Tag Archives: Suzy Stafford

Competitions, Driving

Suzy Stafford Dominates Two Divisions at Little Everglades International Combined Driving Event

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Suzy Stafford securing the Intermediate Championship with PVF Peace Of Mind, and Preliminary Championship with J.P., owned by Diane Ameter. Photos: Pics Of You.

Dade City, FL – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford comes home with the tri-colored ribbon in the Intermediate division with her own Morgan mare PVF Peace Of Mind and was crowned the Champion in the Preliminary division with J.P., a Hanoverian gelding owned by Diane Ameter.

This is the first time Stafford and Peace Of Mind competed at the Intermediate level winning the dressage with a stellar score of 39. “This mare has 3 wonderful gaits and a super work ethic. Dressage has always been one of her strong phases and she only seems to get better with age and strength,” Stafford says.

J.P. made his mark in the dressage arena as well winning his dressage phase with a consistent relaxed test. “Having J.P. relaxed and happy in his work at a show has been my main goal in his training. The goal is to have him solid enough in his basics for his owner Diane to take the reins next month and put in the same relaxed drive. I feel that I have accomplished that here in the ring,” Stafford said.

Marathon day for both horses was a challenge as the heat brought on a shortened course by the officials. Peace Of Mind was all business as she tackled the obstacles with strength and agility. “I am delighted how game this horse is becoming in the obstacles, she is getting more power as she develops and it is a great feeling to have that strength when I asked her for it,” Stafford says, smiling.

J.P. took all his new experiences in stride including the water complex. He stayed forward and consistent throughout the course. “I am happy with his gung-ho attitude through the obstacles as he can be tentative at times. I am looking forward to Diane taking the reins at the next CDE at this level so she can enjoy her horse as much as I have,” says Stafford.

Staffordblueribboncloseup“It takes a lot of work and organization to drive two different turn-outs in two different divisions. I would not have been able to do it and be successful without the help of J.P.’s owner Diane Ameter and my working student Stacey Hoff. They kept me on schedule and made sure everything that the horses and equipment needed was taken care of so I could focus on driving and learning the courses. I am truly grateful for them,” Stafford said.

Two double clear cones rounds secured their places at the top of the leader board. “What a show – horses were great, venue was stellar and the show was well run, damn near perfect!” Stafford says with a grin.

Suzy is known around the globe for her talent for developing equines for the International stage. In her relatively short driving career Stafford has been long listed with the United States Equestrian Federation with nine different equines. “Striving for success is simple when my owners and sponsors believe wholeheartedly in my judgment, skill and training program,” Stafford says.  Stafford operates her Stafford Carriage Driving facility out of Chester County in Pennsylvania from April to December and is stationed in Aiken, South Carolina from January through.

Stafford is a highly sought after clinician and also trains horses and teaches students out of her Stafford Carriage Driving facility. To learn more about Stafford, visit her website at www.staffordcarriagedriving.com.

For more information contact:
Suzy Stafford
Stafford Carriage Driving
www.staffordcarriagedriving.com
ponydriverss@aol.com
1-302-540-5162

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Driving, Events

A Double Win for Driver Suzy Stafford at the Nature’s Coast Horse Driving Trial in Florida

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PVF Peace Of Mind and Stafford in the water Complex at Nature’s Coast Trial. Credit: Pics Of You

Bronson, FL – The sunny, warm climate has boded well for Stafford in her first competition on the 2013 season. Driving “PVF Peace Of Mind”, a 6 year old Morgan mare owned by Stafford, the team brought home the Best overall dressage score of the competition, best cones that led them to the Overall Division Champion. “I love everything about this mare; she is clever, intelligent and loves the job. No doubt, a talented young horse,” says Suzy.

Her second turn-out was just as successful driving J.P., a Hanoverian gelding owned by Diane Ameter who was only to be defeated in dressage by Stafford’s mare by .2 of a point. “J.P. came to me for training and I am ecstatic with his rapid progress,” says Stafford. The pair went on to double clean cones, winning their division. “I am excited for Diane to take the reins at the next show and carry on a productive and successful season. J.P. truly wants to please and has a great work ethic. I am looking forward to watching the partnership grow between the two of them,” says Stafford.

Stafford has a long season ahead of her with the goal of making the 2013 United States World Pony Driving Team to be held in Pau France November 1-4 with a pony named TTE Tea Time, a Morgan gelding owned by Trout Walk Farm. “The selections trials start here in Florida with the first one coming quick; it will be a long season for the ponies as the championship date is quite late this year. The key will be peaking myself and the pony at the appropriate times in the season,” Stafford said.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Driving, EQUUS Foundation, USEF

Suzy Stafford Guides Two of Her Equine Partners to the Horse Stars Hall of Fame

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Suzy Stafford with Courage To Lead. Credit: Linda Gallo

Chester County, PA – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford made history in 2005 when she won the first Individual Gold medal at the World Pony Driving Championships for the United States. She has continued to medal at the World Championships in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2011.

Suzy first graced the International stage driving Cefnoakpark Bouncer, a Welsh Cob owned by the Humphrey family.  Suzy hit American soil with the first Individual Gold medal in Combined Driving for the United States. “It is such an honor for the USEF and Equus to acknowledge such a talented and special pony,” Stafford says.

“It is surreal to have one equine partner recognized in this way, but when you have two ponies in the Hall of Fame, I was speechless!” Stafford replies.

Courage To Lead, a Morgan mare owned by Beverly Lesher, is now retired from competition after taking the driving World by storm with undefeated seasons and an Individual Bronze Medal on her resume. “I had a long competition relationship with this mare and we went through many up and downs together; she will always be ‘my Golden girl’,” Stafford said with a smile.

Continue reading Suzy Stafford Guides Two of Her Equine Partners to the Horse Stars Hall of Fame →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events

Suzy Stafford Comes Home the Overall Advanced Champion at Katydid CDE

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Suzy Stafford, securing the Championship with TTE Tea Time. Photo: Pics of You

Chester County, PA – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford and her new partner TTE Tea Time, owned by Wendy O’Brien of Trout Walk Farm, bring home the Advanced Championship at the Katydid Combined Driving Event held in Windsor, SC. Suzy made history in 2005 when she won the first Individual Gold medal at the World Pony Championships for the United States. She has continued to medal at the World Championships in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2011 winning the Individual Silver for the United States.

Suzy has high hopes for her new equine partner “Trae”, an 8 year old Morgan Gelding owned by Wendy O’Brien.  Stafford was thrilled with her performance at the Advanced level after a stellar performance in all three phases of the tough competition. “This was his first showing at the advanced level. Even though I was a bit hesitant to move him up, I thought he needed the exposure. Boy was I wrong; he was cool calm and competitive and proved to me that he has what it takes for the FEI stage. I was ecstatic with his performance!” says Suzy, smiling from ear to ear. “Trae” is a natural competitor, he knows when to “turn it on” and that is something you cannot train. They have to be born with it,” Stafford says.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, FEI, USEF

Suzy Stafford Upgraded to Silver Medal for 2011 FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies

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Suzy Stafford at the 2011 FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies. (Marie de Ronde)

Lexington, KY – Suzy Stafford (Wilmington, DE) represented the U.S. at the 2011 FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies in Lipica, Slovenia held September 21-25, 2011. She drove her Morgan-Arabian Cross mare Josephine to an impressive finish in the cones phase and was awarded the Bronze medal in the Singles Pony Championship. Stafford has been notified by the FEI that the Swedish single pony driver Susanne Ankermark driving Windy Boy Rocket has been disqualified. The results of the competition have been updated, now awarding Stafford and Josephine the Silver medal, adding to her already remarkable resume.

Stafford has represented the U.S. at four World Championships, medaling every time. In 2005 Stafford became the youngest and the first American driver to win an Individual Gold medal in international competition. She drove Cefnoakpark Bouncer to first place at the World Pony Driving Championship in England. In 2007, Stafford and Cefnoakpark Bouncer helped the U.S. team bring home a Bronze medal at the World Single Pony Championships held in Dorthelyst, Denmark. Stafford and Courage to Lead represented the U.S. at the World Pony Driving Championships in Germany in 2009 and earned a Bronze medal.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events

Suzy Stafford Makes History Again Receiving First Driving Sport Predicate Title in the US

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Suzy Stafford securing the first ever in the United States Driving Sport Predicate Title with Sjaantje, the 7 year old Friesian Mare owned by Gail Aumiller. Photo: Linda Gallo

Chester County, PA – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford made history in 2005 when she won the first Individual Gold medal at the World Pony Championships for the United States. She has continued to medal at the World Championships in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2010.

History was made again with Stafford holding the reins of a seven year old Friesian mare named Sjaantje owned by Gail Aumiller of Dreams Come True Farm in Carlisle, PA. Suzy has completed the qualifications and catapulted Sjaantje up the training scale in record time to receive the Driving Sport Predicate Title. This is the first completion of this title to be held by any equine in the United States. “It makes my job easier when the owner believes whole heartedly in Sjaantje and gives me all the tools I need to prepare her for success. Gail is that owner and I am truly grateful for her trust in my program and support,” Stafford says with a smile.   Stafford operates her Stafford Carriage Driving facility out of Chester County in Pennsylvania from April to December and is stationed in Aiken, South Carolina from January through April.

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Breeds, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, JRPR

Champion Driver Suzy Stafford and Sjaantje Take Home National Championship Title at the 2011 International Friesian Show Horse Association World & Grand National

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Suzy Stafford and Sjaantje took the National Championship in the Friesian Carriage Driving Open class at the IFSHA World and Grand National. (Photo courtesy of Rick Osteen)

Lexington, VA (October 17, 2011) – Decorated driver Suzy Stafford hasn’t let her success at the 2011 World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica slow her down.  Recently returned from Slovenia where she drove the half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine to an Individual Bronze Medal, Stafford hasn’t been back in the United States for a month before earning another championship title.  She drove Sjaantje, a 6-year-old Friesian mare, to the National Championship in the Friesian Carriage Pleasure Driving Open division at the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) World and Grand National.  The mare’s owner, Gail AuMiller of Dreams Come True Farm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, drove Sjaantje to top honors in the Amateur Carriage Pleasure Driving division and the pair also took the Reinsmanship Championship.

The IFSHA World and Grand National took place October 5-9, 2011 in Lexington, Virginia.  The IFSHA is dedicated to the promotion, showing, and exhibition of the Friesian horse and its derivatives, and the Championships featured a wide range of disciplines.  This year’s carriage driving classes were the largest driving classes to date at the Friesian National Championships, and Sjaantje, also known as “SJ”, proved her mettle by earning top placement while showing against some of the top members of her breed.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, JRPR

Champion Driver Suzy Stafford and Half-Arabian Miss Josephine Cruise to Individual Bronze Medal at 2011 World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica

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Suzy Stafford and Miss Josephine during the cones phase. (Photo courtesy of Bettina Ruckelshaus)

Lipica, Slovenia (September 29, 2011) – Suzy Stafford and registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine put in a brilliant performance at the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Slovenia where they were awarded with the Individual Bronze Medal, Stafford’s second consecutive Individual Bronze.  Stafford and Miss Josephine were competing as individuals for Team USA, marking the first time an Arabian competed for the United States.

“Josie and I had a great run in Lipica,” Stafford said.  “Josie has an amazing heart and loves a challenge, which makes her a great international competitor.  Arabians are a very versatile breed and they really can excel in any discipline,” Stafford said.  “After all Josie was a lead line horse for a beginner, in addition to being a competitor at the World Pony Driving Championships.  It doesn’t get much more versatile than that!”

Stafford and Josie finished fifth after the dressage and were five points off the leader going into the marathon.  “Josie was awesome in the dressage; she was the best she has ever been.  I couldn’t believe it when we went in the ring,” said Stafford.  “She knew it was a big deal and puffed herself up.  She showed off like a true pro.  We had one mistake at the end of the dressage test that lowered our score a bit, but I could not be happier with how hard Josie tried for me!  These are the moments that remind me why I have made horses my way of life.  Sometimes it’s not about winning; it’s about the partnership.”

The pair moved up to fourth after the marathon followed by a precise and fast cones round that put them in third, securing the Individual Bronze Medal.  “Josie’s strength and character overshadowed her lack of experience in the marathon,” said Stafford.  “The course required a lot of strength and speed.  I still find it amazing how powerful this little horse is!”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, USEF

Day Three: FEI World Pony Driving Championships – U.S. Maintains Bronze Medal Position

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Shelly Temple and LR Ami B-Line (Photos: Marie de Ronde)

The U.S. Pony Drivers had another successful day in Lipica, Slovenia at the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships. As a team they forged through difficult marathon conditions to lie third in the standings heading into Sunday’s finale. Germany leads comfortably with a combined score of 345.01, with The Netherlands sitting the Silver medal position on 360.39. On 382.08, the U.S has a wide margin over the fourth-placed British team.

Single Pony Championship

Less than 10 points separate the top nine ponies in the Single Pony Championship, three of which are Americans. Individual driver Suzy Stafford (Wilmington, DE) was the Individual Bronze medalist in 2009, will attempt to drive her way back in to the individual medals again on Sunday. She currently is fourth with Josephine. Shelly Temple, who drives LR Ami B-Line (Windsor, SC), and Miranda Cadwell, who drives Kabam (Southern Pines, NC), are in eighth and ninth respectively, with less than half a point separating the two American drivers.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, JRPR

Champion Driver Suzy Stafford’s Pony Miss Josephine Shines in Dressage Phase of German National Pony Championships

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Suzy Stafford and her half-Arabian Miss Josephine competed at the German National Pony Championships in Minden, Germany, placing second in the dressage phase. (Photo courtesy of Bettina Ruckelshaus)

Minden, Germany (September 8, 2011) – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford’s registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine put her best hoof forward in the dressage phase of the German National Pony Championships in Minden, Germany, placing second amongst a highly competitive field. Stafford and several other members of the U.S. team competed at Minden in preparation for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Slovenia.

“Josie and I started out well on dressage day. We came in second in dressage behind another U.S. pony team driver Shelly Temple. I was thrilled as Shelly and Cooper have been a pair for many years and have proven themselves as the dressage favorite in the States. Josie put in one of her best performances to date and I was overjoyed with how she did. Josie has only shown in the advanced level five times including Minden,” Stafford said.

Stafford said the marathon day was just as successful for Josie. “We had a good round and I was pleased how fit and ready she felt throughout the whole course. The rain the night before made for some slippery conditions but with the help of Janelle Marshal, my ‘rent a gator’ and Team Australia pony driver, we had a safe and noteworthy score. I felt Josie and my timing was a bit off due to the lapse of time in between shows, but now I feel the practice Josie and I had at Minden will help prepare us for the challenges ahead,” Stafford said.

Stafford and Josie were in second place going into the cones division; however, things didn’t go as smoothly as Stafford hoped. “We dropped to 11th place after the cones, which was very disappointing,” Stafford said. “But I will use this unfortunate circumstance to become a better driver, trainer and student under the influence of our coach Michael Freund. I think the cones issue was a biting problem in hindsight, so we have worked on that and should have things sorted out for the Championships.”

Continue reading Champion Driver Suzy Stafford’s Pony Miss Josephine Shines in Dressage Phase of German National Pony Championships →