Tag Archives: Jim Koford

Horse Radio Network Features Mary Jordan, Trainer Jim Koford, and Susan Guinan of VTRC

Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 at the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 8 Championships, September 18-21, 2014 © Amy E. Riley/STUDIO EQUUS.

Jupiter, FL – November 3, 2014 – Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show featured Para-Dressage athlete Mary Jordan, Susan Guinan of Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and Dressage trainer and rider Jim Koford.

Lindsay McCall from the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) hosted the show with co-host Regina Cristo. To listen to episode #283, please visit: http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/10/30/dressage-radio-episode-283-creating-great-partnerships-mary-jordan-susan-guinan-jim-koford/.

About Mary Jordan: 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) athlete Mary Jordan of Wells, Maine is headed to the 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® scheduled for November 6-9, in Lexington, KY. Jordan qualified with Rubicon 75 (Royal-Hit x Edelkarin/Absinthe) at the Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation Region 8 Championships presented by New England Dressage Association (NEDA) September 18-21, 2014. Unprecedented, this horse and rider combination is the only Para-Equestrian Dressage duo to win an able-bodied Regional Championship to go to the Finals. Jordan earned her invitation when the pair won the 3rd Level Championship out of a field of 23 competitors. Rubicon also placed 5th in the 2nd Level Region 8 Championship. Rubicon 75 is owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center of Loxahatchee, Florida, and was formally owned and ridden by Catherine Haddad Staller of International Dressage.

To find out more about Mary Jordan’s trip to the U.S. Dressage Finals, view this link: http://uspea.org/october-30-2014-mary-jordan-heads-to-u-s-dressage-finals-presented-by-adequan-as-first-ever-para-dressage-athlete/.

About Jim Koford: (excerpt from KofordDressage.com)
James has been immersed in the dressage community for the last 35 years. He was catapulted into the FEI dressage ring aboard the Pinto Dutch Warmblood stallion, Art Deco. James started showing Art Deco as a 4-year-old and advanced him to Grand Prix. This popular duo became one of the most recognizable FEI combinations on the East Coast.

As a competitor, James enjoys tremendous success on a wide variety of horses. He has competed in the Grand Prix on six different mounts and has guided over twenty horses to the FEI levels. James’s horses have won numerous regional and national awards from Training Level to Grand Prix. Some of his most successful horses include the stallions Donatelli II winning at Grand Prix with scores to 72% (2007) and Don Principe winning thirteen straight PSG and I1 classes in 2008.

KofordJames distinguishes himself as one of the very few riders in the world to compete at both Four Star eventing and Grand Prix dressage. James trained and competed the horses Bank On It and Max Motoring at Essex**, Bromont**, Fair Hill*** and Rolex****. James continues his commitment to the eventing community as a highly sought after dressage coach, for eventing riders at the national and international levels.

In 2009, Koford had success with a number of horses. Aboard Don Principe, Koford took home top honors in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the WEF Dressage Classic, the Grand Prix Test at the KDA Spring Warm-Up Show, and the Grand Prix Test and Freestyle at the KDA 23rd Annual Dressage Show. Koford, aboard Rhett, was awarded the Anne Barlow Ramsay grant from The Dressage Foundation to travel to Germany to train and compete. Koford and Rhett trained with Michael Klimke in Germany and competed in the small tour at national shows in Germany.

2010 led Rhett and Koford back to Germany where they successfully competed in Open Grand Prix classes at national shows. The pair also competed in the Medien Cup classes for young Grand Prix horses. The same year they secured two wins at the USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships.

Koford and Rhett made their debut at the CDI Grand Prix level in 2011. In Wellington, they capped off a great season with a win in the International Horse Sport Champions Cup Grand Prix. They had another win that year in the Grand Prix Test at Dressage at Devon. In addition, they finished out the year with two more Grand Prix wins at the USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships. Also in 2011, Koford also won two Grand Prix classes at Dressage at Lexington aboard Pharaoh.

2012 began with a win aboard Pharaoh in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Wellington Dressage show. Koford finished second with Rhett in the Grand Prix Special at the Wellington Dressage show as well. Koford and Pharaoh finished second at the Florida Dressage Classic with an exceptional freestyle performance. In June of 2012, Koford and Rhett were selected to compete in the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S. Dressage Team. They finished 12th with an overall score of 67.858%. Rhett and Koford continued their success in 2013 with a second place finish the Grand Prix Special at the World Dressage Masters.

Listen to Trainer Jim Koford talk about training able-bodied and Para-Dressage: http://uspea.org/march-29-2014-horse-radio-network-features-dressage-para-dressage-trainers-heather-blitz-and-jim-koford/.

About Susan Guinan: Guinan is the Director of Development at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, FL.

Susan grew up in Bucks County, Pa. and South Florida. She attended Rutgers University studying Agricultural Business and Marketing. Susan worked for Merrill Lynch in NYC and London. She lived in the UK for 18 years raising her two boys. Her career in finance and marketing continued in London building loyalty and affinity programs for European and Australian banks and utilities from offices in London, Paris and Sydney.

Susan returned to Florida full time in 2004, and now combines her passion for horses and business at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. Susan, a lifelong horsewoman, joined the staff of Vinceremos in September of 2009. No stranger to Vinceremos, Susan has been a part of the auction committee since returning to Florida. Susan’s role includes developing donors, sponsorship and fundraising for the center.

She started driving horse and carriage in the 1980s while living in Far Hills, New Jersey. During her time in England her passion for driving continued, including Driving for the Disabled, an affiliate of the Riding for the Disabled. She holds a Level 2 driving certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and founded the driving program at Vinceremos. Susan continues to drive competitively and accompanies her driving students to competitions too.

Susan is on the Board of Trustees of the US Driving for the Disabled and is on the PATH Driving subcommittee.

Once a month, the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including Olympians, Paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.

To learn more about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network, visit www.horseradionetwork.com; to contact Glenn the Geek, go to http://www.horseradionetwork.com/contact/ or leave a voicemail at 270-803-0025.

About the Horse Radio Network:

The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.

We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows, empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner?

Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile on your face! Learn more at www.horseradionetwork.com.

HORSES IN THE MORNING live M-F at 9am Eastern at www.horsesinthemorning.com.

To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Horse Radio Network Features Dressage/Para-Dressage Trainers Heather Blitz and Jim Koford

Heather Blitz. Photo courtesy of HeatherBlitz.info.

Wellington, FL – March 29, 2014 – Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show featured dressage and para-dressage trainer Heather Blitz and Jim Koford. Each trainer talked about their experience working with an international high-performance para-dressage athlete. They spoke of the parallel comparison between able-bodied dressage and para-dressage. Both had their athletes on the show including Angela Peavy (USA), a grade III, rider who trains with Blitz and 2010 World Equestrian Games athlete Mary Jordan (USA), Grade IV, who trains with Jim Koford. Episode #252 was hosted by Paralympian Hope Hand and dressage rider Regina Cristo.

To view and listen to episode #252, please visit: http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/03/27/dressage-radio-episode-252-para-dressage-coaches-and-students-with-heather-blitz-and-jim-koford/.

About Heather Blitz:

Heather Blitz of Wellington, FL is the 2012 U.S. Olympic Dressage Team reserve rider and 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold Medalist and Individual Silver Medalist. Blitz’s love for horses started in Kansas where she grew up on her parents’ farm. Blitz began competing in dressage competitions in 1994 and has won numerous regional and national titles on an array of horses. Her career-changing horse came in the form of Danish Warmblood stallion Rambo DVE 373, whom she began training as a 12-year-old. The pair showed at the CDI Grand Prix level throughout Florida and at the prestigious Dressage at Devon where they placed third. Blitz is currently working with Paragon, an 18-hand Danish Warmblood bred by Oak Hill Ranch.

Top Accolades:

–Blitz and Paragon claimed the Reserve Championship in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions.

–Represented the U.S. at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico winning Team Gold and Individual Silver medals.

–Blitz and Paragon finished second in both the Grand Prix CDI3* and the Grand Prix Special at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI4* presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach.

–WEF Dressage Classic: Blitz and Paragon won the Grand Prix Freestyle and finished third in the Grand Prix Test.

–The 2012 year also saw Blitz and Paragon in Gladstone, New Jersey for the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S. Dressage Team in June. After four rounds of competition over two weekends, Blitz finished sixth overall with a combined total of 70.384%.

About Jim Koford: (excerpt from KofordDressage.com)
James has been immersed in the dressage community for the last 35 years. He was catapulted into the FEI dressage ring aboard the Pinto Dutch Warmblood stallion, Art Deco. James started showing Art Deco as a 4-year-old and advanced him to Grand Prix. This popular duo became one of the most recognizable FEI combinations on the East Coast.

As a competitor, James enjoys tremendous success on a wide variety of horses. He has competed in the Grand Prix on six different mounts and has guided over twenty horses to the FEI levels. James’s horses have won numerous regional and national awards from Training Level to Grand Prix. Some of his most successful horses include the stallions Donatelli II winning at Grand Prix with scores to 72% (2007) and Don Principe winning thirteen straight PSG and I1 classes in 2008.

James Koford. Photo courtesy of Jim Koford of koforddressage.com. Photo taken by Shelley Paulson Photography.
James Koford. Photo courtesy of Jim Koford of koforddressage.com. Photo by Shelley Paulson Photography.

James distinguishes himself as one of the very few riders in the world to compete at both Four Star eventing and Grand Prix dressage. James trained and competed the horses Bank On It and Max Motoring at Essex**, Bromont**, Fair Hill*** and Rolex****. James continues his commitment to the eventing community as a highly sought after dressage coach, for eventing riders at the national and international levels.

In 2009, Koford had success with a number of horses. Aboard Don Principe, Koford took home top honors in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the WEF Dressage Classic, the Grand Prix Test at the KDA Spring Warm-Up Show, and the Grand Prix Test and Freestyle at the KDA 23rd Annual Dressage Show. Koford, aboard Rhett, was awarded the Anne Barlow Ramsay grant from The Dressage Foundation to travel to Germany to train and compete. Koford and Rhett trained with Michael Klimke in Germany and competed in the small tour at national shows in Germany.

2010 led Rhett and Koford back to Germany where they successfully competed in Open Grand Prix classes at national shows. The pair also competed in the Medien Cup classes for young Grand Prix horses. The same year they secured two wins at the USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships.
Koford and Rhett made their debut at the CDI Grand Prix level in 2011. In Wellington, they capped off a great season with a win in the International Horse Sport Champions Cup Grand Prix. They had another win that year in the Grand Prix Test at Dressage at Devon. In addition, they finished out the year with two more Grand Prix wins at the USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships. Also in 2011, Koford also won two Grand Prix classes at Dressage at Lexington aboard Pharaoh.

2012 began with a win aboard Pharaoh in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Wellington Dressage show. Koford finished second with Rhett in the Grand Prix Special at the Wellington Dressage show as well. Koford and Pharaoh finished second at the Florida Dressage Classic with an exceptional freestyle performance. In June of 2012, Koford and Rhett were selected to compete in the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S. Dressage Team. They finished 12th with an overall score of 67.858%. Rhett and Koford continued their success in 2013 with a second place finish the Grand Prix Special at the World Dressage Masters.

Susan is on the Board of Trustees of the US Driving for the Disabled and is on the PATH Driving subcommittee.

Once a month, the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including Olympians, Paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.

To learn more about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network, visit www.horseradionetwork.com; to contact Glenn the Geek, go to http://www.horseradionetwork.com/contact/ or leave a voicemail at 270-803-0025.

About the Horse Radio Network:

The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.

We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows, empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner?

Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile on your face!  Learn more at www.horseradionetwork.com.

HORSES IN THE MORNING live M-F at 9am Eastern at www.horsesinthemorning.com.

Fantastic weekly shows:

Driving Radio Show at www.drivingradioshow.com
Equestrian Legends at www.equestrianlegends.com
Stable Scoop Radio Show at www.stablescoop.com
Eventing Radio Show at www.eventingradio.com
Dressage Radio Show at www.Dressageradio.com
Horse Tip Daily at www.horsetipdaily.com
Western Radio Show at www.westernradioshow.com

To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved.  From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Vilhelmson-Silfven Wins at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

Peters Claims Third in WDM Freestyle, Koford Finishes Second in WDM Grand Prix Special

Jim Koford & Rhett (Shannon Brinkman)

Wellington, FL – The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by Wellington Classic Dressage concluded Saturday at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center with the WDM Grand Prix Special and the WDM Freestyle. Competition at the only North American stop in the World Dressage Masters Series presented by the Axel Johnson Group came to a close under the lights as the top seven combinations from Friday’s WDM Nürnberger Grand Prix performed their customized Freestyles. For a second time over the weekend, Steffen Peters led the U.S. effort, collecting third place, in the Freestyle scoring 80.175% with Legolas 92. However, the U.S. veteran was unable to best Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven who rode Don Auriello to victory with a score of 84.075%. The afternoon session hosted WDM Grand Prix Special competition, with Denmark’s Mikala Gundersen and My Lady topping the six horse field on a score of 69.479%. The sole American entry, Jim Koford and Rhett, finished in second place with a score of 67.167%.

WDM Freestyle

In her third attempt at claiming victory in the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, Vilhelmson-Silfven was victorious on the strength of a powerful Freestyle performance. A floor plan choreographed to The Who for the 2012 London Olympic Games perfectly highlighted Don Auriello’s gaits and attitude, helping them to achieve a career best score.

Continue reading Vilhelmson-Silfven Wins at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach