Todd Minikus and Babalou 41 win the $130,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 3* at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Photo courtesy of JRPR).
Wellington, Florida (February 3, 2016) – The first feature Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) series went to Todd Minikus, who jumped two clear rounds to finish four seconds ahead of his closest contender in the $86,000 Marshall and Sterling CSI2*. Then, he piloted Two Swan Farm’s Babalou 41 to the jump off victory in just 41.15 seconds in the following week’s Saturday Night Lights $130,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 3* at the Winter Equestrian Festival held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
“I thought Babalou was fantastic tonight. I would like to thank the whole team at Two Swans Farm,” Minikus stated. “My wife and kids could not be here tonight, but I would like to thank them for putting up with me. It is always a team effort. There are a lot of people involved and a lot of people who deserve credit.”
Minikus and Babalou 41, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare (Balou du Rouet x Silvio I), have enjoyed much success which included a win in the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival’s Lugano Diamonds $150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4* and representing team USA to the win in multiple Nations Cup teams this past summer. “She was always a good horse,” Minikus stated. “She is very explosive with her jump and it took a while to get her to come down a bit. She always over-jumped too much, but we worked that out and here we are.”
Premier Equestrian – a leading manufacturer of dressage arenas, world-class arena footing, and horse jumps – proudly sponsors equestrians who compete at high levels, share their knowledge to better serve the industry, and positively impact the equestrian culture through great sportsmanship. The company is proud to call Minikus a “Premier Equestrian.” When Minikus is not competing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center or other top venues worldwide, he trains over his own Premier Equestrian jump course at his home base in Wellington.
“We love our Premier Equestrian jumps and can’t thank Premier enough,” he said. “Our Florida farm has harsh climate conditions, and it can be brutal for our equipment. Wood jumps rot and mold grows within days. Aluminum jumps are pricey and heavy. The Premier Equestrian jump equipment is ideal – very durable, safe, and maintenance free.”
Premier Equestrian jumps feature lightweight, high quality materials and innovative designs to help riders get the most out of their training. Unique products include the patented horse jump foot, which prevents jumps from blowing over in the wind. All jumps come fully assembled. With three jump lines to choose from, there are price points to meet any budget. Every product shows the company’s passion for safety, practicality, and the well-being of the horse.
Premier Equestrian’s website offers extensive and informative information on their complete line of horse jumps and horse jumping equipment, including horse jump standards, sponsor jumps, and cavaletti. Other Premier products include barn accessories, books & DVDs, as well as arena grooming and maintenance equipment. For more information on all Premier Equestrian products, including top-of-the-line footing, dressage arenas, jumps, and stable accessories, visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.
For more information contact:
Heidi Zorn, Premier Equestrian
1-800-611-6109
www.PremierEquestrian.com