Tag Archives: Shane Sweetnam

Ireland Cruises in Canada

Andrew Bourns (IRL) riding Seatop Blue (FEI/Mackenzie Clark)

As the rain began to fall on course for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada, the Irish felt right at home.

Langley, British Columbia’s Thunderbird Show Park hosted six teams for the final leg of the North and Central America and Caribbean division of the Nations Cup series, but none could put enough pressure on the four-man squad of Daniel Coyle (Legacy), Shane Sweetnam (James Kann Cruz), Andrew Bourns, and Conor Swail (Count Me In). Led by Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake, the group finished on just five faults. It was a closer race for the remaining podium placings, as Mexico rallied for second (13 faults) ahead of Australia (22).

“You’ve got to be careful — for me anyway — in the Nations Cup not to get too complacent in the second round. We had a great first round, but a lot of other teams got stronger in the second round. We had to come back just as strong,” said Bourns.

Peter Holmes’ technical 1.60m track offered little breathing room, which led to rails falling throughout his winding course. As other teams struggled to crack the code to a clear round, Ireland quickly pulled ahead, finishing the first round with just four faults against them and two rails in hand. The group would only draw off in the second round, as Coyle improved upon a four-fault score to jump clear and Bourns produced one of just two double-clear efforts on the day aboard Seatop Blue. When Sweetnam added just a single time fault aboard his exciting 9-year-old James Kann Cruz, it clinched the win for the team. Team anchor and World No. 5 Swail did not even need to jump a second round with his partner from the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals, Count Me In, despite Mexico adding just 1 fault to their total in Round 2.

“Obviously we have got good depth, and I’m so lucky to have such a good bunch of people,” Blake said. “It’s very easy to drive a good car, and we’ve got one here.”

Ireland has made the podium in every Nations Cup event at the venue since 2017, including a 2018 victory. Swail and Coyle were on that squad and bookended their teammates, who delivered with meaningful mounts. James Kann Cruz excelled in the Irish Sport Horse gelding’s Nations Cup debut, while Bourns recorded his first Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ victory with a horse that his parents picked out as a foal.

“My father is here, so it’s a real family affair,” Bourns said. “I have to say, [Seatop Blue] is just as part of the family as I am.”

FULL RESULTS

By Catie Staszak

FEI Media Contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Sweetnam and Alejandro Claim $140k Hagyard Grand Prix CSI3* at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Shane Sweetnam and Alejandro. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 14, 2022 – Jumper competition at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show reached its pinnacle on Saturday night with $140,000 Hagyard Grand Prix CSI3* in the Rolex Stadium. 38 horse-and-athlete combinations gathered to vie for the victory and the lion’s share of the prize money, and ultimately it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam aboard Alejandro who was triumphant in the competitive field at the conclusion of the jump-off.

Austen Carries Stephanie Danhakl to Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship

Amateur-Owner hunter competition took to the StoneLea Ring on Saturday morning as riders presented their best performance to vie for the title of Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion. Awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” 18-35 divisions and Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” 36+ divisions, Stephanie Danhakl and Austen emerged victorious to be named Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Shane Sweetnam and Ideal Win $37k 1.45m Spring Classic CSI3* at Kentucky Spring Classic

Lexington, KY – May 20, 2021 – As the sun set on the Kentucky Horse Park Thursday evening to conclude the second day of the Kentucky Spring Classic, international show jumping athletes gathered at the Rolex Arena to contend for top honors in the $37,000 1.45m Spring Classic CSI3*. Out of a whopping field of 86 competitors, just 22 athletes managed clear efforts, and in the end, it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Ideal to emerge victorious and claim their rightful spot in the winner’s circle.

Christopher Payne Ties for Grand Hunter Champion on Gratitude and Imagine

After successful rounds in the Green 3′ Hunter and Green Conformation Hunter at the Kentucky Spring Classic, professional hunter athlete Christopher Payne emerged victorious to tie for the Grand Hunter Championship, riding Gratitude and Imagine to a total of 50 points in their respective divisions. Awarded to the horse with the most points in the Green 3′ Hunter, Green 3’3″ Hunter, Green 3’6″ Hunter, Green Conformation Hunter, High-Performance Conformation Hunter, or the High-Performance Working Hunter Divisions, Payne showcased his skills on both mounts, earning top honors for the second week in a row in the Green 3’ Hunter and Green Conformation Hunter divisions to claim the Grand Champion title.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Splendid Finish for Shane Sweetnam in $73k CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic Series Final

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef © Sportfot.

Kenny Wins Overall Title

Wellington, FL – April 2, 2021 – A busy Friday afternoon at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was highlighted by a victory for Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef owned by The Blue Buckle Group, in the $73,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic Series Final on Friday, April 2, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

The series final began over a 1.50m opening round track set by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) featuring 16 jumping efforts for the 33 competitors who qualified for Friday’s competition. From there, 13 horse-and-rider combinations representing five different nations put forth clear efforts to punch their ticket into the jump-off.

First to return for the second round, Erynn Ballard (CAN) piloted Gakhir, owned by Ilan Ferder and Esperanza Imports, LLC, to a clear effort in 40.60 seconds, setting the pace for the remainder of the field. Next to go, Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Brighton, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC, had an unlucky rail at the final fence on course. With the following combination, there was a change atop the leaderboard as Jessica Springsteen (USA) and RMF Zecilie, owned by Rushy Marsh Farm, jumped a clear round in 39.04 seconds.

The overall CaptiveOne Advisors Jumper Series leader was caught by the final jump as Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Scarlett Du Sart Z, owned by Vlock Show Stables, LLC, landed on four faults in a time of 35.58 seconds.

Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Carento Can’t Be Caught in the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go”

Hunter competition once again took the spotlight on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Friday. Thirty-four of the top hunter horse-and-rider combinations entered the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go” for their chance to win the top prize. With impressive performances in both the classic round and handy portion, Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Sherri Crawford’s Carento earned the victory in the class with an overall score of 351.

The class was held in a “Hunt and Go” format, with the first eight fences counting towards the classic round and then the final six jumps being the handy phase. Ken Krome designed a technical course including four high option fences, a trot jump, and a “bounce” element. Riders were also asked to walk a circle in between the classic and handy phases.

First in the order of go, Boyd, of Camden, SC, and Carento set the pace with a classic round score of 173 and a handy round score of 178. The duo held onto the top spot throughout the remainder of the competitive class. Boyd is no stranger to this hunter derby and also earned a first place finish in 2019 aboard Tradition.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Natalie Jayne and Charisma Shine in the WEF Equitation Championship

Natalie Jayne and Charisma © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2021 – Equitation riders took their turn in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, March 26, in the WEF Equitation Championship during the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). After three technical rounds of competition, Natalie Jayne and Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Charisma took home the blue ribbon.

Zayna Rizvi and Jordyn Rose Freedman’s Finnick earned second place. Third place honors went to Dominic Gibbs aboard Mountain King Ranch LLC’s Cent 15, and fourth place went to Alexander Alston riding Waldo, owned by Missy Clark and North Run.

Shane Sweetnam and Indra van de Oude Heihoef Are Swift in $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5*

Galloping swiftly across the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra van de Oude Heihoef, owned by The Blue Buckle Group, won the $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5* on Friday.

Out of 46 entries in the class, 19 were clear over the speed course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA). Starting the class off with a bang, Olympic individual gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Chacco Kid, a 15-year-old Oldenburg by Chacco Blue x Come On owned by Chacco Kid Group, raced to set the leading time of 62.24 seconds, which would hold up for second place after the remaining 45 entries.

Riding early in the class as well in the fifth spot in the order, Sweetnam and Indra van de Oude Heihoef shaved almost a full second off the winning time, taking it down to 61.26 seconds.

No one else was able to catch Sweetnam’s time, but Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Hungry Heart, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Baltimore 1178 x Loucaibo owned by Stone Hill Farm, came closest in 63.10 seconds for third place.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Shane Sweetnam and Alejandro Speed to $401k Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5* Victory

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Alejandro © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 13, 2021 – The first five-star grand prix of the season was a treat for show-jumping fans as Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Alejandro, owned by Sweet Oak, Spy Coast, & Seabrook LLC, sped to the win in the $401,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5* on Saturday, February 13, at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

There were 40 entries in the grand prix competing over a course designed by Kelvin Bywater (GBR). Nine punched their ticket to a clear round and advanced to the jump-off.

As the last in the ring for the jump-off, Sweetnam knew exactly what he had to do, and pushing Alejandro for speed as he crossed the starting timers, he didn’t let up through the long gallop to the final oxer on course. They landed clear in 37.03 seconds for victory.

Libbie Gordon Pilots High Society to Top Honors in the Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 16-17

Hunter competition finished in Ring 7 on Saturday with the naming of the Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 16-17 champion. Libbie Gordon and her own High Society took the title after they received three firsts, a third, and a seventh-place ribbon.

Gordon, of Statesville, NC, is currently showing in her last junior year and trains with Ashland Farms. The division had 12 competitive entries, but they were no match for Gordon and High Society.

“He is the sweetest horse and also probably the best horse I’ve ever ridden,” said Gordon of the 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Diarado. “He tries his heart out every time I go into the ring.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Over $1 Million Distributed to Local Non-Profit Orgs. at the 12th Annual Great Charity Challenge

Shane Sweetnam and Heart on Fire ©Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2021 – HOPE: one word, four letters and so much more. For 46 Palm Beach County Charities, the feeling of hope shifted into a reality on Saturday, February 6, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). What is usually the biggest night of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) pivoted to a blend of in-person competition for riders and virtual celebration for charities and supporters. Those supporters cheered as equestrians and their mounts, representing local non-profit organizations, competed for a share of more than $1 million in prize money.

Held at PBIEC in Wellington, Palm Beach County, Florida the past 12 years, the GCC has become a highlight of the winter season and has distributed a stunning $15,928,227.66 to 276 local non-profit organizations.

Determined to show the power of united communities, the GCC is an exciting show jumping event that combines equestrian sports and philanthropy, bringing hope to Palm Beach County charities every year. Three riders made up the top team of the night out of 23 pro-am combinations, which are paired with randomly selected Palm Beach County charities. Each team was made up of junior and amateur riders competing side-by-side with top professionals, including Olympians.

In addition to the 23 charities that were part of the GCC competition, an additional 24 non-profits received funding through grants that were awarded leading up to the event. For a full list of benefiting non-profit organizations, we invite you to visit: www.GreatCharityChallenge.com.

“Seeing the level of need in our community and knowing how difficult the past year has been, we quickly realized that we couldn’t turn our backs on our most vulnerable neighbors,” said GCC co-founder Mark Bellissimo. “We are truly grateful to see that the community was able to adapt to this format while stepping up to provide crucial funding to local organizations.”

A moment of silence at the beginning of the event paid recognition to all of the friends of GCC we lost and those who we lost to the pandemic in the past year.

Following a year of uncertainties and challenges, the GCC featured riders dressed up in costumes and horses adorned to match them, paying recognition to the #Heroes who stepped up during the pandemic as well as those who have inspired us to push beyond our own limits and driven us to “dream bigger.”

The winning team of riders – Lindsey Tomeu riding Bonapart, Ashley Vogel on Lucy in the Sky, and Shane Sweetnam aboard Heart on Fire – sponsored by team sponsor Spy Coast and Preston and corporate sponsor Diamante Dressage, came in the ring representing the United States Army as their heroes and finished with a time of 91.664 seconds. Their strategy and teamwork paid off for their assigned charity YWCA of Palm Beach County, a local non-profit organization that is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, earning them the top prize of $100,000. The sliding scale for the balance of the proceeds, down to 22nd place winning a minimum of $15,000, ensured that everyone was a winner.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Shane Sweetnam and Hunters Conlypso II Dash for the Cash in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic

Lexington, Ky. – July 30, 2020 – It was a drizzly morning in the Rolex Stadium as 51 horse and rider pairs made their way around Bobby Murphy’s track for the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. For the first time in history, the second class of the Hagyard Challenge season tour was adjusted to a 2B format with riders remaining in the ring immediately after their first trip to perform their jump-off track to better fit the Kentucky Summer Classic’s show-and-go protocol. Unaffected by the weather or change in format, it would be Shane Sweetnam and Hunters Conlypso II who would dash for the cash Thursday morning.

Emma Brosius and Aramba Jolie Versace Are Best in USEF Large Pony Medal

Competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic continued Thursday, July 30, featuring another day of top sport at the Kentucky Horse Park. With primarily hunter competition taking place in the Claiborne ring, the USEF Large Pony Medal broke up the hunter judging at the end of the day, highlighting junior talent as they displayed skill and strength in a variety of equitation classes. Besting a competitive field was Emma Brosius and Aramba Jolie Versace, who claimed the top spot in the USEF Large Pony Medal.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Sweetnam and HDB Quality Win Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour 7-Year-Old Jumpers

Lexington, Ky. – July 22, 2020 – Introduced last year to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour offers riders the opportunity to get their young horses exposure to the show ring in an educational and friendly atmosphere. Shane Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm’s HDB Quality kicked off the 2020 inaugural event with a win Wednesday afternoon, stopping the timers at a nimble 40.77 seconds in the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour 7-Year-Old Jumpers.

Christopher Coberley and Mariner Start TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters Strong

Hunter competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show kicked off Wednesday, July 22, bringing top athletes and horses to the Kentucky Horse Park for a week of exciting sport. In the Murphy Arena, Thoroughbred horses were highlighted for the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters, a division that promotes a second career for retired racehorses. Standing out from the pack, it was Christopher Coberley and Mariner who took home the blue over fences.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Sweetnam and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef Win $37k Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3*

Shane Sweetnam and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – July 16, 2020 – Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef sped through the timers in 34.857 seconds to best the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Sharn Wordley (NZL) and his own Casper, the 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet Du Rouet), cleared the short course in 35.191 seconds to take second, while Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther, a 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Vigo D’Arsouilles x Farmer) owned by Chansonette Farm LLC, produced a 35.2 second jump-off round to claim third.

Sweetnam and his own 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare (Casantos x Action-Breaker) were one of 60 entries to test the first-round track set by Ken Krome (USA), and one of 12 pairs to qualify for the jump-off round. “It was a tricky course. Ken did a good job. There were a lot of good riders and partnerships out there today. It was quite strong for a ranking class,” he shared. “I’m sure it set the horses up well for Saturday night. It was a bit more of a test than yesterday [$37,000 Wednesday Classic CSI 3*],” where Sweetnam and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef claimed second.

Sydney Shulman and Villamoura Speed to $37,000 Wednesday Classic CSI 3* Win

July 15, 2020 – Sydney Shulman (ISR) and Villamoura sped around the short course in 36.536 seconds, winning the $37,000 Wednesday Classic CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), with Shane Sweetnam (IRL) taking second in a time of 37.522 seconds aboard his own Indra Van De Oude Heihoef, the 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare (Casantos x Action-Breaker). Lacey Gilbertson (USA) and Baloppi, the Seabrook LLC 2007 Danish Warmblood mare (Balou du Rouet x Unknown), stopped the timers at 38.39 seconds to earn third.

Shulman and the 2009 Selle Francais mare (Diamant de Semilly x Unknown) owned by Jill Shulman were one of 21 pairs to qualify for the jump-off out of 54 entries challenging the Ken Krome (USA) course design, and Shulman shared that Villamoura is a top mount in her string: “She really stepped up this winter, and is one of my top horses. She jumped the Nations Cup for Israel and had a clear round there, and she won a five-star class at Deeridge. She’s on a roll! She jumped two national classes here last week and felt great. She was just all over this class today! It was so much fun.”

Highlight classes are available for free live streaming at www.Tryon.com/streaming.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.