Tag Archives: Winter Equestrian Festival

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Shane Sweetnam Wins Back to Back in $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers

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Lori Sawyer-Lyons Has a Blue Ribbon Finish aboard Senna M in Ariat National Adult Medal

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 8, 2013 – Irish show jumper Shane Sweetnam is on a roll during week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) with a set of back to back wins in Friday’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed and jump-off classes to follow up a victory in Thursday’s $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. All three wins were on Spy Coast Farm owned horses – the 1.45m aboard Everly Chin de la Pomme and Friday’s 1.40m speed aboard Cyklon 1083 and jump-off class riding Beluga.

Week five of the FTI WEF circuit, sponsored by Adequan, runs February 6-10. The remainder of the week will feature the $82,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and awards almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Continue reading Shane Sweetnam Wins Back to Back in $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

SMU’s Raposa Wins Over Fences at FTI WEF Collegiate Equitation Challenge

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SD State’s Violand Takes the Flat

Schaefer Raposa and Jet Stream K. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2013 – The fourth annual Collegiate Equitation Challenge, hosted at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), took place Friday evening at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The top riders representing varsity teams from the National Collegiate Equitation Association (NCEA) competed head-to-head in a bracket format both over fences and on the flat.

Schaefer Raposa, a freshman at Southern Methodist University, took home the over fences championship trophy, presented by the South Florida Hunter Jumper Association, with a high score of 92. Megan Violand, a senior at South Dakota State University (SDSU), conquered the flat bracket and was awarded the championship trophy, presented by Alex Jayne and Our Day Farm. Earlier in the night, Raposa was awarded the High Score Award for her first round score of 90. The award was presented by Jill Townsend and Winter Heaven Farm. Champion of the consolation bracket was Catherine Sarosy, of Miami University of Ohio. The consolation trophy was awarded by Martha Jolicoeur.

Continue reading SMU’s Raposa Wins Over Fences at FTI WEF Collegiate Equitation Challenge →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Zander Triumph in $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5

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Liza Boyd Clinches Champion and Reserve Titles with Fieona and Quatrain in Gold Coast High Performance Working Hunters

McLain Ward and Zander. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2013 – Week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with a victory for McLain Ward (USA) and Zander in the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5. The duo won over Great Britain’s Ben Maher riding Quiet Easy 4 and Peter Wylde (USA) aboard Lewin 5.

Week five of the FTI WEF circuit, sponsored by Adequan, runs February 6-10. The week will feature the the $82,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and awards almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Olympic course designer Bob Ellis is in charge of the jumper tracks in the International Arena for week five. For Thursday’s WEF Challenge Cup class, Ellis saw 64 competitors in round one and had twelve entries jump clear to earn a return for the short course. Six of those jumped clear in round two to take the top prizes.

Continue reading McLain Ward and Zander Triumph in $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Returns

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Nayel Nassar of Egypt won the 2012 Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series at WEF. Photo by Sportfot

Wellington, Florida – The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series returns for a third year at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, opening with the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix on Sunday, February 10, in the International Arena.

A mandatory riders’ meeting will be held on Friday, February 8, at 4 p.m. in The Wellington Club.

Comprised of four events, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series includes the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix on Sunday, February 10, at 8 a.m.; the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix held under the lights in the International Arena on Friday, February 15, at 7 p.m.; a two-round $20,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team event on Thursday, March 7, tentatively beginning at 3 p.m.; and the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final held on the grass derby field at The Stadium on Sunday, March 24, at 9 a.m.

Continue reading Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Returns →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Peter Wylde and Zidane Kick Off WEF 5 with Second Win in $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers

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Peter Wylde and Zidane. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2013 – The fifth week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) began on Wednesday, February 6, with a win for Peter Wylde and Zidane in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class. The pair also topped the class during week three and Wylde hopes to continue their success in the Rolex FEI World ranking classes coming up in the remaining weeks.

Week five of the FTI WEF circuit, sponsored by Adequan, will run February 6-10. The week will feature the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 on Thursday afternoon, the $82,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening, and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Olympic course designer Bob Ellis set the track for Wednesday’s $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Thirty-seven entries competed and 13 cleared the course without fault. The fastest round in 56.335 seconds earned top prize for Peter Wylde and Zidane, owned by Windward Farm and Jessica Suida.

Continue reading Peter Wylde and Zidane Kick Off WEF 5 with Second Win in $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers →

Community/Charity, Fundraisers, Sydney Masters-Durieux

Step by Step Foundation to Benefit from Poker Gives’ Cupids for Charity NL Tag Team Tourney

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Liliane Stransky & Olympic Veteran Margie Engle Planning to Host Charity Game during This Year’s Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida

Liliane Stransky and Margie Engle to co-host ‘All In for Charity’ Poker Tournament during WEF 2013

Wellington, FL – February 4, 2013 – Top poker professionals, veteran players, and amateur supporters have all reserved seats for Poker Gives’ 2nd annual Cupids for Charity NL Tag Team Tourney at the Binion’s on February 17, 2013.  The international children’s charity Step by Step Foundation will be one of the 5 beneficiaries for this year’s tournament at the popular casino at 128 Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are very excited to be one of the non-profits chosen by Poker Gives this year,” said Step by Step founder Liliane Stransky of Miami and Wellington, Florida, who is planning on sitting down to take on all challengers at this fun filled game.  “The funds that come with each winning hand will help of our programs, like our Backpacks for Kids campaign.  We have been able to bring backpacks and much needed supplies to children both nationally and abroad, but this support will allow us to expand and help others.”

Getting involved with Poker Gives is a natural for Stransky, who along with the help of Olympic show jumping veteran Margie Engle is planning her third “All In for Charity Poker Tournament.”  They are looking to host the benefit tournament during this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Continue reading Step by Step Foundation to Benefit from Poker Gives’ Cupids for Charity NL Tag Team Tourney →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Alise Oken and Teirra Top $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

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Larkspur and Francesca Dildabanian Take Home the Tricolor in Coldwell Banker Children’s Hunter 14 and Under Division

Alise Oken and Teirra. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 3, 2013 – Week four of the2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Fidelity Investments, concluded on Sunday afternoon with a win for 21-year-old Alise Oken and Hi Hopes Farm, LLC’s Teirra in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela set the courses for week four jumper competition in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). In Sunday’s concluding class, 46 entries competed and six advanced to the jump-off. The top three riders jumped double clear rounds, and the fastest time belonged to Alise Oken and Teirra in 31.928 seconds, first to go in the jump-off.

Coming in second, Amanda Derbyshire and David Gochman’s Attack II stopped the clock in 33.613 seconds. HH Prince Faisal Al Shalan and Saudi Equestrian’s Talan placed third with their time of 34.128 seconds. Ben Maher and Mrs. Philips’ Quiet Easy 4 had the fastest time of the jump-off in 31.200 seconds, but had one rail down. Lorenzo de Luca and Michael Collins’ Chevalier also had one rail and placed fifth with their time of 34.588 seconds. Jessica Springsteen wrapped up the jump-off with eight faults aboard Stone Hill Farm’s Vindicat W to place sixth.

Continue reading Alise Oken and Teirra Top $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Products/Services, Show Jumping

Jessica Springsteen Wins SSG Riding Gloves Bonus Money

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Jessica Springsteen, mounted on Vindicat W, is presented with a $1,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves for wearing SSG ‘Digitals’ on her way to victory in the $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Photo - Sportfot

February 3, 2013 – Wellington, Florida – Jessica Springsteen pocketed a $1,000 bonus for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves on her way to victory in the $15,000SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic during week four of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Springsteen qualified two horses for the jump-off after successfully negotiating the marathon first round track set by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela.  From the 37 entries, six horses advanced to the tie-breaker with Springsteen posting the fastest clear round effort, stopping the clock in 40.30 seconds riding Wish.  With the only other clear jump-off performance, she also placed second with Vindicat W, the horse Peter Charles rode to a team gold medal for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.  Springsteen, who trains with 2008 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut, was cheered on to victory by her parents, Bruce and Patti Springsteen.

With a $1,000 bonus on the line, Springsteen was wearing her SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Ben Maher and Cella Capture $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix

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Superman and John Ingram Conquer Hunt Limited Amateur-Owner Hunter Over 35 Division

Ben Maher and Cella. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 2, 2013 – It was a star-studded equestrian event during week four of the2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival’s (FTI WEF) “Saturday Night Lights” competition as Great Britain’s Ben Maher piloted Jane F. Clark’s Cella to victory in the $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix. Competing in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Maher and Cella finished on top of 49 entries over second place finishers Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Rebozo and third place competitors Gemma Paternoster (GBR) and Osiris.

Week four of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, will conclude on Sunday, February 3, with the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic at 2 p.m. The 2013 FTI WEF features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Continue reading Ben Maher and Cella Capture $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Spencer Smith and Skara Glen’s Voltan H Top Griffis Residential High Junior Jumpers at WEF 4

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Victoria Colvin Triumphs in Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search

Spencer Smith and Skara Glen's Voltan H. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 1, 2013 -Week four of the2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Friday with the junior and amateur-owner riders beginning their jumper competition in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). In the first class of the morning, 16-year-old Wellington resident Spencer Smith jumped to victory in the $1,500 Griffis Residential High Junior Jumper Power and Speed class aboard Skara Glen’s Voltan H.

Week four of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, will continue through February 3. The week will feature the $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Continue reading Spencer Smith and Skara Glen’s Voltan H Top Griffis Residential High Junior Jumpers at WEF 4 →