Tag Archives: ESP Holiday Series

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

David Blake and Goldbreaker Win $25k #1 Education Place Grand Prix at ESP Year End Awards

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David Blake and Goldbreaker. Photo Credit ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Wellington, FL – December 12, 2017 – The ESP Holiday Series returned to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, December 8, with the ESP Year End Awards. The $25,000 #1 Education Place Grand Prix was the highlight class of the weekend and saw a win for David Blake (IRL) and Goldbreaker, owned by Gochman Sport Horses, LLC.

Blake and the 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Jus de Pomme) captured the blue ribbon after challenging the course, designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio of Wellington, FL, and completing the jump-off in 41.998 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL had another successful weekend, riding to both a second and third place finish after faultless jump-off rounds. Andrade piloted his own Ricore Courcelle, a 2005 Selle Francais stallion (Quaprice Bois Margot x Alme), to finish the jump-off track in 43.572 seconds, alongside Jenni’s Chance, a 2009 Belgian Warmblood mare (Clinton I x Heartbreaker), contesting the short course in just 44.343 seconds.

Jumper Highlights:

The $10,000 #1 Education Place Open Welcome Stake was won by Alvaro Tejada of Guatemala and Dolly Palo Blanco, owned by Agroprosa, after crossing through jump-off timers in 36.253 seconds. Alejandro Karolyi of Wellington, FL and VDL Elliot, owned by Bo Hopson, collected second place with a time of 38.553 seconds. Alex Granato of Wellington, FL and Beorn, owned by Moyer Farm, LLC, finished in third place after finishing in 36.876 seconds with four added faults.

The $4,000 Marshall & Sterling/NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic saw Kristen Franz of Wellington, FL and her own Cypress finish atop the class as the fastest combination contesting the jump-off with a time of 34.258 seconds. Olivia Minicucci of Montreal, QC and her own Arian P earned second place after completing the short course in 38.384 seconds. Elle Haymond of West Heartford, CT and Tibri LLC’s Dalaide de Longpre finished in third place after stopping the timers in 40.206 seconds.

Sarah Hubbard of Cornwall, CT rode to victory aboard Coline, owned by Hubbard Horses, LLC, in the $5,000 1.35m Classic after stopping the jump-off timers in 43.707 seconds. Benjamin Meredith of Wellington, FL and Golden Point Partners LLC’s Frescon took second place with a time of 44.273 seconds, while Riley Newsome of Medham, NJ and Dakar VDL earned third place after crossing through the finish in 40.338 seconds with four faults.

The $1,500 Low Adult Jumper Classic was won by Jennifer Evancic of Versailles, KY and her own Loguestown Lass, with a jump-off time of 33.636 seconds. Second place went to Sabrina Greenwell of Loxahatchee, FL aboard Canieta, owned by Greenwell, after finishing the jump-off in 33.815 seconds. Rounding out the third-place position was Tracey Cover of Delaplane, VA and her own Vienna, who completed the short course in 34.551 seconds.

The $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper Classic awarded first place to Joshua Baird of St. Charles, IL and Sonas Douglas, owned by Heidi Schaefer, after dashing through their jump-off round in 29.74 seconds. Anika Lozano of Guatemala rode Varcotique AC, owned by Roberto Daza, to second place with a jump-off time of 31.988 seconds. Third place was captured by Ella Hess of Boca Raton, FL aboard All’s Well, owned by Susanne Richey, completing the track in 36.793 seconds.

Hunter Highlights:

Christopher Payne of Cincinnati, OH and Pure Giving, owned by Julie Holzberger, took champion honors in the USHJA Hunter 2’9″ Division. Sarah Kruel of Wellington, FL and her own Opulent received reserve champion honors.

The USHJA Hunter 2’6″ Division was captured by Kelly Mullen of Franklin, TN piloting Three Wishes, owned by Warioto Farms LLC. Reserve champion also went to Mullen and Warioto Farms LLC’s Valentino.

Jessica Hodnicki of Hamilton, NJ and Jethro, owned by Cheyenne Sickle, were champions of the USHJA 2’3″ and 2′ Hunter Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Anabella Cottone of Davie, FL riding her own Aurora.

Katharine Ellis of Weston, MA was awarded champion of the Medium/Small Pony Hunter Division. Her winning ride was Haley Ray’s Blue Moon. Reserve champion was presented to Sydney Raidy and Hershey’s Kiss, owned by Jessica Bader.

The Low Adult Hunter Division champion was awarded to Kristin McCuin of Fort Worth, FL riding Centoon, owned by NSL Ventures LLC. Reserve champion was awarded to Lyda Denney of Wellington, FL and her own Lubek.

For more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Alberto Michan and Inouk P Capture $35,000 Dever Golf Cars, Inc. 1.45m Classic CSI 4*

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Alberto Michan and Inouk P. Photo Credit ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Jennifer Bliss and Poker Face Sweep $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Wellington, FL – December 1, 2017 – Mexico’s Alberto Michan and Inouk P took the win in the $35,000 Dever Golf Cars, Inc. 1.45m Classic CSI 4* during the first week of the ESP Holiday Series at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.

Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set the day’s track for 39 entries in the International Ring, which saw nine clear rounds vie for top honors in the speed competition. Michan and the 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve x Darco), owned by Ilan Ferder, jumped their winning round in 60.59 seconds. Molly Ashe (USA) and Louisburg Farm’s Picobello Choppin PC, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Motzart Des Semilly x Diamant De Semilly), finished second after stopping the timers in 60.69 seconds. Margie Engle (USA) and Dicas, a 2009 Rheinlander gelding (Diarado x Cassini I) owned by Storm Ridge Capital LLC and Gladewinds, Inc., placed third, crossing through the finish in 60.72 seconds.

“I think that it was a big enough course for a speed class,” Michan described. “We saw Brianne Goutal go out early on and ride very, very fast, so I think that she set the bar high for the rest of us today and made us all take a serious shot at it. Because of that, we had to take strides out at almost every line and if you wanted to be in the top three you really needed to push it.”

The mare, most recently piloted by Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts, is a new sale horse for Michan. Of his round, Michan explained, “We really considered whether or not we should push it and go really fast with her or not, but she is a very quick mare and has done very well with Nicola. We knew she was very experienced and has done it many times. We just went out there and went for it and she jumped unbelievably.”

Michan’s goal is to find someone who enjoys the mare as much as her previous riders have. Until then, he plans to continue taking her out at the Grand Prix level in the coming months. “We have a very nice group of horses here this winter and I have three or four horses to jump in the Grand Prix classes this coming season. Hopefully, because of them, we will have a successful year,” he concluded.

Jennifer Bliss and Poker Face Sweep $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Later in the afternoon, Jennifer Bliss of Wellington, FL rode Poker Face, owned by Harris Hill Farm, to top honors in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Second place went to Brent Balisky of Langley, BC and Easy Street, owned by Thunderbird Show Stables, completing their rounds with a final score of 175. Third place was awarded to Kris Killam of Naples, FL with Barbara Fishman’s Mr. Big, earning a 173 to finish their afternoon.

The combination mastered the track designed by Robbie McGregor of Wellington, FL and received an overall score of 176. Of her win, Bliss exclaimed, “I’m so excited. This horse is my long-time partner. I’ve had him for about six or seven years and I just love him to death. He’s been happy to get back in the ring and I’m happy to get back in the ring with him because I just love this horse so much.”

The pair was the first to achieve victory in the new “Hunt and Go” format, in which competitors complete a classic hunter round and then immediately begin their handy round. “I thought it was fun,” said Bliss in regard to the new format. “I think that it will certainly take a little bit of getting used to, but I did like trying it out. It really keeps things flowing.”

Kelly Mullen of Franklin, TN rode to the top of the leaderboard in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, aboard Fortuny, owned by Warioto Farms Inc. The pair rode to a first round score of 88 and returned for the handy, where they earned a total score of 175.5 and first place honors. Second place went to Jennifer Bliss and Sugarman, owned by Harris Hill Farm, LLC, after the duo completed their rounds with an overall score of 174. Third place was captured by Devin Seek of Ocala, FL aboard Emo Stables’ Attila with a two round score of 169.

For more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Samuel Parot and Quick Du Pottier Take $35,000 Dever 1.45m Classic

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Samuel Parot and Quick Du Pottier. Photos ©ManciniPhotos.

Victoria Colvin and Regent RCF Earn Top Honors in $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Wellington, FL – December 2, 2016 – Samuel Parot (CHI) and Quick Du Pottier rose to the challenge in the $35,000 Dever 1.45m Classic at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The pair raced through the timers to complete their course in 59.22 seconds for the win. Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and Carushka collected second place with a time of 60.36 seconds, while Richie Moloney (IRL) and Alsvid earned third after securing a time of 61.12 seconds.

Parot and his own Quick Du Pottier, a 2004 Selle Francais gelding (Hurlevent de Breka x Cuba), topped the class of 45 entries with the quickest time of the day, making easy work of the course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA).

“I thought the course rode very fast and on my first horse I had one down so I knew what to do on my second horse. I rode it very fast on my second horse and made some nice turns,” explained Parot. “We turned to the oxer before the skinny very quickly had a good ride to the end combination.”

Parot is an expert at navigating the quickest path around the track as a notoriously fast rider. He noted that he felt he made up the second separating him and Menezes in his approach to the final combination.

“I made the turn to the last combination very close and it rode very well. I believe that is where I made the difference,” he said.

Quick Du Pottier and Parot have traveled across North America this year, competing on the West Coast, as well as in Canada, most recently picking up an FEI win in Calgary this past October.

“This horse also jumped the first day in the speed class and we went fast there too. I think we had a better time, but had one down. This is a very nice horse, who just came back into work this August. He jumped very well yesterday and I think he’s a top horse.”

After the conclusion of this week’s competition, Parot will give Quick Du Pottier a vacation until the middle of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit, where the pair will debut during one of the CSI 5* weeks.

“He will get a good break after this and will come back in the circuit to do the 5* and we will keep doing the ranking classes with him, absolutely,” noted Parot. “All of my horses competing this week, Atlantis, Cous, and Quick, will all have a vacation after this, but I have a few young horses that I will jump in the national classes before WEF.”

Victoria Colvin and Regent RCF Earn Top Honors in $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL guided Regent RCF to top honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, besting a large class of talented entries. The pair earned a two round score of 171 for the win ahead of Skyler Fields of Wellesley Hills, MA and Duplukato, owned by Donald Stewart, who finished in second place with a total score of 164. Grace Boston of Owings Mills, MD and Amazone De La Cense, owned by Plain Bay Farm, collected third place honors.

Victoria Colvin and Regent RCF
Victoria Colvin and Regent RCF

Colvin, a household name who has garnered many of the most prestigious accolades in the hunter discipline throughout her career, piloted another mount to the winner’s circle after collecting a first round score of 86 and a second round score of 85. Fields, who followed in second, captured the highest score of the day in her handy round aboard Duplukato, receiving an 89 from the judging panel.

The class hosted 18 entries and marked the first USHJA National Hunter Derby of the 2016 ESP Holiday Series, which will continue through the first week of January. Grace Boston, who was presented with third and fourth place honors, piloted three different entries, the most of any rider in the class.

For more information on Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Swail Adds Another Victory to Conclude 2015 Holiday Series at PBIEC

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Conor Swail and Martha Louise. ©ManciniPhotos.

Wellington, FL – January 13, 2016 – On the final afternoon of the Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) 2015 Holiday Series, Irish phenom Conor Swail collected yet another victory at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), this time aboard Martha Louise in the $50,000 UHealth Ear Institute Grand Prix, the final grand prix class before the commencement of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on January 13. Swail finished the jump-off in 40.731 seconds to edge fellow Irish rider, Darragh Kenny of Wellington, FL and Picolo, who crossed the timers in 42.29 seconds. Amanda Derbyshire of Wellington, FL and Lady Maria BH earned third place honors with a time of 44.264 seconds.

Swail and Martha Louise, a 2004 Swedish Warmblood mare (Maloubet de Pleville x Virginia Wolf) owned by Five Way Farm, LLC, displayed their prowess in the second round, edging notoriously fast jump-off riders Kenny and Derbyshire. According to Swail, Martha Louise has been knocking on the door for a win and he feels confident that the mare is entering WEF in top form.

“I just arrived back in the States last week and I had the plan to do Martha Louise and Rubens LS La Silla this week. We gave them both the class on Thursday and I thought the class today was very nice,” noted Swail. “Anthony [D’Ambrosio] did a good job as usual. It was a nice course and not huge, but I was very pleased with both of the horses. I think it was a great start for us.”

With 35 trips in the first round, Swail knew that a difficult task was ahead with nine combinations moving forward to the jump-off round, including his second mount, Rubens LS La Silla, owned by Vanessa Mannix, who finished in ninth place.

“I thought Darragh was very fast. I really had to hustle hard to beat him and I have to say everything happened the way that we wanted it too. She jumped very well, but it was one of those jump-offs where you couldn’t leave anything on the table,” he explained. “You couldn’t miss a step and thankfully she was very alert since she has not competed since November. It was fantastic.”

Martha Louise has come out strong in the past two months and Swail commented on her unflappable consistency, a quality that he says is invaluable entering the WEF season, as many of the world’s best competitors will test the International Ring at PBIEC throughout the 12-week circuit.

“Martha was off for quite a substantial period of time last year, but did very well towards the end of circuit. She actually jumped really well here in the Holiday & Horses CSI 4* and think she got cheated a bit because she didn’t get anything, but she was right there the whole time,” commented Swail.

A number of strong mounts in Swail’s string will be legging back up to begin their season in Wellington, FL, including Cita, Dillinger, and Grafton, but Swail made sure to note that Martha Louise will always be a go-to mount for him, especially as her dependency continues to show its worth.

“She’s got an incredibly big step and she turns very well. She has good experience now at this level. When you look at the class list I think she probably went into this class as one of the favorites and in that way it’s nice to know that she proved that she should be. She’s incredibly consistent,” he elaborated. “I’m very thankful to have Lothlorien Farm and the support of Sue and Ariel Grange. It’s a nice way to start off the year.”

Andrew Kocher and Uppie De Lis
Andrew Kocher and Uppie De Lis

Andrew Kocher and Uppie De Lis Cruise to Victory in $10,000 Hendrick Brothers Construction 1.40m Open Stake

Andrew Kocher of St. Louis, MO and Uppie De Lis, owned by BTS Entertainment & Sales, earned a well-deserved victory on Thursday, January 7, in the $10,000 Hendrick Brothers Construction 1.40m Open Stake. The duo finished as the fastest combination in the first round and continued that momentum into the jump-off, which saw as fifteen combinations test the fast track.

Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON, and Pina Colada, owned by Paule Morin and Lucie Corbeil, finished in second place with a time of 37.377 seconds. Kocher also picked up third place honors aboard Ora Del Te Di La San Giorgio, owned by Ora Del Te LLC with a time of 37.377 seconds.

For more information on PBIEC, please visit www.pbiec.com to see a full schedule and list of results.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Filip de Wandel and Gentley Collect First Grand Prix Win of 2016 at PBIEC

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Filip de Wandel and Gentley. Photo Credit: ©ManciniPhotos.

Melissandre Lincourt Pilots Just Stella L to Victory in $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake; Havens Schatt and Game Day Best $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Wellington, FL – January 5, 2015 – Filip de Wandel of Mechanicsburg, PA and his own Gentley earned their first win of 2016, topping a competitive class in the $30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Sunday, January 3. De Wandel and Gentley impressed in the first grand prix competition of the New Year at PBIEC, crossing through the jump-off timers in 42.866 seconds to take top honors. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL showcased immense talent around the jump-off track, finishing in second and third place aboard ZZ-Top VH Schaarbroek Z and Boy IV, respectively. Competition at PBIEC continues tomorrow, Wednesday, January 6, with the ESP Holiday Finale, which will highlight the final grand prix of the 2015 ESP Holiday Series, the $50,000 UHealth Ear Institute Grand Prix on Sunday, January 10, and will begin at 12:00pm.

Gentley, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Bentley x Ulatrice), was bred by de Wandel’s father, Antoine de Wandel, in Belgium, and began his career with Filip de Wandel at the young age of three. The seasoned duo mastered the track, completing a solid first round before dominating the jump-off. The pair also rode to a top three finish in the $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake on Thursday, December 31, taking second place honors.

“When I walked the course I thought it was big enough for a pre-circuit grand prix and was set at a very good height. I was doing this class with him as a warm-up class for the WEF circuit and it worked out really well for us,” explained de Wandel. “He jumped well on Thursday and I felt very confident coming into this class today that we would do the same. You can always have one down or something, but he felt careful today.”

Andrade made a valiant effort to catch de Wandel’s time, finishing in 43.318 seconds aboard ZZ-Top VH Schaarbroek and 45.616 seconds on Boy IV, but settled with a second and third place in the class of 32 entries. De Wandel explained that Gentley has a strong talent for maintaining speed in jump-off rounds, especially when there are significant galloping stretches throughout the course. He stated, “His strengths are in the jump-off rounds. This jump-off suited him very well because there were a lot of places where you could gallop. On him, you can just continue to gallop and he will keep jumping well. It’s really nice because I know that I can focus on being quick and he will stay careful.”

The partnership formed between the pair in their seven-year tenure together has been proven with several successful results this season at the grand prix level. Earning their first ever career grand prix win together at PBIEC, de Wandel was elated with Gentley’s performance on Sunday afternoon.

“He’s ten now and I’ve had him since he was just three years old. It’s been a very special partnership for us. He’s been doing the grand prix classes very well this year. He placed at the Hampton Classic over the summer and he’s brought home a lot of ribbons, but we never were able to get a win. It feels great to start this circuit off with a win under our belts,” he noted.

With their first win in hand, de Wandel plans to use Gentley throughout the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit and is hopeful the pair will be able to contest some of the larger classes offered throughout the season. De Wandel explained, “I think I will try to start this circuit off doing the CSI 2* and 3* classes and see how he handles them before we decide if he’s ready for something bigger. If he does well, we will try to go as far as we can with him because he is very talented.

“He’s my only grand prix horse so I always need to be aware of what we’re doing with him. Our plan has been to only do five or six weeks throughout circuit. He’s started so well this year though that I think we’re in a place where we can hold off on the first week of WEF and do a CSI 2*. We’ll see how he does and go from there,” he continued.

Melissandre Lincourt and Just Stella L
Melissandre Lincourt and Just Stella L

Melissandre Lincourt Pilots Just Stella L to Victory in $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake

Melissandre Lincourt of Montreal, QC and Just Stella L stole the show in the $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake on Thursday, December 31, at PBIEC. Lincourt and her own 2006 Oldenburg Springpferd mare (Singulord Joter x For Joy) Just Stella L dashed to the finish in 35.503 seconds.

The duo narrowly edged Filip de Wandel and Gentley, who collected second place with a time of 35.56 seconds. Andrew Kocher of St. Louis, MO guided Ciana, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC, to third place, crossing the timers in 36.414 seconds. The class of 32 entries saw six double clear rounds and fourteen combinations move forward to the jump off round.

Havens Schatt and Game Day Best $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Havens Schatt of Georgetown, KY rode Game Day, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Cristo x Ohio I) owned by Kelley Corrigan of Lexington, KY, to victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday, January 1, earning a first round score of 83.5 and a handy round score of 92, to receive an overall 175.5 from the judging panel.

Schatt continued her success earning a second place aboard Breeze owned by John Yozell of Dedham, MA. The duo picked up a score of 86 in the first round and 87 in the handy round for an overall total of 173. Hannah Isop of Pawling, NY and Jackson, owned by Christine Watkins of Rowaton, CT, finished in third place with scores of 82 and 88 for a total score of 170.

Competition at PBIEC will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, January 6, and continue through Sunday, January 10. The $50,000 UHealth Ear Institute Grand Prix will highlight the week as the last grand prix of the ESP Holiday Series before the commencement of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival circuit on Wednesday, January 13. For more information on PBIEC and to view a full weekly schedule, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Show Jumping

Laurenz Buhl and Calista Win $25k Brazilian Court Hotel Grand Prix at ESP Holiday III

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Laurenz Buhl and Calista. ©ManciniPhotos.

Peter Wylde and Paloma Top $10,000 AcuLife Open Stake

Wellington, FL – December 22, 2015 – Laurenz Buhl and Calista, finishing in exciting fashion, topped a competitive class of 40 entries in the $25,000 Brazilian Court Hotel Grand Prix hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Sunday, December 20. Buhl, originally from Germany, but based in Wellington, FL for the winter season, piloted Calista, owned by Gotham Enterprizes, LLC, to the win, finishing the second round track in 37.004 seconds. Liza Finsness of Wellington, FL and her own Shiver earned second place with a time of 38.385 seconds while Edward Levy of Neuilly, France and Rebeca LS, owned by Remarkable Farms LP, collected third place, crossing the timers in 39.541 seconds. Competition at PBIEC will resume on Wednesday, December 30, with the ESP New Year’s Show, which will host the $30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix on Sunday, January 3.

Buhl carefully guided Calista, a 2006 Westphalian mare (Cornet Obolensky x Poesie) to one of four double clear trips in the class, setting a quick pace in the jump-off round that Finsness nor Levy could catch as they followed later in the order. Buhl, who is typically based in Germany for the majority of the year, enjoyed a solid first outing at PBIEC, riding a smart and efficient two rounds to secure the win. Guillerme Jorge of Brazil, who will also design the courses for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, built a difficult and technical track for the final grand prix class before the holiday break.

“When I walked the course I thought it was pretty tough, but very jumpable, which makes for a good course. I had a very talented horse with me today and I knew that if I rode well, we would have a chance at winning the class and going clear,” commented Buhl. “She’s owned by Georgina Bloomberg and I’m lucky to have the ride on her for a little bit before Georgina gets here and then she will take over competing her.”

Bringing a talented string of young horses from Europe, Buhl will look to continue building upon the foundation created throughout 2015, aiming for quality finishes in the bigger classes at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) beginning Wednesday, January 13. He noted, “I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to do some of the bigger classes with our horses and see where we end up at the end of circuit. Most of the year we’re based in Germany and we’ll head back there in April but enjoy being here for the first few months of the year.”

Wintering in Florida has proved beneficial for Buhl, as he earned a win in the Artisan Farms Under 25 Series at WEF in 2015 aboard another Gotham Enterprizes LLC mount, River Dance Semilly, in the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Semi-Final.

“Competing here at PBIEC and WEF is a different world than competing back in Europe. It’s so much bigger and a lot of aspects are different than if we would stay at our base throughout the winter months. It’s very competitive here and that’s why we enjoy coming. With all of the venues and classes, we’re looking forward to starting a successful year off here in Wellington.”

Peter Wylde and Paloma Top $10,000 AcuLife Open Stake

Peter Wylde of Lake Worth, FL piloted Paloma, a 2006 Holsteiner mare (Canaletto S x H Lila M) owned by Kathleen Kamine, to victory in the $10,000 AcuLife Open Stake at PBIEC on Friday, December 18. Wylde, an Olympic-team veteran, made quick work of the class, finishing nearly six seconds faster than second place finisher Luke Dee and Auckland De L’Enclos. Wylde and Dee secured the only two double clear efforts on the day.

Wylde and Paloma captured the class with a time of 42.699 seconds, while Dee, of Wellington, FL, finished in second place with a time of 48.707 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL completed the jump-off track in 41.817 seconds, with a single rail for a third place finish.

Competition at PBIEC will resume on Wednesday, December 30, with the start of the ESP New Year’s Show. For more information and to view a full revised schedule, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Show Jumping

Genn and Bugatti Earn Another Victory in $25k Pony Up Horse Treats Holiday II Grand Prix

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Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti. Photos: ©ManciniPhotos.

Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie Capture $10,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Open Stake

Wellington, FL – December 18, 2015 – Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti secured another victory today at PBIEC, this time in the $25,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Holiday II Grand Prix hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Genn, of Lebanon, OH, and Bugatti, who also won the $25,000 Noble Outfitters ESP Year End Grand Prix on December 6, finished atop the class with a time of 39.234 seconds in the jump-off round. Abigail McArdle, of St. Charles, IL, and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve crossed the timers just behind in 40.344 seconds, while Ansgar Holtgers of Wellington, FL and Wisconsin III took home third place honors in 44.171 seconds. Competition at PBIEC continues with the ESP Holiday III Series, which will conclude on Sunday, December 20, with the $25,000 Brazilian Court Holiday III Grand Prix beginning at 2pm.

Genn and Bugatti have had a strong start to their winter season in Florida, collecting several top placings at PBIEC, showcasing their potential talent for the future. Bugatti, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Nona Bella), continues to excel in the 1.50m classes and seemed unfazed around the course, designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA).

“I know that I’ve said this before but I really want him to just be consistent and have fun in these types of classes. I want to keep him at this height for a little bit longer and then try to take that next step to the bigger classes in the coming future,” said Genn. “He’s getting smarter and I really felt that today. He completely separated the jump-off and first round, which is what I had mentioned I was starting to feel two weeks ago. He’s starting to understand that part and it is a huge step in his maturity. It makes me very excited.

“I’m thinking about putting him in some of the bigger classes maybe towards the end of January during the WEF circuit and then just seeing how he feels after that,” continued Genn.

Genn and Bugatti mastered both tracks of the class and made quick work of the jump-off round, which saw the speedy McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve nearly catch their time as the last jump-off pair, but the duo would ultimately settle for second place. Bugatti, not known for his massive stride, was expertly piloted by Genn, who chose to take several risky turns on course to make up time.

“I think it was a very good course today. Guilherme [Jorge] he’s such a smart course designer. He always sets the distances a little bit short here and a little bit long there so you really have to ride,” he noted. “He had a couple of lines today where you had to decide if you wanted to do six strides or seven strides in the middle, but you also had to keep the time in mind. That’s why I decided to do the inside turn after the second jump, because Bugatti doesn’t have that range in his canter. It’s not easy for us to leave out a half-stride and I’d rather add for the seven in the last line. I knew that by doing that I needed to make up the time and had to do the inside turn too.”

As a mount who must always stay mentally sharp to perform at his best, Genn stated that keeping Bugatti interested in the work is key when preparing and practicing for the bigger classes. He explained, “We really try to keep him happy when we’re getting ready. He will do a lot of flat work and trail riding the week of the class because we’re here at the same place quite a bit during circuit and he gets bored and to be honest, a bit lazy. I always try to incorporate things that are going to keep him focused and motivated because that’s when we see him really perform to his potential.”

Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie Capture $10,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Open Stake

Lauren Tisbo, of Wellington, FL, and Rosiere Vesquerie, a 2005 Selle Francais mare (Narcos II x Java de la Vesquerie) owned by Tequestrian Farms, LLC, topped a class of 23 entries on Tuesday, December 15, to take home top honors in the $10,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Open Stake hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie
Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie

Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie raced to the finish in the jump-off round, crossing through the timers in 30.566 seconds. Alexander Zetterman of Wellington, FL, who competes internationally for the country of Sweden, earned second place aboard Zidane, owned by Springfield Showjumpers, with a time of 31.61 seconds, while Mark Bluman of Weston, FL, who competes for Colombia, collected third place aboard Copa Cabana, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc.

Competition at PBIEC continues through Sunday, December 20, with the conclusion on the ESP Holiday III Series, which will highlight the $25,000 Brazilian Court Holiday III Grand Prix at 2pm. For a full list of results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W Triumph in $25,000 Equiline Holiday I Grand Prix

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Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W. Photos: ©ManciniPhotos.

Darragh Kenny and Zabel D Take $10,000 Equiline Open Stakes Class

Wellington, FL – December 15, 2015 – Kaitlin Campbell and longtime mount Rocky W added another win to their extensive partnership, as the duo captured the $25,000 Equiline Holiday I Grand Prix on Sunday, December 13, at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Campbell, of Springfield, PA, and Rocky W crossed through the timers in 52.192 seconds to take the lead from Irish rider Darragh Kenny and Zabel D who finished in 54.507 seconds, while Abigail McArdle, of St. Charles, IL, and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve collected third place honors with a time of 54.87 seconds. Competition at PBIEC will continue today with the start of the ESP Holiday II including the $10,000 Pony Up Treats Open Stake and the $25,000 Pony Up Treats Holiday II Grand Prix on Thursday, December 17.

Campbell and her own Rocky W, a 1998 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Libero H x Mona Liza), made easy work of the first round track, set by Hector Loyola (PRI), and dashed to an exciting finish in the jump-off round, where the duo finished nearly two seconds faster than Kenny and Zabel D. With a knack for finding the fastest routes on course, Campbell commented that Rocky W’s ability to cover ground and remain balanced through tight turns offered her the opportunity to push for the win.

“This is his first big class down here and he’s usually pretty on it when he knows we’re back in the International Ring. He was being incredibly careful today. I knew that I could go for it and he would stay off the rails,” commented Campbell. “He’s so quick though the turns that you really only need to think turn and he’ll get there. He was really fast through the second turn and I think that’s where we made up the time.”

The duo has been together for quite some time, earning a number of top wins including the $25,000 Nutrena® Grand Prix hosted at PBIEC in March 2015. As Rocky continues to be competitive at the top levels of the sport, Campbell is sure to keep her partner’s happiness and well-being a priority. She explained, “I try not to waste classes and jumps on him. We don’t jump at home too much and I always try to pick classes where I know he can be successful,” explained Campbell. “I’m not aiming him for 5* Grand Prix classes. It’s more about finding classes that I know he can succeed in. It keeps him mentality sharp.”

After an incredibly successful career together, Campbell and Rocky W have established a bond, which allows them to fully trust each other when taking risks on course. Campbell’s gutsy ride through the jump-off round showcased the duo’s relationship and proved rewarding, as they secured another grand prix win at PBIEC. The experience the pair has gained together throughout the years has been incredibly beneficial and Campbell hopes to continue their success this season.

“He knows he’s the best in the barn and sometimes takes advantage of it,” laughed Campbell. “We’ll do some of the smaller FEI Speed classes this year because I don’t want to push him and over face him. He’s so fast that I think they’ll be a perfect fit for him. We’ll see how he’s feeling throughout circuit and play it from there,” she continued.

Darragh Kenny and Zabel D Take $10,000 Open Stakes Class

Darragh Kenny capped a banner weekend with Zabel D, owned by Kerry Anne, LLC, after the duo captured the $10,000 Open Stakes class on Friday, December 11, and then placed second in the $25,000 Equiline Holiday I Grand Prix on Sunday.

Darragh Kenny and Zabel D
Darragh Kenny and Zabel D

The duo took top honors in the $10,000 Open Stake with a time of 42.318 seconds, finishing the class with one of four double clear trips. Peter Wylde aboard Aimee finished in 43.862 seconds, while Heather Caristo Williams and Cosmopolitan 30 rounded out the top three with a time of 46.00 seconds.

Competition at PBIEC continues today with the start of the ESP Holiday II Series, which will conclude on Thursday, December 17. The ESP Holiday III Series will begin on Friday, December 18, and conclude on Sunday, December 20. Please visit www.pbiec.com for a full weekly schedule of competition events and to view daily results.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Holiday & Horses CSI 4* Show Highlights 2015 ESP Holiday Series at PBIEC

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Wellington, FL – November 18, 2015 – The 2015 ESP Holiday Series hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) will conclude competition in 2015, and will be highlighted by several major events before the commencement of the highly anticipated 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) beginning January 13. The ESP Holiday Series is set to begin Wednesday, November 25, with the Holiday & Horses CSI 4* competition and will continue through Sunday, January 10, offering seven separate competitions.

The Holiday & Horses CSI 4* is an internationally sanctioned competition and FEI Ranking classes begin with the $34,000 Holiday & Horses FEI Opener presented by Equiline on Wednesday, November 25, in the International Ring at PBIEC. FEI competition will return to PBIEC on Friday, November 27, with the $34,000 1.45m FEI class sponsored by Palm Beach Sports Commission. The $212,000 Holiday & Horses CSI 4* Grand Prix presented by Palm Beach Sport Commission & Visit Florida will highlight the week as Wellington Winterfest and the 2016 Great Charity Challenge Charity Drawing will also take place throughout the evening on Saturday, November 28. General admission to PBIEC is free to the public. The Holiday & Horses CSI 4* will conclude on Sunday, November 29, with a $34,000 FEI 1.45m class.

The Holiday & Horses Show will also host USEF 5* rated jumper classes throughout the week in conjunction with Premier “AA” hunter competition, showcasing the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday, November 27. The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, which will host two rounds of competition, is set to begin at 1 pm in Ring 7/8.

The Equestrian Sport Productions Year End Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, December 4, in the International Club at PBIEC beginning at 6pm. The evening will recognize the hard work and dedication of competitors who have participated on the ESP show circuit throughout the year.

The ESP Year End Awards Show (December 5-6) will host the $10,000 Open Stake presented by #1 Education Place on Saturday, December 5, while the $25,000 Noble Outfitters Year End Awards Grand Prix will provide excitement on Sunday, December 6, in the International Ring. A $5,000 3′ USHJA Hunter Classic is set to take place on Sunday, December 6, in Ring 7/8.

The Holiday Festival I (December 11-13), Holiday Festival II (December 15-17), and Holiday Festival III (December 18-20) shows will run in consecutive order offering the $10,000 Open Stake Holiday I presented by Vita Flex (Dec. 11), the $10,000 Holiday II Open Stake presented by PonyUp Horse Treats (Dec. 15) and the $10,000 Holiday III Open Stake presented by AcuLife (Dec. 18). These three successive competitions will each host a Grand Prix class including the $25,000 Grand Prix Holiday I presented by Equiline (Dec. 13), the $25,000 Grand Prix Holiday II presented by PonyUp Horse Treats (Dec. 17), and the $25,000 Grand Prix Holiday III sponsored by The Brazilian Court (Dec. 20).

Competition at PBIEC will take a week-long break before resuming with the ESP New Year’s competition on Wednesday, December 30. Offering the $10,000 Open Stake 1.40m presented by UHealth Ear Institute on Thursday, December 31, the ESP New Year’s competition will ring in the 2016 year hosting the $30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix on Saturday, January 2.

The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby is set to highlight elite hunter talent on Friday, January 1, in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring, welcoming the first day of equestrian competition of the New Year.

Concluding the 2015 ESP Holiday Series at PBIEC will be the Holiday Finale (Jan. 6-10) before the venue begins preparations for the start of the 12-week WEF circuit. The $10,000 Open Stake 1.40m presented by Hedrick Brothers Construction will held on Thursday, January 7, before the $50,000 UHealth Ear Institute Grand Prix on Sunday, January 10.

To learn more about the 2015 ESP Holiday Series at PBIEC, please visit www.pbiec.com.