Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Two for Two: Heidi Degele Scores 82% with Don Fredo to Round Out the Season

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Heidi Degele and her mount Don Fredo competing at Welcome Back to White Fences IV. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Degele)

Wellington, FL (April 17, 2013) – Preparedness paid off for Heidi Degele, whose road to success has been one way, through hard work. With a full-time competition stable she runs located in Loxahatchee, FL, former Michigan resident Degele finds her stride training horses and students to achieve high scores while climbing the levels to the international stage.  There are two main goals Degele works towards for the 2013 USA Dressage season: one, qualifying for the Markel/USEF National and Developing Championships held August 21-25, 2013 in Wayne, Illinois, and two, helping her student Chloe Hatch climb the levels in the Young rider division.  Degele achieved both her goals during the first week in April 2013 at the Welcome Back White Fences III and IV competitions.

Riding Don Fredo (Don Frederico x Pik Bube I), owned by Greystone Equestrian LLC, Degele scored big in the 6-year-old test with an 82.000%, which was the high score of the show.  Degele said, “The ride was almost flawless.  I gave it my all and so did Don Fredo.  I went down the center line thinking I was going to ride perfect have not let the judges have anything to comment on and it worked.  The judges complimented and thanked me for bringing Don Fredo and only had positives to say, concluding that they see him as being a CDI horse in the future.” She trains with Lars Peterson regularly during the year and she watched him win the CDI 5* the night before the class.  She said, “Lars’ ride very much inspired me. I kept telling myself to ride like Lars.  Give it your all.”  With the goal of going to the Markel/USEF National and Developing Championships held August 21-25, 2013 in Wayne, Illinois, she said, “I think it is harder to qualify the young horse in Florida, considering our shows are earlier in the year and he’s not even technically 6 years old yet. The horses up north have an advantage given that they have more time to grow and age.  So, my goal was to get high enough scores to qualify and to pick my shows wisely.  I also showed him in a couple 3rd level tests to help prepare him for the 6-year-old test.  He is really a smart horse and learns things so quick.  He is also mentally very mature, so I am so happy for this success with him.  It’s my highest score ever.”

With Lakota, an 8-year-old American Warmblood owned by Mesa Farms LLC, Degele scored 65.58% Saturday and Sunday scored 66.69% in the FEI Developing Horse Prix St George.  Degele said, “My Goals for Lakota are to qualify for the Chicago Young Horse Championships.  I believe in this horse.  He has so much heart, more than any other horse I’ve ridden.  He loves to work.” With Both horses scoring high, Degele not only has qualified for the Illinois Championships, but by qualifying early in the year, looks forward to being competitive on the national stage for the United States of America.  Degele also rode Joanne Brooks’ 8-year-old Danish warmblood Lyric in the Third Level Open division to scores over 68%.  Lyric, who came from Canada to train with Degele for the season, made his debut at Third level with Degele who praised the horse’s work ethic and trainability.

Proud of her student Chloe Hatch who rode Slogan to a 60% in the Junior Team Test on Saturday, Degele said, “I am very proud of Chloe.  These are hard tests and hard competition.  She has been sick and Slogan actually had fractured his leg about a year and half ago.  So the fact they are competing at this level is such a huge accomplishment.”

Degele also competed the 12-year-old Hanoverian mare Ratina, who is by Rotspon and owned by Kristi Bloom.  The pair scored a 69.2% in the Third Level Test 1 Open division.  Degele stated, “This is another sales horse; I wanted her to have a current show record and in fact I ended up selling this wonderful mare 4 days after the show. I was so very proud of her.  She didn’t put a foot wrong and was happy to show off in the ring.”

With Kresjan, a 12-year-old Danish Warmblood by Lanskoy and owned by Claire Liang, Degele scored 66% in the Open Prix St George division to win the class, an impressive move since this was the horse’s first time being shown by Degele.  Degele said, “I just wanted to give this lovely horse a show record in the US.  He was successfully shown in Europe, and is a great horse, super easy and push button.  We are very proud of him.”

Degele wants to give a special thanks to Custom Saddlery for being such a great sponsor throughout the years and to help her achieve the 2013 path ahead.  With the strong scores, 2013 will prove an epic year for team Degele.

Contact:
Heidi Degele
Cell: 561.294-4118
Farm / Fax: 561.753-9325
Email: HeidiDressage@aol.com

Uncategorized

President Obama Moves to Make Horse Slaughter Illegal

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With the onset of horse slaughter at the forefront of every media outlet in the past few weeks, there have been many advocates feverishly voicing their opinion against legalizing horse slaughter in the U.S.

Recently in Congress, the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act was introduced. The bill will prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the U.S. and ban their export abroad for that purpose. This bill ensures the protection of our nation’s horses from the controversial horse slaughter industry and will also protect the public from tainted horsemeat riddled with chemicals. The SAFE Act is sponsored by Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Representatives Patrick Meehan (R-PA) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

Additionally, The Obama administration has included a proposal in its 2014 budget that would effectively ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. On a technicality, the language would prevent money on horse slaughterhouse inspections. However, without proper inspections, they would not be able to operate.

Every year, more than 100,000 horses are trucked hundreds of miles to slaughter in Canada and Mexico, according to PETA. Last year, PETA investigators documented the transport of nearly three dozen horses from a “meat buyer” in Iowa to the Les Viandes de la Petite-Nation, Inc. slaughterhouse in Quebec, a grueling 1,100 mile, 36 hour journey in subfreezing conditions. The horses were never given any food or water or off-loaded even once for a rest.

Last year, the Los Angeles Times wrote an editorial about certain drugs being administered to horses that could cause serious risks and health problems to humans if consumed.

“Horses that are bought here to be sold to processing plants in Mexico and Canada are acquired from random sources… they have not been tracked from birth, as cattle and pigs are,” said the Times in their editorial. “In addition, the horses have usually been treated over their lifetimes with a vast array of drugs, the most common of which is the pain reliever Phenylbutazone, a substance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stipulates can never be administered to animals processed for food.”

Please take the time to take action below and let your elected officials know that you support the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act and tell President Obama to keep the language in his 2014 budget.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO SECURE PERMANENT BAN

Sincerely,
Madeleine Pickens

Check out the new Mustang Monument website:
www.MustangMonument.com

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Jane Heart Jewelry Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown Win

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March 20th, 2013 – Jane Heart has enhanced her licensed jewelry designs for this special 40th anniversary by incorporating iconic blue enamel onto Secretariat’s blinkers. From the famous cover of Time Magazine to his commemorative postage stamp, Secretariat’s image comes to life with these finely detailed sterling silver and enameled pieces. These sterling silver designs, enameled specifically for Secretariat’s Triple Crown Anniversary, include a large and small pendant, a charm and a brooch. Additional pieces include a sporty blue leather bracelet with charm, a denim lapis bead necklace and classic cuff links. All designs are made and enameled in the United States. Each piece is stamped with Secretariat’s name on the back and comes gift boxed with a blue pouch and a commemorative card.

Secretariat, America’s champion, fondly known as “Big Red”, became a hero and symbol of hope during the early 1970s. His legacy as the greatest racehorse of all time has endured to this day.  Winner of the coveted Triple Crown, Secretariat is the only horse ever to break all three track records of the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and Belmont Stakes in the 93 years of the Triple Crown.

A portion of all sales benefits the Secretariat Foundation started by Penny Chenery to benefit equine related charities. Jane Heart licensed Secretariat Jewelry designs are available at select stores and online at www.secretariat.com and www.janeheart.com.

The trademark SECRETARIAT is used under license. All Secretariat designs and photographs are copyright protected by Jane Heart, LLC with any and all rights to publication reserved.

For further information, contact:
Jane Heart LLC
PO Box 6399
Scottsdale, AZ  85261
jane@janeheart.com
www.janeheart.com
Phone: 480-998-0503
1-888-703-0503
Mobile 602-300-5148

Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HorseJewelry.

Jewelry for Secretariat benefits the Secretariat Foundation. Jewelry for Barbaro benefits The Fund for Laminitis Research.

Championships, Competitions, Show Jumping

Vermont Summer Festival to Host Young Jumper Championship Qualifiers

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Devin Ryan and Roman Saluut won the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix during the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival. David Mullinix Photography.

East Dorset, Vermont – The next generation of grand prix horses will take center stage during the first three weeks of the Vermont Summer Festival with qualifying classes for the Young Jumper Championship series.  Running July 2 through August 11 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, the Vermont Summer Festival is the richest sporting event based on purse in the state with more than $750,000 in prize money.

“The Vermont Summer Festival has been hosting qualifiers for a number of years and we’re happy to have their support again this year,” said Cheryll Frank, Director of the Young Jumper Championships.  “The whole purpose of the program is to give young horses quality experiences and whenever you have events with the caliber of the Vermont Summer Festival, it provides a tremendous opportunity for our members.”

Five-year-old, six-year-old, and seven- and eight-year-old jumper classes will be held during weeks one, two and three of the Vermont Summer Festival.  These qualifiers will count towards earning a spot at the Young Jumper Championship Eastern League Finals at the Hampton Classic, August 25 to September 1, in Bridgehampton, NY.

“The Young Jumper Championships are an important tool for developing up-and-coming grand prix horses,” said John Ammerman, organizer of the Vermont Summer Festival.  “These classes provide an exciting opportunity to see some spectacular young horses at the start of their careers.  Many of the horses competing in the program have returned to Vermont and enjoyed tremendous success here.”

Devin Ryan of Long Valley, NJ, is just one of several regular competitors at the Vermont Summer Festival whose horses have benefitted from the Young Jumper Championship program.  Two of his top mounts, No Worries and Roman Saluut, have become regulars in Vermont’s winner’s circle after competing in the young horse classes.  Roman Saluut won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix in 2011 and the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix in 2012, the same year No Worries claimed victory in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix.

“The Young Jumper Championships really provide a pipeline for future grand prix horses,” explained Ryan, who operates River Run Stables.  “Young horses need to be properly developed and this series provides that opportunity.  The horses compete against their peers, not seasoned show horses, and the courses are designed to build confidence and encourage clear rounds.  More needs to be done to support classes like these so that riders have the ability to bring along American-bred horses instead of importing from Europe.”

Created in 1998, the Young Jumper Championships is designed to provide an age-appropriate program for the development of young show jumping horses and to identify the most promising prospects competing in the United States.  For more information about the Young Jumper Championships, please visit www.youngjumpers.com.

For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont.  Known for its wide variety of area amenities including a large range of lodging options, restaurants to suit every taste, outdoor activities, and lots and lots of shopping, Manchester-area businesses warmly welcome horse show competitors to the area each summer.

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

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, USEF

US Teams Finish 1-2 at Wellington Dressage Nations Cup

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Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin (SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL – Ten teams of international dressage riders met on Friday for a chance to win the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm, America’s only CDIO3*. And though there was plenty of good competition, Team U.S.A. I (the U.S. was represented by two teams) was clearly the day’s best.

Total, seven horse/rider combinations earned scores of 70% or more. Three of them were on Team U.S.A. I. Leading the way were Kimberly Herslow and Kiroli Enterprises LLC’s Rosmarin. Their score of 72.079% was more than enough to win in the Prix St. Georges competition, and was the highest individual score of the day.

“It’s such a privilege to have a horse like Rosmarin,” said Herslow, “he gives me one-hundred and ten percent every time he goes into the ring and today was no exception. It was an honor to ride on this team and I’m so happy to have contributed.”

Team U.S.A. I also had contributions from Prix St. George pair Caroline Roffman and her own Her Highness O, and Grand Prix level riders Heather Blitz and Shelly Francis. Francis rode Patricia Stempel’s Doktor to a 70.213%, good for second place in the Grand Prix division, and Blitz rode her 2011 Pan American Games individual silver medalist Paragon to a 71.021%, good enough to win the Grand Prix competition.

“I’m very happy with how [Paragon] went today,” Blitz said after the competition was over, “it was one of my favorite tests, especially in the connection. He gets better in every test. He’s come a long way, but there’s still a lot left. [Today] was a great confidence builder and I’m excited to continue his training.”

Teams for the Wellington Dressage Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm were made up of three or four horses and riders, not more than two of which could be Grand Prix combinations. The top three scores from each team were counted toward the final total. For each Grand Prix score in that top three, an extra 3 percentage points were added to the final team score (this format is the proposed format for the Pan American Games, and Friday’s Nations Cup was used as a test of that format). With the two highest Grand Prix scores counting toward their final score, Team U.S.A. I finished with a total combined score of 219.313, far and away the best team score of the competition.

Not to be too overshadowed though was second place finisher Team U.S.A. II. The team of Prix St. George riders Christopher Hickey and Justin Hardin, and Grand Prix riders Susan Dutta and Cesar Parra earned a total score of 208.675. For a minute, it looked like third place team Canada I (Canada was also represented by two teams) might take the runner up position, but a clutch 69.043% from Parra and Van the Man secured a second place finish for Team U.S.A. II.

“It’s always a privilege to ride on a team,” said Parra, after securing the second place finish. “My horse had a fantastic day and I was very pleased with our test.”

Rounding out the top five were teams Europe (Lars Petersen, Mikala Munter Gundersen, Katarin Stumpf, and Kevin Kohmann) in fourth place, and Spain (Carlos Munoz, Juan Matute, Juan Matute Jr., and Paula Matute) in fifth place.

Competitors return to the ring Saturday for a chance at individual honors. The top finisher will be crowned by combining his/her scores from the Freestyle, performed Saturday, and Sunday’s test of either the FEI Intermediaire I or the FEI Grand Prix Special.

On demand video of every ride from the Wellington Dressage Nations Cup CDIO3* is now available at USEFNetwork.com.

Links to individual scores can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/overlays/517.aspx.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

By Andrew Minnick

Competitions, Polo

Gordon W. Ross Team Re/Max Wins GPL International Tournament Senator’s Cup

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Despite a driving rainstorm, Team Re/Max’s Gina Padilla brings the ball downfield and scores her team’s first goal. Photos by Alex Pacheco.

WELLINGTON, FL – April 15, 2013 — Gordon W. Ross, playing in less than ideal weather conditions, scored the winning goal to lead Team Re/Max to a 2-1 victory over Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox in the championship final of the fourth annual Gay Polo League International Tournament Senator’s Cup Saturday at rain-soaked Grand Champions Polo Club.

A light rain turned into a thunderous, driving rainstorm late in the opening chukker making conditions challenging for both players and horses.

Despite the wet field and steady rain, Team Re/Max was able to jump out to a 2-0 lead behind goals by Gina Padilla and Ross. Dan Haynia scored for Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox before umpires called the game after one chukker.

It was the second time in tournament history Team Re/Max captured the coveted trophy and third consecutive year Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox finished runner-up.

Ross was named Tournament Most Valuable Player and Haynia was selected as Most Improved Player.

In addition to Ross, Ezequiel Ortiz Berne, Gina Padilla and pro Juan Bollini were members of the winning team.

Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox featured Dan Haynia, Jean-Marc Herrouin, Chip McKenney and 10-goal Piaget pro Miguel Astrada, who replaced Audi pro Jeff Hall in the final.

“We’re happy to walk away with the trophy,” Ross said. “We won the first year and the last two years we were in the consolations which is still fun but it’s always nice to be in the running for the championship. When you get there it’s a wonderful experience.

“That first year was electrifying because it was such a new experience for all of us,” Ross said. “But this is pretty special, too.”

Ross, based in Calgary, Alberta Canada, has also won the 2011 Mercedes AMG Cup, 2010 Canadian Open and Gilget Cup.

“All tournaments are important no matter where they are, but this one is special to win,” Ross said.

Under clear skies on Friday, Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox advanced into the final with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Wellington Coalition on the opening day of the two-day tournament. Gordon W. Ross Team Re/Max advanced with a 5-3 win over Cedar Crest Stables in the other semifinal game.

In front of a record, festive crowd of more than 3,000 spectators, both teams were competitive from the opening throw-in.

Ross has competed in all four GPL tournaments.

“The skill has moved up a level absolutely,” said Ross, rated at 0 goals. “The players have increased in their level of play which is so great. It makes it more safer for all the players.

“We are here to have an experience,” Ross said. “All the teams this year were quite well-balanced. That’s what you like to see. You don’t want to see one dominating team because that’s no fun for anybody. Our game on Friday could have gone either way.”

Ross was thrilled to play with Bollini, a former 8-goal rated player from Argentina.

Looking more like water polo, Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox pro Miguel Astrada comes in to defend Gordon Ross of Team Re/Max
Looking more like water polo, Polo Gear/Palm Beach Rox pro Miguel Astrada comes in to defend Gordon Ross of Team Re/Max

“He’s been great; we love him and we have played with him before,” Ross said. “He’s a great team leader and we enjoyed having him on our team. We strategized; we always do. It’s really important to follow your team leader.”

McKenney, GPL founder and polo player, a member of last year’s winning Gammu Mu team, supported the officials’ decision to call the game even thought it was bittersweet.

“Safety of the horses first and we wanted to make sure no one gets hurt as well,” McKinney said.

“It’s so, so bittersweet,” McKinney said. “First of all four chukkers are always better than one. We almost made it through the weather but it just didn’t cooperate the last few minutes.

“But overall it didn’t seem to dampen anybody’s spirits other than mine because I wanted to play,” McKinney said. “The exciting thing was it was two really great games on Friday and we all came in prepared to win it today. They got a better first chukker off us and they won, fair and square, one goal.”

For the second day in a row, 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, the greatest polo player in the world, and his wife Maria were on hand to cheer on Gordon W. Ross/Team Re/Max.

Berne is a Cambiaso family friend and La Dolfina public relations man. He was a last-minute lineup addition filling in for an injured player who was unable to make the trip.

Berne, making his GPL debut, said he was thrilled to be part of the winning team although it will take a while for him to catch up to Cambiaso’s trophy case.

“This was fun and special and motivates me to play more and learn more,” Berne said.

It was also another huge step for the Gay Polo League, attracting new fans and hopefully, new members.

“Next year will be our fifth year,” McKinney said. “We had 10-goal and 7-goal professionals playing with us and Cambiaso was here watching us. That’s just extraordinary. We had players from Argentina, France and Canada playing. We really are an international event and I couldn’t be more excited. I am thrilled with it.”

The tournament was hosted by Grand Champions Polo Club and Marc and Melissa Ganzi. Melissa Ganzi, newly-elected president of the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, selected the well-matched teams and provided most of the ponies for the tournament including Best Playing Pony Baby, ridden by Christine Vermes in the consolation final.

The Gay Polo League, created in 2006, is an international organization and only known gay polo league in the world. Currently, the GPL’s established four U.S. chapters are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Wellington.

GPL members include players from several foreign countries such as France, England, Argentina, South Africa, Canada and Australia.

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington.

INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro teams Audi and Piaget and Polo School at Grand Champions. Everyone is welcome to watch polo in a relaxed atmosphere during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the International Cup in November, Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament in March, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League International Tournament, both in April.

Sharon Robb for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm Take Top Honors at Spring Gathering Horse Show

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Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm earned the Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship at the Spring Gathering Horse Show. Photo By: Shawn McMillen.

Katy, TX – April 15, 2013 – While Eirin Bruheim wrapped up the winter season in Wellington and prepared to travel to Europe, Peter Pletcher represented Nordic Lights Farm with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm at the Spring Gathering Horse Show in Katy, TX. The talented duo scored winning honors in the Conformation Hunter division, eventually earning the reserve championship.

Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm have had a winning partnership for a number of years, taking top placings at the country’s most prestigious horse shows. The Spring Gathering Horse Show was no exception. Together they dominated the Conformation Hunter division, winning the handy class and the over fences class, as well as placing second over fences and under saddle. Their top finishes in the division helped them earn the reserve championship prize.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm was really good last week,” explained Pletcher. “He’s come along beautifully. He’s so brave and honest, and he’s always amazing during the handy rounds.”

Nordic Lights Farm had a successful season at the Winter Equestrian Festival with all of their horses. Now they are looking forward to continued success throughout the summer in Europe with Lauren Hough, while Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare continue to compete in the hunter derby events in the United States.

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, that was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 20-year-old Eirin Bruheim and 18-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Polo

Audi Ends 2013 High Goal Season with 12-8 Loss to Defending U.S. Open Champion Zacara

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Audi’s Nico Pieres goes after the ball with Zacara’s Mike Azzaro and Magoo LaPrida defending and Audi teammate Jeff Hall backing up his teammate. Photos – Alex Pacheco.

WELLINGTON, FL – April 14, 2013 — Audi, given new life when Coca-Cola eliminated Zorzal, went down fighting Sunday in the quarterfinals of the 109th Maserati U.S. Open in front of a packed crowd at Isla Carroll East.

Leading 5-2 early in the third chukker, Audi lost its momentum in the fourth chukker and was unable to regain its composure ending its rollercoaster season at the hands of defending U.S. Open champion Zacara.

Zacara opened the second half with its best horses and outscored Audi 5-1 in the fourth chukker to defeat Audi, 12-8.

“I think we felt we had as good a chance as anyone,” Audi team captain Marc Ganzi said. “Recognizing this side of the bracket eventually meets Valiente, we felt there was a pretty clear path to get there if we could get through this game. This was the toughest game.”

Zacara 10-goaler Facundo Pieres, playing against brothers Gonzalito and Nico Pieres, led all scoring with nine goals including four in the fourth chukker.

The Pieres brothers along with Ganzi won the 2009 U.S. Open.

Gonzalito Pieres drives downfield with brother and 10-goaler Facundo Pieres of Zacara in hot pursuit
Gonzalito Pieres drives downfield with brother and 10-goaler Facundo Pieres of Zacara in hot pursuit

“We are in to win this tournament,” Facundo Pieres said. “It’s hard to play my brothers. It’s not nice to play against them. I am very happy for myself but feel really bad for them.”

Zacara (4-0), one of only two teams left undefeated in the 11-team tournament, will play Alegria (2-1), 10-9 winners over ERG (2-2) in Wednesday’s semifinal game at 4 p.m.

Valiente (5-0), 15-12 winners over Orchard Hill (1-3) will play Coca-Cola (2-2), 11-10 winners over Lechuza Caracas (2-2) in the other semifinal at 2 p.m.

“The first half we missed a lot of goals, five or six goals,” Zacara team captain Lyndon Lea said. “We knew that the odds were if we kept playing the way we were playing eventually they would come. Audi is a good team. There are no simple games in this tournament.”

Ganzi was forced to come out the fourth chukker when he lost the feeling in his right arm. Ganzi has been playing with a broken thumb, bruised arm and knee injury this season.

Wellington High senior Juancito Bollini, 16, replaced him for one chukker and defended well against former 10-goaler Mike Azzaro. Ganzi returned to the game in the fifth chukker but by then Zacara had found its momentum.

“It was unfortunate, my muscles had shut down and I just needed 15 minutes to get some ice and electro-stimulation,” Ganzi said. “I got my power back but I had no grip. My muscles had fatigued and cramped.”

Ganzi opted not to take the 15-minute injury timeout and sent Bollini in.

“I figured Juan could get out there and fill in pretty well,” Ganzi said. “He had filled in pretty well all season. It’s not on him. They came out after making a really nice halftime adjustment on the throw-ins and that opened up the space for them.

“With Mike Azzaro up front he was able to peel off, go receive passes and score goals again,” Ganzi said. “That’s what this team does well. When Mike scores, they win. When you shut Mike down you cut off their scoring and then you’re forcing Facundo and Magoo (LaPrida) to shoot from long distances. That’s what we tried to in the first half and it worked.

“We had a really good game plan to neutralize Magoo but the fourth chukker gave them life.”

Like many of its 26-goal games this season, it was a rollercoaster ride for Grand Champion Polo Club-based Audi against Zacara playing well the first half and then digging itself out of a hole in the second half.

Marc Ganzi going for the ball while playing with a broken right thumb and protective white sleeve on right arm
Marc Ganzi going for the ball while playing with a broken right thumb and protective white sleeve on right arm

“This was the defending U.S. Open champs; we knew this was going to be a tough, tough match-up,” Ganzi said. “We felt this was an even game inside the field.

“It’s the story of the season, close a bunch of times. We have some good chukkers and some bad chukkers. We win the first, second and third, we lose the fourth badly, we tie the fifth and lose the sixth. There’s your game.”

For Audi’s Jeff Hall, one of America’s top players rated at 7 goals, it was the end of a long season. Hall will now return to Texas where he plans to compete in 14-goal polo.

“I think we played a really good first half,” Hall said. “They made some good changes at halftime. They put Facundo in the back and Mike up front. They won a bunch of throw-ins. Their tactics were different.

“It was tough losing Marc in that chukker; that was uncontrollable. We were with the plan, we were playing well and we had rhythm. Everyone was pretty focused. We missed some back shots in the fourth. They just really outplayed us; the fourth chukker got us.

“It was a tough season,” Hall said. “It just seemed like we never got our rhythm 100 percent.”

Nico Pieres led Audi scoring with five goals including two on penalty shots. Gonzalito Pieres had three goals, all in the second chukker. In addition to Facundo Pieres nine goals, Azzaro had two and LaPrida one goal.

When asked what he was doing the remainder of the month, Ganzi said, “I am going to try and relax.” He plans to undergo knee surgery later on this year and will rest his right arm and broken thumb.

On Thursday, Grand Champions Polo Club-based Piaget will play Faraway for the Hall of Fame Cup at 4 p.m.

The U.S. Open Polo Championship, first played in 1904 at Van Courtland Park, celebrated 100 years in 2004. It is one of three major polo tournaments worldwide along with the British and Argentine Opens. It is also the third jewel of U.S. polo’s 26-goal Triple Crown that includes the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Piaget Gold Cup.

Since 1996, the U.S. Open has been held in South Florida. In 2005, Julio Gracida added to the Gracida family’s combined record of 36 U.S. Open Polo Championship wins.

PIAGET U.S. OPEN/HALL OF FAME CUP SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 17, U.S. Open Semifinals, 2 and 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 18, Hall of Fame Cup final, Piaget vs. Faraway, 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 21: 109th Maserati U.S. Open final, 3 p.m.

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington.

INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro teams Audi and Piaget. Everyone is welcome to watch polo in a relaxed atmosphere during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the International Cup in November, Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament in March, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League International Tournament, both in April.

Sharon Robb for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Parra Earns Second-Place Individual Honors at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3*

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Cesar Parra and Van the Man (SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL – Cesar Parra (Whitehouse Station, NJ) clinched second-place Individual honors today at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm riding Michael and Sarah Davis’ Van the Man. The combination scored 74.375% in Friday’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Test and returned Sunday to earn a 72.208% in the FEI Grand Prix Special. The veteran pair finished with 146.583 to claim the runner-up position.

“I’m very excited to be able to take part in my first Nations Cup and to medal,” said Cesar Parra.  “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. I’d like to thank my owners, wife, groom, and Katie Riley, my eyes on the ground.  This horse has improved so much.  I love him.”

Finishing in third for the U.S. was Caroline Roffman (Wellington, FL) and her own Her Highness O with an Individual total of 146.313. They scored 74.050% in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle and were awarded 72.263% for their FEI Intermediaire I Test on Sunday.

Earning top Individual honors in the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm was Christilot Boylen and Dio Mio of Canada. On Saturday the pair earned 75.500% in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle and 73.789% in the FEI Intermediaire I Test for a final of 149.289.

Links to individual scores can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/overlays/517.aspx.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

Championships, Driving, Pony, USEF, USEF

Morgan, Matheson and Stroud Earn National Titles at Southern Pines CDE

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Tracey Morgan (Picsofyou.com)

Raeford, NC – The Southern Pines CDE came to a conclusion on Sunday at the picturesque Carolina Horse Park as three pony drivers were crowned 2013 National Champions. In the USEF National Combined Driving Single Pony Championship Tracey Morgan had the trip of day to claim the Single Pony Title for the first time. Jennifer Matheson claimed her third USEF National Combined Driving Pair Pony Championship, with a solid cones phase. The USEF National Combined Driving Pony Team Championship went to Lisa Stroud for the ninth time as she executed a near faultless trip.

USEF National Combined Driving Single Pony Championship

Morgan (Beallsville, MD) drove her own Fuego 88 flawlessly in the cones phase to post the only double clear in any of the Advanced divisions. The 12-year-old German Riding Pony completed on a three-day total of 130.59.

“I knew I needed to do that (drive double clear), to have a shot. That double clear is always so important; it was my first of the year,” said Morgan. “We kept fighting our way up from third after the dressage all weekend.”

Morgan is a former USEF National Combined Driving Pair Pony Championship but this is the first time topping the Single Pony Championship.

“It was fantastic to win the National Championship; it was good friends and good competition.”

Earning the Reserve Championship was the leader following the marathon, Paul Maye (Fairfield, VA) on a final score of 134.71. Maye drove Harmony Sport Horses’ Markus just a little too conservatively to incur 8.32 time faults but leave all the balls in place in the cones.

Jennifer Matheson (Picsofyou.com)
Jennifer Matheson (Picsofyou.com)

USEF National Combined Driving Pair Pony Championship

Matheson (Aiken, SC) drove the combination of Bax and Cees to a cones score of 8.90 after incurring six faults for two balls down and 2.90 time faults. The 2010 and 2011 National Champion earned her third title on a score of 145.15.

“It’s great to win (the National Championship); this makes three,” said Matheson. “It really solidifies to me that I can represent my country.”

The Southern Pines CDE proved to be a large step forward for Matheson and her ponies after a less than ideal spring campaign.

“We’re improving; I’m still trying to get my confidence back. I’ve been unsettled but I’m getting more confident.”

Finishing in second and earning Reserve Champion honors was Wendy O’Brien (Aiken, SC) on a score of 157.37. The 2012 National Champion incurred four balls down and 4.60 time faults for a cones total of 16.60.

USEF National Combined Driving Pony Team Championship

Stroud (West Grove, PA) drove with great precision to complete the weekend with a cones score of 4.24, one ball down and 1.24 time faults. She earned her record-tying eighth consecutive National Championship on a score of 170.11.

“It’s kind of cool,” said Stroud of her ninth National Title (2004 and 2006-2013).

Stroud was very pleased with her team on Sunday as they performed so well over the challenging cones course.

Lisa Stroud (Picsofyou.com)
Lisa Stroud (Picsofyou.com)

“That was a hard cones course. I felt lucky to get out of there alive,” said Stroud. “It (the time) was very tight. I’m very pleased with all these ponies.”

Heather Schneider (Palm City, FL) earned the Reserve Championship on a three-day total of 201.98, after scoring 14.74 on the cones (one ball down and 11.74 time faults).

For results, visit: http://drivingnews.us/results/results2013/SouthernPines/.

To learn more about the Southern Pines CDE, visit: http://southernpinescdedotcom.wordpress.com/.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Driving Team here.

By Helen Murray