Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour Capture $300,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 5*

Leave a comment

Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour. Photo © Sportfot.

Lillie Keenan Tops Sam Edelman Equitation Championship Riding Levistano 2; Lauren Henry Triumphs in Equitation 15-17 Division aboard Esteban La Paz

Wellington, FL, March 9, 2013 – Saturday night’s $300,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by The Bainbridge Companies, was an incredible display of world-class talent as Germany’s Daniel Deusser, Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda, and Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Nick Skelton topped an all-star cast during the highlight event for week nine of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF).

Forty-five entries showed in the prestigious World Cup qualifier jumping a course set by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL. Representatives from 14 different countries competed, including an impressive 20 riders that have appeared in Olympic Games for their home nations. In a thrilling race against the clock, eight of the world’s best made it to the jump-off and four jumped double clear.

Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Cella were the first pair to clear the jump-off course and set the leading time at a lightning fast 40.12 seconds. Nick Skelton was up next with his great mount Big Star, owned by Beverly Widdowson. They cleared the course in 41.01 seconds. Alvaro de Miranda and AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno, owned by Miranda and Victory Equestrian BV, went next and stopped the clock in 40.46 seconds. Their round was followed by a stellar performance from Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour, owned by Stephex Stables and Pedro Veniss. They flew through the course in 38.94 seconds to earn top prize. Maher and Cella finished second, de Miranda and AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno were third, and Skelton and Big Star placed fourth.

Watch an interview with winning rider, Daniel Deusser
Watch an interview with winning rider, Daniel Deusser

Daniel Deusser has ridden Cornet d’Amour, a ten-year-old Westphalian gelding by Cornet Obolensky x Damiani, for ten months since he began riding for Stephex Stables in Belgium last May. After a couple of months off and a 1.40m class at a national show in Germany, the pair traveled to Wellington this winter and jumped right in with week eight’s Nations Cup.

“I was doubting that it was maybe a little too quick to start with the Nations Cup last week, but he came in that ring and he felt fantastic,” Deusser stated. “He jumped double clear in the Nations Cup and was third in the class Thursday and he wins now, so I think he did a really good job.”

Commenting on the class, Deusser noted, “The beginning of the class we didn’t have too many clear rounds, but at the end we had very good riders and very good horses. The quality of the horses and riders in the jump-off was really good and they started very fast. For me there was no choice; I had to try it and we were a little bit lucky and it worked out today.”

“I saw that the jump-off was really fast,” Deusser detailed. “I saw Nick just before I went in and he did eight strides to the last fence. I thought that it was really long, but at the beginning I already had a really good turn from one to two and really kept the triple bar on the inside. Then also to the double vertical I had a really good turn. I had already a really long distance to the second to last fence and I thought ‘Okay, I’m going to do the eight.’ It was risky and my horse helped me a lot; I think that was the reason I was actually faster.”

The packed house of over 6,000 spectators at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) went wild when Deusser galloped through the timers, but he was very focused.

“When I went to the last fence I was actually a little bit scared that I couldn’t make it, so I didn’t actually listen to the crowd, but it was a nice feeling afterwards,” Deusser laughed. “It’s one of the best competitions I’ve won so far. It was very good money and in the moment; it is one of my best results.”

Along with prize money, Deusser was also awarded the Herman ‘Kappy’ Kaplan Perpetual Memorial Trophy, established for Kappy with fondness by the Farriers of the 1995 WEF.

Finishing second, Ben Maher did everything he could in his round and was pleased with the results. He spoke about the quality of the class and the excitement of the competition.

“Every week the jump-offs get faster and faster,” Maher noted. “It looked for a long time like there wouldn’t be many clear rounds tonight and then there were a lot at the end of the class. I think probably some of the fastest horses there are anywhere right now are all here in the same jump-off. For me, I was third in the jump-off, so I had to do everything possible to make the others chase us, which is what we did. We held on for as long as we could and in the end one managed to catch us. All the horses jumped great and it was an exciting round.”

“The jump-off was not too many options, again. It always tends to be a little like that in Florida,” Maher remarked. “There’s a lot of galloping. I don’t know where I could have gone any faster unless I left a jump out. Daniel was amazing. He was in a great position and he had nothing to lose. There were three or four of us all within the same second, so if he didn’t do what he did, he was only going to be fifth anyway. Congratulations to him; he pulled off an amazing jump-off tonight.”

Alvaro de Miranda had his best result of the circuit this evening and was happy with his horse as well.

“I was very happy to be in the jump-off,” he acknowledged. “We have been trying every week and I’ve had one down and down and down and finally today I was really happy because I think I had a good round and my horse was jumping super. We had the fastest horses in the jump-off and when I came out and I saw that I was quicker than Big Star but slower than Ben, I was happy.”

Lillie Keenan Tops Sam Edelman Equitation Championship Riding Levistano 2

Lillie Keenan and Levistano 2. Photo © Sportfot
Lillie Keenan and Levistano 2. Photo © Sportfot

The Sam Edelman Equitation Championship was held over two rounds on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC earlier on Saturday. Twenty-eight entries showed over the first round course set by Skip Bailey of Wellington, FL. The top 15 then returned for a second round. Performances were judged by Tucker Ericson and Ken Smith.

Top young rider Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, rode Heritage Farm Inc.’s Levistano 2, an eleven-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Levisto x Lord, to the Sam Edelman victory. The pair topped both rounds of competition with back to back scores of 89 for an unbeatable 178 point total.

Keenan has been showing ‘Levi’ since the beginning of the FTI WEF circuit and has had several wins with him in the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, ASPCA Maclay and Pessoa USEF Hunt Seat Medal classes. Keenan explained that they have meshed well from the beginning and that although she had never ridden him on the grass until Saturday’s class, she was never worried.

“He had been schooled on the grass before with one of the trainers at Heritage, so I knew that he had already done it,” Keenan noted. “He doesn’t care about natural obstacles and really is brave so that is very helpful going into that ring, knowing your horse wants to go around.”

“I really like those classes,” Keenan added. “I like the galloping and I think that is a really fun type of class for the equitation because it still is testing your ability with the adjustments and it is kind of a stepping stone towards the jumpers, but it is in a really big ring, galloping around a field.”

Keenan and Levi won well over second place finishers Allison Toffolon and Class Action’s total of 170 from an 84 in round one and an 86 in round two. Third place went to Sydney Shulman and Back Country Farm’s Eli, who scored 85 and 83 for a 168 point total. Anna Cardelfe and Ulrich, owned by Gray Horse Farm Hamptons LLC, finished fourth on 167.5 with scores of 83 and 84.5.

Heritage Farm’s head trainer Andre Dignelli coached the top two finishers, Keenan and Toffolon. For the win, he was presented with a special $10,000 Trainer’s Award. Keenan credited Dignelli and the rest of the team at Heritage for the parts they played in her victory.

“Andre rode my horse this morning, so he gets all the credit for the preparation,” she smiled. “I could not ask for a better team. There is Andre and it is also everyone else at Heritage. Without them I would not have won. Going in there and knowing that everything has been done to make sure that you have the opportunity to win and now it is just your job to pull it through, it puts on the pressure, but also it is a really good feeling. I give all the credit to Andre and everyone at Heritage – and the horse.”

Lauren Henry Triumphs in Equitation 15-17 Division aboard Esteban La Paz

Lauren Henry, of North Kingstown, RI, rode her own Esteban La Paz to championship honors in the Equitation 15-17 during week nine of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Henry and Esteban La Paz, a fourteen-year-old Hanoverian gelding, were third under saddle and jumped to first and fourth place over fences. Reserve honors went to Maggie Savoie and her own Ksenyio. The pair won the under saddle class before placing third and seventh over fences.

Lauren Henry and Esteban La Paz. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Lauren Henry and Esteban La Paz. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Esteban La Paz stepped up to the plate for Henry last year when she was in search of a horse she could compete in 3’6″ equitation classes. The gelding was already Henry’s trusted mount for hunters and happily adjusted to the equitation ring.

“The first time we rode him, we just clicked,” Henry described. “Last year, I was doing hunters with him but when we changed him to equitation, he just loved it.”

“He can still do the hunters, too, but he’s too slow for the jumper ring,” Henry smiled. “He’s better at equitation because he likes to get in a frame more and he’s easier to ride that way as well.”

Henry credits her equitation success to Esteban La Paz’s striking markings and exceptional show ring attitude. “He’s got a big spot on his belly, which helps us stand out!” Henry smiled. “He jumps really well and when he’s on, he’s on! He and I just get along so well and he’s so much fun to ride.”

Henry was more than pleased with her gelding’s performance on Saturday and enjoyed the challenge of the courses laid out before her. “I thought both courses rode very well. Our first round went perfectly. The second round, he took a peek at the scoreboard which hurt our score, but he was still great. The bending line at the end of round two was a little challenging. We probably could have gotten five instead of six,” Henry commented.

2013 will mark Henry’s fifth year making the journey south for the FTI WEF, which she eagerly attends in search of high-caliber competition and, like many other competitors from the North, the Florida sunshine.

Hunter competition during week nine of the FTI WEF, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, will conclude Sunday with the Pine Hollow Low Children’s Hunter 2’6″ division hosted in Ring 8 of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will be featured in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

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

Dressage, Jennifer Wood, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping

Don’t Miss the $35,000 G&C Farm Puissance and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Leave a comment

Tina Konyot and Calecto V won the last FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at the AGDF. ©SusanJStickle.com.

Come Watch the Yale Spizzwinks(?) A Capella Singing Group on Friday Night!

Wellington, FL – March 8, 2013 – The Adequan Global Dressage Festival will hold its third CDI of the season on March 14-17, 2013, with the WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows. Not only will it host top international level dressage, it will also include the inaugural Florida Youth Championships presented by Dressage4kids, the first-ever event in Florida for young dressage riders to gain experience and education at the top level.

This show will be the first opportunity for Para-Equestrian Dressage to begin the qualifying process for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, at the CPEDI3* competition. If that weren’t enough, Friday night’s exciting schedule includes the $35,000 G&C Farm Puissance to kick off a great night of equestrian sport before the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. Prizes for the general public will be raffled off once again, so show up for your chance to win amazing prizes!

Entries are strong for the FEI level CDI 3*, with almost 20 horse and rider combinations starting out in the FEI Grand Prix class on Thursday, March 14. The top pairs from there will advance to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday at 7:30 pm. The FEI Grand Prix Special will be held on Saturday.

The puissance (high jump) competition will be an exciting event at the AGDF this year and is sponsored by G&C Farm. © Sportfot
The puissance (high jump) competition will be an exciting event at the AGDF this year and is sponsored by G&C Farm. © Sportfot

The $35,000 G&C Farm Puissance will be the opening competition on Friday evening at 6 pm and will feature powerful horses competing over the puissance wall to see who can jump the highest for the top prize. Always a popular event, the puissance will be even more thrilling in the intimate arena at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

To add to Friday night’s features, the a capella group, the Yale Spizzwinks(?), will be performing. First formed in 1906, the Yale Spizzwinks(?) are America’s oldest underclassmen a capella singing group. The Spizzwinks(?) – yes the question mark is part of their name! – sing over one hundred concerts every year, entertaining audiences across the country and around the world with the vast diversity of their repertoire of literally hundreds of Spizzwink(?) arrangements. Each and every song is arranged by a member of the group, and they sing everything from Top 40 hits and classic rock to jazz standards and spirituals.

The Spizzwinks(?) have proudly carried on a tradition of musical excellence and camaraderie as one of America’s oldest male choirs. With one eye towards their ninety-nine year history and the other towards the future, they seamlessly fuse tradition and innovation to bring audiences a unique and unforgettable concert experience. In addition to Wellington, the Spizzwinks(?) will travel to South America, China, and Singapore on their singing tour in 2013.

The Florida Youth Championships are another exciting addition to the calendar at the AGDF. The first-time event will provide an opportunity for dressage riders in pony, junior, young rider, and Brentina Cup Under 25 divisions and was created in partnership with Dressage4kids to help them reach the High Performance levels. The classes are also graciously supported by PanaCavallo and the Davis Family.

Ellie Brimmer and Carino H competed in the FEI Para Grade III classes at AGDF. © SusanJStickle.com
Ellie Brimmer and Carino H competed in the FEI Para Grade III classes at AGDF. © SusanJStickle.com

CPEDI competition will feature riders from the Para-Equestrian discipline, a High Performance Sport. Para-Equestrian sport includes all equestrian disciplines practiced by people with physical disabilities. “Para” means parallel to able-bodied equestrian sports. Many disabled athletes are able to hold their ground in competitions designed for the able-bodied, but Para-Equestrian opens the world of competition to riders and drivers with severe disabilities as well, allowing them to compete in a serious, focused environment. Many athletes who participate in Para-Equestrian are quite talented, and some are considered to be among the elite equestrians of the world, regardless of their physical condition. Come visit the AGDF to see these amazing athletes!

Everyone is welcome to attend the WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. There is free general admission every day, including Friday night, so come by to see top sport at its finest!

For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring five CDIs, including a 5*, the first non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and nine U.S. national events. The Adequan GDF is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for the five international competitions making it one of the richest circuits in the world. In addition to the CDIs with national competitions, the Adequan GDF will feature six separate national shows to be held at the Stadium section of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds.  The Adequan GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

First Founding Sponsors: Matt Varney, Chris and Rob Desino, Wellington Equestrian Realty; Janet and William Richardson Pearson, Chesapeake Dressage Institute of Annapolis, MD; Devon and Terri Kane, Diamante Farm; Joe and Gaye Scarpa, Magnolia Farm; Tuny Page and Family, Stillpoint Farm; and Kimberly and Frederic Boyer, United States P.R.E. Association

Founding Sponsors: Ashley Holzer and Diane Fellows, Today’s Equestrian; Bethany Peslar, Everglades Dressage; Betsy Juliano, Havensafe Farm; Carol and Rebecca Cohen, Two Swans Farm LLC; Janne Rumbough, MTICA Farm; Mike & Roz Collins; Suhail and PJ Rizvi, Peacock Ridge; and Tim and Susie Dutta, The Dutta Corp.

Corporate Sponsors: Brown Distributing, Champion Equine Insurance, Charles Owen, Chronicle of the Horse, Custom Saddlery, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Equestrian Services International (ESI), Elite Equestrian Magazine, European Dressage Connection, Gold Coast Feed & Supply, Horse Of Course, Horseware Ireland, Interagro Lusitanos, Moet Hennessy USA, Nespresso USA, Paddock Cakes, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Pennfield, Piaffe Performance, Premier Equestrian, Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Rolex, Sanctuary at PBIEC, Show Chic, Sidelines Magazine, World Equestrian Brands

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

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

Benefits, Community/Charity, Dressage

Jennifer Benoit Helps Mason Phelps Prepare for The Challenge of the Americas

Leave a comment

Wellington, FL – March 9, 2013 – Jennifer Benoit, a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist, trainer, coach, clinician, certified equine appraiser and licensed USEF judge, is helping Olympian Mason Phelps prepare for his return to the arena.  Phelps and fellow Olympian Debbie McDonald are performing a pas de deux exhibition at The Challenge of the Americas March 9.

Phelps and McDonald agreed to come out of retirement to help The Challenge raise funds for breast cancer research. Benoit volunteered the use of her horse, Oliver Twist, to Phelps for the event and is helping him brush up on dressage skills. Phelps was an Olympic athlete in eventing at the Mexico City games.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” Phelps said. “Jennifer has been instrumental in helping me prepare for this event.  She is great at utilizing strategy to get the results I wanted.”

Benoit specializes in using correct training while being fair and honest to help riders set and achieve their goals. “Their riding goals, their competitive goals – it could be any goals they set for themselves,” she said.

Benoit008931Benoit and her husband, Chris, own Seahorse Stables, LLC, of Wellington and offer performance horse sales, boarding, training, clinics, instruction and certified appraisals in a tranquil setting ideally located near all the competition venues. Her philosophy of quality over quantity allows her to focus on the health and happiness of the horses, riders and owners. She specializes in the training, development, conditioning, fitness and performance of dressage athletes and believes riding should be comfortable and enjoyable for both horse and rider.

She is dedicated to classical training, matching horse and rider for long-term success and helping riders to achieve their dreams. She said that sometimes riders need to adjust goals, change the horse’s job or think about the match in a different way, all while working within their personal parameters.

Benoit also specializes in helping people “match up their dance partners.”

“Sometimes people have a horse already but their partnership is just not synching,” she added.  “So, if there’s a way to salvage the relationship, like a marriage counselor, I will do that.”

She said she loves to compete and enjoys helping riders reach their competitive goals, but she also enjoys helping riders who want to have fun on their horses.  “It’s supposed to be fun,” she said.

Benoit008932Benoit’s goal in working with Phelps was to get him show ready for The Challenge of the Americas Saturday night.  The Challenge of the Americas (COTA) Presented by SSG Gloves is known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback and returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

The Challenge of the Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play For P.I.N.K.

The cause is especially important to Phelps’ pas de deux partner, McDonald.  “After losing my mother and sister to breast cancer, the cause is near and dear to me,” she said. “If we can entertain and sell a few more seats, it is all for a good cause.”

Phelps and McDonald are performing their pas de deux along with The Challenge quadrille teams vying for victory, a reining exhibition, and a mother-daughter pas de deux.  After an award presentation, the Challenge Gala featuring dinner and dancing will cap off the event.

For tickets, contact Mary Ross at (561) 433-0988 or Anglot@aol.com.

To learn more about Seahorse Stables and Jennifer Benoit, visit seahorsewellington.com, call (561) 309-7300 or email jennbenoit@yahoo.com.

The Challenge of The Americas Fast Facts

What:

The Challenge of The Americas (COTA), presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.

When:

Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m.        Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m.        Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m.        Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m.        Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m.        Award Presentation
7:45 p.m.        The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing

Where:

Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
www.pbcgov.com/parks/equestrian/jimbrandon/#.UP1pfqHjmFc

Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage

Ticket Information:

Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945
Anglot@aol.com

Ticket prices:

VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron               $6,500 per table
Silver Patron              $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron            $2,000 per table

VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing)       $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar)        $100 per person

General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)

News and Information:
Phelps Media Group
Sue Weakley
skw@phelpsmediagroup.com
(561) 753-3389
12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Website:
www.challengeoftheamericas.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ChallengeOfTheAmericas

The Challenge of The Americas Beneficiaries:

Play for P.I.N.K.

Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits.  Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.

Website: playforpink.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/playforpink

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Website: www.bcrfcure.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBreastCancerResearchFoundation

Sue Weakley 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, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Lauren Hough and Ohlala Are Best in $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m at FTI WEF

Leave a comment

Lauren Hough and Ohlala. Photo © Sportfot.

Sizzle and Lissa Brazeal Scorch the Competition in Adult Amateur 36-50 Section A Hunters

Wellington, FL, March 8, 2013 – Week nine’s CSI-W 5* competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Friday with a win for Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala in the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class, a Longines FEI world ranking event.

Week nine, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, runs March 6-10, 2013. The week will feature the $300,000 FEI World Cup CSI-W 5* presented by The Bainbridge Companies on Saturday evening, and the $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

In the feature G&C Farm 1.45m class on Friday, 63 entries showed over course designer Steve Stephens’ speed track with just nine clear rounds. The fastest time of 68.03 seconds for Lauren Hough and The Ohlala Group’s Ohlala was the winner. The pair edged out McLain Ward (USA) and Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild with their time of 68.51 seconds. Eiken Sato (JPN) and Stephex Stables’ Cita B finished third in 69.60 seconds.

Lauren Hough first began showing Ohlala, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Orlando x Cardento, in the young jumpers during last year’s FTI WEF. The pair went on to an astounding year and amassed wins all over the world.

“She is amazing,” Hough smiled. “I think last year I counted that she won over 15 ranking classes and she was best young horse at Aachen and best young horse in Hamburg. I gave her a long break after Holiday and Horses and this is her second show back and she feels great.”

Commenting on her lightning-fast round, Hough detailed, “With her, you don’t really count strides to be honest. She has her own rhythm. You’re not going to win by leaving strides out. Once you just set her on her pace, she is allergic to wood and she makes my job really easy. She is just naturally a fast horse and she doesn’t spend a lot of time in the air. I am very privileged to have a horse that I think has a really bright future.”

“She enjoys winning,” Hough added. “She absolutely knows now what it’s about. She is a winner. She likes competing.”

Ohlala will have next week off and then Hough plans to show her in the grand prix during week eleven. On future plans, Hough explained, “I am not going to put any pressure on her. I believe she can jump the biggest classes, but I am going to let her tell me when she’s ready for that. She can sort of win at any level at this point. I am lucky to have such a great horse.”

Also showing in the International Arena on Friday, Christine McCrea added another victory to her week with a win in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class aboard Candy Tribble’s Ronaldo de la Pomme. In the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class, the win went to Alexandra Paillot and her horse Regina de Chamant.

Sizzle and Lissa Brazeal Scorch the Competition in Adult Amateur 36-50 Section A Hunters

Lissa Brazeal and her eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding Sizzle took home championship honors in the Adult Amateur 36-50 Section A Hunter division during week nine of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Brazeal, of Delray Beach, FL, and Sizzle were leading the division after day one of competition when the pair placed third under saddle and second and first over fences. Day two, the pair secured victory with a second place finish in the final over fences round. Reserve champion was Quintas, owned and ridden by Dawn Kelly.

Sizzle and Lissa Brazeal. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Sizzle and Lissa Brazeal. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Brazeal had a bumpy start to the second day of the division before making an incredible turn around in round two over fences. “Because we did well [Thursday], I walked into the ring thinking, ‘Oh, we could win this and be champion!’ Most of this is mental. You can’t psych yourself out like that and I did,” Brazeal stated matter-of-factly.

Brazeal’s well-grounded attitude made it easy for her to shrug off the minor setback before putting in a stellar second round performance with Sizzle. Brazeal credits the positive atmosphere her trainer, Amber Harte, maintains at the ring.

“I came out of the ring and Amber just said, ‘Let it go. I’m still proud of you. Just let it go and go do your next trip.’ With her, there’s nothing negative. She has a ‘this is how you fix it’ approach and is very positive,” Brazeal commented.

“It’s such a treat working with Amber and everyone at the barn because it’s such a team effort. I just recently started riding with her and I’ve never had anything like that before. Everything is so positive and happy. They set you up to be successful,” Brazeal continued.

Even more remarkable than Brazeal’s second round turn-around is her trusted mount, Sizzle. “He’s a seeing eye dog, literally. I’m legally blind. I see out of the ride side of my right eye a little bit, so he really is my eyes in the ring,” Brazeal revealed.

“He wants to do everything right and he wants to make you happy. He’s a very rare horse that truly aims to please. He always tries his best and wants to be perfect,” Brazeal described.

Sizzle’s intuition and forgiving nature make it easy for Brazeal to put her complete trust in him. “He knows what I’m going to do before I ask him to do it. He knows exactly what to do and he’s just really good. If I change my mind or make a mistake, he doesn’t punish me for it,” Brazeal explained.

Correction: Thursday’s hunter coverage of the Fumero Law Pre-Green Level 2 Hunters mistakenly identified Sophie and Brian Baldwin as the owners of division champion Lucador. Lucador is owned by Sophie Walker and Susan Gordon’s Sagamore Farm, Inc., and is trained by Brian Walker.

Week nine of the FTI WEF, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, continues Saturday with the FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Over 35 Hunter division, hosted in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Arena of the PBIEC. The Sam Edelman Equitation Classic will be featured at The Stadium at PBIEC at 2 p.m. The International Arena will feature the $300,000 FEI World Cup CSI-W 5* presented by The Bainbridge Companies at 7 p.m. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday Leave Competition Behind at The Ridge 1.40m Grand Prix Invitational

Leave a comment

Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday.

Wellington, FL – March 8, 2013 – The grass was freshly cut, the vibrant and colorful jumps were set and music was playing in the background for the ninth week of The Ridge’s 1.40m Grand Prix Invitational Series. Eleven went clear over Pierre Jolicouer’s course, but no one could catch up to Darragh Kenny in the jump off. Aboard Any Given Sunday, the two were on a mission to claim first place and were not about to let anyone stop them.

After completing the first round with a time of 75.127, Kenny was racing to beat McLain Ward and Cruz Z. Aboard Any Given Sunday, the pair jumped the first four fences of the second round effortlessly, then blazed over the final oxer to vertical combination in a time of 33.638 seconds. They went as fast as they could to finish in first. Earlier in the day, Kenny piloted S & L Slingback to a third place finish with a time of 36.146.

“Any Given Sunday is a ten-year-old stallion I’ve had since the start of the winter season. I just brought him here to give him a change of venue. It’s a great show, a fantastic venue; they do a great job and it’s really enjoyable,” acknowledged Kenny. “We’re always at WEF all the time and so busy, but then you come here and it’s so peaceful; it’s a nice break.”

Jeffery Welles and Merlin
Jeffery Welles and Merlin

Jeffery Welles was the closest rider to being able to catch Kenny, with a double clear effort. Aboard 11-year-old Merlin, the two finished the jump off in 35.923 seconds. The veteran used the field to his advantage, utilizing quick turns and a fast pace.

“He’s quite a hot horse, strong, but he’s careful and brave. This is the best setting for him. A new field that looks different. We’re so used to jumping in sand fields and all-weather footing that it’s nice to jump on the grass,” explained Welles.

With only one week remaining in the 10-week series, many were taking advantage of the grass field at Mida Farm and the relaxing atmosphere that is offered to competitors. Many familiar faces were seen entering the in-gate, such as Ward, who has competed in five of the nine weeks.

Ward and Cruz Z went on to finish the class in fourth place with a time of 36.932. After only working together for about three weeks, the pair certainly showed that they are ones to watch out for in the future. McLain was holding the top spot with his other mount, Cocoa 135, until he turned too quickly in the during the second round, knocking a rail down over the last vertical.

“I think it’s giving some options and showing that people enjoy having a change of venue,” stated Ward. “To continue on one venue is difficult on the trainers, staff, and horses. The theory that you can choose what weeks you want to show at WEF doesn’t work well, for the trainers and staff you are there all the time. This is a breath of fresh air to have a change of venue and I think the horses enjoy it.”

The change of venue and relaxing atmosphere has been catching on more and more. The series, which started out small has grown immensely and is widely popular among the top professionals and amateurs alike.

“I’m very happy that farms like G & C are here and Luis, and to have Jeffery back, Amy Miller. It proves that it’s a need and that people are loving it,” remarked George D’Ambrosio. “There are a lot of happier people and smiles, a feeling of accomplishment for introducing something new and inventive.”

Mida Farm, owned by Victoria McCullough, has become the popular spot and has been key for keeping riders coming back. This week, Jan Tops, the field’s namesake, was in town and came out to show his support for the series and the sport.

The immense grass field has become a cornerstone of the series and McCullough and Top’s generous support is has taken the sport to a higher level. By allowing riders on the property, McCullough has opened the sport to a more traditional and European way of riding, and has brought the relaxed and majestic atmosphere to show jumping.

“This wasn’t made to be a competition,” said D’Ambrosio. “We wanted to add to the magnificence that is in Florida, wondering what better place there was to develop this stage and level of competition. We wanted to be able to provide a different venue offering the traditional grass ring, hospitality, using beautiful, colorful jumps to enhance the development of young horses and riders. We wanted to create something that wasn’t commercialized and create education for the future generations of our sport. The main purpose was to develop young riders and send them to European tours with some experience and a strong backbone. We were fortunate enough to meet generous people such as Victoria who believe in the future of the sport and the riders as well as want to provide an old world charm with a European type flair. What we created was so positive and was such a need and filled a niche in Wellington.”

D’Ambrosio continued, “We wanted to compliment the Winter Equestrian Festival by helping riders prepare to face challenges and learn to ride outside of the box. We didn’t create this to make money; it was designed to give back to a sport that has given us everything we have. We are trying to give back in every way we know how. We welcome everybody to the final event and we would like to thank all of the riders, friends and supporters who believe in the series and show the importance of it for the future.

Next week will be the final week of the series and the Invitational finale will be held on March 23, where the Leading Rider will be announced.

For more information about the Ridge at Wellington, please go to http://www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264.

Arianna Delin 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, Kentucky Three-Day, Western/Reining

Don’t Miss the Kentucky Reining Cup!

Leave a comment

Join the excitement at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena April 26-27 for the Third Annual Kentucky Reining Cup!

This CRI3* competition will feature many of the best riders from around the world, with competition Friday and Saturday evening after the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.  Saturday’s competition will feature the World Freestyle Championship — a showcase of Reining competition not to be missed.

Advanced tickets are only $12.00 for Friday’s CRI3* and $20.00 for the Saturday World Freestyle Championship. Don’t miss this chance to see some of the best Reining competitors in the world at the Kentucky Horse Park!

Click here to get your tickets today before prices go up.

Eventing Goes Reining

Back by popular demand, Eventers will try their hand at the Reining Freestyle on Saturday night. David O’Connor, new US Eventing Team Coach, will be joined by Bobby Costello, US Eventing Team Selector, and riders Sinead Halpin and Allison Springer. You never know what will happen when these riders trade their Cross-Country vests for western boots!

Click here to watch Eventers go Reining!

© 2013 Equestrian Events, Inc.

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Sons of the Wind Farm Clinics Focus on Classical Dressage at Cornell University and Midwest Horse Fair

Leave a comment

Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Merrimac, MA – March 8, 2013 – The Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts is gearing up for its 2013 Tour, where they will be conducting informational clinics for dressage riders and trainers, as well as showcasing the talent of their Lusitano mounts. The first stop of the tour will be at Cornell University from April 5-7, 2013, and then they will be traveling to the Midwest Horse Fair in Wisconsin from April 18-21. During these events, Sons of the Wind will be teaching clinics focused on helping riders make the best use of simple dressage exercises to improve their training.

The first clinic will focus on putting it all together. Sons of the Wind will emphasize the importance of developing the strength of performance horses through the Pendulum of Elasticity. They will teach the guests weekly dressage exercises, groundwork, and conditioning routines that will help ensure the health and potential of their dressage horses. The clinic will include recommendations on how to ride and train the horses through specific exercises as well as common mistakes and evasive behaviors,

There will also be a clinic about how to simple exercises such as leg yield improve pirouettes and changes. Sons of the Wind will reinforce the basics to achieve collection. They will also be observing and solving common mistakes and evasive behaviors that block collection progression.

The final clinic will focus on strength training. Sons of the Wind will discuss when and why to introduce the piaffe/passage progression into your training. They will also focus on when to use the tool of long-lining and how this enhances the piaffe potential of a horse.

The Sons of the Wind Tour will also include Equine Affair in Ohio schedule for April 11-14, and the Minnesota Horse Expo, where they will also be conducting clinics. In addition to the clinics, Sons of the Wind will be performing a Quadrille and athletic movements including Airs Above the Ground for those in attendance.

The Lusitano was best known for its amazing athleticism as a loyal war horse, and then as a brave, bold mount in the bullring. Today, the modern Lusitano has found its way in to many disciplines including dressage. During the tour, Sons of the Wind will teach guests about the Lusitanos’ history, and also perform a traditional Quadrille. Using four talented Lusitano horses, the riders will perform a beautiful dressage test in sync with music and each horse. All of the horses and riders will be wearing traditional Portuguese attire and tack.

About Sons of the Wind:

Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts currently has locations in Merrimac, MA, and Palm City, FL. Founded by Portugal’s Vitor Silva, Sons of the Wind and its affiliated schools were incepted in response to the need for an establishment capable of providing the rider the opportunity to experience and understand the correctness of all the movements of dressage. These establishments offer the training and schooling to horses and riders of different backgrounds and levels. Sons of the Wind is also a full service breeding facility for the talented Lusitano breed as it is very important for the growth of the school to keep training horses that could be great mounts and prospects for lessons and for sale.

For more information about Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts, please visit www.sonsofthewindfarm.com.

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 Wins Sudden Death Thriller in USPA Piaget Gold Cup Opener over Zorzal, 8-7

Leave a comment

Audi’s Gonzalito Pieres taking control of the ball and driving downfield against tight Zorzal defense from Fred Mannix. Photos – Alex Pacheco.

WELLINGTON, FL – March 7, 2013 – In a textbook polo finish, 10-goaler Gonzalito Pieres took the knock-in and drove to the other end of field to score the winning goal and lead Audi to a thrilling 8-7 sudden death victory over Zorzal on opening day of the USPA Piaget Gold Cup.

Pieres showed why he is one of the world’s eight top-ranked players with his ball-control run and deft mallet play scoring just 35 seconds into the overtime period.

The textbook play was mapped out in the players’ tent after regulation play ended with the game tied at 7-7 Thursday at International Polo Club Palm Beach in front of a packed field attendance.

“Their four guys were really deep so we decided to play more individual,” Gonzalito Pieres said. “I was to take the knock-in, Jeff (Hall) went to No. 1, Nico (Pieres) No. 3 and Juancito (Bollini) No. 2 and we would go outside so I could create more speed and it worked.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work, but that time it worked,” Pieres said. “I am happy that we won but I think it’s important that we need to improve to be where we want to be.”

Added Hall, “We’re happy to win, but like Gonzalito said we have a long ways to go. This is definitely a step in a positive direction. Sudden death is sudden death; you need a little bit of luck. Plays like that don’t always work out like that. We had the right guy running to goal, that’s for sure.”

Audi team captain Marc Ganzi watched the game in street clothes after being told by doctors he needed to allow his fractured thumb to heal. Ganzi, who has been playing well despite a knee injury and fractured thumb, expects to be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Wellington High School's Juancito Bollini, 16-year-old substitute player for Audi team captain Marc Ganzi, who sat out the game with a thumb injury
Wellington High School’s Juancito Bollini, 16-year-old substitute player for Audi team captain Marc Ganzi, who sat out the game with a thumb injury

The player-padrone put his faith in 16-year-old Wellington High School student Juancito Bollini, the son of former eight-goaler Juan Bollini, to replace him in the lineup. The young Bollini played beyond his years and held his own against more-experienced and physical players who outweighed him by at least fifty pounds.

“I have known Juancito my whole life,” Ganzi said. “That family is very close to us and we’ve watched these kids grow up. We’ve gotten to watch his development as a player. He is cool in the head and has a lot of intelligence and poise for his age and I think today that’s what he showed us. He had to hit some big back-handers under duress and some big moments of the game. He did awesome today. It was easy to give him this opportunity; he is like another son to me.”

It was the teenager’s 26-goal tournament debut and “opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. Before Thursday’s game, the highest-rated tournament Bollini had competed in was 12 goals.

“I was nervous for three days when they told me I would be playing,” said Bollini, rated at one goal. “I played a practice before the game and that helped me a lot.

“I have learned from a combination of players but mostly my dad,” Bollini said.

No one was prouder than his father, Juan Bollini, who has played and worked with the Ganzi family for fourteen years.

“I tried to tell him as little as possible before the game because I didn’t want to make him nervous,” the elder Bollini said. “I know he is playing with the best player in the world. I prefer Gonzalito to tell him what to do because as a father I don’t want to be like a soccer mom. I respect whatever they tell him.”

Nico Pieres led Audi’s balanced scoring attack with four goals, Gonzalito Pieres had three goals and Hall scored the tying goal with 4:38 left in the sixth chukker after his steal and long run to goal.

“This win was important because we played against a new team with four really good players; we expected a tough game,” Nico Pieres said. “We played quite good; I think we could play a bit better. There are no easy games, never.”

Audi's Nico Pieres reaches for the ball from charging Zorzal defense as Audi teammates Jeff Hall (green helmet) and Gonzalito Pieres follow the play
Audi’s Nico Pieres reaches for the ball from charging Zorzal defense as Audi teammates Jeff Hall (green helmet) and Gonzalito Pieres follow the play

Pieres was impressed with his older brother’s sudden death goal execution.

“We talked about the winning play,” Pieres said. “We wanted him to take the ball with Juancito, Jeff and me to start blocking and then we would see what happens. If Gonzo had a chance to go on his own like he did, that was it. If not then there was a play for me or Jeff.

“This was the first game of the Gold Cup and it’s always important to win the first game,” Pieres said. “Our team is getting better and Juancito played really good. It was a tough game for him because he had to mark 6- and 7-goal players. I remember when I was 16. I didn’t start playing 26-goal until I was 17.”

Zorzal, one of two new teams in the tournament, featured 6-goalers Fred Mannix and Jason Crowder and 7-goalers Marianito Obregon and Mariano Gonzalez.

Obregon led his team’s scoring with three goals, Mannix had two and Gonzalez and Crowder each scored one.

In other Thursday games, Zacara, led by Facundo Pieres’ 10 goals, routed Coca-Cola, 17-7, and Valiente defeated Mt. Brilliant, 15-6. Ten-goalers Adolfo Cambiaso and Pelon Stirling combined for nine goals for Valiente.

Audi’s Grand Champions Polo Club mate Piaget opens play on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Lechuza Caracas. Audi plays again on Sunday against C.V. Whitney Cup champion Alegria at noon.

First played in 1974, the 26-goal USPA Gold Cup has been played at various polo clubs but found a home at IPC in 2007.

When the USPA awarded IPC the Gold Cup in 2007, the International Polo Club Palm Beach, home of the 26-goal C. V. Whitney Cup Tournament and U.S. Open Championship, sealed its place in history as host of all three legs of the Triple Crown.

Piaget is saluting IPC’s tenth anniversary with the launch of its new luxury Polo FortyFive Black watch which will join their successful collection of polo watches first introduced in the late 1970s.

USPA PIAGET GOLD CUP AUDI/PIAGET SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 9: Lechuza Caracas vs. Piaget, 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 10: Alegria vs. Audi, noon

Wednesday, March 13: Piaget vs. Orchard Hill, 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 14: Zacara vs. Audi, 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 17: Valiente vs. Audi, 10 a.m.; Piaget vs. ERG, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 20: Piaget Gold Cup Semifinals, 2, 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 21: Butler Handicap Semifinals, Gold Cup subsidiary, 10 a.m., noon

Sunday, March 24: Butler Handicap Final, noon; USPA Piaget Gold Cup Final, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26: U.S. Open begins, schedule, pairings to be announced.

AUDI/PIAGET TOURNAMENT LINEUP

March 7 – March 24, USPA Piaget Gold Cup

March 26 – April 21, 109th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship

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 during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League Tournament.

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

Uncategorized

Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) Information Update

Leave a comment

Kentucky’s Perspective and Position Updated: March 7, 2013

Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) is described to be a highly contagious pathogen that is ubiquitous in horse populations throughout the world. Infections in horses can result in a variety of ailments that include respiratory disease, abortions, neonatal deaths and the neurologic disease termed Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).  Recently, alerts of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy being diagnosed in multiple states have been issued. States having cases of EHM diagnosed in recent months include California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Tennessee and Utah. Horses of different breeds and representing vastly different disciplines and activity have been affected.

The apparent increased frequency of disease and severity of symptoms being seen has lead Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout to conclude extra precaution needs to be initiated and implemented to help mitigate the associated risk. We are directing Kentucky facility managers and the managers of shows/exhibitions planned to be held in Kentucky to immediately review their biosecurity practices and if needed elevate their biosecurity plan to minimize opportunity of horses having direct or indirect contact with one another. Indirect contact would include common water and feed sources as well as shared equipment and common areas. The goal of a biosecurity plan is to prevent the transmission of infectious agents among individuals. The components of a successful program will include cooperation of management, facility layout, decontamination, and when applicable immunization. Each of these factors directly affects the success or failure of the program. A copy of the American Association of Equine Practitioners biosecurity guidelines and EHV resources can be found at www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm. Our office is happy to assist facilities, show management and event veterinarians in evaluating their individual plans and when a need is identified, assist in adapting the plans.

As an additional preventive measure, we encourage horsemen to consult their veterinarians and after evaluating their animal’s vaccination status consider if there is need or benefit to stimulating an immune response by vaccinating against EHV-1. We acknowledge the available vaccines’ labels make no claim to prevent neurologic disease, but based on our experience managing outbreaks of this disease, and in consultation with infectious disease experts and research scientist, we continue to be of the opinion the vaccine does have a meaningful level of efficacy and may aid in reducing the impact of a disease incident.

In response to the identified increased risk, we have and will continue to operate with elevated regulatory surveillance and equine health inspection activity at events in Kentucky. Exhibitors can expedite their passage through our inspection points by having their health documents organized and horses loaded in a manner that will allow visual inspection. In addition to the surveillance and inspection activity, we will be working closely with show managers and veterinarians to insure immediate notification and quick response to any suspected communicable disease.

We continue to monitor these disease events, and will adjust our strategies as warranted and provide updates as changes occur.

E. S. Rusty Ford
Equine Programs Manager
Office of State Veterinarian
502/564-3956
Rusty1.ford@ky.gov

Recent Updates to the AAEP EHV Resource Pages

Here is the AAEP EHV Resource page: http://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm (included within this page are resources for veterinarians and horse owners).

We also have an additional EHV FAQ good for horse owners located here: http://www.aaep.org/health_articles_view.php?id=370.

Community/Charity, Fundraisers, Racing

Super Bowl Great Ray Lewis, Jr. to Speak at Derby-Time Event

Leave a comment

“Race for Grace” Dinner Supports Race Track Ministry

March 8, 2013 – Louisville, KY – Ray Lewis, Jr., a two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens, will be the guest speaker at “Race for Grace,” the annual Derby-time fundraising dinner for the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. The event is set for Monday, April 29, at 6 p.m., in Millionaire’s Row at Churchill Downs.

The legendary Lewis announced his retirement from football following the Ravens’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in this year’s Super Bowl. The win capped a long string of professional football achievements for Lewis that includes being named multiple times as NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Associated Press All-Pro.

Lewis’ life has also consisted of overcoming high-profile difficulties off the football field. He will be sharing testimony at the dinner about his redemption through his Christian faith.

Lewis is the founder of “Ray Lewis 52 Foundation”, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to disadvantaged youth. His commitment to his faith has been featured in two cover stories of Sports Illustrated magazine.

Also appearing at the dinner will be Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, who won the 1992 Kentucky Derby winner aboard Lil E. Tee, as well as other horse racing notables. Jackie Hays, who is well-known for her career as news anchor on WAVE TV, will be the event’s emcee.

The evening will also include musical entertainment and a live and silent auction of unusual horse racing memorabilia, sports tickets, and other items of interest. Dress is business casual.

Tickets are $200 per person, and tables for eight are $2,000 for guaranteed seating arrangement. Various levels of sponsorship are also available and impact the level of services that the non-profit ministry is able to provide to track workers.

For more information about the ministry at Kentucky racetracks, please go to www.kychaplaincy.org. For ticket reservations, email us at info@kychaplaincy.org or call Christ Chapel at (502) 636-4476.

About Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy – KRTC is an interdenominational Christian ministry serving workers at Kentucky’s race tracks and horse training centers. For more info about the ministry, go to ww.kychaplaincy.org, and for even more up-to-date news, “LIKE” Kentucky Race Trace Chaplaincy on Facebook.

NEWS FOR MEMBERS OF THE “WOMEN’S HORSE INDUSTRY NETWORK”:

WHIN member Kate Richards Wilt is developing an exciting on-line auction program that will introduce the Race for Grace event and its mission and offers significant exposure via hyper-links for participating auction donors.

The on-line auction will be launched for bidding in early April via BiddingforGood.com and will target more than 350,000 upscale auction shoppers interested in the mission of the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy and the sport of horse racing. It will feature “unique experiences” relating to the Derby and Oaks, Turfway Park and Ellis Park, as well as event tickets, hotel rooms, VIP tours and gifts and services that enhance the value of the package.

For more about this unique opportunity, contact Kate at kate.myracingheart@yahoo.com.

Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy
Contact: Angie Gimmel, Phone: (502) 648-9283

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS!
Women’s Horse Industry Network
615-730-7833