Category Archives: Competitions

HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

New Equine Health Requirements for HITS Culpeper

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Photo © Flying Horse Photography.

Showing at HITS Culpeper is right around the corner and horse health is top priority! Exhibitors, be sure your horses are vaccinated in accordance with the NEW HITS Culpeper Equine Health Entry Requirements.

Before receiving a back number, HITS exhibitors must present the following at each show:

  • Complete Event Participation Declaration
  • Negative Coggins within 1 year
  • Proof of Equine Influenza vaccination within 6 months
  • Proof of EHV 1 and EHV 4 vaccinations within 3 months

For complete Health Requirements and to download the Event Participation Declaration Form, click here.

HITS wishes all competitors a happy and healthy show season!

The 2013 HITS Culpeper Prize List is available here. To request a mailed prize list, click here.

HITS Culpeper:

  • Showday National
    July 3-7
  • Cavalier Classic
    July 10-14
  • Winston National
    August 14-18
    – Featuring the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals
  • Constitution Classic
    August 21-25

Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Dominican Republic’s Isabel Sanchez Gallops to Victory in Caracas

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(L to R) silver medallist Siengsaw Lertratanachai (THA), gold medallist Isabel Sanchez (DOM), bronze medallist Philippe Burckel (MRI) and Janine Khoo (SIN) who finished just outside the medals in fourth place.

Caracas (VEN), 25 June 2013 – The 12th annual FEI World Jumping Challenge Final 2013 came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday 23 June at the Caracas Country Club in Venezuela where Isabel Sanchez from the Dominican Republic emerged victorious.  This year’s event attracted 21 competitors from 10 different regional zones, and 16 federations were represented.  The flags of Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Libya, Mauritius, New Zealand, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, Venezuela and Zimbabwe flew high at this truly international event, and the action-packed five-day fixture saw a very close finish, with Thailand’s Siengsaw Lertratanachi just pipped for gold while Philippe Burckel from Mauritius claimed bronze.

It was the perfect birthday celebration for gold medallist Sanchez who turned 20 last Thursday.  The FEI World Jumping Challenge series is open to riders of all ages, and the oldest competitor at this year’s event was 40-year-old Alt Lounis Brahim from Algeria while the youngest was Tunisian 16-year-old, Amel Meziane.

Regional Events

Category A riders qualify at their own regional events, and the Final is always staged outdoors and using borrowed horses.  It begins with a warm-up class and then moves on through two qualifying rounds before the Consolation Competition and Semi-Final on the penultimate afternoon.

The result is decided on the last day in a challenging four-way change-horse competition.  The format provides a true test of horsemanship as each rider must quickly form a good relationship with an unknown mount, and must then demonstrate further flexibility on the final day when horses are exchanged.

The series and Final are designed to provide top-quality competition for less experienced competitors from remote regions, helping them to develop their skills and guiding them towards positive future involvement in equestrian sport.  Its success is highlighted by the results achieved by graduates such as 2012 bronze medallist Emanuel Andrade from Venezuela who enjoyed another tremendous season at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida (USA) over the past winter.

Qualifiers

Partnered with Carnida Z, Sanchez lined up seventh in this year’s first qualifier which was won by 2010 FEI World Jumping Challenge champion Santiago Diaz Ortega from Colombia who also won the opening competition on his road to success three years ago.  Riding Cachafaz, the 24-year-old pipped Philippe Burkel from Mauritius by almost three seconds while New Zealand’s Rebekah Van Tiel slotted into third ahead of Singapore’s Janine Khoo.  There were three eliminations at this early stage while Venezuela’s Gustavo Machado withdrew, but 19 lined out in the second qualifier in which Khoo came out on top with After Eight Z.

There were only six clear rounds in this competition, and Algeria’s Alt Lounis Brahim made a superb recovery from elimination the previous day to produce a foot-perfect performance with Rotterdam Z.  The consistent Burckel lined up second with Benala while Van Tiel was once again third ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Bader Mohamed Alfard with Oscar du Pin.  Sanchez slotted into eighth place with another four-fault result.

Semi-Final

A win in the Semi-Final however gave the eventual champion the chance she had been waiting for.  With growing confidence she steered Carnida Z home in the fast time of 68.07 seconds to snatch pole position while, yet again, Burckel was runner-up and when Khoo finished third ahead of Lertratanachai it would be these four who would go through to the four-horse ride-off on the final day.  Paraguay’s Sofia Chaparro just missed out on a place in the ride-off when clear with Lendell but almost three seconds slower than Lertratanachai. However the 17-year-old was rightly pleased with her own performance and that of the horse allocated to her.  “Although lots of people thought my horse was difficult, I improved each day and I just fell in love with him!” Chaparro said.

The Farewell Consolation class went to a three-way jump-off against the clock with a super-fast clear round clinching it for Saudi Arabia’s Bandar Sami Binmahfouz and La Fe Falke ahead of Libya’s Georges Bittar (Too Much) in second and Argentina’s Victoria Jiminez (T Star) in third place.

There was also a National Final for Venezuelan riders in which Leopoldo Paoli and Country Boy were convincing winners ahead of Noel Vanososte (Ida) in second and Juan Andres Sauce (Tampa Graff) in third.

Change-Horse Final

Back at the sharp end, the change-horse Final began with clear rounds for all four riders on their own horses.  And Burckel was the only one to make a mistake in the second round when swopping his own Benala for Khoo’s ride, After Eight Z.

But with the tension mounting, Khoo was eliminated in round three when partnered with Templario who had earned a place in the closing stages for Lertratanachai and who had previously jumped clear for both the Thai rider and Sanchez.  Burckel began to slip with just a single fence down with Sanchez’s Carnida Z, but Lertratanachai stood firm with another clear, this time partnering Khoo’s After Eight Z.  So the Thai rider and Sanchez were on level pegging going into the fourth and last round carrying zero scores.

And in the end it was so very close, a jump-off between these two only prevented by the single time fault collected by Lertratanachi on her final tour of the track with Sanchez’s week-long partner, Carnida Z.  This time Sanchez rode Khoo’s After Eight Z and, again, breezed home with another fault-free effort to seal it, her time of 53.48 seconds almost two seconds quicker than that of her Thai rival.  Burckel picked up eight faults with Templario, but this was still good enough for bronze as his finishing total was 16 while, despite a superb recovery when steering Benala home clear at her last attempt, Khoo finished outside the medals due to her earlier elimination.

The Best Horse award went to the brilliant Benala who stayed clear for all four riders on the final day.

Amazing Final

Jacqueline Braissant, FEI Solidarity Director, attended the event and said, “It’s been another amazing FEI World Jumping Challenge Final. The Caracas Country Club, so filled with greenery and surrounded by magnificent trees, contributed a lot to the nice atmosphere. Everything was convenient on site, the catering, the OC secretariat, Judges’ office, the show arena and the warm-up. For the first time in the history of the six Finals that have been staged, half of the participants were juniors, between 16 and 20 years of age, and among them were 11 girls.

“Most of these young riders are very active. Some of them are on their way to qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games 2014, some are aiming at the Bolivarian Games in Peru 2013 or the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2014. They showed a very high quality of riding. It is also to be noted that many of the coaches accompanying these riders went through the FEI Coach Education Programme.

“The Organising Committee did a wonderful job. They really aimed to please the riders and they reached their goal. Entertainment was organised during the rest day, and the highlight was a wonderful lunch in a typical restaurant outside Caracas. The Course Designer from Iran, Mr Hossein Shafiee, did a fantastic job in creating friendly courses asking different questions for this Final. He received lots of compliments from the riders. The Ground Jury were excellent, working really well together and in a very friendly atmosphere,” she concluded.

The event wasn’t all about the winners, it was about everyone taking part and El Salvador’s Stacey Sutton described it as “a great experience even though I did not make it to the Final. I made lots of new friends and I was able to spend time with them and that was great!”  Tunisia’s Amel Meziane was awarded the prize for the most popular rider by her fellow competitors and said it was “a wonderful surprise – I am really happy!”

Result:

FEI World Jumping Challenge Final 2013:  GOLD – Isabel Sanchez (DOM); SILVER – Siengsaw Lertratanachi (THA); BRONZE – Philippe Burckel (MRI).

By Louise Parkes

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summer Classics Week II Hosted Top Riders and Record Numbers of Entries

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Frances Robinson and Geoffery’s Mon win the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division. Flashpoint Photography.

June 24, 2013 – The second week of the Atlanta Summer Classic wrapped up yesterday as thousands enjoyed beautiful weather, great competitions and clinics at the Georgia International Horse Park.  “We had a great two weeks. Even though our numbers were bigger than ever, the rings ran just as well and we all had a great time!” commented Classic Company President, Bob Bell.

The TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions kicked off the week of competition on Wednesday and saw Frances Robinson of Ocala, Florida and her horse, Geoffery’s Mon, win the championship in the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division.   Robinson was thrilled with her win and the program.  “This [Take2] is the greatest program ever – I have been in the Thoroughbred business as long as I’ve been alive.  Geoffery has done more for me than any other horse in both racing and riding,” commented Robinson.  “Back in the day, Thoroughbreds were it.  It’s so nice that this program offers them another chance.  There’s so much that we can still do.  Thoroughbreds want to work, want to please and want to do.  I work with Aaron Vale and he has done a remarkable job with this horse and helping me to get to the point where we are.  He’s a wonderful horse.”

Alex Granato and Mullaghdrin Rado win the $15,000 Welcome Class
Alex Granato and Mullaghdrin Rado win the $15,000 Welcome Class

Twenty-three tackled the $15,000 Welcome Class designed by Olympic Course Designer, Steve Stephens.  It was last Sunday’s grand prix winner, Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado who won the class, this time aboard Mullaghdrin Rado, owned by Page Tredennick, with double clear rounds in 71.867 seconds and 32.693 seconds, respectively.  Jared Peterson of Archer, Florida took the second place spot in the irons of Titus 2:11, owned by Derek Peterson, after a clean first round time of 70.864 seconds and a second round of 32.875 seconds.  Third place was awarded to Samantha Senft of Wellington, Florida and her own Early Morning.  The pair went clean in the first round with a time of 69.256 seconds and turned in a clear second round in a time of 34.235 seconds.  For more results, click here: http://horseshowsonline.com/ClassResults.aspx.

Friday featured the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by FarmVet, which saw Julie Curtin of Roswell, Georgia take the top three spots riding Madison Golinski’s Rainbow Row to the win, Caroline Hargreaves’ At First Glance to second place, and Davis Equine LLC’s Blackmail to the third finish, besting more than forty horse and rider combinations.  For complete results, click here: http://horseshowsonline.com/ClassResults.aspx.

The $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix Saturday night saw twenty-one horse and rider combinations take to the course designed by legendary Steve Stephens. Only two in the class went clean.  Samantha Senft of Wellington, Florida riding her own Early Morning was the second to go in the class and rode her first round in a time of 86.118, well within the 90 seconds time allowed.  Kyle Timm of Apex, North Carolina was next to go aboard Apex Equestrian Center’s Platinum, but with four jump faults, despite a time of 86.237 seconds, would have to settle for fifth place overall.  Derek Peterson of Archer, Florida was next to take the course with his own Via Dolorosa and finished with a total of eight faults and a time of 85.326 seconds, which would give them the ninth place overall.  Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado, winner of last week’s $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix took to the course aboard his own Mad Season, but with eight faults despite a time of 86.538 seconds, the pair would finish in tenth overall.

Liza Finsness and her own Ormsby Hill tackle the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix course designed by legendary Steve Stephens
Liza Finsness and her own Ormsby Hill tackle the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix course designed by legendary Steve Stephens

Three rounds later, Denise Wilson of Dousman, Wisconsin, riding Blue Gate Farm’s Bahrain 8, finished the course with eight jump faults in a time of 90.477 seconds resulting in an additional time fault, which placed the pair in twelfth overall.  Up and coming Grand Prix rider, Jordan Coyne of New Port Ritchey, Florida riding her own Lazaro, finished the course with 8 jump faults in a time of 90.007 seconds, resulting in one time fault which would place the pair in eleventh overall.  Granato returned for another go at the course, this time aboard Mullaghidren Rado, owned by Page Tredennick, and finished with 4 jump faults and one time fault with a time of 90.954 which landed the pair in eighth overall.  Just two trips later, Liza Finsness of Wellington, Florida, riding her own Ormsby Hill, went clean in a time of 89.423 seconds and ensured a jump-off round.

Two trips later, Paulo Santo of Wellington, Florida and Rafael Jose Contreras’ Florence A took to the course, but with four jump faults and one time fault in 90.858 seconds, the pair would finish in seventh.  Three trips later, Wilson returned to the ring, this time in the irons of her own Winter. Despite their time in 86. 983 seconds, their four jump faults would place them sixth overall.  Granato returned to the Olympic Stadium, this time with his own Gangsta and looked to join the jump-off, but with four jump faults despite a fast time of 79.330, the pair would have to settle for fourth.  Jared Peterson of Archer, Florida was last to go, aboard Derek Peterson’s Titus: 211.  Although the pair went clean, their time of 90.361 seconds would cost them one time fault and land them in third overall.

Senft and Early Morning were first to go in the jump-off and set the time to beat at 38.462 seconds.  Finsness and Hornsby Hill took to the ring and looked to beat Senft’s time and did so in 38.247 seconds, securing the win. “This was a very tough course,” commented Bell. “These riders and horses had to really ride for the money and they all did a great job,” he added.

Stay tuned for the Classic Company’s Atlanta Summer Classics Highlights article reviewing the inaugural USHJA Child Adult Regional Jumper Championships, the Equitation Freestyle, the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant Winners, the Junior Hunter Grand Poobah Award, the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby and the Leading Adult and Child Jumper Rider Awards.

In the meantime, the Classic Company is moving to the beach!  That’s right, surf and standards are the perfect combination for your family vacation.  Jump in the ring or jump the waves – you can do it both at the Charleston Summer Classics that kick off July 10.  And this year the Classic Company celebrates with back to back $25,000 grand prix classes.  Make sure to get your entries in now because this is the horse show and vacation destination the entire barn will enjoy.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments. For those who have not yet entered, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

Awards, FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

US Team Finishes Second at FEI Nations Cup in Rotterdam; Davis Wins Leading Rider Award

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Lucy Davis and Barron jumped two clear rounds and earned the Furusiyya Leading Rider of the Day Award (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – The U.S string of top Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup performances continued Friday in an exciting showdown at CHIO Rotterdam. Eight teams took on the 12 obstacle challenge of Dutch course designer Louis Konickx and the formidable all female team of Americans Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, and Lucy Davis finished second. With a total score of five faults they were in contention for the win till the very end, and proved to be among the very best competitors in the world.

Making the finish even more exciting for the U.S. team was the performance of its youngest rider, Lucy Davis. Davis, who only last year won the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy*, was the stand-out rider Friday on a team of very accomplished veterans. Her double clear effort was the U.S. team’s only one and one of only three in the entire competition. For that she was awarded the Furusiyya Leading Rider of the Day Award.

“Rotterdam has always been kind to the U.S. and today was no exception,” said Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland. “Bert de Nemethy won his final European Nations Cup here in 1978, and most recently George Morris brought a team here that won in 2010. What was most satisfying about this year’s Team was that it was the first ‘3/2’ of the year – matching 3 veterans from the 2010 all girls Team, Beezie, Laura, and Lauren with two of our most promising newcomers: Lucy and Saer. The result speaks volumes of where we stand in the sport today and where we will be in the future.”

Saer Coulter (San Fransisco, CA) and Copernicus Stables, LLC’s Springtime were the U.S. team alternates on Friday.

Round One

The U.S. Team led off the competition in round one, and nearly finished clear on the scoreboard. Fault free efforts by youngster Davis (Los, Angeles, CA), who on this team anchored by veterans would prove to be the MVP, riding Old Oak Farm’s Barron and Madden (Cazenovia, NY) on Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ were nearly matched by Laura Kraut, but Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric took off and almost ran right by the water obstacle (the penultimate on the course). A skillful correction from the Longines Global Champions Tour points leader kept Cedric on-track though, and they put only a foot in the water on the way to a four fault finish.

Round Two

The Americans carried those four faults into the second round. They started out in a tight spot, two points behind Germany and one point ahead of Spain, Switzerland, and France. But the competition quickly thinned. As the round progressed downed rails and time faults were prevalent as the Germans, Americans, and French were the only three teams able to put together more than one clear round.

Lauren Hough (Wellington, FL) and Quick Study recovered from eight faults in the first round to start Team USA’s round two with a single time fault. A clear round from Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, FL) & Cedric, and another beautiful clear from Davis & Barron guaranteed the team a score of five or lower. The first three German riders, Christian Ahlmann, Hans-Dieter Dreher, and Philipp Weishaupt finished clear, with nine, and clear respectively.

The French team also had two clears, but with a nine fault total score they were out of contention for the win before the final horses on the U.S. and German teams entered the arena.

Madden and Cortes ‘C’ would end up taking eight faults, so German anchor Ludger Beerbaum was left needing to finish the course with all rails in place. He did, but took his time and created some suspense by earning two time faults, and narrowly avoiding a jump-off.

Complete results are available here.

The U.S. Nations Cup season has been very successful thus far. After winning the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm at CSIO Wellington, and taking second and fourth at the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament, the U.S. won the North American, Central America and Caribbean League and qualified for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final in Barcelona, Spain September 26-29.

For more about CHIO Rotterdam, go to www.chio.nl.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Jumping Team here.

By Andrew Minnick

*The Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy is presented to a Young Rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship.

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Germany Pips USA in Furusiyya Cliff-Hanger at Rotterdam

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Ludger Beerbaum clinched victory for Germany with a thrilling last-to-go round riding Chiara at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 qualifier. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Rotterdam (NED), 21 June 2013 – Germany galloped back into the game when claiming the honours in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Rotterdam, The Netherlands today.  In a tense cliff-hanger that went right down to the wire, it fell to Ludger Beerbaum to clinch it, and the man who has long been the linchpin of the German squad succeeded, but only by the narrowest of margins. His nail-biting last-to-go ride had spectators gripping the edges of their seats, but despite collecting two time penalties his side finished with a single-point advantage over the runners-up from the USA who put up a tremendous fight.

France slotted into third ahead of Great Britain in fourth and Switzerland in fifth.  But it was a disappointing day for the host nation as they had to settle for joint-sixth along with Belgium, while the Spanish brought up the rear at the end of a day that just didn’t go their way.

Today’s victory collected 100 points for the German team, but they lie joint-last on the Europe Division 1 league table.  So with only two more opportunities to gather those all-important qualifying points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain in September, today’s winners will be under enormous pressure going into next week’s leg of the series on their home turf at Aachen.

On a Mission

The Germans were on a mission coming to Rotterdam.  The team withdrew from the previous Europe Division 1 leg at St Gallen, Switzerland three weeks ago but was permitted to rejoin the series following a decision taken by the FEI Jumping Committee.  “For sure we were one-hundred percent focused on today’s Nations Cup,” said Beerbaum this evening.  “We brought a very strong team because we knew after St Gallen that we needed to win the most points.”

They were already out in front at the halfway stage when counting just single time penalties from both second-line rider Hans-Dieter Dreher (Embassy ll) and anchorman Beerbaum with Chiara.  Philipp Weishaupt’s clear with Monte Bellini ensured that pathfinder Christian Ahlmann’s single mistake with Taloubet Z at the vertical first element of the double at fence eight could be discounted.

The clever course was not over-complicated but was big and wide – “more technical than massive,” according to Beerbaum afterwards.  Course designer, The Netherlands’ Louis Konickx, laid out looping turns, and distances that demanded clear decision-making.  It was easy to run up seconds on the clock while getting the fences lined up nicely, and although the triple combination at fence six and the double at eight played a significant role, the poles fell at every obstacle except the vertical at fence two.

Drama

The open water, just one from home on the 12-fence track and following on a bending right-hand line after a tricky vertical that claimed a good number of victims, provided its fair share of drama.  It was here that America’s Laura Kraut made her only first-round error when her little grey gelding, Cedric, pulled hard left on landing over the vertical. Kraut had to grab him back and chase him down to the water, but they arrived on a long stride and made a splash before finishing without further incident.

The US team was lying second at the halfway point carrying just those four faults after lovely clears from both Lucy Davis (Barron) and Beezie Madden (Cortes C), Lauren Hough’s opening eight-fault effort with Quick Study providing the discard.

And three more teams were also snapping at the leader’s heels as Spain, France and Switzerland each carried just five faults into round two.  Belgium was only a little further adrift with seven while Great Britain had 11 on the board as the second round got underway and the Dutch were bringing up the rear with 12.  This was a surprising situation for the host nation who, along with the Swiss, Germans and Spanish, had nominated their home event for points-gathering.  Each team in Europe Division 1 has nominated four of the eight legs of this series for points-gathering purposes.

Loosen Their Grip

A clear second effort from Ahlmann, who continues to top the Longines Rankings, bolstered the German position, but when Dreher’s stallion lowered the oxer at fence three and the first element of the double at eight that seemed to loosen their grip.  With less than a fence between the top five teams there was little room for any stumbling now, and while the Spanish fell away when adding 28 faults and the Swiss slipped when posting 17 more, the French and Americans stood their ground.  Simon Delestre (Qlassic Bois Margot) and Aymeric de Ponnat (Armitages Boy) produced impressive clears for France while both Davis and Kraut followed suit for the USA.  It was no surprise when 20-year-old Davis was presented with the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award.  Her double-clear with the nine-year-old For Pleasure gelding, Barron, was little short of perfection and bodes so very well for this pair’s future in the sport.

Kraut’s clear was a little more exciting as Cedric decided that he still wasn’t that keen about taking on the open water, and once again pulled left on landing over the previous fence.  But his rider was ready for him this time, and as she gathered him up they arrived on a perfect stride to return with a clean sheet.

Decided

By now Weishaupt had registered the second part of his double-clear for the day, so as the competition drew to a close it would all be decided by the last few rounds.  Kevin Staut’s mistake with Silvana at the water had to be counted because Roger Yves Bost (Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois) had picked up five faults at his second attempt, and this brought the French final tally to nine.  But despite a double-error from Madden this time out, the US only had the additional one time penalty collected by Hough to bring their final total to five.  So, as last man into the ring, Beerbaum, headed off for his second tour of the track it was all hanging in the balance.  A fence down would bring the German total to six faults and leave them trailing the Americans by a single point.  But he could afford a couple of time faults.

“I knew I could have two (time faults), but going to the last fence I suddenly thought I hope I don’t have three, because otherwise we might have to go into a jump-off and who knows what could happen then!” the German rider said afterwards.  The Longines timing system showed just two time faults however, giving his side the slimmest of victories.

Not Surprised

When asked about how closely his team was chased by the USA today, German Chef d’Equipe, Otto Becker, said, “I’m not surprised at all.  They’re a really good team and actually one of my favourites.  They made it really hard for us to win today!”

Beerbaum said, “Scores were very tight in the end.  This was really exciting sport and any of the top three teams could have won.  That definitely means the course was good.”  The German maestro is already looking forward to next week’s event on home turf.  “I should be one of the five on the German team at Aachen, and we are going to be under a lot of pressure there,” he pointed out.

Following today’s competition the Europe Division 1 leaderboard continues to be led by the Swiss who, with 250 points to date, have more than a 90-point lead over France in second while the Irish are just seven points further behind in third.  Great Britain lies fourth with The Netherlands in fifth while Germany lies equal seventh with Ukraine.

The inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping season has certainly not been short of excitement so far.  And when the action resumes on the hallowed ground of the Soers Arena in Aachen next Thursday evening the atmosphere is sure to be nothing short of electric.

For information on the 13th leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Rotterdam, The Netherlands go to website www.chio.nl or contact Press Officer Anita Lussenberg, Email press@chio.nl, Tel: + 31 621 585 878.  The next leg takes place at Aachen, Germany on Thursday 27 June.  For details of the German fixture go to website www.chioaachen.de or contact Press Officer Niels Knippertz at Email niels.knippertz@chioaachen.de

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Rotterdam hosted the fourth round of the eight-leg Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 series, bringing it to the half-way stage.

Just a single time fault separated the top two teams.

Course designer was The Netherlands’ Louis Konickx.

The time-allowed of 78 seconds proved difficult to achieve.

There were three double-clear performances – from Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt (Monte Bellini), the USA’s Lucy Davis (Barron) and Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger (Palloubet D’Halong).

Six horse-and-rider combinations went clear in the first round, and two of those were from the USA.

Switzerland maintains the lead at the top of Europe Division 1 following today’s competition.

3 horses in today’s competition were by Baloubet du Rouet, the stallion ridden to great success by Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa.  The 3 horses were Bonaire 5, ridden by Spain’s Manuel Fernandez Saro, VDL Bubalu ridden by The Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling and Palloubet D’Halong ridden by Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger.

Quotes:

Christian Ahlmann, GER: “It was a really fair course. The biggest fence was actually the time allowed! The course was pretty technical and big enough. It was really good sport today and a hard fight.”

Philipp Weishaupt, GER – “I tried to keep my concentration levels for the second round and tried to forget about the first round. My horse made it a lot easier for me. He loves it here; he loves Holland!”

Lucy Davis, USA – “It feels amazing to have won this award, and it’s a huge honour. I’m on a team with three women who I’ve looked up to since I started riding, so to have won this award amongst them, and also amongst the Germans is a huge honour, and it’s very inspiring.”

Manuel Fernandez Saro, ESP – “I’m very happy with my horse, because he’s essentially 10 years old – he jumped well today. In the first round we had a small mistake at the combination, and in the second round I pushed him a bit too much so it was my mistake for our faults.”

“As a team we did well in the first round but we were disappointing in the second round.”

Lauren Hough, USA – “The ground was super; it can rain as much as it wants here and the ground stays in super condition. The course was tough and the time played a big factor, and we gave it a good shot, but unfortunately when you are up against Ludger [Beerbaum] you don’t really have much of a chance!. Overall, I think we’re quite happy with second place, and our young rider [Lucy Davis] having a double clear was fantastic – she rode two beautiful, beautiful rounds.”

William Whitaker, GBR – “This is the first time for me and my horse in Rotterdam, and I’m pretty pleased. Both mistakes were probably my fault when you look back, and he’s still quite novice at this level so I’m pleased really. This was Fandango’s first five star FEI Nations Cup so hopefully he’ll get to do a few more now.”

Standings:

For the latest standings in Europe Division 2 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series check this link.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series check out this link.

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Rotterdam:

Anita Lussenberg
Email: press@chio.nl
Tel: + 31 621 585 878

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

Tim Welland
tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7787 780 036

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

British Win FEI Nations Cup Dressage in Rotterdam, but Dutch Stay Top of League Table

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(L to R): Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Daniel Watson and Gareth Hughes. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Rotterdam (NED), 20 June 2013 – Great Britain won the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 series at Rotterdam, The Netherlands today where team member, Charlotte Dujardin, produced the biggest score of the competition with a strong performance from her London 2012 Olympic Games double-gold medal winning partner, Valegro.  Just over 1.5 percentage points gave the British the edge over the host nation in the final analysis, while, despite fielding only three riders, Sweden lined up third.

However it is the Dutch who hold the advantage at the top of the league table as the four-leg pilot season moves on to Aachen, Germany next week.  The British failed to start at the opening round in Vidauban, France last month when, having arrived with only three riders, one horse didn’t pass the first horse inspection.

This time around they brought the full complement of four horse-and-rider combinations, and although two of the side, Daniel Watson (Fideramber) and Gareth Hughes (DV Stenkjers Nadonna) were considerably less-experienced, the combined scores of the best three team-members secured success. Dujardin finished at the top of the individual rankings with 82.191, Carl Hester was fourth with Fine Time on a mark of 71.532 and first-timer Hughes was most impressive when slotting into seventh with DV Stenkjers Nadonna when posting 70.149.  British pathfinder, Watson, scored 67.830 with Fideramber.

Highest Individual Marks

Some of the highest individual marks of the day however were collected by The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover who filled runner-up spot on 79.660.  This pair’s passage/piaffe work was often sensational, but they were penalised by a big mistake in the tempi changes.  Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Wim Ernes, said afterwards that the partnership “is getting better and better, but there is still plenty more room for improvement.  I’m very pleased with Edward’s progress,” he pointed out.

A total of seven nations competed, with Denmark slotting into fourth ahead of Germany in fifth, France in sixth and Belgium in seventh place.  Today’s competition brought the FEI Nations Cup Dressage pilot season to the half-way stage.

First to Go

Madeleine Witte-Vrees was first to go for the home team and scored 68.404 with Blom’s Wynton while Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Tango posted 69.681.  Patrick van der Meer and Uzzo raised the bar higher when awarded 69.766 but it was Gal’s result that boosted The Netherlands’ position and ensured they remain in front going into the next leg in seven days’ time.

They are only four points ahead of Sweden at the top of the league table while the British lie third, another four points further behind.  Today’s Swedish performance was all-the-more creditable for the fact that there were only three riders in the side.  And Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven’s score of 75.788 with Don Auriello proved crucial when Mads Hendeliowitz (Weihenstephaner) posted 63.447 and Cecilia Dorselius (Lennox) registered a mark of 68.660.

Less than two marks separated the remaining four teams, with the average scores between 66.00 and 68.00. Germany was the only other country to field three riders.

Fabulous

Olympic champion, Dujardin, said afterwards that the concept of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage series is “fabulous!  We had two new riders on our team, so to pull off the win with them, and to give them their first experience at this level, is a great opportunity for everyone”.

She talked about her own performance today. “I’m really happy.  Obviously there were a few blips, but Valegro has not been out since December,” she explained.  “His last competition was at Olympia, so to come here and perform the way he did, and with such confidence, was brilliant.  I had a really good ride, but I know there are a few things I need to sharpen up,” she added.

It seems Valegro’s success hasn’t gone to his head.  After setting a new world record in the Grand Prix at London Olympia with a score of 84.447, the 11-year-old Dutch-bred gelding had “a bit of a holiday, he went out in the field a lot,” according to Dujardin. “When he came in he went hacking a lot with a friend of ours, Trish Gardner, who is 76 years old – although actually she probably won’t be too happy with me for mentioning that!” the British rider said with a laugh.

Next Big Target

The European Championships at Herning, Denmark in August are the next big target for the gentlemanly horse and his talented rider who will turn 28 next month. “We made a plan to get going here in Rotterdam, and after this I’m not quite sure yet what we’ll do.  We may go to Hickstead, but it’s all up to Carl (Hester) to decide,” Dujardin said.

If the British want to win the inaugural FEI Nations Cup Dressage series however they still have plenty of work to do with an eight-point gap between them and the leading Dutch at this stage.

The FEI Nations Cup pilot series takes place over four events.  CDIO 3* Vidauban, CDIO 5* Rotterdam and CDIO 5* Aachen all took the option to stage a Grand Prix competition as part of this trial FEI Nations Cup Dressage season, while CDIO 3* Hickstead has chosen to stage a Freestyle to Music competition to bring the test series to a close.

Detailed results here.

Facts and Figures:

Today’s competition at Rotterdam (NED) was the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot season.

The opening event of the series was staged at Vidauban, France on 18 May when The Netherlands came out on top.

26 competitors from 7 nations lined out in today’s second leg.

The countries represented were Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, Netherlands and Sweden.

2 countries fielded teams with just three team-members – Sweden and Germany.

The Ground Jury members were: At E, Francis Verbeek (NED); At H, Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), At C, Leif Tornblad (DEN) President; At M, Mariette Sanders (NED); At B, Andrew Gardner (GBR).

The highest score in today’s competition was recorded by the London 2012 Olympic double gold medal winning partnership of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro for Great Britain who posted a mark of 82.191.

The third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot season takes place next Thursday, 27 June, in Aachen, Germany.

Just one further leg remains after that, at Hickstead (GBR) on Sunday, 3 August.

Quote:

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) – “I had the chance to ride Uthopia in the Grand Prix yesterday and he was second by point-nothing, we made a mistake in the two’s but I was delighted with him.”

FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 – Standings after second leg at Rotterdam (NED) here.

The FEI Nations Cup Dressage is a new FEI series open to national teams. The inaugural trial season, taking place between May and August 2013, consists of four outdoor CDIO events held at Vidauban (FRA), Rotterdam (NED), Aachen (GER) and Hickstead (GBR). Each FEI Nations Cup Dressage fixture must host either a Grand Prix or Grand Prix Freestyle competition in which the teams can earn points towards the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Standings. Each event is of equal standing and all four competitions count towards the final result.

A minimum of four teams will take part in each event for the event to count for the series standings. A team consists of a minimum of three and maximum of four athlete/horse combinations. There is no maximum limit to the number of FEI Nations Cup Dressage events in which athletes and horses can take part.

This pilot project has been initiated in an effort to assess the attractiveness of this type of event to organisers, athletes, National Federations, spectators, the media and potential sponsors. If there is a positive evaluation at the conclusion of the 2013 season, then an official long-term series may be created.

The series detailed calendar, complete rules, and organisers details are available here.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

$35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix Serves Up the Win to Granata and Gangsta

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Alex Granato and Gangsta sail over the oxer in the Olympic Stadium en route to the win in the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix. Flashpoint Photography.

It was not an easy walkabout as the top twenty-seven jumper riders tackled the course designed by Manuel Esparanza of Mexico at the Georgia International Horse Park during the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix during the Atlanta Summer Classics.  Only six were invited back for the jump-off and it was Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado and his own Gangsta who took the win with a double-clear effort in a time of 34.605 seconds.

Christi Israel of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons aboard her own Bull’s Run Zino Platinum turned in the first clear round of the class with a double-clean time of 72.440 which was under the 75 seconds allowed.  The time allowed would definitely weed riders out of the class and 10 would accrue time penalties in the first round.  As the first to go in the jump off, their time of 36.935 seconds was well in line with the time allowed of 56 seconds, but their rail down at fence 9A would cost them four faults and eventually land them in fifth place overall.

Derek Peterson of Archer, Florida and his own Via Dolorosa followed Israel in the class and were next to go double-clear with a time of 71.292 seconds in the first round.  In the jump off, the team had a rail down at fence 8, resulting in four faults in a time of 36.181 seconds which would place the duo in fourth position overall.

Hennessey, owned and ridden by Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia, went clean in the first round and turned in a time of 74.145 seconds, just below the time allowed.  But their faults in the jump off at fence 9A in a time of 38.873 seconds would finish them in sixth place overall.

Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida and 2VR Showjumpers’ Zippo II were next to go and looked to go clean, but their time of 75.033 seconds would earn them a time fault and the pair would finish in seventh overall.

Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina rode Patty Ann Burns’ Calando Z to a clean round, but also earned one time fault with their time of 75.934 seconds which would find the pair finishing in eighth place overall.

Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado and his own Gangsta were the next to turn in a clear first round effort in a time of 73.866 and carried that momentum to the jump-off round where they turned in the first clear round and set the time to beat at 34.605 seconds.  There were two to go and the competition was stiff with seasoned veterans Vale and Francis Land waiting in the wings.

Vale was next to tackle the course with Spirit of Alena owned by Campos and Miranda Investments and turned in a clear 71.208 first round effort.  Although he looked to take the lead from Granato in the jump off, Vale’s time of 35.180 seconds, despite the clean effort, would leave the duo in second place.

Francis Land of Alpharetta, Georgia in the irons aboard his own Vieanne was next to go and turned in a clear first round effort of 74.255.  Despite their clean jump-off round, their time of 35.570 seconds would not be fast enough to catch Granato or Vale and would land them in third place overall.

Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classics kicks off tomorrow when the complimentary Zone 4 Clinics get underway at the Georgia International Horse Park.  Tomorrow features accomplished judge and horseman Bob Crandall who will lead a general horsemanship riding clinic in the covered arena.

On Tuesday, June 18, the Zone 4 Complimentary Clinics continue and will feature legendary Steve Stephens, Olympic course designer, who will conduct a water jump clinic.  Stephens will teach you and your horse how to jump an open water element. This clinic will be filled on a first come, first-served basis for 15 riding participants.  Auditors are welcome to attend.

Then, the inaugural USHJA Children’s/Adult Jumper Zone 3/Zone 4 Championship takes place where riders compete in a Nations Cup format.  The first round is scheduled for Thursday, June 20th and the final round takes place Sunday June 23rd.  The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby Classic presented by FarmVet takes place Week II as well as the Emerson Burr Program for Pony Riders.  The $15,000 Welcome Class, the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic, the $5,000 Future Class and the $35,000 Grand Prix all provide ample opportunity to cash in on the competition.  The $2,500 TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division, the Atlanta Cup Equitation Classic, the World Hunter Champion Hunter Rider, the Grand Puba Junior Hunter Championships and the Freestyle Equitation Classic will all be featured next week in addition to the traditional Classic Company classes.  No wonder these are the two most popular weeks of show jumping!

If you don’t have stalls, be sure to call the show office ASAP.  With a handful of stalls left and a fistful of events and prize money up for grabs, the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Summer Classics are the place to be!  But if you can’t get in this week-no worries!  Charleston Summer Classics are right around the corner and Classic Company has combined the beach and the show ring to make for the best horse show experience ever!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Show Jumping

Nicholson Cruises to Victory at Luhmühlen

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Simply the best: the matchless Andrew Nicholson and Mr Cruise Control, winners at Luhmühlen CCI4* (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 16 June 2013 – There were emotional scenes when Andrew Nicholson and Mr Cruise Control triumphed at Luhmühlen, presented by DHL Paket, the penultimate leg of the HSBC FEI Classics.

It was the 51-year-old New Zealander’s fourth CCI4* victory in a year, but the first for his long-time loyal owners, Robin and Nicky Salmon, who have often seen their striking-looking grey gelding come close to major honours without ever taking the big prize.

“He’s a big horse that’s taken time but he’s kept improving through all his training, and that means that out of all my four-star wins this one is particularly rewarding,” said the invincible Nicholson, who has now won four of the world’s six CCI4*s.

Zara Phillips (GBR), who finished second on Trevor Hemmings’ High Kingdom, put pressure on Nicholson right until the end with a beautifully ridden clear Jumping round.

However, the six-time Olympian rose to the occasion magnificently, just rattling the second fence but soaring over the rest to finish on his Dressage score of 38.0.

“He was too ice-cool,” Phillips smiled sportingly. “Thank goodness he can’t ride at the Europeans!”

Phillips was clearly thrilled by the continuing improvement shown by her Olympic team silver medallist. “He’s getting better all the time,” she said.

Both the two leading horses are Irish-bred: Mr Cruise Control is by the great jumping sire Cruising and High Kingdom is by Master Imp.

In contrast, William Fox-Pitt’s two horses, which rose to third and fourth places with immaculate clear rounds, are both from continental stock. Neuf des Coeurs, third, is a smart Selle Francais by Nidor Platier, and Lionheart, fourth, is a majestic German-bred by Lancer lll. Neuf des Coeurs missed much of last season through injury and Lionheart, one of the best jumpers on the circuit, is clearly back to his best after inexplicably tiring on the Olympic Cross Country last year.

“It’s been a happy weekend,” said Fox-Pitt, who has now overtaken Jock Paget (NZL) in the HSBC FEI Classics to lie second on the leaderboard behind Nicholson. “It was great to have both horses jumping and galloping so well and I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Kevin McNab (AUS) had modestly predicted that he wouldn’t be making either Nicholson or Phillips too nervous in the final phase, but he only had one rail down on Clifton Pinot, slipping from overnight third to fifth place.

Fellow Australian, Andrew Hoy, who had been in fourth after Cross Country with Rutherglen, did not present the 10-year-old at this morning’s horse inspection.

The winner, Nicholson, again proved his skills with a top-10 finish on his catch ride, Rathmoyle King. He hit two rails on the 15-year-old grey, but that wasn’t enough to drop him in the final placings and he held onto sixth. With just Burghley to come in the HSBC FEI Classics, it seems that 2013 is going to be Nicholson’s year.

About the winner

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), 51, who currently heads both the HSBC Rankings and the HSBC FEI Classics, is acknowledged as one of the most hard-working and naturally talented horsemen in Eventing. He first came to England as an 18-year-old in 1979 and worked with racehorses.

His first CCI4* was Badminton in 1984 where he earned a place on the first New Zealand Olympic team, at Los Angeles. He has since ridden at five more Olympic Games, winning team silver in 1992 and team bronzes in 1996 and 2012, when he finished fourth individually on Nereo. He also won team gold at the 1990 FEI World Equestrian Games in Stockholm (SWE) and team and individual bronze on Nereo at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky (USA).

This is his sixth CCI4* win, following three Burghley victories, in 1995 on Buckley Province, in 2000 on Mr Smiffy, and in 2012 on Avebury, plus Pau in 2012 on Nereo and Kentucky this year with Quimbo. Last year, he finished second in the 2011-2012 HSBC FEI Classics and won the HSBC Rider Rankings.

Andrew has two adult daughters, Rebecca and Melissa, and two young children, Lily and Zak, with his partner Wiggy Channer. They live near Marlborough, Wiltshire.

Full details on www.luhmuehlen.de.

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

16 June – Jumping: 13.45 local time

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

Our signature twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL PAKET:

Friederike Stüvel-Huck
Press Officer
media@luhmuehlen.de
+49 171 5382900

FEI Media Contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Elizabeth Boyd Takes the Top Three Spots in the USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Elizabeth Boyd and Brunello sail over an oxer en route to the win in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Flashpoint Photography.

Miramax and Julie Curtin Win the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby; Vale Is Victorious in the $15,000 Open Welcome

The Georgia International Horse Park is buzzing with activity as the Atlanta Summer Classics welcomes a record number of competitors to its opening week which kicked off Wednesday after the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program wrapped up.

Yesterday featured the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by FarmVet, as well as the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which saw twenty-five and twenty-six, respectively, tackle the courses designed by Joe Carnicum.

In the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the first round saw Triomph, owned by Loretta Patterson, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, take the lead with a score of 181, but Brunello, owned by Janet Peterson and Elizabeth Boyd, Fieono, owned by Kelley Maloney, and Quatrain, owned by Finally Farm and Janet Peterson, all ridden by Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, were on Shepherd’s heels with scores of 177.50, 177 and 164, respectively.

The handy round saw Boyd working a hat trick when she secured the top three spots on Brunello, Fieona and Quatrain, respectively.  Brunello and Boyd received a handy score of 201 and a final score of 378.50, giving them the win.  Fieono received a score of 186 in the second round and a final score of 363 which secured second place.  Boyd and Quatrain scored a 195 in the handy round bringing the total to 359 and a third place finish.

Shepherd and Triomph received fourth place honors with a second round score of 171 and a total of 352.

Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina, in the irons aboard Caramo, owned by Caroline Russell Howe, had a fifth place finish after scoring a 151 in the first round and 182 in the handy round, securing a total score of 333.  Alexa Boggio of Canton, Georgia and her own SS Whisper had a final score of 308 which earned them a sixth. Wimberly Debono of Birmingham, Alabama and her own Tusker finished with a score of 299.50 and a seventh place.  Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina guided Damocles, owned by Janet Peterson, to a final score of 271 and an eighth place finish. Kelci Crenshaw of Woodstock, Georgia rode Fit to Print Farm’s Headliner to a ninth place finish with a total score of 269.75. Timothy Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Stella Styslinger’s Trending finished in the tenth position with 269.50. Victoria Press of New York, New York and her own Charleston Z wrapped up the eleventh place with a combined score of 258 and Crenshaw and Fit to Print Farm’s Lead Story wrapped up the twelfth spot with a score of 243.

The USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by FarmVet, saw Miramax, owned by Donna Bassinger and ridden by Julie Curtin of Roswell, Georgia, take the win out of a field of twenty-five.  In second place, Fairfax, owned by Liz Hudspeth and ridden by Curtin, wrapped up the second position, while Lyn Sythel of Johns Island, South Carolina rode her own Versace to the third place position.

Aaron Vale and 2VR Showjumpers' Zenith UHS beat 35 others to win the $15,000 Open Welcome
Aaron Vale and 2VR Showjumpers’ Zenith UHS beat 35 others to win the $15,000 Open Welcome

In other news:

Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classics saw thirty-five tackle the $15,000 Welcome Class designed by Manuel Esparanza of Mexico.  It was Aaron Vale of Ocala, Florida who stole the show and took home the $4,500 check aboard Zenith UHS, owned by 2VR Showjumpers.  Jared Peterson of Archer, Florida took the second place spot in the irons of Titus 2:11, owned by Derek Peterson, and third place went to Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Calando Z, owned by Patty Ann Burns.  Fourth was awarded to Liza Finsness of Wellington, Florida and her own Ormsby Hill.  Lazaro, ridden and owned by Jordan Coyne of New Port Ritchey, Florida, earned a fifth place ribbon while Alex Grenato of Elizabeth, Colorado and his own Gangsta took sixth.

There are a handful of stalls left for next week, so make sure you get your entries in today because you don’t want to miss the fun at the world class Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympics, for these two weeks of non-stop show jumping action.  The venue offers the one of a kind Olympic feel and offers excellent stabling, arenas, footing and of course, award winning service found only with the Classic Company.  And make sure to catch the best of ringside action and reserve your VIP tables today.  There is no better deal on any circuit and cost only $300.00 a week for a table of eight.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Nicholson Presses Cruise Control Button at Luhmühlen

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Andrew Nicholson and Cruise Control sailed into the lead after Cross Country at Luhmühlen CCI4* (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 15 June 2013 – Andrew Nicholson (NZL) opened and closed Cross Country day with two perfect rides and is now in the lead on Mr Cruise Control, the last horse on the course at Luhmühlen, presented by DHL Paket, the penultimate leg of the HSBC FEI Classics.

Nicholson is also sixth on the pathfinder Rathmoyle King, but he got soaked in the middle of the day when Qwanza fell on landing in the influential first water complex, fence 4.

Zara Phillips (GBR), who is only 1.7 penalties behind Nicholson in second place, was the heroine of the day as a violent storm broke when she was midway round the course. However, neither she nor her horse High Kingdom appeared inconvenienced by the blinding rain and howling wind.

“It was a bit hairy near the end of the course when I could hardly see, but I’m so happy with the horse – he was listening to me for once!” said Phillips, who lost the silk on her helmet in the wind. “The hurricane was a bit interesting, with all the leaves blowing around, but the horse was fantastic. I pointed him and he jumped.”

Kevin McNab (AUS), the man who taught this year’s Badminton winner Jock Paget (NZL) to ride, is now having his moment in the spotlight and is third on Clifton Pinot.

“I was lucky to go early I think,” said McNab, who has left his Queensland home to have a spell competing in Europe. “My horse gallops really well and, as my owner was confident we’d get the time, I was under orders.”

The top of the leaderboard has been considerably rearranged. Dressage leader Ingrid Klimke (GER) retired after Tabasco TSF tripped out of the DHL Paket Komplex (fence 4) and ran past the boathouse which was the final element.

Lucinda Fredericks (AUS), second on Flying Finish, clocked 19.6 time penalties and is now 11th. She explained that she and Flying Finish were not fully fit due to her being injured in a fall in March.

“I’m out of breath just running up the hill here, so today was a very big step for me,” said Fredericks. “My plan for the weekend was to have a good competition and get a qualification. I’m just pleased to be here and am very happy with my round.”

Dirk Schrade (GER), seventh after Dressage on Edino, also retired after a steering problems at fence 4. Peter Thomsen (GER), fifth after the first phase on Horseware’s Cayenne, incurred 22.4 time penalties and is now 16th and Kai Rüder (GER), sixth after Dressage, had a runout on the onward-bound stallion Le Prince des Bois at fence 28.

Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Butts Avedon are now best of the home side, having risen from 16th to ninth with just 3.6 time penalties.

Like Nicholson, William Fox-Pitt (GBR) produced two clear rounds inside the optimum time of 11 minutes 14 seconds, and is now fifth on Neuf des Coeurs and seventh on Lionheart.

Jonelle Richards (NZL), Nicholson’s Olympic team mate, was another to finish on a clean sheet and is in eighth place on Flintstar.

There were 25 clear rounds, 10 of which were inside the time, and 34 horses completed.

The most surprising mishap was for the usually foot-perfect combination of Nicola Wilson (GBR) and Opposition Buzz. The black gelding tripped in the water at fence 4, took off early at the step out and tipped over the boathouse. Neither he nor his rider was hurt.

The only serious accident of the day was the fall of French rider Emeric George and P’tite Bombe at fence 12, a rounded obstacle topped with brush, in the main arena where there were no other incidents. The horse was taken to a veterinary clinic for examination where, sadly, the decision was taken to have him humanely put down.

Andrew Nicholson, the only competitor to have three horses, talked through his busy day. “I’ve only ridden Rathmoyle King once before, but Carolyne Ryan-Bell [his owner] has done a great job producing him and it felt as though I’d ridden him for all of his career.”

He continued: “Qwanza didn’t do anything wrong when she jumped into the water and I don’t think I did. It was just one of those things. So I had a shower and dried my boots and then I got on Mr Cruise Control. He is very experienced at this level and was a pleasure to ride.”

Nicholson, 51, who is having the best run of success in his long and hardworking career, is now in line to win his fourth CCI4* in 12 months. This would greatly enhance his lead in the HSBC Rider Rankings and the HSBC FEI Classics, but he said he was “just going to live for the moment tonight”.

Full details on www.luhmuehlen.de.

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Watch the action LIVE on FEI TV (www.feitv.org/live), the FEI’s official video website from Luhmühlen (GER):

16 June – Jumping: 13.45 local time

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By Kate Green

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