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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Victory in $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby Goes to Canada’s Jonathan Asselin and Showgirl

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Jonathan Asselin and Showgirl. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

McLain Ward and Cadence Capture $50,000 Akita Drilling Cup 1.50m

Calgary, AB – July 7, 2013 – The ‘North American’ Tournament finished today with two fantastic competitions in the International Ring. The highlight of the day was the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby 1.60m, and Olympian Jonathan Asselin recorded a victory for Canada as the winner with Showgirl. In the $50,000 Akita Drilling Cup 1.50m, McLain Ward (USA) rode to victory with Cadence.

The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments continue next week with the ‘Pan American’ CSI 5* on July 11-14 and features the $400,000 Pan American Cup presented by Rolex on Sunday, July 14.

The 23 entries in the derby had a tough task ahead of them today. While the course was designed by Pamela Carruthers (GBR) in 1990 and is the same every year, it is a challenging, long track that asks a lot of horses and riders. They must do their best over 16 numbered obstacles that include two triple combinations – the derby bank and the grob – as well as three double combinations – a liverpool oxer to vertical, the table bank, and the vertical to oxer double liverpools.

Clear rounds are a rarity in this event. In the 565 attempts on course from 1990-2012, there have only been 17 clear rounds and Asselin was so close to recording one. He finished with just one time fault in 148.31 seconds, just .31 of a second over the time allowed. But it would be enough at the end of the competition to take home the win.

“I wanted to jump clean today,” Asselin acknowledged. “I ended up slowing down quite a bit going up the bank. I saw a deep one at the top and then I was very slow down the bank. I think at the beginning of the course I was fast enough to make the time and after the devil’s dyke I got a little careful. I really wanted to jump the rest clean and I slowed down a little bit at 14 and 15, the hedge and the double.”

Second place went to McLain Ward (USA) and Wannahave, who were on track to have a clear round until the final jump, when Wannahave slipped on take-off and went through the fence. They finished on four faults and stopped the clock in 144.13 seconds.

Ward explained that Wannahave lost his right front shoe after fence 14 and he saw it go flying by his head. “I know what happens when you lose a shoe on turf. It’s difficult,” he said. “I got a bit slow to the liverpool double so he was able to keep his feet, but I think when he had to set at the last (jump), he just lost that right foot and kind of slid into it and lost the ability to really push off. Maybe if I had kept going in seven (strides), he would have been a little lighter off the floor, but that’s a woulda, coulda, shoulda.”

With just a rail at the third element of the grob, Darragh Kerins (IRL) and E Muze Yek would pick up third place when they stopped the clock in 147.42 seconds.

Kerins said that the decision to enter the derby was last minute and this was E Muze Yek’s first derby. “I didn’t know what to expect today, but it looked like a fun class the first week and I really wanted to do it myself, so I just took one jump at a time and he handled it great,” he said. “He just got a bit green there in the devil’s dyke, but we’ll come back next year and try again and he will be more confident the next time.”

Kerins added, “This is the first time he’s ever been down a bank. We didn’t even school it before we came here or anything like that. The first week the devil’s dyke was an option in a 1.50m class and he jumped it fine that day so that is the reason why I went today.”

Wannahave competed in his first derby during the ‘National’ and since has been a winner in the 1.45m derbies in the All Canada Ring. “I think it has helped him,” Ward said of the 1.45m derby classes. “I am thrilled. He came here the first week never having jumped a derby and jumped the course well, but struggled with the naturals. Today he jumped the naturals like nothing.”

Ward also pointed out, “It was nice to see 23 in today. It really has to be said that Spruce Meadows has encouraged not only those smaller derbies, but also helping us practice the naturals a little bit because some of us don’t have those (at home).”

Asselin was “really excited” with his horse and his ride today. “I didn’t think I would win it and I really got a little lucky to win it, to tell you the truth. McLain was in time, very fast, and really got unlucky. But I’ll take it and what a treat!” he said with a smile.

Asselin felt that the derby would be a good fit for Attache Stables’ Showgirl, a 13-year-old Selle Francais mare by Gold de Becourt x Elf III, after a strong performance in her first derby last year. “This year I thought I better get ready and practice the devil’s dyke a little more. She has always been good with the natural stuff, but the devil’s dyke does take a little practice and she was as bold as could be and jumped it beautifully today,” he related.

Showgirl has “a lot of blood,” Asselin described. “She is very bold and she has a little character. She is French blood and a woman, so she is a little opinionated sometimes, but she is a really talented mare. We have had her for two years now and I have had a lot of fun with her. I think we still have some work to do, but the relationship is getting better and that’s a nice thing. At our age you don’t really expect that. She is 13 and I’m getting on and she is just trying her heart out more and more all the time.”

Winning in his hometown and for Canada meant a lot to Asselin. He expressed, “It sure is a real treat to win here at home with the crowd behind you. It is a big win for me and one I won’t forget.”

McLain Ward Scores Another Win with New Mount

Despite having first ridden Cadence last week, McLain Ward had confidence in his new mount. They have had a string of top finishes at the ‘Canada One’ and ‘North American’ Tournaments, and today was their first victory.

Ward was one of three that made it into the jump-off in the $50,000 Akita Drilling Cup 1.50m out of 36 entries. He was the first to go and put in an efficient round in 36.52 seconds with no faults.

McLain Ward and Cadence
McLain Ward and Cadence

Ward explained of his jump-off plan: “I was trying to be efficient everywhere without knocking a jump down. I knew if I knocked a fence down I was giving them a much better opportunity. They’re both young and hungry kids. They’re not just going to give it away. Wilton I know particularly well was going to try. It’s his nature. I thought if I put enough pressure, I could make them make a little mistake. I thought if I could be neat and slick, it certainly would be difficult.”

Jos Verlooy (BEL) and Domino came in next and were also clear, but their slower time of 38.72 seconds left them in second place. Wilton Porter (USA) and Radio City were the final combination, and while they made a great effort in 38.04 seconds, a rail at the final jump gave them third place.

Ward was pleased with Cadence, a horse that he had seen compete before. Cadence is a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Cardento x Irco Marco owned by Procedures Inc. “I had seen him quite a bit,” he agreed. “I’m thrilled to ride him and thankful to Megan (Wexler) for giving me the opportunity to ride him. He’s been doing the big grand prix with her for a number of years now and I had seen him jump the first round of the World Cup Finals with Michelle Spadone. I knew the horse well. He was a little under the radar. I was nicely surprised when she asked me to take him and show him while she was pregnant. It’s worked out to be a really good thing.”

Ward said that Cadence has been “trying really hard,” and has fit in well. “He’s a wonderful horse and he’s a real gentleman. He’s so rideable that the time allowed is not a huge factor with him. He’s always trying to help you,” he described. “He’s a great competitor and knows his job. I had hoped, and he’s even better than what I had hoped for.”

Ward broke the $1 million mark in earnings at Spruce Meadows this week and noted that his win with Sapphire in the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix “helps a lot,” and that he hopes to keep attending Spruce Meadows for many years and increasing that number.

He added, “It’s great to see the prize money in our sport growing the way it is. It’s affording the opportunity for those of us who would really like to be professional riders to be able to do that in the way we would like to, and not have to cover as many job titles.”

Beezie Madden was rewarded for her consistency in the 1.60m division and won her first CN North American Championship this week with Simon when she finished on 362 points. She was awarded a $15,000 bonus as well as one year’s supply of gasoline up to $5,000 compliments of ESSO Imperial Oil. Reed Kessler and Cylana were second with 296 points for a $7,500 bonus, and Eric Lamaze was third with 272 points on Powerplay and picked up a $2,500 bonus.

Competition returns on July 11-14 in the ‘Pan American’ Tournament. 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Reed Kessler and Cylana Are Double Clear for Victory in $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup

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Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Christine McCrea and Zerly Top the Field in $82,000 TD Cup 1.50m

Calgary, AB – July 6, 2013 – It was an exciting day of show jumping at the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament with the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Reed Kessler (USA) bested a strong line-up and was the only one to jump clear in both rounds with Cylana for victory. Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne finished second, while Beezie Madden (USA) and Simon were third. Christine McCrea (USA) was able to ride to the win in the $82,000 TD Cup 1.50m with Zerly over Beezie Madden (USA) on Coral Reef Via Volo and Conor Swail (IRL) with Game Ready. The ‘North American’ Tournament concludes with tomorrow’s competition and the highlight event, the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby.

The $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup was a test of scope and stamina as horses contested one of the biggest tracks of the summer series and had to contend with jumping two rounds of competition. There were 35 entries in the first round, and the top 12 returned for the second round. With only one horse and rider double clean, the competition was decided without a jump-off.

Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio stated, “I thought we could have a jump-off with two or three horses. That is what I would have been expecting and it almost unfolded that way, but I am very happy with the way the class ultimately did unfold. I thought everyone did a great job and many riders had good experiences today, so I am very pleased with the way the competition went.”

All three of the top riders agreed that they enjoy the two-round format for this competition. Beezie Madden said, “You can’t do it every week, but for a competition like this I think it is excellent.”

Coming in first was Eric Lamaze (CAN) on Powerplay on four faults, but they put in a second round clear to move up to fifth place. Francois Mathy (BEL) and Polinska des Isles had one rail to finish on eight faults and eighth place. Leslie Howard (USA) and Tic Tac came in with four faults and added another four faults at the last fence to finish in seventh place.

The CN Precision Series will wait another year to award outstanding bonus money as Kent Farrington and Uceko, the previous winners of the two CN grand prix events this season, came in with four faults from the first round. Although they were clear in the second round, it would not be enough and they would finish in fourth place.

Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Simon were also on four faults from the first round, but with a great clear ride in the second round and a fast time from round one, they would slot into third place.

Beezie Madden and Simon
Beezie Madden and Simon

Regarding her rail down in the first round, she said, “I think it was really my fault for not getting him back enough after (the triple bar). I got a little too close to the bike (fence) and he was still pulling me too much there, so it was really my fault. I had plenty of room; I just didn’t get it done.”

However, Madden was happy with Simon’s performance overall. “He felt great,” she acknowledged. “I really didn’t need to jump much before the second round. I thought he jumped fantastic the first round and did the same in the second round, so I was really happy with him.”

Lisa Carlsen (CAN) and La Boom had just two time faults in round one, but ran into trouble in round two. After a rail and a refusal, they retired on course and finished twelfth. Another time-faulter from round one, Kirsten Coe (USA) on Calypso, also had trouble in round two with 17 faults for a total of 18 and eleventh place.

Both Katie Dinan (USA) on Nougat du Vallet and McLain Ward (USA) with Rothchild were able to find the clear path in round one, but both faulted at two fences in round two. They finished in tenth and ninth places, respectively.

Next in was 18-year-old Reed Kessler (USA) on Cylana, her 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Skippy II x Darco. They put in another stellar clear round despite a hard rub at the final oxer and had to watch as the last two entries entered the ring to see where they would finish.

Kessler recalled, “Everyone gasped like it came down. I think they thought it was coming down, but it somehow stayed up. I was scared to look back. I had my eyes peeled on the scoreboard.”

Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne were second to last to go, and the stunning 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Susan and Ariel Grange put in a stellar jumping effort, but when they crossed the finish line, the scoreboard showed the heartbreaking truth – their time of 68.15 seconds incurred one time fault over the 68-second time allowed. They finished in second place.

Swail explained where he thought he added that .15 of a second on course, “I think where I lost it, he jumped down the combination pretty poorly. I needed just to regroup a little bit, so I think I lost it just a little wide to the ATCO oxer there before the last line. I just needed to set him back on his hocks a little bit. It finished off beautifully again, but I am happy.”

He also reflected, “My horse does not have the experience of the two on either side of me (Cylana and Simon). I am really pleased that he is in this company and he continues to be there. He has been great for the whole tournament here. It is nice that I have a good owner in Sue Grange that lets me be able to compete at this level with these horses. I am happy to be here. I think his time will come and so will mine. There’s gonna be another day.”

Last in was Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One. It wouldn’t be their day, however, as they faulted at two jumps for sixth place.

Kessler said that her win yesterday helped with her confidence going into today’s competition, even though it was on a different horse. “It definitely put it in my mind that, ‘Okay, you have a chance to win one of these,’” she remarked.

Cylana knows when she’s a winner too. “She knows when she has won. Cylana is smarter than 90% of humans I have ever met,” Reed laughed.

“This feels amazing,” Kessler related. “This is the biggest win of my career so far, (and) it’s my first five star win. We have knocked on the door a couple of times with some second places, but it feels great to nail one down.”

Christine McCrea and Zerly Set Early Pace for Victory

The $82,000 TD Cup 1.50m was held in winning round format today. The top 25 qualifiers competed in the first round, and from there, the top 8 returned for a second round. The top 8 started on a clean slate and the finish was determined by the time and faults from the second round.

First in was Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) on Quilebo D Tillard, who had the last jump down for four faults in 51.97 seconds. That would slot them into eighth place at the end of the competition.

Christine McCrea (USA) and Zerly were next in and they were very quick throughout the course to be the first clear in 48.23 seconds for victory.

Christine McCrea and Zerly
Christine McCrea and Zerly

“I just was determined to go as fast as I could,” McCrea said with a smile. “There was nothing that I wasn’t going to try and do. That was my goal. I almost didn’t make the jump-off because I went too slow (in round one). I was revved up. She is so fast. I knew if I rode her perfectly, she would be fastest.”

Although McCrea had to add in one related distance line, she thought the competition was won by how fast she was from fences one to two. “I flew around the corner and she shot off to the right over the yellow (oxer), and I had to pull up in the eight (strides),” she recalled, “and that’s where I thought, ‘Oh no. Somebody could get me there.’ But they didn’t. I think you had to fly one to two. That was my plan.”

Meagan Nusz (USA) and Dynamo put in a four fault round in 51.79 seconds and left them in seventh place.

Quentin Judge (USA) and HH Dark de la Hart put in a great clear round in a slower time of 51.47 seconds, which would finish in fourth place. Ian Millar (CAN) and Star Power were fast near the end of the course, but it wasn’t quite enough as they were clear in 52.69 seconds for fifth place.

Conor Swail (IRL) and Game Ready made a great bid for the lead, but fell just short in 51.24 seconds for third place. Ashlee Bond (USA) and Agrostar were also quick in 50.40 seconds, but a rail at the last jump gave them four faults and sixth place.

The final pair into the ring was Beezie Madden (USA) and Coral Reef Via Volo. They were quite fast in 49.53 seconds with no faults, but it wouldn’t be enough to take victory and they had to settle for second place.

McCrea has been riding Zerly, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Querlybet Hero x Carthago, for almost a year and has been moving her from the 1.50m to the 1.60m and back again. “I think she’s super talented and I absolutely love riding her. She’s sort of learning the 1.60m height. I’m trying to give her a good education going forward,” she explained. “She is just all business and knows what her job is. She is very careful, has tons of scope, and she likes how I ride her. We have a good relationship. She’s just awesome.”

Zerly fits into the type of horse that McCrea likes to ride. She described, “I like them hot. I like horses that can bounce, that you can go forward and then pull up and bounce a stride in. I kind of like ones that go with their head up, which sounds funny, but if you look at the ones we have they all kind of go that way. The high balance is better for me; the low balance is difficult for me to ride. We buy all of our horses young, so we never really know where they’re going to end up, so we try to just horn in on that specific type. They might rise above what you think might ever have jumped before because we’re comfortable together and they like the way I ride them. That’s been our goal the last couple of years. They are so much fun! I’m having the time of my life.”

McCrea has been recording top finishes at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments this year, including four wins and eight top three places. She thanked her parents, who sponsor her, her husband Jonathan, and also Alan Waldman, who finds all of her horses. “It’s been kind of crazy. I think I have a really, really top string right now,” she said. “When you feel confident on one and the next goes well, it sort of builds your confidence and everything meshes. I think that’s what’s been happening for me.”

What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows on Sunday?

Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

On Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.

On Sunday, July 7, there will be the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.

Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.

For full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com or contact us at 403.974.4200 or information@sprucemeadows.com.

The ‘North American’ concludes tomorrow with the $50,000 Akita Drilling Cup 1.50m and $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby. 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Reed Kessler Gets Her Victory with Wolf S in $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m

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Reed Kessler and Wolf S. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Frances Land and Vieanne Blaze to Victory in $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m

Calgary, AB – July 5, 2013 – The ‘North American’ Tournament continued today, and it was Reed Kessler (USA) and Wolf S who took the highlight victory of the day in the $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m over Lauren Tisbo (USA) with Catharina 9. Frances Land (USA) and Vieanne were very fast to win the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m as the first ones in the jump-off.

The ‘North American’ Tournament continues through Sunday, July 7, and features the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 6, and the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby on Sunday, July 7.

The $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m started out in darkening skies and continued in driving rain, but the course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of New York looked to be more of an obstacle. Only two of the 24 entries were clear, and it was deja vu all over again as Reed Kessler and Lauren Tisbo, the two riders from yesterday’s jump-off in the $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m, went against each other in today’s final competition. However, this time it was on their newer mounts.

Kessler noted, “I love Anthony’s courses. He’s my favorite course designer. It’s all very smooth, but technical. There wasn’t really any moment that was a freebie. I was expecting more (in the jump-off), but then the weather really turned and it was quite dark.”

Kessler and Wolf S, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Numero Uno x Peter Pan owned by Iron Works Partners, drew the unenviable first position in the jump-off again. Kessler was riding for that all-important clear round and she did just that, finishing in 37.08 seconds.

Tisbo and Catharina 9, a nine-year-old Mecklenburg mare by Cellestial x Monsum owned by Tequestrian Farms LLC, were next in. They pulled a rail at jump 10b for four faults in 38.05 seconds and the runner-up place.

Kessler had yesterday’s second-place finish in her mind as she entered today’s jump-off. “I made that mistake yesterday. I was fast and had an unlucky rail at the first fence. I didn’t want to outsmart myself and go blazing and risk having a rail,” she recalled. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on control with him and haven’t stepped into that next phase yet of speed. That’s totally the next phase still. I tried to be fast where I knew I could be quick, the first few jumps, and doing eight (strides) into the combination, and then bringing it home clear at the end of the course. Lauren is also on a new horse. It’s a fantastic horse and another star in the making. But we were kind of in the same boat, wagering how fast exactly we had to go.”

Third place went to Darragh Kerins (IRL) on E Muze Yek. They had one time fault in the first round in 76.77 seconds.

After eight second place finishes during the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments, it was a “relief,” for Kessler, who turns 19 next week, to score her first victory. “All of my horses have been jumping so well. I’ve been pretty consistent. You can’t complain too much, being second is great. But eventually it’s a hair disheartening that you can’t win one!” she remarked. “I was trying to be a good sport about it, but I’m a competitor and I’ve been competitive since I was a little child on ponies. It was really exciting, especially because he’s a new horse for me.”

Another new experience for Kessler was winning on a horse owned by a syndicate, Iron Works Partners. “It’s my first syndicate of owners, besides my parents, with Clifford Press and Gary Bisantz. I’m thrilled that I could deliver their first win,” she said.

Kessler started riding Wolf S in January and credited his “immaculate front end.” She added, “He likes to be very close to the jump, closer than any of my other horses. It’s sort of surprising how well he jumps from there. He’s got a lot of personality. When I first got him, it was kind of in a negative way. He’s a fighter and if I can get him to fight for me, that’s when he goes best. If I can place him where he wants to be, there’s nothing he can’t jump.”

Kessler called Wolf S “a star” and said while they have been working on his tricky mouth, she feels that today’s performance shows his potential. “This is the best he’s been over this technical of a track and this tight of a time allowed, so I’m thrilled with him,” she expressed.

Frances Land and Vieanne in full gallop mode in the jump-off
Frances Land and Vieanne in full gallop mode in the jump-off

Frances Land Puts Pedal to the Metal

Out of a starting field of 77 entries, 11 went to the jump-off, but no one was able to catch Frances Land (USA) and Vieanne. They blazed around the shortened course in 37.99 seconds for victory.

Land was only thinking speed when she entered the ring for the jump-off. “A class like this you have Eric Lamaze, you have Kent Farrington, you have Charlie Jayne, you have Reed Kessler, you have everyone who has ever been fast in the entire world, so you have to kind of go for it,” she exclaimed. “There were only 11 clean, so my dad told me to just go in there – and she is so fast naturally – (and) to leave out strides, make quick turns, and she will be fast and hopefully it will hold up. I think I went a little crazier than I was supposed to, but it worked, so today it was a good thing.”

Land said she was surprised that her time held up in the jump-off. “Whenever (you) think (you) go fast, then you have Eric [Lamaze] who beats you and makes you look like you went very slow. But my horse is just so naturally fast that turning quickly and opening her up and using her big stride really helped me out. It was definitely a surprise. I thought someone would catch me,” she admitted.

The next closest was Reed Kessler (USA) in another second place finish, this time with Ligist. They were clear in 38.20 seconds. Third place went to Christine McCrea (USA) and Ronaldo de la Pomme, who were last in the jump-off. They stopped the timers just short in 39.73 seconds.

Nineteen-year-old Land has been riding Vieanne, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Andiamo x Voltaire, since this past January. Vieanne was showing in the 1.50m division in Europe with a professional rider and is a speed expert.

Land noted that Vieanne is “very careful,” and that it took time for her to get used to her since she is bigger than other horses that she has ridden. “She is a lot of horse; she is a lot to contain. For me getting used to that big stride on a big field like that, (it was) just opening her up and then trusting the scope. She is amazing on grass and she loves this footing,” she remarked.

Although Land has won classes at Spruce Meadows before (in fact, she won the $20,000 Clark Builders Junior/Amateur Grand Prix 1.40m with Merlin earlier today), this was her first win in the International Ring. She was also excited to represent the United States and hear the national anthem play after her victory. “It is surreal to be able to say that you won in a ring that Eric Lamaze and everyone that has won an Olympic medal has shown,” she expressed. “I love being able to ride for my country. I don’t really get to show in Europe, so this is my international experience. Getting to be a U.S. rider outside the U.S. is definitely a proud moment because you get to represent your country. It is definitely special.”

Horses are a family affair for the Lands. Her father Jay is her trainer and her mother Kim is a rider, as is her sister Taylor. “I heard them announce (that I won) and then my dad came running down with the cooler. He trains me, so it is nice to be able to share victories with him. It makes it a little bit more special because he is a rider too, so he understands. They are all here, so we do it together,” she said.

The Zoetis Horse Health Championship, presented by Pfizer Equine Division and Moore Equine Veterinary Clinic, was awarded today to the horse/rider combination who accumulated the most points throughout the 1.45m Derby Series. The winner was Conor Swail of Ireland on Martha Louise, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. They finished with 365 points over Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Candy Tribble’s Twisther, who had 270 points. Third place went to Leslie Howard (USA) and Lennox Lewis 2, owned by Peter Howard, who had 263 points.

What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows?

Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

From Friday through Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.

Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 will feature the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.

Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.

For full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com or contact us at 403.974.4200 or information@sprucemeadows.com.

The ‘North American’ continues tomorrow with the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m and the $50,000 LaFarge Cup 1.50m in the International Ring. 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Lauren Tisbo Stays Clear to Win $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m with Roundthorn Madios

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Lauren Tisbo and Roundthorn Madios. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Christine McCrea Takes $35,000 Progress Energy Canada Cup Victory; McArdle Captures 1.45m Speed Win

Calgary, AB – July 4, 2013 – The ‘North American’ Tournament had three international competitions today in two rings. Riding to the top of the standings in the $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m was Lauren Tisbo (USA) on Roundthorn Madios. Christine McCrea (USA) won the $35,000 Progress Energy Canada Cup 1.50m as the first in the jump-off with Romantovich Take One. In the All Canada ring, an early fast round by Abigail McArdle (USA) and Cosma 20 won the $33,000 Zoetis Horse Health Care Cup 1.45m.

The ‘North American’ Tournament continues through Sunday, July 7, and features the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 6, and the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby on Sunday, July 7.

Twenty entries went to post in the $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m over a course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio of New York. Only two were able to clear the first round, and they went head to head in the jump-off.

“I thought it was going to be difficult,” Tisbo said. “Anthony usually builds courses that don’t allow for a whole lot of clears, but a nice number usually. There were plenty of questions there, and the water jump was in there. I expected there to be more than two though. You just had to know your horse really well and know what his strengths are.”

First in was Reed Kessler (USA) on Cylana. They pulled a rail at the first fence in the jump-off and finished with four faults in 39.76 seconds.

Knowing a clear round was needed to win, Lauren Tisbo went in with a steady stride, but still kept up a pace just in case. She was able to leave all of the jumps up and recorded a time of 41.20 seconds for her second international win at Spruce Meadows.

Tisbo recently moved Roundthorn Madios up to the 1.60m competitions, and she used today’s event to see if he would be ready for the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday. “From the beginning today was all about jumping clear, and if I got into the jump-off, jumping clear again. My plan just happened to work out with the rest of the circumstances,” she pointed out.

Tisbo has been riding Roundthorn Madios, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Condios x Clover Hill, for six months. He is owned by her family’s Tequestrian Farms LLC. While Tisbo felt like they clicked “for the most part,” right away, it still took some time to get to know each other. She explained, “His previous rider had him for a long time, and I think in any situation when you get a horse that someone’s been riding for multiple years, even if you match right away, it takes a little while for them to figure you out and think the way you think. That certainly started to happen after the Florida circuit. Now I think it’s going pretty well.”

Tisbo said that Roundthorn Madios has gotten “so much scopier” here at Spruce Meadows. “He doesn’t have a huge, huge stride. He’s careful, but he likes when you can gallop him up to the jumps,” she said. “He’s exceeding my expectations in the parts of the course that I think he’s going to struggle with. Those are all signs for me that make me feel very confident going into a class like the Queen’s Cup on Saturday.”

Tisbo said she was “still a little shocked” with her victory. “It does feel as special as the first win. It was not what I expected today,” she smiled. “I was hoping I would win for the first time in the International Ring here, (and) I got that goal accomplished, so the rest is gravy!”

Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One
Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One

McCrea Is Only Double Clear to Win

The $35,000 Progress Energy Canada Cup had 35 entries and five of those would advance to the jump-off, but it would be the first in the ring over the shortened course that would lead the way. Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One, 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Numero Uno x Karandasj owned by Candy Tribble, put in the all-important clear round in a time of 42.58 seconds.

McCrea said of her plan, “I obviously wanted to jump clear and go fast, but I didn’t want to go too fast because there wasn’t very many in it in the jump-off. I thought it would be more important to try to jump a clear round. I did kick myself because when I was coming around the bank, I realized I missed the inside turn to the skinny (fence). I thought I left it open a little bit there. But as it turned out, it worked out, so that was good. I thought he jumped great.”

Next in, Federico Fernandez (MEX) and Gitano, had an unfortunate 12 faults in 47.97 seconds for fifth place. Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne had an early four faults and slowed down to finish the jump-off. They accumulated three time faults in 52.77 seconds for fourth place.

It came down to the final fence for the last two riders, and both of them had their heartbreaking four faults there. Lauren Tisbo (USA) and Catharina 9 were third in 45.34 seconds. Susan Artes (USA) and Zamiro were quite fast in 41.72 seconds, but the rail down left them in second place.

McCrea pointed out that by now, their relationship has advanced to where she just thinks “speed,” and Romantovich Take One does it. “You just push the button and he goes,” she smiled. “He’s faster than a normal horse. Then if you want to go a little quicker, just leg him a little bit more and off you go. He’s so seasoned that he knows exactly what I’m asking. It’s not like he’s questioning; he just knows. First gear, third gear, fourth gear, he just knows.”

This was Romantovich Take One’s third victory in the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments, and McCrea has had success on her other horses as well. “I’m very lucky. They are extremely nice horses and I’m really happy to have them,” she expressed.

McArdle and Cosma 20 Speed Past Competition

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20
Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20

The $33,000 Zoetis Horse Health Care Cup 1.45m had an early leader whose time held up to win the competition. Abigail McArdle (USA) and Cosma 20 went sixth in the order out of 23 entries and put in a very quick time of 104.82 seconds with no faults.

Going second to last, the closest clear round came from Francois Mathy (BEL) on Falco von de Clehoeve, who finished in 108.39 seconds for second place. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Cyklon 1083 were third in 108.69 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) and Martha Louise had the time in 103.67 seconds, but a rail left them in eleventh place.

McArdle didn’t leave much room for anyone to catch her, with the exception of one inside turn. “I thought everywhere I kind of went for it. I didn’t seem to leave too many gaps,” she agreed. “The only place is where I went around (to jump 14), and Conor went inside there. He had my time, but he had that jump down. That’s what we were worried about when we walked (the course). We thought if I went inside, I would have had the same jump down. That was the one place where I thought someone could beat me, if they went inside there and left the jump up. After seeing Conor have that down, most people went around.”

Cosma 20 didn’t blink at any of the derby-style jumps on the speed course designed by Peter Holmes of Canada, including the open water, bank, and grob out of 17 numbered obstacles. “She’s super over the derby jumps,” McArdle said. “It’s funny, for being such a careful, spooky horse, she doesn’t care about the derby jumps at all. If anything, she’s going to back off of those as much as the plain oxer. The grob, the water, everything was perfect with her.”

This is the fourth win in the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments for McArdle and Cosma 20. McArdle remarked, “We’ve had a heck of a Spruce! I feel like I know her really well. It’s a good feeling in that you know what to expect out there and you know the places that are going to be difficult and where you can make up time. I just feel like I’ve really formed a wonderful partnership with her. She’s taught me how to move up to the big classes. She’s taught me how to ride in the big ring and given me an opportunity to ride well and do well at the same time.”

What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows?

Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

From Friday through Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.

Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 will feature the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.

Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.

For full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com or contact us at 403.974.4200 or information@sprucemeadows.com.

The ‘North American’ continues tomorrow with the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m and the $50,000 LaFarge Cup 1.50m in the International Ring. 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Cameron Hanley and Antello Win $35,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.60m

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Cameron Hanley and Antello. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Madden, Sweetnam, and Swail Also Win on Opening Day of ‘North American’ Tournament

Calgary, AB – July 3, 2013 – The ‘North American’ Tournament CSI 5* started today with four major competitions in the International Ring. The winner of the $35,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.60m was Cameron Hanley (IRL) on Antello. In the $33,000 AON Cup 1.50m, Beezie Madden (USA) and Coral Reef Via Volo were fastest in the jump-off. The $33,000 Suncast Cup 1.45m victory went to Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on Solerina, while Conor Swail (IRL) and Martha Louise were fastest in the $33,000 Friends of the Meadows 1.45m.

The ‘North American’ Tournament continues through Sunday, July 7, and features the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 6, and the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby on Sunday, July 7.

The $35,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.60m competition had 21 entries. Four advanced to the jump-off and it was Cameron Hanley who was fastest for victory with Antello, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Animo Z x Continue owned by Eleonore Paschoude and Yves Bouvier.

McLain Ward (USA) and Cadence set the time to beat with a clear round in 44.91 seconds, which would hold up for second place. Daniel Bluman (COL) and Sancha LS La Silla placed third with their time of 44.93 seconds. Lauren Tisbo (USA) placed fourth when she and Roundthorn Madios finished in 45.42 seconds.

Hanley and Antello went last and he opened the big horse’s stride up through the long gallops on course. That and a chance at the final oxer gave them victory when they stopped the timers in 42.97 seconds.

“He’s naturally a very quick horse, he covers the ground very quickly, and I just let him roll and everything came up quite nice, like the turn back to the second to last (fence). The great thing about him is he’s so careful that I can just ride him to that last fence and I don’t really have to worry about him knocking it down,” he explained. “He’s always going to try to jump it. As long as I get a reasonably good distance, he should jump it.”

Hanley said that this was probably only the second time that he has pressed for speed in a jump-off with Antello. “The first week here I was clear in the 1.60m and I started to go quick and had a fence down early, so I slowed down. I haven’t really galloped him so much. He’s not a horse I would really do every class very competitive with,” he explained. “But today, last to go, four in the jump-off, I knew they were all really fast riders so I knew I had to go as fast as I could. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip; I was going to take it if I could.”

Today’s win was another step in Hanley’s comeback from a devastating knee injury and resulting 17 surgeries due to infection and complications. It was a special win for him on this horse that he and his brother purchased as a seven-year-old. When Hanley was injured, Michael Whitaker purchased him and brought him along. When Hanley returned to the sport and got new sponsors, he knew the horse they should buy for the grand prix ring. Since they have been back together, they won the grand prix in Wiesbaden, were double clear to help Ireland win the Nations Cup during the ‘Continental’ Tournament, and have now won again.

Hanley expressed, “Once I got him and back in the saddle, it just felt so comfortable sitting on him again. He’s really special, and we fit each other really well. We suit each other’s personalities, I guess. I’m quite easygoing and he’s quite lively, so we cancel each other out.”

This is Hanley’s fourth time competing at Spruce Meadows, and he noted, “It’s an amazing show and I’m really delighted to go in and raise the trophy. All wins are special, but now especially I take nothing for granted. Something like today, it means a lot for me.”

Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo
Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo

Beezie Madden Rides to Victory

There were 46 entries in the $33,000 AON Cup 1.50m, and five of those found the path to a clear round and tackled the shortened course. From those, Beezie Madden was fastest to win on Coral Reef Via Volo, a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Clinton x Heartbreaker owned by Coral Reef Ranch.

First into the jump-off was Nick Dello Joio (USA) on Carlos VHP Z owned by EM Horses. They put down a quick, clear round in 41.82 seconds, which would slot into fourth place. Next in was Antonio Maurer (MEX) on Charro owned by Salvador Onate. They had eight faults in 41.38 seconds for fifth place.

Pablo Barrios (VEN) and Zara Leandra, owned by ZL Group Inc., set the next time to beat at 39.69 seconds, but it would not be quite enough. They would finish in second place.

Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo then took the lead with a time of 39.36 seconds. Madden said of her jump-off ride, “I did the leave out, which was six (strides) up the first line. I think I actually got a little wide and not quite as fast to fence three. I tried to make up some time after that. I was quick to the double verticals and quick down the last line.”

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) tried to make it two wins in a row, but he was just off the time in 39.81 seconds with Sweet Oak Farm’s Fineman. They placed third.

“We’ve been together for a while now, so we have confidence in each other,” Madden said of her partnership with Coral Reef Via Volo. “Sometimes she’s difficult about one end of the ring or the corners of the ring, but she’s getting more and more used to this ring. (And) she’s getting more seasoned now and less things bother her.”

While Madden showed in Europe the past two weeks, Via Volo had two weeks rest from showing. “She felt good and fresh. I had to work her a little bit this morning! She felt great, which was good. I did this so I could qualify for the 1.50m on Saturday. She’ll do that and then the derby on Sunday,” Madden noted.

Sweetnam and Solerina Keep Early Lead

Shane Sweetnam and Solerina
Shane Sweetnam and Solerina

Riding out of the fifth position in the order, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Solerina were able to keep the lead through the entire competition. They set a very quick time of 64.70 seconds with no faults to win the $33,000 Suncast Cup 1.45m out of 48 total entries. The next fastest to finish in second place was another early in the order – Katie Dinan (USA) and Glory Days went second in the order and were clear in 66.36 seconds. Third place went to Francois Mathy (BEL) and Opus PSG, were finished in 70.16 seconds.

Sweetnam and Solerina, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Cruising x Diamond Lad owned by Sweet Oak Farm, did not have to go all out to win, and Sweetnam said he was surprised that his time held up.

He acknowledged, “I thought I’d finish in the top three, especially with Kent and Brianne and plenty of people there that I thought would catch me.” He also said that while it was quick, he left some in the tank for Solerina. “There was more. I’m still trying to keep her relaxed in there. I did think I could have been faster, maybe two seconds faster, but I tried to keep close enough to my plan and keep her within her range. I didn’t want to run her too fast and get her upset about things.”

Keeping Solerina happy is something that Sweetnam works on, and it includes an unusual item in her stall – a television. Sweetnam described her as a typical chestnut mare, “more than anybody,” and that he tries to work with her personality.

“She’s a bit quirky. I was wondering how she would be up here because there is a lot to look at here in the rings. It’s not out of badness, it’s more nerves. If you can keep her in the same routine all the time, she’s fine,” he explained. “She’s afraid of the TV (screens), so we have one in her stall. She’s watching ‘The Top 100 Moments of Spruce Meadows’ right now!”

Conor Swail and Martha Louise
Conor Swail and Martha Louise

Swail and Martha Louise Are Fastest

The $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m was the first competition of the day in the International Ring. There were 47 combinations in the speed format, and it was Conor Swail of Ireland who was fastest with Martha Louise, a 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. They sped around the course in 63.50 seconds.

Second place went to John Perez (COL) on Utopia in 64.72 seconds, while Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Wang Chung M2S were third in 65.44 seconds.

This was Martha Louise’s first win, although she has placed in eight out of nine competitions at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments. Swail was happy to be back in the International Ring and noted, “She felt very good today. She was in here week one and then she has been a few weeks away (in other rings). When she went back in, I thought she felt more comfortable. She handled it very well. She jumped lovely.”

Despite losing his stirrup going into the double combination, Swail was able to ride through it and regain his stirrup before the next oxer. “It affected me. I think it’s nearly worse losing one because you have no balance. She didn’t jump the in and out particularly well I think because of me, where I was (with) my balance, but she was good to leave that double up,” Swail pointed out. “I was probably lucky that I have nice quality because she tries to do her best.”

While Swail got the win, he did not have to go all out today for victory. “Honestly, I think there was a bit left there today. It certainly wasn’t the fastest round that I’ve ever had with her. In that respect, it is nice to come out on top and not have them going crazy,” he said.

Swail originally purchased Martha Louise two years ago and she has been a consistent winner for him. She moved up to the higher levels this winter in Florida. “Since Sue (Grange) bought her, she has been absolutely amazing,” he commented. “She is just such a consistent horse. She is a really versatile mare; she can do many jobs. She did the grand prix last week, which was very big for her, but she handled it very well.”

Martha Louise is leading the Horse Health Care Championship presented by Pfizer Equine Division and Moore Equine Veterinary Clinic, which is awarded on Friday, July 5, to the horse/rider combination who accumulates the most points throughout the 1.45m Derby Series. Swail hopes that she will able to take that top prize.

Swail said that Martha Louise is not your typical chestnut mare. “She’s not like a mare at all, she is just so nice. She is so laid back. I think her temperament is the best part of her because she is very willing to do anything and try anything. When she goes in, she is laid back, but at the same time very careful and I think that is a great quality,” he said.

What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows?

Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

From Friday through Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.

Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 will feature the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.

Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.

For full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com or contact us at 403.974.4200 or information@sprucemeadows.com.

The ‘North American’ continues tomorrow with the $33,000 Horse Health Cup 1.45m, $35,000 Process Energy Cup 1.50m, and the $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m. 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Top Finish for Leslie Howard and Tic Tac in $100,000 ESSO Challenge 1.60m CSI-W

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Leslie Howard and Tic Tac. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

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
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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Brianne Goutal and Onira Win $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup 1.60m

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Brianne Goutal and Onira. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Sweetnam Is Only Clear to Score Victory in $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m

Calgary, AB – June 29, 2013 – The $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup 1.60m was the highlight event of the day and fans saw Brianne Goutal (USA) ride to victory with her veteran partner Onira. In the All Canada Ring, Shane Sweetnam and Fineman were the only clear round to win the $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m. Today’s competitions were the start of weekend competition for the ‘Canada One’ Tournament in the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments.

The ‘Canada One’ Tournament wraps up tomorrow 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.

There were 20 entries in the $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup 1.60m, and nine were clear in the first round and moved on to the jump-off. The riders competed over a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada.

Goutal noted, “He’s been building great classes all week. He’s one of my favorite course designers. I find him just to always build difficult and complicated and technical classes, but they’re always fair.”

The trailblazer in the competition was Reed Kessler (USA) on Mika, who was first to go in the first round and in the jump-off. They were clear in 40.69 seconds, which would hold up for fifth place.

Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Colorado had the second fence down for four faults in 44.13 seconds. They would finish in eighth place. Jonathan’s wife, Christine McCrea (USA), was next in on Zerly. They took an early lead with a clear round in 38.73 seconds, but they would have to settle for fourth place at the end of the jump-off. Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) and Quilebo D Tillard had two fences down in 38.15 seconds, which would finish in ninth place.

The lead changed hands with the next horse in, Carlos VHP Z ridden by Nick Dello Joio (USA). They set the new time to beat at 38.61 seconds and they finished in third place. McLain Ward (USA) and Zander had a bead on the lead and finished with the fastest time in the jump-off in 37.21 seconds, but it came at a price with four faults at jump 11a.

Kirsten Coe (USA) and Calypso were the next to bring the winning time down. They galloped through the timers in 38.41 seconds and finished in second place. Jos Verlooy (BEL) and Domino were also clear, but with a slower time of 40.74 seconds, they would slot into sixth place.

It all came down to the last rider in the ring. And although she said she “hates going last,” Brianne Goutal was able to show how it’s done with her 17-year-old partner Onira, a Dutch Warmblood gelding by Nimmerdor x Ramiro Z. They zipped around the turns and stopped the clock in 38.15 seconds for victory.

“The eight before me were very, very fast,” Goutal recalled. “I have a small stride, so it enables me to do the same numbers but faster. I have to go faster to get the same numbers. I think that just up until the last line, I was able to be faster across the ground. In fact, I was slower in the last line because I couldn’t get the leave out. For sure I slowed down there. Kirsten’s horse has a huge stride. What’s unusual about that horse is that even though it’s so big, it has high foot-speed. That’s a hard combination to beat. But you get lucky and my horse jumped amazingly today.”

Onira is owned by Goutal’s Remarkable Farms LP and she has been riding him for 10 years. They have risen through the ranks together from the junior jumpers to the 1.60m level and have competed at the FEI World Cup Finals together.

Goutal is rightfully effusive about her horse. “He’s so special. They broke the mold with him. He’s one of kind,” she expressed. “He’s been a winner since the day I bought him, probably since the day he was born. He has a different attitude than any horse. When you walk in the barn, you can see the way he looks at you. He’s just a different animal. He’s so smart. He knows much better before you know it. (From) an advantage standpoint, he’s the best horse in the class. It’s up to me to help him out or not make mistakes, because I have a major advantage jumping each class with him.”

Goutal said that Onira loves Spruce Meadows and that this was the best consecutive three weeks that he’s jumped here. What also helps the mature gelding is the great footing at Spruce Meadows and the weather. Goutal explained, “Coming here for him is so great because it’s cold at night. You go out there in the morning, the legs are tight, they’re fresh and happy. They’re not sweating all night in the stall. They can recuperate and for a horse like that, and for any horse that gets older, you have such a better horse in the morning.”

To help Onira stay show-ready, Goutal works on his fitness. Three times a week, he is ridden twice a day, and he only shows once a week. “That horse is as fit as any supercharged runner,” she commented. “I struggled a lot with how to manage him. I find that as horses get older, they need to keep jumping and keep the tendons and everything moving. Fitness is imperative. I try to keep him moving as much as possible. Every horse is different, but that horse wants to win, wants to show, wants to jump.”

Goutal has had a good series at Spruce Meadows. She said, “It seems like it’s all coming together now. The horses have all been great. We’re so lucky to have this venue. The footing is amazing every time you go in the ring and even when the weather’s bad, it holds up. We have great prize money and of course, it’s run impeccably. I think all of the riders are very grateful to have this summer series.”

Sweetnam and Fineman Show How It’s Done

There were 26 entries in the $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m, but only one was able to find the path to a clear round. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) rode Fineman, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Feliciano x Beach Boy, to a quick round with no faults in 112.098 seconds. Fineman is owned by Sweetnam’s Sweet Oak Farm and he only started riding him three weeks ago.

With just one time fault, Katie Dinan and Couletto K James placed second in 124.489 seconds. Third place went to Andres Rodriguez (VEN) with Elatrice, who had four faults in 110.516 seconds. The course was designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio and featured 17 numbered obstacles.

Fineman was previously ridden by Sweden’s Maria Gretzer. After arriving in the United States where Sweetnam is based, he and Sweetnam showed in Kentucky, placing third in the grand prix. Sweetnam arrived at Spruce Meadows on Wednesday.

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman
Shane Sweetnam and Fineman

Sweetnam believes this week is also Fineman’s first experiences in the derby competitions. He said, “Maria had him since he was a young horse and did a great job producing him. He’s been very consistent. He’d only done 1.45m before I got him. He’s already done now two grand prix in Kentucky and he placed in both of them, and they were both 1.50m. He’s got a great brain for the job, so it makes life a lot easier for me.”

Fineman easily handled today’s course with fluidity, and although the grob was the second to last obstacle on a long course, Sweetnam was thinking more about the final oxer. “The last fence I was little bit worried about. I think a lot of people struggled with it. It was a big oxer and the horses were tired at that stage and flat. But he jumped it very, very well,” he said.

Sweetnam is aiming Fineman for the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby next week. “It’s a different story, but I think he’s a very good horse so hopefully we can have a go at it. He has a lot of ability,” Sweetnam said.

Of his victory, he commented, “It’s great to get a win here early on. Hopefully it will set the tone for the rest of the weeks.”

The ‘Canada One’ Tournament concludes tomorrow with the $33,000 West Canadian Cup 1.50m and the highlight competition of the week, the $100,000 Esso Challenge 1.60 CSI-W 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Millar and Dixson Victorious in $33,000 Duncan Ross Cup 1.50m at ‘Canada One’ Tournament

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Ian Millar and Dixson. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

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
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
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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Ward Victorious Twice in One Day at Spruce Meadows ‘Canada One’ Tournament

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McLain Ward and Zander. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

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
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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Spruce Meadows ‘Canada One’ Tournament Features a Day of Prix des Nations Competitions

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Caitlin Ziegler and Butragenia. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB – June 26, 2013 – The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments continue this week at the ‘Canada One,’ held June 25-30. Today was full of team competition and camaraderie, with the Paramount Resources Prix des Nations competitions held for junior and amateur riders at levels 1.10m-1.40m. There was also a 1.00m Friends of the Meadows Prix des Nations.

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.

This was the 14th year that the Paramount Resources Prix des Nations have been held and they offer a fantastic opportunity for junior and amateur riders to experience team competition, which is not often found at show jumping events in North America.

Caitlin Ziegler, a member of the 1.40m Prix des Nations winning team who has ridden in the competition three times, stated, “It’s so much fun just to be able to have a group who really get together and support each other. It’s a chance to experience what a Nations Cup is. The sport is so competitive (and) it often sets people against one another, so it’s great to have a chance to work together toward something.”

The winning team of the $10,000 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.40m showed poise and rode to all-important clear rounds when it counted. Led by Chef d’Equipe Nick Dello Joio, the America Team notched three clear rounds and did not have to send their anchor rider in for the second round. They had six faults in round one to lead and added just four in round two to take victory.

The lead-off rider for the Team America was Greer Hindle (USA) on Viper P, who had five and four faults. Lucas Porter (USA) and Phineas had six in the first round, but returned with a clear in round two. Caitlin Ziegler (USA) and Butragenia had just one time fault in the first round and were clear in the second round to seal the win. Wilton Porter (USA) and Neolisto van het Mierenhof were clear in the first round and were able to sit out the second round.

Ziegler explained the team’s plan for round two, “Coming into round two, the teams were at six, seven, and ten (faults), and they were all within one rail. What we wanted to do is have everybody be at least as good as our first round, if not better, and eliminate our time faults. I think we all managed to do that, so it was great.”

Having ridden Butragenia for three years, Ziegler knew she would do well in the Prix des Nations. “She’s fantastic for these High Junior and Amateur courses. She’s a horse you can really count on. In a class like this where you need two clear rounds, she’s perfect for it,” she said.

The “America” team donated all of their prize money to the Calgary Flood Relief to help the area after the terrible flooding in the city and surrounding areas. Ziegler expressed, “The last week has been really devastating for Calgary. It means so much to us – not just Spruce Meadows, but the entire city and community here is so supportive. We want to do whatever we can to give back and help them through this.”

The second place team was Chafing the Dream with Chef d’Equipe Dick Carvin, who finished on 17 total faults. They were led by a double clear performance from Bretton Chad (CAN) on Tjengo. Kara Chad (CAN) and Oura de Rouhet had five and one faults, while Alec Lawler (USA) and Acoradus scored eight and 13. Vani Khosla (USA) and Dynamo had five and six faults.

The JMSCBK Team with Chef d’Equipe Sarah Segal were third with a total of 23 faults. Lead-off rider Katherine Strauss (USA) and Capacity had eight and four faults, Isabella Salles (BRA) on Angel Rose had five and 19, Francesca Bolfo (USA) and Lalique were clear in the first round and had seven faults in the second round, and Wesley Newlands (CAN) rode Lapacco to two and four faults.

$7,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.30m

The $7,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.30m was very exciting competition full of clear rounds that helped four teams tie on a zero score after two rounds of jumping. Those four teams then chose a representative to compete in the jump-off.

Leading off was Maria Costa (USA) on Reno for The Fighting Irish team, who were guided by Chef d’Equipe John Roche. They were clear in 31.583 seconds, which would finish in third place. Costa was double clear in the first two rounds, as was her teammate Wilton Porter (USA) on Punch. Wilton’s brother Lucas rode Patriot to scores of zero and five, while Sarah Kerins and (USA) and Hot Wheels contributed one time fault and were clear.

Beatriz Franco Sol and La Guayaba
Beatriz Franco Sol and La Guayaba

The margin for victory in the competition was extremely slim, with the winners, Team San Lorenzo, taking the top spot by only 3/10ths of a second. The win was gained by Beatriz Franco Sol (MEX) on La Guayaba, a horse she has ridden for five years. They were also clear and just a bit faster in 31.273 seconds.

Franco Sol did not have to return in the second round since her three teammates were all clear. “She’s a really fast, fast mare,” Franco Sol said. “It’s her stride that is so fast; that’s why they told me to go in the jump-off. It was easier because I didn’t have to go in the second round.”

The San Lorenzo Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Antonio Maurer. Alejandro Pascencia (MEX) and Sultan de la Nutria were double clear, as were Jacobo Martinez (MEX) and Queens Darling. Claudia Lorenza O Farrill (MEX) and Etoile van den Bisschop had four faults in round one and then returned clear.

Second place in the 1.30m Prix des Nations went to the Thirty and Flirty Team with Chef d’Equipe Kent Farrington. His student, Meagan Nusz (USA), rode Willow in the jump-off and finished just off the pace with no faults in 31.580 seconds. Nusz did not have to show in the second round either since her team were all clear. Abigail McArdle (USA) and Quality were double clear, as were Alex Crown (USA) and Quadrant. Teri Kessler (USA) contributed a second round clear after nine faults in the first round.

Last in the jump-off was Katherine Strauss (USA), who rode Chellando Z. They had four faults at the last jump, and their team, Madden Madness with Team Chef d’Equipe Jennifer Griffiths, were fourth. Strauss was double clear in the first two rounds, as were her teammates Isabella Salles (BRA) on Carlos H and Wesley Newlands (CAN) on Wieminka. Genevieve Meyer (USA) and Coral Reef Santos Utopia had four and eight faults.

This was Franco Sol’s second time riding in the Prix des Nations competition. “I really did think we had a good chance of winning. It was a good team and everybody was really all together. It’s really nice to win, and I hope everybody is happy!” she expressed.

$5,000 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.20m

The $5,000 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.20m came down to one fault for the winning team. Going in as the anchor rider, Katherine Strauss (USA) on Urginia had to be clear for her team to win. She did just that, leading the Madden Magic team, led by Chef d’Equipe Ann Karrasch, on a final score of zero. Strauss did not have to show in the first round since her teammates were all clear. Also on the winning team was Isabella Salles (BRA) and Umora (0, 0 faults), Genevieve Meyer (USA) on Coral Reef Casello (0, 4), and Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer (USA) with Coral Reef Fundskerl 3 (0, 0).

Second place with just one total fault was Bob’s Babes, named for Chef d’Equipe Bob Henselwood. Their riders were Ali Ramsay (CAN) on Alonzo (0, 0), Jaclyn Duff (CAN) and Caesar (1, 4), Jillian Halina (CAN) on Coupe Champagne (0, 0), and Skylar Edmonds (CAN) with Boomer (elim, 0).

The Iztlazihuatl team placed third. Led by Chef d’Equipe Monica Burrilla, they finished on five faults. Sofia Larrea (MEX) and Balero 7 (6, 1), Gabriel Guerra (MEX) on Phenix de la Nutria (0, 0), Miguel Torres Hernandez (MEX) with Future SM (0, 4), and Martin Guerra (MEX) on Carloubet (0,4) made up the team.

$2,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.10m

In the $2,500 Paramount Resources Prix des Nations 1.10m, there was another four-way jump-off to determine the winning teams after three were tied with zero faults after the first two rounds. First in and taking the win was Shelby Edwards (CAN) on Adelaide. They were the only clear round in the jump-off, finishing in 34.17 seconds to help their team to victory. Edwards rode for the Xtreme team, with Chef d’Equipe Trish Mrakawa. They were double clear in the first two rounds. Also on the team were Ally Memedovich (CAN) on ARK Diamond (0, 0 faults), Kirsten Spence (CAN) and Jetsetter (8, 8), and Chantelle Moore (CAN) with Montenero (0, 0).

Second place went to the John’s Juveniles team with Chef d’Equipe Vinton Karrasch. Katherine Strauss (USA) rode Fidel van de Kooldries to four faults in 33.87 seconds in the jump-off. In the regular rounds, they were double clear. Genevieve Meyer (USA) and Coral Reef Crystal Cove (4, 0), Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer (USA) and Coral Reef Rob (0, 0), and Wesley Newlands (CAN) on Uno Kinston (0, 0) rounded out the team.

Team NorCal, led by Chef d’Equipe Meredith Herman, finished in third place after their jump-off rider, Simonne Berg (USA), rode Limerick to four faults in 47.34 seconds. They had zero faults in the first two rounds of the competition. Joining them on the team were Sarah Pulchalski (USA) on Lucia de Luxe (0, 0), Eve Jobs (USA) with RL Cheenook (4, 0), and Lynne Lancaster (USA) with Sky Dancer LS (0, 0).

$2,500 Friends of the Meadows Prix des Nations 1.00m

The $2,500 Friends of the Meadows Prix des Nations 1.00m saw the H.A.P.P.E.E. Team with Chef d’Equipe Jan Pearce ride to victory. The team consisted of: Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer (USA) on Coral Reef IEM Capolavoro, who had one time fault and then four faults; Katrina Garnett (USA) and Shakyra, who had four and 10 faults; Josef Polk (USA) and Saint Sebastian, who had four and a clear round; and Linda Lauper Polk (USA) and Top Shelf, who were clear and had five faults. They team finished on 14 faults.

Second place went to Border Patrol and Chef d’Equipe Mary Manfredi who finished on 19 faults. The team was led by Nicola Brandon (USA) and Outlander (0, 4 faults), as well as Kelsey Brooks (USA) and Callula (1, 8), Chad Leat (USA) on Dutch Girl (5, 1), and Taylor Phillips (CAN) with Ziggy, who were unfortunately eliminated in both rounds.

The Golden Girls team with Chef d’Equipe Robert Blanchette placed third on 21 faults. Carolyn Salas (USA) on Alltair (0, 12), Clara Burgeles (USA) and Cord (6, 1), Shannon Jones (USA) on Hello U (12, 9), and Bryce Richardson (USA) on Levitas (1, 4) were on the team.

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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com