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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, USHJA

Back-to-Back $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Wins for Colin Syquia at Kentucky Summer Series

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Colin Syquia and Apropos. Photos By: Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 3, 2013 – The first and second place line-up of this week’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Classic bore a striking resemblance to that of last week’s class. Colin Syquia and Apropos took the first place position in the derby just six days ago, and they returned to do so again today. Last week’s second place finisher, Meredith Darst, was once again number two, this time aboard Capstone.

Today’s hunter derby was the fourth event in the seven-part Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, which features the $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards. This week’s class saw 52 entries competing over the first round course designed by Bobby Murphy. Following the completion of the first course, the top 12 riders returned for the handy round. Both courses presented riders with options to take four higher fences, and riders added one point to their score for each successfully cleared high option. For the handy round, Murphy also presented riders with a trot jump and tested them with a hand gallop to the opening oxer.

Molly Sewell and Zin Zin, owned by Travis Lingenfelter of Saginaw, MI, were early to go in the opening order, and they maneuvered the course beautifully, electing to take all four high options for a total first round score of 91. Sewell’s score would remain well out of reach for much of the class, until finally being bested by Shawn Casady and Sedona, owned by Susan Stanley of Delray Beach, FL. Casady and Sedona also opted to take each of the higher options, earning a score of 92.

Following the completion of the first round, Casady and Sewell were the clear front runners, while Bruce Christison and Apalachicola, owned by Heather Conder of Lugoff, SC, sat in third with a total score of 87. Syquia and Apropos, owned by Chiddingstone Farms LCC of New York, NY, were close behind in fourth place with a score of 86.5, and Darst and Capstone, owned by Norgan, Inc. of Wellington, FL, went into the second round in fifth place with a score of 86.25.

Unfortunately for all three of the first round leading riders, their handy rounds would go as smoothly. Riders returned in reverse order of their first round standings, working backward from the twelfth place rider until finishing with Casady and Sedona in the first place position. Christison and Apalachicola therefore were the first of the top three to return, but a disappointing handy round saw him drop quickly down the leader board to the eventual eleventh place position.

To the disappointment of Sewell, that trend continued as she returned with Zin Zin. Sewell and Zin Zin’s second round total score of 64 moved them down the list from second to tenth with a grand total score of 155. The current Hallway Feed Series Leading Rider, Casady, was the last to return on Sedona, and as they seamlessly made tight turns and maneuvered the handy round it appeared as though they had the win all sewn up. The crowd gathered at the Stonelea Ring had already begun to applaud his gorgeous course and almost surefire win, but a devastating light bump over the final fence knocked the rail out of the cup and moved Casady and Sedona to the twelfth place spot.

The disappointing handy rounds for Christison, Sewell and Casady, combined with beautiful second rounds for Syquia and Darst shot them to the top. Syquia and Apropos handled the hand gallop, tight turns and trot fence of the handy round flawlessly, and with four points added for the high options, they earned a second round score of 92 and a winning grand total of 178.50.

“He went really nicely in the first round, but he just wasn’t as inspired as he was last week,” Syquia explained. “He hasn’t shown as much recently, so he wasn’t quite as fit, and it was hard going back-to-back weeks. So when it came down to the handy, I figured I’d just turn tighter and steer him a little bit more, and he really responded. He jumped beautifully in the second round.”

Syquia continued: “It’s amazing. You don’t want to think that you could possibly win it two weeks in a row, but I was hoping to. He’s such a good boy; I thought I’d have a chance. Hopefully we’ll be back in September to try it again.”

Meredith Darst and Capstone
Meredith Darst and Capstone

Darst and Capstone earned a second round score of 90 after jumping each fence brilliantly and flowing through the handy course. With a grand total of 176.25 they captured the second place honors.

While Casady did not see a top finish with Sedona, the talented young rider did nab both the third and fourth place positions aboard Stars Go Blue, owned by Marigot Bay Farm LLC of Dover, MA, and Vogue, owned by Georgia Saad of Lexington, KY, respectively. Casady has been extremely successful throughout the series, winning the first event aboard Stars Go Blue and placing third and fourth during each of the following events, securing his position as the current Hallway Feeds Leading Rider.

The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the seven classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 21, 2013.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Wellington, FL 33414
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Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Jordan MacPherson Claims $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Grand Prix at Caledon Equestrian Park

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Jordan MacPherson rode Piccobello du Val de Geer to victory in the $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Grand Prix. Presenting is Bob Northcott on behalf of RAM Equestrian with ringmaster Cliff Haines. Photos – ShootPhoto.ca.

Palgrave, Ontario – It was a case of the student beating the teacher as Jordan MacPherson of Toronto, ON, beat out Ian Millar to win the $35,000 CSI2* Ram Equestrian Grand Prix held August 3 during the CSI2* Summer Festival at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON.  The Caledon Equestrian Park will host the equestrian events for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Five riders were able to pass the test set by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela, successfully negotiating the first round track to advance to the all-deciding jump-off.  Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, just missed the cut after incurring one time fault in the opening round with her entry, Viggo.

Millar, a 10-time Olympian hailing from Perth, ON, led off by guiding his 2012 London Olympic mount Star Power to a second clear round in a time of 36.70 seconds.  His early lead would be short-lived, however, as MacPherson followed with Piccobello du Val de Geer, her partner of the past three years.  A fast pace and tight turns soon saw MacPherson flying through the timers in 34.50 seconds, slicing more than two full seconds off Millar’s time.

“Ian went before me and set the track,” said MacPherson, 23.  “I watched him go, and knew what I had to do – pick up the pace, and keep going!”

MacPherson was nervous as three riders were still to follow.  Colombia’s Roberto Teran was on the pace until two rails fell near the end of the shortened track to leave him fifth in the overall standings with Tam Tam Hero, owned by ARK Partners.  Jill Henselwood, Millar’s silver medal teammate at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was clear but a time of 38 seconds saw her finish in fourth with New Idol Z, a nine-year-old grey Zangersheide mare owned by Juniper Farms.  Ainsley Vince of Burlington, ON, was the final challenger, but a time of 37.89 seconds with her grey mare, Darling, left her third in the final placings for The Darling Group.

“Today when I walked in the ring, I felt like we were going to be good and that we had a chance to win,” said MacPherson, a fourth year student at Western University.  “There were a lot of quick turns, and she just followed my eye, looked and went.”

MacPherson credits competing at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, earlier this summer for helping prepare her and Piccobello du Val de Geer for victory in the $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Grand Prix.

“I’ve gained a lot of experience with her this summer; we moved up and did the 1.45m and 1.50m classes at Spruce Meadows and she taught me a lot,” said MacPherson of her 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare.  Piccobello du Val de Geer was formerly ridden by Amy Millar who, alongside her father, Ian, and brother, Jonathon, train MacPherson at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, ON.

Elizabeth Gingras guides George to victory in Thursday’s $35,000 CSI2* Henry Equestrian Plan Open Welcome
Elizabeth Gingras guides George to victory in Thursday’s $35,000 CSI2* Henry Equestrian Plan Open Welcome

Another talented student also made her coach proud by winning the $35,000 CSI2* Henry Equestrian Plan Open Welcome on Thursday, August 1.  Elizabeth Gingras of Edmonton, AB, took the win on George, the horse her trainer, Jill Henselwood, rode at last year’s London Olympic Games.  In addition to taking the win with George, Gingras also placed second with Avensis 4 by producing the only other clear round in the five-horse jump-off.  Both horses are owned by B. Gingras Equestrian Limited.

Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, had the time, but a rail down with Carolla Z placed him third overall.  Vince of Burlington, ON, took fourth place with The KMA Group’s Frieda while Underhill was fifth with Viggo, her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

For more information on the CSI2* Summer Festival, including full results, please visit www.equiman.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Shane Sweetnam Storms to Victory with Solerina in $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix

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Shane Sweetnam and Solerina.

Lexington, KY – August 3, 2013 – For the second week in a row, the Irish had all the luck, specifically Shane Sweetnam during the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, at the Kentucky Summer Classic. This time he was aboard Solerina for the win, shaving valuable seconds off his jump-off time to beat fellow countryman Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z, who placed second. Sweetnam’s winning mount from last Saturday’s grand prix, Fineman, also cleared the short course, capturing the third place honors.

Forty of the country’s top horse and rider combinations gathered at the Rolex Stadium under perfect skies to show over the first round track designed by Marina Azevedo of Brazil, which included an open water, a skinny jump to a triple bar, a vertical-vertical double combination and an oxer-vertical-oxer triple combination. Twelve entries completed the course without fault and 11 returned for the jump-off. The short track began over a single vertical to a new oxer and a sharp roll back over a new vertical before they had to gallop across the ring and angle another vertical. Then the competitors jumped the first two fences in the triple combination before galloping home over the last oxer.

The first double clear was posted by Venezuela’s Juan Ortiz riding Accordance, but in attempt to leave all of the airy verticals in place they had a conservative pace and stopped the clock at 38.077 seconds for fourth place.

Richie Moloney attempted to catch Ortiz’s time with his first mount, Call Me Number One, owned by Equinimity LLC of Stonybrook, NY, and although the duo was faultless, they were a fraction to slow, finishing in 38.373 seconds for fifth place.

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman
Shane Sweetnam and Fineman

The winners of last week’s $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix, Shane Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm’s Fineman, were ready to lay on the gas when they took their turn over the track. As they wound their way through the course, they left each rail in place, breaking the beam at 36.211 seconds, which would hold up for third place.

“Fineman is very careful and very competitive, as he showed last week, but I didn’t go all out because I knew that the winning round wasn’t that fast at the time, and I wanted to be sure that I was clear,” said Sweetnam. “I think if he had been last he could have also been as quick as Solerina.”

Fellow countryman Richie Moloney was willing to fight for one of the top spots with his second mount, Equinimity LLC’s Carrabis Z. They were right on Sweetnam’s heels as they carefully cleared the track, dashing through the timers in 36.149 seconds, which would claim second place.

“Before the jump-off started, I planned not to go too quick and just have a nice round, but you didn’t have to gallop too much to win so it suited him,” said Moloney. “I could have done one less stride down the first line and been a little quicker to the middle vertical. I am very happy with second place though and happy the horse jumped well.  I think there are big things to come for him.”

Sweetnam and Solerina, owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Spy Coast Farm, were the last to show during the first round, the last to qualify for the jump-off and the last to have a chance at the win. They left nothing to chance, picking up a quick gallop and never slowing down as they sliced over each vertical and made quick turn-backs. The veteran mare never wasted a second in the air as she left each rail in its cups and blazed across the finish line in 34.056 seconds, two seconds ahead of Moloney to lead the victory gallop.

“Solerina is a very quick horse, so when Richie was clear and quicker I went for it,” explained Sweetnam. “I was very fast at the turn backs to the two verticals. I had a really good angle to the second vertical, and you can really trust her with a bit of a gallop to a vertical. She’s naturally very quick.”

Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z
Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z

Moloney and Sweetnam have represented Ireland together on many occasions, and Sweetnam was pleased to see his friend do so well tonight. “Richie is a good friend of mine. I was hoping he would do well, but obviously I wanted to better,” he laughed.

Solerina is a 14-year-old Irish Sporthorse mare by Cruising, the father of the legendary Flexible. Sweetnam purchased her from Irish rider Conor O’Regan last year, and during the Winter Equestrian Festival they won the $101,000 Pennfield Feeds CSI 4* Grand Prix.

“It took a bit of time for me to get her going and get used to her,” admitted Sweetnam. “She is very good at moving up and down in the height, and she is very fast. She is very versatile. She likes to pick up a rhythm and stay with it. If you get too much in her face she gets really annoyed and shows a bit of character. She jumps her best when you let her go in a rhythm.”

Sweetnam is the professional rider for Spy Coast Farm, located next door to the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Horse Shows are always on their schedule. “We love the shows here,” he commented. “We’ve had a great two weeks here. The clients have done well, and the young horses get great experience. Hugh and the management do a great job.”

The Kentucky Summer Classic will conclude tomorrow with the NAL/WIHS Child and Adult Jumper Classics in the Rolex Stadium. Next week, Kentucky Horse Park will host the 2013 USEF Pony Finals, followed by 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)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Tracey Mack-Gorin and Icarus Top Ariat Adult Medal at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Tracey Mack-Gorin and Icarus.

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2013 – The equitation took center stage under perfect skies in the Stonelea Arena today at the Kentucky Summer Classic, running through Sunday, August 4, 2013. Topping the opening round and the test in the Ariat Adult Medal was Tracey Mack-Gorin aboard Icarus. Earlier in the day, Lillian Kirbo’s talent shone through during the T.H.I.S. Children’s Medal with Easy Living to capture the winning honors.

Bobby Murphy designed flowing course for today’s classes, which included inside options and a vertical-oxer two stride. The top four combinations from the first round of the Ariat Adult Medal were asked to return for the final test. The judges asked the riders to walk in the ring, pick up the canter and demonstrate a simple change through the walk before cantering a single vertical on the centerline. Then they had to trot a vertical, canter a slow five strides through a bending line, halt on the straight line, and exit the ring at a walk.

The riders returned in reverse order, and Sherri Geddes of Jacksonville, FL, was the first to complete the test with Radius H after receiving an initial score of 77. A smooth lead change and trot jump helped them quickly climb the rankings, and they eventually placed second.

Susannah Rose of Coral Gables, FL, was next with an original score of 79 riding Calero. They successfully demonstrated the change of lead and trotted the vertical, but a slightly tight distance in the five strides had them maintain their third place position.

Anna Moerdsorf of Dublin, OH, earned a first round score of 80 aboard Seuss, but their test was not quite as smooth as their first. They were a bit rushed after the first canter jump, causing them to chip at the second canter jump and dropping them to the fourth place award.

Tracey Mack-Gorin of Noack, CT, and Icarus, owned by Ashland Farms, had a solid lead after earning an 83 during the first round. They were able to execute each piece of the test flawlessly, collecting beautifully to fit the five strides in the bending line. Their efforts were rewarded with the top call and blue ribbon.

“Icarus was really good,” smiled Mack-Gorin. “My plan was just to ride well. He’s been everywhere and done everything, and I was lucky to ride him. He’s super straightforward, and he’s a really good boy.”

Although Mack-Gorin was called back on top, she did not allow the pressure to rattle her. “I get a little nervous when I am on top, so it was nice to be on him because he’s so good,” she admitted. “My plan was just to make sure I got everything done. I wanted to make sure the five worked out because it was a little short for everybody else. I was lucky that I got to see everybody else do it because Icarus has such a big stride, but it was nice and easy for us.”

One of Mack-Gorin’s goals for the year is to qualify for the Ariat Adult Medal Finals, but she has been focusing on the bar exam for the past few months, taking the exam on Wednesday in Tampa before arriving in Lexington. “I finished a semester early this year, so I was lucky and I got to ride all winter,” noted the 25-year-old. “I really haven’t ridden since May because I was studying, so hopefully I’ll get to ride some more now that exam is over, and hopefully I’ll be a lawyer in a couple months!”

Earlier in the day, the younger riders had the opportunity to compete in the T.H.I.S. Children’s Medal where the top five riders entered the ring to complete the test. The judges asked the riders to canter from the lineup directly to single vertical, trot a vertical on the quarter line, canter a single vertical, make a right turn through the center of the ring, walk, pick up the left lead, and canter just the out jump of the two-stride before returning to the lineup.

Once again the riders completed the test in reverse order, the first being Avery Hinson of New Albany, OH, and Elaine, owned by SCNC Investments, who earned an original score of 79.5. Unfortunately, they stopped at the trot jump and placed fifth. Addison Piper of Wellington, FL, and Bravour VDL were up next with a score of 80. The pair had a good transition and trot jump to move up to third place.

After earning a first round score of 81, Gina Kumar of Bellevue, WA, and Gavi Di Gavi were ranked third, but they had a swap in front of the first fences, and eventually took home the fourth place ribbon.

Lillian Kirbo and Easy Living
Lillian Kirbo and Easy Living

Lillian Kirbo of Tallahassee, FL, had an original score of 82 with Kelsey Hileman’s Easy Living, just one point behind the leader Helen Voss of Versailles, KY. Kirbo kept an even pace throughout the test and executed each piece flawlessly. Voss and Adonis, owned by Redfield Farm, were next, but they almost canter the trot jump, a slight error that dropped them to second place and gave Kirbo the victory.

“Easy Living was really good and he was really soft during the first round,” said Kirbo. “He was going slow but he still had the pace to get the strides. He was listening to me; you could tell he wanted to do it.”

Kirbo continued, “The test was really good. I wasn’t sure about the trot jump, I was worried he wasn’t going to do it, but he was really good and just softened right up and started trotting. He’s a really good boy!”

Competing in the equitation at the Kentucky Summer Series is always a highlight for Kirbo. “I like just going out there and showing my stuff,” she smiled. “All the turns and everything, it’s really fun. The Kentucky Horse Shows are really pretty and there’s tons of good competition.”

Tomorrow in the Stonelea Arena, the country’s best horse and rider combinations will vie for the top honors during the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Hallway Feeds Hunter Derby Series consists of seven national derbies held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the Series’ final event, three cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the leading riders.

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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Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Taylor Land and Merlin Make Magic in High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Taylor Land and Merlin. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2013 – Taylor Land is only in Kentucky for a few short days, but while here, she is enjoying the beautiful weather and making magic aboard Merlin. Land and Merlin were one of only two duos to go double clear in the Junior/Amateur-Owner High Jumpers before they earned the win today at the Kentucky Summer Classic. In the Junior/Amateur-Owner Medium Jumpers, Jennifer Santana and Horseflight.com Kendall were fast and faultless to win the class in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Course designer Marina Azevedo of Brazil set a course that presented riders with an oxer-vertical double combination, a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination and an open water option.

Land and Merlin were the first pair to go clear over the first round track, and they would prove to be one of only two pairs to do so. Following their initial ride, Land and Merlin immediately advanced to the jump-off and made it through the seven obstacle short course in a clear time of 32.137 seconds.

“Merlin is so fast. You just think about where you want to make turns, and he’s already going. He’s super quick. His turning ability is unbelievable,” mentioned Land.

Land and Merlin’s time would remain untouched, only coming into contest when Chelsea Moss and her own Lorena 90 successfully negotiated the first course. Moss and Lorena 90 began the jump-off round quick and clean, but a slightly slower pace and a rub over a skinny vertical would leave them with four faults and a jump-off time of 35.198 seconds. Their efforts would be good enough for the second place finish, while Eugenio Garza and Providence, owned by El Milagro of Dallas, TX, claimed the third spot with four faults and a time of 77.751 seconds in the opening round. Garza also finished fourth with four faults and a time of 79.294 seconds aboard his second mount, Milagrett, also owned by El Milagro.

Taylor Land’s sister, Frances Land, has seen great success aboard her mount Merlin, but today she turned over the reins to her sister. “Merlin is my sister’s horse, and she’s been riding him for several years. I’m in school at NYU, so I don’t get to ride very often right now. She’s nice enough to let me hop on him once in a while and get my riding fix in,” explained Land. “Merlin is a like an amazing wind-up toy. He’s so wonderful and fun to ride. I literally just got to the show this morning. Usually it would be hard for me to get on another horse and jump around like that, but he is just wonderful and easy.”

Land continued, “I love the atmosphere here. Being in that ring is amazing. I love Lexington, and everyone at this horse show is always so friendly. It’s such a wonderful horse show environment. It’s like a mini-vacation to come and show here,” concluded Land.

Jennifer Santana and Horseflight.com Kendall
Jennifer Santana and Horseflight.com Kendall

In the Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, the first place award went to Jennifer Santana aboard her new mount, Horseflight.com Kendall, or simply “Kendall.” Santana was one of six riders to advance to the jump-off after going clear in the time allowed over the opening 14-obstacle course that again utilized the same oxer-vertical double combination and vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination.

Reid Patton and her own Tissem were the first to go clear and advance to the jump-off. They successfully produced a double clear round, but Sarah Bagworth and her Mount Untouchable quickly surpassed their time of 32.032 seconds. Bagworth, of King City, Ontario, Canada, and Untouchable turned in a double a clear effort in a time of 31.273 seconds, earning them the eventual third place award.

Bagworth and Untouchable rode quickly through the course, taking advantage of some tight turns and making it appear as though their time would be tough to beat. Four trips later however, Spencer Smith and Skara Glen’s Intense, owned by Skara Glen Stables of Pittsburgh, PA, made it to the jump-off and demonstrated that the time was in fact easily attainable. They shaved nearly a second off the time to finish double clear in a time of 30.327 seconds.

Santana immediately followed Smith, turning in a meticulous first round ride and going directly into the jump-off course. She and Kendall blazed through the jump-off timers in 28.732 seconds, a time that would prove untouchable, earning them the first place position and leaving Smith in second.

“Kendall’s a new horse for me,” stated Santana. “She is 7 years old, and she is a dream. This is my second horse show with her. The first one we did was in Venice, and she just arrived in the U.S. My husband [Pablo Santana] picked her out, and she’s just been a dream from the get go. I loved the course today. I thought it was going to be tricky for me just because she has a tremendous stride, even though she’s little, but it really rode well. She waited for me everywhere, and she just gave me the best jumps that I’ve felt with her so far.”

“In the jump-off, I kind of just let her set the pace. I let her tell me how she wanted to go,” explained Santana. “I asked Pablo when I finished, ‘Is my time catchable?’ He said, ‘Always; you never know who is coming behind you,’ but I don’t think I left the door wide open. I felt like she really landed and knew where we needed to be so I didn’t have to create too much. She naturally set my track. Maybe I get in trouble from my coach saying that, but it just seemed organic. It seemed natural.”

The Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers return to Rolex Stadium tomorrow for each of the Low Junior and Amateur-Owner Low Classics, as well as each of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper Classics. The $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, takes center stage later in the evening, getting underway at 7:30pm. The week will conclude with the WIHS/NAL Children and Adult Jumper Classics on Sunday.

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)
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Pablo Barrios Continues to Lead Hagyard Challenge Series Standings

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Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra won Thursday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Photo By: Rebecca Walton.

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2013 – With his second victory in two weeks during the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic this Thursday, Pablo Barrios has taken a strong hold at the top of the leader board for the 2013 Hagyard Challenge Series. Barrios and his talented mare Zara Leandra were the winners of the first class in May, the third class last week, and they bested last night’s four-horse jump-off for another victory.

Richie Moloney maintains the second place position in the standings after placing third aboard Alsvid and sixth with Carrabis Z during last night’s event, as well as multiple placings in the previous grand prixs. Kent Farrington is currently ranked third after winning the Series’ second event in May with Venus.

The Hagyard Challenge Series is a summer-long series of seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the series will receive a $50,000 Leading Rider Award, presented during the Kentucky National Horse Show in September. The fifth event in the series will be held in two weeks on Thursday, August 15, during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“I won the bonus three years ago, and I think it’s a nice opportunity for the riders to compete for more money,” said Barrios, who took home the title in 2010. “It’s a good incentive, and I am definitely trying to win this year.”

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and wellbeing of the horse for more than 130 years.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 133 years and is currently composed of over 60 experienced veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: title sponsor MWI Veterinary Supply, and presenting sponsor Zoetis, as well as Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra HA, Johnson Horse Transport, Hallway Feeds, Kirk Horse Insurance LLC, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.

For more information on the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

To learn more about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please go to www.hagyard.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)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Great German Win at Hickstead, but Dublin Furusiyya Qualifier Will Be Decisive

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(L to R) – Marcus Ehning, Hans-Dieter Dreher, Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Ludger Beerbaum. Photo: FEI/John Stroud.

Hickstead (GBR), 2 August 2013 – Germany won the penultimate leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 series at Hickstead, Great Britain this afternoon.  But it is still uncertain whether the most formidable of Jumping nations will make the cut for the inaugural Final in Barcelona, Spain in September. With just one qualifying leg remaining, in Dublin, Ireland in seven days’ time, it is still very much hanging in the balance.

The German victory today was clear and concise as, not for the first time in his career, anchorman Ludger Beerbaum was surplus to requirements in the second round because his sister-in-law, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, and team-mates Hans-Dieter Dreher and Marcus Ehning had already clinched it.  Finishing on a four-fault score, the winning side had an eight-fault advantage over the French and US teams who shared runner-up spot, while the Irish were only fractionally further adrift in fourth when registering a 13-fault total.

It was a disappointing day for the British who, a year after their spectacular team glory on home turf at the London 2012 Olympic Games, had to settle for fifth place along with Ukraine when both sides racked up 17 faults apiece.  It wasn’t a great day for the Dutch either, who slotted into seventh when putting 20 faults on the board, while Switzerland lined up last of the eight competing nations with 32 faults.

Five double-clears

Winning team-member, Marcus Ehning, described Kelvin Bywater’s course as “not the biggest”, after he produced one of five double-clears on the day from Plot Blue. The other four came from the reigning FEI World Cup Jumping champions, America’s Beezie Madden and Cortes C, Britain‘s Olympic team gold medallist Scott Brash partnering the mare, Ursula, and from two of the Irish team – pathfinder Shane Breen with Cos I Can and anchorman Billy Twomey with Diaghilev.

The White Horse planks that followed the triple bar at fence two hit the floor a number of times as did both elements of the following double.  Bywater included three doubles in his track, with no triple combination.  The double at six also claimed a number of scalps as did the relatively innocuous-looking vertical after that, but it was the run from the open water at fence eight to the big white oxer at fence nine that produced some of the most dramatic moments as riders fought to regain control on the downhill slope between the two obstacles.  A curving line to the notorious Hickstead planks at 10 then led to the final line of an oxer to a double.

Michaels-Beerbaum was the only one of the German foursome to fault first time out when her fabulous 10-year-old mare, Bella Donna, was strong on the run after the open water.  But with clears from the remaining three, the Germans were already in control with the only zero score at the end of the first round.  And even though the Dutch, French and Americans were just a single fence behind, and the Ukrainians were carrying only five faults, it seemed the writing was already on the wall as round two began with the Irish and British each carrying nine faults and the Swiss already lying last with 20.

Irish Rally

The double-clears from Breen and Twomey saw the Irish rally as they only had to add one of the single errors registered by Capt Michael Kelly (Annestown) and Niall Talbot (Nicos de la Cense) second time out.  Meanwhile despite Brash’s foot-perfect performance and a second-round clear for Peter Charles and Murka’s Odie de Frevent, the British crumbled when pathfinders, William Funnell and Billy Congo, had another two fences down and Ben Maher’s Olympic gold medal winning ride, Tripple X showed nothing like his usual form when adding 13 more faults to the eight collected in the first round.  British Chef d’Equipe, Rob Hoekstra, said afterwards that he was disappointed in the performances of both horses, “and when two of your four are below par you just don’t stand a chance,” he pointed out.  Meanwhile the Ukrainian team added 12 more faults to also lose their grip, the Americans and French added eight each and the Dutch racked up 16 faults to completely disappear from the reckoning.

All this just widened the gap between the Germans and the rest, Dreher’s single mistake at the first element of the double at four having little influence after two classic exhibitions from Ehning and Michaels-Beerbaum.  The Germans cruised home to clinch the Edward Prince of Wales trophy for the 13th time in the history of the British Nations Cup.

Fantastic Job

At the post-competition press conference, Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker said, “My team did a fantastic job today but I’m still not so happy after St Gallen.”  The German team withdrew from the third leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 1 series due to the extremely wet weather conditions at the Swiss fixture and lost out on the opportunity to pick up points there.  Each nation had pre-selected four of the eight legs for points-gathering purposes.  Today it was France, Germany, Great Britain and Ukraine who were all vying for points.

The Germans returned to the fray with a win in Rotterdam (NED) followed by a third-place finish on home soil at Aachen, but today’s competition provided their final points-gaining opportunity and now they go to Dublin next week with only one purpose – to prevent some of the other nations from qualifying for the Final by placing as prominently as they can in the battle for the Aga Khan Cup, thereby clinching one of the six available places themselves.  Teams can only earn the points relevant to their finishing place on any given day.  And with Ehning and Michaels-Beerbaum joined by Rolf Moormann, Janne-Friederike Meyer and Patrick Stuhlmeyer, it’s going to be “Germany versus everyone else” at Dublin next week in one last thrilling clash.  The four teams fighting for points at the Irish fixture will be Great Britain, Spain, Ukraine and the host nation.

13th Victory

This was Germany’s 13th victory in the 84-year history of the Edward Prince of Wales trophy for the Nations Cup of Great Britain.  But it was Hickstead-based Irishman, Shane Breen, who earned the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award which was decided by London 2012 Olympic Games course designer Bob Ellis.

Breen was happy with Ireland’s fourth-place finish.  “It’s been a great day and we are delighted,” he said.  “It’s been a great competition and Germany were worthy winners – they were very good and very strong on the day.  The conditions were super and the course was very well built,” he pointed out.  Looking ahead, he said, “I’m very much looking forward to Dublin next week now.  I hopefully have Balloon to ride in the Nations Cup, and Dublin counts as points for us – so a bit of added pressure!”

With the last points on offer, and a mighty German team determined to limit the number available to the other sides, it’s still all to play for in this one last leg.  Ludger Beerbaum said today that his country has “a small chance” of making it to Barcelona – “maybe a five percent chance,” he said.  But Team Germany in determined mood is a formidable force at any time.  And they are not going to give up without a fight.

For further information on the 17th leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Hickstead (GBR), go to website www.hickstead.co.uk or contact Press Officer Victoria Spicer, Email press@hickstead.co.uk, Tel: +44 1273 834 175.

The next and last leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 series takes place on Friday, 9 August in Dublin, Ireland.  For information on the Irish fixture, check out website www.dublinhorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Niamh Kelly, Tel + 353 86 3828531, Email niamh@rds.ie.

Detailed result here.

Facts and Figures:

Hickstead in Great Britain presented round 17 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series and the seventh leg of Europe Division 1.

Just one further leg of Europe Division 1 remains.  It will take place in Dublin (IRL) on Friday 9 August.

4 of the 8 competing nations were battling for qualifying points towards the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 Final which will take place at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain 26-29 September.

The 4 nations were France, Germany, Great Britain and Ukraine.

6 nations will qualify for the Final from Europe Division 1.

The USA fielded teams today in two different divisions of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.  Richard Spooner (Cristallo), Reed Kessler (Cyland), McLain Ward (Rothchild) and reigning FEI World Cup champion Beezie Madden (Cortes C) lined out in European Division 1 at Hickstead while Catherine Pasmore (Bonanza Van Pamsel), Quentin Judge (HH Dark de la Hart), Megan Nusz (Dynamo) and Kirsten Coe (Calypso) lined out in the European Division 2 leg in Bratislava, Slovakia.

The US team won at Bratislava.

Course designer in Hickstead today was Great Britain’s Kelvin Bywater.

The youngest horse in today’s competition was the 9-year-old LB Eagle Eye competed by Christina Liebherr for Switzerland.

The oldest was the 16-year-old Plot Blue ridden by Germany’s Marcus Ehning.

Plot Blue produced one of five double-clear rounds.  The other four came from Ireland’s Billy Twomey (Diaghilev) and Shane Breen (Cos I Can), Great Britain’s Scott Brash (Ursula) and America’s Beezie Madden (Cortes C).

Quotes:

Marcus Ehning (GER) – “It feels very good.  I was first to go in our team and went double-clear and couldn’t have gone any better.  I really look forward to Dublin, especially as my horse went so well today.”

William Funnell (GBR) – “Obviously on our home one we would to be very disappointed really. For myself, I was hoping to come and jump two clears and it didn’t happen. My horse didn’t jump badly but it didn’t happen – it’s always nice to win at home. Hopefully we’ve got a good team for Dublin – Nick Skelton will be back in action next week, plus Scott Brash, Ben Maher and Robert Smith so we’ve got a good solid team there – with a bit of luck things will go in the right order and it’s all to play for!”

Beezie Madden (USA) – “My horse felt fantastic. He loves the field and pretty much jumped ‘rub-free’ both rounds. It looked like we were right in the hunt in the first round and then wasn’t looking great in the second, but we finished on a strong note and it’s fantastic to finish in second place in the end.  We qualified in our own League (North American, Central American and Carribbean League) so off to Dublin, where Cortes will do the Nations Cup and we have pretty much the same team as today with Kent Farrington taking the place of Richard Spooner.”

Standings:

The full standings for Europe Division 1 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series after 7 legs can be found at this link.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series check out this link.

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Hickstead:

Victoria Spicer
Email: press@hickstead.co.uk
+44 1273 834 175

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

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

Tim Welland
tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7787 780 036

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

United States Jumps to Top Finishes in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Competitions

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The Winning U.S. Team (Alex Warriner/USEF Archive)

Lexington, KY – The U.S. jumpers showed their depth Friday as they earned top results in two hard-fought Furusiyya FEI Nations Cups. A team of rising stars headed to Bratislava, Slovakia and produced spectacular rounds to earn an American victory at CSIO3* Bratislava’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, while a team of Nations Cup veterans jumped at the CSIO5* Hickstead, earning a second place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain presented by Longines.

CSIO3* Bratislava

The U.S. team of Catherine Pasmore, Quentin Judge, Megan Nusz, and Kirsten Coe, led by Chef d’Equipe Kent Farrington, headed into Bratislava’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup with their sights firmly set on a podium finish. Over two rounds of jumping a testing track designed by Edward Petrovic, the talented squad proved unbeatable to finish on a total of four faults and earn victory over 12 other nations.

Pasmore (Wellington, FL) rode Pasmore Stables, LLC’s 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Bonanza Van Paemel in the lead-off position for the U.S. producing a faultless effort in the first round and setting the tone for the afternoon. Judge (Wellington, FL) was next up for the U.S. and utilized his experience gained from jumping at many of North America’s most prestigious competitions to jump a clear round of his own with HH Dark de la Hart. Jumping in her first Nations Cup, Nusz (The Woodlands, TX) produced the third consecutive fault-free trip of the first round for the U.S. with the talented Amalaya Investments’ Dynamo. Coe (Royal Palm Beach, FL) rode in the anchor position with Ilan Ferder’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Calypso, collecting five faults in the first round.

At the conclusion of round one the United States stood atop the leaderboard and headed into the afternoon’s second round on a score of zero.

In round two, the U.S. combinations continued to jump superbly to clinch their first place finish. Pasmore returned to produce her second clear round of the day, to be one of six to jump double clear. Judge and Double H Farm’s 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion looked to add their names to the double clear list but a single mistake left them on a score of four faults. Nusz again displayed impressive form in Bratislava, as she jumped her second clear of the day with the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Dynamo.

Nusz’s clear effort in round two meant the U.S. could not be beaten and therefore Coe did not need to return to complete a second trip. The U.S. won on a total of four faults.

Finishing in second place behind the U.S. was Brazil on a score of eight faults and Finland collected third place with a total of 12 faults.

To learn more about the CSIO3* Bratislava, visit: http://www.csio.sk/2011/index.php.

CSIO5* Hickstead

The United States sent a formidable team into Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain presented by Longines to jump two rounds of Kelvin Bywater’s difficult course. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, Richard Spooner, Reed Kessler, McLain Ward, and Beezie Madden used their experience to propel the U.S. to an equal second place finish on a score of 12 faults.

Spooner (Agua Dulce, CA) served as the pathfinder over Bywater’s course with his veteran Cristallo. Show Jumping Syndications International’s 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding proved to be strong throughout the course, producing a 16 fault effort in the first round. Kessler (Lexington, KY) rode in the second spot for the U.S., producing an immaculate clear round on her Olympic partner Cylana. Next up for the U.S. was Ward (Brewster, NY) and Sagamore Farms’ 12-year-old Warmblood gelding Rothchild; the pair lowered a single rail, the plank at fence three, for a four fault total in round one. Madden (Cazenovia, NY) entered Hickstead’s International Arena needing to produce a clear with Cortes ‘C’ to keep the U.S. in contention heading into round two. As she has done on numerous occasions, Madden delivered when the pressure was on, guiding Abigail Wexner’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding to a faultless round.

The U.S. headed into Hickstead’s second round in three-way tie for second place on a score of four.

In round two, Spooner and Cristallo produced an improved effort but still finished with a score of eight after lowering two rails on the second half of the course. Kessler and the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Cylana repeated Spooner’s effort and also jumped an eight fault round. Returning for a second time, Ward used all of his expertise to produce a faultless effort to keep the pressure on the other nations. Madden replicated her immaculate first round performance, producing a second clear effort of the day to be one of five riders to produce a double clear.

Germany earned top honors in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain presented by Longines finishing on a two round total of four faults. France also finished on a 12 fault total to tie with the U.S. for second place.

To learn more about CSIO5* Hickstead, click here.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Jumping Team here.

By Helen Murray

Competitions, Dressage

Game On: Piaffe Performance Locks Down Final Wins before Young Horse Championships

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Katie Riley and Zanzibar. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Whitehouse Station, NJ (July 31, 2013) – “Fiderhit is amazing to watch develop. She has tremendous gaits and elasticity and has improved greatly in her confidence in the ring,” said Katie Riley, referring to Piaffe Performance’s rising young talent, the striking Fiderhit OLD (Fidertanz x Sandro Hit), owned by Michael and Sarah Davis.

Ridden by Nadine Buberl in the First Level Test 1 at USEF/USDF-recognized Dressage at the Ranch, June 15-16 at Hawk Hollow Ranch, Bedminster, NJ, the five year-old Oldenburg mare won her class and delivered the show’s high score:  82.759%.

“In her mare performance test in Germany, she received a nine in rideability,” Riley said.  “She is all-around ‘wow factor.’  She is beautiful, has spectacular gaits and fantastic rideability.”

“Competing at Dressage at the Ranch was part of the plan that we have, leading up to the Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships,” explained Parra , who knows, when it comes to the most important event of the year for young dressage prospects, timing is everything.  “We want her to be at her very best there.”

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, August 22-25, at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Chicago, IL, showcases those equine athletes whose outstanding talent and training make them prime candidates for future careers at the FEI level and for participation on US High Performance teams.

The Piaffe Performance team is also excited about Katie Riley’s prospects in Chicago at the Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Championships, where she plans to ride her own Dutch Warmblood gelding, Zanzibar (Consul x Farmer), in the Developing Horse Grand Prix Division.  At the Centerline Events show in Saugerties, NY, in June, they were off to a strong start, with Zanzibar winning (67%) his Developing GP test.

“I’ve always had the feeling that he was a future Grand Prix horse,” she said. “He has always had a desire to work and is so clever and eager.  Last year I showed him at Fourth Level, including placing second at Devon. He also won a few national tests at Prix St. Georges with Cesar so Cesar and I were trying to decide at the beginning of the year whether to move to small tour CDIs or give the Developing Grand Prix at try.

“We tried Intermediaire II for the first time in March and although there were mistakes he felt like happy doing the work, so we made the plan to qualify for Chicago. He is developing very well and improving immensely from show to show.  The Developing Horse Program is terrific; it gives horses like him a place in the ring and a chance to get comfortable at that level.”

The Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships are for seven- to nine-year-old horses competing at the FEI PSG level, and for eight- to 10-year-old horses competing at Grand Prix level.

Follow the progress of Piaffe Performance’s rising stars and meet more of its sale and dressage prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Judges Named for 2013 Southeast Medal Finals

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Jacksonville, FL – August 1, 2013 – Southeast Medal Finals management is pleased to announce the judging panel for this year’s show, to be held September 19-22, 2013 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The 2013 judges will include Linda Andrisani, Molly Flaherty, Tony Sgarlata and Jennifer Drahan.

Andrisani has previously judged seven of the eight ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals, missing only Region 3 – the Southeast Region. So this year’s she thrilled to be able judge the Maclay Regional Finals at the Southeast Medal Finals.

“I have always really enjoyed being part of the Maclay Regionals. I have done all of the regionals in my judging career, but this one. This is the only one that was missing, so I’m really looking forward to it,” shared Andrisani. “It’s also a very new show and event being put on there, so it’s exciting to be a part of something new and up and coming.”

Andrisani brings to the Southeast Medal Finals over 25 years of hunter seat equitation judging experience, having made her mark as one of the most well-respected judges in the country judging at such show as the Hampton Classic and countless others. In addition to her time on the judge’s stand, Andrisani ran her own successful horse-show operation until 2006, during which time her students and horses racked up numerous accolades across the country. Andrisani also produced the popular DVD The Judge’s Eye.

Flaherty also adds years of judging, riding and coaching experience to this year’s judges line-up. Since 1987, Flaherty has co-owned and trained out of Arcadia Farm in Westchester County, NY, training riders to top awards up and down the east coast, earning accolades at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the Alltech National Horse Show.

“Being involved with medal finals such as this one you get to see some of the area’s best equitation riders,” said Flaherty. “I’m really looking forward to judging this group and being a part of such an exciting new event.”

A fellow New York based trainer and judge, Sgarlata joins this year’s impressive South East Medal Finals judging panel. Sgarlata has been showing and training hunters and jumpers for over 25 years, and he currently operates Tony Sgarlata Sales. As a USEF ‘R’ registered judge, Sgarlata has judged across the country in all aspects of the hunter and equitation rings including the International Hunter Futurity, numerous World Champion Hunter Rider events and several USHJA hunter derbies. Sgarlata also writes a monthly column titled Ask the Judge for Horse Bits Magazine.

“I was there last year for the first Southeast Medal Finals, and you get to see some of the best riders in the country,” Sgarlata said. “I was certainly impressed with the quality of the riders and trainers that are there, so I am really looking forward to judging this year.”

The judges will preside over the numerous feature classes held at the 2013 Southeast Medal Finals, including the Phelps Media Group Southeast Junior Medal Final, ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals, the $7,500 Children’s/Adult Southeast Championship, which is open to all riders, the Southeast Adult Medal Finals and more.

Joining the panel specifically for the Southeast Junior Medal Final and the Southeast Adult Medal Final is judge Jennifer Drahan. Drahan hails from Wellington, FL with an extensive background in the hunter/jumper industry. Modeled after the New England Medal Finals, the four judges on the panel will score the classes using open numerical scoring, allowing for particularly fair and subjective scoring of these headlining hunter seat equitation classes.

“When James (Lala) and I were at Ox Ridge, the New England Medal Finals was one of our favorite shows,” said Drahan. “This show has brought so much to the Southeast as a venue for up-and-coming equitation riders. As a judge, it is always exciting to see new talent. I strongly believe in equitation as the basis for all good riding. That is something that we offer in our country that is not offered in other countries.”

In the jumper ring, highlights include the $5,000 Welcome Stake on Thursday and the $25,000 Land Rover of Jacksonville Grand Prix, held Friday night to allow trainers and riders to focus on the equitation classes on Saturday and Sunday.

The Southeast Medal Finals is held at one of the premier equestrian facilities on the east coast, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, which is centrally located. The 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.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com