30 June 2013 – Aachen, Germany – Nick Skelton (GBR) today proved that things really do get better with age when he won the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen and thereby becomes the first ‘live’ contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2013.
Riding his favourite horse Big Star, Skelton was one of only three riders who went double clear in the first two rounds, and he then topped off a stunning afternoon of Show Jumping with a clear, quick round in the jump-off, beating the 26-year-old Swiss rider Janika Sprunger riding Palloubet d’Halong into second place, and Patrice Delaveau (FRA) on Orient Express HDC into third. Daniel Deusser, riding Cornet d’Amour, was the leading German rider in fourth place, and unlucky to have a time fault in the first round, his only penalty over two rounds of jumping.
This is Skelton’s fourth victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen and makes him the most successful rider to compete in the highlight of the famous World Equestrian Festival. His first title was over 30 years ago in 1982 when riding Everest If Ever, and he has had subsequent victories in 1987 and 1988 riding Raffles Apollo.
Commenting on his win today, Skelton said, “My first win here was a long time ago; Janika probably wasn’t even born then, but although I am getting on a bit it’s all about your horse and how good a horse you have. I’m lucky that I’ve got a good horse and can keep going.”
Forty horse and rider combinations qualified for the Rolex Grand Prix, and the first round saw eight go clear. The format of the competition dictates that numbers reduce to 18 for the second round, and faults are carried forward.
The second round saw eight of the eighteen go clear including successful rounds from Rolex Testimonees Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) on Bella Donna and Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Nino des Buissonnets, but only three went through to the jump off which was won so emphatically by Nick Skelton.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping features three of the world’s greatest equestrian shows – the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and CHI Geneva – and is the first global initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins the Grand Prix at each show in succession. The winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping will be rewarded with a €1 million bonus prize.
Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – The Rules
The rules of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping are simple: any rider that wins the Grand Prix at each of the three shows consecutively will receive €1m on top of the prize-money for each show’s Grand Prix. Moreover, any rider that wins two out of the three shows’ Grands Prix will also receive a bonus.
If the Grands Prix at two shows are won in succession, the bonus will be €500,000. If a rider is successful in qualifying for the “two out of three mode”, but doesn’t claim the victories at two consecutive shows’ Grands Prix, the bonus will be €250,000. It is only the rider that counts, not the horse, i.e. it is possible to claim the bonus riding different horses. This system is infinite; it is not limited to a calendar year.
Three wins in a row – €1,000,000
Two wins in a row – €500,000
Two wins out of three (not consecutively) – €250,000
Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra Win $33,000 West Canadian Cup 1.50m
Calgary, AB – June 30, 2013 – The ‘Canada One’ Tournament came to a close today with two top competitions in the Meadows on the Green at Spruce Meadows. The highlight of the week, the $100,000 ESSO Challenge 1.60m CSI-W, was an exciting finish for Leslie Howard (USA) and Tic Tac, who took the top prize. Pablo Barrios (VEN) and Zara Leandra were victorious in the $33,000 West Canadian Cup 1.50m.
The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments continue next week with the ‘North American’ Tournament CSI 5* on July 3-7. It will feature the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby and the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
There were 32 entries in the $100,000 ESSO Challenge 1.60m CSI-W, and they were jumping over a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada. There were seven clears in the first round and it led to an exciting jump-off.
Conor Swail (IRL) and Martha Louise were the first to go in the competition and in the jump-off. They had eight faults in 45.44 seconds and finished in seventh place. Andres Rodriguez (VEN) and Caballito had one rail down in 41.52 seconds and took sixth place.
Christine McCrea (USA) and Zerly were the first to go double clear. They stopped the timers in 40.70 seconds, which would hold up for second place.
McCrea was very pleased with how Zerly reacted to today’s competition. “She’s a little bit inexperienced at that level, so I was really happy with how she held her brain together,” she noted. “She just jumped the jumps and didn’t overreact about anything. She has a tendency to take over. She really wants to do her job and get to the next jump, so it was nice that she was so rideable.”
In a weird twist of timing, the next two riders barely made it into the jump-off. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Southwind VDL and Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Powerplay went one after the other in the first round and both finished on exactly 82.00 seconds, which was the time allowed. Since the time is only recorded to the hundredth place, they both advanced.
Foster and Southwind VDL were clear as well in the jump-off, but a slower time of 45.26 seconds slotted them into fourth place. Lamaze and Powerplay were just faster in 41.19 seconds and they finished in third place.
Lamaze was very happy with how Powerplay has advanced in the three weeks of showing that they have been together. “I really feel that Spruce Meadows is a great venue to make up a horse,” he said. “A horse always leaves here a better horse. My horse did some big classes with Pius Schwizer before. This was for me to get used to the horse. I do believe that this horse has even gotten better just with competing here and jumping at this venue with these types of fences. My horse for sure has improved.”
Last year’s ESSO Challenge winners, Ashlee Bond (USA) and Cadett 7, were next in the jump-off, but it was not to be two in a row for them. They had four faults in 40.32 seconds and finished fifth.
Howard and Tic Tac, a 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse stallion by Clinton x Darco owned by Jane Clark, had the prime position as last to go in the jump-off. They made a very quick turn back from fences two to three and from there, went on to stay smooth and quick. They finished clear in 39.22 seconds for the win.
Howard said this was the fastest she has ever gone with Tic Tac and that the course was nice for her. “You could keep one gallop, outside of the one turn after the in-and-out, which did get sloppy for me. But it was a nice course. There was no place where you had to really fly. Well, I sort of did to the last jump!” she laughed.
With more speed over the first three jumps on course, that’s where Howard felt she made up time. She pointed out, “I thought he was beautiful one to three. What was so nice was that he was so with me in the turn to the wall, and then over the wall, I just told him where the next jump was. He really locked into it like radar. There was never a question that he didn’t know where he was going.”
Howard and Tic Tac have not been paired together for long, and she has worked on his rideability and consistency. Agreeing with Lamaze, Howard felt that since Tic Tac has been showing at Spruce Meadows, it has “really been an upward path every day.”
She continued, “He’s scopey, careful, and getting nicer and nicer to ride all the time. He’s a great competitor. When he goes in the ring, he tries harder than he does outside the ring, which is the biggest quality of a show horse. It was just getting to know his moves and he had to know my moves. He has a little bit of a tricky mouth, and now it’s actually fine. The training was what was the little chink that was missing.”
Howard also mentioned that Tic Tac’s “biggest asset” is his soundness. She explained, “In our sport, the biggest problem we all have is that we’re asking these athletes to perform at the top of their level every time we walk in the ring and you need an incredibly strong animal, and he is that.”
With a win today, Howard gained points to qualify for the FEI World Cup Finals. “Obviously I’d love to go. I haven’t been in probably 10 years. I’m starting to pack my bags!” she said with a smile.
Barrios Takes Less Risk for the Reward
The $33,000 West Canadian Cup 1.50m had 42 entries, and 15 were clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off. Coming into the ring tenth in the jump-off order, Barrios knew there were no totally clear rounds. The best at that point was Jos Verlooy (BEL) on Farfelu de la Pomme, who had one time fault in 44.80 seconds, which would hold up for fourth place.
Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra
Barrios and Zara Leandra, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Metropole x Ahorn owned by ZL Group Inc., took the outside track to the final line, which had a double combination to a large oxer. They finished clear in 41.12 seconds for the win.
Barrios related, “I was pretty much at the end, so I really tried to go clean and not take too much risk to place in the top three, or for sure in the top five.”
Second place went to Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Everly Chin de la Pomme, who were clear and just slower in 41.32 seconds. Paolo Amilibia (ESP) and Notre Star de la Nutria were third with a clear round in 43.21 seconds.
Barrios was very happy with Zara Leandra’s performance today since she had not felt as comfortable for the past two weeks at Spruce Meadows. He explained, “The mare is really good and she really was struggling in the last two weeks. I think I made a mistake and put her in the big grand prix the first week. She’s only nine. She’s capable to do it, but she really got impressed. She didn’t jump bad, but she started to jump a little worried on the back rails. Finally today I got some tips from friends that helped me a lot. She jumped really different today.”
Barrios has ridden Zara Leandra just over a year and they have had top wins in Wellington and Kentucky. “I love her. She’s very simple. She’s quick and is a very smart horse,” he said.
Barrios said his position in the jump-off suited his plan, as he didn’t want to go all out. “I didn’t want to take too much risk,” he acknowledged. “There was an inside turn to the double, but I didn’t see it necessary to do it, especially with no clears before me. I’m happy and I told my groom that this was one of those times when it’s your time to win. That was a slow jump-off for me and we won. Sometimes you go so fast and you place fifth.”
The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments continue on July 3-7 with the ‘North American.’ For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Rebekah, diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Her wish: a horse with a saddle – she received horse, saddle, vet services, food and other accessories.
The “Rider’s Horse Show” Returns on August 7-11, 2013
Hampton Falls, NH – July 1, 2013 – Excitement continues to build for the inaugural Silver Oak Jumper Tournament as the electrifying sport of show jumping is set to make a return to the Silver Oak Equestrian Center at 340 Exeter Road in Hampton Falls, NH on August 7-11, 2013.
The all jumper show is expected to draw a world-class line-up of stars from the United States and Canada and entries from across the globe. The event will offer divisions for children, adults, juniors and amateurs in addition to a big money international open jumper division.
In addition to the great sport of show jumping, a very worthwhile charity will join the equestrians on center stage when the horses return to New Hampshire in August. Children’s Wish Foundation International is dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to children with life-threatening illness around the world. This dedication has created memorable experiences for children and families in 53 countries.
“I chose CWFI when I wanted a named charity for my book ‘Unbridled Passion’; it was Ian Millar and his experience with Big Ben and a child that put me together with them,” said Show Chairman Jeff Papows. “I was so taken by the kindness of the staff and their mission that I ultimately joined their Board of Directors. These Children and their families need a ray of sunshine; our sport can be just that.”
Papows continued, “We are so blessed to have our horses and such a beautiful sport to consume out thoughts and lives. It’s important we give back as a sport, and I’ve found our athletes to be of that character; they respond whenever we need a star to make a hospital visit, sign a book or get involved.”
The charity was founded when Children’s Wish Foundation International Executive Director Linda Dozoretz lost her eldest daughter Susan to bone cancer. After spending years caring for her daughter, she began volunteering with local organizations to raise money for cancer research. For her efforts, she was awarded a trip to Disneyland. Linda chose to give that trip to “a little girl who would never grow up,” thus fulfilling the first of thousands of wishes to date. Since that time she has continued to fulfill wishes for children and in 1985, formed Children’s Wish Foundation International.
Andi, diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor. Her wish: a miniature horse of her own to love and take care of
“Immediately upon joining Children’s Wish Foundation International’s Executive Board of Directors, Dr. Papows leveraged his extensive expertise and professional network to enhance our brand and the important work we do,” said Children’s Wish Foundation International Executive Director Linda Dozoretz. “His energy, enthusiasm and his efforts are exemplary. While the entire Children’s Wish staff, and I personally, are immeasurably grateful for Jeff’s continuing leadership and support in taking our organization to new heights, the real impact of his contribution lies with the unfortunate children for which this Foundation was created. Each day we strive to make to their lives better, happier, and more fulfilling. Jeff Papows shares this vision, and has helped us to make it a reality. Never before have we experienced such positive impact in such short order,” she said.
“It is the greatest honor for Children’s Wish Foundation International to have been chosen to be the official charity of an event as special as the Silver Oaks Jumper Tournament,” Dozoretz added. “The riders, the sponsors, as well as the guests are the most gracious I have met. The proceeds from the event will help CWFI fulfill numerous wishes, and be able to bring joy to children going through the worst tragedy possible.”
Children’s Wish Foundation International has been awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. The seal is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.
One of the beautiful examples of the charity in action is the story of Samuel.
Samuel is an energetic kid with one goal in life: to play soccer… but not just anywhere. He wished to play with his uncle, Luciano, who manages a team in New York City. Both Samuel and his uncle share this common bond. Samuel’s uncle lost a son to cancer before Samuel was born, and now Samuel has the same devastating diagnosis.
Children’s Wish Foundation fulfilled Samuel’s Wish to travel from Italy to America so he could play soccer with his uncle and the team. Samuel was surprised, not once, but twice! While playing with his uncle and the team, 50 of Samuel’s family members came out to see him play and to throw him a surprise birthday party. They had an Italian picnic with a photographer to capture the entire day.
Since its inception, Children’s Wish Foundation has continued to expand its programs to enhance the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. Recognizing the families’ needs outside of the scope of wish fulfillment, they stepped up their commitment to the children by developing a hospital enrichment program wherein they place educational and entertainment materials in children’s hospitals throughout the world. They also created a Family Focus program that allows the Wish Families a respite from hospital and treatments.
CWFI, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is an international Foundation, fulfilling wishes for children around the world, yet keeping costs to a minimum by maintaining only one office and a small staff. They take pride in providing personal attention to each family, developing and maintaining relationships with them that last years after their child’s wish has been fulfilled. To ensure that the families can reach someone at any time, each staff member carries a cell phone, resulting in availability 24 hours a day. Additionally, they have the help of volunteers worldwide, allowing them to bring happiness to children in communities across the globe.
All wishes are fulfilled through the loving support of corporations and individuals who care about the happiness of the Wish Children. Individuals also give annually, or may choose to donate in lieu of a gift honoring a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or in memory of a loved one who has passed away. All contributions are tax-deductible. CWFI is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax receipts for all donations are provided.
Silver Oak Equestrian Center, located right off Route 95 less than 50 miles from Boston, has built a reputation as one of the leading equestrian sports venues in New England. Its 150-acre facility is dedicated to providing a first-class experience for equestrian competitors and spectators alike. Silver Oak’s unique grounds offer one of the country s largest grass Grand Prix and Derby fields along with four all-weather rings featuring world-class GGT footing.
“This is going to be a first-class event and a great facility and we’re going to showcase the sport of show jumping the way it should be,” Papows added.
What:
Now under new management, Olympic caliber Show Jumping is set to return to Hampton Falls, NH from August 7 – August 11, 2013 for the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament. We look forward to beginning a new era as we bring world-class competition and exciting entertainment to Hampton Falls. Equestrian Estate Planning Group will be title sponsor of the $75,000 Grand Prix. The show benefits the Children’s Wish Foundation International.
Silver Oak Equestrian Center
340 Exeter Road
Hampton Falls, NH 03844
From I-95:
Take Exit Route 101 West, pay toll
Follow 101W and take Exit 12
Turn left of the exit and follow to the end of the road
Turn right onto Route 27/111 W-Hampton Road
Travel one mile and turn left on Route 88, Hampton Falls Road
Follow for two miles
Silver Oak Equestrian Center is on the right
From I-93:
Take Exit 7, Route 101E
Take Exit 11, Route 108S
Merge onto Route 108, Portsmouth Avenue
Turn left onto Route 88-Holland Way
Turn right onto Route 27/111, High Street
Turn left onto Route 88, Hampton Falls Road
Follow for two miles
Silver Oak Equestrian Center is on the right
Information:
Silver Oak Equestrian Center
340 Exeter Road Hampton Falls, New Hampshire info@silveroakjumpertournament.com
1-617-281-2953
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings will be located on the grounds at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament.
Additional Contacts:
Caren Bayne, Director of Sponsorship CABayne@aol.com
Telephone: (617) 678-3677
Management:
Mike Belisle
Show Manager mjrbelisle@yahoo.com
Telephone: (203) 605-1935
Horse Show Secretary:
John & Pam Rush
Rush Management, Inc.
2344 Laurel Road
Jacksonville, FL 32207-4139
904-396-4106 (phone)
904-592-6604 (fax) www.rushshows.com
Advertising:
Caren Bayne, Director of Sponsorship CABayne@aol.com
Telephone: (617) 678-3677
Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax) pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com PhelpsMediaGroup.com
Aachen, Germany – The 2013 CHIO Aachen came to a close on Sunday with its ninth and final day of competition. The U.S. competitors continued to produce strong finishes to complete one of their most successful trips to the prestigious German venue in recent years.
Dressage
The Aachen CDIO5* concluded Sunday in the Deutsche Bank Stadium as 15 combinations performed their Freestyles in the Deutsche Bank Prize. The United States was represented by three London Olympic Games veterans, with Steffen Peters, Tina Konyot and Jan Ebeling achieving their highest scores of the weekend.
Leading the charge for the U.S. was Peters (San Diego, CA) and Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92 with a score of 78.675%. The 11-year-old-Westphalian gelding was again rewarded for his excellent piaffe and passage. The combination also received high marks for their music and its interpretation. However, they did struggle with the one time changes keeping them from achieving an even higher score.
The 2012 USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Champions finished the Deutsche Bank Prize in sixth place.
Konyot (Palm City, FL) and her own 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion Calecto V closed out their time in Aachen by scoring 74.900% in the Freestyle for 10th place. The 2010 USEF National Grand Prix Champions received high marks for their choreography and interpretation of their music.
Riding Ann Romney, Amy Ebeling, and Beth Meyers’ 16-year-old Oldenburg mare Rafalca, Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) finished the Deutsche Bank Prize in 13th place after scoring 72.025%. The 2012 London Olympic Games veterans were rewarded with high scores for their canter work.
Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover was very pleased with all the American riders efforts over the week in Aachen. He was pleased not only with U.S. performances in CDIO5* competition but also the showings in the CDI-U25 and CDI4* divisions.
“Our American dressage riders came to Aachen to make a very strong statement regarding our place as a world power in the sport and they did just that. Not only did our team produce Bronze in the Nations Cup and move all 4 riders to the Individual Championships with our 3 best getting into the Freestyle; they ended with the great Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 in 6th place, Tina Konyot and Calecto V in 10th and Jan Ebeling and Rafalca in 13th place! Furthermore, Shelly Francis rode brilliantly on Doktor in her first season back in Europe after many years to achieve just under 70% in the Grand Prix Special as well as producing super tests with Danilo in the Small Tour,” said a proud Dover. “Suzie Dutta placed 6th with Currency DC in the 4* Grand Prix Special, showing potential for a huge score very soon. Finally, Caroline Roffman, America’s first representative in Europe in the U25, thrilled the judges and the public with absolutely gorgeous tests, especially in the Freestyle which earned over 76% and 2nd place. The world of Dressage has witnessed a new star being born here in the Aachen stadium and I cannot wait to come back next year with even more horses and riders ready to win at all divisions.”
The 2013 Reem Acra/FEI World Cup Final champions, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill completed a sweep of the Aachen CDIO5*, winning the Freestyle after scoring 85.300%.
Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ (Shannon Brinkman)
Jumping
CSIO5* competition wrapped up Sunday in the Main Arena with the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, NY) was looking to claim her second career victory in prestigious class after having claimed top honors in 2007 with Authentic. In 2013 she would partner with Abigail Wexner’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Cortes ‘C’. The combination produced a faultless effort in the first round, they then returned in round two to produce a four fault trip. Their second round time of 71.27 left them in seventh place.
Great Britain’s Team Gold medalists from London Olympic Games, Nick Skeleton and Big Star, won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen as the only pair clear in the jump-off. Janika Sprunger and Palloubet d’Halong of Switzerland were second and France’s Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC collected third place honors.
Earlier in the day, Madden produced a four fault trip with Wexner’s Vanilla in the SAP Prize. The 11-year-old Danish Warmblood mare finished in in 26th place.
Driving
The CAIO-4 competition came to a close Sunday in Aachen with the Fendt Nations Cup cones phase to determine final team standings. The U.S. Team of Chester Weber and Jimmy Fairclough finished in sixth place on a score of 305.15.
Chester Weber (Shannon Brinkman)
Driving a team he co-owns with Jane Clark, Weber (Ocala, FL) had a single ball down on Sunday to add three points to the team score. In the Individual competition, which concluded on Sunday after the marathon, the four-time FEI World Championship medalist finished in third place on a score of 125.78.
Fairclough (Newtown, NJ), driving a team leased from Koos de Ronde, had a single ball down and incurred an additional 5.79 points for exceeding the time. He finished 23rd individually.
The Netherlands claimed top honors in Fendt Nations Cup competition on a score of 262.85, finishing in second was the team from Germany on a score of 270.11. Third place honors when to Sweden who finished on a total of 286.77.
Chester Weber finished third overall in individual four-in-hand driving competition at CHIO Aachen (Shannon Brinkman)
Aachen, Germany – A full day of competition at CHIO Aachen Saturday included eventing cross country, the four-in-hand driving marathon, and a full schedule of dressage and jumping competition. Strong performances in every discipline were highlighted by a second place finish for Caroline Roffman in the CDI-U25 Freestyle and a third place overall for Chester Weber in the CAIO-4 individual competition.
Driving
After a trying final phase of individual CAIO-4 competition Saturday, Chester Weber (Ocala, FL) once again proved to be one of the world’s foremost four-in-hand drivers. Behind a team he co-owns with Jane Clark, Weber steadily and successfully navigated the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon course in Aachen on his way to a third place overall finish.
A stunning first place dressage test on Thursday, a fifth place finish in Friday’s cones phase, and a 14th place finish Saturday earned Weber a spot on the podium with an overall score of 125.78. Leading the pack was reigning FEI World Champion Boyd Exell of Australia on a score of 118.46, and in second was The Netherland’s Koos de Ronde with an overall score of 124.81.
Driving a team of horses leased from de Ronde was American Jimmy Fairclough. Fairclough (Newtown, NJ) was 20th in the marathon and ended up in 23rd place overall.
Though Saturday concluded the individual CAIO-4 competition, the final phase of team competition awaits Weber and Fairclough on Sunday. With the team dressage and marathon phases complete, final placings will be determined by the Prize of H&T Automotive Components obstacle (cones) competition. Currently, the U.S. team of Weber and Fairclough sits in fifth place.
Dressage
U.S. dressage riders had top performances against stiff competition at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 were the top U.S. pair in the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special with an eighth place finish. Caroline Roffman and Sagacious HF had an impressive showing in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix Freestyle claiming second place honors. In the CDI4* Small Tour Shelly Francis and Danilo were tenth in the Intermediaire I Test.
Caroline Roffman (Wellington, FL) and Sagacious HF performed a wonderful Grand Prix U25 Freestyle for the Preis der Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger Stiftung class. The pair did a daring compilation of movements timed well to their music, especially the piaffe and passage. With Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s 14-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, Roffman executed two tempi flying changes around the corners and along the short side of the arena, as well as one-handed two tempi flying changes on the centerline. The pair was rewarded with a 76.275% to finish in second place.
Eventing
Cross country day proved to be influential at the Aachen CICO3* at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister tackled the final phase with determination and finished in tenth place in a field of world-class horses and riders. The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team finished in seventh place after unfortunate results plagued them throughout the day. Though a disappointing end, the horses and riders come away with valuable experience that will serve them well when they next contest an international competition on such a grand stage.
Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister on their way to a tenth place finish (Shannon Brinkman)
Coudray (Ojai, CA) and Ringwood Magister had a stellar round over Rüdiger Schwarz’s cross country course with 35 jumping efforts. The pair made light work of the extensive, challenging course. Adding 14.8 time penalties to their dressage score, she and Jatial Inc.’s 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding finished in tenth place with a score of 57.8.
Jumping
Saturday morning was the final leg of the Sparkasse Youngsters Cup. Laura Kraut and Stars And Stripes’ Bonito R gave it their all, but finished with 12 faults. They finished with a total of 14 points which was good for 21st place overall in the Sparkasse Youngsters Cup.
In the Prize of AachenMünchener, Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, FL) piloted A. Le Bon & F.X. Le Bon’s Jubilee d’Ouilly to a four fault round and a 13th place finish.
Kraut’s fellow U.S. rider Beezie Madden (Casenovia, NY) will look to find success Sunday in the CSIO5* Aachen highlight class, the Rolex Grand Prix. She and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ will be first on course tomorrow. You can hear what she has to say about the Grand Prix and CHIO Aachen on USEF Network.
Crooks Has Inaugural International Win, Swail Continues with Consistency
Calgary, AB – June 28, 2013 – The ‘Canada One’ Tournament had three feature competitions in the Meadows on the Green today with winners from three different countries. Canada’s 10-time Olympian, Ian Millar, took the win in the $33,000 Duncan Ross Cup 1.50m with Dixson. In her first international win at Spruce Meadows, Lauren Crooks (USA) and Navare D’Oriolles were fastest in the $33,000 Westjet Cup 1.45m. Conor Swail of Ireland rode Game Ready to victory in the $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m.
The ‘Canada One’ Tournament wraps up on Sunday with the $100,000 Esso Challenge, the third FEI World Cup qualifier to be held at Spruce Meadows this summer. Admission and parking are complimentary for this week.
The $33,000 Duncan Ross Cup 1.50m had 44 entries, and they competed over a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada. Five were clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off. First up was Eric Navet (FRA) on Quanto Fino 2. They were clear in a conservative time of 47.420 seconds for third place.
Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam brought the winning pace down to 46.701 seconds on Diktator van de Boslandhoeve, which would hold up for second place. Fourth place went to Leslie Howard (USA) on Utah after they had four faults in 43.447 seconds.
Millar and Dixson were next in and they started with speed to the first jump. They finished with no faults in a quick time of 42.999 seconds. Millar said afterward, “Dixson’s a naturally fast horse. My idea was to go along as quickly as I could without putting the jumps at too big a risk. It boiled down to a very efficient round. I didn’t need to go quite as fast, but you never know with one behind you. You hate to leave it. I wanted to make sure.”
The last horse in was Skylubet with Nicolas Pizarro of Mexico. They had eight faults in 47.801 seconds for fifth place.
Millar has been competing at Spruce Meadows since its inception and he was happy to win with yet another horse in the main ring. This is Dixson’s first year competing at Spruce Meadows and his first win. The 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding is by Vigo D’Arsouilles x Olisco and owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. “He seems to enjoy Spruce Meadows. He’s a grand horse and I have big hopes for him,” Millar said.
He continued, “What Spruce Meadows has done for our sport in Canada is unbelievable. It’s helped to make our teams competitive around the world. That’s a big deal. It continues to help with the development of the riders. We’d have to travel to Europe and all over the place to get the experience and exposure for our riders and horses. It wouldn’t be practical to do. Here we have it right in our own country. I’ve been a great believer and supporter of Spruce Meadows. It’s a real thrill for me to have continued success here.”
Millar said that the level of show jumping at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments has “risen tremendously.” He recalled, “If you go way back, it used to be one week here, then two weeks, and now we have five weeks of jumping. It used to be national and some Americans would come, and now it truly is international with top riders from all over the world. It’s just as competitive in many ways as the ‘Masters’ would be. You’re only as good as those you compete against, so to have this opportunity to be pushed by these horse/rider combinations that are so fantastic is just nothing but good for us.”
Millar was complimentary of Dixson and even drew some parallels to his most famous partner, Big Ben, noting that in the maternal bloodlines, he believes Dixson’s grandmother is Big Ben’s full sister. “Talk about an interesting thing. Okay, am I imagining things to say there are certain similarities in the character? But there really are,” he expressed.
While Millar terms Dixson as “a very easygoing guy,” he still has a very strong character, and that it takes persuasion and not force to make him successful. “You have to get him to buy into the ideas. You have to sort of sell it to him and convince him as to why he should partner with you on a certain venture. Then he’s right with you all the way,” he described.
Millar believes that Dixson has this in common with all top horses. “I believe that if you have to take the wins from a horse, there is a finite number of wins you can take. If a horse gives you those wins, the number that you may receive is infinite,” he commented. “Dixson gives me his efforts. I didn’t take anything tonight; he was right in the game with me.”
Lauren Crooks and Navare D’Oriolles
Crooks Takes First International Win at Spruce Meadows
The finish of the $33,000 Westjet Cup 1.45m could not have been any closer, with only one-thousandth of a second separating first and second place. With the slimmest margin of victory, Lauren Crooks (USA) and Navare D’Oriolles, a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Derby Rouge x Le Gregol owned by Beatrice Mack, scored their first international victory at Spruce Meadows.
Crooks was one of eight combinations that made it to the jump-off. She and Navare D’Oriolles set the winning time at 39.833 seconds. Three horses later, Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Wang Chung M2S sped around the shortened course and finished a hair slower in 39.834 seconds. While the results are usually recorded to the hundredth of a second, it was necessary to go to the third decimal point to find the winner.
“The jump-off was a little tricky,” Crooks admitted. “There was a tight turn back inside to the wall. I honestly think that’s where I made up most of my time. My horse is so brave and he just found that exactly how I wanted it. I was then able to fly to the last jump on another inside turn. He really stepped up to the plate.”
Third place went to Jill Henselwood (CAN) and New Idol Z, who had one time fault in 46.62 seconds. Jordan MacPherson (CAN) and Piccobello du Val de Geer made a great bid for the win in 37.55 seconds, but had a heartbreaking rail at the last jump.
Going into the jump-off knowing she still had five coming after her, including Lamaze, Crooks knew she had to stick to her plan. “I didn’t try to think about how fast Eric would be and let it affect my riding,” she remembered. “I just had to go as fast as I could. My horse is so quick in the air and so efficient over the ground that I really just had to steer him and be as comfortable as I could with that pace. He was wonderful.”
Crooks has been riding Navare D’Oriolles since November. She and her brother Sean recently moved their business, Crooks Show Jumping, back to their hometown of Seattle, WA, from New York and Florida. Navare D’Oriolles was previously ridden by Francis Tress Roig, who competed with him at the Central American Games. More recently, he showed in the junior jumpers with owner Beatrice Mack. He is currently for sale and campaigning with Crooks, who started in the 1.40m division this winter in Florida and finished second in the CSI 2* Thursday event at Thunderbird before Spruce Meadows.
Crooks described him as “so honest and light on his feet.” She added, “He’s scopey and you can just sit there and let him do his job. It’s wonderful because he’s really straightforward.”
Having arrived at Spruce Meadows a week ago, Crooks has made the most of her time here having won a 1.40m competition yesterday and her first international competition today. She said with a smile, “I’ve won (at Spruce Meadows) in the past, but yesterday was my first ‘Spruce cooler.’ Today and yesterday, I’ve been checking off big milestones for me. I’ve always looked up to the riders who ride in the International Ring here. It’s one of the hardest venues in the world. It’s always been a dream of mine to win here and to win in the bigger divisions too. This is just one step that I’ve checked off.”
When asked if she has ever seen a victory of this margin before, she laughed, “No. I’m just grateful my horse has a long neck and I kicked as hard as I could, I guess!”
Conor Swail and Game Ready Continue Consistency
Conor Swail and Game Ready
With so many entries in the 1.45m today, it was split into two $33,000 competitions. The first of those was the $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m and the winner was Conor Swail on Game Ready, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Andiamo x Polydox owned by Susan Grange. They were the fastest clear in 38.41 seconds out of seven in the jump-off and 40 total entries.
Second place went to Brianne Goutal (USA) on Zernike in 38.89 seconds, while Abigail McArdle (USA) and Cosma 20 were third with a time of 42.36 seconds.
Swail recounted, “In the jump-off, Brianne went in just in front of me and I was able to see her. She had a very good round, but he is also a very fast horse. It gave me a good idea of the speed that would be needed. Thankfully I beat her and no one beat me.”
While Game Ready has been showing in the 1.50m division, Swail decided to step him down to the 1.45m. “He obliged nicely and he enjoyed his easier day!” Swail commented.
Game Ready has a unique way of going, and Swail revealed that it took a while for their partnership to click. “I found him challenging,” he said. “The new relationship took a little while. He’s quite sensitive and he has his own way. I think it took him a while to get to know me also. It’s paying off now. He’s been unbelievably consistent since Florida. We’re both on the same page now.”
He continued, “He’s very careful. I never feel like I’m going to knock many jumps down. I think where he gets his speed (is that) he’s a little low. He’s good with his body and gets it high enough. It never feels unconventional even though sometimes it looks not so smooth. You have full confidence in him.”
While many find the path to victory in doing less strides than the horse in front of them, Swail thinks that Game Ready is faster because he doesn’t leave strides out. In turn, the horse stays confident. “He can do more steps and be faster. He’s shifty and very fast to turn. That’s where he gets a lot of his speed from,” he explained. “You can be quite safe with him and still be fast. I like my rounds to be repeatable. I like to be able to do that every time, not go and do something silly and hope you get away with it. I always try to keep the confidence high in my horses. We all want to win, but maybe sometimes it’s better to be second or third if you keep your horse happy and comfortable.”
Today’s win was yet another placing for Swail, who has had an incredible series having placed in 15 of the 19 FEI events offered so far. “It’s been unbelievable. It’s not normal,” he conceded. “The horses have just been amazing and I’m lucky to have Sue and Ariel Grange and her family giving me the opportunity. It’s a good relationship.”
The ‘Canada One’ Tournament continues tomorrow with the $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m in the All Canada Ring and the $50,000 RBC Financial Cup 1.60m in the Meadows on the Green. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Aachen, Germany – The fifth and final discipline hosted at the 2013 CHIO Aachen kicked off Friday, with many of the top eventers from throughout the world going head-to-head. Two of the three phases of CICO3* competition were held as elite combinations performed their dressage tests and went to task over a demanding show jumping track.
The U.S. will head out onto Saturday’s cross country in sixth place with all to play for. The four Land Rover Competition Grant recipients represented the U.S. admirably on Friday in Aachen’s electric atmosphere.
Dressage
Competition in the Aachen CICO3* began early Friday morning in the Deutsche Bank Stadium with 42 combinations completing their dressage tests. At the conclusion of the dressage, the U.S. stood in sixth place in the team standings but within striking distance on a score of 133.4. Germany held the early lead with a team total of 109.4, Australia stood second with a score of 120.2, and third place was occupied by the Swedish team on a score 123.60.
Leading the effort in the first phase for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team was 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games veteran Will Faudree (Hoffman, NC) and Jennifer Mosing’s Pawlow. The 14-year-old Irish Thoroughbred has completed many of the world’s most prestigious CCIs and demonstrated his experience with one of his best tests to date on Friday. The talented combination scored 40.6 and stood 13th following the dressage.
“I was very happy with him in dressage. He was very rideable,” said Faudree of his experienced mount. “I made a mistake in the beginning but we were able to patch it together. I was pleased with his mark but I know there is still more to come so I am looking forward to getting there.”
Tiana Coudray (Ojai, CA) rode in the second spot for the U.S. with Jatial Inc.’s 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse Ringwood Magister. The 2012 Olympic Games veterans performed their trademark accurate dressage test which was only marred by a mistake in the first half pass. They headed into the evening’s show jumping on a score of 43 in 20th place.
“I was really, really happy,” said Coudray about her dressage test. “It’s amazing when you have a 43 in dressage and are well down on the scoreboard. I couldn’t be happier with my horse.”
Riding Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Smoke on the Water, Marilyn Little (Frederick, MD) slotted into 28th place with a score of 49.8. The 8-year-old Wurttemburger gelding continues to mature each time down centerline and showed great potential for the future on Friday morning.
Clark Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Universe had the unenviable task of being the first competitors in the ring but were undeterred in their effort. Jessica Montgomery, Carole Montgomery, Janet Higgins, and Elizabeth Smith’s 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was rewarded with high marks for his trot work to finish the first phase on a score of 50.6 to stand 31st.
Following the completion of the dressage, Germany’s London Olympic Games Individual Bronze medalists Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo led the individual standings on a score of 31.8.
Jumping
The jumping phase of the competition was held Friday evening in the Main Stadium. Many horses seemed to be affected by the noisy atmosphere as rails were routinely coming down over Frank Rothenberger’s 12-obstacle course. The U.S. team remained in sixth place with a two-phase total of 141.4 going into Saturday’s cross country. When the phase was over, the U.S. team remained in sixth place with a score of 141.4 going into tomorrow’s final phase. Germany maintained their lead on a score of 113.4 while Great Britain moved into second place on the strength of tidy jumping on a total of 132.6 and Australia fell to third with a 133.2.
Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister (Shannon Brinkman)
Coudray and Ringwood Magister were the top U.S. performers and had one of 15 clear rounds. While the Irish Sport Horse gelding was quite strong, Coudray kept him organized and on task to remain on their dressage score of 43.0, moving them up to 10th place.
“I am thrilled,” proclaimed Coudray about her jumping round. “We have been playing with bits and I was trying new bit today since the large stadium encourages the horses to get strong. He jumped fantastic and handled the atmosphere great.”
Faudree rode Pawlow masterfully as the gelding took in his surroundings in the expansive arena. Unfortunately the pair had one rail at the penultimate fence, 11C, moving them down to 18th place with a score of 44.6.
“I was happy. He jumped fantastic,” said Faudree. “I was anxious to jump clear through the triple and tipped too much with my body and he just tapped the back rail [of the oxer]. Overall, it went well and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
RF Smoke on the Water was also feeling fresh in the Main Stadium. Little used her show jumping expertise to keep the gelding rideable, having one rail at fence three. The pair sits in 29th place with a score of 53.8.
Montgomery and Universe were the first combination in the arena and unfortunately had four rails over the course. The pair, regarded for their tidy jumping, experienced a disrupted warm-up before the show jumping following the completion of the Tank & Rast-Preis – Jump & Drive. They look to return to form on Saturday. They sit on a score 66.6 in 39th place heading into tomorrow’s cross country.
Germany’s Auffarth and Opgun Louvo remained in the lead with a double clear round to stay on their dressage score of 31.8.
Montgomery will be the first rider out on cross country at 10:00am CEST followed by Little at 11:20am CEST. Faudree will leave the start box at 11:44am CEST followed by Coudray at 12:16pm CEST.
Caroline Roffman and Sagacious HF (Stockimageservices.com)
Weber Maintains Lead Following Cones Phase, Roffman Is Second in CDI-U25
Aachen, Germany – Strong performances continue from the U.S. competitors at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. In the CAIO-4 competition, Chester Weber maintained his Individual lead following the cones phase. Caroline Roffman rode Sagacious HF to a second place finish in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix Test, while Laura Kraut had a second place finish of her own with longtime partner Cedric.
Dressage
Caroline Roffman made quite a statement in Aachen’s Deutsche Bank Stadium with Sagacious HF in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix. With the Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s 14-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, Roffman (Wellington, FL) rode a lovely, flowing test with quality piaffe and passage movements. The pair earned a score of 68.953% as the first combination to come down centerline in the Preis der Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger Stiftung class to finish in second place.
In the CDI4* Big Tour competition, Susan Dutta and Currency DC performed the Grand Prix Special in the Lindt-Preis class. She and Tim Dutta Inc.’s 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding moved well between the challenging sequences of movements in the test, earning a 67.042% to finish in sixth place.
Roffman withdrew her own Her Highness O from Aachen CDI4* Intermediaire I competition for veterinary reasons. Roffman, Team Veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell, and Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover had the welfare of the horse as top priority.
Driving
CAIO-4 competition continued Friday in Aachen with the Prize of Soers cones phase, which counted towards Individual standings, and following its completion Chester Weber remains atop the leaderboard.
Weber (Ocala, FL), driving a team he co-owns with Jane Clark, left all the balls in place but collected 1.19 points for just exceeding the time. The four-time FEI World Championship medalist was the winner of both Wednesday and Thursday’s driven dressage phases and looks to continue his domination in Aachen.
Weber leads the individual standings on a score of 32.39, two points ahead of reigning FEI World Champion Boyd Exell of Australia.
Also competing for the U.S. is Jimmy Fairclough (Newtown, NJ) with a leased team from Koos de Ronde. He stands in 25th place after collecting 22.09 points in the cones on Friday.
Competition continues Saturday with the marathon, which will be the final phase in Individual competition and the second portion of Team competition.
Following Thursday’s driven dressage, the U.S. lies second on a score of 98.5 behind the Dutch Team who lead on 87.29.
Laura Kraut and Cedric (Shannon Brinkman)
Jumping
Laura Kraut continued her streak of success this summer with a second place finish in Friday’s RWE-Preis von Nordrhein-Westfalen. On Cherry Knoll Farm Inc.’s Holsteiner gelding Cedric, Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, FL) cleared the lengthy sixteen-obstacle course of German course designer Frank Rothenberger with a clean, efficient first round.
She carried that success into an exciting jump-off and put together an aggressive, nimble round, but wasn’t quite able to catch Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum. On Chaman, Beerbaum’s 38.12s effort was almost a half second faster than Kraut and Cedric’s 39.77s round.
Also representing the U.S. were Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’. They had a couple of unfortunate rails down and finished in 27th place (from a field of forty-eight) with eight faults.
Eventing
The fifth and final discipline hosted at the 2013 CHIO Aachen kicked off Friday, with many of the top eventers from throughout the world going head-to-head. Two of the three phases of CICO3*competition were held as elite combinations performed their dressage tests and went to task over a demanding show jumping track.
The U.S. will head out onto Saturday’s cross country in sixth place with all to play for. The four Land Rover Competition Grant recipients represented the U.S. admirably on Friday in Aachen’s electric atmosphere.
To celebrate the CHIO Aachen and the first event of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has produced three films featuring Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix in 2005; Frank Kemperman, CHIO Aachen Show Director; and Michael Mronz, President of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Steering Committee for 2013.
In the first of the three films, Rolex Testimonee Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum explains why the CHIO Aachen is such a special place and what impact the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping will have on the sport.
In the second film, Frank Kemperman and Michael Mronz talk about the eight historic decades of equestrian sport in Aachen, how the venue has changed, and how the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is a natural progression for the sport.
In the third film, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Frank Kemperman, and Michael Mronz outline how they all prepare for the highlight of their year: the CHIO Aachen and the Rolex Grand Prix.
Calgary, AB – June 27, 2013 – The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments are in their third week and the competition is as tough as ever. Two FEI-level events were held today at the ‘Canada One’ Tournament, which runs through Sunday, June 30. Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward and Wannahave sped to their second win in the summer series in the $33,000 AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m. Ward won his sixth FEI competition of the Summer Tournaments in the $33,000 Cargill Cup 1.50m with Zander.
The tournament wraps up on Sunday with the $100,000 Esso Challenge, the third FEI World Cup qualifier to be held at Spruce Meadows this summer. Admission and parking are complimentary for the ‘Canada One’ Tournament.
The $33,000 Cargill Cup 1.50m had 55 entries, and 19 of those were clear rounds, but in the speed format of the competition, it was all about who was fastest over the course set by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada. Today, that was McLain Ward on Zander, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Cantos x Saygon that Ward owns with Grand Road Partners. They finished in 66.114 seconds. Reed Kessler (USA) and Ligist were just behind in second place in a time of 66.790 seconds. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Victor placed third after they stopped the timers in 67.559 seconds.
Ward said of his ride, “Zander’s really coming along well. I didn’t want to run him off his feet today. He has a really big stride and it was a course where a big stride could come in handy in a lot of the lines. He’s getting so seasoned now at this level of jumping that you can take some nice cuts. Early on, with the wall being a bit funny, and the line to the skinny (fence), I could take a hard cut on it and I knew he was going to respond well. I was actually a little surprised the time held up, but sometimes you get lucky.”
Ward also placed seventh with Cadence, a new ride for him, owned by Procedures Inc. Cadence was previously ridden by Megan Wexler in the grand prix ring. Ward rode Cadence for the first time yesterday and this was their first competition together. “His owner is pregnant, so she asked me to show him. He’s a seasoned grand prix horse and he’s a nice addition to the string,” he said.
With his two victories today, Ward will gain FEI World ranking points. Many FEI competitions are on the schedule at Spruce Meadows, and it gives riders a great opportunity to increase their standing. While Ward said that the world ranking system is suited to the European style of show jumping, it is great to have as many FEI competitions as there are in the Summer Tournaments, “particularly here in North America where we’re a little bit isolated from the European scene.”
He added, “I’m a professional who just can’t pick up my business and spend the year in Europe. I try to find a balance and I want to stay current in the sport. I try to go to Europe enough to know where I’m at against the best in the world. If I do go to Europe, I usually can only take two horses, and if one gets a little tired or injured, you don’t have the luxuries that they have while showing on the continent or we do when competing here at Spruce Meadows or Florida. To have this opportunity, to do this in the same fashion as the Europeans do, it’s a great asset.”
With the devastating flooding in Calgary and the local communities, Ward commented, “It’s a tragedy, and you hear about things more and more with mass media. It was lucky that the weather didn’t affect Spruce Meadows. I’m a big believer that it’s great for things to go forward. It’s terrible when you have a tragedy, whether it be a natural disaster or a death, but you have to continue forward with life the best you can. Whether it’s Spruce Meadows or other public events, I think it’s good for morale to feel like life is normal, as much as possible.”
McLain Ward and Wannahave
Ward and Wannahave Are Tops Again
Showing that the derby obstacles are no match for them, McLain Ward and Wannahave, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Manhattan x G. Ramiro Z owned by The Wannahave Group, sped to victory in the $33,000 AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m over 61 other entries. Ward and Wannahave took all of the natural obstacles in galloping stride to finish clear in 61.490 seconds for the win.
The course in the All Canada Ring was designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio of the United States. There were 25 clear rounds in the competition. Second place went to Wilton Porter (USA) on Radio City in 61.568 seconds, while Leslie Howard was third with a time of 62.465 seconds on Lennox Lewis 2.
The AKITA Drilling Cup 1.45m was another in a series of competitions at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments that offered the natural derby obstacles in an effort to promote the derby style. Ward appreciates these opportunities.
“They have a series of these derbies, which are nice. Wannahave started out the Spruce Meadows tour a little bit not understanding the derby, and he’s gotten progressively better,” Ward noted. “He won in the second week and then today, so he’s really comfortable with the natural obstacles. That right there makes you faster because you can take a little bit more of a risk to them, as far as angles and leaving out strides. Now that I trust him with that stuff, I can just let his stride carry him and in these big fields, it makes him quite quick.”
Ward said that Wannahave is “jumping better and better” and they plan to show in Saturday’s $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m and is aiming toward the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby during the ‘North American’ Tournament.
Having been a regular competitor at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournament in the past and for the last three years, Ward has had a lot of success. “Last year didn’t win as much, trying to make the Olympic team and being injured; there was a lot on our plate. We have a good string of horses and it’s nice to pick up a few classes,” Ward acknowledged. “The horses across the board are handling it well, and my student Katie Dinan is doing great, which is exciting.”
With more entries than ever, the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments are extremely competitive, Ward said. “I think the level in the last three years has gone up a lot. There were always some good people here and it was always hard to win a class in the summer. But to get good ribbons, you could have a normal round and get a piece. That’s not the case right now,” he pointed out. “These classes are fast, there are lots of clear rounds, and they’re difficult. I think the level is quite good and for the next group down, for horses or riders, I think it’s a great education. You definitely have to be on your game to win here.”
The ‘Canada One’ Tournament continues tomorrow with the $33,000 WestJet Cup 1.45m and the $33,000 Duncan Ross Cup 1.50m in Meadows on the Green. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
