Tag Archives: Lillie Keenan

Awards, USEF

USEF Announces 2014 Pegasus Award Winners

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Lillie Keenan (©alcookphoto.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted honors. Awarded by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Friday, January 10, at The Hyatt Regency Lexington in Lexington, Ky. The winner of the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information is available here: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2014USEFAnnualMeeting/.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Keith Bartz

Keith Bartz of Naples, Fla., has been a leading figure in the American Saddlebred industry for many years. Bartz’s influence spans the entire scope of the sport, as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader. For his undying support and incredible legacy, Bartz has been awarded the 2013 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.

Bartz has spent his entire life devoted to the promotion of the American Saddlebred. For 27 years he and his wife, Carol, owned and operated Hollow Haven Farm, where they helped many amateurs and juvenile riders reach success in the show ring. Bartz also served as an active American Saddlebred Horse Association judge for 11 divisions until his retirement in 1998. He has shown his dedication to the American Saddlebred by serving as the Director of the American Saddlebred Museum for more than a decade as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. For his outstanding sportsmanship, Bartz was the recipient of the USEF’s Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award in 2003.

Bartz’s influence on the American Saddlebred sport and the entire equestrian industry expands beyond the show ring, as he has dedicated significant time and effort to governance, including serving many years on the Board of Directors, Budget & Finance Committee, and Admin & Finance Working Group and as an Officer of the Federation. He also served many years as chairman of the USEF Licensed Officials Committee. Bartz is a past President of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association and currently serves on the American Saddlebred, Ethics, Compensation & Human Resources, and Nominating Committees for the USEF.

Junior Equestrian of the Year – Lillie Keenan

At just 17 years old, Lillie Keenan is already epitomizing the dedication, skill, poise, and sportsmanship that are required to reach the top of equestrian sport. A junior at the Spence School in New York, N.Y., Keenan actively participates in hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. For her talent, integrity, and contributions to the equestrian world, Keenan will be awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2013 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

With her unprecedented success over the last 12 months, Keenan now stands among the most decorated junior riders in history. In the hunter ranks, she was named the Grand Junior Hunter Champion at the Devon Horse Show, in addition to earning Reserve Champion honors at the US Junior Hunter National Championships – East. Keenan also made a huge splash in the jumping ranks, winning many of the most coveted titles offered annually in the United States. In July, she earned Team and Individual Gold medals at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North before capturing Team Silver and Individual Gold at the Randolph College/USEF Junior Jumper Championships. She also earned her first Grand Prix victory in June by topping the $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix presented by Zoetis. Keenan showcased her exemplary riding style throughout the year by claiming the Shalanno Style of Riding Award at the Devon Horse Show and the William C. Steinkraus Style of Riding Award at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. She closed out her 2013 campaign by topping the fields in the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals presented by Randolph College and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Finals, adding two of the most prestigious equitation titles to her resume.

In addition to excelling on the field of play, she also shines in the classroom, maintaining an A average while taking a full course load which includes Calculus, Biology, Spanish V, English, and Art History. Keenan, whose most meaningful victory to date came in the 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, also gives back to the sport she loves as a member of the USHJA Equitation Task Force and by helping other riders who also train out of Heritage Farm.

Pegasus Medals of Honor – Linda Bibbler, Larry Langer, and Armand Leone

The Pegasus Medal of Honor was created as an annual award to recognize individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and equestrian sport. These dedicated individuals have engaged the community in their passion for horses through their work in the industry. This year’s winners, Linda Bibbler, Larry Langer, and Armand Leone, have all dedicated years of service to equestrian sport.

Bibbler of Woodside, Calif., has been an active member of the vaulting community at all levels for nearly 30 years. She began her involvement with horses at the age of 12 and showed hunters throughout high school. After graduating from Harvard University, Bibbler continued to show actively on the West Coast. When her daughter became involved in vaulting, she began her unending commitment to the exciting sport. Bibbler has served as Chef d’Equipe for U.S. teams at international competitions on five occasions including at FEI World Championships in 1996 in Kaposvar, Hungary and the 2008 FEI World Championships in Brno, Czech Republic. She has also served as a competition manager for numerous vaulting events in the U.S. and on the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and its test event held in 2009. Bibbler has an extensive resume in governance roles, having been a member of the Board of Directors for both the American Vaulting Association and USEF, and being a vital member of multiple committees. She was also a co-founder of the Woodside Vaulters and has owned, trained, and lunged several horses throughout her time in the sport.

Langer of Burbank, Calif., has spent a lifetime immersed in the sport of jumping at all levels, after taking up riding at the age of six and never looking back. He is best known as the President and CEO of the Langer Equestrian Group, Inc., which produces more than 35 hunter/jumper and dressage competitions annually. He also founded and managed the Pacific Horse Center in Elk Grove, Calif., in the 1970s, which hosted a lesson program as well as a college accredited Horsemastership Program. Langer also founded the West Coast Grand Prix Association that ultimately merged with the American Grand Prix Association, for which he served on the Board of Directors. As a show manager, overall director, and official he has been actively involved with FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships for many years. Langer was also the competition manager for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 1992 FEI World Cup Finals in Del Mar, Calif. In governance roles, he has dedicated his time as a member of the Board of Directors and Committee member for the USEF, Show Jumping Hall of Fame, American Grand Prix Association, National Hunter/Jumper Council, USHJA, and the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association. As a testament to his dedication and knowledge of the sport, Langer has either been the President or Chairman of every major horse show organization in California.

Leone of Glen Rock, N.J., has expressed passionate and unwavering support of the United States’ international teams and their high performance athletes for many years. Leone, alongside his two younger brothers, internationally known as Team Leone, spent the beginning of his equestrian career in the show ring, jumping to many successful placings. In 1980, he was selected as an alternate to the jumping team for the boycotted Moscow Olympic Games. Leone has dedicated much of his time and effort to supporting and guiding the United States Equestrian Team Foundation; from 2003-2008 he served as the President and CEO of the Foundation and was the Chairman of the Board from 2008-2013. In his numerous roles with the USET, Leone helped guide the organization in providing the necessary financial support to ensure that the United States’ High Performance combinations were in the strongest possible position to win medals. He also served as a diligent Vice President of the USEF High Performance Working Group. Leone is still an active member of the USEF Planning, Compensation & Human Resources, Budget & Finance Committees as well as the Vice President, High Performance of the Ad Hoc Selections Committee.

For more information about the 2014 USEF Annual Meeting, visit https://www.usef.org/convention/.

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Lillie Keenan Lights Up 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championships

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Lillie Keenan piloted Clearway to the 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals Championship. Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, KY – November 3, 2013 – In many ways, it came as no surprise when the champion of the 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Finals was announced as Lillie Keenan of New York, NY. The young phenom has been at the top of the sport since she was a pony rider, and this has been an exceptional year for her career. It began with the 2013 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships Show Jumping Gold Medal, followed by her first grand prix victory at HITS-on-the-Hudson and a win in the USEF Junior Jumper Individual Championship. Just a few short weeks ago, she won her second big equitation championship, the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal. Today, after three rounds of competition, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery, at the Alltech National Horse Show, she earned her third major title, all before turning 18 years old.

“For a really long time I wanted this, along with wins at other finals, more than anything,” expressed Keenan. “I am glad to say that I do know the history of this class, and every rider on the trophy is extremely well respected and extremely successful. Being on a trophy with them, I am over the moon, but also what that entails for my future is very exciting. I am at a loss for words.”

The competition got underway at 7 a.m. with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Sophie Simpson led the way, followed by Sydney Shulman and Keenan.

Riders had to complete an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They had to show collection and extension, as well as perform the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter throughout different patterns.

“I have to give my wife, Hillary, credit for shoving Debbie McDonald’s book in my face on the plane, which is how the half-pass ended up on the test,” explained Ridland. “When we boil things down to basics, controlling the horse, the forward movement, the extension, lengthening and shortening the strides – all the tests that we asked on the course were basically that. There were adjustments, extensions, collections on course, and of course directional accuracy was a test that we wanted to reward. The number one thing we were trying to test was that-basically being able to control your horse, forward and back, with lateral movements.”

After the three sections were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test with Keenan leading the way, followed by Simpson and Kelli Cruciotti, who jumped up from eighth in the rankings with a solid performance. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be done in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Riders then had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders had to get the counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.

The test was certainly a proving ground, as Simpson dropped down to eighth place with a few rubs and a round that lacked brilliance overall. Michael Hughes and Spencer Smith had been ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, but they dropped out of the standings entirely when Smith had two refusals and Hughes had an awkward trot fence and a rail at the final fence.

There were rounds that were excellent though, including those of Gabrielle Bausano and Shulman, who ended up fourth and fifth, respectively, after keeping a solid pace throughout their rounds and easily answering each question that was asked.

Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo By: Rebecca Walton
Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo By: Rebecca Walton

Charlotte Jacobs of East Aurora, NY, had a standout round aboard Patrick, owned by Catherine Tyree. The pair had a direct approach through the first line and also excelled during the trot jump and the counter canter, jumping all the way up from eleventh in the standings to capture the third place award.

“I was in eleventh, so I kind of knew that I didn’t have anything to lose,” admitted Jacobs, a freshman at Southern Methodist University. “I did some inside turns and put it all out there, and it definitely helped me.”

Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They also had a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.

“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it,” said Cruciotti. “The first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped. I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”

The best test of the day came at the very end from Keenan and Clearway, owned by Heritage Farm. Keenan’s flawless style gave her the lead going into the test, and the talented young rider was not about to let it slide through her fingers. She landed the counter canter and made it smoothly through each of the combinations, demonstrating everything the judges were looking for: style, accuracy and effectiveness. After she left the ring, there was no question that she was the winner, adding another championship title to her resume to conclude a stellar year.

Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey. Shawn McMillen Photography
Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey. Shawn McMillen Photography

“I was nervous coming back last,” admitted Keenan. “I knew that the other riders in the top 20 were definitely very capable. I didn’t really decide what my complete plan was until I walked into the ring. The course rode differently than how it walked. I think that is the wonderful thing about a challenging course for a championship; it is very much about going in and starting your course and being able to negotiate as you go. It is not just about having a plan and thinking that you are going to execute the whole thing. I knew that my horse could do it, but I have to say that I was the most nervous because I didn’t want to get in his way.”

With three equitation titles to her name, Keenan will begin focusing her efforts on the jumper ring next year. “Throughout this year, I have been trying to make the step up to some of the bigger classes. I am going to plan on going to the Talent Search Finals next year. Andre will obviously be the person helping me move up, but I don’t think I am done with equitation yet. Equitation finals are important to me; they always have been. I think I am going to keep moving up, competing in the open divisions, working with a younger horse that I have. I am slowly trying to work my way up.”

Keenan added, “I am not unrealistic though. I am aware that after this year it is not like I have accomplished everything. I think having this as one of the titles I have been able to accomplish is exciting, thrilling and is going to help me move forward, but it is not the end, it’s just the beginning.”

Ten years ago, Keenan began riding with Andre Dignelli and the team at Heritage Farm, and it is a partnership that has flourished over time. “Conrad Homfeld started this relationship, and this show is a full circle moment for us,” said Dignelli. “He was designing the courses, and Lillie was showing here in the open jumpers, so it was a magical moment. We would be remiss in not thanking Lillie’s mother. Nobody has been more supportive of this whole experience than Pam Keenan. She rode; she understood what this was all about. They gave up every vacation; they were at every show. They just spend more hours at Heritage than anyone ever has in 25 years of my training.”

Dignelli concluded, “Today, I thought we won in a magical way. I thought the round was stunning. It was polished; it was relaxed; it was everything that we have worked for since she was 7, so it has been a long road.”

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden (1987) and Nicole Shahinian Simpson (1992). The 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Sarah Milliren of Sapulpa, OK, and in 2012 Jacob Pope of Columbia, MA, won the title.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

For more information on the Alltech National Horse Show, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.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)
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Todd Minikus Wins Taylor Harris $50,000 Open Jumper Welcome Speed at Alltech National Horse Show

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Todd Minikus and Quality Girl. Photos By: Shawn McMillen.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2013 – When $50,000 is up for grabs it brings out the best horses and riders in the world, putting their best foot forward. That is how the Open Jumper division at the 2013 Alltech National Horse Show kicked off today. Todd Minikus and Quality Girl left nothing to chance as they sped around Conrad Homfeld’s challenging track, besting the field by two seconds to win the Taylor Harris $50,000 Open Jumper Welcome Speed, presented by Sasco Creek. The second place award went to 17-year-old phenom Lillie Keenan, giving the professionals a run for their money.

Olympian McLain Ward set the target to beat as the third rider on course. He and Zander, owned by Ward and Grant Road Partners of Brewster, NY, zipped around the turns and left all the rails intact, posting a time of 60.23 seconds, which held up for fifth place.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam bested Ward’s time by 1/10th of a second six rounds later aboard Cyklon 1083, owned by Spy Coast Farm of East Setauket, NY. Leaving strides out and shaving off edges of the turn, it looked like it could be the winning round early in the class. Keenan attempted to beat it with her first mount Pumped Up Kicks, owned by Chansonette Farm of New York, NY, but fell just shy of the leaders with a time of 60.92 seconds, which eventually claimed sixth place.

When Todd Minikus entered the Alltech Arena with Chris Brems’ Quality Girl mid-way through the event, the whole class changed. He and the winning mare put on the gas and never held off, slicing fences and taking all the inside options, while utilizing her huge stride to quickly navigate the track. The duo blazed across the finish line in 57.70 seconds, leaving Sweetnam and Ward in the dust and claiming a commanding lead.

“You really just get her on the right gear and let her go,” explained Minikus. “She is a bit of a typical woman, I hate to sound chauvinistic but it’s true. She’s a little sensitive and doesn’t like you fussing with her too much. She is true to her name. She has a lot of quality, and you need to let her just use her quality and stay out of her way.”

Francois Mathy of Belgium made a solid effort with Team Harmony’s Plinska Des Isles, but it was not good enough. Although they never touched a fence, Mathy and Plinska Des Isles broke the beam at 59.96 seconds, which would only be good enough for third.

Mathy’s time was beat by a rider still making her way into the professional ranks. Lillie Keenan won the 2013 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships Individual and Team Show Jumping Gold Medal, as well as the USEF Junior Jumper Individual Championship with Londinium, and tonight she showed that they are more than ready for the Open Jumper divisions.

Lillie Keenan and Londinium
Lillie Keenan and Londinium

Despite a member of the jump crew standing in the way of one of the oxers as she galloped over the track, Keenan showcased skill and style far beyond her years, navigating the course in a speedy 59.44 second to capture the second place ribbon behind Minikus.

Keenan explained, “When I was going to the vertical people were screaming and I was like ‘Why are people screaming at me? Am I doing something wrong?’ There was a guy standing in the middle of the next oxer with a rake. I tried to yell heads up, but I had so much adrenaline going that I just started screaming, but it was effective because he moved.”

Minikus and Quality Girl placed second in the Pfizer Million Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson, and have been consistent throughout the summer, but the mare is still new to competing indoors.

“She has had a kind of rough start at the first couple of Indoors, Harrisburg and Washington. She is just green indoors,” stated Minikus. “Tonight she jumped like a veteran. I think we are back on track.”

Minikus added, “Quality Girl gave me the edge. The mare is a winner. Normally with as much money coming up in the rest of the week as far as tomorrow and Saturday night’s grand prix, you normally wouldn’t want to be on the gas pedal that far. It was $50,000 tonight though, and with the SSG riding glove bonus money involved, it was worth trying.”

The highly popular SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion kicked off this evening with a $3,000 bonus for Minikus, who was wearing the leading riding gloves during his winning round.

Keenan was equally thrilled with her performance, making the decision to compete in the Open Jumper divisions after winning the Junior Jumper events in 2011. “The first horse I rode was Pumped Up Kicks, and I got to watch a few go,” she commented. “I’ve done lots of speed classes, but I obviously have way less experience than the people in this, so I benefitted from watching them. The course wasn’t bigger than anything I’ve jumped, but as I am starting to do these open classes it’s more difficult. The courses are more technical, and it’s meant for a more advanced ride than the junior jumpers. I am trying to move up, and I think I have the perfect two horses to do that.”

“I was a little nervous,” admitted Keenan. “It’s the National Horse Show; there are a lot of people watching, and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself. It was hard, but it was a lot of fun. I am trying to learn, and I want to move up to the highest level of the sport. I learn so much by doing these classes, not just because they are harder, but also because I am watching the best riders in the world do the course. Then I am trying to imitate them. That’s how I am trying to move in the right direction.”

Keenan concluded, “The biggest thing for me today was to have the confidence to go in and do that. Now I have a lot more confidence going into some of the other shows knowing that I can be competitive and do the courses. I just have to remind myself that I can.”

The 2013 Alltech National Horse Show, 130th edition, will continue tomorrow with the Double H Farm $100,000 Open Jumper class in the evening. Earlier in the day, the junior and amateur riders will have the opportunity to showcase their skills during the Deeridge Farm $10,000 Junior Jumper class and the Chansonette Farm $10,000 Amateur-Owner Jumper class. The highlight event will be Saturday night’s Alltech $250,000 World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix presented by Lifeforce.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

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

Championships, Show Jumping, USEF, USEF

Lillie Keenan Achieves Gold in the Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual Championship

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Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual Championship (Al Cook Productions)

New Cumberland, Pa. – Following four rounds of jumping in the $7,500 Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual Championship at the 68th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y., again proved why she is considered one of the top up-and-coming talents in the sport of jumping. Riding her dual Gold medalist from the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, Londinium, the 16-year-old finished on a score of 9.5 faults to add Individual gold to the Team Silver won on Friday night with her Zone 2 teammates.

Championship competition began on Thursday with Phase I: the speed leg. On Friday evening combinations returned to jump for team honors and further individual scores in Phase II, held in a two-round Nations Cup format. The Individual Championship came to a close on Saturday as the top of the field following Friday returned to jump in the final determining round in Phase III.

Keenan and Chasonette Farm LLC’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding entered Saturday’s competition in third place with just 5.5 faults, they rolled a single pole to add four faults to their championship score and secure the National Title.

Gabriele Mershad (New Albany, Ohio) and Michael Hughes (Allendale, N.J.) performed an exciting jump-off for the Silver medal. Mershad and Skara Glen’s Basel were tied with Hughes and Luxina at 13 faults following Saturday’s Phase III. Mershad and Mershad Stables, LLC’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding went first and jumped a clear round. Hughes and Christina Fried’s nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare had one rail to take the Bronze medal.

Mershad presented an exemplary ride Saturday with just four faults. With five faults in Phase I and four in Phase II, the pair finished with 13 faults for the weekend.

Hughes finished with one fault in Phase I, four faults in Phase II, eight in Phase III, and one rail in the jump-off for an overall total of 17.

Be sure to watch all the action from Pennsylvania National Horse Show at www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013PennsylvaniaNationalHorseShow.

Show Jumping, USEF, USEF

Keenan Leads the Field at 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East Following Two Phases

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Gladstone, N.J. – The 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East officially got underway on Saturday at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters with competitors completing the first two phases of competition. In the morning, judges Ronnie Beard and Anne Kursinski tested riders on the flat in the Dick and Jane Brown Arena and in the afternoon competitors returned to demonstrate their skill over a gymnastics course. At the end of the first day of competition, Lillie Keenan holds the lead following two phases of competition on a score of 231.25.

Beard and Kursinski were pleased with the entire field and believe the top of the leaderboard demonstrated vast potential for the future in both phases Saturday.

“Anne and I were both very happy with the test; there were no real disasters – some stops here and there but it was spread out. It wasn’t too brutal but it took subtlety,” said Beard. “I think the top group after the flat was just right and you saw that group again excel this afternoon.”

Phase I

Riding in the fourth group of the day, Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) and Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Clearway earned the highest mark of the day in Phase I scoring 94. The dual Gold medalist from the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championship presented by Gotham North showed proficiency on the flat. Keenan, who is trained by Andre Dignelli, excelled in the demanding test put forth by the judges which included lengthening stride in sitting trot, counter-canter on both leads, shoulder-in, turn on the forehand, and turn on the haunches.

Finishing just two points behind Keenan was Michael Hughes (Allendale, N.J.) and Drumnacross Farm LTD’s Zagreb. The 17-year-old, who is trained by John Brennan and Missy Clark, rode in the first group of the day to score 92 on the flat.

Rounding out the top four following the first phase were Mattias Tromp and Charlotte Jacobs respectively. Tromp (North Salem, N.Y.), who is also trained by Dignelli, and Chasonette Farm, LLC’s Zentina B scored a 90 riding in the second group of the morning. Last year’s Phase I winner, Jacobs (East Aurora, N.Y.) and North Star’s Stallone VDL slotted into fourth place on Saturday morning. The Brennan and Clark trainee scored 89 in Phase I.

Phase II

Riders returned to the Dick and Jane Brown Arena for a second time on Saturday to showcase their talent over a demanding Gymnastics track. Beard and Kursinski tested competitors’ technique and skill over an intricate course which included a variety of combinations, raised trot-poles and a series of three bounces.

As expected the Gymnastics phase produced a shuffle on the leaderboard, as scores were multiplied by 1.5, but Keenan, Jacobs, Tromp, and Hughes all maintained their positions at the head of the field.

Returning for a second time in the afternoon, Keenan demonstrated why she has claimed many of the most prestigious titles in the hunter, jumper, and equitation ranks with another polished performance. Despite Clearway rolling a pole jumping out of the two-stride by the in-gate, the pair was awarded a 137.25 for their second phase. They head into Phase III on Sunday with a total of 231.25.

Jacobs was awarded the second highest score of Phase II, a 138, for her polished effort. The Southern Methodist University freshman climbed into second place after two phases with an overall score of 227.

Tromp maintained his third place position after scoring 136.50 in Saturday’s second session and stands on a total of 226.50 overnight.

After two phases, Hughes stands fourth on a score of 224. He was awarded 132 for his Gymnastics phase.

Allison Toffolon (Bronxville, N.Y.) posted the highest score in Phase II, a 139.50, with her own Class Action, and heads into Sunday’s third phase in fifth place on an overall total of 223.50.

The 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East champion will be crowned Sunday following Phases III and IV. In Phase III, all entries will show their ability over a jumper-styled course. Following the conclusion of Phase III, the top four competitors will be called back for a ride-off. Phase IV will showcase the same format used for the Show Jumping World Championships, with each rider completing a course on his/her own horse, as well as the three other riders’ horses. All four riders will start Phase IV with a clean slate on a score of zero.

By Helen Murray

The USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak will stream all four phases of the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. To watch, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013USEFShowJumpingTalentSearchFinals/.

To learn more about the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alljumping/sjTalentSearch.aspx.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Lillie Keenan Rides to Top of $5,000 Equitation Classic

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Lillie Keenan and Clearway. Photos – © The Book LLC.

North Salem, NY – May 11, 2013 – Capturing her third major equitation win of the year, 15-year-old Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, and Heritage Farm’s Clearway stood in the winner’s circle for the $5,000 Equitation Classic presented by AIG/Kaplow Insurance Agency with Heritage Farm. The event was the highlight of the Saturday schedule during the first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show. The first week of competition concludes tomorrow with the biggest event of the week, the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix presented by Suncast, at 3 pm. The second week of the Spring Shows continues on May 14-19.

Keenan, who is no stranger to winning big equitation classes, moved up in the second round of competition for victory. She and Clearway, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding by Cheenook, had a first round score of 92, and with a forward and precise ride in the second round, the judges awarded them with a score of 96. Her total of 188 was more than enough for first place.

The top 12 from the first round were asked back for a second round of competition over a course designed by Guilherme Jorge. A tight time allowed asked more from competitors, as did the higher than usual equitation jumps. Michael Hughes and Zagreb set the winning score in the first round of 94, and their score of 90 in the second round gave them a total of 184 for second place.

Mattias Tromp and Vosquinus had an 83 in the first round and improved to an 86 in the second for a third place total of 169. Allison Toffolon rode Class Action to scores of 86 and 82 for a total of 168 and fourth place. The top four riders in the class were awarded jackets from Beval Ltd.

After winning two big equitation classes during the winter, Keenan has added yet another accomplishment to her impressive career. This is the second year in a row that Keenan has won this class. However, this year she had to make an adjustment when the class was moved to the sand Annex Ring due to inclement weather.

She explained, “I changed horses. I was going to ride Levistano, but I used Clearway instead. I rode him in the Medal and Maclay today in the other ring and he won both of those, so he was ready. He probably would have been fine out on the grass, but I’m used to riding him in a sand ring. There wasn’t an open water and it was similar to a Washington jumper phase, so he is the type of horse I would choose for these types of classes. I felt very comfortable. I love being out on the field and unfortunately it was raining, but they still made it a great class and I had a lot of fun.”

Keenan was one of few who were able to make it under the time allowed for the class, and it was something that gave her pause when studying the course. “The time was very tight,” she conceded. “I don’t ride Clearway in many timed events. I wasn’t totally sure if I was going to be able to easily make it under. I knew I was going to have to work for it. His stride is gimongous – it needs its own word! He can really hit a gallop and go. There’s nothing to worry about with him. I knew I could trust him and ask him to extend, even in the turns, because he’s so well trained. With the time, I thought just hit a gallop and keep it.”

Clearway showed beautiful form and soared over the higher than usual equitation jumps. Keenan said that he was impressed by the jumps, but his scope and ability made it easy for him. “The first few big oxers in the schooling area I had to readjust because I wasn’t used to being pitched that much,” she smiled. “They built this course bigger than most of the courses I do on him. It doesn’t matter for him, but it does wake him up a little bit. It’s not in a bad way; he just really uses himself.”

After another win, Keenan said it gives her “a lot of confidence” going into the prestigious Devon Horse Show. “Last year I won this class (and) I had a great Devon in the equitation. Luckily I’ll be able to continue to use Clearway. I know him very well now. Hopefully we continue on this streak,” she said.

Jumper Classics Award Winners

Jennifer Rowland of Hoboken, NJ, found the winning path in the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate with Lux Lovely. In their first Adult Jumper Classic together, the pair beat 36 other entries with a speedy time of 32.945 seconds for victory. Lexi Maounis and Whisper placed second in 33.145 seconds, while Laura Sexton and Jessy du Brea had a time of 33.676 seconds for third place.

Jennifer Rowland and Lux Lovely
Jennifer Rowland and Lux Lovely

Rowland, who works full-time in New York City, was able to take time off work yesterday to prepare for today’s classic. She has only ridden Lux Lovely for a month and this was their second show together. “I ride with Chris Kappler and he finds the best horses and has a really great training program. It just all comes together. She’s super honest and she’s a game horse. She is forgiving, which is good for an amateur horse, but at the same time she makes me ride her and doesn’t let me get away with everything,” she described.

She said of her round, “This is the biggest we’ve jumped together. We had our game plan and went in and executed it well. It’s my first adult classic to win, so it’s just gratifying. I took my first vacation day off work this year yesterday to be here, so it was great to have that pay off.”

The $5,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic was an exciting class. Out of 37 entries, it was 14-year-old Brianne Link of East Islip, NY, on Zycarla Z who galloped to victory. They won with a clear round in 37.683 seconds. Kira Kerkorian rode Rashmo Z to second place, double clear in 39.090 seconds. With a time of 40.710 seconds, Lilly Ulrich and Up Stream placed third.

With just a short amount of time under their belt, Link and her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Zandor Z made the best of it with their first classic victory together. Link trains with Jeffrey Welles and noted, “I’ve been riding Zycarla for a month. Jeffrey gives me the best lessons. Everything that you would use in the ring, we practice at home. It all worked out perfectly here in the ring today. The first round, she was amazing. She jumped so high that I got loose over a few jumps. In the jump-off, we just really ate them up. We made some great turns back and she got down the lines perfectly.”

Of her victory, she said, “It means the world. I was in the Children’s Jumpers for three years and I was so scared to move up. She helps me with my confidence a lot. She has done the grand prix with Jeffrey and knowing that she’s capable of doing it and taking care of me makes me feel better. She is like a mommy; she takes care of me!”

The $5,000 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic had 31 entries. Catherine Tyree of Chicago, IL, rode Wetter to the win in a time of 38.79 seconds. Kenzie Snyder and Arturo held the early lead in the class and finished second in 39.13 seconds. For Beauty, ridden by Hayley Carlson, was third in 40.11 seconds.

Tyree started riding Wetter, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Stetter, just over a year ago. They normally show in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, but after a break following the winter circuit, she wanted to get Wetter show-ready again. “He felt amazing. He’s ready; he could have jumped the Highs this week,” Tyree said.

She said of Wetter and their jump-off round, “He’s a pretty versatile horse; I can do a lot of different courses on him. He’s very rangy. I can leave out, I can add, he’s scopey, he’s careful. I felt very comfortable going into the ring with him today. He’s quick across the ground naturally, but doing the inside turn from the first to second jump and then back to the third, I think I caught a little time off and let him go. I did four down the last line, which some people were doing. I trusted him there and he was great.”

In the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic, Daisy Farish and Ornella R raced through the jump-off with no faults to win the class out of 30 entries with a time of 33.510 seconds. Second place went to Tye Donaldson on Dunja in 34.700 seconds. Alexandra Murphy and Sante were third in 34.809 seconds.

Twelve-year-old Daisy Farish, of Versailles, KY, is known as a top pony rider. She started riding in the Low Children’s Jumpers at the beginning of the year and moved up to the Children’s Jumpers with Ornella R, a 14-year-old Holsteiner mare by Lorentin I. This is their first big classic win together.

“I like doing the jumpers. She is really nice to have in the barn and is actually really friendly. (In the ring), she’s really fast, but she comes back to you. She’s really fun,” Farish said. “She did the Low Amateurs for a while before I got her. It feels good to win. I think I’ll do the Children’s for a while and keep learning. I do a lot of ponies, so it’s a lot different and really exciting. The jumpers are always different.”

Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Is Crowned

Lauren Cechini and Graffiti
Lauren Cechini and Graffiti

Lauren Cechini of Flemington, NJ, and her horse Graffiti, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding, swept awards in the Amateur-Owner Hunters. Their championship in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3” Hunters led to the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship. In their division, they won a class and received three second places over fences, and they were fourth under saddle. The reserve champion was Bozeman, ridden by Kathleen Oberkircher, who placed first, third, and fourth over fences and second under saddle.

Cechini described Graffiti as “kind of like a little scooter.” She continued, “You can maneuver and put him wherever you want him. His jump is incredible. He really cracks his back over the jumps and he gives it his all every single time he goes in the show ring.”

She added with a laugh, “He kind of has a funny personality. He likes to rest his head on my shoulder when we wait for the jog. He gets anxious for treats after he works. He will eat anything; he tries to grab all the bushes at the horse show!”

Cechini and Graffiti paired together in September where they won in their first time out at the Maryland Horse and Pony Show. They continued through December, but a slight injury and recovery time for Graffiti set them back this winter. This week was their first time back in the show ring this year.

“He’s been great at home,” Cechini said. “I set goals for myself and try to hit those goals, like keeping my eyes up and my hands in front of me, and to be consistent. We did that and I was very pleased with that. I didn’t go in expecting (a Grand Championship) to happen, but it was a great thing to happen. I was very happy. Graffiti got an extra carrot, so he liked that!”

She added, “It was really exciting to win here. He’s such an amazing horse, and (my trainers) Jen and Rolf (Bauersachs) are wonderful. I’ve been with them for seven years. I just graduated college and Graffiti (below right) was my first horse since the juniors. I’ve never been grand champion before, so it was really special. I have to thank our vet Haynes Stevens and farrier Chuck Simons, and Jen and Rolf. That’s why we were able to be so good when we came back.”

In the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’3” Hunter division, Sandra Epstein and Catamount finished as champions. They received three second places, a third, and a fourth. Bombay and Lyn Pedersen, who placed first, second, third, and fourth in the division, were reserve champions.

The Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’6” Hunter division saw Becky Gochman sweep the championship awards. She and Whatever finished as champions after they captured two firsts and two thirds. Gochman rode Empire to the reserve championship. They won two classes, got two fourths, and a sixth in the division. For her win this week, Gochman received a $500 gift certificate from Hunt Ltd.

Moshi continued his winning ways from earlier this week as he captured the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6” Hunter championship with owner/rider Stephanie Riggio. They placed first and picked up three second places in the division. Sienna and Lexi Maounis were reserve champions and placed first, first, third, and fifth.

The first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show concludes tomorrow with many different awards for hunters and jumpers, including the Grand Pony, Grand Junior, and Grand Children’s Hunter Champion awards, the $7,500 Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic (Annex Ring), $10,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic (Grand Prix Field), and the highlight event of the week, the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix presented by Suncast at 3 pm in the Grand Prix Field. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/mayhome and for full results, please visit www.horseshowsonline.com.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows celebrate its 31st year in 2013 and offer two weeks of exceptional equestrian sport on May 7-12 and May 14-19 at one of the nation’s premier and newly renovated equestrian facilities, Old Salem Farm, in North Salem, New York. Old Salem’s beautifully manicured grounds, list of elite horses and riders, and fantastic social gatherings draw spectators from Westchester County and beyond to watch horses and ponies of every size compete for almost $500,000 in prize money. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/mayhome.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

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

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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

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

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

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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
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

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

Frances Land and Lillie Keenan Land SSG Riding Gloves Bonus Money

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Frances Land is presented with a $2,000 bonus from Jennifer Ward representing SSG Riding Gloves and ring master Cliff Haines for wearing SSG ‘Digitals’ on her way to victory in the $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the 2013 WEF. Photos - Sportfot

January 20, 2013 – Wellington, Florida – With two horses in the jump-off, Lillie Keenan doubled her chances of taking home the $1,000 bonus offered by SSG Riding Gloves for winning the $10,000 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday, January 20, at 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Keenan, 16, of New York, NY, qualified both Londinium and Pumped Up Kicks for the five-horse jump-off.  It was her first ride, Londinium, that posted the winning time of 41.29 seconds to take the win as well as a $1,000 bonus for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style gloves.

“I really love it!” smiled Keenan in reference to the SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion.  “I think it is extra special.  I wear the gloves in all of my classes, so to be paid to wear them is pretty nice.”

As to how she would spend her $1,000 bonus, Keenan said, “I have a feeling I will spend the money on my horses, getting them everything they need.  I love to pamper my horses.”

Continue reading Frances Land and Lillie Keenan Land SSG Riding Gloves Bonus Money →

Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Lillie Keenan Rises to the Top of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final after Winning Today’s Second Round

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©ESI Photography. Lillie Keenan and C Coast Z posted some impressive scores during the first two rounds of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final to sit in the first spot going into tomorrow’s final two rounds

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 8, 2012) – Today Lillie Keenan proved, as she often does, that age isn’t always indicative of skill or experience. The 15-year-old from New York, New York piloted Chansonette Farm, LLC’s C Coast Z to the top of an impressive group of 66 qualified riders in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

“This is my go-to horse and this course was really about knowing your horse,” said Keenan. “It’s great to have another final like this with so much support – it brings a lot of excitement to the ring.”

Keenan combined a first round score of 180 with a notable 186 in the second round to sit in first place with an overall score of 366. All bets are off tomorrow, however, as scores are wiped clean and competition moves from the Outside Course to the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium where the top 25 will compete in the third round before the top four scores move to the final round and the winner is crowned.

Continue reading Lillie Keenan Rises to the Top of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final after Winning Today’s Second Round →