Tag Archives: Grand Prix

FEI Grand Prix Show Jumping Competitors: New Rule for 2014

Competitors that are pre-qualified for Grand Prixs: you and your horse must complete an FEI class that week to be eligible for the Grand Prix.

ARTICLE 261 – NORMAL COMPETITIONS AND GRAND PRIX COMPETITIONS

1. Normal and Grand Prix Competitions (the latter must be explicitly designated in the Schedule) are those in which performance over obstacles is the principle factor although speed may be introduced to separate equality for first place by a first jump-off or by a maximum of two jump-offs.

2. These Competitions are judged under Table A against or not against the clock, but always with a time allowed.

3. The course is built primarily to test the ability of the Horse over the obstacles. The number of obstacles, their type, their height and spread, within the set forth limits, are the responsibility of OCs.

4. Qualification for Grand Prix

4.1 If qualification conditions for Athlete/Horse are scheduled for the Grand Prix at a CSIO, it is compulsory that the formula given below is referred to. The following are automatically qualified for the Grand Prix at CSIOs, if present as official team members or individual:

4.1.1 The individual medal winners (Athletes) of the last Olympic and Pan American Games, of the last World and Continental Championships and the first placed Athlete/Horse combination in the last FEI World Cup Final.

4.1.2 Eligible to participate in Grand Prix Competitions at 5* CSIO Events are the winners (Athlete/Horse combination) of the Grand Prix at any 5* CSIO Event during the previous 12 months.

4.1.3 Eligible to participate in Grand Prix Competitions at 4* CSIO Events are the winners (Athlete/Horse combinations) of the Grand Prix at any 4* or 5* CSIO Event during the previous 12 months.

4.2 If qualification conditions for Athlete/Horse are scheduled for the Grand Prix at a CSI Event, it is compulsory that the formula given below is referred to. This does not apply to CSI events that are part of a series approved by the FEI Bureau. The following Athletes (not Athlete/Horse combinations) are automatically qualified for the Grand Prix at CSI Events, if present:

4.2.1 The winner of that Event’s Grand Prix the previous year;

4.2.2 The current National Champion of the host country;

4.2.3 The individual medal winners of the last Olympic and Pan-American Games, the last World and Continental Championships and the winner of the FEI World Cup Final.

4.3 If qualification conditions for Athlete/Horse are scheduled for the Grand Prix Competition at a CSIO or a CSI, it is compulsory that all qualifying Competitions are run under Table A against the clock or under Table A with one or two jump-offs.

4.4 All Athletes qualified for the Grand Prix at a CSIO or a CSI, including those qualified under Articles 4.1 and 4.2 above, must complete, with their Grand Prix Horse, the initial round of at least one competition prior to the Grand Prix

Read the full rule on page 43 of the FEI Jumping Rules.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

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 4,000 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 $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. 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.

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

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

Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ to Host Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup & CN Performance Grand Prix CSI-W

Calgary, AB – June 11, 2013 – The second week of the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments begins tomorrow and there will be more top competition from June 12-16. The ‘Continental’ Tournament CSIO-W 5* is host to the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Thursday, June 13, as well as the $200,000 CN Performance Grand Prix CSI-W on Sunday, June 16. There will be complimentary admission and parking for spectators during the ‘Continental’ Tournament.

Spruce Meadows is host to one of only two Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup events in North America. The competition is a qualifier for North American countries hoping to attend the series final in Barcelona, Spain, in September. Since less than five teams were invited, Canada, the United States, and Mexico were able to field two teams each. The Chefs d’Equipe then chose which team would be competing for Nations Cup points.

The draw for the order of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup was held today and is as follows:

  1. Canada Two
  2. USA Stars*
  3. Canada One*
  4. USA Stripes
  5. Mexico Team 1 Azteca*
  6. Mexico Team 2 Maya
  7. Ireland

* competing for Nations Cup points

“We look forward to hosting the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows,” said Spruce Meadows President Linda Southern-Heathcott. “It is a great opportunity for these countries to compete with developing horses and riders, and I believe we will have great sport this week.”

The Chef d’Equipe for the Canada One team, Mark Laskin, spoke about the opportunity to field two teams. “We’ve never had the ability to have two teams compete at the same time. It’s our ‘home court,’ so there is definitely a lot of excitement and interest from our riders in getting a spot on the team. We’re all very excited for the opportunity,” he remarked.

Dr. Geoff Vernon, who represented the United States at today’s draw, agreed. “It’s always a great honor to ride for your country, and any time you can afford that opportunity to double the number you would normally have is great for the riders. It brings enthusiasm to the sport.”

Daniela Garcia Nigaglioni, Chef d’Equipe for the Mexico Maya team, said that this was the first time that Mexico has had 15 riders who wanted to come to a Nations Cup. “We have very experienced riders who have been to Wellington and the Olympics, and then riders who were in the 1.30m rings last year,” she said. “We are very excited to see how they will be together in this new Nations Cup.”

Although Ireland will just have one team, the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows will be an important part of the schedule for them, said Chef d’Equipe Robert Splaine. “To have the opportunity to compete in a Nations Cup at such high quality in Canada is vitally important to the overall Irish plan, which incorporates Hickstead, the European Championships, and our own show in Dublin,” he explained. “I’ll come see our riders in action and hopefully they will do well and represent their country well, and I’ll be able to select one or more of those to come to Europe later on in the season.”

For those who are interested in watching some of the best equestrian team competition in North America, the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup will be held on Thursday, June 13, at 12 pm in the Meadows on the Green Ring.

For a comprehensive press kit of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, please click here.

Along with the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Thursday, there will be the $35,000 Husky Energy Cup 1.50m in the Meadows on the Green and the $33,000 RSA 1.45m in the All Canada Ring. Friday’s competition includes the $33,000 Altagas Cup 1.45m and the $33,000 Scotiabank Cup 1.50m in the Meadows on the Green. The $33,000 Talisman Energy Cup 1.50m will be held in the Meadows on the Green on Saturday, while the $33,000 McDaniel & Associates Derby 1.45m will run in the All Canada Ring.

Sunday’s highlight class is the $200,000 CN Performance Grand Prix CSI-W at 2 pm in Meadows on the Green. Earlier in the day will be the $60,000 Great-West Life Cup 1.50m.

For more information on Spruce Meadows and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

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

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

Matthias Hollberg and Orphan Car Prevail at The Ridge at Wellington $15,000 Grand Prix

Wellington, FL – February 22, 2013 – Matthias Hollberg and Orphan Car set a speedy pace early in the order and held on to the first spot during today’s class at The Ridge at Wellington’s $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix Series. Hollberg and Orphan Car completed the jump-off in 38.448 seconds, taking a sharp inside turn between the first two fences and leaving all the rails up to secure the win.

The $15,000 Grand Prix class, held under sunny skies at the beautiful Mida Farm in Wellington, drew a sizable field of top riders. Those who reached the jump-off had to choose whether to cut inside of a stand of palm trees after the first fence, with riders who successfully navigated the turn shaving valuable seconds off their time. As course designer David Ballard intended, the option shaped up to be the major question of the jump-off.

“If you make the inside turn and you go clean, you should be one of the winners,” Ballard said. “It really is a quality decision.”

Hollberg chose the riskier route and was rewarded with the fastest time of the day on Fernando Cardenas’ Orphan Car. He praised the horse’s effort in the class. “The horse is a real trier and tries to jump clear and go fast,” Hollberg explained. “Just staying with him is all you need to do.”

This was Hollberg’s first ride in The Ridge at Wellington’s Grand Prix Series, and he is already looking forward to making a return. “I only have one horse at this level right now, and he’s a sale horse,” he said. “Provided I get to keep him for a little while longer, I will keep coming, for sure.”

“It’s quiet, and you can take your time,” Hollberg added. “The course is fair without being too easy. I think it’s a good place for inexperienced riders or inexperienced grand prix horses to go out and jump at a beautiful venue. It’s a super addition to the season. I wish the whole horse show would be like this.”

Andres Rodriguez and Aberdeen 33
Andres Rodriguez and Aberdeen 33

Andres Rodriguez, winner of two previous classes in The Ridge at Wellington’s Grand Prix series, finished just a tick behind Hollberg in second aboard Aberdeen 33. Rodriguez noted that fence two of the first round, the Global Champions Tour wall, provided a challenge early in the course. “It was kind of the biggest question of the course, and I’m really happy my first two horses just came and didn’t hesitate and jumped really well this week,” Rodriguez said. “Aberdeen 33 is probably one of my favorite horses. He did his job, and he was just a little bit behind the winner.”

Rodriguez explained that he enjoys the series because it gives his young horses a change of pace and keeps them more alert. “Once you bring them to the 1.40m level, all the classes are in the same ring during season,” he said. “When they jump so much in the same ring, they get a little bit too comfortable, and it becomes a little bit like home. I don’t want my horses to think of that place as home. That’s where I want them to be as clever as they can be. I just want them to know that when they cross the bridge, it’s for a big competition.”

“So when the Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix series came out, I thought it was a good idea,” Rodriguez continued. “It is good just to change a little bit; a little bit of a different atmosphere. It all started really well. I was really happy at the Ridge, Nona’s place. And then we came here. Here, there is nothing more to ask. Here is just a perfect venue for a young horse.”

Jeffery Welles and Merlin
Jeffery Welles and Merlin

Jeffrey Welles rode Merlin to a third place finish in 39.085 seconds. Welles said his horse can be high strung, but went nicely for him in the class. “The field is beautiful, and the jumps are nice,” he said. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere here. Everyone’s making a big effort to make it super nice. I’m very happy, very pleased that I came over.”

Agatha D’Ambra and Airbus closed out the top four with the only other double clear round of the day. “He was very good,” D’Ambra, who was making her debut in the series, said. “I think overall the relaxed feeling here just helps all around. It helps the horses, the riders, and the trainers. It’s nice to go at your own pace.”

“It’s a change of scenery and a change of pace from the main showgrounds,” she went on. “My parents can come over and have breakfast and watch me. I had heard great things about the facility, and it’s nice to get a chance to ride on a grass field. It’s really beautiful out here.”

The $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix series will return to Mida Farm next Friday, March 1, for the seventh week of competition. Inclement weather forced the cancellation of last week’s class. The 10-week series will culminate with the $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale on Saturday, March 23, 2013.

$15,000 The Ridge at Wellington 1.4m Invitational Grand Prix – Mida Farm

  1. Orphan Car – Matthias Hollberg – 0/0, 38.448
  2. Aberdeen 33 – Andres Rodriguez – 0/0, 38.698
  3. Merlin – Jeffery Welles – 0/0, 39.085
  4. Airbus – Agatha D’Ambra – 0/0, 45.458
  5. Tilghman – Sarah Segal – 0/4, 38.296
  6. Sil – Geoff Case – 0/4, 40.256
  7. Imothep – Nicole Simpson – 0/4, 41.618
  8. Oh La La – Lauren Hough – 0/4, 45.590
  9. HH Sandor – Anna McKnight – 0/8, 37.836
  10. Rolex – Joseph Sorce – 0/8, 45.551
  11. Caspar T – Cara Anthony – 0/12, 46.964
  12. Via Veneto – Paul Halpern – 0/elim.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Triompf Is Triumphant in the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix

Gulfport, Mississippi (February 18, 2013) – Twenty two horses took to the pristine grand prix field under sunny skies for the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix yesterday to close out the Gulf Coast Classic’s National Week.  A packed VIP tent and crowded bleachers watched the horse and rider teams from across the country tackle the course designed by Paul Jewel of Lambertville, New Jersey.  But it was Triompf, owned by Loretta Patterson and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, who would be welcomed to the winner’s circle.

A personal triumph, yesterday was grand prix rider Holly Shepherd’s first time back in the grand prix ring since she broke her ankle!  And Triompf did not disappoint!  “He is the most incredible horse,” said Shepherd.  “To ride this horse is better than life itself!” she added exuberantly.

Of the twenty two horse and rider teams that tackled the course, only seven would find themselves qualified for the jump off.  The jump off field had Holly Shepherd and Triompf up against Friday’s Open Welcome Class winner Devin Ryan and the Genn men, Wilhelm and Theo, who won first and second in last week’s $25,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Grand Prix.   After a clean first round time of 102.459 seconds, Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio and Palim Palim ***, owned by Nancy Gooding of Larkspur, Colorado, were first to go in the jump off and made it clean, setting the time to beat at 48.132 seconds.   Son Theo Genn of Lebanon, Ohio, riding Paradox, owned by Thomas Bruinsma of Ada, Michigan, posted a clear first round with a time of 100.660 seconds and followed his father in the jump off.  While he posted a faster time of 44.141 seconds, the eight jump faults the pair incurred would put them in seventh place overall.

Wilhelm Genn followed his son Theo, this time riding his own Happy Z.  Although the pair finished their fault free first round in a fast 98.933 seconds, the jump off round found them with four jump faults and the fastest time of 43.123 seconds which would find them in sixth place overall.  Theo Genn was up next aboard his own Cola, and after posting a clean first round of 101.846 seconds, set the new time to beat for the jump off at 46.081 seconds.  That lead time would be temporary though as Devin Ryan, of Long Valley, New Jersey riding Barbara Rowland’s No Worries, delivered a fast, clean jump off effort in the time of 45.284 seconds, but with Shepherd on deck, his time would eventually put him in third position.  Holly Shepherd was next to go and after her first round time of 103.177 put the pedal to the metal for the jump off and went clean and fast with a time of 41.990 seconds.  But, Theo Genn still had Winchester, owned by Bridlebourne Stables, LLC, in the wings and although he posted a fast first round in 103.561 seconds, his jump off round of 43.382 seconds would not be fast enough to catch Shepherd and subsequently placed him in second overall, handing the win to Triompf. “I wasn’t sure my horse could beat the Genns’,” commented Shepherd. “They are super hard to beat and an amazing group of riders,” she added.

“I’m thrilled,” commented proud owner Loretta Patterson. “This was the first grand prix Holly and Triompf have been in this year since she hurt her ankle.  I’m heading to our home in Scottsdale this Thursday, so it was so great to watch Holly ride him to a win for us while we were here,” she said.

Patterson, from Omaha, Nebraska, owns 28 horses and said that she has half of them on Adequan.  “It’s a great product,” she said, “and we appreciate their support of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Shows!” she added.

“The footing was really good today,” said Shepherd, “The new grass is so thick and lush and when it comes apart, it reseeds itself in a couple of days.  It feels really great.   I think this is the best field in the country to ride on.  It is beautiful to look at and absolutely beautiful to ride on,” she added.

The good times continue to roll at the Gulfport Winter Classic!  Even though today is a non-show day, all adults attending the Gulf Coast Winter Classic are invited to attend a Happy Hour hosted by sponsor Island View Casino at 3300 West Beach Boulevard from 5:30 to 8:00 pm tonight! Complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music in The View Bar and afterwards, stay and play or try out some of the other restaurants.

The Gulf Coast Classic in Gulfport is where the fun will be this winter, so don’t miss it!  Remember, even though Mardi Gras in neighboring New Orleans officially ended this week, the fun keeps rolling on and that festive atmosphere spills onto the show grounds. With its close proximity to the Gulf Coast beaches, class offerings, prize money, and social scene, the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Gulfport shows are a must on everyone’s show list.  The show will feature weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, the $10,000 International Hunter Derby Week V and a weekly Grand Prix, to name a few highlights.  The grand prix schedule continues next week with the $35,000 Nutrena Grand Prix on February 24, the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix on March 3, and the circuit grand finale, the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix, scheduled for March 10.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  And, this year the fun continues at the Gulfport show with complimentary exhibitor parties, breakfasts, luncheons and office snacks to make your showing experience the best ever.

Classic Company never charges a scratch or add fee for those last minute adds and scratches, so if you haven’t entered yet, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.

Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service.    The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Gulf Coast Classic shows in Gulfport, and let the good times roll!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

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

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

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

Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ Victorious in $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix

Parkland and Lillie Keenan Are an Unstoppable Force in Small Junior 16-17 Hunters

Wellington, FL – February 16, 2013 – Two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ were victorious on Saturday night in the $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W presented by Spy Coast Farm, during week six of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) in Wellington, FL. Madden beat out an impressive roster of top riders and finished in first place over Katie Dinan (USA) and Nougat du Vallet and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) aboard Amaretto d’Arco, who finished second and third respectively.

Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge set the track for 46 entries in Saturday night’s grand prix with nine jumping clear to advance to the jump-off. Four were able to complete the short course without fault, with the fastest time of 41.50 seconds belonging to Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ took top prize.

Watch an interview with Beezie Madden!

Margie Engle (USA) and Elm Rock, LLC’s Royce were first to clear the jump-off course in 45.69 seconds and eventually placed fourth. Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm, LLC’s Amaretto d’Arco cleared the jump-off track in 42.56 seconds to place third. Up next, Katie Dinan and Grant Road Partners, LLC’s Nougat du Vallet upped the ante with their time of 41.84 seconds to place second. They were immediately followed by an even faster clear round from Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ in the winning 41.50 seconds. Week four grand prix winners Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Cella had the fastest time of the night in 40.46 seconds, but had one rail down in the short course to place fifth.

Spy Coast Farm owners Robert and Lisa Lourie were thrilled with the success of the evening and the great class along with a third place finish for their horse and rider. Lisa Lourie commented, “I think it was an extremely exciting grand prix. It was very competitive and you could not have asked for a better lineup for the jump-off. It was a world-class event and we were happy to be a part of that jump-off. As they say, anytime you lose to Beezie when she is riding at her best, that is not a bad thing. We are very pleased with how it went and very happy to do it.”

Madden’s winning mount for the evening, Cortes ‘C’, is an eleven-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Randel Z x Darco that Madden has now had for three years. Madden describes Cortes as a horse with fantastic ability. “He can jump the moon,” Madden stated. “He’s a bit of an internal worrier and I think he is just starting to come into his own. If he can relax like he did tonight under the lights in a big atmosphere I think he’s going to be fantastic.”

This was the first big grand prix of the year for Cortes and Madden was happy with his performance. “He felt fantastic,” she smiled. “Last year he was a little inexperienced under the lights and he was very tense when he came up here each time. This time he started out very relaxed and he felt terrific.”

“He felt very relaxed in the first round; very rideable and jumping well,” Madden continued. “I saw Katie go right before me. I was lucky to go right behind her so I could see how fast she went, so the strategy became try to pull out all the shots you can and it worked.”

In addition to the grand prix win, Madden was named the Leading Lady Jumper Rider, an award presented by Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

“I’d just like to thank Spy Coast and the Louries,” Madden said. “They are great enthusiasts of the sport and without people like them we wouldn’t be here.”

Second place finisher, nineteen-year-old Katie Dinan, has grown up with Beezie Madden as a riding idol and was excited to finish in the top of the class with her. Dinan’s horse, Nougat du Vallet, jumped two great rounds as well. “He felt great,” Dinan smiled. “He jumped so well in the first round and we had a good school before the jump-off. I knew he wasn’t going to try to touch any of the jumps. It was just up to me to go fast. He can do most things for me, but I have to tell him when we need to go fast. He felt really good.”

Shane Sweetnam was pleased to finish in the top three for Spy Coast Farm with their top stallion Amaretto d’Arco, and had a great night.

“I was very happy with my horse tonight,” Sweetnam stated. “Obviously, the Spy Coast Grand Prix, I would have liked to have won it, but I was very happy. It is his first grand prix of the year and I’m just happy to be here.”

“Guilherme did a good job with the course,” Sweetnam said. “I think nine is a good number for clear rounds. No one got hung up anywhere, so for the young riders it was good experience for them as well as a good class for the public.”

Also showing in the International Arena on Saturday, Jessica Springsteen and Stone Hill Farm’s Vindicat W won the $15,000 RCG Farm SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Lucas Porter and Mill’s Georgia, owned by John Roche, won in the Hollow Creek Farm Medium Junior Jumpers. Alvaro Tejada Arriola and Isabel Tejada’s Velinta Palo Blanco won in the Animo USA Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and Diederique Van Der Knaap and G&C Con Air won in the Griffis Residential High Junior Jumpers.

Parkland and Lillie Keenan Are an Unstoppable Force in Small Junior 16-17 Hunters

Parkland and Lillie Keenan continued their domination of the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division during week six of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The pair has taken home championship honors every week they have competed in the division, making this win their fourth tricolor victory.  Keenan and Parkland, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jennifer Gates, were a force to be reckoned with throughout the two days of competition for the division. They placed third and first over fences on day one and won both over fences rounds day two before wrapping up the division with a fourth place on the flat.

Lillie Keenan and Parkland. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Lillie Keenan and Parkland. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Reserve champion was Romance, ridden and owned by Spencer Smith. Smith and Romance were sixth over fences on day one and placed second in both over fences rounds day two. The pair edged out Keenan and Parkland under saddle, placing third in the final class of the division.

Romance and Smith were also honored with the Owner/Rider championship title for the division. The award recognizes riders in junior divisions competing on their own horses and is tallied separately from overall division championship awards. Reserve Owner/Rider champions were MTM U Call It and Cloe Hymowitz.

Keenan, of New York City, and Parkland began their partnership during week one of the FTI WEF, when the pair first took home the tricolor prize.  Since then, the two have proven that it wasn’t just beginner’s luck that earned them top honors.

“He’s a really special horse. He’s really fancy and it’s nice to have [a horse] in the division that you can trust to do his part. He’s a great mover and his strongest quality is how beautiful he is across the ground. His owner, Jennifer Gates, is so nice and comes to see him all the time, so it’s nice to have a lot of support behind you with a horse as special as Parkland,” Keenan stated.

“We’ve gotten closer as circuit has gone on,” Keenan continued. “He’s really part of the [Heritage Farm] family. When he first came, I’d never ridden him before he got to Florida but we’ve gotten to know each other very well. We can rely on each other in the ring.”

Keenan attributes much of her success with Parkland to the gelding’s incredible natural talent, but the bond the two shares is an undeniable factor.  “I know what he likes and I know what to expect. He’s a very reliable horse. The style I ride is very similar to the way he wants to go. It’s a lot easier to match up with a horse that goes the way you like to ride. We naturally have a connection and we’ve worked on it a lot,” Keenan described.

“He’s dead brave and he moves and jumps well, which is a great foundation to work from. I just have to hold him together and keep him in a solid rhythm. It’s really just monitoring his pace and that’s all it takes,” Keenan continued.

Keenan and Parkland will aim to continue their winning streak over the remaining six weeks of the FTI WEF. Keenan is eager to return for week seven of the FTI WEF for the World Championship Hunter Rider Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, hosted in the International Arena next week.

Week six of the FTI WEF concludes Sunday with the La Mundial Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Section B division, which will determine its champion in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Arena. The $33,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will conclude jumper competition 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
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The $25,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Grand Prix at Gulfport

Get Happy in Gulfport! The Genn clan keeps the money in the family!

Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z sail over an oxer in the Johnson Horse Transportation Grand Prix. Flashpoint Photography

Gulfport, Mississippi, February 10, 2013 – Johnson Horse Transportation kicked off the 2013 grand prix action yesterday when it pulled into town at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. A field of eighteen took to the course designed by Blake Adler of Germantown, Tennessee, but it was Wilhelm Genn and his sons, Theo and Ryan of Lebanon, Ohio, who kept the money in the family by securing first, second and third placings!  “This was the first time my sons and I finished in the top three spots,” said Wilhelm Genn. “This was a very special class for us!” he added.

First to go was Paradox ***, owned by Thomas Bruinsma and ridden by Theo Genn of Lebanon, Ohio.  But with eight faults in round one with a time of 91.40, the pair would not return for the jump-off. Second to go was Theo’s father, Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio, aboard Nancy Gooding’s Palim Palim ***, who had four faults at fence 6 and finished with a time of 102.81 seconds.  Devin Ryan of Long Valley, New Jersey rode his own Roman Saluut*** and looked to be the first clear round of the day, but with four faults at the last fence and a time of 94.231, would settle for seventh overall.  Jay Land of Alpharetta, Georgia was next to go riding his and Kim Land’s Nepal and had the crowd on their feet as they locked in the first clean round of the day with a time of 93.655 seconds.  Gage Hodgen’s Cooper 59, ridden by Jordan Siegel of Flower Mound, Texas, finished with eight faults and a time of 94.996, followed by Thomas Le Blanc, riding Steel Horse Investment’s MTM Got Game, in a time of 101.338 seconds and sixteen faults.

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$175,000 Invitational Grand Prix Returns to The Ridge at Wellington for Fifth Week of Series

Andres Rodriguez and Caballito. Photo: Emily Riden

Wellington, FL – February 4, 2013 – The highlight of the show jumping season is about to reach its midpoint. The $75,000 Grand Prix Invitational Series at The Ridge at Wellington is preparing for its fifth week of competition. After two weeks of competition at Mida Farm, the event returns to The Ridge at Wellington on Friday, February 8, with a list of national and international contenders giving everything they have to qualify for the finale and possibly take over the Leading Rider Bonus rankings.

Top competitors have been competing in the weekly competition, testing their skills and taking the opportunity to jump in a different venue. After four weeks of the series, Andres Rodriquez is topping the Leading Rider Bonus rankings. He won the first week of competition with his mount Elatrice, as well as easily knocking out the competition last week aboard Caballito, with a time of 31.475 seconds.

“He’s a very, very fast horse,” Rodriquez commented. “My plan was to go as fast as possible, leaving it so that if somebody wanted to beat me they would have to take that inside turn.”

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Victory Marks Triumphant Return for Beerbaum and Cantano

©Flying Horse Photography. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Cantano at the $30,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

THERMAL, CA (February 4, 2013) – It was a triumphant return to Southern California for Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Cantano, owned by Octavia Farms, LLC, with a win in Sunday’s $30,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The pair topped a field of 42 entries and produced the fastest of two clears among eight jump-off contenders.

Indeed the trophy ceremony wound up a Team Beerbaum affair, as student Saer Coulter of Stanford, California, and Don VHP Z placed second with the afternoon’s only other double-clear. Meredith’s husband Markus Beerbaum finished third on Lancero. Both Coulter and Markus Beerbaum’s horses are owned by the Coulter family’s Copernicus Stables.

Fourth place went to San Marcos, California’s, Michelle Parker riding Cross Creek Farms’ Socrates de Midos, and fifth to Lane Clarke of Laguna Niguel, California, and Granville Equine’s Casseur de Prix.

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Lisa Goldman on a Roll with Back-to-Back Grand Prix Wins during Week III at HITS Ocala

©ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Centurion B on course in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix

OCALA, FL (February 4, 2013) – The HITS Ocala grand prix ring has seen many new faces over the last several years with the heightened excitement of qualifying for the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix, formerly the Pfizer Million. However, few have had the impact that Lisa Goldman has. The young professional from Hawthorn Woods, Illinois captured her fifth grand prix ribbon in two weeks, was first and second in last Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, and avenged her second-place finish during Week II with the blue ribbon in yesterday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, aboard Mary Goldman’s Centurion B.

Goldman and Centurion B have created a unique bond that many never find and it seems to be working to their advantage. “I’ve had him since he was two years old,” she proudly recalled. “He’s an American bred Belgium Warmblood and I jumped his first jump ever with him.”

It was another perfect day as course designer Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida prepared one of the most exciting tracks of the season. Twenty-seven horse and rider combinations started the class and the contenders soon rose to the top as a five trip jump-off emerged after the first round.

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Eduardo Menezes and Caruschka Get the 2013 HITS Desert Circuit Off to an Exciting Start

©Flying Horse Photography. Eduardo Menezes and Cruschka who had the speed and rode to the win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

THERMAL, CA (January 26, 2013) – It was by all accounts a stellar kick-off to the 2013 HITS Desert Circuit Friday, as 38 horse and rider combinations tested themselves in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Crisp weather and a light drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of the riders and only added to the exuberance of the horses, who were friskier than usual and seemed keyed into the excitement of the event.

The significance of the class was heightened by the fact that it was also the first qualifier of the HITS Desert Circuit season for the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix, presented by Lamborghini Newport Beach, taking place March 17.

Eight made it to the jump-off, and it was Brazilian rider Eduardo Menezes of Carlsbad, California who rose to the top on his own Caruschka. Ashlee Bond of Hidden Hills, California and Little Valley Farms’ Cadett 7 rode to second while hoping for a third appearance in the World Cup this year. Helen McNaught of San Ramon, California and Lariccello, owned by Allison Heafey, came in third.

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