The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Experienced Great Success, Awards Circuit Championships

Wellington, FL – April 14, 2011 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is proud to congratulate all of the Circuit Champions for the 2011 season. ESP is also thrilled with the many accomplishments that were made throughout the 2011 season and look forward to continued improvements during the summer months to make the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival one of the best horse shows in the world.

Throughout the twelve weeks of competition, more than $6 million was awarded in prize money, and over $1 million was raised for 32 charities in the FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments.

The 2011 FTI WEF also saw increased numbers of horses, riders, owners, and trainers from last year. Almost 5,000 horses and more than 3,000 riders competed over the twelve weeks of competition. It is no surprise that these numbers increased this year, due to the world-class events that were offered throughout the circuit.

The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Circuit Champion Awards were presented to the top finishers in every division, based on prize money and points won.

One of the biggest winners was the Chapot family of Neshanic Station, NJ. They took home four circuit championships, while Mary Chapot was named the Oakcroft Overall Jumper Owner and Oakcroft Overall Jumper Trainer. Laura Chapot was the Oakcroft Overall Jumper Rider. They won the same overall titles in 2010.

Christina Kelly of Lexington, KY, was nearly unbeatable in the junior jumpers this year. She won seven out of the 12 High Junior Jumper classics and took home 12 division championships during the circuit. She was circuit champion in the EquiFit High Junior Jumpers and Reist Industries Medium Junior Jumpers. Kelly was awarded with the Pin Oak Farm Perpetual Trophy as the high score junior jumper rider.

Murray Kessler of Armonk, NY, took home his third straight circuit championship this year in the Masters Jumper division. He won six championship ribbons during the 12 weeks of competition. Kessler was awarded the Howard A. Newman Perpetual Memorial Trophy.

Scott Stewart of Flemington, NJ, continued his dominance in the hunter ring again this year. He took home 14 championships during the 2011 circuit and numerous reserve championships. He was also Oakcroft Overall Hunter Owner and Oakcroft Overall Hunter Trainer in addition to his circuit championships, the same two overall awards that he won last year.

Stewart’s student, Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, was in the winner’s circle an astounding 32 times this circuit and won numerous Reserve Championships. Colvin rode Sanzibar to the Martha Jolicoeur/Illustrated Properties Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter circuit championship.

The Oakcroft Overall Hunter Rider award went to Meredith Darst of Lebanon, OH. Darst won 24 championships this year in the pony and junior hunters. Darst was circuit champion in the Gotham North Small, Visse Wedell/Elebash Medium, and Large Pony Hunter divisions on the Dr. Betsee Parker-owned entries, Elation, Enchanted Forest, and For the Laughter, who also won the Betsy Smith Mimnaugh Perpetual Trophy.

The Christy Conard Perpetual Trophy for Equestrian Excellence went to Elizabeth Benson of Whitehouse Station, NJ.

Cedric, owned by Happy Hill Farm, was awarded the Simba Run Perpetual Trophy, which is awarded to the owner of the open jumper who has earned the most prize money in classes of 1.45m or more.

The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival exceeded expectations, and is in the books as a great success. The team at Equestrian Sport Productions would like to give a warm thank you to all who participated throughout the 2010 season, and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2011.

For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-793-5867 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Media Relations
803-240-7488
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Clara Belden
Public Relations and Marketing
561-793-5867
clara@equestriansport.com

Leave a Reply