen CDIO5*. The U.S. Team of Steffen Peters, Tina Konyot, Jan Ebeling and Shelly Francis earned a third place finish on a team total of 217.298.
“Our Nations Cup riders came here for a medal and they did not disappoint. Each of them showed why they are among the best in the world,” said Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover. “Led by Steffen Peters, who is, in my opinion, one of the greatest show ring riders of all time; Legolas 92 was simply fantastic, placing 5th overall, a great feat for such a young horse. Tina Konyot and Calecto V looked elegant and composed and are one hundred percent on the road toward a huge score, very soon. The same must be said for both Jan Ebeling riding the great mare, Rafalca, and Shelly Francis on her Doktor.”
Peters (San Diego, CA) rode in his familiar position as anchor for the U.S. Team and, as he has done so many times, delivered when the stakes were at their highest. Riding Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92 the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games dual Bronze medalist scored a 75.298% in the FEI Grand Prix Test to finish in fifth place individually in the Preis der Familie Tesch.
Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (Shannon Brinkman)
The pair performed a fluid, elegant work to collect top marks throughout their test, highlighted by the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding’s proficiency in the piaffe and passage. Legolas 92 also demonstrated a matured partnership with Peters as the pair executed improved flying changes, a movement that had hampered their scores in the past.
Konyot (Palm City, FL) and her own 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion Calecto V finished on a score of 71.064% for a 16th place finish in the Preis der Familie Tesch. The combination is among the most experienced on the international circuit, having represented the U.S. at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and 2012 Olympic Games, and demonstrated their capability throughout their test in the Deutsche Bank Stadium.
Calecto V once again performed the accurate and expressive flying changes that have earned him high marks throughout his career. The veteran pair also received top scores for their reinback. A mistake in the piaffe-passage-piaffe transitions on the final centerline kept Konyot from finishing higher up the individual leaderboard.
Finishing right behind Konyot in 17th place was her London Olympic Games’ teammate Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) and Ann Romney, Amy Ebeling, and Beth Meyers’ Rafalca. The 16-year-old Oldenburg mare executed a consistent test and earned high marks for their final centerline. The three-time FEI World Cup Final veterans finished on a score of 70.936%.
Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) had the unenviable position of being the first competitor down centerline in the Deutsche Bank Stadium on Thursday. Undeterred by her starting spot the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games veteran guided Patricia Stempel’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Doktor to one of their best performances of the year, scoring 69.596% for 20th place. The combination was rewarded with high scores for their piaffe and reinback.
Tina Konyot and Calecto V (Shannon Brinkman)
All four U.S. riders have qualified to ride the FEI Grand Prix Special Test in Saturday’s MEGGLE-Prize.
“With all four of our combinations going forward to the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, I am thrilled they all placed in the top 20 at this, the strongest show in the world,” said an elated Dover. “Tonight, our team will ride together into the main stadium in front of 65,000 people to receive the bronze medal for America. Thanks must go to them, their horse owners, trainers, grooms, vets, assistants, supporters and Jenny Van Wieren-Page, our super manager!”
Germany took home top honors in the Lambertz FEI Nations Cup with a score of 232.150, led by reigning Reem Acra/FEI World Cup Final Champions Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill who scored 81.128% to also place first in the Preis der Familie Tesch. Second place went to the team from Denmark with a total of 223.043.
Helen Langehanenberg led the German team to victory in the third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage series at Aachen, Germany today. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.
Aachen (GER), 27 June 2013 – The German team secured a crisp, clean victory in the third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 series on home soil at Aachen today. The powerful side were favourites from the outset and lived up to expectations when topping the winner’s podium by a margin of more than seven percentage points over Denmark, while the USA finished third. A total of nine countries were represented at this penultimate leg of the pilot series, which will come to a conclusion at Hickstead, Great Britain in early August.
Reigning Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage champion, Helen Langehanenberg, headed the individual rankings and left the team result in little doubt with yet another lovely performance from the stallion Damon Hill NRW as the competition was drawing to a close. The runners-up from Denmark were well-pleased however. As hosts of the Ecco FEI European Championships in Herning in eight weeks’ time they came to Aachen with the intention of making the best possible impression and they succeeded, with Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and Digby bolstering their position when slotting into third place ahead of team-mate Anna Kasprzak and Donnperignon in fourth.
However, it was Anabel Balkenhol’s solid ride with Dablino FRH, 13th of the 37 starting combinations to enter the arena that set Germany on the road to success. Posting a score of 77.043 with her 13-year-old gelding, she provided her side with a solid platform and when Isabell Werth steered Don Johnson FRH to a mark of 73.979 and then Langehanenberg produced the only score over 80 percent – 81.128 – that clinched it. Fabienne Lutkemeier’s 71.830 with D’Agostino was the discard score, as the best three scores counted, but German Chef d’Equipe, Monica Theodorescu, said afterwards: “Fabienne is not happy because she made a few mistakes, but she deserved to be on the team and I’m proud of her!”
Bolstered
The American effort was strengthened by a fifth-place finish for Steffen Peters and the 11-year-old Legolas. The rider, who is based in Del Mar, California, has had Aachen in his sights all season, bringing the horse to Hagen (GER) in April and then flying them both back to the US before crossing the Atlantic again for this latest event in their calendar. He is enthusiastic about the concept of FEI Nations Cup Dressage, and Legolas, who has been partnered with Peters for last 18 months, continues to demonstrate an impressive level of improvement every time out, today scoring 75.298 percent.
Sweden finished fourth with The Netherlands in fifth and Belgium in sixth place. Both Spain and Finland fielded just three riders, finishing seventh and ninth respectively. The British, winners at the second leg of the series in Rotterdam (NED) last week, only managed eighth place on this occasion.
Drama
The German win was not without its moments of drama. While Lutkemeier set the stage and Balkenhol followed with a score that would take quite some beating, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the multi-medalled Werth, who had what Chef d’Equipe Theodorescu described as “a little time error in the warm-up”. Werth admitted afterwards that she didn’t keep an eye on her watch – “I thought there were three riders before me but I had 10 minutes too much; I was ready 10 minutes too early and he (Don Johnson FRH) was a bit over the point!”
Theodorescu could see the funny side of it. “Things happen, especially to riders who don’t do many shows and don’t have much experience! I know for the future better will happen and she made a lovely ride and the best of the situation – it happened….” the team manager said with a twinkle in her eye.
Theodorescu continued: “It is a new situation for me to have the honour to be part of this team. Helen and Damon Hill were prepared really well; they were very precise, very elastic and on the point. The horse was fit and supple and harmonious.” She said Werth “had a very good ride with no mistake and showed all her skills”, and when asked what was the biggest surprise of her day, she replied, “Well it wasn’t really a big surprise but it was Annabel getting to show what is in her horse; I’m very happy for her,” she said. Theodorescu will name her team for the European Championships on Sunday.
Well-pleased
Danish coach, Rudolf Zielinger, was well-pleased with the result achieved by his pathfinder Lone Bang Larsen with Fitou L. “Lone had a great start in Stadl Paura and Hagen… the whole combination looks very secure. They can handle the pressure; their highlights are the piaffe and passage and they have three good basic gaits. Lone was brave today, going in first and on her first time in Aachen.”
Looking forward to the forthcoming European Championships, he continued, “I’ll be happy if we are second or third in Herning. We will have a strong team and will be going for a medal in the team but there is England, Holland and Germany who are very strong. Anna took really high risk today and there is a little chance to go higher. Lone, our first rider, was a little nervous and could have been more powerful, but I believe we can be very competitive for the Europeans.”
However, it was Germany’s Langehanenberg who stole the limelight yet again, consistently scoring over 80 percent throughout her test and finishing with the squarest of square halts. As she leaned forward to give her stallion a big hug he shook his head as if to say, “Yes, that was pretty good, all right!”, and there is no doubt that this pair are the ones to beat on the circuit right now.
Talking about Damon Hill NRW, Langehanenberg said: “He will have a break after Aachen. The time between the German Dressage Championships (at Balve three weeks ago) was quite short. When he has a break he goes jogging but doesn’t have any dressage training. Hopefully we can look forward to Herning, but first he will get a rest now. I had a great feeling today; he felt fresh and willing to go in and was moving forward; it was a pleasure to ride him and I had fun – and I think he did too!”
As the FEI Nations Cup Dressage pilot series moves towards its conclusion at Hickstead on 4 August, the Dutch hold the lead. But they have only a two-point advantage over Sweden at the top of the leaderboard, while Germany lies third after today’s victory, another eight points further adrift.
9 teams competed in today’s third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot series.
2 teams – Finland and Spain – fielded just three riders.
The German team included 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title-winning partnership of Helen Langehanenberg and the stallion Damon Hill NRW, who scored the highest individual mark of the day – 81.128.
The Netherlands continues to head the series table going into the final leg at Hickstead, Great Britain on 4 August, but have only a two-point lead over Sweden in second spot while Germany lies third, another eight points behind.
Quotes:
Rudolf Zielinger, Danish team manager – “The competitions that will decide the Danish team for Herning are the Danish Championships, Rotterdam and Aachen.”
Anna Kasprzak, Denmark – “I am happy with our test today; the timing between the Danish Championship and here was quite short but he (her horse Donnperignon) was fresh today and I had a really good feeling in canter. I’m getting to know him better now.”
Annabel Balkenhol (GER), when asked if she thought she had booked a place on the German team for the Ecco FEI European Championships in Herning with her performance today – “I’m very happy; we showed no mistakes and he showed his quality. I will be trying to make it happen for the Special on Saturday – two good rides and we go from there.”
FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 – Standings after third leg in Aachen (GER) are here.
The FEI Nations Cup Dressage is a new FEI series open to national teams. The inaugural trial season, taking place between May and August 2013, consists of four outdoor CDIO events held at Vidauban (FRA), Rotterdam (NED), Aachen (GER) and Hickstead (GBR). Each FEI Nations Cup Dressage fixture must host either a Grand Prix or Grand Prix Freestyle competition in which the teams can earn points towards the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Standings. Each event is of equal standing and all four competitions count towards the final result.
A minimum of four teams will take part in each event for the event to count for the series standings. A team consists of a minimum of three and maximum of four athlete/horse combinations. There is no maximum limit to the number of FEI Nations Cup Dressage events in which athletes and horses can take part.
This pilot project has been initiated in an effort to assess the attractiveness of this type of event to organisers, athletes, National Federations, spectators, the media and potential sponsors. If there is a positive evaluation at the conclusion of the 2013 season, then an official long-term series may be created.
The series detailed calendar, complete rules, and organisers details are available here.
Lexington, KY – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team heads to a mecca of horse sport this week to compete at the Aachen CICO3* for the first time. Eventing competition will be held over two days, June 28-29, at the prestigious German venue which hosted the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. On Friday competitors will perform their dressage tests early in the day before heading to the Main Stadium in the evening for the show jumping phase. Following the conclusion of Saturday’s cross country Team and Individual honors will be awarded.
The United States will be represented by four formidable combinations looking to showcase the form that has earned them top placings and accolades throughout the 2013 season. Clark Montgomery , Tiana Coudray, Marilyn Little and Will Faudree have all received Land Rover Competition Grants to compete against many of the best in the world in Aachen.
Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) has been based in the UK since the end of last year and has already found success. With his Aachen partner, Jessica Montgomery, Carole Montgomery, Janet Higgins, and Elizabeth Smith’s Universe, he collected a seventh place finish at the Belton CIC3*. In May, they completed the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in 27th place in the horses first attempt at the CCI4* level.
Coudray (Ojai, CA) brings her 2012 Olympic Games partner Jatial Inc.’s Ringwood Magister to the Aachen CICO3* this week. The British-based combination, known for their proficiency in the first phase, completed their first Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May in 17th place.
Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water (Shannon Brinkman)
Little (Frederick, MD) is utilizing a Land Rover Competition Grant for a second time this week in Aachen. In May, she competed in France at the Saumur CCI3* finishing in eighth place with Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Smoke on the Water. Little will again ride the talented gelding in Aachen and look to display the form that earned them the 2012 USEF National CCI3* Eventing Reserve Championship.
Faudree (Hoffman, NC) has been on a tear in 2013 collecting top placings on U.S. soil and abroad with Jennifer Mosing’s talented string of horses. In Aachen, he will ride Mosing’s 2012 Plantation Field International CIC3* winner Pawlow. In April, the pair completed the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover for the second time, finishing in sixth place.
This is Faudree’s second Land Rover Competition Grant funded trip to Europe in 2013. In May, he also competed in Saumur with Mosing’s Andromaque finishing in fifth at the CCI3*.
Montgomery will be the first competitor down centerline at 8:30am CEST, Coudray will follow at 10:03am CEST, and Little will perform her test at 11:52am CEST. Faudree will anchor the team and head into the arena at 2:07pm CEST.
Calgary, AB – June 26, 2013 – The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments continue this week at the ‘Canada One,’ held June 25-30. Today was full of team competition and camaraderie, with the Paramount Resources Prix des Nations competitions held for junior and amateur riders at levels 1.10m-1.40m. There was also a 1.00m Friends of the Meadows Prix des Nations.
The tournament wraps up on Sunday with the $100,000 Esso Challenge, the third FEI World Cup qualifier to be held at Spruce Meadows this summer. Admission and parking are complimentary for the ‘Canada One’ Tournament.
This was the 14th year that the Paramount Resources Prix des Nations have been held and they offer a fantastic opportunity for junior and amateur riders to experience team competition, which is not often found at show jumping events in North America.
Caitlin Ziegler, a member of the 1.40m Prix des Nations winning team who has ridden in the competition three times, stated, “It’s so much fun just to be able to have a group who really get together and support each other. It’s a chance to experience what a Nations Cup is. The sport is so competitive (and) it often sets people against one another, so it’s great to have a chance to work together toward something.”
The winning team of the $10,000 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.40m showed poise and rode to all-important clear rounds when it counted. Led by Chef d’Equipe Nick Dello Joio, the America Team notched three clear rounds and did not have to send their anchor rider in for the second round. They had six faults in round one to lead and added just four in round two to take victory.
The lead-off rider for the Team America was Greer Hindle (USA) on Viper P, who had five and four faults. Lucas Porter (USA) and Phineas had six in the first round, but returned with a clear in round two. Caitlin Ziegler (USA) and Butragenia had just one time fault in the first round and were clear in the second round to seal the win. Wilton Porter (USA) and Neolisto van het Mierenhof were clear in the first round and were able to sit out the second round.
Ziegler explained the team’s plan for round two, “Coming into round two, the teams were at six, seven, and ten (faults), and they were all within one rail. What we wanted to do is have everybody be at least as good as our first round, if not better, and eliminate our time faults. I think we all managed to do that, so it was great.”
Having ridden Butragenia for three years, Ziegler knew she would do well in the Prix des Nations. “She’s fantastic for these High Junior and Amateur courses. She’s a horse you can really count on. In a class like this where you need two clear rounds, she’s perfect for it,” she said.
The “America” team donated all of their prize money to the Calgary Flood Relief to help the area after the terrible flooding in the city and surrounding areas. Ziegler expressed, “The last week has been really devastating for Calgary. It means so much to us – not just Spruce Meadows, but the entire city and community here is so supportive. We want to do whatever we can to give back and help them through this.”
The second place team was Chafing the Dream with Chef d’Equipe Dick Carvin, who finished on 17 total faults. They were led by a double clear performance from Bretton Chad (CAN) on Tjengo. Kara Chad (CAN) and Oura de Rouhet had five and one faults, while Alec Lawler (USA) and Acoradus scored eight and 13. Vani Khosla (USA) and Dynamo had five and six faults.
The JMSCBK Team with Chef d’Equipe Sarah Segal were third with a total of 23 faults. Lead-off rider Katherine Strauss (USA) and Capacity had eight and four faults, Isabella Salles (BRA) on Angel Rose had five and 19, Francesca Bolfo (USA) and Lalique were clear in the first round and had seven faults in the second round, and Wesley Newlands (CAN) rode Lapacco to two and four faults.
$7,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.30m
The $7,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.30m was very exciting competition full of clear rounds that helped four teams tie on a zero score after two rounds of jumping. Those four teams then chose a representative to compete in the jump-off.
Leading off was Maria Costa (USA) on Reno for The Fighting Irish team, who were guided by Chef d’Equipe John Roche. They were clear in 31.583 seconds, which would finish in third place. Costa was double clear in the first two rounds, as was her teammate Wilton Porter (USA) on Punch. Wilton’s brother Lucas rode Patriot to scores of zero and five, while Sarah Kerins and (USA) and Hot Wheels contributed one time fault and were clear.
Beatriz Franco Sol and La Guayaba
The margin for victory in the competition was extremely slim, with the winners, Team San Lorenzo, taking the top spot by only 3/10ths of a second. The win was gained by Beatriz Franco Sol (MEX) on La Guayaba, a horse she has ridden for five years. They were also clear and just a bit faster in 31.273 seconds.
Franco Sol did not have to return in the second round since her three teammates were all clear. “She’s a really fast, fast mare,” Franco Sol said. “It’s her stride that is so fast; that’s why they told me to go in the jump-off. It was easier because I didn’t have to go in the second round.”
The San Lorenzo Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Antonio Maurer. Alejandro Pascencia (MEX) and Sultan de la Nutria were double clear, as were Jacobo Martinez (MEX) and Queens Darling. Claudia Lorenza O Farrill (MEX) and Etoile van den Bisschop had four faults in round one and then returned clear.
Second place in the 1.30m Prix des Nations went to the Thirty and Flirty Team with Chef d’Equipe Kent Farrington. His student, Meagan Nusz (USA), rode Willow in the jump-off and finished just off the pace with no faults in 31.580 seconds. Nusz did not have to show in the second round either since her team were all clear. Abigail McArdle (USA) and Quality were double clear, as were Alex Crown (USA) and Quadrant. Teri Kessler (USA) contributed a second round clear after nine faults in the first round.
Last in the jump-off was Katherine Strauss (USA), who rode Chellando Z. They had four faults at the last jump, and their team, Madden Madness with Team Chef d’Equipe Jennifer Griffiths, were fourth. Strauss was double clear in the first two rounds, as were her teammates Isabella Salles (BRA) on Carlos H and Wesley Newlands (CAN) on Wieminka. Genevieve Meyer (USA) and Coral Reef Santos Utopia had four and eight faults.
This was Franco Sol’s second time riding in the Prix des Nations competition. “I really did think we had a good chance of winning. It was a good team and everybody was really all together. It’s really nice to win, and I hope everybody is happy!” she expressed.
$5,000 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.20m
The $5,000 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.20m came down to one fault for the winning team. Going in as the anchor rider, Katherine Strauss (USA) on Urginia had to be clear for her team to win. She did just that, leading the Madden Magic team, led by Chef d’Equipe Ann Karrasch, on a final score of zero. Strauss did not have to show in the first round since her teammates were all clear. Also on the winning team was Isabella Salles (BRA) and Umora (0, 0 faults), Genevieve Meyer (USA) on Coral Reef Casello (0, 4), and Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer (USA) with Coral Reef Fundskerl 3 (0, 0).
Second place with just one total fault was Bob’s Babes, named for Chef d’Equipe Bob Henselwood. Their riders were Ali Ramsay (CAN) on Alonzo (0, 0), Jaclyn Duff (CAN) and Caesar (1, 4), Jillian Halina (CAN) on Coupe Champagne (0, 0), and Skylar Edmonds (CAN) with Boomer (elim, 0).
The Iztlazihuatl team placed third. Led by Chef d’Equipe Monica Burrilla, they finished on five faults. Sofia Larrea (MEX) and Balero 7 (6, 1), Gabriel Guerra (MEX) on Phenix de la Nutria (0, 0), Miguel Torres Hernandez (MEX) with Future SM (0, 4), and Martin Guerra (MEX) on Carloubet (0,4) made up the team.
$2,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.10m
In the $2,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.10m, there was another four-way jump-off to determine the winning teams after three were tied with zero faults after the first two rounds. First in and taking the win was Shelby Edwards (CAN) on Adelaide. They were the only clear round in the jump-off, finishing in 34.17 seconds to help their team to victory. Edwards rode for the Xtreme team, with Chef d’Equipe Trish Mrakawa. They were double clear in the first two rounds. Also on the team were Ally Memedovich (CAN) on ARK Diamond (0, 0 faults), Kirsten Spence (CAN) and Jetsetter (8, 8), and Chantelle Moore (CAN) with Montenero (0, 0).
Second place went to the John’s Juveniles team with Chef d’Equipe Vinton Karrasch. Katherine Strauss (USA) rode Fidel van de Kooldries to four faults in 33.87 seconds in the jump-off. In the regular rounds, they were double clear. Genevieve Meyer (USA) and Coral Reef Crystal Cove (4, 0), Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer (USA) and Coral Reef Rob (0, 0), and Wesley Newlands (CAN) on Uno Kinston (0, 0) rounded out the team.
Team NorCal, led by Chef d’Equipe Meredith Herman, finished in third place after their jump-off rider, Simonne Berg (USA), rode Limerick to four faults in 47.34 seconds. They had zero faults in the first two rounds of the competition. Joining them on the team were Sarah Pulchalski (USA) on Lucia de Luxe (0, 0), Eve Jobs (USA) with RL Cheenook (4, 0), and Lynne Lancaster (USA) with Sky Dancer LS (0, 0).
$2,500 Friends of the Meadows Prix des Nations 1.00m
The $2,500 Friends of the Meadows Prix des Nations 1.00m saw the H.A.P.P.E.E. Team with Chef d’Equipe Jan Pearce ride to victory. The team consisted of: Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer (USA) on Coral Reef IEM Capolavoro, who had one time fault and then four faults; Katrina Garnett (USA) and Shakyra, who had four and 10 faults; Josef Polk (USA) and Saint Sebastian, who had four and a clear round; and Linda Lauper Polk (USA) and Top Shelf, who were clear and had five faults. They team finished on 14 faults.
Second place went to Border Patrol and Chef d’Equipe Mary Manfredi who finished on 19 faults. The team was led by Nicola Brandon (USA) and Outlander (0, 4 faults), as well as Kelsey Brooks (USA) and Callula (1, 8), Chad Leat (USA) on Dutch Girl (5, 1), and Taylor Phillips (CAN) with Ziggy, who were unfortunately eliminated in both rounds.
The Golden Girls team with Chef d’Equipe Robert Blanchette placed third on 21 faults. Carolyn Salas (USA) on Alltair (0, 12), Clara Burgeles (USA) and Cord (6, 1), Shannon Jones (USA) on Hello U (12, 9), and Bryce Richardson (USA) on Levitas (1, 4) were on the team.
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.
Wellington, FL (June 26, 2013) – Choice of Champions International has chosen another winning team to sponsor as they drive to become world champions. Team Wind Chase, a combined driving team of Welsh Ponies owned by Heather and David Schneider of Wind Chase Farm, is excited to have the support of Choice of Champions as they train to compete in the 2013 World Pony Driving Championships being held in October in Paue, France. Team Wind Chase has had a stellar season, making it look easy as they qualified to compete and represent the USA in the World Championships. They drove away with a win at the first season opener, finished in the top two during the spring events, and then topped it off by claiming the Silver Medal at the USEF National Championships. Choice of Champions will help drive the team even further using their three-phase supplement regime, which includes Super Joint Solution, Ulser Shield and Lung Aid. This program and plan is in complete alignment with the Schneiders’ philosophy that the whole journey is as important as the goal. “It is, after all, about the ponies!” they say.
“Choice of Champions is all about teaming up with great equestrians who put their equine partners’ health and conditioning first and foremost,” said Allyn Maix, Owner of Choice of Champions. “It is so important to stay smart and keep your horses at their best when entering this level of competition. We are thrilled to be part of the Wind Chase Farm team because Heather and David are all about the ponies,” she added. “They have all been working very hard toward this goal, and we plan to be there to support them as they drive their way to success!”
The sport of combined driving is spreading in popularity throughout the USA, and is similar to that of three day eventing. The first day of competition is Dressage, which tests the driver’s ability to master compulsory figures and obedience. Day two is Marathon, with tracks and roads, and gated hazards to negotiate. This thrilling phase tests the speed and fitness of both horses/ponies and driver. The final day is the Cones phase which includes a course of 20 plus gates that the horses/ponies and driver must negotiate with accuracy and soundness. These three days of intense competition can be very demanding on the ponies, especially when travelling long distances or even overseas to compete. Choice of Champions supplements helps to ensure that these top level equines have all they need to perform their best.
“Many of our clients are combining Super Joint Solution, Ulser Shield and Lung Aid on their upper level horses and the results are wonderful,” Maix said.
Super Joint Solution is a unique liquid that repairs joint damage and is absorbed right into the horse’s mouth. It helps horses stay free of soreness and stiff joints in all parts of their bodies. The comprehensive liquid top dressing has all the right ingredients for lubrication, support and repair, and the formula has proven to be tremendously successful. Super Joint Solution keeps the horse’s joints functioning well on a daily basis, where injectable treatments have a limited window of relief and a very high cost per injection.
Ulser Shield is used to keep horses settled and focused, especially with the stressors of rigorous schooling, shipping and showing. Ulser Shield is a supplement that promotes the horse’s digestion and nutrient absorption. Ulser Shield is an acid suppressant, mucosal protective and top dressing for horses prone to ulcers. “High performance horses produce a lot of acid when they are working or traveling, and acid can cause stomach ulcers,” Maix explained. Used in a daily feeding program, Ulser Shield can prevent severe cases of ulcers.
Lung Aid is a comprehensive conditioner for the lungs that promotes equine respiratory health. “It also helps competitive horses recover faster from intensive training and competing,” added Maix. “Lung Aid contains vitamins and antioxidants designed to help horses fight off infections, increase endurance, increase lung capacity and boost the immune system.” She continued, “On long distance travel, it protects the horse’s immune system with an added benefit in places like a quarantine or flying with many horses in close quarters.”
Choice of Champions International is based in Wellington, Florida, and produces a full line of supplements designed to fit the needs of a variety of horses that compete in many different disciplines. Maix encourages horse owners, riders and trainers to try their products. Free samples are available by visiting the website www.choiceofchamps.com or calling 1-800-868-1077.
Wind Chase Farm is located in Palm City, Florida and is owned by Heather and David Schneider. To learn more about their story, meet the ponies or for information about combined driving, visit www.windchasefarm-usa.com.
For more information contact:
Choice of Champions
Allyn Maix
1-800-868-1077
