Category Archives: *Featured/Spotlights

Special features, spotlights, headlines

New Foal! The First Freedom Fund Foal Has Arrived, by Ginger Kathrens

Photos by Baerbel Stuetzle
Photos by Baerbel Stuetzle

Dear Fans of Cloud and Our Wild Horses,

Makendra and I had just landed in Columbus this morning to begin the Equine Affaire weekend when I got the message that I was “a grandmother!” Not of a two-legged, but of a newborn bay four-legged.

Baerbel Stuetzle, manager of the ranch at the base of Pryors where our Freedom Fund horses live, had left me this message: “The bay mare in Bo’s band (Chalupa) foaled this morning to a very strong baby — very healthy.” Baerbel couldn’t tell if it is a boy or girl yet, but the foal was about three hours old when she snapped these pictures. What’s your best guess?  Is it a boy or a girl?

The little one was born in the snow, but born with his or her family thanks to so many of you who donated to save them and keep the bands together.  Bet this little one doesn’t know he or she has thousands of grandparents all around the country!

Once we know the sex, we will let you know and we think it would be fun if you kids out there (anyone 16 or younger) submit a name for the baby and we will choose the winning entry. Sound like fun?

Best to you all.  Spring really has arrived!

Happy Trails!

Ginger

The Cloud Foundation

107 South 7th St

Colorado Springs, CO 80905

719-633-3842

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Top Riders from around the World Set to Compete at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Oliver Townend Could Make History by Winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY — Once again, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, this year Presented by Bridgestone, will host a truly international event at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 22-25. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI Classics Series, attracts many of the world’s best horses and riders as they vie for their share of $250,000 in prize money.

Enhancing this year’s schedule will be the official Kentucky Cup Dressage and Jumping Test Events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 25-October 10, marking the first time that equestrian sport’s biggest event is being held outside Europe.

Continue reading Top Riders from around the World Set to Compete at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Edwina Alexander Diary for HorsesintheSouth.com & AHorseBlog.com

EdwinaAlexanderEdwina Alexander is writing a diary for HorsesintheSouth.com as she prepares for the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Geneva from 14-18 April 2010. Here is Edwina’s first entry.

Could you describe a typical training day?

I normally wake up at 7.00am and I am in the stables by 8.00am ready to ride the horses. Every day is a little bit different but on average I ride between 6 to 8 horses each day, and I will keep riding until 1.00pm. I’ll start riding again between 2.00pm-4.00pm. I then spend some time in the office in the afternoon catching up with emails, organising travel arrangements for upcoming shows, sending videos to clients. I feel more relaxed if I know exactly what’s going on!

How have you been keeping busy since your Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series win in Vigo?

I kept Socrates (Cevo Socrates) and Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château) busy in the lead up to Gothenburg, where they both jumped well. Since Gothenburg they have both had a break from showing which has included one easy day during the week, some hacking in the woods, dressage and a bit of a lunge in the afternoon. I have been to Australia since Gothenburg but they have both been kept active with some small jumps work.

Continue reading Edwina Alexander Diary for HorsesintheSouth.com & AHorseBlog.com

Isabell Werth Interview for HorsesintheSouth.com & AHorseBlog.com

Isabell Werth is writing a diary for HorsesintheSouth.com as she prepares for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games from 25 September-10 October. Here is Isabell’s first entry.

Could you describe a typical training day?

Since my son Frederik’s birth last year the day now starts with him! I then start with the horses at around 9.00am and I can ride about seven horses per day. The rest of the day is now usually based around the stable business and Frederik.

How many horses do you have at the moment?

At the moment we have around about 40 horses under the saddle, so my whole team is very busy!

Continue reading Isabell Werth Interview for HorsesintheSouth.com & AHorseBlog.com

Rare Equine Amputee, Molly the Pony, Coming to Kentucky Horse Park

John+Nicholson+and+Molly4croppedLEXINGTON, KY (April 7, 2010) A rare equine amputee, Molly the Pony, is coming to the Kentucky Horse Park.  She was made famous by a CBS News story, after having been rescued by Kaye and Glenn Harris during Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, several months later she was attacked by another animal who was rescued after Katrina and who was also experiencing emotional trauma, a pit bull.  Although Molly’s other numerous wounds healed, her leg did not make it. Her rescuer and now owner Kaye Harris went to bat for Molly, requesting amputation and prosthesis at Louisiana State University.

Successful amputations and prosthetic legs for horses are extremely rare and there were obstacles to overcome, but Molly has adapted well to her new limb and now she visits anyone who could use her quiet wisdom and inspiration.  She has impacted and inspired many people of all ages and abilities. A children’s book was written about her and her story has traveled around the world.

Continue reading Rare Equine Amputee, Molly the Pony, Coming to Kentucky Horse Park

Margie Engle and Indigo Soar to $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 2*-W Victory at Tampa Bay Classic

Margie Engle and Indigo were the winners of the $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 2*-W after completing a clear round over the fences, but crossing the finish line with two time faults. Photo By: Anne Gittins.
Margie Engle and Indigo were the winners of the $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 2*-W after completing a clear round over the fences, but crossing the finish line with two time faults. Photo By: Anne Gittins.

Tampa, FL – April 4, 2010 – There were no rabbits this Easter at the Tampa Equestrian Festival during the $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 2*-W. When four riders were unable to complete today’s jump-off round without bringing down a rail Margie Engle and Indigo were determined to have a steady, clear ride. The pair left all the jumps standing, and despite accruing two time faults, Engle and Indigo claimed today’s top prize.

Today, riders competed over courses designed by Michel Vaillancourt in the Covered Arena at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The first round featured an early triple combination to a liverpool fence, followed by a triple bar. As the course came to a close, riders had to show over a large oxer line, followed by a tight double combination, before finishing over a tall, single vertical.  Many riders had a difficult time at the oxer line, the double combination, and the final vertical.

Six riders were able to complete the first round without fault and advance to the jump-off. The course began with a bending line, and then riders could take a difficult inside turn to a vertical, before making another inside turn to the second half of the triple combination. Finally, riders made their way to the triple bar before galloping to the tall vertical and finishing over the final oxer.

Continue reading Margie Engle and Indigo Soar to $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 2*-W Victory at Tampa Bay Classic

New Equine Anti-Doping Regulations Come into Effect

New Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and Equine Prohibited Substances List Go Live for All FEI Events

Lausanne (SUI), 5 April 2010 – The FEI today announced that the new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and the Equine Prohibited Substances List are now in effect for all FEI events. All involved in equestrian sport, and especially competitors, National Federations, veterinarians, event organisers, officials, managers, coaches and grooms, are responsible for understanding and abiding by the new Regulations.

“Today, 5 April, is a landmark day for our sport, the beginning of the Clean Sport Era,” said Alex McLin, FEI Secretary General. “Today marks the culmination of a collective effort by the entire equestrian community to protect the integrity of our sport and the welfare of our horses.”

Continue reading New Equine Anti-Doping Regulations Come into Effect

Sandy Ferrell and Showman Claim Another Championship in the Western Hay & Suncoast Bedding First Year Green Hunters at 2010 FTI WEF

Sandy Ferrell and Showman Claimed the Western Hay and Suncoast Bedding First Year Green Working Hunter Championship © 2010 Randi Muster
Sandy Ferrell and Showman Claimed the Western Hay and Suncoast Bedding First Year Green Working Hunter Championship © 2010 Randi Muster

Wellington, FL – April 1, 2010 – This is the last week of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) for hunters to secure a tricolor, and Sandy Ferrell and Showman, owned by Alexa & Krista Weisman, ended on a great note when they received their third championship of the twelve-week FTI WEF in the Western Hay & Suncoast Bedding First Year Green Working Hunters.

Alexa and Krista Weisman bought Showman from Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley about two years ago, and owner Alexa Weisman also competes with her mount in the Amateur Hunter divisions.

Ferrell, of Bernville, PA, competed with Showman six times throughout the 2010 FTI WEF, and has been champion three times, and reserve champion twice in the First Year Green Working Hunters. This is a very impressive feat, especially for one of the most well-attended hunter divisions at the horse show. Ferrell described the eight-year-old Westphalian gelding as the “epitome of a show hunter. He’s beautiful, elegant, talented, and he goes to win.”

Continue reading Sandy Ferrell and Showman Claim Another Championship in the Western Hay & Suncoast Bedding First Year Green Hunters at 2010 FTI WEF

American Miniature Horses Shine at Dressage under the Stars Finale

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The Wee Reds performed at the Players Club Dressage under the Stars finale in Wellington. (Photograph courtesy of Linda Kern, Caribbean Dreams Miniature Horses)

Wellington, FL – A four-in-hand team of perfectly matched American Miniature Horses put on a dazzling show at the finale of the Dressage under the Stars competition at the Players Club & Restaurant in Wellington, proving that big things do come in small packages. The Wee Reds, owned by Linda Kern of Caribbean Dreams Miniature Horses in Loxahatchee, Florida, and boasting 10 National Championship and Reserve Championship titles, were the opening act of the finale at the star-studded event.

Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time U.S. National Four-In-Hand Champion and a judge for the evening’s Dressage under the Stars finale, drove the award-winning Wee Reds in a cones course demonstration. Weber, who has driven the talented tiny team at two Wellington Holiday horse shows, also brought the judges in by carriage, much to the delight of the crowd.

Continue reading American Miniature Horses Shine at Dressage under the Stars Finale

Megan Jones to Defend HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing Title at Kihikihi

Kihikihi (NZL), 1 April 2010 – The action in the 2010 HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing moves ‘down under’ where a determined Megan Jones (AUS) will be travelling back to New Zealand to defend her title at the Mitavite International Horse Trials at Kihikihi this weekend (2-4 April).

Jones was one of the most successful HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing riders in 2009, winning the Sydney (AUS) leg as well, and led the standings leaderboard for most of last year. If she can replicate that form, she will have as much chance as any of winning the lion’s share of the US$180,000 on offer to the top 15 riders in the series, which comes to a climax at Schenefeld (GER) in August after 12 CIC***-W events in 10 countries across three continents.

Jones is bringing the same horse as last time, her talented little home-bred grey Kirby Hall Irish Jester, on which she won a team silver medal and finished 4th individually at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong.

Continue reading Megan Jones to Defend HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing Title at Kihikihi