Category Archives: Competitions

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle Master the Field in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6

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Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle won the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2011 – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, rode Abigail Wexner’s Mademoiselle to victory in the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 today at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The grand prix was held on the grass at The Stadium, and riders and spectators alike enjoyed the beautiful weather and change of scenery at the venue.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s sixth week of competition continues through Sunday, February 20. Week six, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, will feature the FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments, on Saturday at 7 p.m., the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Saturday afternoon, and the $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby on Sunday at 3 p.m. at The Stadium. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

There were 29 entries in today’s class, and the course was designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. The course was set on the grass field at The Stadium and had 14 numbered obstacles with a triple and a double combination. There were nine clear rounds, and they advanced to the jump-off to compete for time.

Continue reading Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle Master the Field in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Events

Canterbury Showplace USDF/USEF May Days Qualifier Show Sponsor Opportunities

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Be included with this year’s Canterbury May Day Qualifier Dressage Show, May 14-15, 2011 in Newberry, Florida!

Set in the beautiful horse country of north central Florida, this special show will host some of the south’s finest competition riders and horses. Canterbury Showplace has been at this for 6 years now and each show has grown bigger and better than ever. This year with the help of our sponsors they are holding the $1000.00 Freestyle Challenge under the lights on Saturday evening. They are also advertising it to the community to raise awareness about the sport of dressage. There will be an evening program printed for the spectators who can pick their favorite horse and rider combo and cheer them on. The Musical free styles are the “creative” portion of the daily scheduled dressage rides and this year they are hosting about 2 hours of this beautiful performance.

Can you be a participant either by; 1) coming and riding, or 2) perhaps sponsoring a division or 3) becoming a Bronze, Silver or Gold sponsor. See below for the benefits for each level. This is a unique and fun show that people look forward to every year. Last year Canterbury ran 3 rings both days. Their goal is 4 this year. With the new $2100.00 Classics on Sunday, sponsored by Fleet Footing, people will have added oppor­tunity to win a bit of prize money which brings even more folks to the show!

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Become part of the exciting world of dressage competitions!

This dynamic sport is one of the fastest growing segments in the horse industry. Your company, product or service will be pre-targeted to an upscale equestrian market.

The competition runs over three days and brings people from all over the southeast. Many of them will need products or services that you have to offer. Decide to enjoy the weekend and boost your identity by becoming a sponsor.

$150.00 Division Sponsor-1/4 page ad in program, announcements

$300.00 Bronze Level- 1/2 page ad in program, banner on ring, public announcements (PA) mentions throughout the day, promotional booth for one day.

$500.00 Silver Level-Full page ad in program, banner on holding pen, PA mentions, booth space for promotions for the 3 days, listed on website.

$1000.00 Gold Level-banner on ring, PA mentions, booth space for promotions, listed on website and your business linked to Canterbury website for a full year, a one year’s sign space rental FREE (value 425.00 for a 4 X 8 space) you provide banner or sign

Please contact Wendy Low at email canterburyshows@bellsouth.net or 352-472-6758 or just complete the form below and mail to 3520 SW 162  St. Archer, FL 32618. Make check to Canterbury Showplace, Inc.

Estimated Demographics:

Attendees-150 horses

Each horse brings in approximately 3.5 people

Household Income averages 75K and upwards

Each family owns a 3/4 ton truck

Each family owns a 2-8 horse trailer

Business Name____________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip____________________________________________________

Email/Phone______________________________________________________

URL www.________________________________________________________

Contact Person_____________________________________

See more info & fill out the form at the Canterbury Showplace PDF

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

Largest Grand Prix Ever at HITS Ocala Won by Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui

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© ESI Photography. Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui on course in Thursday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

OCALA, FL (February 18, 2011) — Yesterday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, was the largest Grand Prix starting field ever at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. One of today’s brightest stars in show jumping, Kent Farrington riding Up Chiqui, owned by Alex Boone, William Dobbs and Farrington, beat out 48 starters to take the top prize in the class.

Thursday’s course was designed by Jack Robson of Coronado, California and saw only five teams return for the jump-off. “It was an intelligent course,” said Farrington. “Since the class was so big, it really sorted us out and we didn’t have too many in the jump-off. The bending line to the triple combination posed somewhat of a challenge since it was going away from the gate.”

In the jump-off, Farrington overcame the Great American Time to Beat, held by second-place finishers Andres Rodriguez and Larkanaro, owned by Rodriguez and Andreas Olivares, by less than a second. “He’s a speed specialist,” said Farrington, of his horse. “Going fast in the jump-off is one of our strongest points and today it really mattered with everyone having such fast times.”

Continue reading Largest Grand Prix Ever at HITS Ocala Won by Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui →

Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Scott Stewart Garners Multiple Championship Wins in WCHR Hunter Week

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Scott Stewart dominated the First Year Green Hunter division during week six at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, earning the championship aboard Inclusive. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 17, 2011 – The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued on Thursday with World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) hunter competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All of the rated professional hunter divisions concluded today and awarded championship honors for week six. Champion and reserve champion horses will qualify to compete in the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular on Friday evening, showcasing the hunters on an international stage.

No surprise as a qualifier for Friday night’s classic, four-time WCHR Professional Champion Scott Stewart earned multiple championship awards today with his string of talented horses. Stewart dominated the First Year Green Hunter division, earning the championship aboard Inclusive and the reserve championship aboard Reality, owned by Krista Weisman. Inclusive, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding, finished first in both classes over fences today and earned first and second place ribbons on Wednesday. Reality, an eight-year-old Mecklenberg stallion by D’Olympic, earned second in both classes today and placed third on Wednesday.

Stewart first rode Inclusive to victory in the Future Hunter division at the 2010 Capital Challenge Horse Show this past fall and expects great things from the horse this year. Along with showing in the First Years with Stewart, Inclusive also competes in the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division with rider Victoria Colvin and has earned championship honors with both riders.

Continue reading Scott Stewart Garners Multiple Championship Wins in WCHR Hunter Week →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

HITS Thermal Mid-Circuit Report: Kyle King’s Birthday Ride

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© Flying Horse Photography. Kyle King and Corrine Super's Capone I.

THERMAL, CA (February 17, 2011) — Kyle King (Ocala, Florida) celebrated his birthday with a bang when he rode Corrine Super’s Capone I to a triumph in Sunday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California.

Winning Sunday’s feature class was extra remarkable for the birthday boy, who won the Grand Prix with the largest starting field to date at the 2011 HITS Desert Circuit. They were the top horse-and-rider combination out of the 49 horses that challenged International Course Designer Florencio Hernandez’ (Mexico City, Mexico) first-round course which featured 12 obstacles and 15 efforts, including a trio of double combinations in a time allowed of 79 seconds.

Thirteen riders took a shot at Hernandez’ first-round course and failed until accomplished equestrian Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Westlake Village, California) and Octavia Farms’ Lancaster 144 made it all the way home clear. Three trips later, Mexico’s John Perez (Cruz Manca, Coajimaipa, Mexico) and his own La Cantera Catrin wowed the crowd watching the action in the Strongid C 2X Stadium with a clear round of their own to force a jump-off.

Continue reading HITS Thermal Mid-Circuit Report: Kyle King’s Birthday Ride →

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Cedric Do It Again and Win Grand Prix and Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during WEF

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Olympic stars Laura Kraut and Cedric won The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award for the second week in a row at the 2011 FTI WEF. (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)

Wellington, FL (February 15, 2011) – Gold Medal Olympian Laura Kraut and her Olympic partner Cedric turned on the speed and the power during the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, presented by Spy Coast Farm, to ride away the victor in the class that featured six other Olympians. During the fifth week of the prestigious 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, Kraut and Cedric also rode away, for the second week in a row, as the winner of The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award.

Sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, the Peak Performance Award is presented to the winner of the Grand Prix. “I heard Laura said that she and Cedric went as fast as they could go and turned as tight as possible, and I believe it,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary. “It was an amazing jump-off and Laura and Cedric certainly gave it their all and deserved to ride into the winner’s circle.”

McDuffee also congratulated Kraut on her second Sanctuary Peak Performance Award. “The competition was extremely tough in the Grand Prix, with 40 riders starting including seven Olympians and a field of world-class riders. For the second week in a row, Laura and Cedric were phenomenal and we look forward to seeing them at our new Sanctuary facility located on the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds.”

Continue reading Laura Kraut and Cedric Do It Again and Win Grand Prix and Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during WEF →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Show Jumping

London 2012 Olympic Equestrian Timetable Announced

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Lausanne (SUI), 15 February 2011 – The London 2012 Olympic equestrian timetable has been announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). London 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement.

The Olympic Opening Ceremony on 27 July will be followed by 12 days of equestrian competition, with the world’s best athletes competing for six gold medals in the Olympic disciplines of Eventing, Dressage and Jumping. The equestrian events all take place at the stunning Greenwich Park venue. Britain’s oldest Royal Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Greenwich Park is just 12 minutes from the main stadium.

Eventing opens the Olympic equestrian events on 28 July with two days of Dressage, followed by Cross-Country on 30 July and two rounds of Jumping on 31 July to decide the Team and Individual medals.

Dressage gets underway on 2 August with two days of Grand Prix competition, which forms the first qualifier for both the Team and Individual. The top seven Teams and 11 best-placed Individuals go forward to the Grand Prix Special on 7 August, which will decide the Team medals. The Freestyle to Music to decide the Individual medals takes place on 9 August.

Continue reading London 2012 Olympic Equestrian Timetable Announced →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, Kentucky Three-Day, USEF, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

International Reining and World Championship Freestyle to Be Held during 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone

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Lexington, Kentucky, USA – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have announced that the Kentucky Reining Cup, which includes international Reining and the first-ever World Championship Freestyle, will be held in addition to this year’s event at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 28 – May 1.

One of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and the only CCI**** in the Western Hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, annually attracts 50-100,000 spectators and millions of viewers on international telecasts including a 60-minute domestic broadcast on NBC.

The Kentucky Reining Cup competition, currently pending final approval by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), will be managed by HorsePower, Inc., Reining’s leading event production firm, and will include a Five Star Reining competition, known as a CRI5* (Concours de Reining International), the sport’s highest level, as well as the first-ever World Championship Freestyle.  The CRI5* will offer $50,000US in prize money and will be the only Five Star Reining event in the western hemisphere in 2011.

Continue reading International Reining and World Championship Freestyle to Be Held during 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Ben Maher and Oscar Score Week 5 Opening Win in $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers

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Ben Maher and Oscar won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers during week five at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2011 – Ben Maher (GBR) scored a win this morning in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers on the opening day of week 5 of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Maher and Oscar put down a winning time of 60.806 seconds for the win over Peter Wylde (USA) on Lipton De L’Othain (62.987 seconds) and McLain Ward (USA) on Domino (64.050 seconds).

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s fifth week of competition continues through Sunday, February 13. Week five, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, will feature the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 on Thursday afternoon, the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, presented by Spy Coast Farm, on Saturday at 7 p.m., the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix on Sunday morning, and the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

Today’s $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper class had 41 entries, and they competed over a course designed by Alan Wade of Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Maher stated, “It’s good that they have different course designers here every week.”

Seventeen found the way to a clear round, but it was Maher and Oscar who had the most speed. “He’s naturally a fast horse, so if you’re clear, he’s always near the top end without even trying,” Maher pointed out.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13235

Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulfport TV and Other Updates

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Just some updates and FYIs.

The Gulf Coast Winter Series started today and WLOX, the local television station, came out and was live at our event.  If you would like to watch the short video please click here: http://www.wlox.com/global/Category.asp?c=194069. We are the third video on the left.

We have posted a new schedule on our webpage for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic I.  The changes were minor but because we produce our prize list in the fall and then the annual meetings of USHJA and USEF are in December and January we sometimes must make adjustments to new rules.

Just a second reminder for some other changes…

1. We will offer a non restricted 1.0m Children’s Adult Jumper section because of the new zone specs.

2. We will offer a Walk, Walk Trot, and Crossrails classes that will follow the short stirrup in the schedule.

If you still have not reserved your stalls please call us ASAP because we are putting up more stalls on Monday and I am sure that will be the last visit from our tent man.  Call 228.832.9255 for reservations.

Continue reading Gulfport TV and Other Updates →