Category Archives: *Featured/Spotlights

Special features, spotlights, headlines

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, More/Other, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Victory in The Boeing Company $25k Puissance Goes to Pablo Barrios at 52nd WIHS

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Pablo Barrios and G&C Blanchee Z clear the Boeing wall. Photo © Diana DeRosa

Farrington and Pessoa Win International Open Jumper Classes; Polle and Weinberg Top Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumpers

Washington, D.C. – October 29, 2010 – The $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company is always one of the most anticipated classes of the year at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). This year was no different as Pablo Barrios (VEN) and G&C Blanchee Z, owned by G&C Farm/Gustavo and Carolina Mirabal, cleared a height of 6’1” for victory. In the $30,000 International Open Jumper 1.50m faults converted class, Kent Farrington (USA) and Up Chiqui raced to the win. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) scored his third win of the week in the $15,000 International Open Jumper 1.40m faults converted class with Palouchin de Ligny. Karen Polle on What Ever and Tracey Weinberg with Larone were victorious in the Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper classes this afternoon.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31 with the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. The highlight class of the week is the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30.

Continue reading Victory in The Boeing Company $25k Puissance Goes to Pablo Barrios at 52nd WIHS →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

McLain Ward and Sapphire Triumph in $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix at 52nd WIHS

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Ward and Sapphire clear the final oxer. Photos © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Thirteen-Year-Old Lillie Keenan Victorious in WIHS Equitation Finals

Washington, D.C. – October 30, 2010 – Tonight’s $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3* was an exciting example of the sport of show jumping and a qualifier for the FEI World Cup Finals in April. Two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, and Sapphire, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock, came away with the win in the highlight class of the 52nd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). Earlier in the evening, 13-year-old Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, won the WIHS Equitation Finals.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31 with the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.

Sapphire and Ward repeated the success that they had in 2008 in the grand prix at the WIHS when they were the fastest clear round in a jump-off of seven. There were 24 entries in tonight’s grand prix class, which was designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC.

Continue reading McLain Ward and Sapphire Triumph in $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix at 52nd WIHS →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2010/2011

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Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht FRH made it a back-to-back double of wins in the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series. She is pictured with Frederique Martin-Baste, Manager, Commercial, FEI (centre) and Sylvie Robert, Show Director at Lyon (right). Photo: PSV J Morel.

WERTH MAKES IT A DOUBLE IN LYON by Louise Parkes

Lyon (FRA), 29 October 2010 – Isabell Werth made it a back-to-back double of victories when winning the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series at Lyon in France this evening.  Just five days ago the German rider topped the opening round at Odense, Denmark with a great performance from Satchmo, and tonight she brought out her 2007 series champion Warum Nicht to head the line-up once again.

“I was really satisfied with Hannes tonight,” she said, referring to her 14 year old chestnut gelding. “He had a lot of power and he felt very impressive,” she added.

Runner-up was her compatriot and another former World Cup champion Ulla Salzgeber whose 11 year old gelding Herzruf’s Erbe has re-opened the door into the very top level of this demanding sport for his 52 year old rider.  Salzgeber, who was Dressage World Cup champion in 2001 and 2002 with the legendary Rusty, has been waiting patiently in the wings for another special ride.  “After I retired Rusty I always said I would only come back when I had a horse that was good enough to go the top again, and now I have one!” she said proudly after finishing less than one full mark behind the winning score.  Third place went to the very pleased Valentina Truppa from Italy with Chablis.  “This is my very first World Cup competition, so I am very happy with my result!” said the rider who competes in the uniform of the Caribinieri.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12454

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Francesca and Maggie Jayne Named Grand Hunter Champions at the 52nd WIHS

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Francesca and Maggie Jayne. All photos © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Kelley Farmer Awarded Leading Hunter Rider Honors, Bolero and Arani Win Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship

Washington, D.C. – October 27, 2010 – The 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show continued hunter competition for professional and amateur riders today, and a multitude of championship coolers, shining trophies, and fluttering ribbons were awarded. Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL, rode Francesca for Pony Lane Farm to the Grand Hunter Championship. Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, was named the Leading Hunter Rider. Stacy Arani of Dover, MA, and Bolero picked up the Grand Amateur-Owner Championship, and Arani was named the Leading Amateur-Owner Rider.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31. The highlight classes of the week are the $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company on Friday, October 29, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30.

Continue reading Francesca and Maggie Jayne Named Grand Hunter Champions at the 52nd WIHS →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Rodrigo Pessoa Wins Both International Open Jumper Classes at the 52nd WIHS

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HH Ashley and Rodrigo Pessoa. Photo © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Glover and Boggio Victorious in Amateur-Owner and Junior Jumpers

Washington, D.C. – October 28, 2010 – The fans at the 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) had a full day of exciting jumper competition to watch today. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Ashley, owned by Double H Farm, won the opening international jumper class, which offered $30,000 in prize money. Pessoa returned in the $20,000 Gambler’s Choice sponsored by Louisburg Farm and Beth Johnson to win with Palouchin de Ligny. Kristin Glover and The Boy Wonder topped the opening class for the Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and Chase Boggio guided Hennessey to victory in the Junior Jumpers.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31 with the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. The highlight classes of the week are the $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company on Friday, October 29, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30. This week’s jumper course designer is Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC.

Continue reading Rodrigo Pessoa Wins Both International Open Jumper Classes at the 52nd WIHS →

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

Atlanta Fall Classics Hosts USHJA Zone 4 Finals and National Hunter Jumper League Finals

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Nicholas Dello Joio and Malcolm ©Flashpoint Photography

Conyers, GA — October 27, 2010 — Excitement is building as once again the Atlanta Fall Classics will play host to both the USHJA Zone 4 Finals and the National Hunter Jumper League Finals at the Georgia International Horse Park November 10th through 21st.

“These two big events are always a great way to end our show season, but there are so many other special classes occurring during our year end finale, such as the $25,000 Barry Lane Memorial, the Silver Cup Equitation Championship, and new classes too!” Classic Company Bob Bell shared.

Week one, November 10-14, will see some heated competition for the Zone 4 Champion titles in both the Hunter and Jumper divisions. Riders residing in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, or Tennessee will compete in a total of three classes, for the hunters two will be over fences and one under saddle with judges issuing a numeric score for not only the division, but with bonus points going to the Zone Finals total. For the jumpers all three classes will be over fences in their respective divisions. The following will offer Zone 4 Finals:

Continue reading Atlanta Fall Classics Hosts USHJA Zone 4 Finals and National Hunter Jumper League Finals →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

127th National Horse Show to Host $50,000 Hunter Classic in Memory of Charlie Weaver

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Charlie Weaver. Photo by James Leslie Parker.

Cazenovia, NY – October 25, 2010 – The National Horse Show Association of America is pleased to announce an exciting addition to the schedule of events at this year’s Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 127th National Horse Show. Held November 2-7, 2010, at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY, the 2010 National Horse Show (NHS) will host a $50,000 Hunter Classic on Thursday November 4th. The class will be presented in honor of legendary horseman Charlie Weaver, who sadly passed away this summer after a tragic riding accident.

Charlie Weaver was a living legend. Most legendary horsemen did not become legends simply because they had talent; but because of their way of going – their character. Charlie, from Fairfax, Virginia, was born with a natural ability and passion for horses. From the very beginning, people knew there was something special about this skinny, curly headed young man. Charlie will be forever linked to some of the most memorable champions of his time: War Dress, Army Wife, Super Flash, Ruxton, Early Light, Stocking Stuffer, and Weather Permitting. Charlie and his mounts were champion and/or reserve champion at every major horse show in the country.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12421

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

Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2010/2011 – Round 2

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Germany's Christian Ahlmann and the stallion Taloubet Z made it a back-to-back double of victories when coming out on top again at the second leg of the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series at Helsinki, Finland this afternoon. He is pictured being presented with his Rolex watch by Magali Dubois Vaucher from Rolex.

AHLMANN MAKES IT A DOUBLE AT HELSINKI by Louise Parkes

Helsinki (FIN), 24 October 2010 – Germany’s Christian Ahlmann and the stallion Taloubet Z made it two-in-a-row when storming to victory in the second leg of the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series at Helsinki, Finland this afternoon.  “I’m very lucky to have such a quick horse,” said the 35 year old rider who, having already taken the main honours in the opening leg at Oslo, Norway a week ago, has now accumulated 40 points and is well on the road to the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final on his home turf in Leipzig, Germany next April.

From a starting field of 39 there were 11 into the jump-off today, and Ahlmann set the pace at the halfway stage and simply could not be caught.  Further reinforcing the strength of the German challenge, it was fellow-countryman Philipp Weishaupt who slotted into runner-up spot with Catoki while Holland’s Leon Thijssen and Tyson finished third.  The Dutch duo look set to make a big impression on this indoor jumping season as the 10 year old stallion, who finished fifth a week ago, was again one of the real eye-catchers of the competition.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12417

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2010/2011

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Germany's Isabell Werth and Satchmo won the opening leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Series in Odense, Denmark today and is presented with her award by Lisa Wells, Director of Special Events for Reem Acra.

WERTH AND SATCHMO WIN OPENING LEG OF REEM ACRA FEI WORLD CUP DRESSAGE SEASON by Claartje van Andel

Odense (DEN), 24 October 2010 – German dressage ace Isabell Werth threw down the gauntlet with a clear victory in the first leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series in Odense, Denmark today.

Last to go, and chasing the target set by Denmark’s Princess Nathalie Zu Sayn Wittgenstein who pipped her for the honours in yesterday’s Grand Prix, Werth produced a score of 81.00% to reverse the placings, while The Netherlands’ Hans Peter Minderhoud once again steered IPS Tango into third.

Riders from eight nations qualified for today’s Freestyle competition but it was clear the host country’s Zu Sayn Wittgenstein was going to be the one to beat.  Yesterday she set the arena alight with a wonderful performance from her 13 year old gelding Digby, and such was the jubilation of the home crowd that the arena commentator had to call on the excited spectators to quiet down in order to allow the next competitor to take their turn.  Today the crowd went wild with joy once again as the 35 year old rider, who became a mother this summer but who is still showing as much of a competitive edge as ever, produced a personal-best Freestyle score of 80.05% when fourth-last into the arena.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12416

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI

FEI World Eventing Championships for Young Horses

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Germany's Andreas Dibowski, here pictured with his winning ride Mighty Magic, claimed the top two places in the 7 Year Old Championship at the FEI World Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d'Angers, France over the weekend.

DIBOWSKI DOMINATES AT LE LIONS D’ANGERS

Le Lion d’Angers (FRA), 25 October 2010 – Germany’s Andreas Dibowski dominated the 25th World Eventing Championship for Young Horses, staged at the Haras Nationaux du Lion d’Angers, France from 21 to 24 October.

The German Olympian and his much-admired stallion Mighty Magic (Mytens XX/Heraldik XX) which finished second in last year’s 6-year-old class, returned to take the coveted 7-year-old title with a convincing victory. For good measure a clear round in the final jumping phase secured second place with Butts Avedon, who like Dibowski’s 2010 Badminton runner-up ride Euroridings Butts Leon is also sired by the WBFSH top ranked stallion Heraldik XX.  This was a dream result for the 44-year-old from Dohle in Lower Saxony.

“Although I have prepared hard for this competition and had victory in mind, first and second was not a thought. When I was younger I was a fan of Andrew Nicholson and today I was privileged to be standing on the podium with him,” Dibowski said, referring to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games bronze medallist whose double clear with Quimbo earned third place. New Zealand veteran, Nicholson, was also 16th with Qwanza, another by the Holstein stallion Lacros, and bred by Pedro Beca in Spain.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12415