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From Pan Am Qualifiers to Equitation Wins – Interagro Lusitanos Prove Elite

Zingaro Interagro and Luan Carlos Brito took the win the Working Equitation Open division. (Photo courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos)

Itapira, Brazil (June 18, 2013) – Interagro Lusitanos have proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of international equestrian competition.  A string of wins at the 1st Annual International Riding and Dressage Meeting (IDRM) at Coudelaria Illha Verde, Brazil included top placings in dressage and working equitation.

The stunning black stallion Zingaro Interagro (Perdigueiro (MAC) x Olimpia Interagro) and rider Luan Carlos Brito took the win in the Open division of working equitation, a discipline born from the skill and athleticism needed by horses on working farms and ranches.  A well-known discipline in Brazil, it has its roots in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.  Working equitation tests the horse and rider in three phases: dressage, ease or skill with obstacles, and obstacles at speed.  Steeped in history and designed to preserve and carry on the cultural traditions of each country and their horses, working equitation harnesses the Lusitano’s natural grace, athleticism, and intelligence.

Interagro also had success in the dressage arena, where Zepelim Interagro (Quinarius Interagro x Ordenada Interagro) placed 2nd in the CDI at Prix St. Georges to qualify for a spot to compete on the Brazilian Team for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games.  Trainer and rider Pia Aragao also rode Vade Mecum Interagro (Noblissimo Interago x Pecunia Interagro x Yacht SA) to a third place in the Intermediare II class, and scored well in the pair’s first freestyle at that level.  The Interagro horse is no stranger to success in the dressage arena, and is a favored dressage mount for both professionals and amateurs due to their willing temperaments, athleticism, and trainability.

Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos, said, “We are so very proud of our horses and riders.  Having a horse in the running for the Pan Am Games is a great honor, and Zingaro’s success on the international stage is such a thrill!  He is a favorite stallion here at the farm and a few of his progeny will be offered for sale at our annual auction.  His beauty, temperament, and athleticism make him a perfect representative of the Lusitano breed and Interagro’s breeding program.”

Interagro Lusitanos have gained a reputation as being an elite choice among international equestrians. Their annual Interagro Collection National Auction will be held this year on August 31, 2013 in Itapira, Brazil. Interagro expects around 500 spectators, many of which visit from the United States and abroad. Last year, international buyers purchased 9 of the 12 adult Lusitano horses presented at the auction.

The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in the traditional equestrian disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil every day. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).

Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Lusitano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guests needs and can be tailored to their interests. In addition, the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.

For more information about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

About Interagro Lusitanos

Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is now recognized as the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with a small band of four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal; to date over 600 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations. Interagro Lusitanos are handled, prepared, and evaluated from birth, with a handful of the best stock presented at auction each year.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

Mini Equines “Barnes” and “Noble” Join Bestseller Tami Hoag at The 9th Girl Booksigning This Friday

Barnes and Noble will join author Tami Hoag at her book signing this Friday night at 7 PM at Barnes & Noble in Wellington, Florida. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (June 19, 2013) – While mystery writer Tami Hoag debuts her most recent book, two very unique miniature horses will also be making their debut at their namesake store: Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  Both of the miniature horses, aptly named Barnes and Noble, will be celebrating the release of Hoag’s much anticipated thriller, The 9th Girl, at 7pm on June 21, 2013 at the Barnes & Noble in Wellington, Florida located at 10500 West Forest Hill Boulevard.  Fans of Hoag and her writing will get a rare opportunity to hear about the inspiration and development of Hoag’s characters and story lines, as well as see the miniature horses, who are brothers and as identical as bookends.

The 9th Girl opens on a frigid New Year’s Eve in Minneapolis, when a young woman’s brutalized body falls from the trunk of a car into the path of oncoming traffic. Questions as to whether she was alive or dead when she hit the icy pavement result in her macabre nickname, Zombie Doe.  Unidentifiable, she is the ninth nameless female victim of the year, and homicide detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska are charged with not only finding out who Zombie Doe is, but who in her life hated her enough to destroy her.

Uncover the mystery behind great mystery story-writing, and see a matched pair of minatures, as Barnes & Noble hosts the author and avid dressage rider just as The 9th Girl is released worldwide.  Hoag’s fans know she is devoted to her own dressage horses, and began her writing and riding career at age nine with a self-published, self-illustrated third-grade ‘bestseller,’ Black Pony, about two children sharing a pony named Smoky.

With fifteen consecutive Times bestsellers, including Deeper Than the Dead, Secrets to the Grave, and Prior Bad Acts, Hoag has more than 35 million books in print, published in more than 20 languages. Her first thriller, Night Sins, was made into a mini-series in 1997, and continues to air on cable networks.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

US Vaulters Ready for Competition at Aachen CVIO3*

Alicen Divita (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – The U.S. effort at the 2013 CHIO Aachen kicks off Friday as vaulters take center stage at the historic German venue. The United States will be represented by six athletes across three divisions in CVIO3* competition held June 20-23. Alicen Divita, Elizabeth Ioannou, and Mary Garrett will look to earn top Individual Female honors, while in Individual Male competition Kristian Roberts is the sole U.S. representative. In Pas de Deux competition, Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer look to showcase their talent.

Individual Female

A total of 29 competitors from 15 nations will vie for top honors in the Individual Female division at the CVIO3*. On Friday morning, they kick off competition in the Preis of Sparkasse where all entries will complete their Compulsory Tests. The vaulters will then return later in the afternoon to complete their Technical Tests in the Prize of Sparkasse. Final places will be decided Saturday in Preis of Sparkasse competition where Freestyle Tests are performed.

Divita (Redwood City, CA) will use the experience earned from competing twice in World Championship competition as she looks to secure a top finish in Aachen. At the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, she earned a seventh place finish in her first international championship. Last year, Divita represented the U.S. at the FEI World Vaulting Championship in Le Mans, France, finishing in 11th place.

The 24-year-old will look to improve upon her 2012 10th place finish in Aachen this year as she vaults on her mother Julie Divita’s Pino del Rio. The combination looks to showcase the form that earned them third place in the Krumke CVI3* two weeks ago.

Ioannou (Saratoga, CA) will vault on Lasse Kristensen and Emma Seely’s Jarl at her second appearance in Aachen. In 2006, she vaulted on the F.A.M.E. team that won Silver for the U.S. at the FEI World Equestrian Games that were hosted at the prestigious German venue. Vaulting in Individual competition, Ioannou earned a second place finish in the Chilliwack CVI3* in 2012. This year she has collected wins at the Great Falls Vaulter, Topaz Vaulters Spring Fest, and Garrod’s 2013 Spring Classic competitions.

Garrett (Seal Beach, CA) is no stranger to success at the top levels, having helped the U.S. capture Team Gold at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In 2012, she vaulted to the Reserve Champion honors at the USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championship. Garrett began 2013 with a second place finish at the Mozart Memorial Vaulting Classic.

In Aachen, Garrett will vault on Renz Wolfgang’s Leon 364.

Kristian Roberts (Shannon Brinkman)
Kristian Roberts (Shannon Brinkman)

Individual Male

In Individual Male competition Roberts (Moss Beach, CA) is one of 17 entries representing 10 nations. Competition begins Friday morning with the Compulsory Test in the Prize of Sparkasse and continues later in the day as competitors perform their Prize of Sparkasse Technical Tests. Competition concludes Saturday as the Prize of Sparkasse Freestyle Tests are executed.

Roberts is making his second appearance in Aachen after having placed eighth in 2012. In addition, he also represented the U.S. at the FEI World Vaulting Championship and added the USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championship title to his name last year.

The 20-year-old prepared for the Aachen CVIO3* with a ninth place finish at the Krumke CVI3*. This weekend he will also vault on Wolfgang’s Leon 364.

Pas de Deux

In Pas de Deux competition, sisters Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer (Half Moon Bay, CA) look to continue the trend of strong U.S. results in the division after American pairs claimed second and third places in Aachen last year. In 2013, they will be among a field of six combinations from four nations. Prize of Sparkasse Pas de Deux competition begins Saturday with the first of two Freestyle Tests. Winners will be crowned Sunday following the second Freestyle Test.

Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer (Sarah Miller/MacMillan Photography)
Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer (Sarah Miller/MacMillan Photography)

The Palmers will vault on Wolfgang’s Leon 364 as they strive to earn top honors in Aachen. In 2010, they joined forces to win the Pas de Deux at the Chilliwack CVI2*. They prepared for their first trip to Aachen with a second place finish at the Krumke CVI3*.

To learn more about CHIO Aachen, visit: http://www.chioaachen.de/en/.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Vaulting Team here.

Moran Family Award Recognizes Joey Darby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Joey Darby riding Balaliaka to the title of AHSA Working Horse of the Year in 1972.

Devon, PA – June 18, 2013 – The Brandywine Valley Summer Series is delighted to honor Joey Darby with this year’s Moran Family Award for Excellence in the Industry. The Moran family will present the prestigious award, donated by Caroline Moran and her family, to Darby on Sunday, June 30, at the Devon Show Grounds. The award presentation falls prior to the start of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a highlight of the two weeks of top hunter and jumper competition at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series running June 26-30 and July 3-7.

As a rider, trainer and respected judge, Darby’s career has spanned more than 40 years. His name is legendary, and he exemplifies the essence of true horsemanship and tradition in the hunter industry. In the late 1960s, Darby relocated to Any Day Farm in Southern Pines, the heartland of the show hunter. As a rider and trainer for loyal owners such as Junie Kulp and Sally Sexton, he garnered success with such memorable champions as Balalaika, Lyric, Sand Man, Loveable Truly, Rosie Report and Goodness. He’s also found success in the jumper ring with horses such as Arrive Alive and Brother Sam, who went on to compete at Aachen with Canadian, Ian Millar.

Darby has been a renaissance man in the equine industry, having mentored young equestrians in hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, three-day eventing and driving. Over the years, he has coached many three-day riders who wished to improve their stadium jumping skills, including Michael Plumb and Phillip Dutton. The Moran Family Award will be presented to Darby in recognition of his dedication and service to the equestrian sport.

In addition to this special award presentation, the Brandywine Valley Summer Series will feature a number notable classes and events, including two $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies and the $5,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.

Exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, guests and media can find out more information about the Brandywine Valley Summer Series by visiting http://brandywinevalleysummerseries.com.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY SUMMER SERIES FAST FACTS:

WHAT: An ‘AA’ hunter/jumper/equitation horse show presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services benefitting Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Main Line Animal Rescue.

WHEN: Week I: June 26-30, 2013 and Week II: July 3-7, 2013, with a local day of competition on Monday, July 8, 2013.

WHERE: The prestigious Devon Show Grounds in Devon, PA.

FEATURES:

  • Johnson Horse Transportation $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
  • Week 1 $5,000 National Hunter Derby Sponsored by Outer Beaches Realty and the Risser Family
  • Week 2 $5,000 National Hunter Derby Sponsored by Concord Pet Food and Supplies
  • $5,000 M&T Bank High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Hall of Fame Classic
  • $3,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Hall of Fame Classic
  • Hunter and Jumper Grooms Classes
  • Leadline
  • Designated WCHR Member Event
  • PHSA Hunter Classic

BENEFICIARIES:

The mission of our show is to provide ‘AA’ quality competition that benefits other non-profit organizations. The opportunity to include Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Main Line Animal Rescue as beneficiaries ties directly to that goal.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Louise Serio – Executive Director – (610) 636-0678
Jennifer Burger – Sponsor Relations – (716)830-8544
Gillian Grant – Sponsors/Beneficiaries- (302) 427-9622
Blair Balmer – Vendors – blair.balmer@gmail.com
Emily Riden – Marketing & Press – (717) 368-8102 or emr@phelpsmediagroup.com
Mike Rheinheimer – Horse Show Manager – mwrheinheimer@msn.com
Website: http://brandywinevalleysummerseries.com

DIRECTIONS:
From Philadelphia International Airport:
Follow signs to I-95 South and follow I-95 South approximately 5 miles. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the Northeast:
Follow I-95 South. Look for I-476 approximately 5 miles South of the Philadelphia International Airport. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the South:
Follow I-95 North toward Philadelphia. Once you’ve crossed into Delaware, keep right and take I-495 North via exit 5D toward Port of Wilmington / Philadelphia. Follow for I-495 North and remerge onto I-95 North (Crossing into Pennsylvania). Follow I-95 North to I-476 North. Take I-476 N via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the East:
Follow the Schuylkill Expressway / I-76 West to I-476 South. Merge onto I-476 South via exit 331A on the left toward Chester. Follow I-476 South for approximately 2 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the West:
Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-76 E toward Philadelphia. Take exit 326 toward Valley Forge. Stay in right lane after the tolls. Merge onto US-202 South via exit 328A toward West Chester. Follow US-202 South for approximately 2 miles. Take the PA-252 North exit toward Devon. Make a left onto Valley Forge Road / PA-252. Continue to follow Valley Forge Road for approximately .5 miles and make a slight right turn onto Devon State Road. Follow Devon State road for approximately 1 mile until you reach a dead end. Make a left onto Old Lancaster Road and then an immediate right onto Waterloo Road. Turn left on to Lancaster Avenue / US-30 East and the Devon Horse Show will be on your right within .2 miles.

HOTELS:

OFFICIAL TRAVEL COORDINATIOR: Connections at EquestrianTravel.com
Equestrian Travel
800-262-9974
404-842-0000
www.equestriantravel.com
Please call or click today for special room rates!

Courtyard Marriott – Devon
762 West Lancaster Pike (Rt. 30)
Wayne, PA 19087
610-687-6633

Best Western The Inn at King of Prussia
127 South Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Clarion Park Ridge Hotel
480 North Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Comfort Inn Valley Forge
550 West DeKalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Courtyard Marriott – Malvern
280 Old Morehall Road
Malvern, PA 19355

Courtyard Marriott – Valley Forge King of Prussia
1100 Drummers Lane
610-687-6700

Crowne Plaza – Valley Forge
260 Mall Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406

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

IHSA Announces Western Riders for AQHA Horsemanship Challenge

2013 IHSA AQHA High Point Rider, Austin Griffith, riding Little Bill. Photo credits: Rich Ormanowski.

Fairfield, CT — June 18, 2013 – The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association is pleased to announce eight IHSA Western Horsemanship riders have been selected to participate in the 2013 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsemanship Challenge, November 20-21, during the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The IHSA riders selected include the 2013 IHSA National Championships’ AQHA High Point Rider (Austin Griffith, Ohio State University) and reserve AQHA High Point Rider (Ashley Winters, University of Findlay, who continued her season despite the grief of losing her AQHA show horse to cancer), and a member of the 2013 IHSA National Championships High Point Western Team, Julia Roberts, of West Texas A&M University, who was also selected in 2012 but was competing in collegiate judging (she and her WTAMU team went on to become reserve champions). Emily Honey, of Oregon State University, represents the second (Elizabeth Whitman, 2012) consecutive time OSU riders have earned a slot in the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge.

The complete list of IHSA riders selected for the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge is as follows:

Julia Roberts, West Texas A&M University
Austin Griffith, Ohio State University
Douglas Mohr, Ball State University
Emily Honey, Oregon State University
Alissa Frederick, Black Hawk College
Rebecca Strunk, Clemson University
Ashley Winters, University of Findlay
Kodi Anderson, North Central Texas College

Austin Griffith, a business and marketing major at Ohio State, cited both hard work and the IHSA as integral to the path leading him to OKC. The newly-minted AQHA High Point Rider from the 2013 IHSA National Championships is also a two-time (2008, 2009) winner at AQHA Congress.

“I was so excited when I received the invitation,” says the IHSA National’s 2013 reserve AQHA High Point Rider, Ashley Winters, a freshman majoring in Environmental Safety and Occupational Health and Western Equestrian Studies at The University of Findlay. “During the show season I lost my AQHA show horse to cancer. This was an extremely hard time for me and the only way to cope was to keep riding. I knew the open level was going to be really tough and worked really hard, practicing five times a week for reining and horsemanship. The Findlay IHSA Team has wonderful coaches. At Nationals, their advice was to go out there and show them what a freshman can do.” Now she gets her chance to show them at AQHA Worlds.

For Douglas Mohr, who will represent Ball State, it’s a dream come true. “Ever since hearing of the AQHA Collegiate Challenge, it’s been a dream to be selected and represent my university, and now that dream is a reality. It’s a huge honor to be one of eight IHSA riders picked, and I am very grateful. To be surrounded by the best collegiate riders will be a humbling and rewarding experience.” Mohr will pursue a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, having just earned his Bachelor’s in Exercise Science.

Rebecca Strunk is also among the IHSA 8
Rebecca Strunk is also among the IHSA 8

Animal and Veterinary Science major, Rebecca Strunk (’15), adds, “I was honestly shocked to be invited to this prestigious event. It makes all the long hours of practice worth it. It’s an honor to represent Clemson University and hope to do so to the best of my abilities.”

The eight collegiate equestrian athletes representing their educational institutions in the Challenge were selected based on their 2012-13 individual statistics for horsemanship. Preliminary AQHA Horsemanship Challenge competition will take place Wednesday, November 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge finals will be held the evening of November 21. Three IHSA alternates have also been identified, pending availability of the original eight candidates.

About IHSA

The IHSA mission is to promote competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional and national levels. IHSA is based on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of financial status or riding level. More than 400 educational institutions in the U.S. and parts of Canada have teams belonging to IHSA, including student academic clubs, JV, and/or varsity programs. Learn more at www.ihsainc.com and connect with more than 6,800 student riders and coaches on Facebook and Twitter @IHSAinc.

IHSA Media Liaison:
L. A. Pomeroy
(413) 586-6121
PomeroyLA@aol.com
www.ihsainc.com

Victor Segovia Secures Victory in $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix

Victor Segovia and Romeo (pictured here competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL) won the $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix. Photo by Jack Mancini.

Lexington, Kentucky – Victor Segovia of Venezuela jumped to victory in the $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix on Sunday, June 16, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.  The 36-year-old topped a competitive field of 24 to take the win aboard Romeo, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by The Romeo Group.

Only four riders managed to contest the first round track cleanly to advance to the jump-off.  Segovia put in a second clear performance in a time of 43.96 seconds to secure the win.  The only other rider to jump fault-free was Juan Ortiz, also of Venezuela, who finished runner-up aboard Accordance with a time of 45.35 seconds.  Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam riding Fine Man incurred four faults to take third while David Beisel and Ammeretto placed fourth with an eight-fault total.

“Lately, I’ve been trying to go fast at the beginning of the jump-off and by the end, Romeo gets strong and I have trouble turning,” said Segovia, who came back first in the jump-off order.  “This time, we decided to go for a nice, clear round; we didn’t do the inside turns or try to leave strides out.  Our strategy was to let those who followed do the inside turns and leave out strides and see if they made a mistake.  Shane and David are very fast, and even though Juan has a naturally slower horse than mine, I was worried as I had been conservative in my track and knew that I had left the door open.”

In addition to winning the $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix, Segovia and Romeo also posted a number of impressive performances earlier in the week, finishing fifth in the $8,000 Half Million Jumper Classic on Wednesday, June 12, and seventh in the $25,000 Grand Prix on Friday, June 14.  Segovia advanced to the jump-off in both classes, going double-clear in the $8,000 Classic and finishing with four faults in the $25,000 Grand Prix jump-off.

“He’s a hot horse, very hot and strong,” said Segovia, who first began campaigning Romeo three years ago for Brooke Gilece and The Romeo Group.  “I’ve been very patient with him.  Every time he’s bad, I try to kill him with kindness instead of getting after him, and that seems to work.  In the barn, he is so sweet and anyone can handle him, but when I get on, it’s a whole different story.  He’s only 15.3hh but when I put my foot in the stirrup, he thinks he’s 17hh.  He’s super cocky, which is why I think he’s not afraid of the big jumps.  He’s very special.  I’m super grateful and feel very lucky to have him.”

Segovia trains with Andrea King and fellow Venezuelan, Angel Karolyi, who operate Hollow Creek Farm in Aiken, SC.  Segovia began working with Hollow Creek Farm at the beginning of 2013 and has since noticed a big difference in Romeo’s performance.

“I’ve been working with Angel and Andrea since the beginning of this year and it’s been super,” said Segovia, who scored the first grand prix victory of his career in the $25,000 Carolina Real Estate Co. Grand Prix at the Aiken Spring Classic Finale, SC, in April.  “The difference has been a ‘180’ in how the horse is going.  I started having clear rounds at the Live Oak International in March, and it’s been going really well ever since.  I am so thankful to Andrea, Angel and the Andrade family to be a part of the Hollow Creek Farm team.”

Fellow Hollow Creek Farm rider Emanuel Andrade also enjoyed tremendous success at the Country Heir II competition.  The 16-year-old took home seventh, ninth and 11th in the $60,000 Grand Prix riding Walter 61, ZZ Top v/h Schaarbroek Z and Crossfire 10 respectively, having incurred four faults with each in the first round.  Aboard Crossfire 10, Andrade also placed ninth in the $25,000 Grand Prix after incurring one time fault in the first round.

Andrade also dominated the Junior Jumper divisions, capturing both the Championship and Reserve Championship titles with Carboni and Casanova Junior respectively in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner division.

Andrade also took the Reserve Championship title in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner division riding Tiny Tim, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.  The pair finished second in two classes during the week and seventh in the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner High Jumper Classic on Saturday, June 15.  He also earned wins in the High Junior Jumper division with La Fe Forli and Walter 61.  In the Open Jumpers, Andrade won a 1.25m class with Oxford and two 1.30m classes with Costa.

Hollow Creek Farm has the unique distinction of winning three prestigious titles at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.  Andrade was named the Leading Jumper Rider, King was named the Leading Jumper Trainer, and Hollow Creek Farm was named the Leading Jumper Owner.

For more information on Hollow Creek Farm, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

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

Susan Treabess and Kamiakin Top Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*

Susan Treabess (USA) and Kamiakin. Photos by Lindsay McCall.

Developing Riders Earn Their Qualifying Scores for the 2014 World Equestrian Games

Rancho Murieta, CA – June 16, 2013 – As the Pura Raza Espanol, Kamiakin, made its way down to X on the centerline, Susan Treabess (USA) cracked a smile. The Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* crowd erupted in cheering for the stallion and his Grade IV rider who had just completed an outstanding freestyle. After three days of Para-Dressage competition in front of judges Alison King (HK) FEI 4*, David Schmutz (USA) FEI 4* and Lorraine Stubbs (CAN) FEI 4*, Susan knew she was ready and excited for the years to follow. In 2010, Treabess represented the USA at the World Equestrian Games (WEG). In 2014, she hopes to have this opportunity again. During the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*, multiple riders both developing and veterans achieved their qualifying scores for WEG. Those riders include Angela Peavy and two-time Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer, both in Grade III, Grade II rider Ashleigh Flores-Simmons, and Grade Ib Roxanne Trunnel. From Canada, Paralympian Jody Schloss of Grade Ia executed exceptional tests while Robyn Andrews followed with her outstanding test scores. After three days of international team, individual, and freestyle tests riders can now reflect and build upon this learning experience for the next major competition year in 2014.

Susan Treabess was unsure of what to expect when she entered her 8-year-old into his first international competition. “What I am taking away from this show is that Kamiakin is a super horse,” smiled Treabess. “He has to get more experience but he is THE horse for me. He is going to be my partner for a very long time. I am happy with my overall performance this weekend. Of course there were mistakes but I know that in the future I can surpass 70% on this horse. If I don’t, it’s going to be my fault. I know that now; I have my work cut out for me but I have the right team of people ready to help me get there.”

After a conservative team test ride, Treabess pushed Kamiakin during the individual test. That extra push resulted in more expression and a higher percentage score; however, it also created a little tension that will be polished out as they gain experience together. During the freestyle test, Treabess executed a well-choreographed and artistic test. Treabess noted, “That was our first clean run of our freestyle. The music lit Kamiakin up a little bit but that will disappear as he gains experience. With the freestyle being 25% of the final selection score, any rider knows they can gain some major points with a great freestyle. However, you can’t have that as your major focus. As I work with Kamiakin over the next year, I plan on perfecting our technique giving this horse more experience along the way.”

For an international rider like Treabess, getting to the top takes a team. That includes trainers, farriers, veterinarians, therapists, and so many more supporters. “We have a strong support team,” added Treabess. “I want to thank Denny Callin of Holland for giving me his time this week, Ellen Eckstein, and I have to thank Katie and Scott Hill. I would not be in this position without Kamiakin’s owners Scott and Katie Hill. They have entrusted me with this horse and chose not to sell him when they could have. I am so thankful I have this opportunity and I am excited for the future.”

Both Treabess and Grade III two-time Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer (USA) have been on the international stage. They have experienced what it is like to compete against the best Para-Dressage riders in the world. For developing riders like Roxanne Trunnell (USA), Ashleigh Flores-Simmons (USA), Angela Peavy (USA), and Katie Passerotti (USA), the excitement of what the future will hold is what drives them to succeed.

“This CPEDI3* has been an amazing experience,” commented Grade Ib rider Roxanne Trunnell. “I learned what it takes to compete at an international show including the paperwork and process for this level of competition. Even the jog was a new experience and it reminded me of my pony club days but with added pressure. This was our first international show for my girl, Nice Touch, and me. I rode two solid rides and we earned our qualifying score. I learned a lot from the judge’s remarks and they were right about what I need to work on. Now it’s time to go home and train.”

Grade Ib young rider, Ashleigh Flores-Simmons, agreed. “This weekend has been a really good experience, very educational, and positive because I got out there in front of FEI judges. This is a really great starting point.”

She continued, “I was happy with my tests over the weekend. I nailed down the geometry and saw consistencies within the remarks that the judges made. Many of the comments were things I knew I had to work on but they also pointed out details that made me realize I had performed certain moves better than I had originally thought. It makes me feel like I am on the right track and the hard work paid off. I still have a lot to learn and a lot of work ahead. I am willing to do it, I want to do it, and I do this because I love it.”

Competitive as a national rider, the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* was the first Para-Equestrian Dressage competition Flores-Simmons had ever entered. “I was excited to be around other people with disabilities because I have been so mainstreamed.” said Flores-Simmons. “I am eternally grateful for my experience. It’s exciting to have the ability to ride against able-bodied people and still be successful but it’s really cool to see other people, like myself, get out there and not let their disabilities stop them but let their ability speak.”

Angela Peavy and Leandro
Angela Peavy and Leandro

For Connecticut rider Angela Peavy and her new horse Leandro, the 2013-2014 competition year will be full of excitement. Peavy has gained notable status as a Young Rider and is quickly developing as an international rider. With her talented Westphalian, a strong support team, a WEG qualifying score, and the desire to work to the top, Angela has combined the pieces to create the ultimate product.

Continued interest in the sport of Para-Equestrian Dressage, more Para-Dressage classifications, and new developing riders promises the United States of America that Para-Dressage is holding its own in the high-performance world. When riders like Katie Passerotti of Pennsylvania travel across the United States to accomplish a dream, shows what the equestrian sport as a whole does for lovers of the horse.

For more information about the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*, please visit http://www.goldenstatedressage.com or contact Connie Davenport at davenport@saber.net.

For questions about the 2013-2014 Para-Equestrian Dressage season, please contact the USEF High Performance Director of the Para-Equestrian Discipline Laureen K. Johnson at (908) 326-1155 or e-mail lkjohnson@usef.org.

For more questions about Para-Equestrian Dressage, please contact Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org or (610) 356-6481.

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

Katie Passerotti and Lucky Dragon
Katie Passerotti and Lucky Dragon

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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.

Weber Throws Down the Driving Glove Sweeps Saumur CAI-A4 in Marathon Achievement

Team Weber in the dressage at the Saumur CAI. (Photo courtesy of PixelVisuel.com)

Ocala, FL (June 17, 2013) – His Four-in-Hand finesse in Dressage and Cones has long made nine-time US National Champion Chester Weber of Ocala, Florida, a force to be reckoned with, but a masterful wire-to-wire lead across all three phases of the Saumur CAI-A4, June 7-9, in France, has the combined driving world taking note of a keen new edge to the American master.

With a major international win already secured, at only the first show of his European season, and Aachen and Normandy on the not-so-distant horizon, Weber is throwing down the (driving) glove: “The horses are ready for Aachen. This was the first big international marathon victory of my career,” the two-time FEI Four-in-Hand Driving World Championship Silver Medalist added, clearly thrilled with the decisive performance by the team he co-owns with Jane Clark, over a “tough” course by French designer Jacques Tamalet.

In his first return to the Saumur since 2001, Weber’s strategy put trotter Horus du Bois to lead for marathon and cones, and dressage lead, Splash, to right wheel. Completing the Saumur strategy was the popular Boris on left wheel for dressage and marathon; Para to right wheel for dressage and to left for cones; and Uniek at left lead throughout.

“Winning the Dressage (32.66 penalties) is something we have been fortunate to become accustomed to,” said the man nicknamed ‘Mr. Dressage,’ “but this was our first big Marathon victory. It was a World Cup qualifier and many of the best were there, including two members of the Dutch Gold Medal team: Ijsbrand Chardon and Theo Timmerman. Moreover, Chardon without a doubt is the winningest driver the sport has ever had.”

Leading the field of 21 after Dressage, Weber posted the best Marathon score of the Four-in-Hand division (89.28) to remain atop the leader boards, followed by a nearly picture-perfect Cones: a single ball drop drew a scant three penalties.

In an unprecedented personal achievement, the American driver clinched all three combined driving phases, against one of the world’s toughest FEI rosters of teams, for an overall finish of just 128.50 penalties.

Weber is confident his team is in top form for Aachen CAIO-4:  “Our decision to go to Saumur was a building block in our strategic plan. The marathon there was sandy and hilly, both of which made it challenging for the horses. The team is ready for Aachen. This was one step as Jane Clark  and I keep our sights on the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.”

Follow Team Weber at www.chesterweber.com and via the link to Facebook.

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

Hannah Holik Wins the $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic

Liz Schmid and Air Apparent.

Parker, CO – June 16, 2013 – On Sunday, the Juniors and Amateurs competed in two prestigious classes in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park, the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Classic and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Classic.

Riders donned their white breeches and traditional attire to compete on the last day of week two of Summer in the Rockies II over Danny Foster’s challenging courses.

Twenty-five entries battled it out in the $5,000 NAL Low Junior Amateur Classic. Of the 25 in the first round, 15 progressed to the jump-off round.

Liz Schmid was the first to go double clear aboard Air Apparent, laying down a time of 50.68. The next clear round came from Isabel Ikast. In her jump-off round, Ikast added another clear round. Next, Chelsea Babcock and Bull Run’s Guardian delivered a flawless and faultless performance that put them in first place with a time of 46.344. Babcock trains with Kristen VanderVeen, of Bull Run in St Charles, IL. The Bull Run team also celebrated VanderVeen’s win of the $30,000 Summer in the Rockies II Grand Prix on Saturday.

“I was very proud of her,” VanderVeen said. “I thought she rode really well. Her first round was great. She has a very nice horse. She really smoothed it out for the jump-off and laid down a great round. I think it is actually the first classic she has won on this horse.”

Babcock was pleased with her rides. “The first round was great,” she said. “Zinnia (Bull Run’s Guardian) was great, she really helped me out on a couple of jumps and then the jump-off, there weren’t so many clean rounds so I was just going for a clean round so I just rode it nice and smooth and Zinnia’s step is so big, she takes care of the speed. Zinnia is just 9 years old. We just imported her during the middle of the WEF season and we’re just starting to click and get in sync now.”

Babcock commented on the encouragement that VanderVeen gives her and that since she’s been in training with her, she’s helped to build her confidence.

“I love the program,” she said.

As the entries for the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers were schooling, the wind began to pick up at the Colorado Horse Park. The skies became a bit darker and rain threatened. Due to the weather, the riders were asked to complete their jump-off rounds immediately following their first rounds.

The first clear round belonged to Hannah Holik riding Cupido de Laubry.  She proceeded to her jump-off round, completing it without faults in 50.720 seconds.

The next rider on course, Clare Leach on Pallas Athena, also put in a clear round and went on to the jump-off. The pair had a rail and left with four faults.

Two rounds later, Jackie Smith and Diego went clean in the first round. In the jump-off round they became the fastest four-faulter with a time of 50.729.

Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G
Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G

Another two rounds later, Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G also went fault-free on their first round.

With a blustery wind picking up and spectators running for cover, Van Ackeren and Vernon G stayed focused and achieved a clear but slower round, breaking the beam at 57.630. Holik maintained her lead and earned the win.

Holik who trains with Randy Henry, has had an especially fruitful second week of Summer in the Rockies II. She earned the championship of the Junior Hunters and won the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic, all aboard Tache Rouge. She won both of her over fences classes in the Equitation 15-17 and won the ASPCA Maclay class with Dahlila. She also won the $500 Low Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers with Santiago in addition to the $10,000 High Junior Amateur Jumper Classic with Cupido de Laubry.

“He’s a new addition to our barn,” said Holik about Cupie. “I’m excited that everything has been going smoothly. I’m really proud of Cupie. We’ve only had him a couple of months. I am excited to move up with him and maybe do a couple of grand prixs.

“He’s quite big at 17.2,” she said. “For how big he is, he is unbelievably sweet and soft. You can cuddle with him and kiss him.”

Hannah Holik and Cupido de Laubry
Hannah Holik and Cupido de Laubry

Summer in the Rockies III will begin on Wednesday June 19 and runs through June 23. Highlights include a $15,000 Welcome Stake, a $30,000 Grand Prix, a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and a full array of hunter/jumper competition.

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

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com/viewarticle.php?id=7969.

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

Liza Dennehy Fights Back after Cardiac Arrest to Claim 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunter Championship

Liza Dennehy and Now You Know, Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Champions at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies II.

Parker, CO – June 16, 2013 – Liza Dennehy demonstrated that life-threatening medical conditions and a resulting hiatus from riding could not stop her from shining in the show ring as Summer in the Rockies II came to a close at the Colorado Horse Park. Dennehy rode Now You Know to the 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunter championship and also piloted Sir Topham Hat to a win, a second and a third in the 3’6″ A/O division.

Dennehy, who suffered cardiac arrest while schooling Sir Topham Hat at the Capital Challenge in September 2012 and also incurred a head injury as she fell from the horse, fought back after doctors gave her a one percent chance of survival. She used the same fighting spirit to get back in the saddle and continue doing what she loves most: riding, competing, and being around horses.

“It changes your life when you have sliding glass doors like that – what would my son’s life have been like if I hadn’t been around anymore?” she reflected. “He’s six years old. I’m just really thankful I’m still here. I’m thankful to everyone I had on my side that day. I would have missed this, if I weren’t still here. I would have missed this, for sure.”

Dennehy was happy to be back in the show ring at the Colorado Horse Park, a venue that is particularly special to her because of the involvement of her father, Wilson Dennehy, in the Horse Park’s earliest years. “My father was one of the original partners in starting this place and these horse shows,” she said. “We were involved from the very beginning.”

Dennehy, who is an “R” judge and a licensed course designer, appreciated the questions asked by Sunday’s Amateur Owner Hunter courses. “I thought the hardest thing was the single oxer on the outside because of the placement of the vertical with the barns,” she said. “If you went around it, you kind of went beyond the oxer, so I wanted to turn inside. That was easy in the first class, but much harder in the second class after the in-and-out, because it was a very quick turn.”

She said she was very happy with her horses, who are both owned by The Cottonwoods Ltd. “They were good today,” she said, noting that she was especially pleased with her final round on Sir Topham Hat after miscommunications resulted in a fall the week before. “I was a little nervous, but I think we were all back together by that last class. I was very happy with the one I won. We’re back on the same track.”

Liza Dennehy and Sir Topham Hat
Liza Dennehy and Sir Topham Hat

“I call Sir Topham Hat my magic carpet, because that’s usually what he’s like to ride,” Dennehy added. “He’s very easy to ride and he’s got a lot of scope.”

She rarely rides big horses since her two brothers, professional trainers Michael and Charlie Dennehy, usually end up with the rides on them. The 17.2-hand Sir Topham Hat is the exception to the rule.

“I love him just because he’s big,” she laughed. “It’s like driving a big car. There’s something safe about it. It’s a little more luxury. You gain in stride, you gain in scope, you gain in view!”

Dennehy also enjoys the ride on the more diminutive Now You Know. “She’s a fancy horse,” she said. “I’ve been showing her since she was a Pre-Green horse. Here in the state, I believe she was Pre-Green Champion, First-Year Champion, maybe Second-Year Reserve that year.”

Like Dennehy, Now You Know had to take some time off for medical reasons. She injured a leg by kicking at a fly, forcing a yearlong hiatus. “She was hurt last year, so this is her first year back,” Dennehy explained. “It’s a pretty good start! I’m very happy.”

Dennehy and Now You Know scored two wins under saddle and over fences in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunters after picking up a second place over the first course of the day. Their standout performance earned them the championship over Madeleine Stover and Concierge, who took the reserve.

Dennehy also made a run with Sir Topham Hat to challenge the leaders in the 3’6″ division but couldn’t quite crack the top two spots overall. Nicole Lyvere and Promo came into Sunday with a first and a second in the 3’6″ Amateur Owner Hunter classes, and they notched a win, a second and a fourth in the remaining classes to secure the championship. Despite not feeling well herself, Lyvere summoned her energy to encourage her horse through solid performances.

“He’s lazy so the second day is always hardest,” she said. “I had to work really hard to make sure he kept going. He didn’t want to jog either! I had to rejog in the first round.”

Lyvere plans to do the 3′ hunter derbies as well as some A/O or Open divisions during the summer shows, though she hasn’t finalized her plans. “We’ll see how much energy he has,” she said.

Susan Winston and Quite Nice also collected top ribbons in the 3’6″ division, striving to challenge Lyvere for the championship but eventually settling for the reserve. They won the first over fences class and were second in the other. Winston, who purchased Quite Nice four years ago, competed with him in Junior Hunters for two years and then moved to the Amateur Owner Hunters last year.

“He’s really adjustable, which is nice, and he jumps pretty well from anywhere,” Winston said. “You can get him right to the base and he’ll still snap his knees up. He’s pretty clever.”

“The courses were a lot of fun,” she added. “The lines were right on.”

Caitlin Burns rode On the Money to the top prize in the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic on a combined score of 157.5. Madeleine Stover and Concierge finished just a notch behind them with 156. Burns purchased On the Money this winter, and the pair looks to be at the beginning of a promising partnership. Burns said she is learning more about the mare every time they compete.

“She’s a newer horse for me, so I’m just trying to figure out how to ride each course each time to get the best out of the both of us,” she said. “Each time you’re learning, making mistakes, fixing mistakes and trying to better each other.”

When asked what she is finding out about On the Money, Burns replied, “That she’s so fun!”

“She tries really hard and wants to be good,” Burns continued. “It’s just figuring out how to get that out of her consistently.”

Burns also competes in the Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers with her other horse, and she said she enjoys the challenges inherent to both disciplines. “They’re both equally challenging, rewarding, frustrating – all of it,” she said. “It’s fun to do both. You get different ends of the spectrum.”

She lives in Longmont, CO, about an hour away from the Horse Park. “It’s a really nice place to have in your backyard, for sure,” she said. “I love the new footing – my horses seem to really like it. All the improvements are great.”

Dennehy, who grew up in Colorado, also emphasized the importance of the Horse Park to equestrians in the region. “It’s like a dream come true to have these horse shows in Colorado,” she said. “We always knew we had some of the best summer weather. We only had three A-rated horse shows here when I was a kid. We had to actually relocate to base out of the Midwest – where my dad’s originally from, in Chicago – to qualify. It could not be done by staying home. So having these shows is truly a dream come true for anyone in Colorado who shows horses.”

Sunday marked the end of Summer in the Rockies II. The Colorado Horse Park will next host Summer in the Rockies III, which begins on Wednesday, June 19, and runs through Sunday, June 23. Highlights include a $15,000 Welcome Stake, a $30,000 Grand Prix, a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, and a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby alongside a full array of hunter/jumper competition.

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.

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