Tag Archives: Reed Kessler

Reed Kessler and Cylana Victorious in $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9

Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photos copyright Sportfot.

Peggy Gehman Sweeps the Pre-Green Hunter 3 & 4 Year Olds aboard Jon Snow

Wellington, FL – March 10, 2016 – Week nine of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, continued on Thursday with a win for Reed Kessler (USA) and Cylana in the $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. It was Kessler and Cylana’s second win of the series in 2016 after also topping the $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5.

WEF 9 runs March 9-13, 2016, featuring CSI 5* jumper and ‘AA’ rated hunter divisions. Friday features the $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m Classic in the morning and the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Semi-Final, presented by Seabrook LLC, in the evening. Saturday night highlights the $380,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5*, and Sunday concludes the week with the $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. The 12-week WEF circuit runs through April 3 offering more than $9 million in prize money.

Alan Wade (IRL) is the course designer in the International Ring for WEF 9. For Thursday’s Challenge Cup class, Wade set the track for 74 starters, with seven clear rounds.

In the jump-off, Margie Engle (USA) and Elm Rock LLC’s Royce set the pace with a clear round in 44.88 seconds to eventually finish third. Sharn Wordley (NZL) and the Sky Group’s Casper cleared the course next with the fifth place time of 47.34 seconds. Fabio Leivas (BRA) and Marco Antonio Alencar’s Fape Fox Trot VD Padenborre jumped into second place with their round in 44.64 seconds. Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Artisan Farms’ Fine Lady 5 had eight faults in the jump-off in 44.18 seconds to place seventh. Nine Fagerstrom (FIN) was next to go with a clear round in 45.56 seconds to place fourth aboard Finca Horses’ Flower. Kessler and Cylana followed with the winning time of 43.51 seconds. Last to go, McLain Ward (USA) and Double H Farm’s HH Carlos Z had the time in 42.22 seconds, but dropped one unlucky rail to finish sixth.

Following her victory, Kessler admitted that the win was a relief after a difficult time with Cylana in week eight. The 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Skippy II x Darco), owned by Kessler Show Stables, was not feeling like herself through the week and had three rails down in the Sunday’s grand prix.

“I feel really relieved because I did not have a great week last week, and I was actually so stressed about it that I gave myself an ulcer and was in the emergency room on Tuesday,” Kessler stated. “Cylana jumped really well in the WEF (Challenge Cup) on Thursday (last week), and I was flatting her in the days after and she was fine on her legs, but was behaving a little funny. She did not want to move her haunches, and I know her so well that I was a little worried. She just did not feel 100%. I was so stressed about whether I would jump her or not. She is more than a horse to me; she is like half of me, and I never want to jump her if she is not right. I had our team vet go over her and he thought she was fine, so we jumped on Sunday and it did not go well at all. We had three down, and she did not jump like herself. I gave a few quiet days, and put her out in the field at home, and whatever was bothering her was totally fine this week. I feel so much relief having had that round now. That was not her last week; that was her today.”

The challenging track by Wade yielded just seven clear rounds, but Kessler thought it was well done.

“It was quite difficult today. There were only seven clear,” Kessler stated. “Alan Wade is a great course designer, and I think that is the way the WEF should be. It is a big 5* week and a big money class, so it should be challenging. I did not even think I went particularly fast in the jump-off; I just made a few tight turns and was able to win. I wanted to have a nice clear round to set her up for Saturday. I thought I would just do a few neat turns and see what happens. Luckily, everything came up well. Honestly, I thought I would be second or third. I did not expect to win, so that was really nice.”

“That was a great jump-off,” Kessler added. “It was the kind of jump-off where you could have a really smooth, calculated, clever round and get a great piece of it. I thought it was a great class.”

Kessler and Cylana will return to their home base in Europe after this weekend, and the mare will have several weeks of turnout and time off while Kessler competes with other horses. Kessler will then await the release of the U.S. Show Jumping Short List, as her sights remain set on competing in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In addition to the winning prize money on Thursday, Kessler picked up her second $3,000 bonus of the circuit for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style riding gloves as part of the SSG Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion.

Also competing in the International Ring on Thursday, the $8,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m jump-off class was held with a win for Conor Swail (IRL) aboard Susan and Ariel Grange’s Cita. The $2,500 MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY High Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class was also held in the afternoon with a win for Rogelio Pellerano and Precieuse Platiere.

Peggy Gehman Sweeps the Pre-Green Hunter 3 & 4 Year Olds Aboard Jon Snow

The crowning of the Pre-Green Hunter 3 & 4 Year Old champion took place in Ring 6 early on Thursday. A beautiful sunny morning served as the backdrop for Peggy Gehman’s complete domination of the division. She piloted Meralex Farm’s Jon Snow, a five-year-old Holsteiner gelding, to wins in all four classes on her way to the division championship. Rob Carey and First Watch settled for the reserve title, placing second, third, and fourth over fences and second in the under saddle.

Jon Snow and Peggy Gehman
Jon Snow and Peggy Gehman

Jon Snow, named after a famous television show character, has a personality that holds up to his namesake. “We have a bunch of horses named after the ‘Game of Thrones’ characters,” Gehman remarked.

“Jon Snow (the gelding) has got lots of personality. He’s really pesky and needy,” she laughed.

Jon Snow was imported to the United States less than a year ago. “We bought him as part of a group of young horses in Germany three years ago,” owner Bryan Baldwin explained. “We brought him along in Germany and then brought him over here last year in May.”

Since his arrival, the team at Meralex has been preparing the young horse for competition. The gelding made his horse show debut here at WEF a few weeks ago. “This is his fourth horse show ever,” Baldwin stated.

The last few weeks have been a bit of a learning experience for the young gelding, but he is starting to earn consistent results. “He’s been the champion now twice this circuit and he won a class last week,” rider Peggy Gehman explained. “The first week we were kind of green, but we are getting there!”

“The purpose of buying these young horses is to two-fold: to enjoy bringing along the young horses and making them up yourself, but also, to look for and to find the next great one,” Baldwin remarked.

It can be difficult to find the next great hunter in the professional divisions. “To find the next great one winning in the big professional divisions, they are just so expensive,” Baldwin stated. “If you can find a young one and bring it along, you are taking more risk, but you are also coming in at a lower price point. At worst you have a nice hunter for a junior or amateur to ride. But, what we are really looking for is the next Castle Rock,” she said.

Both Gehman and Baldwin have nothing but positive things to say about Jon Snow and his budding career. “He’s a good mover, he’s a great jumper. He’s not spooky. He’s just so nice about the jumps. He’s really a nice guy,” Gehman remarked. “He’s a very pretty type,” Baldwin added.

Gehman was thrilled with the gelding’s performance this week. “He’s finally gotten to where he is really consistent,” she said.

Gehman will continue to show Jon Snow in the Pre-Green divisions during the last few weeks of competition at WEF. “We will hopefully bring him along to do the regular 3′ Pre-Green division and the Pre-Green Incentive classes. I think we will try for that this year,” Gehman stated about the gelding’s future.

The ninth week of competition at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival continues on Friday featuring the $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m Classic in the International Ring in the morning and the $25,000 Artisan Farms U25 Grand Prix Semi-Final, presented by Seabrook LLC, in the evening. The $5,000 “Give a Buck” Small, Medium, and Large Pony Hunter Derbies will be featured on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC throughout the day. For more information and full results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Callie Seaman for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Reed Kessler and Cylana Win $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5

Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photos copyright Sportfot.

Kelley Farmer and Tara Metzner Crowned Champions of the CWD Saddlery 3’6″ Performance Working Hunter

Wellington, FL – February 11, 2016 – USA’s Reed Kessler and Cylana were the winners of the $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 on Thursday afternoon at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL. Competing in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Kessler and Cylana topped the week five class over Elizabeth Gingras (CAN) and Coup de Chance in second, and Yann Candele (CAN) aboard First Choice 15 in third.

Watch Reed Kessler and Cylana in their winning jump-off round!

WEF 5, sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, runs February 10-14, 2016. The week will feature the $380,000 Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, February 13, for which Thursday’s Challenge Cup competition was a qualifier. Other highlights include the $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m Classic on Friday and the $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday. The 12-week WEF circuit runs through April 3 offering more than $9 million in prize money.

Bob Ellis (GBR) is the course designer for international CSI 5* competition throughout week five. For Thursday’s $130,000 Ruby et Violette Challenge Cup, Ellis saw 55 competitors, with a 13-horse jump-off to follow. Seven were then double clear over the short course.

Katie Dinan (USA) was first to return with Grand Road Partners’ Nougat du Vallet and set the pace at 45.82 seconds, eventually placing seventh. Margie Engle (USA) and Elm Rock Partners’ Royce were next to clear the short track in 41.58 seconds, finishing fifth. Gingras and B Gingras Equestrian Ltd.’s Coup de Chance followed with a time of 38.64 seconds, soon settling for second place. Kessler and Cylana were next to clear the short course and took the lead in a time of 38.03 seconds that would hold on for the win.

Candele and the Watermark Group’s First Choice 15 clocked in at 39.23 seconds to secure third place honors. Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Adena Springs and Ronnoco Jump Ltd.’s Good Luck followed with a double clear in 40.97 seconds to place fourth, and Eduardo Menezes (BRA) locked up the top six with his time of 43.27 seconds aboard Quintol.

Kessler did not compete at WEF in 2014, opting to remain in Europe for the winter, but in an Olympic year the young rider chose to show on home turf early in the season. Kessler was the youngest rider ever to compete on the U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team at the age of 18 four years ago, and now has her sights set on once again securing a coveted spot on the team. She hopes to make that dream come true once more with Cylana, her now 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Skippy II x Darco), owned by Kessler Show Stables.

“My horse has been jumping so well. She is really feeling well,” Kessler said after her victory Thursday. “She had a great fall in Stuttgart and Geneva, and she jumped beautifully last week, so I could not be happier with her.”

“It is an Olympic year, and it is my number one goal to try to make the team again,” Kessler declared. “The first step is to make the short list, and I had a long talk with my Chef d’Equipe and he suggested that for the selectors to see everybody, it would be good to do a few weeks here. I did last week and this week. Now I go back to Holland for two weeks to jump some other horses, and then I come back and [compete] another two weeks here.”

Since competing in the 2012 Olympic Games, Kessler has had made a lot of changes in her program and her riding. One big difference is her flat work, as the rider explained that she has been working with Spanish dressage rider Morgan Barbançon Mestre, a close friend.

“I was only just turning 18 this last cycle of Olympics, so a lot has changed for me,” Kessler noted. “I am a young rider. I went out on my own this year. One of my best friends rode at the Games for the Spanish dressage team and she started helping me at the end of the summer and that has made the biggest difference for sure in my riding. I think my flat work is night and day and my horses are much better for it. They have all put on muscle in places that they have never had muscle. I can easily leave out one, maybe two strides in every jump-off I do now because I have such a better connection with all of them turning.”

The extra work combined with her longtime partnership with Cylana was an advantage for Kessler in Thursday’s jump-off.

“She is an amazing horse. I have had her so long, and I know her like the back of my hand,” Kessler stated. “I am really blessed because she is a horse that is really easy on herself physically, knock on wood. She is very sensible, she is brave, and she is experienced now. She goes her best with a lot of blood, so I can save her. I did not jump a class this week. I just put her straight in the qualifier, so I think in that way I am really lucky because she is easy on herself and it is easier for her to stay sound.”

Kessler will now jump Cylana in Saturday night’s $380,000 Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix CSI 5* and hopes for a good result.

“I would love to win the grand prix with her. That’s why I am here, is to show her off,” Kessler said. “She is in great form. She is in great condition, and she is jumping beautifully, so as long as I ride her well she is going to keep jumping well.”

In addition to the winning prize money, Kessler picked up a $3,000 bonus for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style riding gloves as part of the SSG Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion.

Also competing in the International Ring on Thursday, Laura Chapot and Mary Chapot’s Thornhill Kate won the $8,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m jump-off class. Kelsey Thatcher and Pony Lane Farm’s Everything topped the $2,500 MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY High Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class later in the afternoon.

Kelley Farmer and Tara Metzner Crowned Champions of the CWD Saddlery 3’6″ Performance Working Hunter

The very competitive CWD Saddlery 3’6″ Performance Working Hunter concluded in the Rost Arena on Thursday morning. Thirty-five horses vied for the championship honors, resulting in a California split of the division. Kelley Farmer and Dalliance were crowned Section A champions, and Tara Metzner piloted Celebrity to the Section B championship title.

Dalliance and Kelley Farmer
Dalliance and Kelley Farmer

Kelley Farmer, of Keswick, VA, piloted well-known mount Dalliance to 24 points on their way to the champion honors this week. The pair earned two second place ribbons, as well as a first and fourth over fences.

Farmer has been competing Dalliance, who is a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Avatar Real Estate, for a little over a year. The pair has stacked up quite a few blue ribbons, including a USHJA International Hunter Derby win.

“He’s just a good horse,” Farmer said about the gelding’s character and temperament. “He’s always careful, always jumps good, always quiet; he walks from the stall to the ring.”

“He’s a little bit like a pony. You kind of have to rev him up, but he’s got tons of jump. He’s a winner,” she remarked. Farmer will continue to compete the gelding in the 3’6″ Performance Hunter Division as well as the High Performance Hunter division throughout the rest of the WEF circuit. She also plans to show him in the USHJA International Hunter Derby during Week 12.

Tara Metzner, of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, was pleased with Celebrity’s performance this week. The pair placed first, seventh, second and third over fences and fourth in the under saddle. “The courses were nice. I found the lines a little more open today than yesterday so we got to show off a little and gallop,” Metzner said about her jumping rounds on Thursday.

Celebrity is a nine-year-old gelding owned by Davlyn Farms, who was originally meant to be an equitation horse. Purchased and imported from Europe as an eight-year-old, the gelding suffered an unfortunate bone bruise upon his arrival in the United States, which sidelined him from competition for six months.

Once Metzner began showing Celebrity last summer, it became apparent to the team at Davlyn Farms that he should be a hunter. “The more we ride him, the fancier he gets, so we decided to make him a hunter instead of an equitation horse,” Metzner explained. “He’s just such a good egg. He gets better each time in the ring.”

Celebrity also competes in the Low Adult Hunter division with rider Tammy Williams. While Metzner generally shows the gelding in the Performance Hunter divisions as a warm-up for Williams, the more she shows him, the more she believes he will make an excellent derby horse. “For sure I think he’s going to end up being a derby horse. He’s super brave. We’ll probably start doing those at the end of the season here and see how it goes,” she said.

The Section A reserve championship was awarded to Louise Serio and eight-year-old gelding As Promised, owned by Meralex Farm, Inc. Section B reserve honors went to Holly Orlando and Tidal Wave, who is owned by Elizabeth Monaco.

The fifth week of competition at WEF will continue on Friday with the Camping World Adult Amateur 50 and Over Section A, which will be held in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Jumper action will also continue in the International Arena with the $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m Classic. For more information and full results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Callie Seaman for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Reed Kessler and Cylana Are Double Clear for Victory in $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup

Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Christine McCrea and Zerly Top the Field in $82,000 TD Cup 1.50m

Calgary, AB – July 6, 2013 – It was an exciting day of show jumping at the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament with the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Reed Kessler (USA) bested a strong line-up and was the only one to jump clear in both rounds with Cylana for victory. Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne finished second, while Beezie Madden (USA) and Simon were third. Christine McCrea (USA) was able to ride to the win in the $82,000 TD Cup 1.50m with Zerly over Beezie Madden (USA) on Coral Reef Via Volo and Conor Swail (IRL) with Game Ready. The ‘North American’ Tournament concludes with tomorrow’s competition and the highlight event, the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby.

The $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup was a test of scope and stamina as horses contested one of the biggest tracks of the summer series and had to contend with jumping two rounds of competition. There were 35 entries in the first round, and the top 12 returned for the second round. With only one horse and rider double clean, the competition was decided without a jump-off.

Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio stated, “I thought we could have a jump-off with two or three horses. That is what I would have been expecting and it almost unfolded that way, but I am very happy with the way the class ultimately did unfold. I thought everyone did a great job and many riders had good experiences today, so I am very pleased with the way the competition went.”

All three of the top riders agreed that they enjoy the two-round format for this competition. Beezie Madden said, “You can’t do it every week, but for a competition like this I think it is excellent.”

Coming in first was Eric Lamaze (CAN) on Powerplay on four faults, but they put in a second round clear to move up to fifth place. Francois Mathy (BEL) and Polinska des Isles had one rail to finish on eight faults and eighth place. Leslie Howard (USA) and Tic Tac came in with four faults and added another four faults at the last fence to finish in seventh place.

The CN Precision Series will wait another year to award outstanding bonus money as Kent Farrington and Uceko, the previous winners of the two CN grand prix events this season, came in with four faults from the first round. Although they were clear in the second round, it would not be enough and they would finish in fourth place.

Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Simon were also on four faults from the first round, but with a great clear ride in the second round and a fast time from round one, they would slot into third place.

Beezie Madden and Simon
Beezie Madden and Simon

Regarding her rail down in the first round, she said, “I think it was really my fault for not getting him back enough after (the triple bar). I got a little too close to the bike (fence) and he was still pulling me too much there, so it was really my fault. I had plenty of room; I just didn’t get it done.”

However, Madden was happy with Simon’s performance overall. “He felt great,” she acknowledged. “I really didn’t need to jump much before the second round. I thought he jumped fantastic the first round and did the same in the second round, so I was really happy with him.”

Lisa Carlsen (CAN) and La Boom had just two time faults in round one, but ran into trouble in round two. After a rail and a refusal, they retired on course and finished twelfth. Another time-faulter from round one, Kirsten Coe (USA) on Calypso, also had trouble in round two with 17 faults for a total of 18 and eleventh place.

Both Katie Dinan (USA) on Nougat du Vallet and McLain Ward (USA) with Rothchild were able to find the clear path in round one, but both faulted at two fences in round two. They finished in tenth and ninth places, respectively.

Next in was 18-year-old Reed Kessler (USA) on Cylana, her 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Skippy II x Darco. They put in another stellar clear round despite a hard rub at the final oxer and had to watch as the last two entries entered the ring to see where they would finish.

Kessler recalled, “Everyone gasped like it came down. I think they thought it was coming down, but it somehow stayed up. I was scared to look back. I had my eyes peeled on the scoreboard.”

Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne were second to last to go, and the stunning 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Susan and Ariel Grange put in a stellar jumping effort, but when they crossed the finish line, the scoreboard showed the heartbreaking truth – their time of 68.15 seconds incurred one time fault over the 68-second time allowed. They finished in second place.

Swail explained where he thought he added that .15 of a second on course, “I think where I lost it, he jumped down the combination pretty poorly. I needed just to regroup a little bit, so I think I lost it just a little wide to the ATCO oxer there before the last line. I just needed to set him back on his hocks a little bit. It finished off beautifully again, but I am happy.”

He also reflected, “My horse does not have the experience of the two on either side of me (Cylana and Simon). I am really pleased that he is in this company and he continues to be there. He has been great for the whole tournament here. It is nice that I have a good owner in Sue Grange that lets me be able to compete at this level with these horses. I am happy to be here. I think his time will come and so will mine. There’s gonna be another day.”

Last in was Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One. It wouldn’t be their day, however, as they faulted at two jumps for sixth place.

Kessler said that her win yesterday helped with her confidence going into today’s competition, even though it was on a different horse. “It definitely put it in my mind that, ‘Okay, you have a chance to win one of these,’” she remarked.

Cylana knows when she’s a winner too. “She knows when she has won. Cylana is smarter than 90% of humans I have ever met,” Reed laughed.

“This feels amazing,” Kessler related. “This is the biggest win of my career so far, (and) it’s my first five star win. We have knocked on the door a couple of times with some second places, but it feels great to nail one down.”

Christine McCrea and Zerly Set Early Pace for Victory

The $82,000 TD Cup 1.50m was held in winning round format today. The top 25 qualifiers competed in the first round, and from there, the top 8 returned for a second round. The top 8 started on a clean slate and the finish was determined by the time and faults from the second round.

First in was Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) on Quilebo D Tillard, who had the last jump down for four faults in 51.97 seconds. That would slot them into eighth place at the end of the competition.

Christine McCrea (USA) and Zerly were next in and they were very quick throughout the course to be the first clear in 48.23 seconds for victory.

Christine McCrea and Zerly
Christine McCrea and Zerly

“I just was determined to go as fast as I could,” McCrea said with a smile. “There was nothing that I wasn’t going to try and do. That was my goal. I almost didn’t make the jump-off because I went too slow (in round one). I was revved up. She is so fast. I knew if I rode her perfectly, she would be fastest.”

Although McCrea had to add in one related distance line, she thought the competition was won by how fast she was from fences one to two. “I flew around the corner and she shot off to the right over the yellow (oxer), and I had to pull up in the eight (strides),” she recalled, “and that’s where I thought, ‘Oh no. Somebody could get me there.’ But they didn’t. I think you had to fly one to two. That was my plan.”

Meagan Nusz (USA) and Dynamo put in a four fault round in 51.79 seconds and left them in seventh place.

Quentin Judge (USA) and HH Dark de la Hart put in a great clear round in a slower time of 51.47 seconds, which would finish in fourth place. Ian Millar (CAN) and Star Power were fast near the end of the course, but it wasn’t quite enough as they were clear in 52.69 seconds for fifth place.

Conor Swail (IRL) and Game Ready made a great bid for the lead, but fell just short in 51.24 seconds for third place. Ashlee Bond (USA) and Agrostar were also quick in 50.40 seconds, but a rail at the last jump gave them four faults and sixth place.

The final pair into the ring was Beezie Madden (USA) and Coral Reef Via Volo. They were quite fast in 49.53 seconds with no faults, but it wouldn’t be enough to take victory and they had to settle for second place.

McCrea has been riding Zerly, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Querlybet Hero x Carthago, for almost a year and has been moving her from the 1.50m to the 1.60m and back again. “I think she’s super talented and I absolutely love riding her. She’s sort of learning the 1.60m height. I’m trying to give her a good education going forward,” she explained. “She is just all business and knows what her job is. She is very careful, has tons of scope, and she likes how I ride her. We have a good relationship. She’s just awesome.”

Zerly fits into the type of horse that McCrea likes to ride. She described, “I like them hot. I like horses that can bounce, that you can go forward and then pull up and bounce a stride in. I kind of like ones that go with their head up, which sounds funny, but if you look at the ones we have they all kind of go that way. The high balance is better for me; the low balance is difficult for me to ride. We buy all of our horses young, so we never really know where they’re going to end up, so we try to just horn in on that specific type. They might rise above what you think might ever have jumped before because we’re comfortable together and they like the way I ride them. That’s been our goal the last couple of years. They are so much fun! I’m having the time of my life.”

McCrea has been recording top finishes at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments this year, including four wins and eight top three places. She thanked her parents, who sponsor her, her husband Jonathan, and also Alan Waldman, who finds all of her horses. “It’s been kind of crazy. I think I have a really, really top string right now,” she said. “When you feel confident on one and the next goes well, it sort of builds your confidence and everything meshes. I think that’s what’s been happening for me.”

What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows on Sunday?

Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

On Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.

On Sunday, July 7, there will be the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.

Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.

For full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com or contact us at 403.974.4200 or information@sprucemeadows.com.

The ‘North American’ concludes tomorrow with the $50,000 Akita Drilling Cup 1.50m and $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

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

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

Reed Kessler Gets Her Victory with Wolf S in $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m

Reed Kessler and Wolf S. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Frances Land and Vieanne Blaze to Victory in $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m

Calgary, AB – July 5, 2013 – The ‘North American’ Tournament continued today, and it was Reed Kessler (USA) and Wolf S who took the highlight victory of the day in the $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m over Lauren Tisbo (USA) with Catharina 9. Frances Land (USA) and Vieanne were very fast to win the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m as the first ones in the jump-off.

The ‘North American’ Tournament continues through Sunday, July 7, and features the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 6, and the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby on Sunday, July 7.

The $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m started out in darkening skies and continued in driving rain, but the course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of New York looked to be more of an obstacle. Only two of the 24 entries were clear, and it was deja vu all over again as Reed Kessler and Lauren Tisbo, the two riders from yesterday’s jump-off in the $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m, went against each other in today’s final competition. However, this time it was on their newer mounts.

Kessler noted, “I love Anthony’s courses. He’s my favorite course designer. It’s all very smooth, but technical. There wasn’t really any moment that was a freebie. I was expecting more (in the jump-off), but then the weather really turned and it was quite dark.”

Kessler and Wolf S, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Numero Uno x Peter Pan owned by Iron Works Partners, drew the unenviable first position in the jump-off again. Kessler was riding for that all-important clear round and she did just that, finishing in 37.08 seconds.

Tisbo and Catharina 9, a nine-year-old Mecklenburg mare by Cellestial x Monsum owned by Tequestrian Farms LLC, were next in. They pulled a rail at jump 10b for four faults in 38.05 seconds and the runner-up place.

Kessler had yesterday’s second-place finish in her mind as she entered today’s jump-off. “I made that mistake yesterday. I was fast and had an unlucky rail at the first fence. I didn’t want to outsmart myself and go blazing and risk having a rail,” she recalled. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on control with him and haven’t stepped into that next phase yet of speed. That’s totally the next phase still. I tried to be fast where I knew I could be quick, the first few jumps, and doing eight (strides) into the combination, and then bringing it home clear at the end of the course. Lauren is also on a new horse. It’s a fantastic horse and another star in the making. But we were kind of in the same boat, wagering how fast exactly we had to go.”

Third place went to Darragh Kerins (IRL) on E Muze Yek. They had one time fault in the first round in 76.77 seconds.

After eight second place finishes during the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments, it was a “relief,” for Kessler, who turns 19 next week, to score her first victory. “All of my horses have been jumping so well. I’ve been pretty consistent. You can’t complain too much, being second is great. But eventually it’s a hair disheartening that you can’t win one!” she remarked. “I was trying to be a good sport about it, but I’m a competitor and I’ve been competitive since I was a little child on ponies. It was really exciting, especially because he’s a new horse for me.”

Another new experience for Kessler was winning on a horse owned by a syndicate, Iron Works Partners. “It’s my first syndicate of owners, besides my parents, with Clifford Press and Gary Bisantz. I’m thrilled that I could deliver their first win,” she said.

Kessler started riding Wolf S in January and credited his “immaculate front end.” She added, “He likes to be very close to the jump, closer than any of my other horses. It’s sort of surprising how well he jumps from there. He’s got a lot of personality. When I first got him, it was kind of in a negative way. He’s a fighter and if I can get him to fight for me, that’s when he goes best. If I can place him where he wants to be, there’s nothing he can’t jump.”

Kessler called Wolf S “a star” and said while they have been working on his tricky mouth, she feels that today’s performance shows his potential. “This is the best he’s been over this technical of a track and this tight of a time allowed, so I’m thrilled with him,” she expressed.

Frances Land and Vieanne in full gallop mode in the jump-off
Frances Land and Vieanne in full gallop mode in the jump-off

Frances Land Puts Pedal to the Metal

Out of a starting field of 77 entries, 11 went to the jump-off, but no one was able to catch Frances Land (USA) and Vieanne. They blazed around the shortened course in 37.99 seconds for victory.

Land was only thinking speed when she entered the ring for the jump-off. “A class like this you have Eric Lamaze, you have Kent Farrington, you have Charlie Jayne, you have Reed Kessler, you have everyone who has ever been fast in the entire world, so you have to kind of go for it,” she exclaimed. “There were only 11 clean, so my dad told me to just go in there – and she is so fast naturally – (and) to leave out strides, make quick turns, and she will be fast and hopefully it will hold up. I think I went a little crazier than I was supposed to, but it worked, so today it was a good thing.”

Land said she was surprised that her time held up in the jump-off. “Whenever (you) think (you) go fast, then you have Eric [Lamaze] who beats you and makes you look like you went very slow. But my horse is just so naturally fast that turning quickly and opening her up and using her big stride really helped me out. It was definitely a surprise. I thought someone would catch me,” she admitted.

The next closest was Reed Kessler (USA) in another second place finish, this time with Ligist. They were clear in 38.20 seconds. Third place went to Christine McCrea (USA) and Ronaldo de la Pomme, who were last in the jump-off. They stopped the timers just short in 39.73 seconds.

Nineteen-year-old Land has been riding Vieanne, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Andiamo x Voltaire, since this past January. Vieanne was showing in the 1.50m division in Europe with a professional rider and is a speed expert.

Land noted that Vieanne is “very careful,” and that it took time for her to get used to her since she is bigger than other horses that she has ridden. “She is a lot of horse; she is a lot to contain. For me getting used to that big stride on a big field like that, (it was) just opening her up and then trusting the scope. She is amazing on grass and she loves this footing,” she remarked.

Although Land has won classes at Spruce Meadows before (in fact, she won the $20,000 Clark Builders Junior/Amateur Grand Prix 1.40m with Merlin earlier today), this was her first win in the International Ring. She was also excited to represent the United States and hear the national anthem play after her victory. “It is surreal to be able to say that you won in a ring that Eric Lamaze and everyone that has won an Olympic medal has shown,” she expressed. “I love being able to ride for my country. I don’t really get to show in Europe, so this is my international experience. Getting to be a U.S. rider outside the U.S. is definitely a proud moment because you get to represent your country. It is definitely special.”

Horses are a family affair for the Lands. Her father Jay is her trainer and her mother Kim is a rider, as is her sister Taylor. “I heard them announce (that I won) and then my dad came running down with the cooler. He trains me, so it is nice to be able to share victories with him. It makes it a little bit more special because he is a rider too, so he understands. They are all here, so we do it together,” she said.

The Zoetis Horse Health Championship, presented by Pfizer Equine Division and Moore Equine Veterinary Clinic, was awarded today to the horse/rider combination who accumulated the most points throughout the 1.45m Derby Series. The winner was Conor Swail of Ireland on Martha Louise, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. They finished with 365 points over Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Candy Tribble’s Twisther, who had 270 points. Third place went to Leslie Howard (USA) and Lennox Lewis 2, owned by Peter Howard, who had 263 points.

What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows?

Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

From Friday through Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.

Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 will feature the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.

Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.

For full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com or contact us at 403.974.4200 or information@sprucemeadows.com.

The ‘North American’ continues tomorrow with the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m and the $50,000 LaFarge Cup 1.50m in the International Ring. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

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

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

Reed Kessler and Mika Lead Open Jumpers to Kick Off Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Reed Kessler and Mika.

Lexington, KY – May 8, 2013 – The top horses and riders from across the country have returned to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the start of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The first day of competition kicked off with the Open Jumper divisions in the Rolex Stadium. Olympian Reed Kessler led the way in the 1.45m Open Jumper class aboard Mika with a double clear effort, while the victory in the 1.40m Open Jumper speed class went to Pablo Barrios riding Colgate.

Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England set the track for today’s event. In the 1.45m Open Jumpers he challenged riders with an open water option, a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination, and an oxer-vertical double combination. Five competitors managed to master the course and advance to the jump-off, which also included the double combination.

Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, was the pathfinder and set the bar with her veteran mount Mika. Pushing her mount to open his stride and cut the turns, the duo dashed through the timers in 34.438 seconds. Their clear round was a full three seconds faster than the runner up to take home the top prize.

Canada’s Ian Millar was the next to challenge the young rider’s time with Baranns, owned by The Baranns Group of Perth, Ontario. They also managed to leave all the rails in place, but a time of 37.804 would only be good enough for third. The next pair on course, Hillary Simpson and Nopus Du Gue Joubert, owned by Quiet Hill Farm of Ocala, FL, bested Millar’s time. The pair left all the fences intact, but clocked in a 37.560 seconds to slide into the second place position. The only other duo to complete a double clear round was Andrew Bourns of Wellington, FL, riding Ace High Mike. Stopping the clock at 38.929 earned them the fourth place ribbon.

“Mika was great today,” smiled Kessler. “The horses that didn’t come to Europe with have been hanging out at home and enjoying our big grass property, they haven’t been doing much jumping at all. I am really happy that everyone was so good on the first day back.”

Kessler continued, “Mika is not such a speedster; going fast kind of undoes him, but he’s 13 this year, and I’ve gone clear in so many grand prixs that it’s time to go in and be the fastest. This is a national show, so it’s a good time to practice all week pushing him outside his comfort zone. I love this show. It’s a really nice time, and the horses have had a break after Florida. You can start back up again, and it’s a great building block before heading to Spruce Meadows.”

Kessler just returned from the 2013 Rolex FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals, and she used the experience there to help prepare for this week. “Normally the speed is very tricky for Mika,” she explained. “I set the World Cup Finals speed course up at home just as little jumps and rails on the ground last week, and tried to do the fastest numbers with him. I really did go home and practice, so doing a normal speed class seemed easier today.”

Pablo Barrios and Colgate
Pablo Barrios and Colgate

Just prior to their win, Kessler and Mika were bested by Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios and Colgate during the 1.40m Open Jumper Speed Class. Early in the class, Barrios set the time to beat with his first mount Ambosell at a clear 67.115, which would be good enough for fifth.

Barrios’ original time was eventually beat by Wilton Porter of Bartonville, TX riding Neolisto Van Het Mierenhof, who took home fourth place in 65.349 seconds. It was Mario Gamboa and Unico, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms of Miami, FL who claimed the third place honors, dashing across the course in a clear 64.723 seconds.

Kessler almost had two blue ribbons when she and Mika galloped over the track in a speedy 63.574. They would have to settle for second though when Barrios took the lead with his second mount Colgate. Leaving out a stride to the last combination, Barrios and Colgate crossed the finish line in a blazing 62.894 seconds to net the victory.

“Colgate is a horse that I have been riding for a year, this was our first show last year,” stated Barrios. “She is starting to get the mileage. She is 10 years old, and she was a little bit green when I got her, but now she is starting to show a little more experience: go a little faster and be a little more competitive. She did great a WEF, and now I think she is ready to start winning these classes. She has a huge stride and I went very fast to the combination. I took the risk and it worked out well.”

Now Barrios will aim Colgate and his second mount Zara Leandra towards tomorrow night’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, as well as the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix. “I always like it in Kentucky,” he commented. “It’s nice, the horses love it, and last year I spent the whole summer here. This year I am planning to go to Calgary and it’s good to stop here and continue to Calgary, and then stop on the way back. I love it.”

The jumper action will continue in the Rolex Stadium tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. with the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, kicking off the seven part Hagyard Challenge Series featuring the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. Riders will also have the opportunity to showcase their mounts during Saturday’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic and the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Team USA Wins $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

Beezie Madden and Simon. Photo © Sportfot.

$10,000 G&C Speed Stake Victory Goes to Darragh Kenny and Delilah; LDM Dramatik and Amy Smith Secure Championship Title in Low Adult 2’6″ Hunters Section A

Wellington, FL – March 1, 2013 – The powerhouse U.S. show jumping team of Kent Farrington, Reed Kessler, Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden earned victory in Friday night’s $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm, at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Teams representing seven different countries participated in the evening’s competition with a win for Team USA over Canada in second and Germany in third.

Week eight CSIO competition runs February 27 – March 3, 2013. The Hollow Creek Farm FEI Children’s, Junior, and Young Rider Nations Cups will be featured on Saturday, March 2. The $150,000 CSIO 4* Grand Prix, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will be held 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.

Friday’s nights Nations Cup competition consisted of two rounds shown over a challenging course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. Teams of four represented the countries of Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Germany, USA, Colombia and Venezuela.

After the first round, each team dropped their highest score. In the second round, all seven 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 U.S. Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland
Watch an interview with U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland

The winning team from the United States was represented by Kent Farrington and RCG Farm’s Uceko, Reed Kessler and her Cylana, Laura Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric, and Beezie Madden riding Abigail Wexner’s Simon under the guidance of new Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

In round one, Farrington had four faults aboard Uceko and Kessler, Kraut and Madden all jumped clear rounds to lead the way into the second phase of competition. In round two, Farrington and Kessler each jumped clear rounds, Kraut and Cedric had four faults, and when it was determined that the USA could not be beat, the team decided that Madden and Simon did not have to jump. They finished on a two round total of four faults for the victory.

Beezie Madden had a little trouble at the water in round one but still jumped clear for her team. She noted, “I probably had the most interesting round. Other than the water jump, he felt great. He was fantastic. I looked at the scoreboard afterwards; I thought he was clear of it. I knew he hit the box, but that was probably putting it mildly. I was just happy he recovered from that and he finished off with a clear.”

Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photo © Sportfot
Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photo © Sportfot

Eighteen-year-old Reed Kessler had her first win as well as her first double clear in a Nations Cup class and was very excited.

“To ride on the home team in front of the home crowd is a really big honor so I’m thrilled that it went the way it did,” Kessler smiled. “Cylana was awesome. She has shown pretty lightly all of circuit to prepare for this. It’s my favorite thing when I ride her to hear the crowd scream and she gets so animated and so wild. When she heads to the first jump, she has total focus. She could not have done better.”

Kent Farrington had a rail in round one but came back strong for the second round. He commented, “I’ve known that horse a little while and our first ride wasn’t our best. Towards the end of the round he just got too strong and he took over at the last oxer. I was actually pleased with how he came back in the second round. He performed more like himself and was more relaxed.”

Laura Kraut had a great night with Cedric and enjoyed winning on home turf.

Laura Kraut and Cedric. Photo © Sportfot
Laura Kraut and Cedric. Photo © Sportfot

“I was thrilled with Cedric tonight,” Kraut smiled. “Both rounds he was fantastic. The second round I was maybe a little overly cautious down the last line and he had such a light rub. I think he thinks he was double clear. I think he’s pleased right now. As Reed said, it was very comforting to ride tonight. Normally, I would be very tense about riding in front of the home crowd, but when you have three horse/rider combinations going with you, I felt pretty comfortable that if I did something really stupid they’d be there to back me up. I’m thrilled that we won and I’m really happy for Robert because he was really nervous. He just sort of listened to what we thought we wanted to do and supported us. We’re all getting to know each other and our new system. But I think it worked quite well.”

Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was very happy with his team and admits to being a little nervous.

“I was told I was pacing a lot,” Ridland laughed. “What do you do? For me, this has been a long journey and great to get here. It was about a year ago that I was named coach and we went through the Olympic trials and all that. At the same time, Furusiyya and the FEI changed the Nations Cup and there are a lot of us that feel this is one of the best things that will have happened to the sport in a long time. It will revive the Nations Cup. We knew this was going to be a really big deal coming in being a qualifier for the Final and we made it a huge priority before the beginning of the year, not only to try to win this, but to be in a good position for the Final.”

Friday night’s Canadian team consisted of Eric Lamaze and Morningside Stud & Torrey Pines Stables’ Wang Chung M2S, Tiffany Foster and Artisan Farm LLC’s Victor, Mac Cone and Chadburn Holdings, Inc.’s Amor van de Rostal as well as Ian Millar and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Dixson with Chef d’Equipe Mark Laskin.

In round one, Lamaze had five faults for a rail and one time fault, Foster and Millar jumped clear, and Mac Cone was eliminated for the drop score. All four riders continued on into round two where Lamaze, Foster and Millar all jumped clear. Mac Cone’s score was once again dropped to leave the team on five faults total for their second place finish.

Third place finisher, Team Germany, included Janne Friederike Meyer aboard Meyer, Friedrich and Anne Sophie’s Cellagon Lambrasco, Johannes Ehning and Nybor Pferde GMBH & Co. KG’s Salvador V, Andre Thieme and his Contanga 3, and Daniel Deusser aboard Stephex Stables & Pedro Veniss’s Cornet d’Amour headed by Chef d’Equipe Dietmar Gugler.

In round one, Germany dropped Ehning’s score of eight and kept Meyer’s four fault score and Theime’s one time fault with a clear round from Daniel Deusser. In round two, Deusser once again jumped clear, Meyer was clear, and Ehning and Theime each had four faults, one of which was dropped. The team finished on five faults from round one and four faults from round two for a nine point total.

The fourth place team from Ireland finished with eleven faults. Other teams included Colombia, who finished on a score of 41 to place fifth, Venezuela, who had a two round total of 48 to finish sixth, and Mexico, who finished on a score of 59 to place seventh.

All in all, there were five double clear rounds for the night, including Reed Kessler, Tiffany Foster, Ian Millar, Daniel Deusser and Cian O’Connor on Splendor. Foster was especially enthusiastic about her performance aboard Victor.

The 2013 season has seen the introduction of a new formula for the FEI Nations Cup. Following a new sponsorship deal with the Saudi Equestrian Fund, this historic series will now be known as the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. Under the new rules, the world has been divided into six regions for the purpose of qualifying teams for a World Final. The six regions are Europe 1 and 2, North America, South America, Middle East, Asia and Africa.

On behalf of Furusiyya, HH Prince Faisal Al Shalan was present for the class and commented on the evening. “First of all we are very happy for the American team for their win today,” he stated. “They were amazing and they had really good horses coming in. The other teams also performed really well and it was very close.”

“To start off, Furusiyya is a single Arabic word and it is based on embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry and equestrian knowledge in general,” he added. “The term is a derivation of ‘faris,’ the horseman and the horse, so it’s a combination of both. In time, Furusiyya will become the brand name under which Saudi Arabian equestrian products will be licensed and marketed. To date, there is a perfume called Furusiyya which is a product for sale in Saudi Arabia. It is our duty in Saudi equestrian to sponsor Saudi equestrian activities for the nobility. Not only in the narrow sense of their history and heritage, but rather in the cultural and behavioral aspects that surround the sport in celebration of the horse. It has instilled chivalry, honor, value and virtue. This is the essence of our mission in the Saudi Equestrian Fund-the connection between horse and rider is universal and we are fortunate that the horse is so noble that they allow us to share their strength and passion.”

Class and weekly sponsor Gustavo Mirabal of G&C Farm also spoke about the evening. “I am very proud to again be the Nations Cup sponsor as well as many FEI classes,” Mirabal stated. “I think we have to do this in America-more FEI classes and more FEI points so we can have more riders in the top of the world. I recognize all of the American riders as amazing riders and people, and I am proud to be the sponsor.”

Also commenting on the class, John Madden, representing the FEI, noted, “I think we witnessed a little bit of history tonight. This is the first Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup here in North America. Last week we witnessed it in Abu Dhabi and we think it’s a really bright future for our sport.”

“I would like to, on behalf of the FEI, thank the USEF as our host federation and ESP, Michael (Stone) and everybody for a great job this evening,” Madden acknowledged. “I think we really have to thank Gustavo and G&C. They really bring the hemisphere together. They bring the Americas together like a family and we really have to thank His Highness Prince Faisal and Furusiyya. Thank you, on behalf of the FEI for bringing the world together.”

Equestrian Sport Productions’ CEO Mark Bellissimo added, “I’d also like to thank the sponsors and His Highness. This is an amazing start of a tradition in the United States and it is great that the U.S. team was able to prevail here. Canada and Germany also did very well and I think we’re just pleased to have top sport in Wellington.”

“I’d like to thank my friend Gustavo Mirabal, who stepped up very early in our ownership of this and has just been an amazing sponsor and supporter through all dimensions of the sport,” Bellissimo said. “It takes great sponsors to elevate the sport in the United States and we hope this is a relationship for many years to come. Again, we thank the FEI and USEF for creating the platform for this great demonstration.”

Darragh Kenny and Delilah Dash to Victory in $10,000 G&C Farm Speed Stake

Darragh Kenny and Delilah. Photo © Sportfot
Darragh Kenny and Delilah. Photo © Sportfot

G&C Farm’s $10,000 Speed Stake was also held on Friday with a win for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Delilah, owned by Derbypie, LLC. In a field of 35 international starters, Kenny and Delilah completed the fastest of 9 clear rounds in 59.07 seconds. Germany’s Johannes Ehning and Cayenne 162, owned by Winley Farm LLC, finished second in 59.63 seconds. USA’s Reed Kessler and Ligist were third with a time of 61.54 seconds.

Delilah is a 13-year-old KWPN mare by Lancelot x Gracio owned by young American rider Hasbrouck Donovan, who has shown successfully in the junior jumpers. Kenny explained that he has been keeping the mare fit for her rider over the winter and asked if he could use her as a speed horse this week.

“It is a super horse,” Kenny stated. “She is so easy and brave and uncomplicated and careful. She has a huge stride and you can really gallop with her. She wants to win, so it makes my life really easy.”

Commenting on Friday’s class, Kenny noted, “It was a really nice result. I thought it was a really good course for a speed class. There were enough questions and tight turns, but also a lot of galloping. It was really interesting because in a really good speed class you have to be careful about leaving the jumps up too and a good few people at the start had faults. You just had to be a little bit careful and then you had to go pretty quick.”

Kenny is frequently one of the fastest riders in any class and explained that confidence in his horses is key. “I am lucky; I just know how to go fast,” he smiled. “At this stage I have had a lot of practice. It is a simple thing. If you can trust your horses to jump the jumps clear, then speed comes a lot easier. Delilah is so careful and she tries so hard that when I turn back to anything, even if I am not at the perfect distance or even if I am going too fast, I know she is going to try. That makes it easier; it gives you more room to go faster.”

Also showing in the International Arena on Friday, McLain Ward and Tequestrian Farm’s Coco 135 earned a victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge. Johannes Ehning and Appearance 2, owned by Nybor Pferde GMBH & Co. KG, triumphed in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class.

LDM Dramatik and Amy Smith. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
LDM Dramatik and Amy Smith. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

LDM Dramatik and Amy Smith Secure Championship Title in Low Adult 2’6″ Hunters Section A

Amy Smith and her newly acquired mount, LDM Dramatik, topped the Low Adult 2’6″ Hunter Section A division during week eight of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Smith and her fourteen-year-old Westphalian mare were fifth and fourth over fences on day one of competition for the division. The pair was second, fourth and first over fences on day two.

Reserve championship honors went to Elizabeth Reed and her own Serenade. Reed and Serenade were third over fences day one and earned a blue ribbon over fences on day two.

Smith bought LDM Dramatik from Lynn Berg only two weeks ago, who was competing the mare in Adult Amateur divisions at the FTI WEF. While their relationship may be new, the pair is clearly a winning match.

“She’s been awesome. Last week, [during World Championship Hunter Rider Week], we were fifth in the classic out of 73 and ninth and eleventh out of 73 in the other two over fences classes,” Smith recalled.

Smith has enjoyed getting to know her new mount as the two continue their success at the FTI WEF. “My horse that I had for six years was totally different from her – it’s like night and day. She stays consistent, while he would change at every jump. If you saw a long one on him, he might go for it or you might chip. I’m adjusting to her well. She makes it easy,” Smith described.

“She’s such a good girl, she’s really right there for you,” Smith continued. “She helps you out and she never changes unless she needs to.”

Smith also praised LDM Dramatik’s way of going for making her so competitive at a high-caliber competition like the FTI WEF. “A lot of it is the way she goes across the ground. She’s just so smooth and she jumps the same style from any distance. She doesn’t stay in the air too long over jumps and she’s got just the right amount of arc. She can cover up your mistakes, also. If you get a little too deep to a fence, she’ll still jump it very well,” Smith explained.

Smith has been competing at the FTI WEF since 1990. She looks forward to her annual trip south from Nashville for more than just the Florida sunshine. “The facilities are beautiful, first of all. The competition is the toughest in the country which makes me ride better. It makes me more competitive,” Smith commented.

“And of course, who couldn’t love being in Palm Beach in the winter?” Smith added with a smile.

Week eight of the FTI WEF, sponsored by G&C Farm, will continue Saturday, March 2, 2013, with the THIS National Children’s Medal 15-17 class in Ring 8 of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The Hollow Creek Farm FEI Children’s, Junior, and Young Rider Nations Cups will be held 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

Americans Clinch Convincing Victory on Home Ground at Wellington

Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland surrounded by the winning team from the USA, Kent Farrington, Beezie Madden, Reed Kessler and Laura Kraut with HH Prince Faisal Al Shalan. Photo: FEI/StockImageServices.com

Wellington (USA), 1 March 2013 – The host nation secured a convincing win in the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre in Florida, USA tonight.  Their final score of four faults belied the fact that Kent Farrington (Uceko), Reed Kessler (Cylana) and Laura Kraut (Cedric) had the result secured without calling on their anchor partnership of Beezie Madden and Simon in the second round, leaving the remaining six teams to battle it out for the minor placings in the closing stages.

Bolstered by foot-perfect performances from Tiffany Foster (Victor) and Ian Millar (Dixon), and despite first-round elimination for Mac Cone (Amor van de Rostel), Canada finished second with a final tally of just five faults, while Germany won through in a battle with the Irish for third place.  Venezuela finished fifth, Colombia slotted into sixth and Mexico finished last of the seven competing countries.

Just three nations – USA, Canada and Mexico – are competing for the two available qualifying spots from the North American, Central American and Caribbean League. And the USA now carries the maximum 100 points into the second of the two regional qualifiers at Spruce Meadows, Canada in June where the hosts will be snapping at their heels as they lie just 10 points behind their traditional rivals.  For Mexico however it will be a tough ask, as their last-place finish tonight saw them earn just 65 points in the battle for a spot at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 Final in September where just 18 teams from the 22 qualifying rounds over seven leagues will line out.

Improved Performances

Course designer, America’s Anthony d’Ambrosio, had to create a track that would test the best without over-challenging the less-experienced and, as a testament to his skills, there were many improved performances in the second round.

The double at fence three proved relatively trouble-free, the following oxer hit the floor on a number of occasions but the real pressure began after the wall at fence five with the run to the open water at six followed by a double of vertical to oxer at fence seven.  Ridden on a right-hand bending line this penalised a number of competitors whose horses were running too freely, while the water-tray oxer and vertical at fences eight and nine also proved influential.  However it was the final line from the penultimate double of flimsy verticals at fence eleven to the final oxer at twelve that spoiled the chances of many who looked set to return perfect scores.

Impressively, Colombia’s Mario Gamboa and Unico demonstrated just how much they had learned on their first tour of the track during which they collected 12 faults when registering a really nice clear second time out.

Already in Control

The Americans were already in control by the halfway stage, with the only blemish on an otherwise clean scorecard the final-fence four faults picked up by their opening partnership of Farrington and Uceko.  Germany, Ireland and Canada were all next in line with five faults apiece, the time-allowed of 77 seconds playing its part throughout the competition, while Venezuela had 12 on the board, Colombia had 24 and the Mexicans were already bringing up the rear with 30.

Farrington got it absolutely right second time out, and when 18 year old US sensation Reed Kessler followed with the second part of a fabulous double-clear from her London 2012 Olympic Games ride Cylana, the USA looked fairly invincible already.

Eric Lamaze strengthened Canadian chances when improving from a five-fault first round effort with a clear at his second attempt with Wang Chung M25 who was much bolder this time out, while team-mate Tiffany Foster was double-clear with Victor to hold Canadian ground.  German pathfinders Janne Friederike Meyer and Cellagon Lambrasco were fault-free in round two, but Johannes Ehning, a member of the winning German side at this fixture in 2011, lowered the oxer at fence four and when third-line rider Andre Theime and the extravagant Contanga added four faults to their tally it seemed the Irish might take advantage.

Vulnerable

But they had become vulnerable when first-line rider Shane Sweetnam withdrew, and although Richie Moloney again picked up just one time fault with Ahorn van de Zuuthoeve and Olympic individual bronze medallist Cian O’Connor completed a double-clear with Splendor, they needed a clear from Darragh Kerins and Lisona to fend off the Germans.

By now, Canadian anchorman and living legend Ian Millar had secured runner-up spot with his double-clear from Dixon which negated another difficult round for Mac Cone, while Daniel Deusser had ensured the final German scoreline of nine faults with his second clear performance of the night from Cornet d’Amour.

The Irish would finish on six faults if Kerins could leave all the fences up, but the very last oxer claimed him as one of its many victims.

It was the first part of the previous double that fell for America’s Laura Kraut, but as she crossed the line with the gallant little grey, Cedric, the crowd erupted in the knowledge that the home team had clinched the Furusiyya honours without even having to call on the services of their final partnership.  It was especially significant from a US perspective, as this result brings the host nation onto level pegging with Canada in the roll of honour for this annual FEI Nations Cup clash with five wins each.

Thrilled

The youngest US team-member, Reed Kessler, said afterwards, “It was my fourth time to ride on the team and my first win and my first double-clear in a Nations Cup – I’m thrilled!”

The prodigiously talented young lady, who hails from Kentucky, described it as “a great honour” to compete alongside Beezie Madden and Laura Kraut “because since I was little I’ve always looked up to them,” she said.  Kessler has been competing against top US riders since she was 15, but due to her age wasn’t permitted to ride at Grand Prix level until last year when she instantly burst to prominence with Olympic selection.  She describes Cylana as “the horse of a lifetime”, and pointed out tonight that although they have turned into an amazing partnership, her early competition experiences with the mare were “a bit of a disaster”.

Talking about their time together she said, “I have her for about a year and three months, she was doing small classes in Switzerland before I got her, she was a speed horse and it took about four or five months for us find our way together.  She’s a monster!  She has to jump and she has to show – it’s what she loves to do!”

And she added, “Now that I’ve won a Nations Cup it’s really fun – and I’d like to do it again!”.

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series now moves to Europe where legs will be staged at both Lummen in Belgium and Linz in Austria on Friday 3 May.

Result:
1, USA 4 faults:  Uceko (Kent Farrington) 4/0, Cylana (Reed Kessler) 0/0, Cedric (Laura Kraut) 0/4, Simon (Beezie Madden) 0/DNS.

2, Canada 5 faults: Wang Chung M25 (Eric Lamaze) 5/0, Victor (Tiffany Foster) 0/0, Amor van de Rostal (Mac Cone) Elim/17, Dixon (Ian Millar) 0/0.

3, Germany 9 faults:  Cellagon Lambrasco (Janne Friederike Meyer) 4/0, Salvador V (Johannes Ehning) 8/4, Contanga 3 (Andre Theime) 1/4, Cornet D’Amor (Daniel Deusser) 0/0.

4, Ireland 11 faults: Siri (Shane Sweetnam) 8/DNS, Ahorn van de Zuuthoeve (Richie Moloney) 1/1, Splendor (Cian O’Connor) 0/0, Lisona (Darragh Kerins) 4/5.

5, Venezuela 34 faults:  Caballito (Andres Rodriguez) 8/5, Accordance (Juan Ortiz) 14/9, G&C Flash (Luis Larrazabal) 4/8, Zara Leandra (Pablo Barrios) 0/DNS.

6, Colombia 41 faults:  G&C Blue (Mark Bluman) 4/8, Cento Por Cento (Manuel Espinosa) 25/12, Unico (Mario Gamboa) 12/0, Clyde (Daniel Bluman) 8/9.

7, Mexico 59 faults: Darius 2 (Daniel Michan) 8/12, Skylubet (Ricardo Nizri) 14/5, Wick (Manuel Rodriguez) 33/14, Crossing Jordan (Nicolas Pizarro) 8/12.

Facts and Figures:
The second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series took place at Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre in Wellington, Florida, USA tonight.
Seven nations competed, but just three – Canada, Mexico and USA – were battling for qualifying points for the Final which will take place at the end of September.
Canada, Mexico and USA are competing in the North American, Central American and Caribbean League and will line out again at the second and final qualifying opportunity for this region at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada in June.
A total of 41 nations will seek a place at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 Final.
The series consists of seven leagues with 22 qualifying competitions.
A total of 18 teams will qualify for the Final.
Course designer at Wellington tonight was America’s Anthony D’Ambrosio.
This was the fifth win for the USA at Wellington, and puts the host nation on level pegging with their rivals from Canada who have also recorded five FEI Nations Cup victories at the Florida venue.
Five riders recorded double-clear performances in tonight’s competition – Canada’s Tiffany Foster (Victor) and Ian Millar (Dixon), Ireland’s Cian O’Connor (Splendor), Germany’s Daniel Deusser (Cornet d’Amour) and the USA’s Reed Kessler (Cylana).

Furusiyya
“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman, and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.
Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.
Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.
Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts

At FEI

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Press Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment

Tim Welland
Email: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
Tel: +44 7787 780 036

At Wellington

Jennifer Wood
Email: jennifer@jenniferwoodmedia.com
Tel: +1 803 240 7488

USET Foundation Awards 2013 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy to Reed Kessler

Reed Kessler was awarded the 2013 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy by the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Wellington, FL – January 28, 2013 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2013 Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy is the talented show jumping rider Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY. Each year this award is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 2012, Kessler advanced to the highest levels of the sport, competing during the Olympic Trials and winning the USEF Show Jumping National Championship. After her stellar performance throughout the Observation Events, Kessler and her top mount Cylana were selected to represent the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Kessler, an 18-year-old graduate of the Professional Children’s School, was presented with this prestigious award at the USET Foundation Reception on January 25th, in Wellington, Florida.

“The list of riders who have stood in this exact place giving this same speech is a truly exceptional group, and I am honored to join their ranks,” stated Kessler. “One year ago, I sat in this audience, wondering how my first Florida show season, free from all the age restrictions, would go. I sat wondering if I would be ready for the approaching Olympic Trials, and most of all, who would make up the team that we would send to London. It did not cross my mind that one year later I would stand here, having been a member of that team. It did not occur to me that my new horse, Cylana, which we were still so unfamiliar with, would carry me to those Games. It is truly amazing what can happen in a year, and when I look back, this will probably be one of the best of my life.”

Continue reading USET Foundation Awards 2013 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy to Reed Kessler

Reed Kessler and Ligist Win $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*

Garfield and Alexandra Crown Surpass Competition in Antares Large Junior Hunters 16-17 Division

Reed Kessler and Ligist. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – January 19, 2013 – The youngest rider in Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix was the winner as eighteen-year-old Reed Kessler and Ligist jumped to victory during the highlight event of week two at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). With riders representing fourteen different countries competing in the class, the USA took the top seven placings and the young women were one, two and three. Kessler and Ligist topped Katie Dinan (19) and Nougat du Vallet and Brianne Goutal (24) aboard Nice de Prissey.

The second week of FTI WEF competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will conclude with the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI WEF circuit runs through March 31 featuring 12 weeks of world-class competition.

Luc Musette of Belgium set the course for Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix. The riders were all complimentary of Musette’s course for the evening. Goutal stated, “I thought it was amazing. I thought this course was beautifully built and spot on with the number of clears. It didn’t kill anyone, it was hard, it was fast, it was exciting. It is the best course I have jumped in a long time, I thought it was wonderful.”

Continue reading Reed Kessler and Ligist Win $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*

Reed Kessler Named One of USOC’s Twelve Top Teens of 2012

At 18, Kessler became the youngest Olympic show jumper when she competed in the equestrian event in London. Although she did not ride her mount, Cylana, to an Olympic medal, she brought attention to a sport that usually features older athletes. In fact, her teammates in the team show jumping event in London were: Beezie Madden (age 48), Rich Fellers (52) and McLain Ward (36). Now Kessler is back in the saddle and preparing for possibly many more trips to the Games.

See all twelve Top Teens of 2012 at www.teamusa.org.

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