Tag Archives: Show Jumping

Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw Report, Round 3

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USA HEADS THE START-LIST FOR ROUND THREE AT ST GALLEN by Louise Parkes

L to R - Peter Stossel, President CSIO St Gallen, John Roche, FEI Jumping Director and Henk Nooren, Chef d'Equipe for the French team. Photo: FEI/Katja Stuppia.

St Gallen (SUI), 2 June 2011 – The American team will be first into the ring for tomorrow’s third leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup at St Gallen, Switzerland.  A total of nine nations will compete, as the Swiss, who were relegated at the end of last season, join the eight Top League countries for a guest appearance on their home ground.

And the host nation looks strong, with Steve Guerdat (Jalisca Solier), Werner Muff (Kiamon), Jannike Sprunger (Uptown Boy) and Pius Schwizer (Carlina) ready to show that their country is still a force to be reckoned with.  The teams will start the first round of the competition in the following order:  1, USA; 2, Denmark; 3, Germany; 4, The Netherlands; 5, Ireland; 6, Belgium; 7, France; 8, Switzerland; 9, Great Britain.

BIG ATMOSPHERE
The generous dimensions of the St Gallen arena helps create a big atmosphere and tremendous competition at this popular annual fixture, and, as Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, said last week after leading his team to victory in Rome (ITA): “It will be great to be back jumping on grass again at St Gallen.  When the footing is good on grass, then there’s nothing better!”

Continue reading FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw Report, Round 3 →

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Pan American Games, Show Jumping, USEF

This Week in International Disciplines – June 1, 2011

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Dressage

Dressage preparations for the Pan American Games continued as Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I competition took place at CDIs across the country. Jan Ebeling swept the small tour at CDI Flintridge with Rosenzauber 8, scoring 70.263% in the Prix St Georges, 70.702% in the Intermediaire I and 70.292% in the Freestyle.

For complete results please visit www.cornerstonedressage.com/results/2011_7.pdf.

At the CDI Lexington, Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU dominated the Small Tour. They scored 71.008% in the Prix St. Georges and 76.624% in the Intermediaire I. Claire Darnell won the Intermediaire I Freestyle with a score 73.458%.

For more information, please visit: http://www.kentuckydressageassociation.org/.

In the small tour at CDI Allentown in New Jersey, Canadian Ashley Holzer took the top spot in the Prix St. Georges, but Cesar Parra, the 2010 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Champion, was second on Grandioso with a score of 70.395%. Holzer continued her winning ways in the Intermediaire I, where Endel Ots took second with Toscano on a score of 69.430%. Parra then went on to win the Freestyle with a score of 72.417% Holzer also won the Grand Prix on her veteran Pop Art, local rider Lauren Sammis was second with Sagacious HF with a score of 67.851%. They repeated the one-two placings in the Grand Prix Freestyle.  Melissa Taylor was third behind Sammis in the Grand Prix but led the victory celebration in the Grand Prix Special with Schumacker Solyst on a score of 65.792%.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines – June 1, 2011 →

*Featured/Spotlights, Contributors/Press, FEI, Show Jumping

Eric Lamaze Celebrates Elevation to Rolex Rankings Number One Slot

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Eric Lamaze (CAN) elevated to number one in Rolex Rankings

Lausanne (SUI), 1 June 2011 – Olympic champion Eric Lamaze (CAN), 43, is celebrating after securing the world number one slot in the Rolex Rankings for the third time in his career.

The Canadian’s back-to-back Grand Prix wins at La Baule (FRA) and Rome (ITA) on his super-stallion Hickstead have put him 111 points ahead of 31-year-old Kevin Staut (FRA), who had topped the Rolex Rankings since 1 August 2010.

Lamaze first shot to the top of the Rolex Rankings on 1 January 2009 and stayed there for three months. He was back in the number one slot for a second time in July 2010, the month in which he famously won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen with a broken foot.

Lamaze, who took individual gold and team silver with Hickstead at the Beijing 2008 Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong, has represented Canada at five consecutive FEI World Equestrian Games – 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 where he earned individual bronze with Hickstead – and at three Pan American Games, at which he earned team bronze in 1999 and team silver and individual bronze in 2007.

European Champion Kevin Staut is now in second place ahead of Billy Twomey (IRE), with Hong Kong individual silver medallist Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) in fourth and Twomey’s compatriot Denis Lynch in fifth.

The updated Rolex Rankings are available here.

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jumper & Hunter Highlights to Be Featured at Classique Internationale de Blainville (Jumping Blainville)

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The Classique Internationale De Blainville (Jumping Blainville) is preparing for World-Class Competition. Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Blainville, Quebec – May 31, 2011 – As part of promoting the sport of show jumping for young riders, the Classique Internationale de Blainville (Jumping Blainville) will be hosting the FEI Children for East Canada class on Saturday July 16, with the second round Sunday July 17, in the Grand Prix Ring.

Riders born between January 1st 1997 and December 31st 1999 are eligible to compete. Each tour consists of two competitions run over different courses by a Course Designer designated by the FEI. Riders have access to the course through the FEI’s web site, and competitive equality is created by having all athletes execute a course identically built in each country.  Thirty-two athletes will be qualified to participate in the Finals, which is organised with borrowed horses.  This exciting event offers the opportunity for children to ride at the level of international competitors, while pursing their Olympic dreams.

Another highlight event at Jumping Blainville will be the Non Pro Nations Cup, sponsored by L’Oréal Canada, Ombrelle, where teams of three riders compete for $5,000 in prize money.  For the past two years, teams have named and dressed up to represent their group.  This is a crowd favourite where everyone cheers for their chosen team, while riders learn to compete and work as a group.

Continue reading Jumper & Hunter Highlights to Be Featured at Classique Internationale de Blainville (Jumping Blainville) →

Competitions, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Oh’ D Eole Win the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties

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© ESI Photography. McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole on course in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (May 30, 2011) — Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward is on the road to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix after a big win aboard his own Oh’ D Eole in Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to highlight HITS-on-the-Hudson I. Ward, of Brewster, New York, won the inaugural Pfizer Million last year and has his sights set on this year’s event on Sunday, September 11.

“This was a good class,” said Ward, moments after his victory gallop on Sunday afternoon. “It was difficult enough with a lot of technical questions, but it was intelligent and rode nicely. I think the weather was great and a little on the warm side, which can make a big difference.”

The course for Sunday’s $50,000 Grand Prix was designed by Jose “Pepe” Gamarra of Ellenton, Florida, who made his debut this week at HITS-on-the-Hudson. “I think the footing in this ring [Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium] is the best footing I’ve ever seen anywhere,” said Gamarra. “The horses have improved all week long and the footing has played a big part in that.”

Continue reading McLain Ward and Oh’ D Eole Win the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Danielle Torano and Katina Win the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties

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© ESI Photography. Danielle Torano and Katina cruise to a victory in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (May 28, 2011) — The road to the 2011 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix made its highly-anticipated return to HITS-on-the-Hudson on Friday with the first of 14 Grand Prix Qualifiers that will take place in Saugerties this show season. Danielle Torano of SW Ranches, Florida captured the win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard her own Katina to kick off what promises to be a fantastic weekend of show jumping at HITS Saugerties.

A night of wild thunderstorms rolled through the Hudson Valley on late Thursday night and paved the way for a beautiful day of warm weather on Friday, which set the stage for a perfect afternoon of show jumping in the beautiful Strongid C 2X Stadium. The course for the class was set by Jose “Pepe” Gamarra of Ellenton, Florida. Two-time Olympic Medalist Leslie Burr Howard of Darien, Connecticut was the first rider of the class to go clear aboard The Utah Group’s Utah. Andrew Bourns of Wellington, Florida soon joined Burr-Howard in the jump-off with a clear ride of his own aboard Gowran Park. By the end of the first round nine riders advanced to the jump-off, including Torano and her relatively new horse Katina.

“The triple combination was by far the most difficult,” explained Torano of the first round. “It was heading toward the in-gate and came at a slight bend, so you really needed to focus and get your horse to focus. But Katina is the sort of horse that really gives you her all and puts her heart into the ride.”

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Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

U.S. Second in Young Rider Nations Cup at CSIOY Reims

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Reims, France – The USEF European Young Rider Tour continued its successful trip through Europe with another second-place finish in the Nations Cup at CSIOY Reims. Runners-up in Belgium the previous weekend, the Young Riders continued their successful European effort.

Catherine Pasmore led off the U.S. team, rebounding from a 13-fault first round on My Boy to improve to eight faults in round two. Karen Polle rode With Wings in the second position to a six-fault effort in the first round but only picked up one time fault in round two. Reed Kessler had the best result, jumping two double clear rounds on Onisha which kept the momentum going and then Jessica Springsteen picked up a time fault in each round – but also added a rail in the second round on Vornado van den Hoendrik. The 16-fault effort left the team second behind the Netherlands who finished on nine faults.

Katie Prudent served as Chef d’Equipe.

Thursday was an extremely successful day for the U.S. riders in preparation for the Nations Cup. Catherine Pasmore won convincingly on Van David in CSIO YR PX Conseil General de la Marne over her two teammates, Karen Polle on With Wings, who was second, and Jessica Springsteen on Cincinatti La Silla who was third. Reed Kessler and Onisha finished seventh, Richard Neal on Transmission was ninth and Pasmore was 10th on her second horse My Boy.

In the CSIO Juniors 1.25m Meg O’Mara was third with Smeagle.

Jumping continues throughout the weekend.

Please see http://www.jump-results.com/OPEN/reims11.htm for more information.

Read Catherine Pasmore’s blog here: http://www.catherineusa2011.blogspot.com/.

Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Round 2

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DUTCH DOMINATE IN ROME by Louise Parkes

The Dutch team won the second leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup at the Piazza di Siena in Rome (ITA) today. L to R: Eric van der Vleuten, Harrie Smolders, Chef d'Equipe Rob Ehrens, Jeroen Dubbeldam and Gerco Schroder. Photo: FEI/Bruno di Lorenzo.

Rome (ITA), 27 May 2011 – The Netherlands secured a convincing victory in the second leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup series in Rome (ITA) today where the Belgians were runners-up ahead of the Irish in third.

This was only the second time for a Dutch side to come out on top at the Piazza di Siena, and two of today’s team – Jeroen Dubbeldam and Eric van der Vleuten – were also on the winning side back in 2004.  The smoothness of their success was such that anchorman Dubbeldam did not have to return to the arena in round two because the result was already decided, and the Dutch now go to the next leg at St Gallen (SUI) next Friday lying third on the leaderboard, while the Belgians are in second and the Irish retain the driving seat.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Giovanni Bussu’s 12-fence track provided plenty of food for thought, with faults evenly spread but the open water proving the bogey of the day.

The French were in charge at the half-way stage, counting just two time faults when both Penelope Leprevost (Mylord Carthago HN) and Simon Delestre (Couletto) missed the 80-second time limit in otherwise faultless runs, and anchorman Michel Robert (Kellemoi de Pepita) went clear.  The Belgians were next in line carrying five while the USA was in third carrying eight.  The Dutch and British were lying joint-fourth with nine faults apiece but the Irish had already accumulated 13, so seemed unlikely to repeat their spectacular win at the opening leg in La Baule two weeks ago.

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Media/Radio/TV Sources, Show Jumping

Jumping Radio Episode 64 – New Zealand’s Rising Star, Katie McVean

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New Zealand’s Rising Star Katie McVean has been following in her father’s footsteps in the international arena and former USET rider Melanie Smith unfolds the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program. Tune in right here.

Jumping Radio Episode 64 – Show Notes and Links:

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw Report, Round 2

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IT’S ALL EYES ON THE IRISH IN ROME by Louise Parkes

Larkhill Cruiser – Cian O'connor (IRL) - A member of the winning team. Copyright: Christoph Bricot/FEI

Rome, 26 May 2011 – The Irish team are hot favourites to win the second leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup series in Rome (ITA) tomorrow, but they got the worst of the draw today and so will be first into the ring as the action gets underway in the stunning surroundings of the Piazza di Siena.  A total of nine teams will line out in this leg of the elite eight-nation tournament, as the host country makes a guest appearance on home turf.

The order-of-go for tomorrow’s competition is as follows: 1, Ireland; 2, France; 3, USA; 4, The Netherlands; 5, Denmark; 6, Germany; 7, Italy; 8, Great Britain; 9, Belgium.

PROSPECTS
Discussing team prospects this evening, Belgian Chef d’Equipe, Philipp Guerdat, said that “everyone has a chance, but the Irish are very strong because they have been winning everywhere!”  Robert Splaine’s side stormed to victory in the opening leg of the FEI Nations Cup in La Baule, France two weeks ago, and then another Irish selection topped the podium at the FEI Promotional League in Copenhagen, Denmark a week later.  It seems they are the hottest team in town.

Continue reading FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw Report, Round 2 →