Tag Archives: Peter Pletcher

Alex Granato and Carlchen W Win $35k Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 CSIO4*

Alex Granato and Carlchen W. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 1, 2018 – Highlighting the day’s competition on Thursday, March 1, during the eighth week of the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Alex Granato (USA) and Carlchen W, owned by Page Tredennick, took the top spot in the $35,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 8.

There were 67 entries in Thursday’s feature class, and the format was a speed course designed by Ken Krome (USA). Granato and Carlchen W, a ten-year-old Mecklenberg gelding by Chacco-Blue x Continue, sped over the obstacles and stopped the timers in 65.03 seconds.

They finished just ahead of Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Con Taggio, who finished in 65.81 seconds. Third place went to Richie Moloney (IRL) and Ypaja Yando, owned by Equinimity LLC, who had a time of 65.93 seconds.

Peter Pletcher Pilots Kennedy to Conformation Hunter Championship

Peter Pletcher, aboard Kennedy, owned by Blanche Strunk, was crowned the Conformation Hunter champion on Thursday afternoon with a top scoring total of 39 points. The duo was fourth in the model, fourth in the under saddle, and first, first, and second over fences. Victoria Colvin claimed the reserve with 26 points and a third in the model, first in the under saddle, and a second, third, fourth, and fourth over fences.

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McLain Ward Strikes Again in $132k Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 CSI 5*

McLain Ward and Hija van Strokapelleken. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL — February 22, 2018 — The 2017 FEI World Cup Finals champion McLain Ward notched another big win during the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Thursday, February 22, by riding Hija van Strokapelleken to victory in the $132,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Ward won his second five-star Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup of the season on Thursday, after taking the top spot in week five’s class with HH Azur, his 2016 Olympic team silver medal mount.

Riding Hija van Strokapelleken, an 11-year-old BWP mare by Calido I x Azur de Paulstra owned by Evergate Stable LLC, Ward topped a class of 52 entries and 19 in the jump-off over an Anthony D’Ambrosio-designed course. They finished the short course in 35.20 seconds for the win.

Peter Pletcher and River Capture Green Hunter 3’3” Win

Peter Pletcher and River, owned by Shaw Johnson Price, kicked off week seven at the Winter Equestrian Festival in style with a championship win in the Green Hunter 3’3” division. The pair won a first in the under saddle and a first, second, and third over fences. Havens Schatt was awarded the reserve championship aboard Tyrion, owned by J T Farm, with a first, first, and fourth over fences and a fifth in the under saddle.

Equestrian Sport Productions | 561-793-JUMP | news@equestriansport.com | www.PBIEC.com

Lamaze Scores a Hat Trick in Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series at the 2015 WEF

Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5. Photos © Sportfot.

Thanks for the Gold and Peter Pletcher Top the Shapley’s Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunter Division

Wellington, FL – January 22, 2015 – Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) is now three for three in the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Held each Thursday throughout the 12 weeks of WEF competition, Lamaze won the first two classes aboard Rosana du Park and scored his third victory in Thursday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 riding Fine Lady 5. He rides both horses for Artisan Farms LLC.

Sponsored by Adequan®, WEF 3 continues at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) through Sunday, January 25. The week features the $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, January 24. The 12-week WEF circuit continues through March 29, awarding over $8.2 million in prize money.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) set the track for Thursday’s WEF Challenge Cup with 74 entries in total and eight in the jump-off. Five jumped clear over the short course, where Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 blazed through the course to win.

Richie Moloney (IRL) and Equinimity LLC’s Carrabis Z was the first pair to clear the short course in 44.09 second and finished fifth. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC’s Fibonacci 17 then flew to third place in 36.41 seconds. Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 went next to take their victory in 35.28 seconds. Alex Granato (USA) and Wood Run Farms’ Mullaghdrin Rado were close to the mark in 35.81 seconds to finish second, and Christine McCrea (USA) and Candy Tribble’s Zerly wrapped things up with the fourth place round in 38.85 seconds.

Lamaze has been on fire since the start of the WEF circuit and thanked his many talented horses and the great ownership of the Ziegler family’s Artisan Farms for his continued success this week.

“You don’t expect to win three WEF (Challenge Cup classes) in a row, even if you feel your horses are on form,” Lamaze admitted. “There were 74 starters and some of the best riders in the world and the best horses. It comes down to having a fast horse.”

“This was sort of her debut,” Lamaze said of Fine Lady 5. “I did a few smaller classes the week before just to get her ready for this week. She is a class horse, and I am really happy that the Zieglers bought her for me. Not only was I in need of a great speed horse, but she is so much more than just that. I am really lucky to have a horse like that.”

Commenting on his winning round, Lamaze detailed, “Meredith was very quick actually and with Chris McCrea behind me, I thought that I really had to go, but I would not have done it any other way. She (Fine Lady 5) loves it. She loves to be competitive. I talked with Yann (Candele) before I went in, and he said it had not been so fast. I said, ‘I’m going. I hate it halfway. If I have one down, I will be the fastest four faulter, but I’m going.'”

In the past three years, Lamaze has been slowly building up his string of horses, and acknowledged that he would not be where he is without great owners.

“It hasn’t been as easy as it may look now,” he stated. “It for sure took a lot of time to rebuild a good string of horses. There were a few mistakes along the way, but when you have great owners that support you and stay with you, success will come. The Ziegler family, Artisan Farms – they did that. It has been a long process, so this is the payoff. They are very competitive horses.”

In addition to the winning portion of prize money, Lamaze was awarded the $3,000 SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” bonus for the third week in a row. Each week of the WEF Challenge Cup Series, a $3,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning rider if they are wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible. Lamaze has now won all three bonuses, totaling $9,000 in additional money earned.

Also showing on Thursday, Ireland’s Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane topped the $8,000 1.45m jump-off class in the morning. Venezuela’s Emanuel Andrade and C. Jack Sparrow won the $2,500 High Amateur-Owner speed class.

Thanks for the Gold and Peter Pletcher Top the Shapley’s Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunter Division

Peter Pletcher and Thanks for the Gold kicked off hunter action for WEF 3 in the Shapley’s Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunters. Thanks for the Gold, owned by Rancho De Los Arboles of Oak Point, TX, topped two of the over fences classes, along with the model and under saddle, to finish the day as champions.

Also turning in consistent performances over the two days were Having Said That ridden by Kelley Farmer. The combination had a first, two seconds, and third over fences, paired with a second in the under saddle. With high ribbons both days, Glefke and Kensel’s horse, Having Said That, finished as reserve champion in the division.

Peter Pletcher and Thanks for the Gold
Peter Pletcher and Thanks for the Gold

Thanks for the Gold is an eight-year-old Hanoverian stallion that has been under the training of Pletcher for the past year. When Pletcher first started riding Thanks for the Gold, he competed in 3’3″ hunter classes and focused on putting good training on the horse. “Middle way to the end of last year he [Thanks for the Gold] started winning a lot in the 3’3″ Performance Hunters, and I was excited to come and try the 3’6″ with him,” Pletcher explained.

On the way to the championship prize, Thanks for the Gold won a challenging handy round. “It was a tough course. There were really tight turns that he [Thanks for the Gold] did super slick,” Pletcher said.

While complimenting the difficult handy course, Pletcher also commented, “All in all I think the courses have been really great.”

With Thanks for the Gold only competing a few times in the 3’6″ hunters, Pletcher is excited about the strong start. Smiling, Pletcher said, “He [Thanks for the Gold] has done nothing but make us super happy with his effort so far!”

After a championship performance this week, Thanks for the Gold will take next week off. However, Pletcher is looking forward to returning to the show ring with Thanks for the Gold in the remaining weeks of competition at WEF.

Week three of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues on Friday with the $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m speed class featured in the International Arena. The Forre Fine Art Low Adult Amateur Hunter 2’6″ Section A will be featured in the Rost Arena. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm Take Top Honors at Spring Gathering Horse Show

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm earned the Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship at the Spring Gathering Horse Show. Photo By: Shawn McMillen.

Katy, TX – April 15, 2013 – While Eirin Bruheim wrapped up the winter season in Wellington and prepared to travel to Europe, Peter Pletcher represented Nordic Lights Farm with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm at the Spring Gathering Horse Show in Katy, TX. The talented duo scored winning honors in the Conformation Hunter division, eventually earning the reserve championship.

Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm have had a winning partnership for a number of years, taking top placings at the country’s most prestigious horse shows. The Spring Gathering Horse Show was no exception. Together they dominated the Conformation Hunter division, winning the handy class and the over fences class, as well as placing second over fences and under saddle. Their top finishes in the division helped them earn the reserve championship prize.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm was really good last week,” explained Pletcher. “He’s come along beautifully. He’s so brave and honest, and he’s always amazing during the handy rounds.”

Nordic Lights Farm had a successful season at the Winter Equestrian Festival with all of their horses. Now they are looking forward to continued success throughout the summer in Europe with Lauren Hough, while Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare continue to compete in the hunter derby events in the United States.

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, that was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 20-year-old Eirin Bruheim and 18-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Nordic Lights Farm Claims Top Honors during WEF IX

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm earned the High Performance Working Hunter Reserve Championship during WEF IX. Photo By: Emily Riden/PMG.

Wellington, FL – March 13, 2013 – Nordic Lights Farm was once again at the top of the standings during the ninth week of the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival. Peter Pletcher kicked things off with the reserve championship award during the High Performance Working Hunters aboard NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm. Eirin Bruheim then showcased her new mounts NLF Newsflash and NLF Billy On Show in the Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Lauren Hough concluded the week by qualifying for the jump-off during the $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Jumper Classic with Tackeray, and eventually placed eighth.

Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm have earned leading hunter awards at the nation’s top events, and Week Nine of the Winter Equestrian Festival proved to be no exception. Competing in the Gold Coast Feed High Performance Working Hunters, they picked up a second and third place ribbon over fences, as well as second place ribbon in the stake class and a fourth place ribbon in the handy class. Their efforts in the ring were honored with the division’s reserve championship tricolor.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythym was really good,” noted Pletcher. “He hadn’t done the High Performance in almost as year because I was just showing him in the 3’6″ Performance Hunters, but he seemed to be getting a bit bored. I thought it might be a good strategic plan for the up-and-coming derbies. We’re in Houston now, gearing up for the USHJA International Hunter Derby events during Pin Oak and Spring Gathering.”

Eirin Bruheim and NLF Newsflash competed in the Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers during WEF IX. Photo By: SportFot
Eirin Bruheim and NLF Newsflash competed in the Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers during WEF IX. Photo By: SportFot

Eirin Bruheim and her newest mount NLF Newsflash made their competition debut this week in the Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Competing in the speed class, they jumped each fence without fault and raced through the timers in 67.317 seconds to claim the third place award. Bruheim also competed with NLF Billy on Show in the Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers. The pair produced a double clear effort, completing the jump-off in 37.349 seconds for the sixth place honors. Bruheim and her veteran ride NLF Trans Atlantic represented Nordic Lights Farm in the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers, where they were also double clear for the seventh place ribbon.

“It was an excellent week for me and my horses,” expressed Bruheim. “I finally started showing NLF Newsflash. He ended up third in the Medium AO Jumpers, which I though was great for our first week together. I showed NLF Billy on Show in the Medium AOs as well, and we were double clear in the first class and made it to the jump-off in the Classic. Next week he’ll be ready to do the Highs! NLF Trans Atlantic was also very good and he gets the next week off to bathe in the Florida sun. Overall, I am so happy with the way my string of horses is shaping up. I have some amazing mounts and it is always a joy to show them!”

Olympian Lauren Hough wrapped up the weekend for Nordic Lights Farm riding Tackeray in the $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Jumper Classic. The pair was clear over Steve Stephen’s technical first round track to advance to the tiebreaker. They incurred eight faults during the speed round, which was good enough for the eighth place prize.

Nordic Lights Farm will continue showing at the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Bruheim and Hough will compete in the jumper divisions with their talented mounts, and Pletcher will return to the derby ring with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm later in the season.

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, that was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 20-year-old Eirin Bruheim and 18-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

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
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Christine McCrea and Zerly Top $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9

Christine McCrea and Zerly. Photo © Sportfot.

Team of Porter, Pasmore, Garza and Reid Wins $20,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team Event; Lucador and Peter Pletcher Victorious in Fumero Law Pre-Green Level 2 Hunters

Wellington, FL, March 7, 2013 – Christine McCrea (USA) and Candy Tribble’s Zerly beat an all-star international field in Thursday’s $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 during the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival’s (FTI WEF) CSI-W 5* week sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies. McCrea and Zerly won the largest portion of prize money in the richest purse ever offered in the 24-year history of the WEF Challenge Cup series over Olympic Gold Medalists Nick Skelton (GBR) and Big Star. Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour finished third.

Week nine runs March 6-10, 2013. The week will feature the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m on Friday, the $300,000 FEI World Cup CSI-W 5* presented by The Bainbridge Companies on Saturday evening, and the $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL, is the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for week nine. In Thursday’s Challenge Cup competition, Stephens saw 84 entries jump his first round course and 31 competitors make it through to the jump-off. Twenty-eight riders representing six different countries returned for the tiebreaker after three entries opted out of the final round.

The USA’s Christine McCrea and Zerly raced to the win in 31.10 seconds, the fastest of 14 double clear rounds. The top five places were all separated by hundredths of a second.

Placing second, Nick Skelton and Beverly Widdowson’s Big Star finished in 31.25 seconds. Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour, owned by Stephex Stables and Pedro Veniss, clocked in at 31.43 seconds to place third. Daniel Bluman (COL) and Sancha LS completed the course in 31.44 seconds for fourth place honors and Laura Kraut (USA) and Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric were right behind them in 31.46 seconds to finish fifth.

Class winner, Zerly, is a nine-year-old KPWN mare by Querlybet Hero x Carthago. McCrea got Zerly last August and explained that she had watched the mare show a lot in Europe with her previous rider, American Andrew Ramsay. When Zerly came up for sale, McCrea jumped at the chance to buy her.

“Honestly, she is like a dreamboat,” McCrea praised. “She has a big stride, but she can make it very small. She can jump a really careful jump and she can jump the hugest jump. For me, she is everything.”

Commenting on this afternoon’s class, McCrea noted, “I never thought there would be 31 clear, but I think this is a big week and people have geared up for it. Everybody knows that this is the biggest money of the circuit this week, so I think everybody is coming here with their ‘A’ game. There are so many good horses and riders; you can’t underestimate anybody.”

“The course didn’t ride easy,” McCrea added. “I didn’t think it was small. I think the horses just jumped really well and the footing is good and there are really good horse and rider combinations here.”

Nick Skelton and Big Star were holding on to the lead in the jump-off when McCrea and Zerly entered the ring and just edged out their time. “I saw Nick go in the jump-off and I thought there was no way I could beat him, but she is very fast,” McCrea acknowledged. “I have no idea how I made the time. I flew from one to two. That is the only thing. The rest I am not really sure.”

McCrea was excited to get her first big win with Zerly, especially in Thursday’s big money class. “It is fantastic that they had this much prize money, especially when you have so many in the class,” she stated. “It is inspiring and we appreciate it.”

“I am thrilled,” she concluded. “She is only nine and this was my first big win with her. I just started in the grand prixs (with her) down here, so I am really excited.”

In addition to the winning check for $37,500 for the class, McCrea was also presented with $6,000 for the SSG “Go Clean for the Green” promotion. A $3,000 bonus is offered each week if the winning rider of the Challenge Cup class is wearing the SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible. The bonus went unclaimed during week eight, so McCrea won two weeks’ worth of bonus money. Zerly was also honored with the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award.

Team of Porter, Pasmore, Garza and Reid Wins $20,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team Event

Thursday’s competition concluded in the International Arena at PBIEC with the $20,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team Event, held in a Nations Cup format shown over two rounds of competition. With five teams of four competing, Team 5 was the winner. The team, made up of Wilton Porter riding Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Paloubet, Catherine Pasmore riding Freddy Star, Eugenio Garza riding El Milagro’s Bariano, and Chloe Reid riding Damascus, was coached by Kim Prince.

After the first round, each team dropped their highest score. In the second round, all five teams returned in order of highest to lowest total faults. The winner was determined by the lowest total of each team’s top three riders from each round.

Watch an interview with young rider Wilton Porter
Watch an interview with young rider Wilton Porter

For the winning team, Wilton Porter and Paloubet had the drop score of 19 faults in round one, but redeemed themselves with the only clear trip of the competition in the second round. Catherine Pasmore and Freddy Star had eight faults in round one and four faults in round two. Eugenio Garza and Bariano had four faults in round one and the drop score of 12 in round two, and Chloe Reid and Damascus had 15 faults in round one and eight faults in round two. The team finished on 39 faults total for the win.

From the winning team, Catherine Pasmore has the most team experience with senior Nations Cup performances. Pasmore rode her horse Freddy Star, an eleven-year-old Westphalian gelding by Lancer III x Polydor. Commenting on her rounds, Pasmore noted, “I went in fairly early and I had a foot in the water and four time faults, so a total of eight. I was a little disappointed, but as the class went on, the course definitely got the better of all of us today, so I was actually pleased with my round at the end.”

“For the second round they did make a few things slightly easier and they lengthened the time allowed, but I still wanted to make sure that I did not have time fault; that’s one of the worst things you can have in a Nations Cup, so I really jumped one, got right over to two, got right over to three. I really tried to make the time up a little bit early so that by the end when they got a little bit careful, I could take my time.”

“Freddy Star is a fairly new ride for me,” Pasmore said. “I jumped him a little bit early on and he did really well and I brought him out today basically to see what he would do with two rounds. He was really good, so I am pleased with that. I hope that he’ll come along and be a nice second horse for me to some of my other horses.”

Although Pasmore has had top Nations Cup experience, she counts all team experience equally. “Any Nations Cup to me is important,” she declared. “It doesn’t matter if its young riders or a senior team, you just really have to go in and give it 100%. Even if you have one down, you just can’t let your guard down and you can’t have another one.”

Wilton Porter and Paloubet. Photo © Sportfot
Wilton Porter and Paloubet. Photo © Sportfot

Although Wilton Porter had a little trouble in round one, he came back to jump a clear round even with an equipment malfunction.

“After the first round we decided to change the bridle to a hackamore so that he had less interference with his mouth jumping and then the hackamore actually ended up breaking in the second round about six jumps in,” Porter explained. “I did the second half of the course with a broken bridle. He is already pretty strong as it is, and I pretty much had no brakes, but I almost never have brakes anyway, so I just sort of steered him and he jumped great in the second round. It all worked out in the end.”

His horse Paloubet is a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Baloubet du Rouet x Voltaire. “I’ve had him for a little over a year now. Katie and Henri Prudent helped find him for me,” Porter detailed. “He is a great horse and we have done some big classes. I have a great team helping me with him. John Roche is training me and I am extremely grateful to my parents and the sponsors of this class for helping me and providing us with the opportunity to do this.”

“It is a great experience,” Porter said of the series. “The team event helps get us ready for the young rider championships in Kentucky and the individual competition really tries to enforce consistency so that you can be right up there at the top at the end. It is a big class and an important class, so anytime you get the chance to do a class that is more important than a normal class, it helps you practice and gives you experience. I try to use those opportunities for my horses and then there is good prize money too. It is a lot of fun.”

Eugenio Garza rides for Mexico and was aboard his twelve-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Bariano (Jetset-D x Skippy).

“He is a great horse,” Garza expressed. “This is maybe my fifth month riding him. He has all the scope in the world and he is really careful. He has personality, everything. I just love him.”

Garza commented on the course, stating, “When we walked the course I thought it was good, but as people started going it was obvious that it was hard and we were going to have to work to get a good score. It was a hard course actually.”

Chloe Reid and her horse Damascus, an eleven-year-old KWPN mare by Cardento x Corland, have been working on their partnership since joining up last spring. Reid noted, “Right from the beginning we had a really strong connection and I really learned how to ride her well. Recently she has been really learning to become my horse and really listening. Today in the first round, the time was really tight and my trainer told me to go in and just try as best as I could. By the second round I already knew that we were going to win, but I still wanted to go in for the individual. I am happy with my round. I am disappointed that I had a few down, but I am happy.”

Reid also appreciated the team experience. “Being on a team is a lot of fun,” she smiled. “It is mostly an individual sport where you don’t have a lot of opportunities to compete on a team. This is my second week now; I did the junior Nations Cup last week and every time it is just a lot of fun rooting with other people and just the excitement of it all.”

Team 3 from Zone 2 finished second on a 47 fault total. The team included Charlotte Jacobs and Candy Tribble’s Promised Land, Gabrielle Bausano and Ubico H, Mattias Tromp and Beyaert Farm, Inc.’s Casey, and Lillie Keenan riding Chansonette Farm LLC’s Londinium.

Team 1 with riders from Colombia and Venezuela had 50 faults to place third. The team included Mario Gamboa and Stransky’s Mission Farms’ Unico, Emanuel Andrade riding Hollow Creek Farm’s ZZ Top VH Schaarbroek Z, Nicolas Herrera and Concorde, and Luis Fernando Larrazabal riding Anabel Simon’s G&C Sacramento.

Lucador and Peter Pletcher Victorious in Fumero Law Pre-Green Level 2 Hunters

Peter Pletcher and Lucador claimed victory for the second week in a row in the Fumero Law Pre-Green Level 2 Hunter division during week nine of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). The five-year-old Oldenburg gelding, owned by Brian and Sophie Baldwin of Sagamore Farm, dominated day one of competition, winning the under saddle and both over fences classes. Pletcher and Lucador wrapped up the division on day two with a second place finish over fences. Reserve champion honors went to 21-Gun Salute, ridden by Christina Serio and owned by Kendall Sharkey. Serio and 21-Gun Salute were fourth under saddle and sixth and second over fences on day one before finishing day two with first and fifth place ribbons over fences.

Lucador and Peter Pletcher. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Lucador and Peter Pletcher. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Lucador began his show career at the 2013 FTI WEF with Pletcher and has proven his potential as a top competitor. “He’s come into his own these last few weeks. He’s been champion the last two weeks he’s shown in the Pre-Greens,” Pletcher commented. “He’s a super horse and a talented athlete with a beautiful jump.”

Pletcher has helped the gelding settle in to life at the showgrounds, which is no small feat when starting out at the massive grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). “At first, he was a little ADD and looked around a bit. Now that he’s been here a few weeks, he’s really gotten it. He can be looking around but then focus in on the jump and give you an amazing jump, seemingly out of nowhere,” Pletcher described.

Lucador’s inexperience showed briefly when he jumped a shadow on day two of competition for the division, but overall Pletcher couldn’t be happier with the young horse’s performance. “He was really good today. The second round he went around really nicely so we were happy,” Pletcher smiled.

Pletcher looks forward to continuing to ride Lucador this year.

“He’s amazing. He’s such a good horse and very, very talented. He jumps as well as any horse at [the FTI WEF]. He has a wonderful jump and is lovely across the ground. He’s a gorgeous mover and is beautiful to look at too,” he remarked.

Sophie Baldwin was also thrilled with Lucador’s early success and is happy to have Pletcher in the irons. “They’re two peas in a pod! Peter does such a good job with him. Peter is very smooth and just lets [Lucador] do his thing. He’s so fancy and special; he just shines. Peter is the perfect match for him, so we’re really happy with the both of them!” Baldwin stated.

The Fumero Law Pre-Green Level 2 Hunter division kicked off week nine of competition of the FTI WEF, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies. Week nine will continue Friday with Section A of the Adult Amateur Hunter 36-50 division, hosted in the Rost Arenaof the PBIEC. The $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m 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.

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Equestrian Public Relations
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Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm Capture Performance Working Hunter Tricolor

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare's Rhythm. Photo By: Kerri Salter/PMG

Wellington, FL – February 12, 2013 – Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm made their 2013 debut in style during Week V of the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival for Nordic Lights Farm. With smooth and flowing rounds, Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm topped the leader board in the CWD Performance Working 3’6″ Hunter division, and eventually nabbed the reserve championship honors. Meanwhile, Lauren Hough represented Nordic Lights Farm aboard Tackeray in the FEI Open Jumper events.

Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm closed out the 2012 season with a victory in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Final Chase Horse Show. During WEF V, the pair showcased their winning ways once again in the CWD Performance Working 3’6″ Hunter. After placing third over fences and in the handy, they went on to place second over fences the next day and win the stake class. Their top results led to the division’s reserve championship honors.

“It was good to have NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm showing again,” noted Pletcher. “He was super, and really good in the handy as always. I decided to do the 3’6″ Performance Hunters to keep him in shape. I’m going to show him during Hunter Week, because I would love to get him into the Hunter Spectacular. He does so well in those types of classes. After that we will be preparing for the derby at the end of season.”

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Laura Kraut and Jubilee d’Ouilly Top $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2

Ivory Coast and Peter Pletcher Triumph in Second Year Green Working Hunter Division

Laura Kraut and Jubilee d'Ouilly. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – January 17, 2013 – Laura Kraut and Jubilee d’Ouilly jumped to victory in the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday afternoon at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) in an exciting jump-off of top competitors. Last to go in a 24-horse tie breaker with McLain Ward holding the first and second positions, Kraut and Jubilee shaved fractions off of the leading time to win in a dramatic finish.

The second week of FTI WEF competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will run January 16-20. Highlight events include the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI WEF runs through March 31 featuring 12 weeks of world-class competition.

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Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare's Rhythm won the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Final Chase Horse Show. Photo By: Morgan German

Katy, TX – November 20, 2012 – Topping off a successful 2012 show season for Nordic Lights Farm, Peter Pletcher claimed another Derby victory during the Final Chase Horse Show with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm. Pletcher took home the winning prize during the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby after piloting NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm to the lead during both rounds of competition. The pair also claimed the championship honors in the Performance 3’6″ Hunter division earlier in the week after winning two over fences classes.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm was awesome this weekend,” expressed Pletcher. “He was jumping very crisp, and as always, he was very brave in the ring. The Derby had a nice course with some really big option jumps and he’s really good at the high jumps. In the handy round there were strides going away from the gate to the first jump and you could go either direction, but I decided to go straight at it.  He was super, had a beautiful jump this weekend and rode amazing.”

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Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm Win $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Country Heir Horse Show

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare's Rhythm won the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Country Heir Horse Show. Photo By: Anne Gittins

Lexington, KY – June 20, 2012 – Professional rider Peter Pletcher once again captured the winning honors with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm in a derby event. The pair earned the top call during the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Country Heir Horse Show for Nordic Lights Farm and the Bruheim Family. A flawless handy round helped them receive high scores and eventually head the event’s victory gallop.

Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm’s smooth trip during the first round landed them in the second place position going into the handy round during the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Using an inside track to slice one of the oxers and jump brilliantly through the challenging two-stride, the duo quickly jumped to the top of the leaderboard with their high scores and added bonus points. Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm’s earned the winning title and led the evening’s lap of victory in the Walnut Ring of the Kentucky Horse Park.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm was really good and super smooth,” commented Pletcher. “He was amazing during the handy round, really the best he has been all year. He has worked his way up and did the High Performance division. After Devon I decided that he’s good to just be a derby horse now and focus on that instead of the High Performance. He’s come along beautifully. He’s so brave and honest; he’s right on track. We’re hoping he stays like this through the Finals.”

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