Tag Archives: Royal Horse Show

Championships, Jump Media, Show Jumping

Jeff Brandmaier and Caliana Named Royal Horse Show and Canadian 1.40m Jr./Am. Champions

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Jeff Brandmaier and Caliana. Photo by Jump Media.

Toronto, Ontario – Jeff Brandmaier and Knightwood Stable’s Caliana capped off a great year at the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON by winning the McKee-Pownall Junior/Amateur Championship. Over three days of competition, the pair was the model of consistency, and was the only combination to jump clean first rounds in all three classes and earn a top placing in each.

Brandmaier and Caliana, a 13-year-old bay Rheinlander mare (Come On x Wachter) also earned the Canadian Champion title for the 1.40m Junior/Amateur Jumper division.

“I am thrilled to pilot Caliana to this recognition,” said Brandmaier. “She is so deserving. We call her the ‘Warrior Princess’ because she is always game and fights for the clear round. We know each other so well, she is a great horse, and we had an amazing year!”

The honour was a storybook ending to an exciting year for Brandmaier, 57, who recently returned to the show ring following major surgery in his battle with cancer. The pair’s 2016 season included winning four High Junior/Amateur Classics, the Ontario Hunter Jumper Association (OHJA) High Junior/Amateur Jumper Championship, The Angelstone Tournaments Junior/Amateur 1.40m Circuit Championship and earning the $5,000 Nationwide Auto Warranty High Point Junior/Amateur Jumper Bonus at Angelstone Tournaments in Rockwood, ON. Brandmaier and Caliana also made their grand prix debut in the $50,000 Brookstreet Hotel Grand Prix in July at the Ottawa National Horse Show.

Ending an incredible year marked by top honours at The Royal was a special experience for Brandmaier, especially with his wife and fellow competitor, Margaret ‘Muffie’ Guthrie, and their three-year-old daughter, Liza Jean, with him every step of the way. In addition to competing at the Royal Horse Show, Muffie and Jeff, along with Braeburn Farms, present the Canadian Hunter Derby National Championships at The Royal, which culminates with the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby.

“The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is a magical place that has been dear to our family for generations, and this is a team win for Knightwood,” said Brandmaier. “My trainer Erynn Ballard is incredible. She worked with us to develop the winning plan for the year and that reflected in Caliana’s readiness for the Royal; she was fresh, focused, and happy to do her job. Erynn inspires so much confidence with her approach to the sport and made the Royal and the entire year easy and so much fun!

“Our barn manager, Lesley Leeman, is integral to our success and is a true professional,” continued Brandmaier. “She keeps everything organized and Caliana is always prepared flawlessly: shiny, fit, relaxed, and ready. It is a great feeling when everything comes together.”

Brandmaier was also quick to express gratitude to McKee-Pownall Equine Services veterinarian Meghan Waller, DVM, and her dedication to Caliana, and for their sponsorship of the Junior/Amateur division at the Royal.

“They raised the profile of this division, and we all appreciate that,” concluded Brandmaier.

Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613-292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Competitions

Green Meadows Division Keeps Coaching Tradition Alive at Royal Horse Show

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Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Waller and their Orleton Farm hitch. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – The Green Meadows Coaching competition at the Royal Horse Show showcased four of North America’s top coaches at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Hailing from Stockbridge, MA, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Waller and their Orleton Farm hitch made the trip to Toronto to capture the win in the Green Meadows Four-In-Hand Coaching Appointments Class, as well as sweeping four additional Green Meadows division classes.

“We’ve been coming here for about 12 years,” said Mary Stokes Waller.  “The Royal is The Royal!  It’s special.  It’s a very old and traditional horse show, and it means more when it’s so steeped in history.”

The Green Meadows Coaching division, generously sponsored by Hugessen Consulting Inc. of Toronto, ON, is dedicated to the great tradition of road coaches and park drags of yesteryear.

The Wallers earned the win in the Green Meadows Four-In-Hand Coaching Appointments Class driving one of the most-celebrated and well-known road coaches, “Old Times.”

“It’s the most famous public road coach in history,” explained Waller of the English coach built in 1886 and acquired by the Wallers in 2001.  “We worked very hard to have it conserved and get it back to its original condition.  We took layer after layer of paint off it, and we put it back to the way it had originally been made.  All of the harness is the original brass.  That was taken off of the old leather that was not useable, and put on to new leather.”

That attention to detail and the historical accuracy of the coach are all part of what judge Colin Henderson of Wiltshire, England examined as he presided over the Green Meadows Four-In-Hand Coaching Appointments competition.  Judging of the preparation and presentation of the appointments took place during the afternoon on Friday, November 11, prior to the judging of the performance of the hitch’s four-horse team in the Ricoh Coliseum on Friday night.

“The appointments are not just about the coach itself and the quality and the finish of the coach, but also the correct equipment that goes with it; everything from the cushions to the various leather straps,” said Henderson, who served as the head coachman for HM Queen Elizabeth II for ten years.  “If it’s a park drag, then it should have its own picnic set.  The quality of those can obviously change enormously.  There again you’ve got things like umbrella baskets on board, coach horns, coach horn cases; there’s quite a multitude of equipment to look over in detail.”

Like The Royal itself, the Green Meadows Coaching preserves and celebrates an important part of equestrian history.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Championships, Jump Media

Ames Percheron Farm Claims $25,000 Royal Six-Horse Championship

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Travis Shaw. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – The horses of Ames Percheron Farm, driven by Travis Shaw, won the $25,000 Royal Six-Horse Draft Championship on Saturday night, November 12, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

The $25,000 Royal Six-Horse Draft Championship, presented by Ames Construction, was the culmination of five days of six-horse, breed-specific competition at The Royal with the top three Belgian, Clydesdale, and Percheron hitches invited back for Saturday night’s championship in the Ricoh Coliseum.

The Ames Percheron Farm hitch of Jordan, MN had finished second in the $2,500 Percheron Six-Horse Hitch to qualify for Saturday night’s grand finale.  In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 6,000 spectators in the Ricoh Coliseum, The Ames Percheron Farm claimed the overall championship title.

“We’re always aiming to be at the top but it takes so little, one little mistake, to drop you from first to fourth,” said Shaw.  “It’s tough.”

Despite the stiff competition, Shaw and the team at Ames Percheron Farm are no strangers to success at the Royal Horse Show, having previously claimed the championship title in 2013 and 2014 before finishing as the reserve champions in 2015.

“There’s no other show that we ever see that’s as prestigious as The Royal,” Shaw said.  “The crowd, the atmosphere, the arena, the lighting – it’s all a first-class show.”

The Country Lane Belgians. Photo by Mackenzie Clark.
The Country Lane Belgians. Photo by Mackenzie Clark

Country Lane Belgians of Sunderland, ON, driven by Kyle Forsyth for owners Ted and Chris English, took the Royal Six-Horse Draft Championship Reserve Championship title.  The Country Lane Belgian team topped the $2,500 Belgian Six-Horse Hitch class earlier in the week.

Rounding out the top three in Saturday night’s championship were the winners of the $2,500 Percheron Six-Horse Hitch, the All-Star Farms hitch, driven by Ross Honsberger for Doyle Dingman and Nick Wagner.

“This is a real big win for us,” said Honsberger following his victory driving an all-mares team in the Percheron Six-Horse Hitch.  “We actually took some of the fall off with these girls.  They’d been off for a good seven or eight weeks.  This is their first show back after a break off; we didn’t know what we’d have but they performed well.  We were really ecstatic.”

All-Star Farms first competed at the Royal Horse Show in 2010, and the prestigious indoor horse show has been a favourite ever since.

“We look forward to it every year,” said Honsberger.  “It’s so unique compared to everything we do.  To have the other breeds here and the lights, the cameras, the action, the pomp and circumstance – that’s the Royal!  That’s what you think of when you think of it.  It’s just a classy, classy event.  We always look forward to it every year, and it’s usually our last show of the year, so it’s kind of the grand finale.”

Finishing in fourth in the $25,000 Royal Six-Horse Draft Championship were the winners of the $2,500 Clydesdale Six-Horse Hitch competition, the Express Clydesdales of Yukon, OK, driven by Josh Minshull for owners Bob Funk and Express Clydesdales.

In addition to the popular Six-Horse Hitch classes, the Royal Horse Show also continually offers Two-Horse, Four-Horse and Unicorn classes for the draft teams.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.  Next year’s Royal Horse Show will be held from November 3 to 11, 2017.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Jump Media, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington Conquers ‘Big Ben’ Challenge at 2016 Royal Horse Show

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Kent Farrington riding Creedance. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington won the $75,000 GroupBy ‘Big Ben’ Challenge on Friday, November 11, to close out the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 6,000 people, 21 riders challenged the final international show jumping event of the 2016 Royal Horse Show.  A total of seven jumped clear over the huge track set by course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal, but none could match the daring performance of Farrington and Creedance, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) owned in partnership with RGC Farm.

“There were some really nice horses jumping here tonight,” said Farrington, who was competing at the Royal Horse Show following a five-year absence.  “More than anything, more than winning, I’m thrilled with the progress of the horse.  I feel like he’s on track to become a very good grand prix horse.”

Farrington and Creedance posted a blistering jump-off time of 31.86 seconds that could not be matched.  Reigning Olympic Champions Nick Skelton of Great Britain and Big Star, owned by Oliver Robertson and Gary and Beverley Widdowson, came the closest, stopping the clock in 33.55 seconds.

“There was no way I could beat Kent so I went for second,” said Skelton who has been attending The Royal since the late 1970s.  “They have a great crowd here that really takes part in and enjoys the show.  I like coming here; it’s one of my favorite indoor shows.”

Nick Skelton and Big Star
Nick Skelton and Big Star

Ian Millar of Perth, ON thrilled the home audience with a clear round in a time of 33.79 seconds riding Dixson while his 2008 Olympic silver medal teammate Mac Cone of King City, ON was fourth in 36.26 seconds riding Gasper van den Doorn for Mark Samuel’s Chadburn Holdings, Inc.  2008 U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Laura Kraut rounded out the top five by posting the fastest four-fault effort in the jump-off with a time of 33.82 seconds riding Confu for St. Bride’s Farm.

Of the final test set by course designer Cabral, Farrington said, “I thought it was a creative course using three doubles instead of a triple, which we see all the time in indoor jumping.

“This is a really classy horse, and he’s learning at each show,” continued Farrington who is aiming Creedance at the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final to be held from March 29 to April 2 in Omaha, Nebraska.  “He’s a little bit special and very, very sensitive, so loud noises and things like that really set him off.  I thought maybe these indoor shows would be a little bit of an adventure, but he’s really settled down now and he’s handling it nicely.”

Following five days of top-caliber international competition, three-time U.S. Olympic medalist McLain Ward was presented as the Leading International Rider.  Ward’s trip to Toronto was highlighted by a dominating win in the $130,270 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto on Wednesday night riding HH Azur for owners Double H Farm and Francois Mathy.

Leading Canadian Rider honours went to 12-time Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Champion Ian Millar, 69, of Perth, ON, who was presented with the Lt. Col. Stuart C. Bate Memorial Trophy in recognition of his consistent performances throughout the Royal Horse Show.

The All-Canadian Cup, generously sponsored by Susan Grange and Lothlorien Farm of Cheltenham, ON, was awarded to Millar’s mount, Dixson, as the Leading Canadian-owned horse.  Grange both presented and accepted the award for the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding she owns with her daughter, Ariel Grange.

The Tiffany & Co. Leading Lady Rider Award, introduced at the 2016 Royal Horse Show, was presented to Leslie Howard of the United States.  A 1996 Olympic team silver medalist, Howard was presented with a Tiffany horseshoe pendant of round brilliant diamonds in platinum on a 16-inch chain.

International competitors shared the spotlight with up-and-coming riders on Saturday afternoon as the future stars of show jumping were showcased in the final phase of the Alfred Rogers Uplands Under 25 National Championship.  Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Coyle of Ireland secured the win riding Fortis Fortuna for owners Susan and Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm based in Cheltenham, ON.  Coyle also clinched the overall Championship title, having also won phase one earlier in the week.  Quincy Hayes, 25, of Aurora, ON, was named reserve champion with Calgary 56, owned by Darcy Hayes, after placing second in phase one and fifth in phase two.

To the delight of horse and dog lovers alike, the $20,000 Canine-Equine Challenge, presented by the Toronto Star, saw top international riders each paired with a ‘Superdog’.  After riders navigated a show jumping track, their canine partner took off around a dog agility course.  The crowd cheered for its favourites as dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes raced up, over, and through the obstacles.  In the end, it was Dutch Olympian Harrie Smolders who stopped the clock with the fastest time riding Apollonia 23, a 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, for owner Copernicus Stables, LLC.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.  The Royal will be back for its 95th edition, running November 3-11, 2017.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

David Will Scores Back-to-Back Victories at Royal Horse Show

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David Will riding Calista. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – David Will of Germany scored his second victory in a row, winning the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open on Friday, November 11, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Hot off his win in Thursday night’s $35,000 International Accumulator aboard Cento du Rouet, Will returned to the Ricoh Coliseum with Calista to top a 22-horse starting field.  Racing over the speed track, Will shaved more than two full seconds off the time posted by three-time Olympic medalist McLain Ward of the United States, stopping the clock in 51.20 seconds versus Ward’s time of 53.31 seconds aboard Malou.

“There were many, many options,” said Will of the track set by course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal.  “I decided into the second double to do five strides because she has a very big stride.  Then you could do an inside turn again to the next one.  The course designer asked everything from us – if we can leave out strides, if we can do short turns.  It was a very nice course.

“McLain was second today,” continued Will.  “It’s really, really hard to beat him, so it’s like a little plus, even.  It shows me that I’ve done well if I’m able to beat him.”

U.S. rider Jessica Springsteen finished close behind in third place with a time of 53.77 seconds riding Tiger Lily for owner Stone Hill Farm.  Ten-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar was fourth in front of an appreciative home crowd, stopping the clock at 55.09 seconds riding Dixson, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange.  Ireland’s Darragh Kenny rounded out the top five riding Cassini Z, owned by 2008 Canadian Olympic team silver medalist Mac Cone’s Sothern Ways.

McLain Ward and Malou
McLain Ward and Malou

For Will, his first trip to Canada has been a winning one.  In addition to bringing two of his own horses from Europe, he was reunited with Calista, a horse he rode as a seven-year-old.  Now owned by fellow competitor Georgina Bloomberg’s Gotham Enterprizes, Bloomberg generously loaned her horse to Will for The Royal.

“It couldn’t be any better!” said Will of competing for the first time at The Royal.  “It’s a great show, especially for us riders.  There’s a really good crowd that pushes us to do our best performances.  You feel that all of the people are involved in horse sport, and they really know if you are doing good at what you have done.  It’s just great!”

Competition at the Royal Horse Show continues on Saturday with the crowd-favorite $15,000 Canine-Equine Challenge, presented by the Toronto Star, as the matinee performance, and the grand finale, the $75,000 GroupBy ‘Big Ben’ Challenge, to close out the international show jumping division.

Tickets for the Royal Horse Show can still be purchased by visiting royalfair.org or ticketmaster.ca.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny Brings Luck of the Irish to the Royal Horse Show

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Darragh Kenny and Charly Brown. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Ireland’s Darragh Kenny won the $35,000 Brickenden Trophy on Thursday, November 10, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

A total of 12 horses jumped clear over the track set by course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal to qualify for the jump-off.  Kenny, 28, was the final rider to return and laid down the fastest time of the day, 33.23 seconds, riding Charly Brown, an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Burggraaf).

“This is a very good horse,” said Kenny of Charly Brown, a horse acquired two months ago by Vlock Show Stables.  “He is intended for Teddy Vlock to ride, but I borrowed him for these two weeks while my horses are in Europe.  He is very experienced, has jumped a lot of big classes, and is really capable of doing anything.”

Jessica Springsteen of the United States finished a close second, stopping the clock just fractions slower in a time of 34.13 seconds riding Tiger Lily for owner Stone Hill Farms.  McLain Ward, winner of Wednesday night’s $130,270 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto with HH Azur, crossed the timers in 34.25 seconds to finish third, this time riding Malou.

Canada’s own Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB took fourth with a time of 35.67 seconds riding Winslow High while 1996 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Leslie Howard rounded out the top five with the fastest four-fault effort in the jump-off riding Donna Speciale, owned by Peter Howard and Laure Sudreau.  Her top placing allowed Howard to retain the blue armband for the Leading Lady Rider Award supported by Tiffany & Co., which she has held since winning the $35,000 International Jumper Power and Speed on opening day of the international division.

“The course was very good and it suited me,” said Kenny.  “A lot of people didn’t do the inside turn from one to two but this horse has a lot of experience so I could do it quite easily.  I knew I was up a little on the clock at that stage so I didn’t have to rush the rest of the course.

“Bernardo did an excellent job last night with the World Cup qualifier,” continued Kenny, who piloted Cassini Z to a top ten finish in the $130,270 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Toronto for fellow competitor Mac Cone of King City, ON and Southern Ways.  “It was perfectly done.  He got the perfect amount of clear rounds, and it was a super jump-off.”

Thursday marked Kenny’s first win of the week with international show jumping competition continuing through Saturday at the Royal Horse Show.  Highlight classes include the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open on Friday evening, and the iconic $75,000 GroupBy ‘Big Ben’ Challenge on Saturday evening.

“I love this show,” said Kenny, who last competed at The Royal in 2014.  “It’s very much an old-style show, and they run it brilliantly; the organization is super and the crowds are amazing.  To be honest, I don’t have a bad word to say about the show; I think they do everything perfectly.”

The luck of the Irish was evident in the Ricoh Coliseum as 21-year-old Daniel Coyle, also of Ireland, rode to victory in the first phase of the Alfred Rogers Uplands Under 25 National Championship.  Coyle secured the win riding Fortis Fortuna for owners Susan and Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm based in Cheltenham, ON, whose horse, Dixson, won the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on opening weekend with ten-time Olympian Ian Millar.  Quincy Hayes, 25, of Aurora, ON, placed second with Calgary 56, while 17-year-old Kathryn Dafoe of King City, ON rounded out the top three riding Eos van de Donkhoeve, owned by KD Lan Solutions.

David Will of Germany broke up the Irish domination by winning the $35,000 International Accumulator on Thursday evening.  In his first-ever trip to Canada, Will scored an international victory riding Cento du Rouet by accumulating the most points in the fastest time.  Ireland settled for second with Shane Sweetnam and Cobalt placing ahead of Belgium’s Jos Verlooy riding Caruso 472.  Two-time Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster of North Vancouver, BC took fourth place riding Chesney for owners Artisan Farms while Calgary’s Vanessa Mannix rounded out the top five with Chemas.

Tickets for the Royal Horse Show can still be purchased by visiting royalfair.org or ticketmaster.ca.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Leslie Howard Wins at Royal Horse Show

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Leslie Howard riding Donna Speciale. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Leslie Howard of the United States opened international show jumping competition at the Royal Horse Show with a win in the $35,000 International Jumper Power and Speed on Tuesday, November 8.  The CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show is held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Top show jumping athletes representing Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand, the United States and the home nation of Canada contested the $35,000 International Jumper Power and Speed on Tuesday afternoon, opening five days of international competition at the Royal Horse Show.

Upon successfully completing the ‘power’ phase, riders advanced to the ‘speed’ portion where the fastest time wins.  U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Leslie Howard stopped the clock in 28.82 seconds over the track set by course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal to take the win riding Donna Speciale over David Will of Germany, who crossed the timers in 29.72 seconds riding Monodie H in his Royal Horse Show debut.

“Obviously, it takes a lot of pressure off,” said Howard of claiming the first international victory of the week.  “It puts everything in a positive light, and that’s a great feeling.  Today was a nice 1.40m with nothing that crazy, but the course designer gave us the option of some nice inside turns that you could take a shot at.  It was a perfect course for the first time in the ring.”

Of her winning mount Donna Speciale, an eight-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood mare (Cavalier x Concorde) owned by Peter Howard and Laure Sudreau, Howard noted, “She is a real horse for the future.  She just has everything; she’s scopey, fast, careful, game, and she loves to win.  She’s just a really super horse and if she can keep doing this up through the levels then she’ll be the best in the world!”

Canadian riders made an impressive showing on home soil with Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON placing third in a time of 31.75 seconds riding Thalys Z for The Thalys Group.  Two-time Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster of North Vancouver, BC clocked in at 32.18 seconds riding Brighton for owner Artisan Farms, while Keean White of Rockwood, ON rounded out the top five riding Corette, owned by Angelstone Farms, Javier Salvador, and Diamante Atelier, with a time of 32.20 seconds.

No stranger to Toronto, Howard has been competing at the Royal Horse Show for nearly three decades.

“It’s special for me simply because I have a lot of great memories,” said Howard, 60, who is especially pleased to be competing for Longines FEI World Cup points at this year’s Royal.  “I’m so happy that Toronto has one of the North American League World Cup qualifiers because I think it is the best indoor show that we have; the footing is perfect, they have great course designers, the scheduling is wonderful, and they have super crowds.  It really is the best of the best.”

Howard will pilot another mount, Gentille Van Spieveld, in the $130,500 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto on Wednesday evening, November 9, which highlights international show jumping competition at the Royal Horse Show, and is a qualifying event for the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Omaha, Nebraska next spring. Howard will face stiff competition in the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto from McLain Ward of the United States and HH Azur, who have returned to The Royal to defend their 2015 title.

Ward comes into Wednesday’s competition following a win in the $35,000 Jolera International Welcome on Tuesday night riding Malou, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare.  The pair raced to victory in the one-round speed class by stopping the clock at 54.66 seconds.  2004 Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil took second with a time of 54.75 seconds riding Citizenguard Cadjanine Z, owned by himself and Alain van Campenhoudt, while Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam placed third with a time of 54.80 seconds riding Main Road for owners Seabrook LLC and Sweet Oak Farm.

Tickets for the Royal Horse Show can still be purchased by visiting royalfair.org or ticketmaster.ca.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Championships, Jump Media, Show Jumping

Ian Millar Wins Record 12th Greenhawk Canadian Championship Title

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Ian Millar riding Dixson. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Ten-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON landed his record 12th Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday night, November 5, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Millar returned last in the second and final round of the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday night, having posted the fastest clear in Friday night’s opening speed round riding Dixson.  Millar and the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Susan and Ariel Grange of Cheltenham, ON repeated their flawless performance in Saturday’s two-round final over tracks set by course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal.

“It’s a lot of stress, that final round!” said Millar, 69, who has now claimed the national title a total of 12 times in his illustrious career.  “There’s no room for error, and that’s what jumping it is all about.  There was no option but to do what Dixson did.”

Saturday night’s victory marked an impressive comeback for Dixson after two sinus surgeries sidelined him earlier in the year and ultimately kept Millar from competing at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“In the years that I’ve been riding him, I’ve never jumped him indoors, but it was not an issue for him,” said Millar, who last won the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Champion in 2014 riding his London Olympic mount, Star Power.  “It’s great to have this quality of horse here at The Royal because we’ve got some serious competition coming at us next week in the international division.”

Having returned to competition in August, Dixson was back at the top of his game, holding off Mac Cone, 64, of King City, ON.  For the second year in a row, Cone earned the Reserve Championship title riding Gasper van den Doorn for owner Chadburn Holdings, Inc.  The pair finished on a combined total of 1.73 penalties carried forward from Friday night’s speed phase, and joined Millar as the only other horse-rider combination to leave all the rails in place over three rounds of competition.

Hyde Moffatt of Brantford, ON posted two clear rounds in Saturday night’s final to finish third with a total of 4.45 penalties riding Granturo, owned by Western Sales & Development.

Having finished second and third behind their father on Friday night, Jonathon and Amy Millar, both of Perth, ON, remained in the top five following the final phase of competition.  Jonathon Millar and Bonzay, owned by Isotropic investments, finished on 4.46 penalties for fourth while Amy Millar incurred 8.42 penalties to place fifth riding Heros, owned by AMMO Investments.

Based on their performances in the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship, Cone and Moffatt move forward to the international division, beginning Tuesday, November 8.  They join fellow Canadians Tiffany Foster of North Vancouver, BC, Keean White of Rockwood, ON, Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON, and Ian and Jonathon Millar, who were all pre-qualified based on their world ranking.

The $130,500 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto on Wednesday evening, November 9, highlights international show jumping competition at the Royal Horse Show, and is a qualifying event for the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Omaha, Nebraska, next spring.  Rio Olympic champions Nick Skelton and Big Star of Great Britain headline the list of international entries, which also includes Kent Farrington and McLain Ward, who were both members of the U.S. Olympic silver medal team in Rio.

Tickets for the Royal Horse Show can still be purchased by visiting royalfair.org or ticketmaster.ca.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.

About The Royal

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show.  This year, the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs from November 4-13, 2016, at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.  For competition schedules, live webcasting, results, and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Cell: 613 292-5439
www.jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Eventing/H.T.

Michael Jung Wins $20,000 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge

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Michael Jung. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Reigning Olympic champion Michael Jung of Germany claimed victory in his $20,000 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge debut on Saturday night, November 5, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Jung, who won individual gold and team silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, thrilled a full house in the Ricoh Coliseum by guiding Cruising Guy home in the fastest time to win the $20,000 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge.

Held over two rounds, riders came into Saturday’s competition carrying forward their opening phase scores from Friday night.  Ranked second behind Karl Slezak of Tottenham, ON, coming into the final phase of competition, Jung shot to the top of the leaderboard with a penalty-free, two-night cumulative time of 152.13 seconds when Slezak had two refusals riding Fernhill Wishes.

Jung’s win was especially remarkable, considering he had only ridden his winning mount, Cruising Guy, for the first time 24 hours earlier.

“I really felt more of a partnership with the horse tonight,” said Jung following his victory.  “He was really concentrated, and nearly in every moment he was super to ride.  He’s an experienced horse and very well prepared.  I just had a good ride with a good horse.  I have to say thank you to the team and to the horse.”

Rachel McDonough riding Irish Rhythm
Rachel McDonough riding Irish Rhythm

While Jung claimed victory, Toronto’s own Rachel McDonough placed second riding Irish Rhythm with a two-round time of 160.59 seconds.  Rounding out the top three was Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON riding Abbey GS, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz.

Jung made his first trip to Toronto a winning one over the 18-obstacle track set by course designer Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain, himself an Olympic team gold medalist from the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

“I really liked the show,” said Jung, 34.  “It’s very beautiful, and the course designer is very experienced.  I’ve ridden many of his courses outside.  It’s totally different inside, but he did a good job.  It’s good competition.”

In addition to his success at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jung won both the individual and team gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and is one of only two riders to ever win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, achieved by winning the CCI4* Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (USA), the CCI4* Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), and the CCI4* Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) in succession.

Competition at the Royal Horse Show continues on Sunday, November 6, featuring the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby at 1 p.m.

Limited tickets for the Royal Horse Show can still be purchased by visiting royalfair.org or ticketmaster.ca.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, visit royalfair.org/horse-show.

About The Royal

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show.  This year, the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs from November 4-13, 2016, at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.  For competition schedules, live webcasting, results, and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org.

Emily Riden
Jump Media
emily@jumpmediallc.com

Jump Media, Show Jumping

Royal Horse Show Voted Top Indoor Event by North American Riders Group

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Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Wellington, Florida – Toronto’s Royal Horse Show was ranked number one indoor horse show and top three overall when the North American Riders Group’s ‘Top 25 of 2015’ was revealed at its annual meeting on February 23 in Wellington, FL.

Used as a benchmark for competitions across the continent, the North American Riders Group’s (NARG) annual ranking employs a wide variety of criteria to assess show jumping events. Footing, Stabling, Jumps and Courses, Technical Aspects, Financial Aspects, Ceremony, and Marketing are all categories taken into consideration by independent evaluators.

Ranked number five in 2014, the Royal Horse Show has jumped up two placings for a spot in the top three against all shows in North America. Canadian events swept the top three with Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, once again earning the number one spot followed by Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC. In addition to being the number three event overall, the Royal Horse Show maintained its position as the best indoor event in North America.

“Now in its 93rd year, the staff knows how to put on an entertaining show that appeals to the public,” read the NARG ‘Top 25 of 2015’ report on the Royal Horse Show, entitled ‘Fit for a King’. “Hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair each year and the Royal Horse Show, the highlight of the Fair, can be assured of sell-out crowds and a super-charged feel, creating an extraordinary atmosphere for top sport. As the top indoor event in North America in 2015, The Royal is truly an event fit for big prize money and show jumping royalty.”

The 2015 Royal Horse Show saw the debut of the $132,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto, won by two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward of the United States riding HH Azur for Double H Farm. 2002 World Champion Dermott Lennon of Ireland and Loughview Lou Lou finished second while 2015 Pan American Games contender Roberto Teran of Colombia placed third riding Woklahoma, underscoring the international caliber of competitors drawn to the annual Royal Horse Show. The Royal was one of only four Canadian events to be selected for the newly-formed Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, a qualifying event for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Final to be held in March in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“We are thrilled to retain our number one ranking as the premier indoor horse show in North America and proud to be recognized as the number three event overall by the North American Riders Group,” said Charlie Johnstone, CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “Thanks to our committees, volunteers, sponsors and fans whose continued support help make the Royal Horse Show a world-class event.”

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.

About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 4-13, 2016, at Exhibition Place in the heart of downtown Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Jump Media
Cell: (613) 292-5439
jward@jumpmediallc.com