Tag Archives: Show Jumping

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Stage Set for Fabulous ECCO FEI European Jumping Championships in Herning

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Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, the first Swedish rider to win individual gold at the Europeans when victorious in 2011, will be back to defend his title at the ECCO FEI European Jumping Championships 2013 in Herning. (c) FEI/Kit Houghton.

Lausanne (SUI), 29 July 2013 – The countdown to the ECCO FEI European Jumping Championships 2013 has already begun and the start list will include a glittering array of stars. A total of 102 riders from 24 nations have been named for the event, which runs from 20-25 August at Herning in Denmark, with a massive 21 countries fielding teams. Medals at these Championships are hard-won and greatly cherished, as riders and their horses place their names on the distinguished Roll of Honour alongside legends of this popular sport.

It is now 56 years since the great Hans Gunther Winkler (GER) claimed the individual title at the inaugural Championships in Rotterdam (NED) back in 1957. That began a cycle that has continued ever since, with German riders dominating the medal podium and always the ones the others have to beat. They have claimed individual gold on 14 occasions, and when the team competition was first introduced at Munich (GER) in 1975 they firmly put their stamp on that too when Alwin Schockemöhle, Hartwig Steenken and Sönke Sönksen, who had already bagged all the individual medals, joined with Hendrik Snoek to also become the first team champions.

Defends Team Title

This time around Germany defends the team title won at Madrid (ESP) in 2011. And while Sweden’s first-ever individual champion, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, bids to repeat the success he enjoyed two years ago, the man who stood one step down from him on the medal podium that day will also be attracting a lot of attention. Because Carsten-Otto Nagel and Corradina have come so close to glory at the last two Championships, pipped narrowly by Frenchman, Kevin Staut, in 2009 at Windsor Park in London (GBR) and by Bengtsson in Spain two years later. Somehow it would seem only fair if, at last, the much-admired 15-year-old grey mare gets to wear the winner’s sash this summer.

Of course the British have a strong record at the Europeans, with six individual and four team titles to their credit, and their tails are up following their superb gold-medal-winning performance on home ground at the London 2012 Olympic Games. They travel to Herning with only two from that side, however, Scott Brash and Ben Maher, who will be joined by Robert Smith, William Funnell and Michael Whitaker.

The French took team silver last time around, and with Patrice Delaveau and Roger Yves Bost, who are both in flying form, joined by Staut, Eugenie Angot and Aymeric de Ponnat they look highly competitive. The Dutch were on target for gold in the early stages at Madrid, but had to settle for fourth in the final analysis, so they will be coming out with all guns blazing this year. And despite the marked absence of Gerco Schröder whose top horse, London, is unavailable for selection, Rob Ehrens’ choice of Jeroen Dubbeldam, Leon Thijssen, Willem Greve, Maikel van der Vleuten and Jur Vrieling looks rock solid. Greve put on an exhibition of great jumping with Carambole in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series in recent weeks to cement his well-earned place in the side.

Enjoying Retirement

Bengtsson, whose 2011 winning ride Ninja la Silla is now enjoying retirement, heads the Swedish line-up partnering Casall Ask. And his team-mates include Angelica Augustsson, Emma Emanuelsson, and Henrik Von Eckermann, along with Jens Fredricson who thrilled the home crowd at Falsterbo last weekend with an unforgettable Grand Prix victory partnering the tough and ever-reliable 15-year gelding Lunatic. Not many horse-and-rider combinations can better Germany’s Marcus Ehning on a good day, but Lunatic just never gives up and this pair have been long overdue a victory of this calibre.

The Swiss team boasts Olympic champion Steve Guerdat along with Paul Estermannn, Christina Liebherr, Pius Schwizer and Janika Sprunger. Following his tremendous achievement in London last summer, Guerdat just missed out on the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping title for the second year in a row at the series Final in Gothenburg, Sweden in April. So the attraction of adding European gold to his growing haul must seem all the more attractive and if his flying machine, Nino des Buissonnets, can be produced at the top of his form they will be a tough partnership to overcome in the heat of battle.

Spanish team manager Marco Fusté has chosen Manuel Fernandez Saro, Pilar Cordon, Julio Arias and Manuel Añon along with Sergio Alvarez Moya, the latter armed with Carlo, the horse ridden into bronze medal position in Madrid by Britain’s Nick Skelton two years ago.

And Ireland’s Robert Splaine sends a fresh-looking side that has selected itself through some great performances in recent months. Shane Breen and Balloon produced some spectacular jumping in Aachen (GER) last month, Cameron Hanley has made a dramatic return to the top end of the sport with Antello Z following a career-threatening two-year injury lay-off for the rider, and Conor Swail clinched his spot with victory riding Lansdowne at Spruce Meadows (CAN) last weekend. Solid back-up will be provided by Shane Sweetnam and Billy Twomey, and while this may be more of a team for the future than the present, they can be expected to give a good account of themselves.

Set to Return

Meanwhile, under their new manager Kurt Gravemeier, the Belgians look set to return to Europe Division 1 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping next season and with Dirk Demeersman, Judy-Ann Melchior, father-and-son Ludo and Nicola Philippaerts and Jos Verlooy on call-up they will be determined to make an impression.

Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Ukraine also take up the challenge, but with Carsten-Otto Nagel joined by Christian Ahlmann who continues to hold the number one spot on the Longines Rankings, Daniel Deusser, Ludger Beerbaum and Philipp Weishaupt, there is little doubt that the German presence will be a powerful one.  When it comes to the FEI European Jumping Championships this is a country completely in its comfort zone, and such is the quality and depth of the German pool of riders that Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker can leave two of the sport’s most successful athletes, Marcus Ehning and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, on the bench and still present the most formidable challenge.

Just three individual riders have been named for these Championships: Athina Onassis de Miranda representing Greece, Radovan Sillo of Slovakia, and Omer Karaevli flying the Turkish flag. Lady riders competed in their own separate Championship until 1973 in Vienna (AUT) where Britain’s Ann Moore claimed gold, and just two female athletes have claimed the individual title since then. Alexandra Ledermann from France made history when she became the first woman to hold the trophy aloft at Hickstead in 1999 and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum followed suit eight years later on home soil in Mannheim (GER).

Competition Format

Germany’s Frank Rothenberger is course designer, and the Championships begin on Tuesday 20 August with a one-round Speed class at the end of which results are converted into points which count towards both individual and team scores. The first round of the Team Competition takes place the following afternoon and the top 10 teams go through to the second round on Thursday evening when the medals will be decided.

Racking up individual scores along the way, the Jumping horses then have a rest day on Friday 23 August before the top-25 go through to the Individual Final on Saturday afternoon when the new Individual winner will be crowned at the end of another two exciting rounds. And it will be a proud moment as their name is entered into the book of champions alongside so many of the greatest stars of the sport.

Facts and Figures:

The FEI European Jumping Championships 2013 will take place at Herning in Denmark from 20 to 25 August.

Riders from 24 nations will compete.

21 countries have entered teams: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.

3 nations will be represented by a single rider: Greece, Slovakia, and Turkey.

A total of 102 riders are listed in the definite entries (29 July 2013).

Germany heads the individual gold medal winning table with 14 victories to date. British riders have been successful on six occasions and French riders have taken the individual title four times.

Germany also leads the team gold medal winning table with a total of seven titles since 1975. Next in line are Great Britain and Switzerland with four each followed by The Netherlands with three.

Only two women have ever won the FEI European Championship individual title since the Championships for Ladies and Men were first combined back in 1975 : Alexandra Ledermann (FRA) took gold in 1999 at Hickstead GBR and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) followed suit in 2007 at Mannheim GER.

This will be the 32nd FEI European Jumping Championships – the first was held in Rotterdam (NED) in 1957.

The defending individual champion is Rolf-Göran Bengtsson – the first Swedish rider ever to clinch the coveted title.

Germany defended team gold when it won the 2011 Championships staged in Madrid, Spain.

The full list of entries for the FEI European Jumping Championships 2013 is available HERE.

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 Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Herning

Britt Carlsen
Press Officer
bc@wiegaarden.dk
+45 96 570 580

Competitions, Show Jumping

Modified Grand Prix: Richie Moloney Wins Top Honors in Bromont

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Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra – Photo By: Cealy Tetley.

Bromont, Québec – July 27, 2013 – Irish rider Richie Moloney finishes in first place in the Modified Grand Prix event, on Saturday July 27 at the 38th edition of International Bromont.

Venezuelan course designer Leopoldo Palacios’ course comprised many technical difficulties, as the participants’ results reflect. Of the 34 pairs registered, none succeeded in executing a perfect round: the time allowed of 83 seconds combined with a highly challenging course resulted in no riders finishing on time could avoid jumping faults.

As the bars keep falling, it is evident that without a clear round, all the riders with only 4 jumping faults will come back for the jump-off, which is the case, incidentally, for American Christine McCrea and Québec’s François Lamontagne.

As the spectators are getting ready for a second round, Ireland’s Richie Moloney gets in the ring on his mount Slieveanorra. Very carefully, using prudence, he overcomes the course’s difficulties, but while he avoids jumping faults in this unique 1m45 event, he still gets over the time allowed. With only two more pairs to come, Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra keep their lead and end up winning first place in the Modified Grand Prix, offering $15,000 in prize money.

Next: Québec Original World Cup Qualifier
The International Bromont will end on Sunday July 28 with the presentation of the Québec Original World Cup qualifying event. This FEI sanctioned event, offering $100,000 in prize money, will feature all the international riders of the 38th edition of the International Bromont.

About International Bromont

International Bromont promises an unforgettable 2013 edition with five FEI events, the return of the Royal Canin Challenge (in collaboration with the Club d’agilité de la Montérégie), two Speed Derbies and a Hunter Derby. For more information on the programme, visit our site at www.internationalbromont.org.

International Bromont, hunter and jumping competition, presents its 38th edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park from July 11 to 14, 17 to 21 and 24 to 28. International Bromont would like to thank the Ministère de l’Éducation du Loisir et du Sport as well as the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec for their support. General admission: $10 per person and free for children under 12. Preferred admission: $25 a ticket.

Information:
Alexandra Hill, communications – International Bromont
T. 450-534-0787 | C. 450-525-2716
communications@internationalbromont.org

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Competitions, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Constable Make International Debut at the Longines Global Champion Tour Jumping Chantilly

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Laura Kraut and Constable won the Prix Equidia Life International Jumping Competition at the 2013 Jumping Chantilly. Photo Courtesy of Sport Fot.

Chantilly, France – July 27, 2013 – The Longines Global Champion Tour Jumping Chantilly saw a new star emerge last week: Cherry Knoll Farm’s Constable. The competition was fierce at the international horse show Jumping Chantilly France 2013. From July 18-21 the sport’s most renowned riders picked up the reins to compete for the top prizes. Kraut guided Constable to several top rankings in the 6-Year-Old Jumpers, riding to the win in the Prix Equidia Life International Jumping Competition.

The chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding rose to the top of the rankings from the start of the competition. Kraut expertly guided him to the seventh place position in the two-phase Prix Equidia Life International Jumping Competition on Friday, August 19. The gelding took the 1.30m course with ease, snatching the seventh place position with a final time of 38.50 seconds. It became apparent that the duo was only beginning to warm up for the Prix Equidia Life International 6-Year-Old Jumping Competition on Sunday.

“I think he is probably one of the most talented young horses I have ever had, and it probably won’t be until he is 8 or 9 that we try to go out and win a lot, but it was nice in this instance,” Kraut explained. “There were only a few clear and the clear ones in the jump-off each had a rail, so I was able to go around slow and win the final. I didn’t have to push him for time, and he jumped four rounds this week without a rub. I am very proud of him; he is very special.”

Kraut continued, “He is super sensitive, like all of the ones I have. I don’t use spurs or a stick; he is a very quiet ride and is very brave. He is brave about the jumps and he is very adjustable, but very sensitive. He doesn’t try to pull you around or do anything bad. He has the best intentions, he doesn’t try to pull you around, and I am just lucky to have him.”

Luc Musette and Erica Sportello designed Sunday’s course, using 15 efforts to challenge horse and rider alike. The course included an oxer-vertical double combination, vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination, hard rollbacks, bending lines and an oxer-liverpool. It was the jump-off round that would prove to stand the test for the horse and rider combinations. The course began over a vertical set down the diagonal, and then headed to an oxer on the far side of the arena, where they then made a left turn over a second oxer where they then headed through a vertical-oxer double combination. A right turn over a vertical then led riders to the opening oxer of the outside double combination, where riders raced toward the finish line to seal their fate in the rankings.

Kraut navigated Constable to the first place finish in the class, surpassing 14 contenders for the win. She beat out Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden aboard Cassini’s Angel, as well as Abdelkebir Ouaddar and Bacarat de Sainte Hermelle who claimed the third place. Kraut took the win in 51.85 seconds leaving all rails in place, to claim Constable’s first victory internationally.

“It was very testy. I think the ring in Chantilly for the young horses is a difficult ring because it is on a hill with a little bit of a bowl, and is on grass,” Kraut explained. “The course was definitely sizeable, and they used a triple combination and a double on the end, which was a good test. I think it is good for July, for 6-Year-Olds, it is big enough, and it was difficult, but he handled it no problem. He is an experienced in his mind 6-year-old, so I don’t think he needs as much mileage as some of the other horses. I might show him locally in England, but he will have some time to relax before the Winter Equestrian Festival.”

Kraut will continue to show Constable for Cherry Knoll Farm, as she continues to compete among the top-ranked international riders in the Longines Global Champions Tour. For more information on the Longines Global Champions Tour where Kraut currently ranks first, please visit http://www.globalchampionstour.com/events/.

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Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
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Dressage, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Show Jumping, Western/Reining

New Stars Turn On the Style at FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships 2013

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Picture on the podium: Teresa Adams, Ariel Thomas, Jaclyn Pepper and Jamie Pestana. Photo: FEI/StockImageServices.

Lausanne (SUI), 23 July 2012 – Athletes from the USA, Canada and Mexico lined out in the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, USA where there were a total of 20 sets of medals up for grabs.

Competitors between the ages of 14 and 21 years were in action once again, and with 222 entries across five disciplines it was another hectic and spectacular fixture.  These Championships date back to 1974 as an Eventing challenge between the USA and Canada, with Dressage added in 1981 and Jumping a year later.  The first complete Young Riders Championship was held in British Columbia, Canada in 1982 while Juniors joined the ranks in 2006 and the discipline of Reining was added to the schedule in 2008 with Endurance combing on board in 2011.

Dressage

The USA Region 7 team won the Young Rider Dressage Team title with a finishing score of 206.421, improving from silver medal position at the 2012 Championships. The highest score for the winning side was 71.105 registered by 20-year-old Jamie Pestana who was Junior Individual and Freestyle champion in 2010. Pestana clearly understands the concept of team sport, commenting afterwards, “It’s great when you’re out there and your team is cheering for you and you know that you’re not just there for yourself, but for your team-mates and your region.”  All four members of this side were from California, and 18-year-old Ariel Thomas, who contributed a score of 67.184 with Montfleury, pointed out, “It’s really nice because we have so many shows and CDIs (in the region), so it really helps us get the feel of what it’s going to be like before we come here.”  The other two members of the victorious Region 7 side were 20-year-old Jaclyn Pepper who produced a mark of 68.132 with Taboo and 16-year-old Teresa Adams who posted 64.237 with Weejee.

Pestana had to settle for silver medal spot in both the Young Rider Individual and Freestyle however when Ayden Uhlir from Region 6 reigned supreme in both with Sjapoer.  It was a clear-cut result on both occasions, Sjapoer racking up 71.605 to top the Individual and an impressive 72.175 to clinch the Freestyle.  Uhlir calls her 14-year-old gelding her “other half” and insists they are very alike. “We’re very social and overall happy!” she said.  Pestana has enjoyed fluctuating fortunes with Winzalot in these Championships in previous years but was right on song this time with the nine-year-old this time around. “I got him as a baby, and we moved up the levels together,” the rider pointed out.  Bronze in the Individual event went to Devon Wycoff from Region 5 while in the Freestyle it was Canada’s Tanya Strasser Shostak and Action Time who stood on the third step of the podium.

Double-champion Uhlir showed her class when failing to be unnerved when the music stopped during her Freestyle, continuing on as if nothing had happened and then picking it up again when the music was restored.  “I just stayed on my exact pace,” she said afterwards. “I knew that when the music would come back on I’d be where I was supposed to be… I just rode it, and it all worked out in the end!”

The Canada/Quebec team took Junior Dressage team gold for the second successive year, pinning USA Region 7 into silver and Region 3 into bronze. The winning side of 16-year-old Naima Moreira Laliberte (Windbreaker), Laurence Blais Tetreault (Lowelas), 17-year-old Felixe Cote Villeneuve (Pissaro) and 15-year-old Betrice Boucher (Dante) racked up a score of 201.864.  Tetrault said the team win was the result of hard work. “I think we just trained really hard.  Naima and I are from the same state, so we train and work together.  Working together I think really helped us,” she said.

It was a close contest for the Junior Individual Dressage medals but Lindsey Holleger from Region 3 won through with a great performance from Friedenfurst to pip Naima Moreira Laliberte and Windbreaker from the gold medal winning Canada Quebec team, while team silver medallist Rison Naness (Venezia) claimed the bronze.  Holleger’s winning score was 70.974.

Junior Freestyle champion was 16-year-old Laurence Blais Tetreault who had already helped Canada Quebec to the team gold.  Riding the 13-year-old Lowelas, Tetreault posted a fantastic mark of 71.525, and said afterwards, “I would definitely recommend NAJYRC (these Championships) to other riders.  It prepares you if you want to go further (in the sport).  In my future, I think I’m going to look back and be so happy that I got the chance to do this,” she added wisely.

Jumping

The Jumping action got underway with a Speed class for both Juniors and Young Riders which counted towards the individual standings.  And there was an interesting tie between Mexico’s Eugenio Garza riding Bariano and Zone 1’s Dana Scott with Whatever RB in the Junior division.  Zone 4’s Kaley Tomeu and Belle Bleu finished third here.

The course was designed by Steve Stephens and in the Young Riders section it was Lillie Keenan from Zone 2 who produced the quickest round with Londinium to head off Zone 4’s Shawn Casey in second place and Zone 2’s Charlotte Jacobs in third.

And it was Zone 2 that clinched team gold in both Young Riders and Juniors.  Stephens set a tough track for the Young Rider team event and there were only two clear rounds, the winning side completing on a total of 36 faults.  Lillie Keenan and Londinium led her side to victory with a single fence down in each round.  Mattias Tromp (Casey) added four and eight while Michael Hughes (Luxina) double-faulted in both rounds.  It was a difficult outing for Gabrielle Bausano and Ubico H who picked up 20 first-round penalties before being eliminated second time into the ring.

Keenas described the course as “challenging” but said she didn’t give her horse the best ride. ”He rose to the occasion though,” she said.

The combined team from Zones 8 and 10 took Young Rider team silver with a total of 47 faults.  Hannah von Heidegger and Geledimar produced one of just two clear rounds of the day to make a major contribution and was joined by Taylor Alexander (Everest de Muze), Haley Schwab (Wakyra) and Robert Jornayvaz (Williams).  Heidegger describes her mare as “quirky, but that’s why I love her!”

Young Rider team bronze went to Zones 3 and 5 with consistent performances from the three-member squad of Kate Morrison (Windoctro), Catherine Tyree (Wetter) and Chloe Reid (Victor E) who finished just two faults behind the silver medallists.

The Junior Jumping team title went to Zone 2 led by Allison Toffolon (Kadans Webster) and Katherine Strauss (Chellando Z) who went double-clear.  Victoria Press (Cayenne) was foot-perfect first time out but left two on the floor in the second round while Kira Kerkorian (Leopold) suffered elimination in both rounds.  The final team total however was just eight faults.  At just 14 years of age it was quite an achievement for Strauss, who said, “I just came from Spruce Meadows and I was nervous coming here because the courses at Spruce are in a big field, and you go in an open gallop and there are a lot of unrelated lines.  There, if you mess up a line, you can usually continue the rest of the course better.  Here, if you mess up one line you might mess up a few to come.”

It came down to a third-round decider between Mexico and Zone 4 for silver and bronze and three clears in the jump-off clinched silver for the Mexican side of Eugenio Garza (Bariano), Andres Berganza (Catello 3), Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanex (Puertas Catena), and Adrian Berganza (Corlando van Koekshof).  Zone 4’s bronze medallists were Haley Waters (No Doubt), Jenna Friedman (Zidrocto), Sophie Simpson (Why Not) and Kaely Tomeu (Belle Beau).

The stage was now set for the Individual finals, and they didn’t disappoint with Keenan taking the Young Rider title and Garza Perez claiming Junior gold. There were 18 through to the closing stages in the Young Riders division and it came down to a three-way battle between Kate Morrison, Lillie Keenan and Charlotte Jacobs – the latter in the lead carrying 7.58 faults going into the final day. A pole down put paid to her chance of gold however and she had to settle for bronze when Keenan jumped clear to stay on her running tally of eight faults and Morrison, carrying 13.70, did likewise for the silver.  Keenan described Londinium as “a really special horse.  We started showing this year and he was a star right away. We got along very, very well.” Jacobs said of the pressure: “I took a lot of deep breaths and tried to do the best of my ability.”

Junior champion was Eugenio Garza Perez with Bariano who was tied with three others going into the last day and who never touched a pole over five rounds of jumping. He understood the consequences of his last-day effort not just for himself, but also for the Mexican team. “We knew that one rail could cost us and we would be out of the medals. I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,” he admitted afterwards.  “I felt like I rose to the occasion when I needed to and performed well under pressure.  My coaches believe in me, and I’m glad I could show them!” he said.

Individual Junior silver went to 14-year-old Katherine Strauss from Zone 2 who collected just four faults over five rounds of jumping with Chellano Z and bronze sent to Sydney Shulman and Quidam who completed with just five faults on the scoreboard.

Eventing

The team from Area lll took the Young Rider Eventing Championship title ahead of the combined side from Areas Xll, Xlll, lX while Area V claimed team bronze. And Area lll also claimed two of the three individual medals with Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace standing top of the podium and bronze medallist Jennifer Caras (Fernhill Stowaway) separated by Area V’s Rowdie Adams (No Money Down).

It was dressage leader Adams who still held sway after the cross-country phase having enjoyed a spectacular ride with No Money Down, the only horse-and-rider combination to finish their run over the fixed fences without jumping or time faults.  The eventual individual champion, Martin, lay second with the addition of just two time penalties while Caras was in third having added 11.6.  This also ensured that Area lll had the team advantage going into the final Jumping phase.

And with one of just two clear rounds over the coloured poles, 18-year-old Martin sealed it. She said afterwards that riding Quantum Solace “feels like you’re sitting on top of the world…I know he can make it over (the fences).  I’ve never felt a horse that has so much heart and power, and it’s effortless” Martin said of her eight-year-old Argentinian thoroughbred gelding which was originally destined to be a showjumper. “I had no idea what kind of horse he could turn into. It’s pretty cool to think two short years ago I didn’t think he could do this. He’s pretty mature for his age. He’s my best friend, and he’s the only thing that stayed consistent in my life. He’s always there for me”, she added.

Last into the ring, Adams had two rails down when settling into silver medal spot. It’s been something of a fairytale story for this rider and the horse she rescued from a junkyard six years ago. “I was a little kid that thought every horse was cool,” she remembered. “He was eight when I got him, and now he’s turning 14. It’s taken a lot of years and all the disappointing rides, but something clicked on him and I never gave up on him. It brought us here today. I had a lot of people tell me he was never going to do anything and he’s proven everyone wrong. It’s fantastic to think that he’s come all this way. The fact that he did a beautiful dressage ride for me, jumped around like a pure genius in cross country, he could have had every rail down today and it would be okay. He’s done so much for me,” she said with tears in her eyes.

Team Silver medal went to Area VII, VIII & IX with a total of 242.1 penalties from Jacqueline Larouche (The Gingerbread Man), Erin Strader (Radio Flyer II) and Lizzie Snow (Ringfort Tinkaturk) while Area V’s Alexa Ehlers (In Any Event), Mary Frances Cargile (Take the Mick) and Rowdie Adams (No Money Down) took the bronze.

It was Nicole Doolitte and the aptly-named Tops who took the Junior Individual title as well as team gold for Area lll alongside Victoria Clayton (The Secret Agent), Manhattan (Ashley Dodds) and Diane Portwood (Cinerescent).  It was a close-fought affair after the cross-country phase here when the top four riders were all within five penalties of each other.  Doolittle had the advantage over Mary Peabody Camp (Rave Review) while Emily Macauley (Canadian Exchange) lay third going into the last day.

Doolittle therefore had all of the pressure on her as she entered the stadium for the final Jumping round but she kept her cool and with a flawless clear from her 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding she claimed double-gold. The 15-year-old champion described her horse as “quite a goofy horse.” She continued, “He’s a very personable horse. He’s really in tune with how you’re feeling and you can tell how he’s feeling at any time. He’s wonderful under saddle, and I’ve come into a great rhythm with him. It’s been a blast getting to know him. He’s become my best friend in this whole process.”

The Silver medal went to Ann O’Neal Pevahouse (Area V) on Don Bosco, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Bosco. They had 54.4 penalties from dressage, were clear through cross country, and their clear in jumping rocketed them up from seventh to second place.

The Individual bronze medal hung around the neck of April Simmonds from Ontario who rode the eight-year-old Impressively Done. They scored 53.7 in Dressage and were in 13th place, but after just 1.2 time penalties on cross country, they moved up to eighth and their great clear round in jumping moved them to third after all the riders placed from second through sixth had faults in the final phase.

Endurance

Cassandra Roberts and Viktory Banner helped the USA Southeast team to double-gold in the Endurance Championships.  In her very first competition ride with this horse, the 16-year-old from Bronson in Florida posted the winning time of 6:19.31  She only got the ride when her own mare was injured and she just had a few training sessions prior to arrival in Kentucky.  “He had a lot of experience before I started with him,” she explained. “He’s an amazing horse and it was pretty exciting.  It makes me feel pretty good to win two gold medals!” she added.

Joining Roberts on the Southeast squad was Heleen de Beer from Atlanta who also took individual bronze with DCL Mooi Penny when crossing the finish line in 8:19:22 while the other two members of the winning side were Taylor White whose finishing time was 9:08:10 and Mallory Capps (Masterpiece Vlad).  The winning USA Southeast team time was 23.47.03.

It was double-silver for Team Canada’s Emma Webb and Vagas.  This partnership retuned a time of 7:29:40, which underlined just how quick Roberts and Vicktory Banner had been when clinching Individual gold.  Webb, who took team gold in 2012, had plenty of reason to be pleased with her two silver medals this time out however as she was riding a borrowed horse. “Last December I got to race him 75 miles and that went really well. I’ve been riding him a bit this summer, but this is only the second time I’ve actually competed him!  He’s a fun pony and we had a good time!” she said.

A total of four teams competed for the Endurance Team title and bronze went to to USA’s Northeast who posted a team time of 26:49:48.  And they had the added distinction of including the Best Conditioned Award at the end of the race when Michael Bishop’s TEF Sunflash came up trumps.  “Flash is a very high-energy, strong horse.  He loves to go and he hardly ever stops really.  He drinks well and he’s very fit.  He’s done three 75-mile races since December,” Bishop explained. In true sporting spirit however, the 16-year-old rider pointed out that “the Best Conditioned Award was great to get, but the team medal was a big honour.”

Reining

As it did during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, the Reining Championships took place in the air-conditioned Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park and excitement was at fever-pitch throughout the competitions.  This was a two-way contest all the way between USA and Canada and team medals were equally shared, with USA clinching Junior team gold and Canada topped the Young Rider podium.

It was a sensational US Junior team victory as they pulled it off with just two riders when Gimme Major Bucks, ridden by Victoria Cartillar, didn’t pass the veterinary inspection. Against the odds, Matthew Verser and James Michael Phillips riding Sunrise in Hollywood and Shining Shoes respectively really rose to the occasion with scores of 206.5 and 213 to win it.  Chef d’Equipe, Dell HKendricks, said, “They had huge hurdles to overcome with only two horses to show, but they kept fighting their way through.  That’s the real fun of being on a team – when you come through even though you’re not supposed to!”

The Junior silver team medals went to Canada’s Emily Wilson (Miss Cielo Chex), Maxine Whiteside (Sailors Good Sackett), Hannah Sted (Lil Cat n Gun and Haley Franc (Jacs Shy Boy).

In Young Riders the Canadian gold medallists Pearl Aebly (Ms Smart Holywood), Stephanie Thomson (Jacs Docsan) and Madison Steed (Jumpin Jack Trash) were all first-timers at the NAJYRC.  Steed said, “We went in with a plan to have a good, easy, calm round and show the judges that Canada is here.  It means a lot, to be able to represent your country at an event like this.  To come here and get the gold, with us being beginners, was awesome!”

Young Riders Reining Team silver went to USA South Central’s Jonathan Stepka (Sweet Mega Brown), Jake Letner (A Genuine Diamond) and Jamie Erickson (Rock Mountain Whiz).

Canada’s Madison Steed and Jumpin Jac Trash took the Young Rider Reining Individual gold medal, showing with great confidence and skill to secure an emphatic five-point win over the USA’s Jamie Erickson and Rocky Mountain Whiz whose US team-mate, Jonathan Stepka, took bronze with Sweet Mega Brown.  Steed said of her victory, “It all goes back to my horse. He doesn’t stop; he has so much try in him.  He’s a cool horse that way.  You can push him as hard as you want.  I really owe it to him.”  Erickson, also 16 years of age, was only competing in his fifth show with Rocky Mountain Whiz and said, “Each time we ride, we’re always improving.”

Results:
Young Rider Team Dressage Championship: GOLD – USA Region 7, 206.421: Montfleury (Ariel Thomas) 67,184, Taboo (Jaclyn Pepper) 68.132, Winzalot (Jamie Pestana) 71.105, WeeJee (Teresa Adams) 64.237; SILVER – USA Region 6, 198.841: Sjapoer (Ayden Uhlir) 69.184, Donnerspiel (Molly Eastridge) 66.368, Up to Date P (Sadie Lahey) 63.289; BRONZE – USA Region 5, 198.158: Veto (Amelia Child) 65.553, Power Play (Devon Wycoff) 68.805, Westfalica (Talia Hershaft) 64.00.

Young Rider Individual Dressage Championship: GOLD – Sjapoer (Ayden Uhlir) 71.605; SILVER – Winzalot (Jamie Pestana) 69.605; BRONZE – Power Play (Devon Wycoff) 68.579.

Young Rider Freestyle Dressage Championship: GOLD – Sjapoer (Ayden Uhlir) 72.175; SILVER – Winzalot (Jamie Pestana) 70.975; BRONZE – Action Time (Tanya Strasser Shostak) 70.500.

Junior Team Dressage Championship: GOLD – Canada Quebec 201.864: Windbreaker (Naima Moreira Laliberte) 67.054, Lowelas (Laurence Blais Tetreault) 63.378, Pissarro (Felixe Cote Villeneuve) 62.865, Dante (Betrice Boucher) 66.432; SILVER – USA Region 7, 201.46; Stentano (Olivia Zeilinger) 68.811, Zodessa (Gabriela Glumac) 63.838, Venezia (Rison Naness) 66.73, Valliant (Lindsey Brewin) 65.919: BRONZE – USA Region 3, 196.865: Friedensfurst (Lindsey Holleger) 67.757, Okidokie (Mallory Kent) 66.027, Ucarius (Rachel Robinson) 63.081, Wild Tiger (Jamie Doolittle) 57.703.

Junior Individual Dressage Championship: GOLD – Friedensfurst (Lindsey Holleger) 70.974: SILVER – Windbreaker (Naima Moreira Laliberte) 70.105; BRONZE – Venezia (Rison Naness) 68.921.

Junior Freestyle Dressage Championship: GOLD – Lowelas (Blais Tetreault) 71.52; SILVER – Windbreaker (Naima Moreira Laliberte): BRONZE – Rotano (Barbara Davis) 69.875.

Young Rider Team Jumping Championship: GOLD – Zone 2, 36 faults: Casey (Mattias Tromp) 4/8, Luxina (Michael Hughes) 8/8, ubico H (Gabrielle Busano) 20/Elim, Londinium (Lillie Keenan) 4/4; SILVER – Zones 8/10, 47 faults: Everest de Muze (Taylor Alexander) 12/4, Wakyra (Haley Schwab) 17/25, Geledimar (Hannah Von Heidegger) 5/0, Williams (Robert Jornayvaz) 17/9: BRONZE – Zones 3/5, 49 faults: Windoctro (Kate Morrison) 4/4, Wetter (Catherine Tyree) 8/8, Victor E (Chloe Reid) 16/9.

Young Rider Individual Jumping Championship: GOLD – Londonium (Lillie Keenan) Windoctro (Kate Morrison) 8 faults: SILVER – Kachina (Charlotte Jacobs) 11.58 faults: BRONZE – Windoctro (Kate Morrison) 13.70 faults.

Junior Team Jumping Championship: GOLD – Zone 2, 8 faults: Kadans Webster (Allison Toffolon) 0/0, Cayenne (Victoria Press) 0/8, Leopold (Kira Kerkorian) Elim/Elim, chellando Z (Katherine Strauss) 0/0; SILVER – Mexico, 16 fault, 0 in Jump-Off: Bariano (Eugenio Garza Perez) 0/0/0 38.31, Catello (Andres Berganza) 8/0/0 40.59, Corlando van Koekshof (Adrian Berganza) 12/4/0 40.14, Puertas Catena (Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez) 8/0/DNS; BRONZE – Zone 4, 16 faults, 14 faults in Jump-Off: No Doubt (Haley Waters) 4/4/4 41.20, Zidoctro (Jenna Friedman) Elim/20/10 45.21, Why Not (Sophie Simpson) 0/4/DNS, Belle Bleu S (Kaely Tomeu) 4/0/DNS.

Junior Individual Jumping Championship: GOLD – Bariano (Eugenio Garza Perez) 0; SILVER – Chellando Z (Katherine Strauss) 4 faults; BRONZE – Quidam 13 (Sydney Shulman) 5 faults.

Young Rider Reining Team Championship: GOLD – Canada, 631.5: Ms Smart Hollywood (Pearl Aebly) 208.5, Jacs Docsan (Stephanie Thomson) 212.0, Jumpin Jac Trash (Madison Steed) 211.0; SILVER – USA, 628.5: Sweet Mega Bown (Jonathan Stepka) 211.5, A Genuine Diamond (Jake Letner) 210.5, Rock Mountain Whiz (Jamie Erickson) 206.5.

Young Rider Reining Individual Championship: GOLD – Jumpin Jac Trash (Madison Steed) 219; SILVER – Rocky Mountain Whiz (Jamie Erickson) 214: BRONZE – Sweet Mega Brown (Jonathan Stepka).

Junior Reining Team Championship: GOLD – USA, 419.5: Sunrise in Hollywood (Mattew Verser) 206.5, Shining Shoes (James Michael Phillips) 213.0; SILVER – Canada, 400.5: Miss Cielo Chex (Emily Watson) 0, Sailors Good Sackett (Maxin Whiteside) 0, Lil Cat n Gun (Hannah Steed) 194.0, Jacs Shy Boy (Haley France) 206.5.

Junior Individual Reining Championship: GOLD – Shining Shoes (James Michael Phillips) 217; SILVER – Miss Cielo Chex (Emily Wilson) 211.5; BRONZE – Sailors Good Sackett (Maxine Whiteside) 207.

Young Rider Endurance Team Championship: GOLD – USA Southeast 23:47:03: Viktory Banner (Cassandra Robert), DCL Mooi Penny (Heleen de Beer), Hoover the Mover (Taylor White), Reminisonce (Katie Baldino), Masterpiece Vlad (Mallory Capps);  SILVER – Canada 25:45?42: Vegas (Emma Webb), Jahlad (Jessica Yavis), Sakic (Jaylene Janzen); BRONZE – USA Northeast, 26:49:48: TEF Sunflash (Michael Bishop), LR Amana Tabi (Forest Green), Khlil Asam (Maria Muzzio), DJB Braveheart (Hunter Green).

Young Rider Individual Endurance Championship: GOLD – Viktory Banner (Cassandra Roberts) 6:19:31: SILVER – Vagas (Emma Webb) 7:29:40: BRONZE – DCL Mooi Penny (Heleen de Beer) 8:19:22.

Young Rider Team Eventing Championship: GOLD – Area lll, 191.5: Quantum Solace (Caroline Martin) 52.2, Nuance (Mary Atkins Hunt) 71.7, Fernhill Stowaway (Jennifer Caras) 67.8; SILVER – Areas Xll, Xlll, lX, 242.l: Gingerbread Man (Jacqueline Larouche) 83.2, Radio Flyer (Erin Strader) 72.8, Ringfort Tinkaturk (Lizzie Snow) 86.3; BRONZE – Area V, 285.4; In Any Event (Alexa Ehlers) 109.8, Take the Mick (Mary Francis Cargile) 116.7, No Money Down (Rowdie Adams) 58.9.

Young Rider Eventing Championship: GOLD – Quantum Solace (Caroline Martin) 52.2, Guinness X (Matilda Segal) 1000.00; SILVER – No Money Down (Rowdie Adams) 58.9; BRONZE – Fernhill Stowaway (Jennifer Caras) 67.6.

Junior Team Eventing Championship: GOLD – Area lll, 165.7: The Secret Agent (Victoria Clayton) 67.9, Manhattan (Ashley Dodds) 56.0, Cinerescent (Diane Portwood) 61.6, Tops (Nicole Doolittle) 48.1; SILVER – Area Vll, Vlll, 175.7; Rave Review (Mary Peabody Camp) 58.6, Surefire’s Anwar (Margaret Ragan) 1000.00, Canadian Exchange (Emily Macauley) 58.8, Morning Star (Ashlynn Meuchel) 58.3; BRONZE – Area ll, 195.2; Lucky Little Spy (Morgan Booth) 1000.00, Just Bailey (David Pawlak) 59.8, Hope to Star (Madeleine Parisan) 63.0, Victory Shelan (Chase Shipka) 72.4.

Junior Individual Eventing Championship: GOLD – Tops (Nicole Doolittle) 48.1; SILVER – Don Bosco (Ann O’Neal Pevahouse) 54.4; BRONZE – Impressively Done (April Simmonds) 54.9.

By Louise Parkes

Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Danielle Torano Captures Second Consecutive Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classic at Vermont Summer Festival

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Danielle Torano and Capitano won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic. David Mullinix Photography.

East Dorset, Vermont — Danielle Torano of Fort Lauderdale, FL, won her second consecutive $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.  Having captured the win during week two with Cachaca 4, Torano returned to the grand prix arena on Sunday, July 21, for week three’s victory with Capitano.

At 18 years of age, Capitano has made frequent trips to the winner’s circle at the Vermont Summer Festival.  Under Torano’s guidance, he won the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix in 2011 and the Balbuco Challenge Cup for winning the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix in 2005.

“I thought he wanted to be done (after the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival) in Florida,” Torano revealed.  “But while we were showing at Old Salem in New York, (my husband) Jimmy called the barn and told them to bring him in from the field because if he was going to retire, it would have to be in Vermont since Capitano loves this show so much.  He’s always done well here.”

Proving Jimmy Torano right, Capitano demonstrated that he’s not ready for retirement just yet.

“He goes off so much heart.  That’s originally why I retired him.  He wasn’t lame; there wasn’t anything wrong with him.  I just thought he was having to try a little too hard so I thought he was telling me he wanted to be done.  Obviously not!”  Torano laughed.

Capitano has been a beloved member of the Torano family for over a decade, originally competing with Jimmy Torano before Torano took over the ride.  Over the years, Torano and the Holsteiner gelding have gotten to know each other inside and out.

“He’s completely trustworthy and he helps me out.  I know him like the back of my hand and it’s nice to get on something that’s familiar.  He’s totally straight-forward and nice to ride,” she described.

She continued, “We’re very connected.  I feel every little thing on him.  I think that helps us and it hurts us, but I think that’s why he tries so hard.  He knows I’m looking out for him, so he looks out for me.”

Of the three horses that advanced to the jump-off over the track set by course designer Ken Krome, Torano and Capitano produced the only double clear round of the day.  Knowing speed was not their strength, Torano went into the second round focused on navigating a track full of twists and turns.

“He’s not a super-fast horse, so my strategy was to be as smooth as I could.  I failed in a couple of places,” Torano admitted.  “I didn’t think I could get the distance I wanted to jump one, so I added a stride.  It wasn’t a great jump, but he cleared it so it worked out.  He’s a super careful horse.”

Despite having little to no preparation before making his appearance at the Vermont Summer Festival, Capitano proved he is as talented as ever.

“He’s 18 years old and he basically had no preparation for today in the way of riding or jumping or training,” Torano revealed.  “He just wants to be a good horse and he wants to jump the jumps clean.”

The $5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was also held on Sunday.  Cloe Hymowitz and Caleta topped a field of 36 entries for the win after laying down a double clear round and crossing the timers nearly two full seconds ahead of the second place finisher, Sima Morgello riding Zopala.

Sunday’s Jumper Classics marked the end of the third week of competition at the Vermont Summer Festival, hosted at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.  The six week circuit continues through August 11.  The Vermont Summer Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary in its current Manchester location, offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont.

The first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival feature a $30,000 Grand Prix.  The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held during the sixth and final week on Saturday, August 10.  The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, is held each Thursday.  The hugely popular $5,000 3’3” Hunter Derby is also held each Thursday for the first five weeks, with week six featuring the $15,000 Hunter Derby.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL).  For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Double-Gold for Swiss in Team Events; Dutch, Italian and Hungarian Riders Take Individual Titles

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The Swiss team of Martin Fuchs, Emilie Stempfli, Annina Zuger and Chantal Muller clinched Young Riders Team Gold. Photo: FEI/Moisés Basallote.

Vejar de la Frontera (ESP), 21 July 2013 – It was double-gold for Switzerland in the Team events, while The Netherlands’ Frank Schuttert, Italy’s Emanuele Bianchi and Hungary’s Virag Weinhardt took the Individual titles at the FEI European Jumping Championships for Children, Juniors and Young Riders 2013 which drew to a close today at Vejer de la Frontera in Spain. This lovely hilltop town is intrinsically linked with the annual Sunshine Tour which takes place at the Centro Hippico Montmenmedio, offering early-season international Jumping and Dressage events for riders at all levels and in ideal weather conditions.

This summer it opened its gates to a tide of young European talent, all hoping to make their mark and with their sights set on a big future in equestrian sport. The competitiveness of these Championships was clearly highlighted once again by the quality of competition, with every medal hard won and some fierce battles to decide the final results.

Children

The French enjoyed a clear and concise victory in the Children’s Team event when finishing the Nations Cup with just four faults.  They were sharing the lead with a zero score after the first round during which all four riders impressively returned a clean sheet.  Hungary, Switzerland and Ireland were also fault free at this stage with the British close behind carrying just a single time penalty and Denmark, Germany and Poland next in line with four faults apiece.

Both pathfinder Laura Klein (Loves Me De St Simeon) and anchor rider Marina Gautherat (Kaloubet D’Tourelle) dropped a pole second time out for France, but when Nina Mallevay (Xilote) and Camille Conde Fereira (Pirole de la Chatre) went double-clear that was plenty good enough for the gold.

It took a major battle to decide the remainder of the medals however as the Hungarians, Swiss and Irish all lost their grip when picking up eight faults in round two.  These three therefore joined the Danes, who put four more on the board at their second attempt, in an exciting jump-off for silver and bronze.  The British missed out when adding eight faults to that costly single first-round time penalty to complete on a total of nine.

In the end the timing system settled the final placings as all four teams through to the jump-off added a further four faults to their tally.  It was the Danish side of Anne Katrine Kolborg Johansen (Quattron), Benedikte Rie Truelsen (Qunnie), Kaisa Alno Andersen (Lisalotta) and Anne Vindelov (Aagaardens Elina) who were quickest through the timers to snatch silver ahead of Hungary’s Mate Lehotsi (Viador), Virag Weinhardt (Bognar Jen Cor), Sztella Stieber (Chanel) and Vince Jarmy (Kitara).

A total of 12 teams competed, and they finished in the following order – France, Denmark, Hungary, Switzerland, Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium.

The Children’s Individual Final came down to a three-way showdown between French team gold medallist Conde-Ferreira, Hungarian team bronze medallist Virag Weinhardt and Switzerland’s Isabelle Straehuber when all were tied on a zero score.  And it was Weinhardt, riding Bognar Jen Cor, who reigned supreme when producing the only clear of the jump-off while Straehuber’s four faults with Guayana ll was good enough for silver and Conde-Ferreira and Pirole de la Chatre left two on the floor for bronze.

Juniors

The Swiss pipped the British for Junior Team gold while The Netherlands took bronze.  There were 10 countries in contention here, and the eventual champions and bronze medallists shared the lead with Austria at the halfway stage of the Nations Cup class carrying four faults each.  However the Austrians disappeared from the reckoning when adding 16 at their second attempt while the British, sharing an eight-fault first-round tally with Belgium, Spain and Ireland, jumped into the frame with just a single mistake second time out for a final total of 12.

The Swiss finished on a scoreline of eight when Salome Di Gallo (Walterstown Clover) followed an opening single error with a foot-perfect run second time out, Fiona Meier (Pleiade Heutiere) left one on the floor after her first-round clear, Laetitia Du Couedic (Elisa) did the same and Estelle Wettstein (Benita ll) improved from an eight-fault first-round tour of the track to stay clear and leave her side with a four-point advantage over their silver-medal-winning British rivals.  Britain’s Jessica Mendoza (Spirit T) produced one of just three double-clear performances on the day while team-mates Jake Saywell (Farinelli van de Zesh) collected a total of four faults, Laura Robinson (Cree Cruiser) picked up eight and Emma O’Dwyer collected a two-round total of 12.

A pole down for anchor rider Kim Bril (Tennessee W), two down for Kim Hoogenraat (Wishkarla) and 12 faults for Kevin Jochems (Ma Cherie) but a clear from the opening partnership of Lisa Nooren and Zigo left the Dutch on a final tally of 16, and just two faults clear of the Belgians in fourth place.

Nooren, daughter of Henk Nooren who is currently training the Swedish national jumping team, went into a three-way ride-off for the Junior Individual title against Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Italy’s Emanuele Bianchi. And when all three jumped clear in the final barrage, it was Bianchi’s last-to-go fast time of 40.6 seconds that snatched victory from Allen, a member of the 2012 gold-medal-winning Junior team and a rider who has already competed at Senior level for his country.  Allen took the silver ahead of Nooren in bronze with Zigo.  The 17-year-old gold medallist, Bianchi, hails from Milan.

There were 32 competitors in the Junior Individual division, while the countries represented in the Team Championship finished in the following order – Switzerland, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal and Italy.

Young Riders

The Swiss also won the Young Riders Team Championship by a one-fence margin, this time pipping the Dutch while Belgium claimed team bronze. There were 10 nations in action here too, and the Belgians seemed to have it in the bag in the early stages when counting just single time penalties from pathfinder Quinten Bradt (Green Sleeps Orage) and anchor rider Valerie van de Poel (Wernsen) while Eleonore Lambilliotte (Alaska VGZ) went clear leaving the five faults collected by Gilles Detry (Catwalk Capone) as the discard score at the end of round one.

Eight faults second time out for both Lambilliotte and Van de Poel, and four from Bradt, seriously compromised their chances however, and although Detry improved to produce their only second-round clear the final team score rose to a significant 14 faults.  That was still good enough for bronze when the British, carrying ten from round one, added another five to complete just one frustrating penalty point outside the medal placings.

Meanwhile three second-round clears ensured the Swiss had nothing to add to their first-round eight-fault result.  Martin Fuchs, who claimed Young Rider Individual gold and Team silver in 2012, was double-clear with PSG Future, while Emilie Stampfli followed her opening foot-perfect performance with two mistakes second time out with Alessa Z.  However when Annina Zuger and Liatos ll who double-faulted in round one returned clear this time out, and Chantal Muller and U Tabasca improved dramatically from a 16-fault first effort to also leave the full course intact, then the Swiss were in an unassailable position.

The Dutch also held their ground, but their 12 faults from round one would pin them into silver medal spot.  Like Fuchs, Dutch pathfinder Frank Schuttert has been making a name for himself at Senior level and he produced the only other double-clear of this Nations Cup with Winchester HS.  Stefanie Van den Brink (Wapper) and Sjaak Steiderink (Zhivago) followed eight-fault first efforts with clear rounds while Dennis van Den Brink (Royal Dream) had four faults in both rounds.

The Young Rider Teams finished in the following order – Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, France and Italy.

Schuttert, Fuchs and Great Britain’s Chloe Aston held the top three placings going into the Young Riders Individual Final and that was the way it remained at the end of the day.  The Dutchman and his brother, Hendrik-Jan Schuttert, have been two great “finds” for senior team Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, this season. Fuchs followed last year’s gold with silver this time around, and Aston held on for the bronze to finish just over a point ahead of fourth-placed Stefanie van den Brink from Holland.

Results:

FEI European Young Riders Team Jumping Championship 2013:  GOLD – Switzerland 8 faults: PSG Future (Martin Fuchs) 0/0, Alessa Z (Emilie Stempfli) 0/8, Liatos ll (Annina Zuger) 8/0, U Tbasca (Chantal Muller) 16/0; SILVER – Netherlands 12 faults: Winchester HS (Frank Schutert) 0/0, Wapper (Stefanie Van Den Brink) 8/0, Zhivago (Sjaak Steiderink) 8/0, Royal Dream (Dennis Van Den Brink) 4/4; BRONZE – Belgium 14 faults: Green Sleps orae (Quinten Bradt) 1/4, Catwalk Capone (Gilles Detry) 5/0, Alaska VGZ (Eleonore Lambilliotte) 0/8, Wernsen (Valerie Van De Poel) 1/8.

FEI European Young Riders Individual Jumping Championship 2013:  GOLD – Winchester HS (Frank Schuttert) NED 5.56; SILVER – PSG Future (Martin Fuchs) SUI 7.22; BRONZE – Quiet Easy 4 (Chloe Aston) GBR 11.59.

FEI European Junior Team Jumping Championship 2013:  GOLD – Switzerland 8 faults: Walterstown Clover (Salome Di Gallo) 4/0, Pleiade Heutiere (Fiona Meier) 0/4, Elise (Laetitia Du Couedic) 0/4, Benita ll (Estelle Wettstein) 8/0; SILVER – Great Britain 12 faults: Spirit T (Jessica Mendoza) 0/0, Farinelli Van De Zesh (Jake Saywell) 4/0, Cree Cruiser (Laura Robinson) 4/4, Miss Tonic (Emma O’Dwyer) 8/4; BRONZE – Netherlands 16 faults: Zigo (Lisa Nooren) 0/0, Wishkarla (Kim Hoogenraat) 0/8, Ma Cherie (Kevin Jochems) 4/12, Tennessee W (Kim Bril) 58/4.

FEI European Junior Individual Jumping Championship 2013:  GOLD – Cupido Z (Emanuele Bianchi) ITA 0/40.6; SILVER – Molly Malone (Bertram Allen) IRL 0/41.54; BRONZE – Zigo (Lisa Nooren) NED 0/42.36.

FEI European Children’s Team Jumping Championship 2013:  GOLD – France 4 faults: Loves Me De St Simeon (Laura Klein) 0/4, Zilote (Nina Mallevay) 0/0, Pirole de la Chatre (Camille Conde Ferreira) 0/0, Kaloubet D’Tourelle (Marina Gautherat) 0/4; SILVER – Denmark 4 faults Jump-Off in 283.23 secs: Quattron (Anne Katrine Kolborg) 0/0/4, Qunnie (Benedikte Rie Truelsen) 0/0/4, Lisalotta (Kalsa Alno Andersen 4/4/0, Aagaardens Elina (Anne Vindelov0 11/4/0; BRONZE – Hungary 4 faults in Jump-Off in 283.92 secs: Viador (Mate Lahotai) 0/4/0, Bognar Jen Cor (Virag Weinhardt) 0/0/8, Chanel (Sztella Stiebar) 0/4/4, Kitara (Vince Jarmy) 8/20/0.

FEI European Children’s Individual Jumping Championship 2013:  GOLD – Bognar Jen Cor (Virag Weinhardt) HUN 0/42.37; SILVER – Guayana ll (Isabella Straehuber) SUI 4/37.48; BRONZE – Pirole de la Chatre (Camille Conde Ferreira) FRA 8/38.81.

By Louise Parkes

Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping, USEF, Western/Reining

Keenan and Garza Perez Win Jumping, Steed and Phillips Lead Reining Medals at 2013 NAJYRC

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Jumping Young Rider Individual Medalists: Kate Morrison (Zone 5), Bronze; Lillie Keenan (Zone 2), Gold; Charlotte Jacobs (Zone 5), Silver (Sportfot)

Lexington, KY – Saturday’s morning competition at the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) featured exciting sport and medal presentations for two disciplines. Individual medals were given in jumping and reining. In the jumping, Lillie Keenan (Zone 2) and Londinium won Young Rider Gold, while Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) and Bariano received the Junior Gold with no faults throughout the week. The Young Rider Reining Gold medal went to Madison Steed (CAN) and Jumpin Jac Trash, while James Michael Phillips (USA) and Shining Shoes won the Gold in the Junior division. Eventing continued with Cross Country and will conclude competition tomorrow with their final Stadium Jumping phase.

Starting out the day were the Individual Jumping Finals for Juniors and Young Riders. The top 18 riders advanced to the finals in the Young Rider division, and 13 of those came through to the second round. Going into the second round, the top five stood on their faults from the first two days as they all had first round clears. The race really came down to the top three: Kate Morrison (13.70 faults), Lillie Keenan (8.00 faults), and Charlotte Jacobs (7.58 faults).

Morrison (Zone 3) and Windoctro went double clear and received the Bronze medal with 13.70 faults. With another beautiful clear round, Lillie Keenan and Londinium stayed on their eight faults. Charlotte Jacobs and Kachina were having a foot-perfect round until a light rub at the final fence, the skinny horseshoe vertical, rolled the rail out of the cups for a heartbreaking four faults. They would finish on 11.58 faults for the Silver medal.

“It was tough of course,” Jacobs recalled. “She left the ground at the last fence and she’s usually such a great vertical jumper. I was like, ‘I have it,’ and I landed and I heard the crowd and I was like ‘Oh my God, I knocked it down.’ It was instant shock. I was upset, but Lillie and I were reminiscing the other day and we were here doing Pony Finals together. We’ve been friends forever, so of course I’m happy for her.”

The Gold medal in the Young Riders went to Keenan, a 16-year-old from New York City, NY. She and Londinium, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Lord Pezi, have been paired together since January.

Keenan expressed, “Charlotte is one of my closest friends and if the roles were reversed I’d be very, very happy for her, as she is for me. It’s great to be able to be so close with people when you’re neck and neck for medals.”

Regarding the pressure of being one of the top riders coming back today, Keenan replied, “If I start thinking too much about the pressure and the points and what I can do to move up, I make myself crazy. I knew my horse wanted to jump clear every round. I knew I needed to ride better than I did in the Nations Cup first round. The pressure we both feel, but we try to block it out.”

The riders noted that time allowed was a factor for the competition this week. Keenan thought that it helped her and her horse. “I have a really fast horse. Even in the speed round, I didn’t realize I could go that fast. He jumps best out of a gallop,” she said. “When I ride him forward in more of a hunter seat and allow him to jump to the best of his ability, that’s really when it goes best. Having a tight time allowed works in my favor.”

Keenan went on to describe Londinium, “We started showing at (the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival) this year and he was a star right away. We got along very, very well. He’s a really special horse.”

Jacobs, who is 18 years old and from East Aurora, NY, shared that nerves have been something she has worked on. “I’ve never been able to deal with pressure, usually I’m very bad with it,” she shared. “Going in last the first round was a lot of pressure. But I took a lot of deep breaths and tried to do the best of my ability, and tried to do the same in the second round.”

Jacobs and Kachina have had a long history together. The 15-year-old Selle Francais mare by Voltaire has been in the Jacobs family since she was six, and used to be ridden by Charlotte’s father, Lou Jacobs, in the Amateur Jumpers before Charlotte took over the ride two years ago.

Jacobs said that time allowed was very much on her mind since Kachina is a big horse who spends more time in the air. Jacobs had to think about going forward between the jumps. “We were only .4 points away from each other, so if I had a time fault, I would be Silver. It was land from every jump and just go,” she said.

Jacobs almost didn’t make it to the NAJYRC this year since Kachina was injured and she was sixth on the list to attend for Zone 2. After a rider had to drop out, Jacobs got moved up to the alternate spot. She expressed, “I was very lucky in that situation that I was even here. I’m very thankful that she’s healthy again and she’s here showing. I’m even more thankful that I got a Silver medal.”

Morrison and Windoctro have stepped up this year to the national grand prix level and she was excited to medal in this year’s NAJYRC. Morrison is 19 years old and from Dublin, OH. She has been riding Windoctro, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Indoctro, since September.

Morrison said she “considers him really special.” She said further, “Anytime he goes into the ring, he gives his all. He’s not the easiest. He goes in the ring lagging a little bit and you have to kick him up. Once he’s there though, he jumps amazing. He’s going to try as hard as I do. I was giving my all and he obviously did too. I was really happy with how he went. He jumped amazing for me.”

Windoctro was at this level when Morrison started riding him and said, “He’s given me a lot of confidence. My other High (Amateur Jumper) horse is nervous. Him starting me out in the grand prix has given me a lot confidence with her.”

Zone 2 had another extremely strong showing at NAJYRC this year, and Chef d’Equipe Ralph Caristo commented, “I think the success comes from the support system we have, starting with my wife. Mostly it’s the Zone itself and the committees that support us, the parents, the trainers. We have a very good relationship with everybody. They want to do it. I’m very lucky to have them go around. I’m just the cheerleader here. They have trainers and they’re the ones who should get all the credit.”

Keenan added, “Being a member of the team, I can say Ralph and Holly are a lot more than cheerleaders. Zone 2 really has an edge having such an amazing support system, but as a group of riders we’re really close. Throughout the year, yes we’re competing against each other, but we’re also thinking ahead. This is really the peak event for the year. We have it in the back of our minds that we’re getting ready for Young Riders. Throughout the year, Ralph and Holly, our trainers and family, we’re really aiming for this.”

Along with the medalists in round one, there were clear rounds from Jacqueline Steffens (CAN) on Quercus van Generhese, Hannah von Heidegger (Zone 10) on Geledimar, Wilton Porter (Zone 7) on Radio City, and Mattias Tromp (Zone 2) with Casey. In the second round, Porter had just one time fault, as did Michael Hughes (Zone 2) and Luxina and Chloe Reid (Zone 3) with Victor E.

Five Clears Wins Gold for Garza Perez

The top 25 Juniors took to the course this morning over a track designed by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL. It was challenging with the wide open water going into the morning sun, and the skinny vertical jump shaped like a giant horseshoe that stands almost 13 feet tall.

With an incredible performance of five clear rounds over three days, 16-year-old Eugenio Garza Perez of Mexico and Bariano, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Jetset-D, took the Gold medal in the Junior Jumping Final. Garza Perez is the third rider from Mexico to win an Individual Gold medal in the history of the NAJYRC, joining Manuel Alvarez Ruiz Galindo and Olympian Alberto Michan. In addition to his five clear rounds, Garza Perez added another clear round in the jump-off for the Team competition to help Mexico win the Silver on Thursday.

While Garza Perez is from Monterrey, Mexico, he has lived in Dallas, TX, for two years. He started riding Bariano just over a year ago and said that his first NAJYRC “has been an amazing experience.” He continued, “We’ve really become a great team. All the coaches, parents, everyone who has backed me up, I feel like I kind of could repay them and show them our hard work has paid off. It’s just incredible. We knew we had a strong horse, but never knew we could do this much of a good job. It was awesome that we could keep it going and produce that many clear rounds.”

Garza Perez had a tough task going into the final rounds being tied with three other riders. “We knew that one rail could cost us and we would be out of the medals. I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,” he acknowledged. “I feel like I rise to the occasion when I need to and perform well under pressure. My coaches believed in me and I’m glad I could show them.”

The Silver medal went to 14-year-old Katherine Strauss from Zone 2. She rode Chellando Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Chellano Z to four faults over the five rounds. Clear through Wednesday and Thursday, Strauss had four faults in today’s first round with a foot in the open water, which caused many faults throughout the opening round.

“I was really nervous going into the first round, because it was make it or break it time,” Strauss disclosed. “I could either totally be out of the medals or I could hopefully catch (Eugenio)…but I didn’t! I just thought you have to know yourself when you get nervous. My tendency is to go slow and backwards. I knew just to ride faster than I usually would. My parents and trainers are so supportive, and they told me you can’t control what everyone else does, so do the best you can and focus on the course and your horse.”

Strauss, who wasn’t old enough to be on the Young Rider team this year, hopes to move up and come back to NAJYRC. “I know my horse can do it; I hope I can do it too,” she said.

With a great double clear ride, Sydney Shulman (Zone 1) secured the Bronze medal. The 18-year-old rider from Greenwich, CT, rode Quidam 13, a nine-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Bogegardens Quattro. Shulman finished on five faults, which she accrued in the first round of the Team competition.

Shulman explained that having just gotten Quidam 13 in April, she doesn’t know him well. “I chose to show as learning experience for both of us,” she mentioned. “I’d never shown him two days in a row, much less two times in one day. It was interesting to see how he held up.”

Of her rounds, she said, “I made a silly mistake the first round on the second day. I thought I had to make up for that, so I was riding a little bit stronger and a little faster, because I had a time fault. I was pleased with how he was.”

Along with the three medalists, there were three other clear rides in round two: KC Van Aarem (Zone 3) and Mastermind, Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) and Puertas Catena, and Barbara Ruziska (Zone 3) on Victoire VH Dingenshof. Garza Perez and Shulman were the only double clears on the day.

Reining Young Rider Individual medalists: Jonathan Stepka (USA) - Bronze; Madison Steed (CAN) - Gold; Jamie Erickson (USA) - Silver (Waltenberry)
Reining Young Rider Individual medalists: Jonathan Stepka (USA) – Bronze; Madison Steed (CAN) – Gold; Jamie Erickson (USA) – Silver (Waltenberry)

Young Rider Reining Gold to Steed

The 2013 SmartPak Reining Championships concluded today in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park with two high-scoring rounds of high-level reining.

For the Young Riders, it was the scorching hot score of 219 from Canada’s Madison Steed to secure the Gold medal showing Jumpin Jac Trash (2007 AQHA Gelding). Steed, a veteran of FEI Young Rider competition, showed with great confidence and skill securing a five point lead over the Silver medal score.

Steed said that her pattern felt “really good” in the Individual competition. “I stayed out of the penalty box this time, so I was really happy with it,” she said. “It all goes back to my horse. He doesn’t stop; he has so much try in him. He’s a cool horse that way. You can push him as hard as you want. I really owe it to him.”

Steed (17, Cochran, AB, CAN) has been riding “Jac” for two years and said he has a huge personality. “Anything within a 10 foot radius is his jurisdiction,” she laughed. “Anything he can get at, he’ll chew up and eat. He has the hugest heart you can ask for.”

A Silver medal effort was turned in by Jaime Erickson of the United States riding Rocky Mountain Whiz (2005 AQHA Gelding) to a score of 214. And the Bronze medalist, Jonathan Stepka (16, Little Rock, AR), rode his own Sweet Mega Brown (2004 AQHA Gelding) to secure the final place on the championship podium.

This was only the fifth show that Erickson (18, Keytesville, MO) and Rocky Mountain Whiz have competed in, but Erickson said that lots of practice this summer helped them to the Silver medal performance. “Each time we ride, we’re always improving,” she said. “The more we ride, it’ll get better and better. There’s still more to come out of my horse. It’s an honor to be here, and I’m thankful for my horse.”

For Stepka, the air-conditioning in the Alltech Arena certainly helped his horse. “The air-conditioning plays a major role in warming up your horse,” he explained. “I can feel her energize up and she’s ready to go again. I know my horse is going to walk in there and be ready to go all over again.”

Stepka enjoyed representing the United States at the NAJYRC and that with this experience, he hopes that he can continue his riding career to be on senior level teams at such competitions as the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). “Going overseas to WEG would be absolutely mind-blowing,” he expressed. “To think that I’m a little ole kid from Arkansas and could compete on an international level? It would definitely be an honor.”

Phillips Is Golden in Junior Reining

Claiming top prize and top honors in the Junior championship, James Michael Phillips riding Shining Shoes (1995 AQHA Gelding) turned a gold medal effort to win the top podium position. Crediting his 18-year-old horse for wisdom and experience, Phillips rode as the final draw in the class to a 217 score, punctuating the win with a full six and a half point difference above the next placing rider.

This is Phillips’ (14, Hartsch, OK) first time competing at the NAJYRC and said that today’s Individual competition was a different ball game from the Team class. “In the Team competition, if you messed up, someone could come in and pull you out. In the Individual, it’s all on you if you mess up. I did improve a lot on the pattern (from Thursday), and it got better and better as I went on with the pattern today.”

Phillips has been riding Shining Shoes for four years. “He’s real loving and he tries hard and loves his job. He never wants to cheat you on anything,” he described.

He said of his Gold medal experience, “To get to stand on the podium with the flag being raised and hear the anthem is amazing.”

Silver medalist Emily Wilson (16, Oxbridge, ON) carried on the tradition of medals for the Canadian family, all of whom have shown the same Miss Cielo Chex (2002 AQHA Mare) all the way to the podium. Marking a score of 211.5, Wilson led the competition as the one to beat all the way up to the final round. “It was tough competition down here,” Wilson said. “I want to try and get on another team. I’ll definitely come back again next year and try.”

In Bronze, Maxine Whiteside was aboard Sailors Good Sackett (1996 AQHA Gelding) and rode to a score of 207. Whiteside (14, Olds, AB) has been riding Sailors Good Sackett for two years and it was her godmother who got her into reining. “I’d like to try and get on another (NAJYRC) team, but I might try to get another horse,” she said. “He’s done his best for me.”

Known throughout the world as the epicenter for the sport of reining, North America presented the world’s most elite Junior and Young Riders at these Championships, providing exciting and high quality competitions. Organizers look forward to a strong future and continued growth in FEI Reining programs in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Rowdie Adams (Area V) and No Money Down tackle Saturday's CCI2* cross country course (Brant Gamma)
Rowdie Adams (Area V) and No Money Down tackle Saturday’s CCI2* cross country course (Brant Gamma)

Adams Leads CCI2* after Clear Cross Country, Doolittle at Top of CCI1*

Rowdie Adams (Area V) and No Money Down had a spectacular cross country ride today and were the only ones to finish with no jumping or time penalties. They remain on their dressage penalties of 50.9 for the lead. In second place is Caroline Martin (Area III) on Quantum Solace, who had two time penalties and stands on 52.2. Jennifer Caras (Area III) and Fernhill Stowaway had 11.6 time penalties for a total of 63.6 and third place before tomorrow’s final phase.

With Caras and Martin leading Area III, they remain in first place in the Team competition with 179.5 penalties. Area VII, VIII & IX is in second place on 226.1 penalties. With 265.4 penalties, Area V is in third place.

The standings in the CCI1* are all close for the top four riders, who are within five penalties of each other after finishing cross country with no time or jumping penalties. Leading is Nicole Doolittle (Area III) on Tops with 48.1 penalties. In second is Mary Peabody Camp (Area VII & VIII) with Rave Review on 50.6 penalties. Emily Macauley (Area VII & VIII) and Canadian Exchange are in third place with 50.8 penalties.

Area III moved up to first place after cross country and stand on 157.7 penalties. Area VII & VIII also advanced to second place and have 159.7 penalties. Area II came from fourth place into third and have 187.2 penalties.

The Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North conclude tomorrow with the stadium jumping phase for Eventing, which will determine the Team and Individual medals for CCI1* and CCI2*.

For full results or to learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.

NAJYRC showcases the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in dressage, eventing, jumping, reining, and endurance. Young equestrians from across the continent will descend on the Kentucky Horse Park to vie for FEI medals at these Championships.

For sponsorship information, visit www.youngriders.org/Sponsors.aspx.

Jennifer Wood and Brad Ettleman for USEF

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Twenty-three Nations to Battle for Jumping Medals at ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning

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Lausanne (SUI), 19 July 2013 – A total of 103 riders from 23 countries have been declared for the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships, one of the three disciplines at the ECCO FEI European Championships 2013 which take place at Herning in Denmark from 20 to 25 August. The deadline for definite entries was Wednesday 17 July.

There will be 21 nations fighting for the team medals – Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine. Greece and Turkey will each be represented by a single athlete.

The defending individual champion is Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, who made history as the first Swedish rider ever to clinch the coveted title at the 2011 European Championships staged in Madrid, Spain where Germany claimed team gold for the seventh time in the 54-year history of the event.

Detailed previews of the Jumping, Dressage and Para-Dressage at the ECCO FEI European Jumping Championships 2013, along with a comprehensive press kit, will be issued later this month.

Media contacts:

At Herning:

Britt Carlsen
bc@wiegaarden.dk
+45 (96) 570 580

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Championships, Show Jumping, USEF, Western/Reining

Zone 2 Captures Double Gold in Jumping, Canada and USA Split Reining Gold Medals at NAJYRC

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Jumping Young Rider Team Gold medalists from Zone 2: Lillie Keenan, Michael Hughes, Gabrielle Bausano, and Mattias Tromp (Sportfot)

Lexington, KY – There were four Team medal competitions today at the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC). In the Jumping, Zone 2 won both the Young Rider and Junior Golds. USA took Gold in the Junior division of Reining, while the Young Riders from Canada were best. The NAJYRC continues through Sunday, July 21, with team and individual competitions for the FEI sports of Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Reining, and Endurance.

A challenging course by Steve Stephens set the tone for today’s Young Rider jumping Team competition. With only two clear rides in the two rounds of jumping, the faults added up for teams. However, it was still a strong performance from Zone 2 that took home Gold medals for the four Young Riders. They finished on a total of 36 faults.

Lillie Keenan (16, New York City, NY) led the way on Londinium, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Lord Pezi, with two four-fault rounds. Mattias Tromp and Casey added four and eight faults, while Michael Hughes on Luxina had eight faults in both rounds. Gabrielle Bausano and Ubico H had some trouble as they were eliminated in the second round and had 20 faults in the first round.

Keenan related, “The course no doubt was challenging. For my horse, he could have jumped clear and I didn’t give him the best ride. He rose to the occasion though.”

Keenan said she didn’t know and wasn’t thinking about the difference between team faults as the last rider on course, although she had three rails in hand. “(The team day is) extra special compared to the individual round. I was thinking about not having any rails, but we still pulled out the Gold. Once I had the one (rail down), I thought, ‘Oh God, I better not have any more!’” she recalled.

Hughes (17, Allendale, NJ) agreed on the difficulty of the course, “It rode harder than it walked. Everything was bigger and wider and a lot more technical.”

Bausano (18, New York City, NY) said it was a “little bit of a struggle” for her horse today. She continued, “We tried our best and maybe next time we’ll do better. It was nice that we had a great team. As a team, we’re close and we’re friends, and it’s special to win a championship and better when you’re close with your team.”

Mattias Tromp (18, North Salem, NY) agreed that the course was challenging, but that everybody gave their best ride. Tromp was the only returning team member of last year’s Zone 2 Gold medal group. “It’s a great feeling to come back with a new team and do it again,” he said.

Between the Young Rider and Junior teams, there were many echoes of the same sentiment on their leader and Chef d’Equipe, Ralph Caristo, and his wife Holly. Keenan remarked, “The two of them make us feel like we could do anything.”

Bausano said, “When I was younger, I knew of the team’s history and Ralph’s legacy as Chef. Being a part of it, I know there is pressure to perform well and impress Ralph.”

Hughes competed previously at NAJYRC, but it was on the Zone 4 team. “I knew Zone 2 was always a very, very good team. It’s so great to be on such a great team. Ralph is great to work with. He’s so motivating and makes you want to do really well, for him and the whole team.”

The combined team from Zones 8 and 10 took the Silver medal with a total of 47 faults. The all-important clear round and one of only two for the day came from Hannah von Heidegger on Geledimar, a 10-year-old Zangersheide mare by Grosso Z. They also only had five faults from round one. Taylor Alexander (19, Castle Rock CO) and Everest de Muze were the pathfinders for the team and scored 12 and four faults. Haley Schwab (18, San Francisco, CA) and Wakyra had 17 and 25, while Robert Jornayvaz (20, Denver, CO) and Williams had 17 and nine.

Von Heidegger (16, Chatsworth, CA) has been riding Geledimar for just over a year and after a “rough start,” they have clicked and placed in grand prix classes this year. “She’s a little bit quirky, but that’s why I love her,” she said.

Von Heidegger mentioned that the course design, along with last night’s late class (due to weather) and today’s weather delay, affected some riders and horses. However, she said, it’s what helps them learn and grow at an event like NAJYRC.

“This is championship, so it should be challenging,” she stated.

The Bronze medals went to Zones 3/5, who had strong, consistent performances with only three team members. Kate Morrison and Windoctro were solid with two four-fault rounds. Catherine Tyree (19, Chicago, IL) and Wetter had eight faults in each round. Chloe Reid (16, Washington, D.C.) and Victor E posted scores of 16 and 9. They finished on a team total of 49 faults.

Morrison (19, Dublin, OH) has been riding Windoctro, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Indoctro, since September, and they have started to make their way into the grand prix ring. “He’s a really good confidence builder because he’ll jump from everywhere. He’s kind of sassy with attitude, and I have to kick him up to go and then he’s really good,” she described.

She said that today’s course was “one of the hardest I’ve ever done.” She said of Windoctro, “I relied a lot on him. It was not the easiest, but I was really happy with how he did.”

While today’s two rounds counted for the team championship, they also accounted for scores that would contribute to a rider’s individual standing. Wednesday’s speed round was converted using a coefficient multiplier.

Riding as an individual, Charlotte Jacobs (Zone 2) are at the top of the standings after she and Kachina, a 15-year-old Selle Francais mare by Voltaire, finished with just four faults in round one and a clear in round two. With their 3.58 score from yesterday, they lead with a score of 7.58. Close behind is Keenan and Londinium, who have a score of 8.00. Kate Morrison and Windoctro sit in third place with 13.70.

Jumping Junior Team Gold medalists from Zone 2: Kira Kerkorian, Katherine Strauss, Chef d'Equipe Ralph Caristo, Victoria Press, and Allison Toffolon (Sportfot)
Jumping Junior Team Gold medalists from Zone 2: Kira Kerkorian, Katherine Strauss, Chef d’Equipe Ralph Caristo, Victoria Press, and Allison Toffolon (Sportfot)

Zone 2 Brings Home Another Junior Gold Medal 

Zone 2 clinched yet another Team Gold medal in the Junior division after a solid showing. The Zone 2 Team was led by Allison Toffolon and Kadans Webster as well as Katherine Strauss on Chellando Z, who were both double clear. Victoria Press and Cayenne 140 were clear in the first round and had eight faults in round two. With unfortunate refusals, Kira Kerkorian and Leopold 221 were eliminated in both rounds. The team finished on zero faults in round one and with just eight total faults.

Strauss (14, New York City, NY) thought the course, designed by Steve Stephens, was “a great test.” She explained, “I just came from Spruce Meadows, and I was nervous coming here because the courses at Spruce are in a big field, and you go in an open gallop, and there are a lot of unrelated lines. There, if you mess up a line, you can usually continue the rest of the course better. Here, if you mess up one line, you might mess up a few to come. I was happy in my first round. My teammates all did great. After the first round, I felt pretty confident.”

Strauss is one of the leaders in the individual standings with three clear rounds, and she feels like the NAJYRC is the perfect experience for her in her goals to represent the United States in senior competition. “For us to aspire to be on bigger teams in the future, this is such a great experience,” she noted. “(There are) so many up-and-coming riders, like Reed Kessler, Katie Dinan, and Brianne Goutal being on (Senior) teams. For the past few years, we kind of thought you could never be on a real team until you’re in your 30s or 40s, and now they made it seem like an achievable and real goal.”

Today was a great advance for Toffolon (17, Bronxville, NY) with her horse Kadans Webster, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Hos La Loi II. Although she has owned him for two years, an early injury set them back for a year. They have three clear rounds in the individual standings and are tied for the lead.

“It’s been a journey to bring him back to the horse he was when I bought him,” she said. “Getting those great clear rounds has been so fulfilling. I have to thank (my trainer) Andre (Dignelli) for finding him. I’ve come such a long way with him. It has been a really exciting experience here. I never thought that would happen. Now I’m really hoping for the best out of Saturday.”

All of the riders noted that it was an advantage to have venerable Zone 2 Chef d’Equipe Ralph Caristo and his wife Holly leading them here. “Ralph has been Zone 2 Chef since before we were born, so he knows the ropes,” Strauss said with a smile, “and you feel comfortable coming here because you know he knows the rules. He made it possible for all of us.”

Kerkorian (15, East Hampton, NY) added, “Ralph is great. Even if you have a bad round, he’s telling you to get back on the horse.”

Victoria Press (15, New York City, NY) remarked, “It was a big deal being here, but great practice if we want to do (the) Young Rider (Team) and Nations Cup Teams. Ralph was great and we were so excited we have him as our Chef. He’s always there to tell you you can do it. He helps you understand how to fix it and makes sure it doesn’t get to you.”

It was an exciting jump-off for the Silver and Bronze medals between Mexico and Zone 4 after both teams finished on 16 faults after two rounds.

With three clear rounds in the jump-off, Mexico clinched the Silver. The team consisted of four riders who were competing for the first time at NAJYRC. They were led by Eugenio Garza, who was double clear on Bariano. Andres Berganza (17) with Catello 3 and Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (15) on Puertas Catena were clear in the second round after they both also had eight faults in round one. Adrian Berganza (17) and Corlando van Koekshof had twelve and four faults in the regular rounds, but it was his clear in the jump-off that led to their Silver medal.

Garza (16), who has had three clear rounds and is tied for the lead in the individual standings, has had his horse Bariano for a little over a year. “The last few weeks he has been jumping amazing,” he said. “I couldn’t ask more from him. It was definitely really surprising to do this well, and I hope to continue to do this well. This has been a great experience and we have benefited a lot from it.”

Zone 4 received the Bronze medal. In the jump-off, Haley Waters and No Doubt had four faults and Jenna Friedman on Zidoctro had 10 faults. After Mexico had three clears, Zone 4 could not beat them for the Silver.

The team had consistent rounds leading up to the jump-off from Waters (4, 4 faults), Friedman (eliminated, but improved to 20 in round two), Sophie Simpson on Why Not (0, 4), and Kaely Tomeu with Belle Bleu S (4, 0).

Tomeu has just four total faults in the individual standings. The 17-year-old from West Palm Beach, FL, was the anchor rider and was the only one on her team who had been to NAJYRC before. “I went last on the team and went clear, then we realized we were tied and had to jump-off,” she recalled. “I think I do better under pressure, and they were depending on me if I went clear (to make a jump-off). My horse was great. In the second round, she knew what to do.”

There were five double clear rounds today: Garza, Strauss, and Toffolon, as well as Dana Scott (Zone 1) on Whatever RV and Lucas Porter (Zone 7/10) with Phineas. The top 25 riders will return for the final day of Individual competition on Saturday, while the remaining riders are invited to compete in the Farewell class on Friday.

USA and Canada Each Take Gold in Reining

Reining Junior Team Gold medalists from USA South Central: Matthew Verser, James Michael Phillips, and Victoria Cartillar with Chef d'Equipe Dell Hendricks (Waltenberry)
Reining Junior Team Gold medalists from USA South Central: Matthew Verser, James Michael Phillips, and Victoria Cartillar with Chef d’Equipe Dell Hendricks (Waltenberry)

The SmartPak North American Junior and Young Riders’ Reining Championship reached fever pitch today with the Team competition for Juniors and Young Riders at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

With Gold medals for both nations in respective divisions, the top of the podium and hardware was evenly divided at the North American Championship today with Team USA South Central taking gold in the Junior division and Team Canada golden in the Young Rider division.

With a score of 419.5, the American team, comprised of Mathew Verser and James Michael Phillips, pulled off a miraculous win with only two active riders. Riding Sunrise in Hollywood (Verser) and Shining Shoes (Phillips), their respective scores of 206.5 and 213 were reflective of their strong efforts in the competition.

The Junior USA Team was down to two riders after Gimme Major Bucks, ridden by Victoria Cartillar (17, Wynne, AK), unfortunately did not pass the jog. However, since they were present at the jog, Cartillar received a Gold medal.

Chef d’Equipe Dell Hendricks said, “This team did a great job. They had huge hurdles to overcome with only two horses to show, but they kept fighting their way through. That’s the real fun about being on a team – when you come through when you’re not supposed to.”

Cartillar added, “It’s a really great experience to be here with a team and support your team through everything, to make sure their horses are okay and they have a great ride.”

Verser (14, Jonesboro, AR) was happy with his ride and thought the stops were the best part of his pattern. He also enjoyed meeting people from other disciplines, from across the country and from other nations. Phillips (14, Hartsch, OK) agreed, “It’s cool to watch and learn what they do different from your sport and in their country. It’s fun to meet new people and learn about their horses and sport.”

Phillips added about his ride, “My horse listened and did what I wanted him to do. I couldn’t ask for him to do a better ride.”

The Silver medal went to Team Canada:

Emily Wilson (16, Oxbridge, ON) and Miss Cielo Chex – 0.0

Maxine Whiteside (14, Olds, AB) and Sailors Good Sackett – 0.0

Hannah Steed (14, Cochran, AB, CAN) and Lil Cat N Gun – 194.0

Haley Franc (15, Prince Albert, SK, CAN) and Jacs Shy Boy – 206.5

Reining Young Rider Gold medalists from Team Canada: Chef d'Equipe Wendy Dyer, Pearl Aebly, Madison Steed, and Stephanie Thomson (Waltenberry)
Reining Young Rider Gold medalists from Team Canada: Chef d’Equipe Wendy Dyer, Pearl Aebly, Madison Steed, and Stephanie Thomson (Waltenberry)

In the Young Rider Team Championships, the maple leaf flew high as Canada took the top of the podium. Consisting of Pearl Aebly (18, Okotoks, AB, CAN) riding Ms Smart Hollywood (score 208.5), Stephanie Thomson (18, Fort McMurray, AB, CAN) showing Jacs Docsan (score 212) and Madison Steed (17, Cochran, AB, CAN) aboard Jumpin Jac Trash (score 211), the Canadian team repeated their years of success in the Young Rider division, taking medals home once again. This was the first time for all three riders at NAJYRC.

Aebly commented that the Alltech Arena was amazing. “I love it here,” she expressed. “I was also happy with how my ride went. She’s a great horse. The best parts were her circles and her stops.”

Thomson enjoyed the victory gallop after their Gold medal podium. “I’ve always wanted to do that!” she exclaimed.

Steed agreed and added that she loved being on a team and being a part of Team Canada. “We went in with a plan to have a good, easy, calm round and show the judges that Canada is here. It means a lot, to be able to represent your country at a huge event like this. To come here and get the Gold, with us being beginners here, was awesome.”

The Silver medal went to Team USA South Central:

Jonathan Stepka (16, Little Rock, AR) and Sweet Mega Brown – 211.5

Jake Letner (20, Harris, MO) and A Genuine Diamond – 210.5

Jamie Erickson (18, Keytesville, MO) and Rocky Mountain Whiz – 206.5

Riders advance to the Individual medal round on Saturday after a day of rest on Friday. With another set of medals available, North America’s top young riders vie for honors once again.

Eventing Begins with CCI1* Dressage

Eventing started their journey to the medal podiums today with the dressage phase for the CCI1* (Junior) riders. Area V leads the way in the Team competition with 155.9 penalties. Area III is in second with 157.7, while the combined team of Areas VII & VIII is in third on 159.7.

Individually, Lauren Clark of Team Canada-Ontario is leading with 47.7 penalties on Yoscha Bosche. Sitting in second is Nicole Doolittle (Area III) on Tops, who has 48.1 penalties. Reagan LaFleur (Area V) is in third with 49.6 penalties on Orient des Touches.

Tomorrow’s competition will include the Endurance race, which will start at 6:30 am in front of the Alltech Arena. The Eventing dressage continues tomorrow with the CCI2* riders. Dressage will contest Individual medals for Juniors and Young Riders in the afternoon, while the Jumping Farewell class takes place at 3 pm in the Walnut Ring.

For full results or to learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.

USEF Network presented by SmartPak will live stream the entirety of Saturday’s events from the Rolex Stadium during NAJYRC as well as the Individual Reining from the Alltech Arena. Visit www.usefnetwork.com to find out more and watch!

NAJYRC showcases the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in dressage, eventing, jumping, reining, and endurance. Young equestrians from across the continent will descend on the Kentucky Horse Park to vie for FEI medals at these Championships.

For sponsorship information, visit www.youngriders.org/Sponsors.aspx.

Jennifer Wood and Brad Ettleman for USEF

Competitions, Show Jumping

The First Annual Champions Grand Prix Presented by Eric Lamaze to Premiere in August at Angelstone Tournaments

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North America’s Top Show Jumpers Will Compete for FEI World Ranking Points and a $100,000 Purse

Rockwood, ON – July 17, 2013 – As the summer show jumping season shifts from Alberta Eastward to Quebec and Ontario, preparations are underway at Angelstone Tournaments. Three weeks of equestrian competition in August will be highlighted by one of the East Coast’s most anticipated events of the season, The Champions Grand Prix, presented by Eric Lamaze on Saturday, August 24th.

“In conversations with Eric Lamaze, it became clear that we shared a vision of launching an annual marquee event in Ontario that would attract a field of top-notch competitors. The Champions Grand Prix is our vision come to life,” said Angelstone President Keean White. “We are grateful to Eric for his collaboration on The Champions and for lending his support to an event that we hope will grow into one of the most prestigious titles on the North American competition circuit.”

The Champions Grand Prix will be held on Saturday, August 24th at 6:00pm, at Angelstone, one of North America’s newest show jumping destinations. Riders will compete for both FEI World Ranking Points and a $100,000 purse, the largest offered in the province of Ontario. Located near Rockwood, Ontario, less than hour’s drive northwest of the city of Toronto, the facility is an easy trip for spectators looking for a fun time for the entire family. Admission for The Champions will be free to the general public, making the event truly inclusive and accessible, integral to Angelstone’s priority of raising the profile of show jumping to a wider audience within the surrounding region.

Additionally, Lamaze will be leading a unique clinic experience on the previous evening, Friday, August 23rd. The event will provide a rare opportunity for the equestrian community to gain valuable insights into Eric’s approach to riding, while allowing the Olympic Individual Gold Medalist to give back to the country’s next generation of talented riders and enthusiasts. The clinic is open to the public, and all proceeds will benefit Angelstone’s Commitment to Educate Scholarship Program, supporting the post-secondary dreams of the area’s young people.

Angelstone Tournaments’ August series will feature the Ottawa Launch Event in Rockwood from August 7th to 11th and The National Phase I and II, August 21st to 25th and August 28th to September 1st. Each week will feature main events on Thursday and Saturday nights starting at 6:00PM.

Spectators are encouraged to visit the venue’s website at www.angelstone.co for more information on attending the Grand Prix events this August.

About Angelstone Tournaments:

Founded in 2010, Angelstone has grown into one of the East Coast’s pre-eminent equestrian parks, showcasing world-calibre hunter, jumper and dressage competitions over nine weeks.  Located in the picturesque countryside, Northwest of Toronto, the facility attracts thousands of spectators from across North America, making Angelstone one of the most visited sporting venues in Southwestern Ontario.  For 2013, the venue will host up to a thousand horses during each competition week, offering a prize purse exceeding one million dollars.

About Eric Lamaze:

In his Olympic debut in 2008, Eric won the Individual Gold Medal riding the great Hickstead and helped Canada capture the Team Silver. These remarkable achievements represent the greatest success ever of the Canadian Equestrian Team at the Olympic Games. At the end of the 2008 year, Eric became number one in the Rolex World Rider Rankings, a feat he has since repeated on numerous occasions.

With Hickstead, a stallion small in stature but huge in heart, Eric won countless grand prix events in some of the most impressive show jumping venues in the world. At both the 2007 and 2011 editions of the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament, Eric and Hickstead won the $1 million CN International, the richest grand prix event in the world. Before his tragic death at the Verona horse show in November of 2011, Hickstead won several major grand prix titles including Geneva (2008), Aachen (2010), La Baule (2011), and Rome (2011). Partnered with Eric since he was seven years old, Hickstead won more than $3.75 million (Canadian) in prize money during his career and was widely acknowledged as the best show jumping horse of his era.

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