Tag Archives: hunter/jumper

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aiken Fall Festival Just Around the Corner

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August, 25th 2011 – The closing date for the 2011 Aiken Fall Festival Horse Show is just under a week away, but crew and staff at Equus Events have been busily preparing for the event all summer long. The show, a USEF “A” rated event will take place September 8-11 and 15-18 at Highfields Event Center in horse-centric Aiken, SC.  The show has become a “staple” on the fall social and event calendar according to the Aiken Standard and it’s easy to see why.  Aiken’s famous horse community, its eclectic shops and restaurants, and events such as the 2011 Aiken’s Makin’ Festival (September 9th-10th) makes this town a prime stop on the horse show calendar. Horses and riders will be competing for awards and prizes in upwards to $100,000 throughout the two week show series and vying to have their name engraved on many perpetual trophies. Some of last year’s Grand Champion and Perpetual Trophy winner’s included:

*At A Glance Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Champion Hunter – Cezanne owned by Lilly Haun and ridden by Vick Russell
*Joyce Lineburger Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Junior Hunter – Babette and Noel Fauntleroy
*Good Golly Miss Molly Perpetual Trophy for Grand Pony Hunter – Caroline Hargreaves and That’s It
*Grand Amateur Owner Hunter – Onassis and Sarah Ward
*Grand Adult Hunter – Westside and Cindy Prestage
*Grand Children’s Hunter – Ransom and Lily Foy
*Grand Children’s/Adult Jumper – Oh My Lord and Terrell McKey
*Grand Junior/AO Jumper – Fargo and Mary Huitt

Continue reading Aiken Fall Festival Just Around the Corner →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Diana de Rosa, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

National Museum of the American Indian and Washington International Horse Show Team Up to Celebrate Horses

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Photo: Fine Art Photography by Brady Willette

Exhibition Grand Opening Oct. 29-30 and Free Kids’ Day

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Washington International Horse Show announce a new partnership to celebrate horses in Native American culture and equestrian sport throughout history.

The museum opens “A Song for the Horse Nation” Saturday, Oct. 29, at its flagship museum on the National Mall, a major exhibition that explores the role horses have played in Native culture from the 1500s to the present. The exhibition runs through Jan. 7, 2013. The Washington International Horse Show celebrates its 53rd year Oct. 25-30 at Verizon Center. Together, the two organizations will celebrate these occasions with free family programs on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at Verizon Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all day Sunday, Oct. 30, at the museum. A free shuttle service between the museum and Verizon Center will be provided by Reston Limousine on Saturday.

Activities include free pony rides at Verizon Center Oct. 29 for WIHS Kids’ Day, war-pony painting demonstrations by Crow equestrian and tribal general council member Kennard Real Bird, storytelling by award-winning children’s book author and illustrator S. D. Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux), hands-on ledger-art lessons, and much more at both locations.

“What better way for us to come together to illuminate our shared history and distinct cultures than through our mutual admiration for horses,” said museum director, Kevin Gover (Pawnee). “This unique collaboration celebrates the indomitable spirit not just of the Horse Nation, but of the whole nation. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Washington International Horse Show and know that the spectators at Verizon Center and the visitors to the museum will be, too.”

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Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper aboard Kenya

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©ESI Photography. Patty Stovel and Kenya in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at Culpeper

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) — Patty Stovel and Shoal Creek Stables’ Kenya gained the momentum they needed in Culpeper to capture Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight a week of tough competition in the hunter rings of the Winston National at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

The duo’s latest victory marks their third triumph in a Devoucoux class this summer as they topped the field of 22 that showed over course designer Rian Beals’ first-round course. “Kenya is getting better as the summer goes on and that is a good thing,” said Stovel. “I am very fortunate to have a great owner who let us take our time with this horse.”

The last time the duo showed at HITS Culpeper they scored the blue at the Cavalier Classic in the featured class for hunters. Then, a few weeks ago, they struck glory again topping 70 starters at the NY Horse & Pony Show at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York proving they are one of the teams to beat in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

Going into the weekend, Stovel and Kenya were eighth in the current Rider Rankings for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final with 224 points. Saturday’s win will help to push them into the top five with only two qualifiers left before the big weekend on September 10-11 in Saugerties.

“I have said it before. This horse can win on any given day!” said Stovel. “There will be some great horses and great riders there and I am sure hoping that we are up for the challenge.”

Continue reading Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper aboard Kenya →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Kyle Is King of the Rockies

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Kyle King of Ocala, FL, and Capone I won the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix on August 20 at the Rocky Mountain Classic I in Calgary, AB. Photo credit - Cansport

Calgary, Alberta – Kyle King of Ocala, FL, kicked off the three-week Rocky Mountain Classic show jumping series by winning the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix on Saturday, August 20. The Rocky Mountain Classic show jumping tournaments are taking place at Anderson Ranch in Calgary, AB.

Course designer Werner Deeg of Germany ensured a thrilling jump-off when 10 of the 29 starters jumped his first round track clear to advance to the jump-off. King was the first rider through the gate with Capone I, and set a target time of 39.95 seconds that would prove unbeatable. In fact, King proved to be his own toughest competition when his other jump-off mount, Valentino, was clear in a time of 41.10 seconds for second place. Rocky Mountain tournament organizer, John Anderson of Calgary, AB, took third place with a time of 41.61 seconds riding Terrific.

“I went first and was a little conservative, but it turned out to be fine,” said King, who has been based at Anderson Ranch this summer. “They all had to chase me and it worked out. I had the class by a full second.”

For King and Capone I, the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix marked the pair’s first competition since winning the $125,000 CN World Cup Grand Prix during the Spruce Meadows “Continental” Tournament in June.

“It was great for Capone because it was challenging enough, but it wasn’t so huge and he didn’t have to try too hard,” said King of the 15-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Contender. “He jumped solid and was right on form.”

Continue reading Kyle Is King of the Rockies →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennie Edwards Captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper

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© ESI Photography. Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome on course during the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) — Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome rose to the top when she won the blue in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals on Saturday night at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida is a seasoned equitation rider and trains under the tutelage of her aunt, Ginny Edwards at Hidden Hollow Farm. In all, 33 riders navigated course designer Jerry Dougherty’s route, and 12 of the top riders were invited back to show on the flat. After the flat phase, the top four were brought back for additional testing over fences, after which, Edwards emerged as the winner.

“I got this horse back in March and he’s been such a great ride,” said Jennie Edwards. “I’ve learned so much on him already. This is one of the most important events I look forward to each year, so winning it was just great. I couldn’t believe when it happened.”

For her efforts, Jennie Edwards won a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, and a cooler donated by Gary Baker, while Ginny Edwards won a $300 trainer award for helping to guide her student to the crown.

“My goals this year were to qualify for the USEF Pessoa Medal Finals, the regional ASPCA Maclay Finals and this Final,” added Edwards. “I’ve been able to do all of that so far, so this year has been really successful for me. I’m very lucky to have my aunt as my trainer – she is so caring and hardworking, and it made the win a lot more special with her there.”

Continue reading Jennie Edwards Captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equus Events Inaugural Atlanta Summerfest Kicks Off to Rave Reviews

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Snook and Christina Jason jumping. Picture copyright Steven G. Webb photography

August 21st, 2010 – Equus Events has just wrapped up its inaugural Atlanta Summerfest at Chatt Hills (Bouckaert Farms) in Fairburn, GA.  The show, a USEF “A” sanctioned event took place August 18-21 and was managed by Aiken, SC’s Equus Events Inc. and show manager J. P. Godard.  “We are unbelievably excited about this new show series,” boasted Godard.  “This facility is outstanding and I am really looking forward to the future and all of the potential we have here.”  Well known in the eventing world, Chatt Hills will host the 2011 USEA American Eventing Championships in just over a week and Godard is excited to introduce it to the hunter and jumper world.  The facility boasts an over 8000 acre equestrian paradise filled with established pastures, lakes, and woodlands with ample room to ride located along the Chattahoochee River.  From excellent footing to exceptional stabling, this place really has it all!  During the week, exhibitors and spectators were treated to daily hospitality all sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors; Brad Spragg and the Atlanta Hunt Club, Elizabeth Warmington and Brooksgate Stable Inc., Matt Martin and Windy Oaks Farm, Casey Whitaker, and The Farm House.

The hunter ring was featured Friday evening during a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic.  Julie Curtain and Donna Bassinger’s Miramax took top honors in that class topping the field of 14 just edging out another of Curtain’s mounts, Gregg Burrows’s Vince.  Junior rider Alexa Boggio took rounded out the top three with her Alamo.

The jumpers were the highlight in Saturday evening’s Chattahoochee Hills $5,000 Jumper Classic.  Exhibitors and spectators were treated to an exhibitor’s party sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors during the class.  Five horse/rider combinations advanced to the jump off over the J. P. Godard designed course.  In the end it was Aiken, SC young professional Christina Jason and CDS Stable’s Snook who took home the blue in a time of 36.819 just edging out Mary Kate Dillon’s Utharo and Glenn Hartigan’s time of 36.825.  Highridge Farm’s entry Uranda and rider Susie Fried took home third.  “The show grounds is beautiful!” quoted Jason.  “It was a fun, fast class and Snook was absolutely perfect … I had a great time!”

Another Aiken, SC rider rose to the top on Sunday in the $2,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Adult Jumper Classic.  This time it was Heather Crespo and her Fritz R.B who took home the blue in the class.  The action continues this week with the Atlanta Summerfest II starting up on Thursday August 25th.  For complete horse show results or this week’s schedule of events please go to www.equusevents.com or call 803-643-5698.

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Hagyard Challenge Series Continues to Be Led by McLain Ward

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McLain Ward placed first and second in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to take over the lead in the Hagyard Challenge Series standings. Photo: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – August 22, 2011 – McLain Ward continues to hold the lead in the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series after claiming the first and second place honors in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. The talented rider completed double clear rounds aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to earn valuable points towards the $45,000 Leading Rider Bonus.

After last Friday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, Canada’s Yann Candele has moved into the second place position, trailing Ward by just 20 points. Candele took home the winning prize aboard Azzaro during the prestigious event, and also placed fifth and sixth with Carlotta Singular La Magnifiqua and Ariana, respectively. Fellow Canadian Ian Millar has slipped to the third position, having ridden Instyle and Star Power to fourth and fifth place finishes, respectively, during both of the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic competitions during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

The Hagyard Challenge Series features seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the series will receive a $45,000 Leading Rider Award, presented after the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier held on September 23, 2011, during the Kentucky National Horse Show.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: presenting sponsor Pfizer Animal Health, Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra 200, Wyatt Equine Law Group, Johnson Horse Transportation, Chase, and J. P. Morgan.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Lillie Keenan Wins the $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Lillie Keenan and C Coast Z earned the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Championship at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo: Heather Bellock/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 20, 2011 – It was an incredible night for the Final Round of the 2011 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Spectators gathered in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park to see who would take home tonight’s victory. Junior Rider Lillie Keenan rode to success with C Coast Z proving to be unbeatable throughout tonight’s competition. Scott Stewart and Declaration took home the second place honors while Tammy Provost and Carlson earned the third place award.

After a 12-month qualifying period, the top 75 horses were invited to compete for championship honors. Yesterday the qualifying round was held in the Rolex Stadium, and the top 25 horse and rider combinations returned to show during tonight’s Second Round competition. Riders were tested over a Classic Hunter Course with the top 12 scoring combinations advancing to the Handy Hunter Course. Scores from yesterday’s qualifying round did not carry over and riders began with had a fresh start to impress the judges. However, the scores earned in the Classic Hunter Round did carry over in the Handy Hunter Round and was a factor in determining tonight’s results.

Scott Hofstetter, Otis Brown, Russell Frey, Julie Winkel, Carleton Brooks, Jimmy Torano, Jim Clapperton, and Mike Rosser had the pleasure of judging each of tonight’s rounds. The courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and Patrick Rhodes and were created to replicate traditional hunt country. The course was beautifully set, mimicking a picturesque hunt field and barnyard with a winding stream and fence separating the barnyard from the open fields. The courses included hedges, stonewalls, oxers, coops, hay bales, gates, logs, and an in-and-out. During the Handy Round there were several elements to test both horse and rider and plenty of opportunities to show off handiness and earn bonus points as well as four higher options that would add an additional point per fence to their base score due to their added heights and elevated difficulty.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Scott Stewart Takes Top Three Spots in 3rd Annual $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

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Scott Stewart and Carlos Boy took top honors during Round One of the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo By: Heather Bellock/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 19, 2011 – The day that riders, trainers, owners and spectators have been waiting for throughout the Kentucky Horse Shows Series has finally arrived. The 2011 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals commenced this morning in the Rolex Stadium. Attendees could not have ordered a more perfect day with sunny skies and moderate temperatures to kick off the long anticipated event. This is the third annual USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and it has returned to the Kentucky Horse Park. Scott Stewart and Carlos Boy won today’s class and Stewart placed in the top six with all of his mounts and is one of the top 25 horse and rider combinations to advance to tomorrow evening’s final event. Lillie Keenan took home the fourth and fifth place finish with Madison and C Coast Z, respectively.

This event was created to bring show hunters to the world stage, to increase spectators, media and sponsorship interest, and bring tradition and basic riding principles back to the sport of show hunters. It is an event that involves a 12-month qualifying period and only the top 75 horses are invited to compete for the championship title. Opening ceremonies began at eight this morning, and soon after the competition got underway with the qualifying round for all 59 horse and rider combinations in the Rolex Stadium. The judges panels were comprised of Scott Hofstetter and Otis Brown for panel one, Russell Frey and Julie Winkel for panel two, Carleton Brooks and Jimmy Torano for panel three, and Jim Clapperton and Mike Rosser for panel four.

Bobby Murphy and Patrick Rhodes designed the qualifying round course, the first of three courses in the finals. This Hunter Derby style course challenged riders over 12 fences ranging from 3’6″ to 4’0″. The course offered four optional obstacles that would add an additional point per fence to their base score due to their added heights and elevated difficulty. The fences being used throughout the weekend are reminiscent of those that would be found out on a hunting field. Obstacles on the course included oxers made up of natural posts, rails and white board fences, gates, hedges, hay bales, a brush, logs, and natural foliage.

Continue reading Scott Stewart Takes Top Three Spots in 3rd Annual $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Yann Candele and Azzaro Win $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Yann Candele and Azzaro took top honors in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo: Heather Bellock/PMG

Lexington, KY – August 19, 2011 – Another incredible crowd turned out at the Rolex Stadium tonight at the Kentucky Horse Park; this time the spectators watched riders compete for the top prize during the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Six horse and rider combinations progressed to the jump-off with Yann Candele riding three of them, and eventually leading the victory gallop with Azzaro after they laid down the fastest clear effort over the short course. Margie Engle was just a hair off of Candele’s time. She and Lord Spezi earned the second place finish after completing a fault free effort.

Tonight’s class was the fifth of seven grand prix events that make up the Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by Hagyard Medical Institute and presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Following the final event in the series, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series for the Leading Rider Bonus.

The horse and rider combinations were tested over a challenging course, designed by Allen Rheinheimer, which included fourteen obstacles. The course featured an oxer-oxer-vertical triple combination, a triple bar that was just six short strides before a vertical-vertical double combination, and a liverpool, as well as several, single verticals. Riders also had to keep the pace in order to complete the course, which spread covered the entire arena, within the tight time allowed of 90 seconds. The complicated oxer-oxer-vertical triple combination posed difficulties for horses and riders alike, causing several to gain faults because of the single long stride between each fence. Out of the 44 entries, only six horse and rider combinations went clean and Yann Candele would have the ride aboard three of the six horses to advance to the jump-off.

Continue reading Yann Candele and Azzaro Win $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show →