Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

New European-Style Developing Sport Horse Division to Premier at the 2013 Southeast Medal Finals

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Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Wylde has developed many young jumpers in European competition, including Lipton L’Othain who he began working with as a 6-year-old. Photo by Carrie Wirth.

Jacksonville, FL – August 7, 2013 – The Southeast Medal Finals management is pleased to announce the addition of a new and exciting young jumper division – the Developing Sport Horse. The competition is based on European-style classes where the horses are judged on their athletic potential to be top contenders in the future of the sport.

At the popular Jacksonville show, to be held on September 19-22, the Developing Sport Horse Division was added to showcase young jumper talent. Developing Sport Horses will be judged on style, presentation, rideability, and their potential to eventually compete at the grand prix level and represent the U.S. in international competition.

“I saw these young jumper classes in Europe and I thought they made a lot of sense,” said James Lala, who partners with Bob Bell and Classic Company to produce the Southeast Medal Finals. “It is an opportunity to compete a young jumper while nurturing their development.”

Here’s how the division will work:

All competitors begin each class with 60 points. The judge and course designer will designate the course’s optimal time.  The time allowance will be set at eight seconds below and eight seconds above the optimal time.

The judge will award points:

1-10 points for Style – Jumping technique
1-10 points for Presentation – Fitness, condition and expression
1-10 points for Rideability – Smoothness, leads and appropriate striding
1-10 points for Potential – Talent to one day compete at grand prix level or to represent the U.S. in International competition

The judge will subtract points for the following faults:

-5 points per knock down
-20 points for first refusal
-2 points for each second above and below the time allowance

Developing Sport Horse courses may offer options which provide competitors the opportunity to showcase their horses’ strengths.

The Developing Sport Horse format will encourage good horsemanship for young jumpers. The horses in the division should demonstrate talent, potential, be in good health and be both physically and mentally ready for the competition.

The entries with the highest points will be named champion and reserve champion of each section. The Developing Sport Horse with the most points in all four sections will awarded Best Developing Sport Horse.

SECTIONS:

4 yr old, Fence height 1.0
5 yr old, Fence height 1.10
6 yr old, Fence height 1.20
Horses in their First or Second Year of Showing, Fence height 1.10

To compete in the Developing Sport Horse Division, competitors must show proof of age, bloodlines, country of origin and breeder, and a brief bio.

For questions about the Developing Sport Horse Division, contact James Lala at: (561) 906-6668 – jdlala@aol.com.

The Southeast Medal Finals is held at one of the premier equestrian facilities on the east coast, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The centrally located complex includes a network of adjacent trails, available to explore and enjoy for a casual hack during horse show down times. With some of the top junior riders in the country competing, Southeast Medal Finals is the perfect preparation for the fall indoor circuit. To learn more about Southeast Medal Finals, check out www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Southeast Medal Finals Fast Facts:

WHAT: The Southeast Medal Finals is a USEF A-Rated indoor hunter, jumper and equitation horse show. USEF Rated Jumper Level 3

WEBSITE: www.southeastmedalfinals.com

WHEN: September 19-22, 2013

WHERE: The Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville, FL, featuring a large indoor coliseum with 3,000 seats, two outdoor rings and 500 permanent stalls.
13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221

FEATURES:

Phelps Media Group Southeast Junior Medal Finals
Southeast Adult Medal Finals
ASPCA Maclay Regionals
$25,000 Land Rover Grand Prix of Jacksonville
$5,000 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Child/Adult Jumper Final
New European Style Developing Sport Horse Division
Southeast Children’s Hunter Finals
Southeast Adult Hunter Finals
Southeast 2’6″ Child/Adult Hunters

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Susan Rindal – 904-655-5497 – rindal@bellsouth.net
James Lala – 561-906-6668 – jdlala@aol.com
Bob Bell – 843-768-5503 – bbell@earthlink.net

DIRECTIONS: For map and address information, visit http://www.southeastmedalfinals.com/Location.aspx.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
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12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

SBS Farms Cleans Up HITS-on-the-Hudson with Numerous Championships

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Jennifer Alfano and Candid secured the Pre-Green Hunter Championship during HITS-on-the-Hudson. Photo By: Anne Gittins.

Saugerties, NY – August 6, 2013 – The team at SBS Farms, Inc. is gearing up for the 2013 Pre-Green Incentive Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. But before they make the trek to the Bluegrass State, they stopped at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, NY, to make a final impression. Jennifer Alfano piloted Candid to the top of the standings in the Pre-Green Hunters, capturing the championship with a clean sweep of the division. The pair also added the blue ribbon from the Pre-Green Incentive Stake to their ever-growing list of accolades.

“He was great; he just keeps getting better and better, and it is really fun because I own him. I hope I’m not using up all of my luck before Pre-Green Finals next week,” Alfano said. “He really is quite simple; he is brave about the jumps. He doesn’t spook at anything. He is quite easy and is really fun to ride; he will always give you a good jump.”

“I love the incentive program; I think it is great. I think it is going to do great things for our sport. All of the Pre-Green divisions I have been to have been really big. I think it is really getting people back into it. People now want to buy Pre-Green Horses, when in the past there was nothing to really warrant them wanting to buy a young horse,” Alfano explained. “It is really neat too, that I personally own Candid, so I am earning back the sales cost with my winnings. The program has really opened a lot of doors, and I can’t wait for the Finals; it definitely is a great incentive.”

Candid is the quintessential Pre-Green Incentive Program horse, acting as an example of the time and dedication that goes into encouraging the development of pre-green horses. They beat an impressive group of entrants in the stake class, riding to the top of the leader board with their winning round.

In the Green Conformation Hunters, Alfano rode Grayson, owned by Maarten Huygens, to the division’s championship. They swept the over fences during their stay in Saugerties, as well as nabbing the second place in the under saddle. Grayson is a new mount for Alfano, but if their recent placings are any reflection of what is yet to come, the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show better be watching for this talented dyad.

Championships didn’t only befall Alfano during HITS-on-the-Hudson. Jennifer Basile and Rasputin, owned by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, rode to the top honors during the Katherine Cosmetics Adult 36-49 Equitation. They earned two seconds over fences and the third. They also picked up the second place in the under saddle to seal the championship.

Alex Trolli earned the judges’ nod during the Children’s 15-17 Hunter Horse division. She rode Del Piero, owned by Doreen Toben, to three first place ribbons over fences, including the second day’s handy round. She also rode to the third place in the under saddle. They secured the division’s tricolor with their winning rounds. Trolli also rode Del Piero to the first and second place over fences in the Modified Children’s Hunters.

SBS Farms will now pack their trunks and start their journey to the Kentucky Horse Park where Alfano will not only showcase her Pre-Green Hunter horses in the approaching Finals, but also ride her top mounts in the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships to be held August 15-17. She will be returning as the defending champion, after winning last year’s Derby Finals with Jersey Boy.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey Share the Spoils at Balkan Dressage Championships

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Angela Sklavounos and Quanderas from Greece scooped Senior Individual gold at the FEI Balkan Dressage Championships 2013 in Yagodovo, Bulgaria.

Lausanne (SUI), 6 August 2013 – Greek dominance was not quite so apparent at the 2013 FEI Balkan Dressage Championships at Yagodovo, Bulgaria recently where Turkish and Bulgarian riders also showed their strength.  At the 2012 Championships, staged at the former equestrian Olympic stadium at Markopoulo in Athens (GRE), the host nation swept the boards when claiming all the gold medals on offer as well as Senior and Junior individual silver and bronze.

This time around, however, a double for Turkey in the Junior Championships and victory for the home side Children’s team saw the Greek contenders having to settle for a relatively modest hat-trick of gold.  Nevertheless Angela (Kelly) Sklavounos was highly impressive when lifting the Greek Senior side to team glory before pipping team-mate Eleni Myrat in the battle for the 2013 Senior Individual title.

Seniors

Myrat and her black mare, Solon Hit, registered a good mark of 67.868 to put Greece in a position of strength in the Senior team competition.  Katerina Los (Largos) and Emmenouela Moushama (Indy de St Gatien) added 60.974 and 60.789 respectively before Sklavounos took her turn. And Ground Jury members Irina Maknami, Peter Hanshagy, Slawomir Pietrac, Jo Graham and Alain Franqueville gave the German-based 21-year-old their highest score of the team competition when awarding 69.105 which clinched the result.

The Greek team finished with a combined score of 197.947, while Bulgaria took silver medal spot with 190.053 and Turkey took bronze with 116.079.  The best score of the Bulgarian side was posted by Odrey Caix and the dark chestnut mare Fantastico who scored 64.632.

Sklavounos then returned to do the double in the Senior Individual Championship.  Her mark of 74.30 left her more than four marks clear of her nearest rival and Greek compatriot, Myrat, in silver medal position while Bulgaria’s Iana Zafirova and Gizel took the bronze. Sklavounos first began to make an impression in 2007 with her black mare Dynastie with whom she competed successfully for four years at national and international level.  Her next horse, Palatino, took her through Juniors and Young Riders and then she found Quanderas, whom she calls her “dancing partner” and the mare which has successfully brought her to Senior level.  Together they blazed a trail through the Greek Championships in May of this year, winning the Prix St Georges with a score of 67.76, the Inter 1 with a mark of 71.18 and the Inter 1 Freestyle with a mark of 72.209. They also competed in their first international show at Senior level at Vidauban, France in February where they finished fifth in the Inter 1 Freestyle final and fourth in the Inter 1.

Sklavounos seems to have all the hallmarks of a true champion.  Despite a life-long struggle with dyslexia she is now an under-graduate in Business Management at Deree College in Athens.  Her inspirational motto is: “Anyone can do ANYTHING as long as he/she wants it strong enough!”

Juniors

It was the Turkish team that came out on top in the Junior Team competition thanks to strong rides from both Karla Nahmiyas (Waterloo) and Rotem Ibrahimzade (Risander).  Scoring 67.54 and 66.11 respectively this pair were joined on the winner’s podium by Defne Morova (Mirakulix) who earned a mark of 62.46 and Pia Alara de Marci (Neptun) who scored 59.05.  They headed the silver medallists from Bulgaria by almost 15 points, but there were only three team members on the Bulgarian side.  Katerina Tsvetanova (Preslav) registered a mark of 63.27, Alexander Krasimirov (Silver Boy) scored 62.03 and Krassina Krasteva (Diogen) received 56.43.

Turkey’s Nahmiyas was the definitive winner of the Junior Individual Championship when steering Waterloo to the leading score of 74.58.  The silver medal here went to Fotini-Nepheli Georgitsou from Greece riding Koliante – this pair last year took individual bronze.  And Rotem Ibrahimzade ensured Turkish dominance at this level when securing Junior Individual bronze with Risander with a mark of 66.88.

Children’s Championship

The host country had plenty to celebrate when Bulgaria claimed the Children’s Team title. Iva Todorova produced the best Bulgarian result when posting an impressive 67.00 with Gigantik and when team-mates Zdravko Trenev (Venus), Boris Raychev (Sekreto) and Liubomir Ivanov (Don Carlos) each registered 64 percent scores their final tally of 196.724 would be the winning one.

Turkey’s Lara Turnay (Nick), Neslihan Esen (Primadonna), Selen Skalin (Chiara) and Semih Sarimehmetoglu (Adamo) finished more than seven points behind to take the silver while Serbia’s Jovan Grujic (Szeplak Donci), Nikoleta Zidisic (Galja), Anja Markovic (Ferdynand) and Sara Poparic (Quincon Z) were another 14 points further adrift when taking bronze.

However the Greeks were back on top when taking Children’s Individual gold.  A superb score of 74.54 put Melina Zografou-Alexiou and Nocsley in pole position ahead of Bulgaria’s Todorova in silver with 69.00.  And Greece rounded it up with Children’s Individual bronze for Lydia-Evdokia Anesti and Nonchaloir.

Results:

FEI Balkan Dressage Senior Team Championship:  GOLD – Greece 197.947: Solon Hit (Eleni Myrat), Largos (Katerina Los), Indy de St Gatien (Emmanouela Mousama), Quanderas (Angela Sklavounos); SILVER – Bulgaria 190.053: Beyv Izabel (Stefani Gacheva), Fantastico (Odrey Caix), Ambrozia (Rajko Ganukov), Gizel (Iana Zafirova); BRONZE – Turkey 116.079: My Dundee (Cetin Altin), Clock Work (Osman Hazinedaroglu), Otto (Ella Irene Gursoy).

FEI Balkan Dressage Senior Individual Championship Championship:  GOLD -Quanderas (Angela Sklavounos) GRE 74.30; SILVER – Solon Hit (Eleni Myrat) 70.08; BRONZE – Gizel (Iana Zafirova) BUL 63.60.

FEI Balkan Dressage Junior Team Championship: GOLD – Turkey 196.11; Waterloo (Karla Nahmiyas) 67.54, Risander (Rotem Ibrahimzade) 66.11, Mirakulix (Defne Morova) 62.46, Neptun (Pia Alara de Marci) 59.05; SILVER – Bulgaria 181.73, Preslav (Katerina Tsvetanova) 63.27, Silver Boy (Alexander Krasimirov) 62.03, Diogen (Krassina Krasteva) 56.43.

FEI Balkan Dressage Junior Team Championship: GOLD – Waterloo (Karla Nahmiyas) TUR 74.58; SILVER – Koliante (Fotini-Nepheli Georgitsou) 71.38; BRONZE – Risander (Rotem Ibrahimzade) TUR 66.88.

FEI Balkan Dressage Children’s Team Championship: GOLD – Bulgaria 196.724: Venus (Zdravko Trenev) 64.931, Sekreto (Boris Raychev) 64.724, Don Carlos (Liubomir Ivanov) 64.793, Gigantik (Iva Todorova) 67.00; SILVER – Turkey 189.344: Nick (Lara Turnay) 59.103, Primadonna (Neslihan Esen) 63.448, Chiara (Selen Skalin) 65.793, Adamo (Semih Sarimehmetoglu) 60.103; BRONZE – Szeplak Donci (Jovan Grujic) 53.759, Galja (Nikoleta Zidisic) 56.931, Ferdynand (Anja Markovic) 54.379, Quincon Z (Sara Poparic) 63.138.

FEI Balkan Dressage Children’s Individual Championship: GOLD – Nocsley (Melina Zografou-Alexiou) GRE 74.54; SILVER – Gigantik (Iva Todorova) BUL 69.00; BRONZE – Nonchaloir (Lydia-Evdokia Anesti) GRE 65.61.

By Louise Parkes

Driving, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. Presents Free Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic

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2012 FEI Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships in Breda, the Netherlands. Driver is Diane Kastama, Horse is Ruby KWPN, Groom is Jody Cutler. Picture taken by Marie de Ronde.

Last Chance to Sign Up!

Howell, NJ – August 5, 2013 – United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. (USDFD) will host a free driving clinic at Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship in Howell, NJ on August 10-11, 2013. Sponsors for the Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic include the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The Para-Driving clinic is held in conjunction with USDFD, USPEA, USEF, Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship, and Ann Miles of the Carriage Barn in New Hampshire. The no-cost clinic is for all levels of drivers including beginners and will include clinician Sara Schmitt. It will feature a “try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it” portion for anyone interested in testing out this unique sport. The clinic will provide instruction in driven dressage, hazards and cones. Lessons will be adapted to the skill level of each driver. Bring your own horse and carriage or let the USDFD know if you need to borrow a horse and equipment. The clinic will also have a Para-Equestrian classifier August 10th for those interested in competing in Para-Driving or Para-Dressage in the future. For more information on the Developing Drivers Clinic in Howell, NJ, the Judge’s Critique in Philomath, Oregon, or to make a donation to support USDFD’s efforts, please contact Diane Kastama at dkastama@verizon.net or call 805-343-6026.

2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic Fast Facts:

What: 2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic

When: August 10-11, 2013

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship, 671 Fort Plains Road Howell, NJ, 07731. www.celticcharms.org

Contact Information: Diane Kastama at dkastama@verizon.net or call 805-343-6026.

Host: United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc.

Sponsors: United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)

About the 2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Developing Driver Clinic. The 2013 USDFD Para-Equestrian Driving Clinic August 10 and 11 will be modeled after the successful March 2013 Para-Driving Clinic held in Moorpark, CA. In Howell, NJ, Sara Schmitt will be head clinician. Schmitt is a USEF ‘S’ Dressage judge and American Driving Society ‘r’ judge based in Bedminster, NJ.  She is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist and has won numerous regional and national awards.  Schmitt has represented the United States at three World Pony Driving Championships and is a two-time National Singles Pony Champion.  She has trained horses, riders and drivers from the lower levels through the FEI levels.

Ann Miles is Executive Director of The Carriage Barn Equine Assisted Therapy Programs.  The Carriage Barn seeks to promote the health and well-being of disabled individuals through equine activities. Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship is a non-profit organization that offers equine-assisted activities to individuals with disabilities and is currently developing its carriage driving program.  It is very excited about hosting the USDFD clinic to further its own knowledge on carriage driving for the disabled.

A USEF classifier will be available on Saturday August 10th, to classify those Para-Equestrians who wish to compete in Para-Dressage or Para-Driving. These clinics are free to participants and auditors and we want to thank everyone donating their time and services to make these clinics happen. For more information on the clinics or to make a donation to support USDFD’s efforts, call or email Diane Kastama, dkastama@verizon.net, 805-343-6026.

About the USDFD Clinics:

United States Driving for The Disabled (USDFD) is conducting a series of clinics for the 2013 calendar year.  The clinics are open to current and future Para-Equestrians featuring a “try-it-and-see-if-you-like-it” section of the clinic. The first clinic was March 16 and17th in Moorpark, CA. Future clinic dates and clinicians will be announced including a clinic in Florida in the Fall. USDFD would like to share the pleasure of driving with more equestrians while building the skill level of currently competitive drivers. The clinics are free to those interested. Clinics will provide instruction in driven dressage, hazards and cones. Lessons will be adapted to the skill level of each driver. Equestrians may bring their own horse and carriage or contact USDFD to borrow a horse and equipment. If sponsors or donors would like to participate in this exciting series please contact United States Driving for the Disabled Vice President Diane Kastama at e-mail: dkastama@verizon.net or by phone: 805-343-6026.

For more information: Please visit www.USDFD.org.

About the United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc.

United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, seeks to improve the lives of physically challenged individuals throughout the United States and Canada by providing the experience of driving horses in a safe and challenging environment. Our mission is to provide the extraordinary benefit of therapeutic driving to as many people as possible through sharing knowledge, experience, and serving as a resource for innovations in adaptive equipment for drivers, trainers, and programs offering carriage driving. The Sybil Dukehart Memorial Fund seeks to provide financial assistance to equip and train disabled drivers through providing scholarship funds to applicants. USDFD fosters opportunities for drivers to compete in national and international amateur competitions by training and providing financial support for Team USA.

United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc.
32450 S. Wright Rd.
Molalla, OR 97038
Ph: 503-550-9384

President: usdfdpresident@gmail.com
Offices: usdfd.org@gmail.com
Website: www.USDFD.org

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall & Diane Kastama

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved.  From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Young Rider Abigail McArdle Dominates International FEI Competitions

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Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20. Photos By: Parker/Russell – The Book LLC.

Barrington, IL – August 5, 2013 – Just one year ago, Abigail McArdle captured the 2012 North American Junior/Young Riders Championships Young Rider Show Jumping Individual Gold Medal with five clear rounds aboard her talented mare Cosma 20. This summer, the duo has moved into the Open Jumper division at international competitions, including the Dinard CSI 3* International Horse Show, the Chantilly CSI 2* Global Champions Tour and the Spruce Meadows Tournament. Producing speedy, clear rounds week after week, McArdle and Cosma 20 have continued their winning ways, claiming multiple victories against the best riders in the world.

Most recently, McArdle competed at the Dinard CSI 3* International Horse Show, held July 24-28 in France. McArdle captured two winning awards with Cosma 20. The first was during Saturday’s 1.45m Open Jumper Speed class, where they beat 42 entries with the fastest clear round by almost two seconds. They then went on to win Sunday’s 1.40m Open Jumper Speed class as well to culminate an excellent weekend.

“Everything was a little bit bigger in Dinard,” explained McArdle. “Overseas there is a lot of focus on speed classes. I’ve been trying to move up with Cosma, and that is one of the bigger 1.45m classes that I have jumped.”

Their win in Dinard came just one week after the Chantilly Global Champions Tour event where McArdle and Cosma once again led the victory gallop, this time in the 1.40m Open Jumpers. Out of 87 entries, 12 advanced to the jump-off and six riders were able to produce a second clear effort, but none would be as fast as McArdle. She shot through the timers in 36.86 seconds, almost two seconds faster than the previous leader to capture the winning honors.

To prepare to compete in Europe, McArdle traveled to Calgary, Alberta to show at the legendary Spruce Meadows. She kicked things off by winning the $5,000 Friends of the Meadow 1.45m Welcome Stake during the ‘Continental’ Tournament.

“The first week of Spruce we did the Open 1.40m division, and we won two days, so we jumped 1.45m for the rest of the weeks,” stated McArdle. “It was my first real FEI win against the professional riders. They were hard courses, and the jumps were big. It was a super experience, and it gave me a lot of confidence going to Europe.”

During the four weeks of Spruce Meadows, McArdle racked up 10 first place finishes in the FEI divisions between her two mounts Cosma 20 and Bravoman. The finale came on July 4, during the North American’ Tournament. Competing sixth in the order of 23 entries, McArdle and Cosma 20 captured and held on to an early lead during the $33,000 Zoetis Horse Health Care Cup 1.45m Speed Derby.

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20
Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20

“Cosma 20 is a great derby horse,” acknowledged McArdle. “We were lucky to be able to school all kinds of derby fences at the Kessler’s farm in Kentucky before we came, and I think that was a huge advantage. My horse had seen everything, jumped the grob and jumped off the bank. That class was lots of fun, and it was one of those courses with 20 jumps, so you have to pick where you are going to gallop between fences. We had a really wonderful Spruce Meadows!”

McArdle excelled in the High Junior Jumpers, but rather than move to the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, she pushed herself to begin competing against the professional riders. “The goal is always to push yourself,” she stated. “We did so well last year and then our test was when we got to Spruce: can we still win in the Open 1.40m, where the courses are harder and the competition is tougher, and when we did win we decided to move up.”

Over the last two years, McArdle has developed a special bond with Cosma 20 that helps her be so successful. “It has been moving up for me and it’s been moving up for Cosma,” she noted. “Every time you move up you learn more about your horse, so it’s been a great experience for me. She’s such a great horse, and she is so careful.  Anytime you have a careful horse, it’s about being able to figure out how to let them jump clean as the jumps go up. I have a lot of confidence in her to continue winning in the future.”

McArdle’s legendary trainer Katie Prudent is also confident about the pair’s future. “Cosma and Abby are a match made in heaven,” commented Prudent. “She just rides the mare so beautifully, and it wouldn’t be a horse for just anyone. Cosma is extremely careful, and Abby does a wonderful job with her because Abby has a great eye and never ever misses and never puts a horse in a position where it might not have confidence. Because of that, she gives the horse tremendous confidence. They are just a winning team.”

Prudent added, “Abby rides so well, and she has aspirations to be on the team one day. I love to give the kids an opportunity to go to a higher level. I don’t see any end in sight.”

Next week, McArdle will conclude her European tour by competing at the Valkenswaard Global Champions Tour before staring her freshman year at the University of Miami. McArdle will continue to focus on competing and advancing with Cosma 20 next winter during the 2014 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Phelps Media Group, Inc.
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Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Margie Engle and Indigo Top an Intense Jump-off to Win $100,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix

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©ESI Photography. Margie Engle and Indigo jump their way to a win in the $100,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (August 4, 2013) – Margie Engle of Wellington, Florida and Indigo, owned by Garber, Griese, Hidden Creek & Gladewinds, share a storied career together, most recently highlighted by a win in Sunday’s $100,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties. The duo topped 35 on their way to the blue, piecing together the puzzle that was Bernardo Cabral’s jump-off track.

“Indigo felt great today,” said Engle of the 12-year-old Dutch gelding.  “We have been resting him while waiting for this class and he felt nice and fresh – maybe a little too fresh in the first round!  But he settled and came back just right for the jump-off.”

Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal set a 13-obstacle course with 16 jumping efforts in the first round, which produced nine clear trips overall. Two combinations appeared late in the track – a triple at fence nine and a double at the final effort – but it was the skinny vertical at fence five that proved the most difficult of the day, and appeared in both rounds. “It proved to be a very careful fence,” said Engle. “We played it very safe coming to that one in the jump-off.”

Christine McCrea of East Windsor, Connecticut spared no time in proving that the original course could be jumped, posting a clear round in the first go aboard Candy Tribble’s Romantovich Take One. Of the 34 that followed, eight more would go clear before the rails moved up in the jump-off. “As with any big-money class, the fences got bigger and it got a bit more difficult to go clean and fast,” commented Engle on the jump-off course. “Indigo handled it super – on any given day he is as good as any horse out there.”

McCrea returned to lead off the shorter track, posting a time of 48.31 seconds with four faults. Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, Florida followed her with his own Quality Girl. With momentum from Friday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix win, the pair was on their way to the first clear round before a heartbreak rail came down at the final jump, landing them with four faults and the fastest time of the day – 48.04 seconds. Four rounds followed, each with faults, making a four-fault winner in the jump-off a real possibility.

Engle, however, entered the ring in the seventh spot and posted a clear round, setting the Great American Time to Beat at 52.31 seconds. Two followed her, including Christine McCrea on her second horse. She piloted Candy Tribble’s Wannick WH to a clear effort in 55.85 seconds. Darragh Kenny of Wellington, Florida was last to return with Oakland Ventures, LLC’s Picolo. They chased down Engle and posted a clear round, but were just shy of the win in 53.23 seconds.

“Margie was quick, but I knew my horse was going to be very fast as well,” said Kenny. “I don’t know this horse that well and I feel like I went as quick as we were comfortable with – I wanted to make sure I was clear and I am very happy with this result.”

Kenny finished second with McCrea and Wannick WH landed in third. Minikus finished fourth and McCrea capped the top five with Romantovich Take One.

Lillie Keenan of New York, New York piloted Chansonette Farm, LLC’s Pumped Up Kicks to sixth with four faults in a time of 54.14 seconds. Seventh went to Callan Solem of Glenmore, Pennsylvania on Torlando Group’s VDL Torlando after a four-fault round in 59.49 seconds. Candice King of Wellington, Florida was eighth on Bellissimo, LLC’s Kismet 50 with eight faults in a time of 57.72 seconds. Laura Chapot rounded out the jump-off field in ninth with Quointreau Un Prince, owned by herself and McLain Ward. They finished with 12 faults in a time of 52.77 seconds.

Sunday’s grand prix marked the conclusion of three weeks of summer showing at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. Week VII will return August 28 and run through September 1 before HITS Championship Week rolls into town. Highlighting the festivities during the final week of competition will be the coveted return of the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix on September 8. Riders will have three more opportunities to secure their spot in the finale with one grand prix upcoming at HITS Culpeper and two during Week VII at HITS Saugerties. Once eligible, the start order for the prestigious event will be determined by a rider’s money won on their leading horse. Keep tabs on all Zoetis Million qualifying action at HitsShows.com.

About Strongid C 2X
Keeping parasite levels under control helps your horse perform at his best. Parasites steal nutrition, energy and good health from your horse. Left unchecked, parasites can cause damage to vital organs, impair growth and performance, and may cause colic. A daily dose of STRONGID C or C 2X helps break the cycle of parasite infection with the power of prevention* and control. The STRONGID C or C 2X result: Your horse is ready to perform.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Endurance Riding, FEI, USEF

Russell Finishes Fifth at FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders

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The U.S. team with Chef d’Equipe Emmett Ross at the Closing Ceremonies (US Endurance Athletes Association, Inc. Facebook Page)

Lexington, KY – The U.S. was represented by a strong contingent of young endurance riders on July 27 in Tarbes, France for the FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders. Kelsey Russell rode Valerie Kanavy’s My Wild Irish Gold to an impressive fifth-place finish. With the 10-year-old Anglo-Arabian mare, Russell (Williston, FL) finished the 120km race with a time of 6:28:47.

Christina Kimery, the other U.S. finisher, and Amy Wallace-Whelan’s Wallace Hill Shade ended up in 41st place with a time of 8:19:30. Having earned her FEI Elite Young Rider status in March of this year, Kimery (Bixby, OK) had a notable performance with the 11-year-old Half-Arabian gelding at her first FEI World Championship.

The remaining U.S. riders were unable to finish the race but made a valiant effort over the World Championship course. Sarah Jack (Nottingham, New Hampshire) and Nicki Meuten’s nine-year-old Arabian gelding FYF Dutch had a fall during the first loop and did not continue after Gate 1. Mustafa Tehrani’s 12-year-old Arabian gelding Chasing The Wind unfortunately lost shoes during the second loop and did not qualify for the third phase, preventing Mary Kathryn Clark (Eatonton, GA) from going on. Katherine Gardener (Coventry, RI) and Pamela Weidel’s AF Big Bucks were unable to continue past Gate 3 when the 14-year-old Arabian gelding did not qualify for the 4th phase.

“We arrived in France with only one important goal: bring home a team medal plus continue our renaissance of becoming once again an endurance group to be reckoned with internationally,” remarked Chef d’Equipe Emmett Ross.” Two unusual events conspired against that goal, but positives were achieved clearly indicating how prepared we were from the first to fifth horse. Kelsey Russell’s fifth place effort on My Wild Irish Gold was the best individual effort since 1998 of any U.S. rider/horses combination in any World Championship. Also the finishing speed of Christina Kimery on Wallace Hill Shade on the final loop was the best of any finishing horse at 26.5 km/h, indicating how prepared and capable our horses were for this Championship event. Finally our road crew and supporters in France were a unified and super cohesive team group. The young riders experienced an incredible journey from the trials to end of the race which they will never forget — meeting other riders from around world and understanding how capable they were compared to them was an enormous experience and augers well for the future.”

Al Jahouri Khalifa Ali Khalif of the United Arab Emirates and Niac Armor won the 120km race with a time of 6:00:34, while France won the team championship with a combined time of 19:44:19.

To learn more about the 2013 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders, visit: http://www.endurance-equestre65.com/en/home.

Find complete results here.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Endurance Team here.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Kelly Maloney and Leroy Brown 17 Leap to Adult Jumper Classic Victory at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Kelly Maloney and Leroy Brown 17.

Lexington, KY – August 4, 2013 – The Kentucky Summer Classic concluded with another day of perfect weather as riders gathered at the Rolex Stadium for the NAL/WIHS Adult and Children’s Jumper Classic. With nine double clear rounds, it was Kelly Maloney’s speedy effort aboard Leroy Brown 17 that proved to be the key to winning the Adult Jumper Classic, sponsored by Johnson Horse Transportation. Brazil’s Julia Tedesco showed the way in the Children’s Jumper Classic, piloting Belle Nuit to the top of the leader board.

Thirty-eight riders showed over the first round track, designed by Brazil’s Marina Azevedo, during the Adult Jumper Classic, which included two bending lines, an oxer-vertical double combination, and a vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination. Sixteen entries were able to traverse the track without error and advance to tiebreaker, which included a sharp rollback to a new vertical and the double combination.

Kelly Maloney of Rembert, SC, set the uncatchable time with Leroy Brown 17 about mid-way through the class after she completed very tight rollbacks and made a very sharp slice at the new vertical. They dashed through the timers in 35.445 seconds with all the rails intact, eventually returning to the winner’s circle.

Lindsey Tomeu came very close to catching Maloney while riding Sandro Star, owned by Ericka Koenigsberg of Pinecrest, FL, but the young rider was just a fraction off the pace with a clear time of 35.836 seconds for second place.

Joaquina Barrios of Wellington, FL, was the first to clear the original track, and opted to return at the end of the class with Simply The Best. She gave it a great try, but her turns were just a touch too wide. She broke the beam at 37.377 seconds for third place. Tiffany Field also returned at the end of the class to take a shot at the winning prize, but she was also too slow with Wiant P, completing a clear round in 38.575 seconds for fourth place, sealing Maloney’s victory.

“I think we made up time in the rollback turn to 14. We were almost parallel to the jump. I was worried he would go past it, but he’s a good horse,” smiled Maloney, discussing her jump-off. “Leroy Brown is 18 years old and I’ve had him for two years. He jumped in the Olympics in 2004 with a Russian rider. He is the greatest horse ever.”

Maloney continued, “Leroy Brown is very, very forward, but he always needs a little push to get the first jump. After that he takes you. He knows his job every well. He’s very fresh; he bucks a lot. He’s still got lots of energy for an 18-year-old horse.”

The Kentucky Horse Shows are one of Maloney’s favorite events. “I normally train with the Towell Family and Finally Farm, but when I come to Kentucky I train with Sayre Happy,” she explained. “I like the footing here, and I like coming to Kentucky. It’s a great horse show.”

Earlier this morning, the Children’s Jumper Classic took center stage. Only six entries made it to the tiebreaker, but four competitors were double clear over the short course.  Audrey Norrell had the slowest time of 40.485 seconds aboard Cindy VH Keizershof, owned by Tatiana Dzavik of Malibu, CA, for fourth place, while Tanimara Macari and P Welcome, owned by Lochmoor Stables of Lebanon, OH, just barely edged them out for third in a time of 39.443 seconds. Nanny McFadden of Germantown, TN, and Cooley kept a quicker pace while leaving all the rails intact, breaking the beam at 37.203 seconds.

Julia Tedesco and Belle Nuit
Julia Tedesco and Belle Nuit

Julia Tedesco and Belle Nuit, owned by Adolpho Franco of Wellington, FL, were the fastest of the fast though, speeding through each turn with a blazing fast gallop, never wasting a second in the air. They sped through the timers in 34.700 seconds, almost three seconds faster than McFadden to capture the winning prize.

“We almost lost it with a chip at one of the fences, but she’s my big mama and she saved me,” expressed Tedesco. “She’s very hot, and I have not been riding her very long. I only got her two months ago, so we are starting to understand each other now.”

Thirteen-year-old Tedesco just moved to the United States from Brazil in January, and began training with Paulo Santana, also from Brazil. “Belle Nuit was leased for the winter season, but then Paulo had me try her and I fell in love with her the first time I rode her,” she explained. “I have been riding with Paulo for six months. He helped me a lot today. He told me every single step I need to take to win this class.”

This is Tedesco’s first opportunity competing at the Kentucky Horse Shows. “The level is totally different here. They have very good shows in Brazil, but for the Children’s Jumpers the United States is the best place. It’s my first time here in Kentucky. The arena is huge and they had the World Equestrian Games here, so it’s amazing.”

Today marks the conclusion of the Kentucky Summer Classic, but competition will resume on Tuesday, August 6 with the start of the 2013 USEF Pony Finals. The following week, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Bluegrass Classic Horse Show and the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Pony Riders Prepare for USEF Pony Finals at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Carter Anderson and The Blu Mountie. Photos By: Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 4, 2013 – The 2013 USEF Pony Finals kick off on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, and as the Kentucky Summer Classic came to a conclusion today, young riders took advantage of the perfect weather and the opportunity to prepare in the rings at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Kentucky Summer Classic, which ran July 30 to August 4, offered a wide array of pony divisions and classes, including the WIHS Small Pony Equitation and the WIHS Large Pony Equitation classes. The first place blue ribbons in the WIHS Equitation classes held today were awarded to Carter Anderson and Camryn Halley.

Anderson earned the top call in WIHS Large Pony Equitation class aboard The Blu Mountie, owned by Susan Kuliasha of Knoxville, TN. Anderson and the talented pony received a score of 79 over the Joseph Carnicorn designed course in the Annex Ring of the Kentucky Horse Park. The second place award in the class went to Olivia Cahill, of Austin, TX, and her own Daddy Pulled the Trigger, and Hayley Iannotti and Highlands Percival held the third place position.

For 14-year-old Anderson, the win today at the Kentucky Summer Classic comes as she prepares to compete at the USEF Pony Finals for the fourth year in a row and her first year at the Finals with The Blu Mountie, or simply “Monte.”

“He’s wonderful. He goes around, and he knows what he’s doing. Even though he’s 21, he definitely still has energy in him,” mentioned Anderson. “I usually just have to point him in the right and direction and tell him the distances and everything. He’s great.”

Anderson always looks forward to Pony Finals, and she will compete this year in the Large Pony Hunter division and the USEF Pony Medal Finals.

“I like everything about Pony Finals – the riding, the shopping and my friends,” concluded Anderson.

Camryn Halley and Bieber
Camryn Halley and Bieber

Pony Finals is also a much-anticipated event for WIHS Small Pony Equitation winner Camryn Halley. Halley, of Orlando, FL, and Bieber earned a winning score of 77, while the second place award went to Katie Gilcrest and Stonewall Sparkler.

“He jumps so great. He’s so much fun, and I love him,” gushed Halley. “He’s the sweetest pony on the planet, and he has just the right motor.”

This is Halley’s third year competing at Pony Finals, and in addition to Bieber, she will also be aboard the medium pony Goodnight Moon and small green pony Long Story Short.

The third place award in the WIHS Small Equitation went to Atlanta, GA native, Hannah Dubose and her new pony Bluetiful. The Kentucky Summer Classic was the showing debut for the pair, and after their success this week, Dubose is really looking forward to Pony Finals.

“I’ve only been riding her for about a week, and she’s really good. I’m still getting used to her, and the leads have been the hardest, especially the right lead,” explained Dubose. “I’m excited for Pony Finals and the golf cart parade and all of the activities.”

While the Kentucky Summer Classic has come to a close, competition will resume on Tuesday, August 6 with the start of the 2013 USEF Pony Finals. The following week, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Bluegrass Classic Horse Show and the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Dressage, FEI, FEI

British Make It a Double on Home Ground at Hickstead, but Dutch Take Pilot League Title

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L to R: Nikki Crisp (Pasoa), Gareth Hughes DV Stenjkers Nadonna), Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood, Michael Eilberg (Marakof) and Carl Hester (Uthopia). The Netherlands are the series champions.

Hickstead (GBR), 4 August 2013 – Great Britain won the fourth and last leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot series at Hickstead today.  But they had to settle for third place, behind Sweden, in the final rankings as The Netherlands claimed the series title.  Germany finished on the same final scoreline as the British at the end of this trial season, but a double of wins gave today’s host nation the nod for third place on the final leaderboard.

The British were pushed hard by a highly competitive US side whose combined score left them less than one point in arrears this afternoon, while Germany finished almost two points further adrift.  The Dutch team slotted into fourth ahead of Sweden in fifth, while France, Ireland and Spain, each fielding only three-strong sides, finished in sixth, seventh and eighth places respectively.

The FEI Nations Cup pilot series has been staged over four events beginning with CDIO 3* Vidauban in France last May where the Dutch came out on top. At CDIO 5* Rotterdam in The Netherlands in June the British achieved their first victory but a week later it was the host-side German squad that took the top step of the podium at CDIO 5* Aachen.  The first three venues took the option to stage a Grand Prix competition as part of this trial FEI Nations Cup Dressage season, but CDIO 3* Hickstead opted for a Freestyle competition to bring the test series to a close, and there were some very high-quality performances at this final event.

American Challenge

The strength of the American challenge was clearly demonstrated when Kathleen Raine (Breanna), Guenter Seidel (Coral Reef Wylea) and Shelly Francis (Doktor) lined up in third, fourth and fifth places individually.  Raine achieved a score of 75.650 and Seidel racked up 75.625 as his big chestnut horse showed some lovely work to the strains of his Neil Diamond musical score.  Francis posted 74.500, and with a combined total of 75.258 percent the Americans gave the eventual winners a real run for their money.

The German challenge was boosted by a great score of 77.750 from Jenny Lang and Loverboy who really pleased the Ground Jury panel of Isabel Wessels (GBR), Marion Cunningham (PER), Stephen Clarke (GBR), Karin Kruger (DEN) and Peter Holler (GER). Team-mates Johanna von Fircks (Nymphenburgs Rockport) and Matthias Kempkes (Riccoletto) both scored 71.025 to leave the German tally at 73.267 percent.

“I’m really, really happy and it has been a great pleasure riding here in Hickstead!” Lang said. Today’s result comes just a few weeks after she made a significant impact with her horse on home soil at Aachen.

“I love the Freestyle, and with Loverboy I finished second in the Freestyle in the CDI at Aachen with a score of 76 percent.  Today we did even better with 77.750, so I’m really excited! Loverboy is a great showman; he lights up when he goes into the ring.  Today has been my very first Nations Cup and I have to say it has been great fun and altogether a great experience,” she added.

The biggest Dutch score of the day came from Katja Gevers and Thriller who registered 74.325 for sixth place individually.  Lotje Schoots and Ruby earned a mark of 68.250, Joyce Heutinik and Wup scored 68.050 and Laurens van Lieren posted 72.025.

Best Performance

The British result was clinched by the best performance of the day from London 2012 Olympic Games team gold medallist Carl Hester who was the unanimous choice of all five members of the Ground Jury as he showed fabulous passage and piaffe along with wonderful trot extension on his way to earning 81.650 with Uthopia.

The British effort kicked off with 69.700 from Nikki Crisp and Pasoa followed by 72.650 from Michael Eilberg and Marakof and 74.250 from Gareth Hughes with DV Stenjkers Nadonna.  Hughes was on the winning team in Rotterdam alongside Hester and Olympic individual and team gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin who competed this weekend at Hickstead with Valegro, pipping her friend and mentor Hester in both the Grand Prix on Friday and in Saturday’s Grand Prix Special. However the golden duo were not part of today’s winning side.

Hughes was delighted to contribute to another British win, and said, “I think the series is a fantastic idea.  It gives so many more riders the opportunity to compete.  Nations Cup competition has been a big thing for the jumpers for a very long time; it’s great for us to have it in Dressage now. I think it’s a big step up for the sport.”

Thrilled

Hester, meanwhile, was thrilled by the performance of Uthopia. “It was like being back in the good old days of 2010, I don’t know what happened because he was hot as hell, but he felt like a million dollars!  I had a fab ride; it was a great boost for us both.  I hadn’t ridden him since the Olympics really and now I’m seriously looking forward to the Europeans in Herning.  This has put us both in the right frame of mind,” he explained.

Talking about the concept of Nations Cup Dressage, he continued, “From a team perspective this kind of competition can only be good.  You see it everywhere – when it comes to Championships and big events we tend to mostly find all the same old faces competing, but this series can give other riders the chance to fly the flag and I believe it will help to raise the standard all round.  A lot of riders don’t get the chance to experience team pressure – this kind of competition will expose them to it and it’s great learning for them,” he said.

He pointed out that while he enjoys riding Freestyle, he has some reservations about using it as part of a Nations Cup series however.  “I think we need to use the Grand Prix rather than the Freestyle so that’s it’s more of a level playing field for everyone.  But this has been a great trial season, and the Nations Cup series is a great idea,” he said.

The Netherlands won the series with a final score of 36 points with Sweden close behind in second with a final tally of 33.  Both Great Britain and Germany collected 29 points each, but, in accordance with the rules, the British are awarded third place due to their double of wins.

Detailed results here.

Facts and Figures:

The Netherlands have won the pilot season FEI Nations Cup Dressage series 2013.

Hickstead, Great Britain staged the fourth and final leg today.

8 teams competed in this final leg.

The best three teams scores counted for the results, and 5 teams fielded four riders, while three teams had just three team-members.

Great Britain’s Carl Hester produced the highest individual result when scoring 81.650 with his London 2012 Olympic Games team gold medal winning ride Uthopia.

The Ground Jury at Hickstead today was: at E, Isabel Wessels (GBR), At H, Marion Cunningham (PER), At C, Stephen Clarke (GBR), At M, Karin Kruger (DEN) and at B, Peter Holler (GER).

The first three legs of the series consisted of Grand Prix competition.  Today’s final leg was Freestyle.

The four venues for the pilot season of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage series were Vidauban (FRA) on 16 May, Rotterdam (NED) on 20 June, Aachen (GER) on 27 June and today’s leg at Hickstead (GBR).

The Netherlands were victorious at the opening round and the British won at both Rotterdam and Hickstead while Germany came out on top on home ground at Aachen.

The FEI Nations Cup Dressage is a new FEI series open to national teams. The inaugural trial season, taking place between May and August 2013, consists of four outdoor CDIO events held at Vidauban (FRA), Rotterdam (NED), Aachen (GER) and Hickstead (GBR). Each FEI Nations Cup Dressage fixture must host either a Grand Prix or Grand Prix Freestyle competition in which the teams can earn points towards the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Standings. Each event is of equal standing and all four competitions count towards the final result.

A minimum of four teams will take part in each event for the event to count for the series standings. A team consists of a minimum of three and maximum of four athlete/horse combinations. There is no maximum limit to the number of FEI Nations Cup Dressage events in which athletes and horses can take part.

This pilot project has been initiated in an effort to assess the attractiveness of this type of event to organisers, athletes, National Federations, spectators, the media and potential sponsors. If there is a positive evaluation at the conclusion of the 2013 season, then an official long-term series may be created.

The series detailed calendar, complete rules, and organisers details are available here.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133