Tag Archives: Winter Equestrian Festival

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 Win $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Speed at FTI WEF 3

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 22, 2014 – The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) began its third week of competition, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, on Wednesday, January 22, with a win for Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Spy Coast Farm LLC’s Cyklon 1083 in the $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m FEI world ranking class.

Week three continues through Sunday, January 26. The week will feature the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 on Thursday, the $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m on Friday, the highlight $125,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday night, and the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge is the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for week three’s competition. Jorge set the course for 46 entries in Wednesday afternoon’s $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class and had 14 clear rounds. Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 went early in the order and completed the course in 57.10 seconds to earn top honors.

Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Annie, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham, finished second, exactly one second slower in 58.10 seconds. Third place honors went to Ian Millar (CAN) and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Dixson in 59.03 seconds. Quentin Judge (USA) and Double H Farm’s HH Dark de la Hart earned the fourth place prize in 59.67 seconds.

Cyklon 1083, a 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood stallion by Cardento x Cortus, had a great 2013 season under the guidance of rider Shane Sweetnam and looks to continue that success in 2014. The pair won a ranking class during week 12 of FTI WEF competition in March last year, topped a class in Göteborg, Sweden, in April, won in La Baule, France, in May, and earned another win at Spruce Meadows in July, among many other top finishes.

“Everywhere he goes, he is very competitive,” Sweetnam noted. “He had a great year. He placed at nearly every show. He has always been very competitive and he likes to go fast, so that is important.”

Commenting on Wednesday’s class, Sweetnam stated, “I thought Guilherme did a good job. It was a quick enough class and I was early to go, so I had my plan going in and I stuck to my plan. I thought it was a nice course, and it definitely suited my horse.”

“He is a good boy,” Sweetnam added. “He is not a difficult stallion. He enjoys attention, and he gets a lot of it. He is lovely to flat and then when he starts jumping he really wants to win, so he is a great horse.”

Cyklon will continue to be aimed at the FEI world ranking classes throughout the FTI WEF circuit, showing again this week in Friday’s $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m class.

Wednesday’s competition started in the International Arena in the morning with 123 entries jumping in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class. Only eleven combinations were able to clear the course without fault to jump-off, and seven double clear rounds were completed. With the large number of entries, the class was held as a “California Split” with two sets of prize money awarded.

Canada’s Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S, owned by Morningside Stud and Torrey Pines Stable, had the fastest jump-off time of 31.977 seconds to earn top prize in Section A. Laura Chapot and Mary Chapot’s Zealous jumped off in 32.457 seconds to top Section B.

Week three of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue on Thursday with the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 in the International Arena and the presentation of championship honors to the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green Working Hunters in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

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

Jordan MacPherson and Piccobello du val de Geer Win $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

Jordan MacPherson and Piccobello du val de Geer. Photos © Sportfot.

Victoria Colvin and Don Juan Top$10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed; Classic Contender and Mindy Coretz Conquer FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters 18-35

Wellington, FL – January 19, 2014 – Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) concluded at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Sunday with a win for Jordan MacPherson (CAN) and Piccobello du val de Geer in the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in Association with Guido Klatte, also kicked off with its first class of the circuit and a win for Victoria Colvin and Don Juan.

Sunday’s competition concluded week two of the 2014 FTI WEF, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty. Week three CSI 3* competition is sponsored by Fidelity Investments and runs January 22-26. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Luc Musette of Belgium set a challenging track for Sunday’s 1.50m class that yielded just three clear rounds out of 44 entries. In the jump-off, Jordan MacPherson and JEM Stables Inc.’s Piccobello du val de Geer were first to go and the only pair to jump the short course without fault. They were the winners with a clear round 41.65 seconds.

Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and David Gochman’s Attack II went next and had one rail down for four faults in 41.97 seconds to finish third. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Prof de la Roque had the time in 40.50 seconds, but also had a rail in the short course and finished on four faults to earn second place honors.

Following the class, Jordan MacPherson commented on the difficulty of the day’s course, noting that it rode much differently than it walked. “There were quite a few options and as people started going, it made it clear the plan that you had to follow,” MacPherson noted. “There were not as many options as you thought there would be. I thought it was technical, and it was a very good course that he set up. I know that I had a little bit of trouble, but it was a good course to ride a plan.

“Coming back for the jump-off I knew that there were only three, and going first I knew that I needed to have a clear round to put a little bit of pressure on the other two, which seemed to work out today,” MacPherson added. “She was a very good mare. She was quick and careful.”

Piccobello du val de Geer is a 15-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare (Kannan x Skippy II) that MacPherson has had for almost four years. The pair won a 1.50m class at the PA National Horse Show this fall and finished fourth in the Canadian championships at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto as well.

“She has just been unbelievable,” MacPherson praised. “She has taught me so much and to be able to move up with a horse that you trust is really invaluable.”

Victoria Colvin and Don Juan Top $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in Association with Guido Klatte

The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, hosted its first competition of the circuit on Sunday with a $10,000 speed class and a win for 16-year-old Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, riding Brigid Colvin and Karen Long Dwight’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Don Juan (by Flamenco Desemilly x Lagano).

The morning’s class saw 49 entries with 11 clear rounds. Wilton Porter and Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Radio City completed the first clear round of the day in 76.25 seconds, sixth in the order of go, and held onto the lead through most of the class until Colvin and Don Juan surpassed their time 40 rounds later. Colvin’s winning time was well ahead in 71.12 seconds. Kalvin Dobbs and Treesdale Farms’ Winde, who won this class last year, placed third in 77.23 seconds.

Victoria Colvin and Don Juan
Victoria Colvin and Don Juan

The series gives young riders under the age of 25 a valuable stepping stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level. Colvin only jumped in one class in the series last year, but started off strong for this year’s circuit.

“I think it is wonderful,” Colvin said of the series. “It is great to have all of the young riders put together in a mini grand prix and it is sort of a big deal instead of just having the High Juniors and Amateurs. It is a bigger grand prix, but for all of the young riders.”

Porter (19) and Dobbs (18) have each shown in the series for the last three years and value the experience that they have gained.

“I think it pushes consistency because it is a cumulative score at the end of the series,” Porter pointed out. “It makes you want to have a solid round each time rather than going crazy the first time and then maybe burning out by the end of it. I think that is really important for championships and stuff in the future.”

“It is something nice to work towards,” Dobbs added. “You have bigger courses: longer, harder courses than the normal High Juniors or High Amateurs. It is nice to have a goal set in mind because sometimes you are just going. It is nice to know what you have each week so that you can learn how to prepare your horse correctly and be consistent throughout the circuit.”

For Colvin, it has been a road of ups and downs getting to Sunday’s win with Don Juan. She has had the gelding for exactly one year, but had a challenging end to 2013 when the horse inexplicably broke his jaw during the Adequan/FEI North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in July.

“We don’t really know how it happened, but he got very sensitive to his mouth and I had to ride him in a hackamore for a while,” Colvin explained. “We just started using a bit now since Young Riders.”

Although it was a bad experience for Don Juan, Colvin explained that the change has probably helped their partnership.

“He is really strong, so not using a bit is not good, but I think it has helped me ride him better because I have not had him for so long, and when I changed to the hackamore he was a completely different horse,” she stated. “He was like a totally different ride. He has been really good and then he has been really bad, but today was a really good day.”

Commenting on her blazing fast round, she noted, “I was gonna start slow. I said I was just going to go slow and nice because he wasn’t perfect yesterday, and then I jumped like three jumps and I just started running,” she laughed. “He was good and he felt confident. He doesn’t have the biggest stride, so we have to go really fast if we want to leave strides out, but he usually flies.”

Wilton Porter set the pace early on in the class with Radio City and had to wait through all of the rounds. “I was hanging on to the lead for the majority of the class and I thought I was getting close, but then Tori went and just laid it down,” Porter stated. “I think it ended up being a good enough time to where a lot of people were chasing it and had rails because of that, but I thought the course was great. It was a really good start to the Young Rider Series.”

Porter started riding Radio City during FTI WEF last year and plans to compete her throughout the Artisan Farms Young Rider Series. “She has sort of been my specific Young Riders horse,” he said. “I will do her in all of the Young Rider classes this circuit and then the Young Rider championships this summer. She is just a solid 1.45m, 1.50m horse.”

After winning this class last year, Kalvin Dobbs was hoping for a repeat victory with Winde, but settled for third place this time. After a tough start to the circuit, Dobbs was determined to have a good round.

“I had a bit of a rough start to the circuit because I fell off earlier and had to go home for physical therapy, and then I fell off again today in the schooling ring,” Dobbs admitted. “I was fine, but then I was angry and I just wanted to get in the ring and do it. Laura Kraut is my trainer and she knows all about that, so she was pumping me up. I kind of went in there with high emotion and just went and did it.”

“She is great,” he said of Winde. “She doesn’t care when something like that happens. She has been an awesome horse to work with, and we just continue to get better and better. She is hot and she can be hard to deal with at home because she does not like to be told what to do. It has been a patience game. I have learned to be very patient with all of my horses through her because you just have to take it slow and make sure she is coming out strong and healthy and doing the right things.”

Following Sunday’s start to the Artisan Farms Young Rider Series, the FTI WEF circuit will host a $10,000 Team Event on Friday, January 31 at The Stadium during week 4, a $25,000 Semi-Final on Friday, March 7, during week 9, and a $50,000 FEI Final on Sunday, March 23, on the derby field at the Stadium during week 11. Along with competition, there is a “Bridging the Gap” learning series for the competitors.

Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping. Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

Classic Contender and Mindy Coretz Conquer FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters 18-35

The trip from Tulsa, OK, was well worth the effort for Mindy Coretz and her 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Classic Contender. The pair was crowned division champions in the FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter 18-35 division Sunday morning at the FTI WEF. Coretz and Classic Contender won two over fences classes, including the handy round, in addition to jumping to second and seventh place finishes.

The reserve champion for the division was Columbus, owned and ridden by Kathryn Haefner. Haefner piloted Columbus to two blue ribbon finishes, one over fences and one in the under saddle class.

Mindy Coretz and Classic Contender
Mindy Coretz and Classic Contender

Coretz is a student at the University of Tulsa, where she majors in Business Management with a minor in Spanish. She commutes back and forth to the FTI WEF each week while juggling a full course load.

“It can definitely be hard. It’s really stressful to try to manage the time when [riding] takes so much time to begin with, and then you throw in things like flight delays and it can get tricky,” Coretz acknowledged.

But Coretz can’t imagine a life without riding, so she is more than willing to pull out all the stops to make school and her equestrian pursuits both work.

“I’ve had good luck with teachers being understanding,” she related “I typically go directly to them at the beginning of the semester and explain that this is what I do with my time. [I’ll tell them,] ‘I’ll work really hard in your class. I’ll turn things in early. Tell me what you want me to do; I’ll do whatever it takes.'”

Coretz trains with Libby Barrow at home in Oklahoma, but since Barrow doesn’t make the trek to Wellington, she set Coretz up with Valerie Renihan for the season.

“I’ve ridden with [Libby] since they day I turned seven years old,” Coretz smiled. “She was so incredibly kind to set me up with Val. I just took my first lesson with her the day that I arrived in Florida, and she’s been absolutely amazing. I don’t have enough good things to say about her.”

Coretz and Classic Contender, known as “Dan” around the barn, started their partnership last summer, and Coretz has enjoyed getting to know the lovable grey gelding.

“Dan likes to pretend to be a little rough around the edges, but I think he is the sweetest, most cuddly horse in the entire world. It may be because he’s never seen me without food for him, but you do what you’ve gotta do!” she laughed.

In the show ring, Classic Contender’s athletic ability has been the biggest adjustment for Coretz, but his powerful jump doesn’t come at the price of rideability.

“He has the coolest feel to the jumps because he’s such an athlete, and he just needs no help whatsoever. You just let him do his thing, and he fires up great. I’ve had a lot of fun with him,” Coretz concluded.

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will host its third week of competition, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, on Wednesday, January 22, through Sunday, January 26. The week will feature the $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m on Wednesday, the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 on Thursday, the $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m on Friday, the highlight $125,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday night, and the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane Race to Victory in $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2*

Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane. Photos © Sportfot.

Becky Gochman and Sambalino Clinch Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Hunter Over 35 Division

Wellington, FL – January 18, 2014 – Ireland’s Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane were double clear and blazing fast for the win in Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2*, the highlight event of week two at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Riders representing nine different countries showed under the lights in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with top finishes for McGuigan, along with Todd Minikus (USA) and Quality Girl and Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) aboard Carlos V.H.P. Z.

FTI WEF week two, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, concludes on Sunday with the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Luc Musette of Belgium set the course for Saturday night’s competition with 44 entries, nine clear rounds to advance to the jump-off, and seven clear rounds over the short course. The fantastic crowd that braved the unusually cold Florida weather was treated to a thrilling show in the jump-off as the horses and riders raced against the clock.

Fifth to go in the second round, Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane completed the fastest track in 39.92 seconds, edging out Todd Minikus and Quality Girl’s time of 40.15 seconds. A few rounds later, Nicholas Dello Joio and Carlos V.H.P. Z completed the third fastest time in 40.33 seconds. It was a very close race, as Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman and Cafino finished fourth in 40.50 seconds, and Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and Rocky W stopped the clock in 40.52 seconds to place fifth.

Ronan McGuigan already has an early lead in the $100,000 FTI Consulting Rider Challenge standings after a very successful start to the circuit, and he added a few more points to that lead with Saturday night’s win. Capall Zidane, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Concorde x Baloubet du Rouet, has been incredibly consistent for the rider and continues to prove himself.

“I came down here for the holiday horse show, and he was second in the two 1.45m classes, and then he had a rail in the World Cup and came thirteenth,” McGuigan explained. “Last week was his first week back and he was third in the WEF and fourth in the grand prix, and this week he was third in the WEF again and topped it off tonight, so he can have a rest now.”

Commenting on his jump-off round, McGuigan noted, “I was usually fighting most of the year here with Todd, so I knew I had to try and beat him. The turn back to the third jump I had to give him a little bit of time, it was tricky, but after that everything else you could gallop up to the jumps. He’s very careful, so the jump-off course kind of suited me.”

McGuigan, originally from Ireland, came to America 12 years ago and now has a farm in New Jersey. He is enjoying the opportunity to jump at a higher level and acknowledged that Saturday’s win was the biggest of his career.

“This is the first time I’ve really had a chance to jump at this level,” McGuigan detailed. “Mostly I have been training clients, so I’m just having fun with him. I’ve got a few new, young horses coming up behind him, so hopefully next year they can help me out a little and take the pressure off him.”

“I’ve had him since he was a five-year-old,” he added. “I bought him at the Hendrix auction, and I actually never went to try him. I just bought him off a DVD. When I bought him, all of my Irish pals called him the ‘internet horse,’ but I had the last laugh tonight. He has been very consistent since I’ve had him.”

Of course Todd Minikus would have liked to win on Saturday night, but he was very happy with his rounds on Quality Girl and also celebrated McGuigan’s top finish.

“I’d like to congratulate Ronan; he has really done a great job with that horse,” Minikus stated. “I have watched that horse, his career since Ronan started with him, and Ronan has done a hell of a job with him.”

“Going early in the jump-off, I was mostly worried about Ronan because last year, during the summer, Ronan really started clicking with that horse and it is lightning fast,” Minikus acknowledged. “Going in early you gotta be a little conservative and I kind of got stuck in the corner rolling back to the black vertical. I did one or two extra strides there that I didn’t need to, but going early, that’s what you have to do sometimes. Luck of the Irish was clearly there tonight.”

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl
Todd Minikus and Quality Girl

Minikus explained that this was Quality Girl’s first week back to showing after a well-deserved two months off. The mare won nine grand prix classes in the 2013 season and is back for more.

“She’s right back on track where she left off,” he affirmed. “I was a little bit concerned about how she would come back after that long break because she has proven that she does well when she’s in a continuation of showing, but it was all good. I’m pretty excited for the circuit.”

Nicholas Dello Joio was showing Carlos V.H.P. Z for his previous owner, Emilie Martinsen, during last year’s FTI WEF circuit and is excited to now have control of the talented gelding’s career through his new Carlos Group ownership.

“We’re really excited to do what we want with the horse, pick and choose what’s best for our schedule and what we want to aim at,” Dello Joio stated. “We know the kind of quality he has. He has already previously won a 5* grand prix back in Europe, so he has quite a record. He’s an unbelievably careful horse and when he’s confident, I think there’s nothing he won’t jump. Tonight he was super, so I’m really excited.”

Matt Varney of Wellington Equestrian Realty had a great time watching Saturday night’s class and congratulated the top competitors.

“It’s a great class,” Varney stated. “This is the third time we’ve done this class and the third year it hasn’t felt like Florida, so I’m just happy it turned out and we still had a great crowd out there and a full international tent. I really enjoy that. I am happy with the turnout every year at this time of year, and we are looking forward to our other class in a number of weeks.”

Becky Gochman and Sambalino Clinch Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Hunter Over 35 Division

Becky Gochman and Sambalino added another division champion title to their already long list of accolades on Saturday afternoon of the FTI WEF. Gochman and Sambalino, an 11-year-old Brandenburg gelding by Samba Hit, were crowned champions after winning two over fences rounds and placing second in another in addition to winning the under saddle class.

The reserve champion for the division was Amarillo with Katie Jacobs-Robinson. The pair were third in all six classes.

Gochman, of New York, NY, and Sambalino are no stranger to the winner’s circle, but their high score of 94 in the final over fences round came as a pleasant surprise.

“I just went in and did my best. I knew he did a very good job and I was very pleased with him, but to get a 94 is icing on the cake. I never expect a score like that and when it happens, it’s an amazing feeling,” Gochman expressed.

Gochman, who trains with Peter Pletcher, had an equally enthusiastic fan base; her daughters Mimi and Sophie were at the in-gate and loudly cheered when her score was announced. Gochman hopes someday Sambalino can show them the ropes in the junior hunter divisions, but values every day she can spend in the saddle with her daughters.

“It’s really fun to hack [at home] with my kids and go on trail rides. It’s really fun to do riding as a family sport. What more can you ask for when you see your kids doing something that you believe in so much? To be good to your animals, have fun with animals, to be outside. That’s a real treat for me,” Gochman detailed.

Gochman’s husband has also been known to get in the saddle every once in a while, but is most comfortable with both feet on the ground.

“He enjoys sitting in the golf cart and watching the kids. He’s learned a lot over the years! He can tell a distance and leads, so I’m pretty proud of him. We make him owner to make him part of it. That keeps David the boss! I think he gets a kick out of that. He’s a good sport about everything, and I so appreciate him and Sambalino!” Gochman smiled.

Sambalino is a “once in a lifetime horse” for Gochman, who believes the secret to his success is his love for the show ring.

“I think he has a lot of fun with it. I can tell by his little antics and actions that he enjoys his job. That’s what I think makes a special horse,” Gochman explained.

“He’s a fun guy. He’s got a little bit of a sense of humor and he always wants his peppermints for sure; he’ll dive-bomb any groom that is nearby,” she continued. “He makes me smile every day when I see him, and I just feel so much gratitude for being able to sit on a horse like that.”

Hunter competition for week two of the FTI WEF will continue Sunday morning with the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter 18-35 division in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Arena. The $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will conclude the week in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

Laura Chapot and Bradberry Victorious in $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge

Laura Chapot and Bradberry. Photos © Sportfot.

Visse Wedell and Bona Fide Claim Triple Crown Adult Amateur Hunter 36-50 Section A Championship at FTI WEF

Wellington, FL – January 17, 2014 – Friday’s competition at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) featured two classes for the 1.40m Jumpers in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for Laura Chapot (USA) and Bradberry in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge and a top finish for Todd Minikus (USA) and Babalou 41 in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jump-Off.

FTI WEF week two, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, continues through Sunday, January 19. The week will feature the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, and the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, during the day on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Luc Musette of Belgium set the tracks for Friday’s classes in the International Arena at PBIEC. In the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge he saw 57 entries with 23 clear rounds. Laura Chapot and her consistent veteran partner, Bradberry, went early in the order and put down what would prove to be an unbeatable time of 59.731 seconds.

Nick Novak earned second and third place honors with his two mounts. Novak finished second aboard YB Blue in a time of 60.46 seconds and earned the third place prize with Springfield Tennessee in 62.931 seconds.

Chapot was happy with her win today with Bradberry, a 16-year-old Selle Francais gelding, and remarked that he was ready to come out and play. “It is really great for him to come out and be fresh and be as enthusiastic as he is,” Chapot stated. “He loves his job and I think he is very happy to be down here.”

The fiery chestnut gelding is always fast and could prove a difficult ride for some, but he is Chapot’s perfect type. “He really fits me perfectly,” she acknowledged. “I know he wouldn’t be a horse for everyone, but I feel very comfortable on him and he suits my style. We just mesh very well. He is like a second skin.”

The pair went very early in the class and was able to maintain their lead through the end. Commenting on her hold of the leading time, Chapot noted, “Sometimes it is nice to go early because you have your plan and you execute it without thinking about what everyone else did. It makes it hard to wait through the rest of the class, but I felt like he jumped very well today and the whole thing was very smooth.”

She added, “It is nice to win. He has been second twice and we have had like nine seconds (with all of the horses so far at WEF) and this is our first blue. Not that we’re complaining about seconds, but it is hard to get a ribbon here, so it is nice to win one too.”

A $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class was also held earlier in the day with a win for Todd Minikus and Kathryn Haefner LLC’s Babalou 41. The class saw 85 entries with 34 in the jump-off and 23 double clear rounds. Minikus and Babalou 41 had the fastest time of 29.775 seconds. Laura Chapot and Quointreau un Prince, owned by Chapot and McLain Ward, finished second in 30.765 seconds.

Visse Wedell and Bona Fide Claim Triple Crown Adult Amateur Hunter 36-50 Section A Championship at FTI WEF

Visse Wedell and Bona Fide emerged victorious from the Triple Crown Adult Amateur Hunter 36-50 Section A division at the FTI WEF on Friday. Wedell and Bona Fide, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Anne Mullally, were third under saddle and third and fifth over fences on the first day of competition before winning both over fences classes on day two to clinch the division champion title.

The reserve champion was Valobra, owned and ridden by Eva Bisso. Bisso and Valobra were second, first, third and second over fences.

Visse Wedell and Bona Fide
Visse Wedell and Bona Fide

Bona Fide and Wedell have not been together for long, but the loveable gelding has quickly secured a special place in Wedell’s heart. After leasing him for the Hampton Classic Horse Show (N.Y.) last August, Wedell was more than eager to extend her lease through the FTI WEF circuit.

“He walks in every ring and doesn’t look at the jumps. He is such a confidence builder. I cannot say enough nice things about him!” Wedell beamed. “I don’t even really get nervous on him, and I am such a nervous rider. He is the easiest horse to walk in the ring and gives you such a good feeling – you know you’re getting to the other side [of all the jumps]. As an adult [amateur], that’s the best feeling ever!”

A young horse and nervous adult amateur doesn’t sound like a match made in heaven, but Wedell believes Bona Fide is an old soul who simply loves his job.

“That’s why he’s so good at such a young age! He loves his job. He thinks this is fun! So it’s not like you have to prep him a lot to get to the ring. It’s nothing; you can just go,” Wedell described.

A “get on and go” ride is helpful for Wedell, who balances riding with her job as a realtor with Engel & Völkers. The temptation to spend all day at the horse show is strong, but Wedell knows her work is waiting for her at home when she’s done showing.

“It’s awesome to be here, and you feel like you’re going to miss something [if you leave or don’t show for a week], but there’s life outside of the show you’ve got to focus on. It’s like being in Disney World; you get wrapped up in it and then you realize you have 73 emails and 16 new voicemails – I’ve got a job!” Wedell laughed. “I’m trying to balance that better this year. You’ve got to get on a schedule. I’m trying to give everything the right amount of time.”

Wedell trains with Bill Schaub of Over the Hill Farm as well as at RC Stables, where Bona Fide lives, with Richard Cunkle and Lee Flick. Wedell enjoys having several different pairs of eyes to give her input when she comes out of the ring.

“It’s like I have my crew at the horse show! I have three trainers at the ring, which is great, because they all have different input. They’re great, every single one of them,” Wedell commented.

What Wedell values the most is the entire team’s ability to prioritize having fun at the horse show.

“We’re all a happy group. Even though it’s two or three trainers, everyone gets along and everyone has a common goal – having fun. That’s the biggest thing, is walking away with a smile. The ribbons are just extra. And to have a horse [like Bona Fide] that makes you feel that good in the ring is priceless,” Wedell remarked.

Competition for week two of the FTI WEF continues Saturday morning in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring with the Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Hunter 35+ division. The $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* will be the highlight class on Saturday night. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

Live Stream for $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty, Jan. 18, 6:45 pm

Photo copyright Sportfot.

The first “Saturday Night Lights” grand prix of the season kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Watch 44 of the world’s best show jumpers compete in the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*.

Watch live here starting at 6:45 pm EST!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH:
http://bit.ly/1jbZES9

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

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

Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Returns Featuring Increased Prize Money and FEI Sanctioning

Chloe D. Reid is presented as the overall winner of the 2013 Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Photo by Sportfot.

Wellington, Florida – The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, returns for a fourth year, featuring increased prize money and FEI sanctioning, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.  This year’s Series opens with a $10,000 Speed class on Sunday, January 19, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Comprised of four events, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series includes the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Speed class on Sunday, January 19, at 8 a.m. in the International Arena; a two-round $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team event on Friday, January 31, at 5 p.m. under the lights at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival International Arena; the $25,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Semi-Final held under the lights in the International Arena on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.; and the $50,000 FEI Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final held on the grass derby field at The Stadium on Sunday, March 23, at 9 a.m.  A total of $95,000 will be on offer, as well as coveted world ranking points in the final event.

Riders aged 16 to 25, regardless of nationality, are eligible to participate in the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, which provides a valuable stepping stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.  Featuring fences set at 1.45m, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series is an opportunity for developing grand prix riders to not only gain experience jumping in a team format, but also competing in three different venues, on grass and under the lights at night, all important elements that competitors will face as their careers progress.

Riders are ranked based on the number of clear rounds they produce throughout the Series, which encourages, promotes and rewards consistency.  The top 40 riders in the overall standings will be invited to contest the $25,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Semi-Final on March 7 with the top 30 riders facing off in the $50,000 CSI2* Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final on Sunday, March 23.  The overall winning rider will receive a Bruno Delgrange saddle valued at $6,000, and will be presented with an invitation to compete at the CSI2* Chantilly Horse Show, part of the Global Champions Tour, held from July 25-27 in France.  In addition to their entry, the winner also receives two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge and transportation for one horse generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.

“We are thrilled to be taking the Series to another level by increasing the prize money and obtaining FEI sanctioning for the Grand Prix Final,” said Carlene Ziegler who, with her husband Andy, owns Artisan Farms.  “When we started the Series four years ago, our intent was to create a program that provided a bridge from the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level.  The Series offers great variety with two classes at night and one on the derby field, as well as the team competition run in a Nations’ Cup format, which is one of the few opportunities that young riders have to gain experience riding as a team member.”

In addition to valuable competition experience, participants will be exposed to various educational and professional development opportunities through “Bridging the Gap” sessions to be held on Saturday, February 1, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 12:30–1:30 p.m.  Riders will also receive guidance on how to conduct themselves with the media, and interviews with all winners will be filmed and included in the official FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival press releases.  In addition, the top three riders in the overall Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series will attend a press conference following the final event.

New for 2014 is the opportunity for one lucky participant to win a one-year sponsorship with equestrian clothing apparel company, Equiline.  Eligible riders must nominate themselves to win a combined cash and product sponsorship valued at $5,000.  The winner will be announced at the final Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series awards presentation.

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping.  Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

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

Alvaro de Miranda and Charlie Jacobs Share Victory in $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2

Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje. Photos © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 16, 2014 – Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with a busy schedule of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. The afternoon featured Round 2 of the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series, which was held in a “California Split” due to the large number of entries. The competition awarded two sets of placings, each with $34,000 distributed. Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje and USA’s Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star shared in the day’s victory.

FTI WEF week two, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will run Wednesday, January 15, through Sunday, January 19. The week will feature the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, and the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, during the day on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Luc Musette of Belgium set the course for Thursday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 with 98 entries competing in total. Out of 98, only eleven were able to clear the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and nine of those jumped double clear. Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje, owned by de Miranda and Victory Equestrian Sport BV, had the fastest time of 39.71 seconds overall for the win in Section A. Charlie Jacobs and CMJ Sporthorse LLC’s Flaming Star finished in 39.85 seconds for the win in Section B.

The top three finishers in Section A included Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje, Lauren Hough (USA) and Laura and Meredith Mateo’s Reconnaissance in second place with a time of 40.15 seconds, and Ronan McGuigan (IRL) and Capall Zidane in third with a time of 41.52 seconds.

Section B saw Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star on top, with Katie Dinan (USA) and Grant Road Partners’ Glory Days in second in 41.45 seconds, and Keean White (CAN) and Angelstone Partners’ Pironella in third with a time of 41.81 seconds.

The competition in Wellington has become more competitive each year, and it takes an extremely fast combination of horse and rider to top the talented line-up of international competitors in these classes. Alvaro de Miranda knew what he had to do going into the jump-off, and he went full speed.

“It is very competitive here,” he noted. “Every class you need to go full gas to try to do something. I am very happy because with this horse it was very difficult for me to go fast always in Europe. Today I had a very good feeling in the jump-off. It was very good for me because the left turn is better for him, so I could do a good turn to the double, and he has a very, very big stride, so I did one less stride to the last fence.”

De Miranda was extremely fast galloping down to the final vertical heading towards the in-gate, and he did not hold back.

“You need to just go and the last two strides, almost don’t breathe, just wait and let the horse jump good,” he stated. “It is so fast that if you think about the finish line, you will have a big fault. Making this mistake one thousand times, sometimes you learn, and today was good. When you are not the last (in the jump-off), you know anything can happen and you just wait for the result, but I am very happy with my horse and a start like that is very good. The horse jumped amazing.”

AD Uutje, a 2001 KWPN gelding by Monaco x Calypso, is a fairly new horse for de Miranda, and the rider explained that Nelson Pessoa has been helping him for the last three months.

“I have ridden him for only six months, and Nelson Pessoa really trained the horse,” de Miranda explained. “It was very hard for me to ride this horse, but Nelson also rode the horse for me and he found the right bit. He is coaching me two times a week in Holland and also here every day. I am very happy to have Nelson again. I rode with him for 15 years and then I went to Holland, and now we are back again and I am very motivated to have him as my coach.”

The new partnership with AD Uutje is progressing, as de Miranda explained that this was the fastest they have gone without making any mistakes.

“Today I had a very good feeling,” he said. “I was going fast, but he was not losing the jump and getting flat. Maybe to the last a little bit, but it was very fast to the last. I am very happy, and I hope I can keep riding him like today because when I ride him good, he always jumps very good. Most of the mistakes are my fault, and I try to keep improving.”

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star
Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star

Co-winner, Flaming Star, is a 1999 AES gelding by Fairman that Charlie Jacobs has had great success with. Jacobs was last to go in the jump-off, but did not get to see de Miranda’s ride because he was warming up. The difference between their times was one extra stride down the last line, where de Miranda did ten strides to Jacobs’ eleven.

“I just didn’t have it in me to do ten,” Jacobs stated after the class. “I thought ‘Maybe I do ten, but it’s a gamble. I leave it up, I win. If I knock it down, I’m sixth.’ So I got maybe too cautious, but it’s kind of remarkable that we had 98 starters today. I am so proud of Flaming Star and the way he jumped. He has been great. This is his second of back to back weeks, so he will jump Saturday and then he gets a two-week rest before week five.

Commenting on Flaming Star’s consistency, Jacobs noted, “I am so proud to have him. He is a quirky horse, but once you get to know him, it is like a comfortable suit that you put on. You get in the saddle and he is right there like an old buddy, ready for you. I am so happy. We have a great rapport, and it wasn’t always that way with him and me. We just gelled in the past year or so.”

In addition to the prize money in Thursday’s class, de Miranda earned a special $3,000 bonus as part of the SSG ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion for wearing his SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves. Each week of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series, a $3,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning rider if they are wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible.

An $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class was also held in the International Arena in the morning with a win for Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC’s Powerplay. The $2,500 Amateur-Owner Jumpers, sponsored by Engel & Völkers, Sollak Carr, saw a win for Erin Haas and North Face Farm’s As Di Chupito.

Scott Stewart and Lucador
Scott Stewart and Lucador

Lucador and Scott Stewart Claim Green Conformation Hunter Championship for Second Week in a Row at FTI WEF

Lucador and Scott Stewart were awarded top honors in the Green Conformation Hunter division, presented by Shapley’s Grooming Supplies, on Wednesday afternoon of the FTI WEF. Stewart and Lucador took home the championship prize for the second week in a row after an incredible sweep of the division during Week 2 of the FTI WEF. The pair ultimately won all six classes in the division.

Reserve champion for the division was High Regard, owned by Glefke & Kensel, LLC, and ridden by Adam Ottomanelli. High Regard was third in the model and second under saddle with Ottomanelli before placing fifth in the handy round, and finishing second, third, and second over fences.

Lucador, a six-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, first caught Parker’s eye at the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program Championship in Lexington, KY, last summer. Peter Pletcher campaigned the gelding throughout 2013 for then-owner Brian Walker, finishing the year fifth in the Pre-Green Incentive Program Standings for Money Won by a Horse.

Despite Lucador’s substantial winnings, the horse hadn’t actually been in the show ring very often. After taking him out a few times in the fall, Stewart toyed with the idea of giving him another year to get comfortable in the horse show environment.

“I wasn’t sure whether he was going to do another Pre-Green year or not. He’s pretty young. He’s just turning six, and Peter and Brian only showed him three or four times [last year at the FTI WEF] and a few times over the summer. He didn’t have a lot of experience, but he’s really brave. The jump is easy for him, and he has a good mind for a young horse,” Stewart detailed.

Stewart decided to make the move up a division with Lucador, but resolved to wait and see how the gelding handled the higher fences. With two division championships in his first two weeks out, it’s clear Lucador has risen to the challenge.

“The original plan was to show him once or twice at 3’6″ and see how he dealt with it, and if he didn’t do so well we could always drop him down. But so far so good!” Stewart laughed.

Lucador also hasn’t been deterred by less than ideal weather, getting wet during week one of the FTI WEF during substantial rainstorms followed by an unseasonably chilly and windy in the second week. Stewart acknowledged that although Lucador is still young, he’s mentally quite mature. At only six years of age, Lucador is already described by Stewart as a horse he doesn’t have to worry much about in the ring.

“He’s got a big stride and he’s not spooky, so you never have to worry about that. He’s also got a perfect lead change, so there are a lot of things you don’t have to worry about. You just have to stay out of the way, and he’ll have a pretty jump. He doesn’t actually need to jump a lot at home, either. He’s pretty easy. He acts like a 10-year-old!”

Shapley’s Grooming Products sponsored the Green Conformation Hunter division, awarding Stewart with a well-stocked bucket of grooming supplies for his victory with Lucador. Stewart’s River’s Edge Farm, based in Flemington, NJ, is already a devoted Shapley’s user thanks to overwhelmingly positive feedback from the grooms.

“We use it all the time. It’s great to have Shapley’s sponsoring this class because you can use all of their stuff for the model. The guys love it, and it makes the horses look good!” Stewart remarked.

Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue on Friday with the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers in the International Arena as well as the presentation of championship honors to the Triple Crown Adult Am Hunter 36-50 Sec. A in the Rost Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

Laura Kraut and Bonito R Win $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m at FTI WEF 2

Laura Kraut and Bonito R. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) kicked off at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Wednesday morning with a win for Laura Kraut (USA) and Bonito R in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.40m speed class. Jack Hardin Towell, Shane Sweetnam, and Samuel Parot also got wins on the first day of week two competition.

FTI WEF week two, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will run Wednesday, January 15 through Sunday, January 19. The week will feature the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday afternoon, the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, and the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, during the day on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Luc Musette of Belgium is the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for week two competition. Wednesday morning kicked off with 28 entries in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class with nine clear rounds and a win for Laura Kraut and Stars and Stripes’ Bonito R with the fastest time of 65.653 seconds.

Lauren Tisbo (USA) and Tequestrian Farms LLC’s La Centa finished second in 67.918 seconds. Jennifer Goddard (USA) and Stateside Farm LLC’s Ungaro de la Hot Couture placed third in 69.260 seconds.

Laura Kraut continued a successful beginning to her FTI WEF circuit with Wednesday’s win on Bonito R, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding by El Bonito x Rhytmo. This was the gelding’s first class of the circuit and a great start to his winter season as well. Kraut got the ride on Bonito R one year ago as he was turning eight years old and showed in the Adequan Eight-Year-Old Young Jumper classes throughout the 2013 FTI WEF circuit, earning many top ribbons and finishing a very close second in the circuit’s championship classic.

“We found him in England through our friends, Graham and Tina Fletcher,” Kraut explained. “They told us about him when we were at the Olympia horse show and so we went in the driving rain and freezing cold of England and tried him. Then I think by the time we got him paid for, and he got over here, he didn’t arrive until maybe mid-February.”

“We brought him to Florida last year, and he won a ribbon in every class he entered, which is pretty remarkable,” Kraut acknowledged. “He is just a wonderful horse. He’s brave and fun. This is his first time out and he just walks right in and owns the place, which is nice. I am excited for him for this year because I am planning to move him up and maybe do some of the ‘WEFs’ (grand prix) and the 1.50m Classics and see where we go from there.”

Commenting on Wednesday’s speed track, Kraut noted, “I really liked the course. I think Luc is a fantastic course builder. We are very lucky down here to get all of these wonderful course designers. My horse handled it really well. I cut in and sort of sliced the last double (combination), which would be hard for a lot of horses, and he did it brilliantly. I could not have been happier with him. He was like a windup toy today.”

“He does not take a lot of anything,” Kraut said of the ride. “He is what I would call ‘point and shoot.’ He waits when you want to wait; he goes when you want to go. He never spooks at anything. He is careful. He is beautiful. He is one of the nicer, easier rides I have. He will do anything, and he is very versatile. We love that about him.”

The International Arena at PBIEC had a very full schedule of competition on Wednesday as the FTI WEF gets underway with its first week of FEI classes, the first one being tomorrow’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup. In today’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class, there were 100 entries, and it was held in a “California Split,” awarding two sets of placings.

Altogether, 20 entries jumped clear over the course and there were nine double clear rounds. The top finishers were Jack Hardin Towell (USA) aboard Jennifer Gates’ Cadence and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) riding Alden Burlington’s Catch Me T.

A $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class was also held with 72 entries competing with 18 clear rounds and a win for Samuel Parot (CHI) and Carla TM. Laura Chapot (USA) and Bradberry finished second. Ronan McGuigan (IRL) and Capall Zidane placed third.

Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue on Thursday with the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 in the International Arena at 1 p.m. The hunters will present their first championships of the week featuring the Shapley’s Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunters in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

Emanuel Andrade Wins on Opening Week at the 2014 Winter Equestrian Festival

Emanuel Andrade of Venezuela claimed the High Junior Jumper Championship title with Carboni. Photo by Jack Mancini.

Wellington, Florida – Emanuel Andrade of Caracas, Venezuela, kicked off 12 weeks of international competition at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida in a big way.

The 17-year-old racked up top placings aboard a wide range of mounts owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, South Carolina, at week one the 2014 FTI WEF, sponsored by the Mar-a-Lago Club and held January 8-12 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Andrade’s successful opening week was capped off on Sunday when he was awarded the High Junior Jumper Championship title.  He piloted Carboni to a sixth place finish in Thursday’s $1,500 class and followed up with a win in the $1,500 speed round on Friday.  In Sunday’s $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic, Andrade finished second to clinch the overall division championship title.

Andrade was also Reserve Champion in the Medium Junior Jumper division, generously sponsored by Hollow Creek Farm, with the eight-year-old Argentinean Warmblood mare, Black Pearl.  After earning a top 10 result in the opening class of the division, Andrade secured the Reserve Championship title with an impressive win in Sunday’s $10,000 Medium Junior Jumper Classic.

Additional highlights of Andrade’s opening week at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival included top 10 placings with multiple mounts – La Fe Forli, Tiny Tim, Windline, and Wilkina Lithya – in the Low, Medium and High Junior Jumper divisions.  He also contested various open jumper classes, earning a fourth place finish aboard Crossfire 10 in Friday’s $6,000 1.40m class, as well as a ninth place finish with La Fe Forli in the $6,000 1.40m Speed Challenge, held the same day.

“It was a great week; we are thrilled!” commented Andrade’s trainer, Andrea King of Hollow Creek Farm.

Andrade is no stranger to the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, having been named the Leading Jumper Rider in 2013 despite his young age.  Also in 2013, King was named the Leading Jumper Trainer while Hollow Creek Farm was awarded Leading Jumper Owner title.  A sign of things to come, Andrade also earned the Future Champions Leading Junior Jumper Rider award in 2012 after winning six Championship and 12 Reserve Championship titles.

Andrade recently made his Venezuelan Show Jumping Team debut at the 2013 Bolivarian Games in Trujillo, Pero, where he helped to bring home the Team Gold Medal.  One month later, he started the 2014 season off strong, beating out veteran professionals, including Lauren Hough, Todd Minikus and Ian Millar, to win the $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix held December 29 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

A student in his hometown of Caracas, Andrade splits his time between competing in Venezuela and the United States.

For more information on Hollow Creek Farm, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

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

Ben Maher and Kavanagh IV Triumph in $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix

Ben Maher and Kavanagh IV. Photos © Sportfot.

Lili Hymowitz Makes a Statement in Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters

Wellington, FL – January 12, 2014 – Week one of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) concluded on Sunday with a victory for Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Kavanagh IV in the $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Week one of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by The Mar-a-Lago Club, concluded today. FTI WEF 2, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, run January 15-19. The FTI WEF, held at the PBIEC in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

For Sunday’s highlight competition, course designer Eric Hasbrouck saw 47 combinations jump the first round, with ten entries advancing to the jump-off. Only two were able to clear the short course without fault, and Ben Maher and Kavanagh IV had the winning time of 35.017.

Paris Sellon (USA) and Heracross finished second with their clear round in 40.053 seconds. Karen Polle (USA) had the fastest time in the jump-off in 33.898 seconds, but incurred four faults to finish third. Ireland’s Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane placed fourth with four faults in 34.344 seconds. McGuigan and Polle were both victim to a tall plank jump on course that was a problem for many of the riders in both rounds.

Class winner, Kavanagh IV, is a 12-year-old Anglo European gelding by Kannan x Carousel. Maher started riding the gelding this fall and has already had great success with him. He explained, “I took over the ride a few months ago when I was resting the other horses in England back in October, and he went quite well the first week, so John and Laura (Renick) kindly left him with me.”

“I begged them to let me take him to Florida because I know he’s great in the big arenas,” Maher continued. “He jumped very well in the Trump Grand Prix the other week. I couldn’t see where I was going (because of the rain), and I ran a little deep and had a mistake, so we saved him for this grand prix this week because he felt good, and the plan paid off.”

“He is the most laid back going horse there is,” Maher described of the horse. “He is very relaxed and doesn’t mind who looks after him or who is riding him. I actually didn’t ride him all week. My girlfriend rode him the whole week, so maybe I’ll stick to that plan. He takes strides out in a big ring like this; he’s pretty fast. A lot of horses had the planks down, so I took a little bit of time there and left a small margin for the others to catch me, but luckily it was the right decision today.”

Maher looks forward to another great FTI WEF circuit in 2014, returning with Jane Clark’s Cella and Urico, who he had great success with in 2013.

“I am looking forward to riding Cella and Urico,” he noted. “They have been great for me the whole year. We rested Urico for the indoor season because he gained some great results. I had a whole new plan with him for the summer, and I think he’s in great shape, so he’ll start out here next week. Cella, we’ll save for the bigger grands prix. They’re kind of split up this time, so she’s going to come out week three I think, but I’ve got some great horses. I’m very lucky, and always excited to be here.”

In addition to earning top prize in Sunday’s grand prix, Maher was presented with a special Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award, presented by Laura Fetterman.

Second place finisher, Paris Sellon, also earned a special award as the Leading Lady Jumper Rider for week one thanks to Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

Sellon, 21, is from Los Angeles, CA, and this is her first time competing at the FTI WEF riding with Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton. She purchased Heracross from Skelton one year ago.

“I just started riding with Nick and Laura last May,” Sellon explained. “I went to Europe with them, started traveling with them. I have just been getting to know him, getting to know how to jump clear, and it’s all finally paying off now. It has taken a full year, but he’s great. He is super straight forward and a super show horse.”

Commenting on the day’s course, Sellon noted, “It was difficult enough. With the time allowed and everything, you have to keep moving as well as trying to jump clear, but my horse actually benefits from that. The more you keep him going, the more you fire him up. That’s when he jumps his best, so it was actually a pretty good course for him.”

Karen Polle, also 21, is from New York City and started training with Todd Minikus in October. She has had her horse What Ever for three years, but the mare is coming back from a year and a half off with an injury, and Sunday’s class was one of their first grands prix back together. Polle described What Ever, stating, “She is so lazy at home. She’s like a pony, but once she gets in the ring she fires up. She leaves out strides and turns really fast, and she’s just so fast and fun.”

Polle explained that training with Todd Minikus has really helped her. “He has helped me focus on using my leg to really ride the course and guide the horse,” Polle noted. “I tend to get a little bit too much hands, and I stop them a little too much and I get them behind me sometimes, so he’s really been helping me ride from my leg.”

The Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumpers also got the chance to show in the International Arena on Sunday morning. In the $10,000 Sleepy P Ranch SJHOF High Junior Jumper Classic, Victoria Colvin and Don Juan, owned by Brigid Colvin and Karen Long Dwight, completed the only clear round out of 17 entries to earn top prize. Emanuel Andrade and Hollow Creek Farm’s Carboni had the fastest four-fault round to finish second.

The $10,000 Animo USA Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic saw 51 entries with 18 clear rounds and ten to go clear in the jump-off. Dana Scott and Nod Hill Farm’s KM What Ever RV were the winners with the fastest jump-off time, and Sarah Hubbard and Athina Z finished second.

Lili Hymowitz Makes a Statement in Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters

Lili Hymowitz could not be beat Sunday morning in the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, presented by Greenspoon Marder Law, at the FTI WEF. Hymowitz walked away with division champion and reserve champion honors with her mounts Statement and Tiffani, respectively.

Lili Hymowitz and Statement
Lili Hymowitz and Statement

Hymowitz and Statement, a seven-year-old Westphalian gelding, won three out of the five classes for the division. The pair picked up wins in two over fences classes and the under saddle in addition to collecting sixth and third place ribbons over fences.

Tiffani, a 10-year-old Holsteiner mare, won the handy round on the first day of competition over fences before finishing second in two other over fences rounds and fifth in the under saddle class.

Fourteen-year-old Hymowitz, of New York, NY, picked up division champion and reserve champion titles with both mounts over the fall and was happy to see both horses return to the show ring happy after a well-deserved vacation following the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY.

“Towards the end of indoors, they were starting to get tired. Now they’re back and refreshed,” Hymowitz recounted. “It’s so nice to be back in Florida. I’ve gotten used to riding in little indoor [arenas]-I haven’t shown outside since the Hampton Classic [in August].”

Of her champion mount, Statement, Hymowitz described “He’s pretty straight-forward. You just have to make sure you keep going forward! One thing he likes to do is start slowing down and get a little backwards, but he’s so fun and amazing. He wants to win as badly as I do!”

Hymowitz described Statement as a “get on and go” ride, but highly values Tiffani’s adjustability on course.

“With Tiffani, I don’t have to worry because she’s so adjustable since she used to be a jumper. If I see the slow [distance], I’ll do the slow one, but with Statement, you just have to stay the same pace. I try not to touch him!” Hymowitz admitted.

Hymowitz was thrilled with her one-two finish in the division and looks forward to competing Statement and Tiffani again at the FTI WEF, although they’ll be getting plenty of well-deserved time off.

Sunday’s competition concluded week one of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by The Mar-a-Lago Club. Week two, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will run Wednesday, January 15 through Sunday, January 19. The week will feature the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday afternoon, the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, and the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic during the day on Sunday. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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