Tag Archives: Brianne Goutal

Brianne Goutal and Fineman Win $35,000 Horseware Ireland Jumper Classic CSI 5*

Brianne Goutal and Fineman. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – October 20, 2017 – The $35,000 Horseware® Ireland Jumper Classic CSI 5* welcomed a steadfast victory for Brianne Goutal (USA) and Fineman hosted on the Grass Complex at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The duo raced to complete the short course in 42.929 seconds, prompting a final victory gallop lap for Goutal and the 2003 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Feliciano x Kotiljong II) owned by Rose Hill Farm.

Commenting on Fineman’s ride on the Grass Complex, Goutal said, “It’s a big change for some of the horses because they’ve been in an arena so much and then they switch over to the grass. I didn’t show last week on the grass, and it really is a very unique atmosphere. I think the field and the course jumped and rode very well. For Fineman, there is an added ‘spook’ factor to be out there with the flowers and the grass and everything. I think most riders can agree, when the footing is good, we want to be on the field as much as we can and I think this footing is excellent.”

The gelding belongs to a student of Goutal’s and she has been working with the pair for a few years. She explained, “His owner is studying abroad in Rome, so I am campaigning him a bit while she’s away. I rode him at the Hampton Classic, and now here at TIEC. I’ve been keeping him going for her, so I’m trying to do right by everybody and he’s really put in some great rides at this level. The idea is to just get him ready for her return.”

This trip to TIEC is Goutal’s third to the venue and she has been pleased with the facility thus far. She concluded, “We love it. The cabins and restaurants are lovely. It’s convenient for my husband and I because we have a 9-month-old daughter, so this trip is family friendly. We are no strangers to the ESP show scene and we are really excited about this new stop on our horse show list.”

Second place in the $35,000 Horseware® Ireland Jumper Classic CSI 5* was awarded to Beezie Madden (USA) aboard HH Hercules, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse, owned by John Madden Sales, after stopping the timers in 42.961 seconds.

“Today went very well,” commented Madden. “He [HH Hercules] was good. The first round went really well and then in the jump-off I left out a stride in the first line. He’s only eight, so I’m very happy with him.”

Madden continued, “The grass footing is great and it rides like it walks. The horses jump wonderfully off of it and the ground is excellent. This venue is one of the best.”

Alberto Michan (MEX) rode Gigolo Van De Broekkant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Sinaeda) owned by Ilan Ferder and Tal Milstein, rounded out the class with a third place positioning after finishing the jump-off round in 43.195 seconds.

Of his rides on the grass, Michan exclaimed, “I think it’s a fantastic field, really. The horses jump so good and it’s so nice. You can see after a lot of horses have gone that there’s not one hole in the footing. For me, really, it’s very difficult to find a venue with this kind of grass footing. It’s really, really nice.”

“Twenty-one combinations pressed forward to the jump-off, so I was lucky to go kind of in the last part, so I could see the turns and the times and the strides they were doing. In the end, with so many good riders in this class, you had to go really fast to try to catch them,” concluded Michan.

Schuyler Riley and Cleopatra’s Smile Boast Top Performance in $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

The third day of competition at Tryon Fall V brought many of the top hunter riders in the country out to contest the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby track in the George H. Morris Arena, designed by Andy Christiansen. A competitive 23 horse and rider combinations completed the first round, while the top twelve pairs returned to test their skills around the handy course. Schuyler Riley of Wellington, FL and Cleopatra’s Smile posted the highest score, ending their afternoon on a 383.

“I thought it was a great course,” stated Riley. “I love doing the derby classes because I always feel that the jumps are a lot more interesting and you have to ride each jump differently based on what you feel underneath you.”

Riley was leading after contesting the first round, but was followed very closely by Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS, as well as ultimate second-place finisher, Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL aboard Like I Said, owned by Pony Lane Farm, who finished the day on a 375. Third place went to Tommi Clark of Agoura Hills, CA, riding Stephen Borders Extraordinaire, after earning a final score of 369.

Of her handy round, Riley said, “I was debating whether or not I should go back in and do the high option at jump one, as I was already leading. I knew that most riders had been putting in some good scores, and I have so much faith in my mare because she’s so careful and scopey, that I just decided to go for it and ride it like I was going to win it.”

The mare, imported in April and owned by Wolfstone Stables & Sales Inc., has guided Riley back into the spotlight in major hunter classes around the country.

“The first place that I showed her was in Kentucky and I let a Junior rider pilot her there where she was champion in the Small Junior Division. After that, I came here and did a USHJA National Derby and then won an USHJA International Derby out on the Grass Complex. That was my first USHJA International Derby and that’s when I really fell in love with them.”

As an international show jumper and seasoned FEI Nations’ Cup competitor, Riley stressed the importance of quality horses. “Above anything else, what it always gets back to, is it’s always about the horse. That’s what made me fall in love with this sport, whenever you get a horse like this one, it doesn’t matter what ring you’re riding in, you just have to appreciate a really good ride.”

Riley concluded with a compliment of TIEC, where she competes whenever given the opportunity. “For me, Tryon has always been lucky. I love being here. I love the crowd they always get on Saturday night. The footing on the Grass Complex is amazing. I just love it here.”

$10,000 Hollow Creek Under 25 Jumper Classic Sees Victory for Christina Kelly and Eckham Van Het Steentje

The day concluded with a strong win for Christina Kelly of Aiken, SC and Eckham Van Het Steentje in the $10,000 Hollow Creek Under 25 Jumper Classic. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL took a sweep of second and third place positions, stopping jump-off timers in 40.378 seconds and two time-faults aboard Bon Jovi, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Verdi x Whoopy C) for second place, while Boy IV, a 2007 Oldenburg gelding (Sandro Boy x Samira III), finished in third-place after a securing a time of 72.216 seconds in the first round and accumulating only a single time fault.

Kelly has only been paired with the 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Berlin x Atleta Van ‘T Steent Je) owned by Elm Rock, LLC for a few weeks. “I don’t know this horse very well yet,” she said. “The course actually rode a bit trickier than expected, but he jumped fantastically.”

Kelly rides with Margie Engle, who has been helping her build a partnership with the gelding. Kelly stated, “He’s amazing to ride. I’m hoping I get to keep the ride on him for a while.”

She continued, “I love the way she trains. She’s very forgiving and just amazing. She’s an amazing rider herself and I think you can hang onto the words she says. She knows this horse inside and out, so I’m excited for what’s next!”

For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Brianne Goutal and Onira Claim $6,000 Horseware Ireland 1.45m CSI 2*

Brianne Goutal and Onira. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 5, 2017 – Brianne Goutal (USA) and Onira made quick work of the $6,000 Horseware® Ireland 1.45m CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), as the duo took the class with a jump-off time of 34.64 seconds. Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z captured second place with a time of 35.26 seconds, while Darragh Kerins (IRL) and Silteplait de Circee finished in third after stopping the timers in 38.043 seconds.

Goutal and Onira are a veteran combination and have traveled the national and international show jumping circuits for nearly fourteen years together. The 1996 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nimmerdor x G.Ramiro Z), owned by Remarkable Farms LP, has kept his youthfulness and competitive edge with Goutal piloting from the irons.

“He’s 21 now. The goals for us are just to give him some nice classes to finish out his career. I had a baby in January and he’s been a huge piece of my comeback tour,” said Goutal, affectionately describing her longstanding partnership with Onira. “We were really looking forward to this show. He feels amazing.”

Goutal and Onira competed together at TIEC throughout the 2016 season and she feels that the venue and atmosphere bring out the best in him. She explained, “He loves this horse show. He can get a little bored by the end of Florida. He got off the truck here and we could barely get him to the jog. He was so fresh, rearing and bucking, just excited to be here.”

The duo has maintained a shared desire to win and Onira looked both fit and fresh. She acknowledged the pair’s lengthy career together, noting that the care and respect she and her team have for Onira has helped to keep him happy and wanting to work, even at his older age.

“We’ve never pushed him. He’s had injuries and I think we always made sure to pay attention to the details. If they told us three months, we gave him six. If they said six months, we gave him a year,” she explained. “I don’t show him a lot, but try to keep him jumping consistently, even if it’s just cavalettis. I think that has been the best way to keep him mentally and physically motivated.”

The win was an emotional one for Goutal and she described her unique and deep relationship with Onira, which has spanned more than a decade.

“He’s always just been one step ahead of everyone else. He knows where he’s going and he knows when it’s his time. He trots into these big classes completely different. He just knows,” she said. “He has always known when to step up to the plate. He’s just different and always has been. He’s the horse of a lifetime.”

For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.

2016 Turf Tour Finale Grand Prix Topped by Brianne Goutal and Onira

Brianne Goutal and Onira (Photos courtesy of The Ridge at Wellington/Equinium)

Beth Underhill Named Leading Rider

Wellington, Florida (April 11, 2016) – As the final horse soared over the final oxer under the spectacular covered arena of Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, the 2016 turf Tour came to a close following 13 weeks of high caliber show jumping and hunter competition. Finale week at the Turf Tour included some of the most technical courses, exceptional amenities, and world-class competitors that have set the series apart on the Wellington show circuit.

The $24,995 Turf Tour Finale Grand Prix was topped by Brianne Goutal aboard Onira, one of a group of early double clears that bested the field of riders including Olympic champions and some of the top names in international show jumping. Hardin Towell and Flip clocked in at 35.286 in the jump off to place second, and Goutal and her other ride, Barlon van Groenhove, finished third with a double clear and 36.588. Subsequent double clear efforts were achieved by Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Tic Tac, top ranked Asian show jumper Taizo Sugitani and Hyperion Stud’s Imhotep, New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley with Hickstead’s Axel and Zabel D, and Chilean Olympian Samuel Parot with Cortina 186 and Cous Cous Van Orti.

Because of the threat of inclement weather, Wednesday’s competition was rescheduled for Thursday at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The two 1.30-1.35m divisions were topped by New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and Ireland’s Denis Coakley. Wordley, who finished second in the CSI 5* at WEF and only began showing on the Turf Tour later in the season, has been riding the 11-year-old gelding Hickstead’s Axel for 5 years and aimed to boost his position on the FEI rankings. “The horse is a solid competitor, and I’ve also brought some young horses to get the experience,” said Wordley. “The Turf Tour is a great opportunity for both the horses and riders and I’m a huge supporter of it. It’s also a great chance to win great prize money.”

Beth Underhill and Count Me In
Beth Underhill and Count Me In

Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill, a frequent face on the Turf Tour, was also frequently in the ribbons aboard her string of horses, so much so that she topped the overall standings. Her achievements earned her the Leading Rider and Leading Lady Rider awards, which were inaugurated on the Turf Tour this year in memory of Sophie Walker and Andres Rodriquez, to equestrians lost tragically just before the start of the 2016 season. Underhill, who recently rode Count Me In to victory in the Week 10 Grand Prix at the International Polo Club was thrilled with the honor and her horses’ performance over the past three months. “It was wonderful to have the horses be so consistent throughout the circuit,” said Underhill. “And it wasn’t just one horse that stood out, but all of my horses jumped great. Count Me In really found is stride and I’m so thrilled for him and his owner Sandy Lupton. I’m expecting him to develop into a national Grand Prix horse in Canada, and I’m looking forward to build on the experience he has gained here for the winter. It’s an honor to be awarded the leading rider awards, and am looking forward to 2017.”

With the goal of developing young horses and advancing riders, the Turf Tour 13-week is a unique addition to Wellington’s growing winter circuit, offering riders top-tier competition, over $400,000 in prize money, and an unparalleled atmosphere. The ‘show when you like,’ open-ended schedule offers convenience and a more distilled competitive environment, without sacrificing the challenge and competition found at nationally recognized shows. Organized by Olympic show jumper Nona Garson, George D’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman, the vision that inspired the tour’s conception was bringing back the old world flair to jumper classes by staging competitions on springy, natural turf surfaces away from the chaotic intensity of other show grounds.

Due to popular demand, The Ridge also hosted a final schooling show, an addition to the schedule, on April 2-3, 2016 at The Ridge at Wellington. Featuring the same prizelist and schedule as previous shows, the series featured hunters and equitation on Saturday and Jumpers on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof Win $127,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI 3*

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Photo © Sportfot.

Tori Colvin and Inclusive Take Home the Blue in Final Two Over Fences Classes in the Antares Large Junior Hunter 16-17

Wellington, FL – February 8, 2015 – Week five of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Ariat® International, concluded on Sunday with a win for Brianne Goutal (USA) and Ballade van het Indihof in the $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3*. After topping Friday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5, Goutal and the 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Heartbreaker) continued their winning form into the week’s finale event, held on the beautiful grass jumping field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Olympic course designer Robert Ellis of Great Britain set the international courses at PBIEC for week five and concluded with a great track for 45 competitors on the field on Sunday. Seven entries were clear over the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and two went double clear in the tiebreaker.

Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof, owned by Remarkable Farms LP, were the fastest double clear in 47.10 seconds. Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Caristo’s Evening Star finished second in 50.78 seconds. Harrie Smolders (NED) and Copernicus Stables LLC’s Don VHP Z had the fastest round of the jump-off in 46.77 seconds, but a rail at the final fence put the pair in third place.

“I am thrilled,” Goutal said of her victory. “This week she has been amazing, but in general she pretty much only jumps good rounds. I was very disappointed not to have her for the last two years due to a couple of injuries and now that she is back, it is really just a pleasure every time you go in the ring. She is very strong, but she takes you right down to the big jumps. She is ultra-careful, so you are never worried. She is just something else. She is a freak of nature, and I am grateful every time I go in the ring with that horse.”

Goutal had to catch the clear round of Heather Caristo-Williams and Evening Star, but knew her horse could beat their time.
“Honestly, my horse is so fast,” Goutal said. “She wastes no time across the ground. She jumps very high, but somehow it is efficient at the same time. You never feel like you have really opened up. I just keep a high rhythm, a high canter and kind of let her go. She is so careful that you can kind of guide her and snake through a little bit. Heather had a beautiful ride, but I think her horse is a bigger mover, more bounding, and I think my horse is just really, really fast.”

Caristo-Williams explained that her horse had some time off last year and is just coming back to this level of competition, and she was thrilled with his performance.

“I was really happy with my jump-off in general,” she stated. “It has been a little while since I have been able to be in a jump-off with these guys, so I just wanted to do what was right for my horse. There was that pillar placed before the combination. I went inside that in the class on Friday and we had a little trouble and had the last jump down in the WEF (Challenge Cup), so I knew that I was not going to make that mistake twice. I wanted to do what was best for my horse and I know it was a slower option, but at that point going against everyone else here, I was just really happy to be efficient and go for a clear round.”

“It is so much fun out there,” Caristo-Williams added. “I love the jump-offs and I am just so happy to be able to go in there. I gave him the summer off because our end of the season last year we kind of went a little bit downhill, which is odd for him because he really is a trier. Now we are just kind of getting back into it again and peaked today, so that was nice.”

Harrie Smolders had the time in hand with Don VHP Z, but took extra risk in his jump-off course with the knowledge that Goutal and Georgina Bloomberg were still to follow. The risk did not pay off when he had the final fence down, but Smolders was happy with his horse. He began riding Don VHP Z last year and has already developed a great partnership.

Commenting on his round, Smolders noted, “My horse I think is naturally a slower mover than Brianne and Georgina’s horses, so that is why I had to take a bit more risk to put on the pressure. I think we were a bit unlucky today because I think Don is in really good shape and he deserved to go clean.”

“I think I am starting to know him better and our results are getting there now,” Smolders stated. “He is a great horse. He is really scopey. Now I am looking forward to the future with him.”

The last time Smolders competed in Wellington was in 2012, and he has seen great growth in the level of competition in the last few years.

“I think the competition is very strong here,” the rider acknowledged. “There are many good horses here. It is good sport. It is not easy. It is not easy to win anywhere, but it is definitely difficult here. There are many good riders and many good horses.”

Goutal proved a great combination with Ballade van het Indihof this week, and with her success, was presented with the Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider award, presented by Martha Jolicouer in memory of Dale Lawler. She also accepted the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style award to conclude week five.

Tori Colvin and Inclusive Take Home the Blue in Final Two Over Fences Classes in the Antares Large Junior Hunter 16-17

On the final day of WEF 5 competition Tori Colvin and Inclusive were named champions of the Antares Large Junior Hunter 16-17. Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, won three of the four over fences classes, along with a third place finish in the handy hunter round. Colvin exclaimed, “Today he went amazing! He went very slow and nice.”

Further Lane Farm’s horse, Stellar, was ridden to reserve championship honors by Sophie Michaels. The pair was first and second over fences and won the under saddle.

This week was Inclusive’s 2015 WEF debut. “He [Inclusive] was a little nervous yesterday. He used to be a jumper, so he went into jumper mode and got a little fast,” Colvin commented about her horse’s performance.

Despite having a long break, Colvin and Inclusive have been working together for the past five years. Although he was a little out of practice the first day, the second day Inclusive was back to his winning ways. “I know him [Inclusive] very well. He is my best friend, he can have his days, but he steps it up in the ring,” Colvin said.

“In the handy round I did the skinny trot jump, which was fun for him [Inclusive] because the spookier the jump, the better for him,” Colvin smiled.

Looking ahead to next week, Colvin is planning on riding Inclusive in the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Colvin has won the class for the past three years and is excited to try and defend her title this year. After WEF, Colvin hopes to qualify Inclusive for the Devon Horse Show and the Indoor Finals.

When Colvin is not competing in the hunter ring, she is busy competing in the equitation and jumpers. As the 2014 ASPCA Maclay Finals Champion, Colvin is looking to have similar success this fall in her last junior year.

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues with its sixth week of competition, sponsored by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, on February 11-15, 2015. Week six features the coveted $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, the $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3*, and much more. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof Top $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Photos © Sportfot.

Lynn Rogers and Blue Point Finish the Day as the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A Champions

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) resumed with competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday after inclement weather forced the cancellation of Thursday’s classes. The $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5, originally scheduled for Thursday, was held in the afternoon with a win for USA’s Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Alexander Zetterman (SWE) and Flecu finished second and Abigail McArdle (USA) and Cade placed third.

Ariat® International, Inc. is the title sponsor of week five CSI 3* competition on February 4-8, 2015. The week will feature the $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on the grass jumping field at The Stadium at PBIEC on Sunday, February 8. The weekend also highlights the 6th Annual Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®, which will be the main event on Saturday, February 7, under the lights of the International Arena at PBIEC. Both events will be live streamed at www.COTH.com. The Great Charity Challenge will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Watch it LIVE at: http://bit.ly/1DfE5ZK. The $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Watch it LIVE at: http://bit.ly/1KvCJu5.

Robert Ellis of Great Britain set the speed track for Friday’s Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 with 77 rounds and 17 clear combinations. With her win aboard Remarkable Farms LP’s Ballade van het Indihof, Brianne Goutal broke Eric Lamaze’s four-week hold on the series. The defending winner had one rail down to finish out of the money.

Although other riders were faster, Goutal’s early clear round, fifth in the order of go, would prove unbeatable. Lamaze went right before her, fourth in the order, and it was no mistake that Goutal crossed the timers just fractions off of his time. She watched his every step before entering the ring, and followed the same track. Her resulting time of 59.90 seconds held on through over 70 rounds for the win. Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman and Flecu finished second, almost three seconds slower in 62.54 seconds.

“It helped a lot to have Eric before me,” Goutal admitted after the class. “He always has the best jump-off tracks or speed tracks. He wastes no time. You see which numbers he does. From jumps two to three he did six strides and everyone else did seven, including myself. I walked that line and I did not walk six, and I am still not so sure how he did it. He is amazing to watch because he is always cutting corners, but just in the right way that he is not compromising the fence, so it is great to have him in front of you.”

Goutal’s winning mount, Ballade vent het Indihof, is a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Heartbreaker) that the rider has owned for several years, but had a long break from showing. She finished third in the $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, to kick off the season in January and has maintained her top form.

“That horse is absolutely incredible. I just got her back. She was off for almost two years with injuries,” Goutal explained. “She is the most careful horse I have ever ridden, and I think I have ever seen. She is electric and allergic to wood. What’s wonderful is that she is super brave as well, which is a great combination. She is really, really fast. To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to win. I didn’t feel like I was going very fast. I felt I was neat. I was hoping for top ten, and I think I just got really lucky that she’s so fast naturally. She does everything so efficiently, never wasting any time. I went around to the last jump even.”

Goutal praised course designer Bob Ellis on a great track that saw rails in many different places for some of the top horses and riders on Friday.

“I thought it was a beautifully designed course. At this level, these course designers are so good. They just know where to put the jumps and how to trick you and how to test you. I was super impressed with the track today because I thought it was a big speed track that had options and a lot of tests, but it wasn’t overdone or underdone at all. A lot of different jumps came down, which is, in my opinion, the mark of a great course. You have to pay attention to every jump and be super aware from beginning to end,” Goutal stated. “He always builds different courses. I think he does all the right tests. We see a few course designers that are consistent like him, and there is a reason they are building in this ring. I am super grateful to be jumping these kind of courses all the time.”

Goutal will jump Ballade van het Indihof again in Sunday’s $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on the grass field at The Stadium at PBIEC. After a great finish on the grass at the Trump Invitational, she feels her horse is ready to take on the new venue.

“She jumps really well on grass. She is a really confident horse and she is just fun to ride, so I am looking forward to it,” Goutal stated. “I love to go over there. I think it is a great change of venue and pace, and we are super lucky to have that as an option.”

Also competing on Friday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge was held with two sections of competition. Adam Prudent and Patrick Flin and Plain Bay Sales’ Vasco won Section A in the International Arena. Laura Chapot and The Edge’s Out of Ireland won Section B in the Mogavero Ring.

Lynn Rogers and Blue Point Finish the Day as the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A Champions

Despite a rainy day on Thursday, Lynn Rogers, from Long Island, NY, and her own horse, Blue Point, were in winning form. Rogers and Blue Point stayed consistent throughout the day and finished first, second, and third over fences. With only one day of competition, Rogers ended up as the champion of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A.

Deborah Perkins and her own horse, Kaepernick, topped two of the over fences classes to finish as reserve champions of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A.

With the rain yesterday, Blue Point and Rogers prepared for today’s classes with a trail ride. Rogers commented, “He [Blue Point] didn’t even lunge today. He’s easy to prep and very quiet.”

Blue Point and Lynn Rogers
Blue Point and Lynn Rogers

Rogers bought Blue Point when he was four years old and has been competing with him for the past three years. “I was looking for a three-foot hunter and my trainer, Tommy Serio, had Blue Point in the barn. Tommy said he [Blue Point] was too young for me, but I wanted a horse just like him. After a week Tommy let me ride Blue Point, and we just hit it off!” Rogers explained.

After spending a year showing in the 2’6″ hunters, Rogers and Blue Point moved up the 3′ hunter division. Since competing in the Adult Amateur Hunters, Rogers and Blue Point have enjoyed numerous top ribbons. Last year, Blue Point was the WEF reserve circuit champion in the Adult Amateur Hunters 50 and Over and started off this year as champion of the Adult Amateur Hunters 50 and Over at WEF 1.

When Blue Point is not competing in the show ring, he enjoys going trail riding. “He is the best trail horse I’ve ever had!” Rogers smiled.

Now competing at WEF for over 10 years, Rogers is still enjoying her winter months in Florida. “I like the footing, the nice jumps, and of course the weather. The reason I still show is because I like jumping these courses,” Rogers said.

Competition continues in the International Arena on Saturday with the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic during the day session and the 6th Annual Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, in the evening. Hunter action continues with the Shamrock Ventures Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ 18-35 in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Jumps to Third in CSIO4* Wellington’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

Laura Kraut and Cedric (StockImageServices.com)

Wellington, Fla. – Clear rounds were the order of the night on Friday evening as 12 teams went to task over Steve Stephen’s 12-obstacle track in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm, the feature competition of CSIO4* Wellington. The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team headed into the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s International Arena for the two-round competition, held in conjunction with the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, looking to secure a top finish in America’s only Nations Cup. The team of McLain Ward, Brianne Goutal, Laura Kraut, and Beezie Madden jumped to a third-place finish on a score of 12 faults.

While the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team was looking to start their 2013 campaign with a win on home soil, Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was pleased with his team and their resilience.

“We felt that we were in it until the very end; it was just a rail here and a rub there,” said Ridland. “This is a Nations Cup we can be proud of that was a tough competition between 12 very good teams.”

Jumping in his customary lead-off position, Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild produced an immaculate clear in round one to start the night for the United States. In round two, the two-time Olympic Team Gold medalist and 13-year-old Warmblood gelding returned with an eight-fault trip after lowering the heights of the bicycle at six and the final oxer, fence 12.

Goutal (New York, N.Y.) jumped in the second spot for the U.S. with Remarkable Farms’ 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Nice de Prissey. In the first round, the pair jumped a four-fault trip after rolling a pole jumping out of the double at nine. In their return trip to the International Arena, they appeared to be on track for a clear round but again were plagued by a rail at fence nine, faulting at the A element in round two.

Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and her Team Gold medal-winning partner from the 2008 Olympic Games, Cedric, were the third combination to head into the International Arena for the U.S., completing a faultless round in their first trip. Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding was poised to join the double clear list but barely dipped a foot in the open water at 10, resulting in a four fault effort for the second round.

Anchoring the U.S. effort on Friday night were reigning FEI World Cup Final champions, Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Simon. Abigail Wexner’s 15-year-old gelding looked on track to jump a clear, tidy round until coming a bit strong to 11 and lowering the oxer at the A element, resulting in a four-fault effort. The veteran pair returned to the International Arena for a second time and never looked in doubt of a clear round as they cruised faultlessly over Stephen’s track.

“I was happy with my horse,” said Madden. “I wish I had been clear in the first round because I thought he went fantastic, and then he was clear in the second round and went even better.”

On Friday, the U.S. also earned vital points in qualifications for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final. Among countries from the North and Central America and the Caribbean Islands regions, the U.S. earned 90 vital points towards qualifying for the Series Final in October.

To learn more about the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season, visit: http://fei.org/fei/events/fei-nations-cup-series/furusiyya.

Nations Cup competition continues Saturday with the top Young Riders, Juniors, and Child Riders contesting FEI Nations Cups presented by Hollow Creek Farm. The first round of Young Rider competition kick-off the youth showcase at 1pm ET.

For more information about CSIO Wellington, visit: http://www.equestriansport.com/.

By Helen Murray

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Draws Sixth in Quest for Sixth Victory in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Wellington, Fla. – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team heads into the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm looking to repeat its victory from last year and secure its sixth win in its home Nations Cup. A total of 12 teams are set to go head-to-head on Friday evening at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during the feature of CSIO4* Wellington, held in conjunction with the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Two members of the last year’s winning team, Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden, return in 2014 with rising star, Brianne Goutal, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist, McLain Ward, rounding out the U.S. effort. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland will lead the U.S. in its quest for victory on home soil.

The U.S. has drawn sixth in the order for Friday’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm; the first round of team competition gets underway at 7pm ET.

Brianne Goutal (New York, N.Y.) will ride Remarkable Farms’ Nice de Prissey.
Nice de Prissey is a 2001 Selle Francais stallion.

Goutal made a name for herself when she was still in the junior ranks by completing a sweep of the four major U.S. equitation titles, which included the 2004 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, the 2004 Washington International Equitation Classic Finals, the 2005 USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Finals, and the 2005 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. She has continued to demonstrate winning form in the jumper ring and was honored with the 2007 Maxine Beard Award, in addition to jumping on multiple U.S. Nations Cup teams. She heads into Friday’s Nations Cup competition on strong form, having placed fourth in Adequan Grand Prix CSI4* a week ago.

Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) will ride Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric.
Cedric is a 1998 Holsteiner gelding.

Kraut brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. effort after jumping on numerous Nations Cup teams, including representing the United States at the 2000 Olympic Games and winning Team Silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. With Cedric, she helped the U.S. to the Team Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, in addition to representing the United States at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The two-time Olympian will look to showcase the form that earned a third place in the overall standings of the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour after winning in Wiesbaden with the diminutive grey gelding. The pair also helped the U.S. to jump to a second-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Rotterdam.

Beezie Madden and Simon (Kit Houghton)
Beezie Madden and Simon (Kit Houghton)

Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) will ride Abigail Wexmer’s Simon.
Simon is a 1999 Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Madden enters the 2014 season as the reigning USEF Equestrian of the Year and FEI World Cup Final champion. The three-time Olympic medalist (Team Gold in 2004 and 2008 and Individual Bronze in 2008) and Team and Individual Silver medalist from the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games was a major contributor to the United States’ success in 2013. In addition to helping the U.S. team win in Wellington, she aided in an American Consolation Round victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at CSIO5* Barcelona with her World Cup champion, Simon. With Cortes ‘C’, she contributed to second-place Nations Cup efforts in Rotterdam and Hickstead and a third-place U.S. finish in Dublin.

McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) will ride Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild.
Rothchild is a 2001 Warmblood gelding.

Ward also brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. effort in Wellington as he joins his Gold medal-winning teammates from the 2008 Olympic Games, Kraut and Madden. Additionally, his resume boasts earning Olympic Team Gold in 2004, Team Silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, and a second-place finish at the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Ward and Rothchild were vital members for the U.S in the Consolation Round victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final, second-place efforts in Spruce Meadows and Hickstead, and a third-place finish in Dublin. They head into Friday’s Nations Cup competition on strong form after earning a fourth-place finish in the Fidelity Investment Grand Prix and a seventh-place finish in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W5* presented by Rolex this year in Wellington.

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm is doubly important for the U.S., as not only will the team look to secure victory in the only Nations Cup held in America, but also a strong result will be vital in qualifying for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final in October.

To learn more about the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season, visit: http://fei.org/fei/events/fei-nations-cup-series/furusiyya.

Spectators and fans in attendance at the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm are invited to a Team USA Nations Cup Pep Rally Reception hosted by the USET Foundation and the USEF from 6-7pm on Friday evening. To learn more about this event, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/10923/2014/2/11/junior_and_pony_riders_invited_to_g.aspx.

Watch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm on FEITV.org.

By Helen Murray

Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey Gallop to Victory in $200,000 American Gold Cup

Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey. Photo by Rebecca Walton.

North Salem, NY – September 15, 2013 – On a perfect day in front of a sold-out crowd of over 4,000, 25-year-old Brianne Goutal added her name to the historical list of riders who have won the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, Presented by Suncast. Thirty-six entries gathered at Old Salem Farm for the international jumping competition, but it was Goutal and her talented mount Nice De Prissey that scored the winning honors after executing a quick and accurate jump-off effort. Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon laid down the first faultless round for second place, while Beezie Madden’s speedy four-fault round over the short track earned third with Coral Reef Via Volo.

Ireland’s Alan Wade presented many tests on the Grand Prix Field for today’s riders, including an open water, a skinny fence, a tall plank vertical, a vertical-oxer double combination, and an oxer-oxer-vertical triple combination. Ten of the original 36 starters advanced to the jump-off.

“I didn’t expect that many clear,” admitted Beezie Madden, currently ranked number two in the world. “I thought it was big enough, and I was surprised the plan didn’t cause more trouble. The double I thought was going to be difficult and it didn’t cause that much trouble. The triple combination I thought would be quite scopey and it only got a few. I thought the skinny at the end would be more difficult too. It jumped a little easier than it walked. The ground was excellent and there was some good jumping.”

For the tiebreaker, competitors began over a new oxer-vertical bending line to a tall vertical and last two obstacles in the triple combination. Then they made a sharp roll back to a single over, bending to a tall vertical and finishing away from the gate over a wide oxer.

Tracey Fenney and MTM Timon. Photo by The Book LLC 2013
Tracey Fenney and MTM Timon. Photo by The Book LLC 2013

Tracy Fenney was the first in the ring during the opening round, and her faultless round meant she was the first in the ring for the tiebreaker with MTM Timon, owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound, TX. The long-time partners were able to complete another perfect course, breaking the beam in 40.75 seconds to put the pressure on the remaining riders.

“I knew that all the riders behind me are super-fast riders, so I just went at my speed,” admitted Fenney. “I was glad I didn’t have to watch everyone else go, because then you get crazier than you need to be, so it was good for me to go in and go the way I go. There weren’t any super tight turns; you just did a lot of galloping.”

Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey, owned by Remarkable Farms LP of Royal Palm Beach, FL, were ready to answer the challenge when they stepped on to the Grand Prix Field next for the short course. Utilizing her mount’s large stride, Goutal was able to race quickly to each obstacle and leave each rail untouched. They sped through the finish line in 40.18 seconds to capture the early lead.

“My horse has a huge stride, and I should have been able to do one less in the first line, but I didn’t get it,” explained Goutal. “My second line was slow into the double, so I thought if the other riders did the numbers quicker than I did they could catch me. Normally it’s easier to go at the end of a jump-off, but I think when you are jumping on grass it is easier to go at the beginning because you have better ground.”

Although Beezie Madden’s mare Coral Reef Via Volo, owned by Coral Reef Ranch of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, is one of the smaller horses on the circuit, she has a large stride and Madden was able to leave out strides in lines to stay right on Goutal’s heels. Unfortunately, she laid on the gas to the final oxer and incurred four faults, and although her time of 39.65 seconds was faster, the reigning World Cup Champion had to settle for the third place award.

Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo. Photo by The Book LLC 2013
Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo. Photo by The Book LLC 2013

“I took a shot,” said Madden. “I left a few strides out and took a chance and the last fence, and if it would have stayed up it would have been great.”

Charlie Jayne was just 2/10ths of a second slower than Madden with Chill R Z, owned by Maura Thatcher and Alex Jayne of Elgin, IL, and with an error at the vertical before the last fence their four-fault round would place fourth in a time of 39.86 seconds. With horses of a similar size and speed, Kent Farrington and Uceko, owned by RCG Farm of Ridgefield, CT, tied with Katie Dinan and Nougat Du Vallet, owned by Grant Road Partners of New York, NY, for the fifth place honors after they each lowered the height of a fence and broke the beam at 40.97 seconds to round out the top six finishers and seal Goutal’s victory.

Goutal began riding Nice De Prissey four years ago when he was just 8 years old. “It took me a little time to get used to him. He has a big stride and touchy mouth. Last year he started coming into his own and jumping consistently well. Now, I am feeling really good about the way he is jumping.”

The next stop for Goutal will be the New Albany Classic, and she hopes to qualify for the team at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

This summer, Goutal began riding with Katie and Henri Prudent, who have helped produce some of the most talented young riders in the United States. “I trained with them a few years ago and I always said I was going to start riding with them again,” she said. “They are a great team. They are so fun, and I think when you have a team like that around you then you are very lucky. They have helped me a lot. I have great horses as well, so we are just fine tuning, and they see things that I don’t notice and I don’t think most people notice.”

Goutal also credits her barn manager Tatiana Gabrush with much of her success. “I am a mess to organize and we are always going back and forth from Europe to America,” she noted. “I am very disorganized in general. She is responsible for everything, and without her the whole thing falls apart.”

This marks the second year that the American Gold Cup has been held at Old Salem Farm, and the new home has proved to be a perfect match for the historical event. “This is a great show,” said Goutal. “I think it’s great to have this venue, and it’s going to become one of the nicest horse shows in America. I think we are all very grateful that it is here.”

Stadium Jumping created the American Gold Cup, and President Michael Morrissey commented, “This was spectacular. I think we’ve elevated the sport to where it needs to be. The crowd was wonderful. It has been a long time since we’ve had crowds like that. There is still room for a little improvement but I think this was a fantastic event at a fantastic facility. We won’t take a back seat to anybody.”

The American Gold Cup has proved to be one of the best events in the United States for many years, with the country’s top horse and rider competitions vying for the winning title and the opportunity to have their named on the prestigious trophy. This year, Brianne Goutal’s name will be added to the list of winners for her incredible effort during today’s international jumping competition.

For further information, visit: www.stadiumjumping.com or www.theamericangoldcup.com.

Don’t Miss the Televised Broadcast. The 2013 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.

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Brianne Goutal and Onira Win $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup 1.60m

Brianne Goutal and Onira. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Sweetnam Is Only Clear to Score Victory in $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m

Calgary, AB – June 29, 2013 – The $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup 1.60m was the highlight event of the day and fans saw Brianne Goutal (USA) ride to victory with her veteran partner Onira. In the All Canada Ring, Shane Sweetnam and Fineman were the only clear round to win the $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m. Today’s competitions were the start of weekend competition for the ‘Canada One’ Tournament in the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments.

The ‘Canada One’ Tournament wraps up tomorrow with the $100,000 Esso Challenge, the third FEI World Cup qualifier to be held at Spruce Meadows this summer. Admission and parking are complimentary for this week.

There were 20 entries in the $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup 1.60m, and nine were clear in the first round and moved on to the jump-off. The riders competed over a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada.

Goutal noted, “He’s been building great classes all week. He’s one of my favorite course designers. I find him just to always build difficult and complicated and technical classes, but they’re always fair.”

The trailblazer in the competition was Reed Kessler (USA) on Mika, who was first to go in the first round and in the jump-off. They were clear in 40.69 seconds, which would hold up for fifth place.

Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Colorado had the second fence down for four faults in 44.13 seconds. They would finish in eighth place. Jonathan’s wife, Christine McCrea (USA), was next in on Zerly. They took an early lead with a clear round in 38.73 seconds, but they would have to settle for fourth place at the end of the jump-off. Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) and Quilebo D Tillard had two fences down in 38.15 seconds, which would finish in ninth place.

The lead changed hands with the next horse in, Carlos VHP Z ridden by Nick Dello Joio (USA). They set the new time to beat at 38.61 seconds and they finished in third place. McLain Ward (USA) and Zander had a bead on the lead and finished with the fastest time in the jump-off in 37.21 seconds, but it came at a price with four faults at jump 11a.

Kirsten Coe (USA) and Calypso were the next to bring the winning time down. They galloped through the timers in 38.41 seconds and finished in second place. Jos Verlooy (BEL) and Domino were also clear, but with a slower time of 40.74 seconds, they would slot into sixth place.

It all came down to the last rider in the ring. And although she said she “hates going last,” Brianne Goutal was able to show how it’s done with her 17-year-old partner Onira, a Dutch Warmblood gelding by Nimmerdor x Ramiro Z. They zipped around the turns and stopped the clock in 38.15 seconds for victory.

“The eight before me were very, very fast,” Goutal recalled. “I have a small stride, so it enables me to do the same numbers but faster. I have to go faster to get the same numbers. I think that just up until the last line, I was able to be faster across the ground. In fact, I was slower in the last line because I couldn’t get the leave out. For sure I slowed down there. Kirsten’s horse has a huge stride. What’s unusual about that horse is that even though it’s so big, it has high foot-speed. That’s a hard combination to beat. But you get lucky and my horse jumped amazingly today.”

Onira is owned by Goutal’s Remarkable Farms LP and she has been riding him for 10 years. They have risen through the ranks together from the junior jumpers to the 1.60m level and have competed at the FEI World Cup Finals together.

Goutal is rightfully effusive about her horse. “He’s so special. They broke the mold with him. He’s one of kind,” she expressed. “He’s been a winner since the day I bought him, probably since the day he was born. He has a different attitude than any horse. When you walk in the barn, you can see the way he looks at you. He’s just a different animal. He’s so smart. He knows much better before you know it. (From) an advantage standpoint, he’s the best horse in the class. It’s up to me to help him out or not make mistakes, because I have a major advantage jumping each class with him.”

Goutal said that Onira loves Spruce Meadows and that this was the best consecutive three weeks that he’s jumped here. What also helps the mature gelding is the great footing at Spruce Meadows and the weather. Goutal explained, “Coming here for him is so great because it’s cold at night. You go out there in the morning, the legs are tight, they’re fresh and happy. They’re not sweating all night in the stall. They can recuperate and for a horse like that, and for any horse that gets older, you have such a better horse in the morning.”

To help Onira stay show-ready, Goutal works on his fitness. Three times a week, he is ridden twice a day, and he only shows once a week. “That horse is as fit as any supercharged runner,” she commented. “I struggled a lot with how to manage him. I find that as horses get older, they need to keep jumping and keep the tendons and everything moving. Fitness is imperative. I try to keep him moving as much as possible. Every horse is different, but that horse wants to win, wants to show, wants to jump.”

Goutal has had a good series at Spruce Meadows. She said, “It seems like it’s all coming together now. The horses have all been great. We’re so lucky to have this venue. The footing is amazing every time you go in the ring and even when the weather’s bad, it holds up. We have great prize money and of course, it’s run impeccably. I think all of the riders are very grateful to have this summer series.”

Sweetnam and Fineman Show How It’s Done

There were 26 entries in the $25,000 Direct Energy Derby 1.45m, but only one was able to find the path to a clear round. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) rode Fineman, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Feliciano x Beach Boy, to a quick round with no faults in 112.098 seconds. Fineman is owned by Sweetnam’s Sweet Oak Farm and he only started riding him three weeks ago.

With just one time fault, Katie Dinan and Couletto K James placed second in 124.489 seconds. Third place went to Andres Rodriguez (VEN) with Elatrice, who had four faults in 110.516 seconds. The course was designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio and featured 17 numbered obstacles.

Fineman was previously ridden by Sweden’s Maria Gretzer. After arriving in the United States where Sweetnam is based, he and Sweetnam showed in Kentucky, placing third in the grand prix. Sweetnam arrived at Spruce Meadows on Wednesday.

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman
Shane Sweetnam and Fineman

Sweetnam believes this week is also Fineman’s first experiences in the derby competitions. He said, “Maria had him since he was a young horse and did a great job producing him. He’s been very consistent. He’d only done 1.45m before I got him. He’s already done now two grand prix in Kentucky and he placed in both of them, and they were both 1.50m. He’s got a great brain for the job, so it makes life a lot easier for me.”

Fineman easily handled today’s course with fluidity, and although the grob was the second to last obstacle on a long course, Sweetnam was thinking more about the final oxer. “The last fence I was little bit worried about. I think a lot of people struggled with it. It was a big oxer and the horses were tired at that stage and flat. But he jumped it very, very well,” he said.

Sweetnam is aiming Fineman for the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby next week. “It’s a different story, but I think he’s a very good horse so hopefully we can have a go at it. He has a lot of ability,” Sweetnam said.

Of his victory, he commented, “It’s great to get a win here early on. Hopefully it will set the tone for the rest of the weeks.”

The ‘Canada One’ Tournament concludes tomorrow with the $33,000 West Canadian Cup 1.50m and the highlight competition of the week, the $100,000 Esso Challenge 1.60 CSI-W in Meadows on the Green. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Brianne Goutal and Onira Triumph in $50,000 CSI 2* Grand Prix at The Stadium at PBIEC

Lili Hymowitz Clinches Champion and Reserve Titles in Voltaire Design Large Pony Hunter Division

Brianne Goutal and Onira. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – January 27, 2013 – Week three of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) concluded with an exciting $50,000 CSI 2* Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon held on the grass derby field at The Stadium at The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The class saw a win for U.S. rider Brianne Goutal and Remarkable Farms LP’s Onira in a four-horse jump-off. Todd Minikus (USA) and Macoemba finished second, Laura Kraut (USA) and A. Lebon’s Jubilee d’Ouilly were third, and Luis Larrazabal (VEN) aboard Anabel Simon’s G&C Sacramento placed fourth.

Uliano Vezzani of Italy was the course designer for week three’s international show jumping competition in Wellington. In Sunday’s $50,000 CSI 2* Grand Prix, Vezzani set the track on the beautiful grass field for 46 competitors and only four were able to clear the course without fault. The bogey fence, a tall wavy-plank vertical off of a tight left-hand turn came down for the majority of competitors, but there were many other rails around the course as well.

Continue reading Brianne Goutal and Onira Triumph in $50,000 CSI 2* Grand Prix at The Stadium at PBIEC