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Competitions, Show Jumping

Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn Happy to Win $30,000 WeatherTech Grand Prix

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Genn stops for fan to reward Happy Z with a treat.

Everything and Thatcher Try to Catch the Lead

Wayne, IL – June 9, 2013 – Threatening thunder storms missed Wayne making it a great day for a Grand Prix.  Showplace Productions’ $30,000 WeatherTech Grand Prix was the first Grand Prix to be held in the newly remodeled Grand Prix ring at Lamplight Equestrian Center in front of a supporting Chicago crowd.

A field of 30 horse and rider combinations competed in the first round leaving 12 for the jump off.  Out of the 12 first round jumps in the course designed by renowned course designer, Guilherne Jorge of Brazil, no particular jump took its toll on the riders. The jumps varied from a very airy gate and rail to a very solid wall.  In the jump off, the course allowed for a long gallop between fences one and two, which was the solid wall.  The triple became a one stride with another good gallop to fence six with a sharp left turn and gallop to the final sailboat oxer by the ingate.

Setting the time early was Lisa Goldman and Centurion B, with 41.599 but caught a rail for 4 faults.  Maggie Bracco and Manneken Du Cory were almost clean but had a rail at the last sailboat oxer and a time of 42.411

Kelsey Thatcher and Everything
Kelsey Thatcher and Everything

Kelsey Thatcher and Everything were the first clean with a time of 43.110. Right after Thatcher, Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z were the only other clear round and a faster time of 41.723, taking the lead.

Steve Schaefer and Caribe blazed around the course in usual fashion for the fastest time of the day, 41.485, but an unfortunate hind rail on the out of the one stride.  The one stride struck again, this time on the “in” for Ryan Genn and Cookie Monster.

Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH, is not a stranger to the Chicago area.  Happy Z, the 14-year-old warmblood mare, is quite a favorite to the fans.  Genn was the first rider in 2005 to hit the million-dollar mark for money won. He currently ranks third in the 2013 rankings with $1,769,070 in the USHJA Rider Lifetime Money Earned program.

Genn has three children, Wilhelm Jr., Ryan and Theo.  Ryan and Theo also had mounts in the Prix and Quite Ruffy 840, a second mount for Wilhelm. It was a good day the Genn family, collecting checks on four of their six horses.

Thatcher is a student at the University of Georgia studying Early Childhood Education but home is Bluffdale, Utah. Her mount, Everything, is owned by Pony Lane Farm.

“Everything was great,” said Thatcher. “He got better and better as the week went by. He’s incredible in the jump-offs because he can make any distance work and wants to win too. He has a fighting personality; he tries his hardest for me over the jumps and is known to bite every once in a while! He is an incredible athlete, and with that talent comes his sparky personality!”

Next week riders will have the chance to compete in the $30,000 Barrington Saddlery Grand Prix at Showplace Productions’ Spring Spectacular II at Lamplight Equestrian Center.

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New Report Shines a Harsh Spotlight on the Government’s Wild Horse and Burro Program

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The National Academy of Science (NAS) recently released a report on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro program and determined that the program can’t continue “business as usual.” The report provided numerous suggestions for improvement and found that the BLM has not used scientifically rigorous methods to estimate population, model effects of management actions, or to assess forage on rangelands. Further, the report found that the current practice of rounding up and removing wild horses actually leads to higher rates of population growth, rather than curbing it. Please click here for more information and to join IDA in asking Sec. Jewell to carefully consider NAS recommendations and immediately stop all roundups.

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 448-0048 Fax (415) 454-1031
idainfo@idausa.org

FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

Stripes Team Finishes Second in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, Stars Team Fourth

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McLain Ward and Rothchild (StockImageServices.com)

U.S. Wins North America, Central America and Caribbean League of Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Series

Calgary, Canada – The United States sent two teams into competition Thursday afternoon in the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament. Not only was the U.S. eyeing top finishes but qualification for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final as well as a chance to win the North American, Central America and Caribbean League of Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Series were all on the line.

In its inaugural season the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Series has been a major focus for the U.S. and Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland. Thursday’s competition marked the second and final Nations Cup competition for the North America, Central America and Caribbean League and a strong finish by the designated “point team” the Stars Team was vital to winning the League and Final’s qualification. Additionally, to demonstrate the strength and depth of the U.S. program the second American squad, the Stripes Team, was also looking for a podium finish.

The U.S. did just as they had set out to do as the Stripes Team of Brianne Goutal, Katie Dinan, Candice King and McLain Ward cruised to a second place finish. While the Stars Team of Kent Farrington, Reed Kessler, Charlie Jayne and Christine McCrea earned a fourth place finish and in doing so clinched the top spot in the League and Final’s qualification for the U.S.

“This really fit into our plan. It would have been nice to win but we had two good finishes,” said Ridland. “We’ve now qualified for the Finals and won the League to boot.”

Ridland also believes the strategy of having two equally powered teams helped the U.S. on Thursday and is an example of things to come.

“We did it a little differently than most by having two equal teams but I think it really worked out today. Each team had a mix of veterans and young riders or young horses with more experienced riders. I believe the future looks really good.”

Course Design Leopoldo Palacios built a demanding 12 obstacle track that tested not only rider’s ability to leave the rails in place but also ride efficiently to finish within the time allowed.  It was made all the more difficult in the second round as high winds and pouring rain picked up.

Goutal (New York, NY) and Remarkable Farms LP’s Nice de Prissey were the pathfinders for the Stripes Team, collecting four faults after rolling the pole at fence three in the first round. In round two the 12-year-old Selle Francais stallion produced another four fault trip after dislodging the rail at the bicycle jump at eight.

Next up for the Stripes was Dinan (Wellington, FL) and Grant Road Partners LLC’s 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding Nougat Du Vallet. In round one the pair jumped an immaculate clear over Palacios’ challenging track. They returned later in the afternoon to repeat their faultless effort to be one four combinations to jump double clear.

“I was really pleased; Nougat felt great; I knew when we walked the course it was do-able but you still have to do it. There’s always more pressure when you’re on a team and it was only my second Nations Cup and I just wanted to rise to the occasion, stay calm and poised. I knew after the first round I was only halfway done and needed to make some adjustments for the second round. Which I was happy I was able to do. I’m just so happy and my horse jumped great,” said Dinan of her double clear effort on Thursday.

Jumping in the third spot, King (Wellington, FL) and Campbell VDL produced a 13 fault trip in round one after lowering the heights of three obstacles and collecting a single time fault. In their return effort the pair demonstrated improvement with Stateside Farm’s LLC’s nine-year-old Holsteiner stallion just faulting at two fences and again collecting a time fault for a second round score of nine.

Rounding out the Stripes Team effort was Ward (Brewster, NY) and Sagamore Farm’s 12-year-old Warmblood gelding Rothchild. The veteran pair produced a tidy and efficient effort as a clear never looked in doubt in the first round. Jumping in a deluge of rain in round two, the pair repeated their clear effort to join Dinan and Irish riders Conor Swail and Cameron Hanley on the double clear list.

The Stripes Team finished on a two round total of nine faults.

Leading off the Stars Team was 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold medalist Farrington (Wellington, FL) and Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel. In round one the 11-year-old Anglo-European mare lowered the heights of two fences for an eight fault effort. The pair returned with an improved trip in round two, just collecting four faults for a foot in the water at fence four.

Kessler (Lexington, KY) and Mika jumped in the second spot for the Stars producing a near foot perfect trip in the first round that was just marred by a mistake at the plank at fence five resulting in four faults. The 2012 Olympic Games veteran and her own 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding returned in round two producing their second four fault of the day after also putting a foot in the water at four.

Jayne (Elgin, IL) and Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher’s 10-year-old Zangerscheide stallion Chill R Z produced a four fault effort in the first round after knocking a block off the top of the wall at fence 10. In round two they again jumped a four fault trip, just rolling the front rail of the oxer at fence nine.

Christine McCrea and Zerly (StockImageServices.com)
Christine McCrea and Zerly (StockImageServices.com)

Riding in the anchor position for the Stars Team was McCrea (East Windsor, CT) with Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables’ Zerly. The pair jumped a stylish first round but after losing a shoe early in the course the nine-year-old KWPN mare rolled the poles at the final two efforts coming out of the triple at seven for eight faults. In round two the 2011 Pan American Games Team and Individual Gold medalist used all of her experience as she guided Zerly to an impressive fault free trip.

The Stars Team finished on an overall total of 24 faults.

The Stars Team’s fourth place finish resulting in 75 points paired with the 100 points the U.S. earned with a win at the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm at CSIO Wellington meant they finished with a total of 175 points to top the North American, Central America and Caribbean League. The U.S. and Canada (172 points) have now qualified for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final to be held in Barcelona, Spain September 26-29.

The team from Ireland finished on a score of four to earn victory in the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, with the Stripes Team finishing second and Team Canada One earning third place on a score of 14.

To learn more about the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament, visit: http://www.sprucemeadows.com/tournaments/view_tournament.jsp?id=25.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Jumping Team here.

By Helen Murray

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Ireland Wins Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament

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Conor Swail and Lansdowne. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Judge Tops Husky Energy Cup 1.50m, McArdle and Cosma 20 Win Two in a Row

Calgary, AB – June 13, 2013 – Spruce Meadows hosted the second leg of competition for the North American region in the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, and it was Ireland who took home the win after they logged six clear rounds. The Irish team consisted of Conor Swail and Lansdowne, Darragh Kerins and E Muze Yek, Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z, and Cameron Hanley and Antello. The Team USA Stripes finished second, while Team Canada One was third. Later in the day, it was Quentin Judge (USA) and Dark de la Hart who took the top placing in the $35,000 Husky Energy Cup 1.50m. Abigail McArdle (USA) and Cosma 20 led the victory gallop for the second day in a row, this time in the $33,000 RSA Cup 1.45m.

The ‘Continental’ Tournament CSIO-W 5* runs June 12-16. The next highlight class of the week is the $200,000 CN Performance Grand Prix CSI-W on Sunday, June 16. There will be complimentary admission and parking for spectators during the ‘Continental’ Tournament.

There were seven teams in today’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. The United States, Canada, and Mexico all fielded two teams and nominated one team to earn points toward the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in September. The course was designed by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Six teams returned for the second round, and the young Team Mexico Maya finished in seventh place.

Ireland came out with a bang in today’s Nations Cup competition when all four riders went clear in the first round. Cameron Hanley, Richie Moloney, and Darragh Kerins were all riding horses that were in their first Nations Cup. They had four clear rounds in the first round and finished on four points in the second round for a winning total of four faults.

Conor Swail and Lansdowne, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion by Guidam x Wolfgang owned by Susan and Ariel Grange, were double clear for the Irish team. Swail noted that he had to be aware of the tight time allowed. “My horse in particular is a big, slow mover, so I have to try and take advantage of a few places. The course today was a nice track. Leo did a great job. Thankfully we jumped it the best,” he said. “I have only had one other Nations Cup round with him and that didn’t go so well, so today I’m very happy. I’m glad that first Nations Cup is in the past. Today he showed that he has gotten more educated and is learning his job very well. I’m delighted.”

Cameron Hanley and Antello, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Animo Z x Continue, were the anchors of the Irish team and were also double clear. Hanley, who just returned to the show ring this year after a long layoff from injury, was excited to be back with Antello and on a Nations Cup team. Hanley had the ride on Antello as an eight-year-old, but when he was hurt, the horse went to British rider Michael Whitaker. When new sponsors Elonore Paschoude and Yves Bouvier were looking for a grand prix horse, Hanley knew Antello would be a great fit.

“He has a lot of blood and is a little tricky and is a real talented jumper,” Hanley described. “I knew I could ride him because I rode him when he was younger. I got him back and started doing well in some shows. Three weeks ago he won the Riders Tour Grand Prix in Wiesbaden, which was a five-star. Robert (Splaine) was good enough to let me come here and do a Nations Cup with him.”

Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide stallion by Canabis Z x Grannusso owned by Equinimity LLC, were clear in the first round and had just four faults in the second round. Moloney noted that Carrabis Z is a “very inexperienced 10-year-old” and that they were just doing 1.35m last year. “I’m very proud of him. He’s a very scopey horse, (and) he doesn’t get tired for the second round,” he said.

Darragh Kerins had the youngest horse on the team in nine-year-old E Muze Yek. Owned by Kerins and Maarten Huygens, the For Pleasure x Carthago gelding was also clear in the first round but had three fences down in the second round. Kerins noted, “The biggest classes he’s ever jumped were probably in these last two weeks. To jump two back to back rounds like today, he was a little inexperienced for it, but I’m proud of him.”

Chef d’Equipe Robert Splaine was complimentary of Spruce Meadows and the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competition. “The arena is just wonderful. When I arrived this morning, there were people in there paying such close attention to the grounds. The whole ambiance of the day was truly special,” he said. “It’s a new Nations Cup for us. We have riders based all over the world, some in America, which makes it quite a great and extra opportunity for us to come and compete.”

He pointed out that this competition will help him in choosing teams for future events as well. “For me to come here and get the opportunity to see these guys in action in a venue that could hold the Olympics has given me a lot to consider. I have to continue to look forward and broaden the base of our team to help us in our mission to win medals. So it was great, the guys did a fantastic job, and thank you to the owners of these horses for giving these guys the opportunity to compete at the highest level. It was just a great day; it was great to win. Compliments to the other teams as well.”

Team USA Stripes, led by Chef d’Equipe Will Simpson, were not the team competing for Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup points today, but two of their riders finished double clear. Katie Dinan and Nougat du Vallet, a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Scherif d’Elle owned by Grant Road Partners, were one of those combinations. For her great riding today, Dinan was named the Furusiyya Rider of the Day, which recognizes the rider that gives the most outstanding contribution to his or her team over the course of two rounds.

“I feel very honored,” Dinan said. “I feel honored to be on the U.S. Team and to be chosen as the Rider of the Day in this company. It’s great. This is only my second Nations Cup and I really wanted to show I belonged on the team. It’s a little more pressure being on a team, so I was happy with my performance today.”

The other double clear came from McLain Ward and Rothchild, a 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding by Artos x Elegant De L’Ile owned by Sagamore Farm. Rounding out the team were Brianne Goutal on Nice de Prissey, who had five and four faults in the two rounds, and Candice King on Campbell VDL, who finished with 12 and nine faults. The Team USA Stripes finished on nine total faults for second place.

Chef d’Equipe Will Simpson credited U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland for his vision and said they were both happy with the team’s performances. “The young kids got some good experience along with the older riders. It’s very important and it’s a stepping stone. This is where the riders get their experience. It’s a great competition that we need to keep going,” he said.

Ridland added, “In a perfect world, we would have loved to have beaten the Irish. But what we really came here to do was one, qualify for the final. Number two, was really giving some young horses and young riders some experience on competitive teams.”

He went on to say, “To me, the only way to do that is to do what we did, which was a little against the grain. There was no question that normally, as the Canadians did, you stack the deck on one team and that’s your point team. That’s the more conventional way of doing it. My feeling, the whole way along, is that it’s so important for the young riders to be able to experience Nations Cups on contending teams with veterans. We got huge experience today. We saw them perform well. I’m very excited.”

The Canada One team was led by Chef d’Equipe Mark Laskin, and he was pleased to see his riders perform well with new horses. Eric Lamaze and Powerplay were clear in the second round (and had five faults in the first round), as were Ian Millar and Dixson (who had four faults in the first round). Joining them on the third place Canada One team were Tiffany Foster and Verdi II, who had four and five faults, and Mac Cone with Amor van de Rostal, who had five faults in the first round and just one time fault in the second round. The team had a total of 13 faults in round one and one faults in round two for a total of 14.

On the Canada Two team, Chris Sorensen and Bobby, in their first Nations Cup performance, improved to a clear trip in the second round.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for our developing riders. It was an invaluable experience that they’ll both draw on in the future,” he remarked. “We’re only going to get better and it bodes well for the future. We’re really excited to qualify for Barcelona and we’ll be there.”

This was the second and final qualifying event for the North American region for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. The United States won the region with 175 points, while Canada was close behind with 172 points. Both teams will move on to the Final in Barcelona, Spain.

Irish Chef d’Equipe Robert Splaine nicely concluded on today’s event, “Nations Cup competition is really what the sport’s all about. It makes great riders because of the special type of pressure it creates. I think the riders that come forward and compete and take the good days with the bad turn into very special competitors. They become the riders that can win at the Olympic level.”

Quentin Judge and HH Dark de la Hart
Quentin Judge and HH Dark de la Hart

Quentin Judge Tops Husky Energy Cup

In the $35,000 Husky Energy Cup 1.50m, it was Quentin Judge and HH Dark de la Hart who brought home the win. They were fastest in a jump-off of 10 competitors when they stopped the clock in 41.20 seconds and no faults. Christine McCrea (USA) and Wannick WH were second in 41.55 seconds, while Ashlee Bond (USA) rode Cadett 7 to third in 41.67 seconds.

Judge felt that he had to be fast in the beginning of the course in order to catch the early time set by Bond and Cadett 7. “After seeing Ashlee go, I knew I had to go fast. I knew that I needed to be fast from number one through three in the jump-off. After three, you kind of had to do the same strides, except for the last jump. I knew if I could be fast through the start timers and then to one, two, three, I could maybe shave a second off. My horse is really good at eyeing in on a jump and jumping at an angle, so I knew I could be quick there.”

The long gallop to the final oxer was an exciting part of the course as well. Heading down to it, Judge said he was thinking, “I hope I don’t get in trouble for going too fast and having the last jump down!” He added with a smile, “I steadied the last three strides. Ian (Millar) and Cayce (Harrison) told me to go quick to the last jump, but don’t blow it out of the water. He came back really well and jumped the last jump great.”

Judge and HH Dark de la Hart, a 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse stallion by Kashmir van Schuttershof x Nonstop owned by Double H Farm, have been paired together for nine months. “We’ve really just started to click here in Calgary,” Judge revealed. “He was good all through Florida, but I was getting used to him and he was getting used to me. Being here, I think he really loves the venue and the jumps and the grass.”

This was Judge’s first FEI-level victory at any show, and his first victory in the main ring at Spruce Meadows. “This venue is amazing, and to win your first big class and have a presentation like that is really special,” he expressed. “I’ve seen people lead the victory gallop for years and I’ve always really wanted to be there. I’ve tried to work hard and get there, and now that it’s happened, it’s a great feeling.”

Abigail McArdle Wins Two in a Row

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20
Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20

Abigail McArdle of Chicago, IL, won her second competition in a row at the ‘Continental’ Tournament with Cosma 20, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare by Couleur Rubin x Stakkato owned by David McArdle. They won the $33,000 RSA Cup 1.45m Speed competition by going clear in a time of 71.945 seconds. There were 31 entries in the class. Wilton Porter (USA) and Radio City finished second in 72.204 seconds, and Conor Swail (IRL) was third with Martha Louise in 75.446 seconds.

McArdle felt that it was Cosma 20’s natural speed that helped her win today. “I had a plan with numbers and we did all the strides. She’s a naturally fast horse. She goes and she’s two seconds faster. Everywhere in the turns I was thinking of picking it up and staying on it. On those long gallops, I have her now that she can come back so easily, so I can really let her go and be able to get her back quick enough,” she said.

Regarding her win, McArdle expressed, “I’m excited because this one gets some world ranking points for me! That will hopefully qualify me for stuff I want to do, and there are plenty of opportunities here at Spruce. It was super; I couldn’t have asked for her to go any better.”

Competition continues tomorrow with the $33,000 Altagas Cup 1.45m and the $33,000 Scotiabank Cup 1.50m. For more information on Spruce Meadows and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Hanley’s the Hero as Irish Victorious at Spruce Meadows Where USA and Canada Qualify for Furusiyya Final

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A double-clear from anchorman Cameron Hanley and Antello secured victory for Ireland in the eleventh leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series. Photo: FEI/StockimageServices.com.

Spruce Meadows (CAN), 13 June 2013 – On a day when four double-clear performances were registered, it was the clean sheet maintained by Cameron Hanley that stood out above all others as he clinched victory for Ireland in the eleventh leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada.  The anchorman of the Irish side has been to hell and back over the last two years, with his health, and his career, seriously compromised by a freak injury.  But today he copper-fastened his return to the top of the sport as he, and his fellow-countrymen, flexed their not-inconsiderable muscle to keep crack sides from the USA and Canada in check.

A total of seven teams from four nations lined out in this competition, with Canada, the USA and Mexico taking the opportunity to field two sides apiece.  And although the runner-up US selection was not the one nominated for points-gathering, both America and Canada have qualified for the Furusiyya Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September.

The USA Stripes team lined up second ahead of Canada One in third and USA Stars in fourth, while Canada Two finished fifth and Mexico’s Azteca and Maya slotted into sixth and seventh places respectively.

The fabulous Meadows on the Green Arena at Spruce Meadows was bathed in sunshine during the first half of the competition, but weather conditions deteriorated dramatically towards the closing stages to add further drama to the occasion.  The Irish already had the whip hand by the halfway point, with four clear rounds that left them well clear of USA Stripes in second spot carrying five, Canada One in third with 13 faults on the board, the USA Stars in fourth with 16 while Canada Two’s 18 faults saw them lying fifth ahead of Mexico’s Azteca in sixth with 25.  The Maya team from Mexico collected only one penalty more to finish on 26 at the end of round one, but didn’t return for round two.

It was tense finale however as, despite a second sparkling run from pathfinders Conor Swail and Lansdowne, both Darragh Kerins (E Muze Yek) and Richie Moloney (Carrabis Z) faulted on their second tour of the track and it was left to Hanley hold his nerve and win the day, which he did in style.

Course

The 12-fence course presented by Leopoldo Palacios included his now-infamous “bicycle” vertical which, when first designed by the Venezuelan maestro some years ago, used to strike fear into the hearts of the bravest due to its pencil-thin poles.  But riders have learned how to deal with it over the intervening years, and only one, USA Stripes’ pathfinder Brianne Goutal, lowered it in the second round with Nice de Prissey.

The bogey fences of the day proved to be the wavy Canadian planks at fence five which were, in time-honoured fashion, located at the end of a three-fence line following the open water and therefore testing control and carefulness.  The triple combination at fence seven was also influential but the Mount Rushmore Wall, an inheritance from the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta (USA) which has become another trademark of the Spruce Meadows arenas, claimed a surprising number of victims just three fences from home, while the penultimate double also took its toll.

Much-Improved Result

As round two unfolded, Mexico’s Azteca team produced a much-improved result with just 10 faults to add, Nicolas Pizarro recovering brilliantly from three fences down in the first round to go clear this time out with the lovely grey stallion, Crossing Jordan.

The Canada Two team included father-and-son Ben and Jonathan Asselin, but Ben’s elimination in round one when unseated from Makavoy, who put in a spooky jump over the open water, left them under pressure.  And although the 19-year-old rider steered his 10-year-old steed home for just four faults in round two, a surprise refusal by his father’s mare, Showgirl, at the oxer at fence three proved costly. Despite a second-round clear from Christian Sorenson and Bobby, the final team total here was 30 faults.

US Chef d’Equipe, Robert Ridland, was spoiled for choice when deciding which of his two sides he would nominate for points-gathering purposes today.  But as it turned out it wasn’t his chosen USA Stars side of Kent Farrington (Blue Angel), Reed Kessler (Mika), Charlie Jayne (Chill R Z) and Christine McCrea (Zerly) who finished best, the latter producing the only clear round of this team effort second time out as they completed on 24 faults.

It was double-clears from Katie Dinan (Nougat du Vallet) and McLain Ward (Rothchild) that ensured runner-up spot for USA Stripes, Candice King’s two-round total of 22 faults with Campbell VDL discarded to leave them on a final tally of nine faults and three points clear of Canada One in third. Second-round clears from pathfinder Eric Lamaze (Power Play) and legendary anchorman Ian Millar (Dixson) ensured only the single time fault picked up by Mac Cone had to be added to the Canada One scoreline to see them complete with 14 on the board for third place.  But it wasn’t a completely smooth run for the eventual winners from Ireland.

Bolstered Their Position

Swail’s second classic clear initially bolstered their position at the top of the order but when Darragh Kerins’ E Muze Yek left the planks at five and both elements of the penultimate double at fence 11 on the ground second time out, then they looked a great deal less secure.  And when Richie Moloney’s fiery stallion, Carrabis Z, hit the wall in an otherwise clean run then Hanley knew that any more than a single error would scupper Irish chances.

This is a man however who knows how to take his chances when he gets them.  His hunger to return to the sport he loves has seen him overcome tremendous personal challenges since a simple accident, incurred at his home in Germany while playing with his children, shattered his career and his life two years ago.  No less than 17 operations to repair his damaged leg and to deal with subsequent complications left his medical advisors in grave doubt about his ever riding again, let alone at top level.  But he climbed back into the saddle last autumn and, just three weeks ago, he showed he was right back in business when winning the Grand Prix at Wiesbaden, Germany with Antello.

Last into the ring today the pair never put a foot wrong to seal the result with conviction.

Thrilled

Irish Chef d’Equipe, Robert Splaine, was thrilled for the team and for Hanley.

“Cameron made a fantastic comeback at Wiesbaden.  He was always a stalwart of the team and one of our strongest team riders so it was a huge loss when we didn’t have him for the last couple of years.”  Explaining the reason for Ireland’s participation at the Canadian event, he said, “Irish riders are based all over the world and many of our horses are not owned by Irish people.  Conor (Swail), Darragh Kerins and Darragh Kenny, who was our fifth man today, and Richie (Moloney) all have owners in this part of the world so we had an opportunity to field a team with the future in mind – looking ahead to Dublin, Hickstead and hopefully Barcelona as well as the European Championships.  It would be a huge mistake not to field a team here, and they were particularly well mounted. For three of the horses it was their first Nations Cup.  Only Conor’s Lansdowne competed in a Nations Cup before – at Gijon (Spain) last year,” the Irish team manager pointed out.

Hanley’s brother, Carl, bought Antello at a local show as a seven-year-old and Cameron rode him a year later, but when he sustained his injury the horse went to fellow-Irishman Alex Duffy and then to Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker who competed him successfully.  When he returned to fitness, Hanley’s new Swiss sponsors Eleonore Paschoud and Yves Bouv told him to find a Grand Prix horse, and there was no doubt in his mind which one he wanted.  He bought Antello back and, together with the 10-year-old horse, the 40-year-old Irishman’s career is right back on track.

Rider of the Day Award

Katie Dinan, second-line rider for the runner-up USA Stripes team, was presented with the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award and the super-talented 19-year-old said, “I feel very honoured.  This is only my second Nations Cup and I really wanted to show I belonged on the team.  It’s a little more pressure being on a team, so I was happy with my performance today.”

Today’s competition brought the North America, Central America and Caribbean League of the Furusiyya series to a close, with the USA finishing first but with just three points of an advantage over the runners-up from Canada while Mexico in third place.  The top two teams, USA and Canada, have qualified for the series Final in three months’ time.

Talking about today’s competition, US team manager, Robert Ridland, commented, “In a perfect world, we would have loved to have beaten the Irish. But what we really came here to do was one, qualify for the final. Number two, was really to give some young horses and young riders some experience on competitive teams. To me, the only way to do that is to do what we did, which was a little against the grain. There was no question that normally, as the Canadians did, you stack the deck on one team and that’s your point team. That’s the more conventional way of doing it. My feeling, the whole way along, is that it’s so important for the young riders to be able to experience Nations Cups on contending teams with veterans. We got huge experience today. We saw them perform well. I’m very excited.”

The globalisation of team Jumping through the new Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup format has already taken hold. Riders’ enthusiasm for the new concept was confirmed by Canadian Chef d’Equipe, Mark Laskin, who remarked, “We had a lot of interest in being a part of these two teams…. At the end of the day, I think the two groups that we chose were definitely the right picks. It was a fantastic opportunity for our developing riders. Our two least experienced riders, Chris Sorensen and Ben Asselin, really benefited from their experience today. They both were a little shaky in the first round, but they both came back and were able to redeem themselves. It was an invaluable experience that they’ll both draw on in the future. You need riders in the pipeline and on the right horses. We have a lot coming up. This was a tricky course today to be sitting on a horse you’re not really familiar with. Three of our riders on our points team were on newer mounts. Ian got his last Fall, but he hasn’t had him for a full season. Eric and Tiffany, last week was the first time. We’re only going to get better and it bodes well for the future. We’re really excited to qualify for Barcelona, and we’ll be there!” he pointed out.

The march to the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final continues with the next leg at Sopot in Poland tomorrow afternoon where 13 teams will be in action and eight will be battling for those all-important qualifying points.

For information on the eleventh leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Spruce Meadows (CAN) check out website www.sprucemeadows.com or contact Press Officer Jennifer Wood, Email jennifer@jenniferwoodmedia.com, Tel +1 803 240 7488. The next leg takes place in Sopot, Poland tomorrow, Friday 14 June.  For details of the Polish fixture go to website www.csi.sopot.pl or contact Press Officer Agnieszka Bilda at Email agnieszka.bilda@czerwonafurtka.pl, Tel +48 531 2080 50.

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 – Round 11 (Spruce Meadows CAN):

Result:

1. Ireland 4 faults: Lansdowne (Conor Swail) 0/0, E Muze Yek (Darragh Kerins) 0/12, Carrabis Z (Richie Moloney) 0/4, Antello (Cameron Hanley) 0/0.

2. USA Stripes 9 faults:  Nice de Prissey (Brianne Goutal) 5/4, Nougat du Vallet (Katie Dinan) 0/0, Campbell VDL (Candice King) 13/9, Rothchild (McLain Ward) 0/0.

3. Canada One 14 faults: Power Play (Eric Lamaze) 5/0, Verdi llll (Tiffany Foster) 4/5, Amor van de Rostal (Mac Cone) 5/1, Dixson (Ian Millar) 4/0.

4. USA Stars 24 faults: Blue Angel (Kent Farrington) 8/4, Mika (Reed Kessler) 4/4, Chill RZ (Charlie Jayne) 4/4, Zerly (Christine McCrea) 8/0.

5. Canada Two 30 faults: La Boom (Lisa Carlson) 5/9, Bobby (Christian Sorenson) 9/0, Makavoy (Ben Asselin) Elim/4, Showgirl (Jonathan Asselin) 4/8.

6. Mexico Azteca 35 faults: Crossing Jordan (Nicolas Pizzaro Suarez) 12/0, Spirit Magic (Manuel Alvarez) 13/8, Gitano (Frdeico Fernandez) 13/5, Criptonite (Enrique Gonzalez) 0/5.

7. Mexico Maya 26 faults IN ROUND 1 : Careyes (Patricio Pasquel) 17, Valentina (Claudia Lorenza O Farrill) 13, Vicky van het Geinsteinde (Alejandro Plascencia) 4, Skylubet (Ricardo Nizri) 9.

Facts and Figures:

Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada presented the eleventh leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series.

7 teams from four nations started in today’s competition – Canada One, Canada Two, USA Stars, USA Stripes, Mexico Azteca, Mexico Maya and Ireland.

6 teams competed in the second round.  Mexico Maya did not return for round two.

3 teams –  Mexico Azteca, USA Stars and Canada One – were competing for points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September.

Third place for Canada One and fourth for USA Stars ensures that the USA and Canada have now qualified for the Final.

Anchorman on the winning Irish team was Cameron Hanley who produced one of 4 double-clears in today’s competition.

4 double-clear rounds – from Ireland’s Conor Swail (Lansdowne) and Cameron Hanley (Antello) and USA Stripes’ Katie Dinan (Nougat du Vallet) and McLain Ward (Rothchild).

The bogey fences on the 12-obstacle course were the wavy planks at fence five and the wall at fence 10.

Hanley only recently returned to the saddle after a career-threatening leg injury sustained while playing with his children two years ago.

The 40-year-old Irishman was seriously ill for some considerable time, and underwent 17 different operations on his long road to recovery.

Today’s competition was part of the two-leg North America, Central America and Caribbean league of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series.

The USA was heading the leaderboard going into this second competition following victory on home turf at the first leg in Wellington, Florida in March.

Today’s course designer at Spruce Meadows was Venezuela’s Leopoldo Palacios.

Quotes:

Katie Dinan, USA Stripes – “My horse, Nougat du Vallet, I’ve had him a little over two years and he’s been a fantastic horse for me. He’s been the first horse that I’ve been competitive at this level with. Two years ago, Spruce Meadows was our first horse show together and we were doing 1.40m in this ring. It’s a little bit of a step up. Last year I brought him here and he jumped really well in the Meadows on the Green Ring, so I had a good feeling about this week. I was really excited to be named to one of the Nations Cup teams for the U.S. I feel great that he performed at his best today. He’s a great guy because I know that if I ride well, he’s going to rise to the occasion.”

US Chef d’Equipe, Robert Ridland, talking about Katie Dinan’s brilliant double-clear and his other riders performances today – “I expected that. I was not at all surprised to see her (Katie) jump double clean. It was great. There were a couple rounds we could improve on. Some of the veteran riders, with the newer horses, they know what to work on. The two rounds Nations Cup, when it really counts like it does here, you can learn something about your horse more than in a one round jump-off grand prix.”

Irish Chef d’Equipe, Robert Splaine – “This was a competition of the highest quality. I had an abundance of hope coming here – I knew the riders but only a little about some of the horses but I reckoned we were in with a good chance.”

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.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Spruce Meadows:

Jennifer Wood
Press Officer
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
jennifer@jenniferwoodmedia.com
+1 803 240 74 88

At FEI:

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

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

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

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

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

U.S. Teams Ready for $100,000 FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament

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Kent Farrington and Blue Angel (Sportfot)

Lexington, KY – All eyes will be on Calgary, Canada June 13-16 for the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament as many of the best jumpers from North America and abroad go head-to-head. The feature competition of the week, Thursday’s $100,000 Furusiyya Nations Cup, will host seven teams from four nations. Canada, Mexico and the United States will all be represented by two teams, with one team from each nation serving as the designated “point team”. These “point teams” will earn valuable points towards qualifying for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final in Barcelona, Spain, September 26-29, 2013. The United States currently carries 100 points after claiming victory in the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm at CSIO Wellington in March. They will look to book their ticket to Barcelona with a strong performance at Spruce Meadows on Thursday.

The Stars Team, composed of Reed Kessler, Kent Farrington, Charlie Jayne and Christine McCrea, has been chosen as the “point team” for the United States. Kessler (Lexington, KY) and Farrington (Wellington, FL) were teammates on the winning U.S. team in Wellington and look to secure their second Nations Cup victory of 2013. Kessler, who recently placed 10th in her first Rolex/FEI World Cup Final, will ride Mika, her second place finisher at the 2013 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G&C Farm. Farrington brings Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel into Nations Cup competition; the pair won the $150,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty in March as well as last week’s $33,000 ATB Financial Cup at Spruce Meadows.

Jayne (Elgin, IL) will ride Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher’s Chill R Z on the Stars Team. The reserve combination for the U.S. Team at the 2012 Olympic Games recently traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden and earned a top 20 finish at the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final. McCrea (East Windsor, CT) brings her $25,000 Grand Prix of North Salem winner, Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables’ Zerly, to Spruce Meadows’ Nation Cup competition. The pair spent the winter jumping at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival where they won the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup.

Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey (Sean McMillen Photography)
Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey (Sean McMillen Photography)

The U.S. will also be represented by a Stripes Team composed of Brianne Goutal, Katie Dinan, Candice King and McLain Ward. Goutal (New York, NY), who won many of the most prestigious equitation titles during her junior years, will ride Remarkable Farms LP’s talented Nice de Prissey in Nations Cup competition. The pair began their 2013 campaign with a third place finish in the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Riding in her first North American Nations Cup, Dinan (Wellington, FL) brings her veteran partner Grant Road Partners LLC’s Nougat Du Vallet into competition on Thursday. The pair won the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix presented by the Kincade Group at the Old Salem Spring Horse Show following a successful debut at the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final.

King (Wellington, FL) will represent the U.S. on the Stripes Team with Stateside Farm LLC’s Campbell VDL. The pair closed out the month of May with a fourth place effort in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix presented by Zoetis. Rounding out the team is Ward (Brewster, NY) and his 2013 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G&C Farm and Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon winner, Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild.

To learn more about the horse-and-rider combinations on both U.S. Teams, click here.

The $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup gets underway at 12pm MT.

Live coverage of competition can be found on FEITV.org.

To learn more about the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament, visit: http://www.sprucemeadows.com/tournaments/view_tournament.jsp?id=25.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Jumping Team here.

By Helen Murray

 

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

Nicholson Means Business at Luhmühlen

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Andrew Nicholson, pictured here with Nereo at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, has maintained his lead of the HSBC FEI Classics into the penultimate leg at Luhmühlen CCI4*. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 12 June 2013 – Andrew Nicholson (NZL), who holds a commanding lead in the HSBC FEI Classics, heads to Germany this week for the penultimate leg of the series at Luhmühlen CCI4*, presented by DHL PAKET (13-16 June).

Nicholson, the 2012 HSBC Rankings champion, is clearly not about to squander his excellent chance of becoming the first Kiwi to head the HSBC FEI Classics, and is travelling to the premier German event with three good rides.

He brings the Spanish-bred mare Qwanza, seventh at Kentucky last year, the striking grey Mr Cruise Control, by Cruising, fourth at Luhmühlen in 2010, plus Rathmoyle King, previously ridden at CCI4* level by Carolyne Ryan-Bell (GBR).

Nicholson has a 13-point advantage in the HSBC FEI Classics over his compatriot Jock Paget, winner of a thrilling Badminton (GBR) last month. Paget is also intent on maintaining his foothold on the HSBC FEI Classics and rides CCI4* débutant Bullet Proof.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR), three times a winner of the HSBC FEI Classics and currently third in the rankings, also has three top rides: his 2012 Olympic horse Lionheart, Neuf des Coeurs and Cool Mountain. The latter, a CCI4* winner at Kentucky in 2010 and a world team gold and individual silver medallist, is back in work after a season’s absence through injury.

Two more combinations from Britain’s Olympic silver medal team will be in action at Luhmühlen: Nicola Wilson rides the crowd-pleasing Opposition Buzz, a brilliant Cross Country horse, and Zara Phillips has re-routed High Kingdom after his run-out in the Badminton lake.

Two members of Australia’s Olympic team return to Luhmühlen after good placings here last year: Lucinda Fredericks, back in action after breaking her collarbone in a fall this spring, comes back with Flying Finish, the 2012 runner-up, and Andrew Hoy has Rutherglen, who finished sixth in 2012.

Olympic champion Michael Jung (GER), currently lying fourth in the HSBC FEI Classics, will ride last year’s Luhmühlen winner, Leopin, another to have a Cross Country refusal at Badminton.

A strong home entry includes double Olympic gold medallist Ingrid Klimke on Tabasco TSF, a dual CIC3* winner, Bettina Hoy on Lanfranco TSF, the horse that has brought her back to top level with 10th place at Burghley last year, and Julia Krajewski, who rides London-Return and has strong claims to the HSBC Training Bursary awarded to the best first-time CCI4* completion.

Luhmühlen is an important event for the German squad, as it is the major selection trial for the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships in Malmö (SWE) in August.

There are 51 horses entered from 11 nations: Australia, Belgium, Ecuador, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden and USA.

Cross Country Course Designer Mark Phillips (GBR) says that although his track runs on a similar route to last year, it is “a very different CCI4* test which will require concentration all the way round”.

The first water complex comes up at fence 4, the DHL PAKET Komplex, with a big boat fence into the water and a bounce distance out up a step and over another boat. The biggest fence on the course is the Gärtnerei Wredes Rennbahnsprung at 7, which is 1.45m and 2m wide at the top and 3m wide at the bottom.

Capt Phillips says the HSBC Complex at 9-12 in the main arena is, again, the most technical, with two hedge to corner questions on acute angles. “Hopefully, all horses and riders will come home with a smile on their faces,” he says.

Full details on www.luhmuehlen.de.

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

Watch the action LIVE on FEI TV (www.feitv.org/live), the FEI’s official video website from Luhmühlen (GER):

15 June – Cross Country: 12.20 local time
16 June – Jumping: 13.45 local time

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

Our signature twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL PAKET:

Friederike Stüvel-Huck
Press Officer
media@luhmuehlen.de
+49 171 5382900

FEI Media Contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Community/Charity

Teen Talents & Grand Prix Veterans to Appear on Step by Step Edition of “Speaking of Horses”

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Daniela Stransky aboard Stransky’s Mission Farm’s Anemone’s Vicky competing for Step by Step, photo Mancini Photos.

(Episode Premieres on Saturday, June 15, 2013)

JUNE 10, 2013 – Teenage show jumping talents Daniela Stransky, Mario Gamboa and Jose F. Bonetti are among the young riders who help raise funds and awareness for the non-profit Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com) throughout the year. These riders and others who support the international non-profit will make a guest appearance on Speaking of Horses, which premieres on cable television on Pegasus TV and Horse Talk TV (check local listings for times and channel) as well as on radio and through the internet at www.speakingofhorses.com on Saturday, June 15, 2013.

On air host Wayne Williams will chat with charity founder Liliane Stransky and grand prix rider Hector Florentino about how this new generation of equestrian stars is affecting people’s lives globally.  “We love the chance to reach new people,” stated Stransky, who also owns Stransky’s Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida.  “The kids are always spreading the word at the shows, helping to get other riders, trainers and owners to get involved.  It’s a lot of legwork in between classes, but they are incredibly motivated young riders. As guests on the show, we’ll be able to reach an entirely new group of horse fans! Of course, we’d love to meet them in person in Kentucky or Colorado where we’ll all be showing this summer.  But just by tuning in they can find out what we are doing with Step by Step and learn how, if they’d like, they can get involved without having to leave their computer or couch!  That way is a lot easier on the feet than trying to find us on the grounds!”

In addition, Speaking of Horses will include exciting footage of many juniors and grand prix veterans including Florentino, who both the rider/trainer at Stransky’s stable and long standing supporter. “It is a great feeling when you can combine what you love to do the most, which is riding, showing and training, with helping children and communities in need,” explained Florentino, one of the charity’s biggest assets, sporting the Step by Step logo and winning in the big money grand prix classes.  “Watching these youngsters coming up through the makes me very proud. I see they are not only good riders and horsemen, but while they are still young are proving they are good people too.”

“Watching these amazing kids from varied backgrounds all working together was great,” said Williams.  “They are helping others through horses and this speaks volumes about the human and equine connection. All I can say is WOW.”  The riders who are part of Team Step by Step are from around the United States, South America, Central America, and Europe. They not only support the international non-profit by raising awareness but also donate time and winnings in the show ring.

**The Speaking of Horses special Step by Step episode will premiere June 15, 2013 on Pegasus TV and Horse Talk TV and will repeat online at www.speakingofhorses.com.

By Sydney Masters

Auctions, Benefits, Classic Company, Community/Charity

Outback Steakhouse Dinner and Silent Auction Gala to Benefit the Hope Clinic Friday Night

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Devin Ryan and No Worries sale over an oxer in the Olympic Grand Prix Stadium during the Atlanta Spring Classics. Flashpoint Photography.

Conyers, Georgia – Outback Steak House, proud sponsor of the Atlanta Summer Classics SM, will again be serving up its finest food for the Sixteenth Annual Hope Clinic’s Charity Dinner and Silent Auction.

Scheduled for Friday night, June 14 at 6 pm, the gala event will take place in the VIP tent overlooking the Olympic Grand Prix Stadium during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.  The event was originally scheduled to take place during the Equitation Freestyle in the Walker Arena.  But due to a schedule change and the overwhelming popularity of the event, it needed to move locations in order to accommodate those who looked to attend and support the Hope Clinic.

Tickets are only $25.00 per person or $200.00 for a table of eight and can be purchased at the show office this week or on-line at www.hopeclinicgwinnett.info.  Silent auction items include paintings, photography, hand carved wooden bowls, crystal, pearls and vacation packages.

If you cannot attend the event, but would like to support the Hope Clinic, please visit their website to learn how you can contribute to helping those in need.

So get your entries in today because you don’t want to miss the fun at the world class Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympics, for two weeks of non-stop show jumping action.  The venue offers the one of a kind Olympic feel and offers excellent stabling, arenas, footing and of course, award winning service found only with the Classic Company.  Stalls are wait-list for Week I, but there are a handful of stalls available for Week II if you act fast.  And make sure to catch the best of ringside action and reserve your VIP tables today.  There is no better deal on any circuit and cost only $300.00 a week for a table of eight.

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.

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

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

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Charlie Jacobs Tops Leader Board for Deeridge Farms at Spruce Meadows ‘National’

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Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star placed third in the $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier. Photo By: Holly Burns.

East Aurora, NY and Wellington, FL – June 11, 2013 – The best riders in the world traveled to the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ tournament in Calgary, Alberta during the past week, and that included amateur rider Charlie Jacobs. Representing his family’s Deeridge Farms, Jacobs piloted his leading mount Flaming Star to an impressive third place finish during the $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier.

The week’s highlight event gathered a large crowd at the international ring as they watched the top show jumpers compete over the technical track designed by Werner Deeg of Germany. Only four horse and rider combinations managed to best the first round, the second of which was Jacobs aboard his 14-year-old Swiss Warmblood gelding by Fairman owned by CMJ Sporthorse LLC, Flaming Star.

When Jacobs returned for the tiebreaker, he opted for the tidy route, which paid off when he crossed the finish line aboard Flaming Star, all the rails intact and the clock stopping at 53.62 seconds. Professionals Kent Farrington and Reed Kessler managed to beat Jacobs time later in the jump-off, but his effort held up for the third place honors as the United States swept all three of the top positions.

“It was amazing,” expressed Jacobs. “There were four that jumped clean, and the course was very solid. It was a meaty track and it caught people at different places. I was ecstatic to jump clean in the first round, and when I came back second in the jump-off I went tidy, but not to the wall fast, and was clear, but then those two came in and were faster.”

Unlike Farrington and Kessler, Jacobs has a fulltime job in Boston with the Boston Bruins hockey team. He does not have the option to ride as much as he would like, but he still manages to compete with the best in the world.

“I love to ride, and I think it speaks volumes about the support that I have not only from my wife and kids but also the team that looks after the horses and rides them at Deeridge when I can’t be there,” he explained. “It’s great to be part of the team with all the people at Deeridge.”

Jacobs added, “Flaming Star is a great animal. He’s a quirky little guy and has particular things that he likes. If you get to know him well enough though and form a partnership, he gets done what needs to get done. He’s all heart and he’s a real competitor; he always goes for it.”

Jacobs will compete again in a few weeks with Deeridge Farms at the Lake Placid Horse Shows in New York before heading to Traverse City, Michigan for Horse Shows by the Bay.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com