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Championships, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Peters Steals the Limelight as Brilliant British Take Four-Time Gold

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(L to R) silver medallist Semmieke Rothenberger (GER), gold medallist Phoebe Peters (GBR) and bronze medallist Lisanne Zoutendijk (NED). Photo: FEI/Helen Revington.

Team Double for Germany While Ireland Clinches Individual Jumping Title

Lausanne (SUI), 29 July 2013 – British riders dominated the podium at the FEI European Pony Championships 2013 in Arezzo, Italy where Phoebe Peters created a sensation when storming to victory in both Individual and Freestyle Dressage, and Yasmin Ingham secured double-gold in Eventing.  Germany topped the team events in Dressage and Jumping, while Susan Fitzpatrick clinched the Individual Jumping title for Ireland.

A total of 159 competitors from 17 nations lined out, and the flags of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland adorned the showgrounds.  Temperatures soared throughout the week, but ponies and riders coped admirably under the Tuscan sun.

Arezzo Equestrian Centre has long been a favourite with senior jumping riders throughout the spring season as horses are prepared for their tough summer schedule during the hugely popular Toscana tournament.  In a literally ground-breaking move, however, the venue expanded its potential with the creation of a brand new cross-country course for this year’s European Pony fixture.  Designed by Italy’s Francesco Finocchiaro the 24-fence track stretched into the surrounding countryside before returning to a dramatic finish within the famous Boccaccio arena. Italy’s Pier Francesco Bazzocchi designed the tracks for the Jumping Championships, and the quality of competition in all three disciplines was nothing short of spectacular.

Dressage

Germany took the team title for the 23rd time in the 27-year history of the Dressage Championships which were first staged at San Remo, Italy in 1986.  The Netherlands claimed silver medal spot and the British stood on the third step of the podium. Britain’s Peters gave warning of what was to come when producing the highest score of the entire competition with SL Lucci who achieved a mark of 77.795.

Germany already held the lead at the halfway stage thanks to excellent rides for Nadine Krauss (Danilo) who scored 75.692 and Sophie Kampmann (Voyager) who earned a mark of 75.513 on the first day. And although Semmieke Rothenberger and the great Deinhard B didn’t show their usual brilliance when scoring 71.846 the following morning, the German side still had the gold in their grasp before last-line rider, Hannah Cichos, extended their margin of advantage over their Dutch rivals with 74.590 from Equestricons Lord Champion.

The German total came to 225.795, with the Dutch combined score 221.513 while the British posted 219.667. Fourth place went to Denmark (212.33) with France in fifth (204.000) and Belgium in sixth place (203.700).  A total of 13 teams competed, with the British returning to the medal podium for the first time in six years.

After the team medal ceremony, Ground Jury member, Freddy Leyman from Belgium, couldn’t disguise his delight with the level of sport.  “We are seeing all of the riders producing very high-quality performances.  The standard just gets better and better every year and there are so many top combinations.  It’s different for the judges than it was five years ago.  Now it is a bigger challenge for us because the difference between the riders is in every little detail,” he said.  And there was a great deal more excitement to come.

Peters sensationally clinched Individual gold two days later. She threw down the gauntlet with another fabulous test that oozed confidence, grace, lightness and accuracy for a score of 79.049. Four of the five judges put her in first place with a winning margin of just over half a percentage point ahead of Rothenberger in silver with 78.463, while The Netherlands‘ Lisanne Zoutendijk continued to impress when clinching bronze with Champ of Class scoring 77.317.

British Chef d’Equipe, Liz Mills, said, “We were all hoping for good things here because they (Peters and SL Lucci) have been so very, very consistent.  They won at Saumur and Compiegne – and at Vidauban they won six tests.  In total they have won 11 out of 15 competitions in the last while.  They are a fantastic partnership!” she pointed out.

Peters has been riding SL Lucci for two years and was on last year’s British team at the European Championships in Fontainebleau.  Under the tutelage of Peter Storr, her partnership with her gelding has gone from strength to strength.  When asked how she felt about her incredible victory, the 14-year-old rider said modestly, “I’m really pleased.  Every time I ask, Lucci gives me 110 percent, and he tries so hard for me.”  She was particularly pleased with “the simple changes; he’s very strong at that, and today they pulled the score up again.”  She says she is inspired by her trainer and by the stunning Olympic performances of the British senior team.  “Charlotte (Dujardin) and Carl (Hester) have paved the way for us all now!” she pointed out.

While she was waiting to go into the medal ceremony, her pony was standing sleepily, probably wondering if there might be a few extra carrots in his feed that night.  “He’s always like this,” Peters said, “but when he goes into the arena he really lights up, that’s one of the great things about him.  He’s the best, he amazes me, and there were things I could have done much better today so we can do even better again!” she added.

And she was right about that too.  When it came to the Freestyle the pair was in a class of their own, placing particular emphasis on their exceptional symmetry in canter-work.  The entire test had a sense of calm cooperation, and as they marched up the centre line it was clear they were about to create another sensation.  The spectators gasped when a score of 84.000 went up on the scoreboard – that was always going to be near-impossible to beat.

And so it proved.  With just four left to go, Germany’s Sophie Kampmann and Voyager earned a mark of 77.875 before Zoutendijk and Champ of Class took their turn.  And, as Dutch Chef d’Equipe Tineke Bartels commented afterwards, “Champ of Class was even more fit than yesterday.  His test was more fresh and he rode more uphill, and his attitude was very nice.”  The Dutch partnership was rewarded with a great mark of 80.775 for silver medal spot while Germany’s Rothenberger and Deinhard B posted 80.625 for bronze medal position.  Peters’ double gold was all the more remarkable for the fact that British riders had never previously taken any individual medal at the FEI European Pony Championships.

Ground Jury member, Susanne Baarup from Denmark, said the judges were all in agreement about the top three riders, and echoed the sentiments of so many of those who witnessed this amazing week of pony dressage. “The standard is getting so high, we just don’t know where it will end!” she said.

Jumping

In a spectacular battle that went right down to the wire, Germany emerged to claim the Jumping Team title ahead of Great Britain in silver and Ireland in bronze medal position.  At the halfway stage it seemed the defending champions from Britain had it all sewn up with the only zero score, but France, Ireland and Germany were all lying just a fence behind and, in the end, three second-round clears from Germany sealed it.

The French lost out in dramatic style when last-line rider, Megane Moissonnier’s stallion Jimmerdor de Florys, stopped twice for a heart-breaking elimination that opened the door for the Irish.  This was the sixth time for Germany to take Team Jumping gold.  Their last victory was at Bishop Burton in Great Britain in 2010 and their first was back in 1989 at Millstreet in Ireland where Marcus Ehning, now one of the most famous names in the sport, was a member of the winning side.

The British began to look vulnerable when pathfinders Amy Inglis and Lea du Genier hit the middle of the triple combination at fence eight, but Emily Ward steadied the ship when following with a concentrated clear from King Mac.  However when Faye Adams’ chestnut mare, the 14-year-old Some Like It Hot, put a foot in the water, the picture began to change again.  By then the Irish looked well out of it following a double-error from opener Tim McDonagh with Imagine If One and four faults apiece for Matt Garrigan (Future Interest) and Killian Norris (Javes Alun).

In contrast, only the opening German partnership of Philipp Schulze Tophoff (Mentos Junior 2) made a second-round error while team-mates Enno Klaphake (Pepper Ann), Justin Tebbel (Okehurst Little Bow Wow) and Lara Volmer (Carrick 13) jumped superb clear rounds to pile the pressure on the French and British in the battle for the gold.  Tressy Muhr had opened the French second-round effort with three fences down with Qredo des Islots, but Jean Zhemal (Nymphe du Sud) and Ninon Castex (Quabar des Monceaux) were foot-perfect so, if Moissonnier could follow suit, then they would be on level-pegging with the Germans and perhaps the British.  But there was a groan of horror when the French rider’s pony decided he had enough, first stopping at the vertical at fence three and then again at the oxer at fence five, to bring their day to an end.  France would now have to count those 12 faults from Muhr, and suddenly the Irish were back in the game because their final partnership of Susan Fitzpatrick and Rock Dee Jay produced a brilliant clear to leave them on a total of 12.

It was now all up to 2012 Individual Champion, Mille Allen from Great Britain.  If she could return without penalty then one of the two four-faults on her team’s score-sheet could be dropped and they would go into a jump-off for gold against Germany.  But, as Chef d’Equipe Katrina Moore said afterwards, ”The water played a big part in the British result,” and it wasn’t a good one as the judge’s flag was raised yet again.

There were a lot of wet Germans in the aftermath, Chef d’Equipe Peter Teeuwen first to be unceremoniously deposited in the lake in the Baccocchi Arena before his riders joined him.  They all arrived into the post-competition press conference looking a little less than pristine but with big smiles on their faces. “I’m very proud of my riders and my ponies,” the winning team manager said.  “We didn’t start so well in the first round but in the afternoon we were better and we really fought for the gold.”  British Chef d’Equipe, Katrina Moore, said, “We always knew the Germans would be hard to beat so we were not surprised by how strong they were.” Looking forward, she added, “Now we have four riders in the top 12 going into the Individual Final and we are very hopeful about that.”

And what a thriller the Individual final was, with Ireland’s Susan Fitzpatrick emerging to take the gold and a five-way jump-off for silver and bronze. Denmark’s Jessica Toelstang held the lead going into the final day with a zero score followed by Ninon Castex from France (Quaber des Monceaux) carrying just a single penalty, while the eventual gold and silver medallists were amongst the group of eight pony-and-rider combinations who had four penalty points each at this stage.  Castex took over the lead when clear in the opening round while Toelstang left a pole on the floor and so was sharing silver medal spot with Fitzpatrick and Allen as round two began, and another five riders were now tied for bronze on eight faults.

It was Fitzpatrick’s double-clear that clinched it for the 14-year-old from Country Kilkenny.  Allen hit the oxer at fence four second time out, while there was a gasp when Toelstang and her 16-year-old mare lowered the second fence moving both of these riders onto an eight-fault tally.  And there was heart-break for Castex who had already left a fence on the floor before her stallion got into a muddle in the triple combination and stopped at the last element.  She circled and finished, but with nine faults on the board all her dreams of Championship glory had slipped away.

With the Irish girl now confirmed in gold medal spot, the five-way jump-off for the remaining medals began with a four-fault round from German team gold medallist Lars Volmer and his fabulous grey stallion Carrick 13.  There were three of the British silver medal winning team still in contention, and Amy Inglis was first of these to go against the clock, but the middle part of the double fell for four faults.  Team-mate Emily Ward was next in with King Mac and produced the first clear in 33.52, but Allen and Song Girl shaved just under a second off that with a superb run in 32.91 that clinched silver while Toelstang and her mare, Nikolina, breezed home in 33.28 for the bronze.

Fitzpatrick, only the fifth Irish rider to take the coveted Individual Jumping title, thanked her trainer, Denis Flannelly, and all her back-up team.  She admitted she had gold in her sights coming to these championships with the 11-year-old gelding son of Arko lll, Rock Dee Jay, who twice earned team silver for Ireland with Max O’Reilly-Hyland in the saddle.  “I did hope for gold, but it’s hard to believe I actually got it!” the Irish girl said afterwards.

Eventing

In bronze medal position going into the final jumping phase of the Eventing Championship, all four British team members went clear to finish on their dressage scores and snatch victory from the French who had to settle for silver, while the defending champions from Ireland rose from fourth place to clinch the bronze.

Yasmin Ingham was crowned Individual champion when, lying third going into the final day, the two riders ahead of her both faltered.  The Italian team slipped from the reckoning when two of their riders collected penalties, and eight faults proved particularly costly for Matteo Guidici (Mon Nantano de Florys) who dropped from silver medal position to finish ninth individually for the host nation.  It was also a desperately frustrating day for Victor Levecque from France whose stunning dressage and cross-country performances seemed to have set him up for the individual title, only to be denied by a stop and a fence down on the final afternoon.  However the strength of the lead he had established in the Dressage arena was underpinned by the fact that he was still able to finish in individual bronze medal spot.  Meanwhile a clear with Perle de Boisdelanouse clinched individual silver for his team-mate Marine Bolleret who was hovering just outside the medal zone in fourth as the final phase began.

On cross-country day, all four of the leading nations maintained their Dressage positions.  The French had just a 1.70 point advantage over Italy in second place with Great Britain just over four points further adrift being closely stalked by the Irish.  The Germans were lying fifth as the day began, but their chances were dashed when Anna Kamieth retired with Mr Harvey after a stop at the third element of the Roller Coaster combination at fence 11 and Julian Wipperman was eliminated for a fall from Chessy at the Steeplechase fence at eight.

The Roller Coaster, which followed the Water Splash at 10, produced some interesting moments as the slope on the landing side of the first element seemed to take some ponies by surprise, and the nearby Hill and Boat water complex also proved influential, with refusals for three different riders at the first element.  However it was the brush corner at 20, located in the Boccacci Arena and jumped on a bending line following the previous drop into water, that racked up the most penalties. From the starting field of 49, there were seven cross-country eliminations while a total of 41 completed, and 27 added nothing to their Dressage scores.

Just 1.80 faults separated the top two teams in the final analysis, while the Irish finished six points further adrift.  Ingham (Craig Mor Tom), Rose Nesbitt (Carrowmore Gemstone), Libby Seed (Mr Vick) and Charlotte Bacon (Three Wells Breeze) completed with a tally of 142.20 to take gold for Britain, while the French side of Bolleret and Levecque along with Yfke Bourget (Daijpour) and Marie Gagneux (Plume de Virey) posted 144.00 for silver.  Ireland’s Shannon Nelson (Millridge Buachaill Bui), Lucy Latta (Nono), Donnacha O’Brian (Ice Cool Bailey) and Nessa Briody (Rathnaleen Dark Secret) registered 150.90 to push the host nation off the medal podium by a margin of just 2.80 penalty points.  The relieved Irish Chef d’Equipe, Sue Shortt, said she was glad that her side had not lost out on the medals by such a narrow margin.  “I couldn’t have faced going home if we had been beaten by 0.7 percent!” she pointed out.  Ireland’s Nelson finished individually fourth.

British Chef d’Equipe Sarah Hancox said, “We brought a very talented squad of six girls who have bonded into a great team.  They all achieved personal bests in dressage and they all finished on their dressage scores”.  French Chef d’Equipe, Emmanuel Quittet, held a protective arm around Levecque during the final post-competition press conference.  “I’m feeling very sad for him,” Quittet said, “but I’m happy for the result in the end.”

Italy’s Katherine Lucheschi, a member of the Ground Jury for Eventing, praised the organisation of the entire FEI European Pony Championship fixture at Arezzo, and the flexibility and ingenuity shown by the team who made it all happen.  “When we came here on Tuesday we were amazed by the wonderful facilities.  They had never held a three-day-event here in Arezzo, but Francesco Finocchiaro and his assistant Gianni Gusci Renzetti have done an amazing job building the cross-country course from scratch, and the whole week has been a wonderful experience and a great success.”

Results:

FEI European Pony Team Dressage Championship:  GOLD – Germany 225.795: Danilo (Nadine Krauss) 75.692, Voyager (Sohie Kampmann) 75.513, Deinhard B (Semmieke Rothenberger) 71.846, Equestricons Lord Champion (Hannah Cichos) 74.590; SILVER – Netherlands 221.513: Hassendonck S Sultan (Joelie Peters) 71.487, Champ of Class (Lisanne Zoutendijk) 75.821, Kingsley Ciske (Demy Kurstjens) 71.974, Dr Watson (Febe van Zwambagt) 73.718; BRONZE – Great Britain 219.667: Valido’s Sunshine (Rebecca Bell) 66.128, Holsteins Derwisch (Rose Hugh-Smith) 67.795, Dynasty (Erin Williams) 74.077, SL Lucci (Phoebe Peters) 77.795.

FEI European Pony Individual Dressage Championship:  GOLD – SL Lucci (Phoebe Peters) GBR 79.049; SILVER – Deinhard B (Semmieke Rothenberger) GER 78.463; BRONZE – Champ of Class (Lisanne Zoutendijk) NED 77.317.

FEI European Pony Freestyle Championship:  GOLD – SL Lucci (Phoebe Peters) GBR 84.000; SILVER – Champ of Class (Lisanne Zoutendijk) NED 80.778; BRONZE – Deinhard B (Semmieke Rothenberger) GER 80.625.

FEI European Pony Team Jumping Championship:  GOLD – Germany 4 faults: Mentos Junior (Philipp Schulze Topphoff) 8/4, Pepper Ann (Enno Klaphake) 0/0, Okehurst Little Bow Wow (Justine Tebbel) 4/0, Carrick 13 (Lars Volmer) 0/0; SILVER – Great Britain 8 faults: Lea du Genier (Amy Inglis) 0/4, King Mac (Emily Ward) 4/0, Some Like it Hot (Faye Adams) 0/4, Song Girl (Millie Allen) 0/4; BRONZE – Ireland 12 faults: Imagine If One (Tim MacDonagh) 0/8, Future Interest (Matt Garrigan) 4/4, Javas Alun (Killian Norris) 0/4, Rock Dee Jay (Susan Fitzpatrick) 4/0.

FEI European Pony Individual Jumping Championship:  GOLD – Rock Dee Jay (Susan Fitzpatrick) IRL 4; SILVER – Song Girl (Millie Allen) GBR 8/0 32.91; BRONZE – Nikolina (Jessica Toelstang) DEN 8/0 33.28.

FEI European Pony Eventing Team Championship:  GOLD – Great Britain 142.20: Craig Mor Tom (Yasmin Ingham) 44, Carrowmore Gemstone (Rose Nesbitt) 48.00, Mr Vick (Libby Seed) 49.20, Three Wells Breeze (Charlotte Bacon) 60.80; SILVER – France 144.00: Perle du Boisdelanoue (Marine Bolleret) 45.20, Qualitat des Bourdons (Victor Levecque) 45.70, Djaipour (Yfke Bourget) 53.10, Plume de Virey (Marie Gagneux) 73.00; BRONZE – Ireland 150.90: Millridge Buachaill Bui (Shannon Nelson) 47.30, Nono (Lucy Latta) 47.50, Ice Cool Bailey (Donnacha O’Brian) 56.10, Rathnaleen Dark Secret (Nessa Briody) 77.80.

FEI European Pony Eventing Individual Championship:  GOLD – Craig Mor Tom (Yasmin Ingham) GBR 44.00; SILVER – Perle du Boisdelanoue (Marine Bolleret) FRA 45.20; BRONZE – Qualitat des Bourdons (Victor Levecque) FRA 45.70.

By Louise Parkes

Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, FEI

UAE Takes Individual Honours, and France Reigns Supreme in Teams on Home Soil

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The French en route to team victory at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors 2013 on home soil in Tarbes (FRA) (Photo: Barbara Miller/FEI).

Tarbes (FRA), 29 July 2013 – Host nation France stormed to team gold at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors 2013 in Tarbes at the weekend (27 July), with 14-year-old Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (UAE) and Niac Armor clinching the individual title.

Riders, horses and crews from 28 nations were tested in hot and humid conditions at the venue in the foothills of the Pyrenees, close to the world-famous pilgrimage site of Lourdes, where July temperatures are usually a moderate 24ºC. On the day of this year’s Championships, they peaked at 34ºC – just four degrees below the highest recorded temperature in Tarbes, but thanks to good horse management and sensible riding there was close to a 60% completion rate.

Combinations from all continents

With each continent of the world represented in the quality field, there was no knowing who would finally clinch the sought after podium positions, when the 86 combinations crossed the start line at 6.30 on Saturday morning.

The track was made up of four loops with a wide variety of terrain and many challenges, all made even tougher by the soaring temperatures and humidity. On the 36.6 kilometre first loop, riders took advantage of the rolling track and cooler conditions to cover it at a good speed. Less than 3.5 minutes separated the top 30 horses at Vet Gate 1, with all athletes arriving within 30 minutes of the leaders.

The UAE made their intentions for the day clear with their five riders in the top six, and the UAE’s Khalifa Ali Khalfan al Jahouri headed into the second 30.5km loop in the lead having covered the initial stage at 19.58kph. But with a much tougher stage ahead of him, it remained to be seen if he could hold onto the advantage.

As the temperatures continued to rise, and on a hilly, stony track, 11 combinations failed to qualify for the third stage. The UAE continued to dominate, looking equally strong in the team competition, but with a number of other nations hot on their heels the competition was far from over.

Loop 3 was considered the toughest of the day, measuring 32.1km, and in soaring temperatures (34ºC) and high humidity. The arrival into Vet Gate 3 saw a change in the leader. Quick presentation times were so influential throughout the day, and a speedy time here ensured that the sole Australian representatives, Erin Krahnen and Emily Jones TE, were first out on to the last loop, if only by a couple of seconds. The experienced 10-year-old grey mare, inched into the lead with just 21.1km to go on the final loop. Emily Jones TE is more often seen competing with Alexandra Toft (AUS) and the pair successfully completed last year’s Senior World Championships in Euston Park (GBR). Unfortunately for Toft, she had to withdraw her own mount from this year’s Championships prior to the event due to lameness and could only watch from the sidelines as her compatriot left on the final stage to battle for gold.

Final loop decider

The final loop was certainly competitive, with a front group of UAE horses setting a cracking pace. At this stage they still held top position in the team competition and, it seemed, were in line to take the individual honours too. Their dream however was not to be, however, when only one combination of the leading group passed the final vetting. Al Jahouri (UAE), who had been in the front running with Niac Armor from the very beginning, clinched the title, following in the footsteps of his father, Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (UAE), who took victory in the Open European Championships in Florac (FRA) in 2011. It must have felt like a home-coming for the winning horse, the talented grey mare Niac Armor, which started its international career in France some years ago.

The silver and bronze were still up for grabs and crowds waited excitedly at the finish line to see who would be claiming the next on the podium. The Dutch combination of Marijke Visser and her wonderfully consistent 10-year-old gelding Eomer took silver following a storming final loop at 23.4kph. This incredible pair finished 17th in the World Championships in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in 2011 and stepped up to fourth in last year’s European Championships in Mont-le-Soie (BEL). With the 2013 medal now in the bag, and with one year left as a Young Rider, she must be wondering if that elusive gold medal is on the cards next year when the European Championships moves to Italy.

The final step on the podium was taken by Krahnen (AUS), whose mount Emily Jones TE also took the coveted Best Condition title. The pair held onto third despite Oriana Ricca (URU) with Talita Kumi 50 and Kelsey Russell (USA) on My Wild Irish Gold closing in on the final stages but ultimately, Ricca and Russell had to settle for fourth and fifth.

Déjà-vu for teams

The team competition was, as always, hotly fought and in the end saw a replica of the 2010 European Championship podium, with France scooping team gold yet again, followed some distance behind by Belgium (silver) and Spain (bronze).

The 2013 edition of the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors saw the initiation of a new formula for the team competition. All Nations can now enter five athletes without the need to declare a team. The top three positions from the five count for the team score – but now medals are only medals are awarded to the three athletes whose scores have contributed to the final result.

It was a family affair for the home squad, as Roman and Morgane Lafaure came across the line in sixth and seventh, followed closely in ninth by compatriot Robin Cornely, ensuring that France remained supreme, and now holds both the European and World titles. Their total time of just 19:44:49 put them almost one hour ahead of Belgians (Olivia Antoine, Louna Schuiten and Raphael Van Cauter), who finished just 10 minutes ahead of bronze medallists Spain (Agda Muixi Crusellas, Cristina Yebra Altimiras and Yvette Pi Masnou).

FEI Endurance Director Ian Williams praised the management of the horses throughout the day and was very pleased with the level of the competition: “This Championship was technically challenging, both in terms of the track and the weather conditions we were faced with, but it was a real privilege to see the youth of our sport caring for their horses so well and producing such great results.”

Results:

FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors  2013 – Teams: GOLD – France, 19:44:49 – Petra Cabirat (Roman Lafaure); Rhial Cabirat (Morgane Lafaure); Rusty James (Robin Cornely); SILVER – Belgium, 20:40:22 – Wigor ZA (Olivia Antoine), Nasrik de Rendpeine (Louna Schuiten), Okba de Chaussy (Raphael Van Cauter); BRONZE – Spain, 20:50:32 – Oursai de Oassa (Agda Muixi Crusellas), Calzadilla (Cristina Yebra Altimiras), Pink Floid (Yvette Pi Masnou).

FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors 2013 – Individuals: GOLD – Niac Armor (Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri) UAE, 06:00:34; SILVER – Eomer (Marijke Visser) NED, 06:13:05; BRONZE – Emily Jones TE (Erin Krahnen) AUS, 06:21:10.

Full Results here.

By Anna Williams

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Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
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Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group

Colin Syquia and Apropos Win USHJA National Hunter Derby at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

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Colin Syquia and Apropos.

Lexington, KY – July 28, 2013 – The $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby is a hunter highlight during each week of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, and this week it was also a highlight for Colin Syquia and Apropos. Following two seamless rounds under beautiful, sunny skies, the pair earned the victory gallop around the golf-cart lined Stonelea Ring on the final day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Today’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby was the fourth event in the seven-part Hallway Feeds Series. The series runs throughout both the Kentucky Spring and Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, culminating with the awarding of $15,000 in Leading Rider Awards at the Kentucky Hunter Jumper Association Horse Show on August 25, 2013.

The popular series attracts horses and riders from across the country, and today 39 horses competed over the classic first round course, designed by Joseph Carnicom with the top 12 horse and rider combinations returning for the handy round. Both rounds featured an in-and-out, a number of bending lines, tight turns and four high-point fence options. For the handy round, Carnicom added a trot jump and switched the direction from which riders took all of the oxers, allowing for some additional tight turn options.

Syquia and Apropos, owned by Chiddingstone Farms LLC of New York, NY, maneuvered the first round course with ease, earning a judges score of 86, plus four points for electing to take each of the high options for a first round total score of 90. Syquia was one of the last to go over the first round course and jumped straight to the top of the leader board, but just two rounds later Meredith Darst and Lightning Z took over the top position with a first round total score of 91. After their beautiful first round course, including each of the four high options, she and Lightning Z, owned by Lochmoor Stables of Lebanon, OH, would hold their position to return for the handy round as the leaders.

Working backward from the twelfth placed rider to Darst in the first place position, Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue, owned by Marigot Bay Farm LLC of Dover, MA, were the seventh to return, as they finished the first round in the sixth place position with a score of 86. A second round score from the judges of 85 plus all four of the high option points would earn them a total second round score 89, moving them up from sixth to a final fourth place position with a grand total score of 178.

Returning in fourth place were Molly Sewell and Zin Zin, owned by Travis Lingenfelter of Saginaw, MI. They too were able to work their way slightly up the leader board, moving from fourth into the final third place slot by earning a second round total score of 90 and a grand total of 178 points.

Coming down to the final two riders of the afternoon, Syquia returned second to last, just before Darst. He and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood, Apropos, pulled out all the stops, delivering a round that would be tough to beat with a total score of 92 and with his grand total from the two rounds coming in at 182.

“I was in second by one point going back into the handy round, so I figured I was really going to take a shot and turn as tight as I could and keep galloping,” shared Syquia.

Meredith Darst and Lightning Z
Meredith Darst and Lightning Z

Darst and Lightning Z returned to defend their position at the top, and they delivered a seamless round that definitely gave Syquia and Apropos a run for their money. Following a brief deliberation from the judges, Darst’s second round score was announced as an 86 plus the four point high options for a second round total of 90 and grand total of 181, just one point behind Syquia, cementing her second place finish and his win.

“We went quick and tight to the last jump, and I think that probably was the difference for us. That and a real tight roll-back to the oxer. Apropos really a traditional hunter. You just put a loop in the reins, use a little bit of leg and just keep pushing him right up to the jumps. He loves to get deep, and he really uses his front end well when he gets down to the base,” Syquia explained. “He was great; I was really happy with him.”

Darst was also extremely happy with her horse’s performance, particularly because today marked Lightning Z’s first time ever competing in a derby.

“This is the first time that he’s done anything like this before so we were just kind of going for fun, and it ended up going really well,” smiled Darst.

Both riders hope to return for next week’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby as competition continues on Tuesday, July 30 with the start of the Kentucky Summer Classic, running through August 4. To learn more about the Kentucky Summer Series, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Margaret O’Meara Wraps Up Equifest I with Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Championships

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Margaret O’Meara rode Voice of Reason to the top of the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Championship, also capturing the reserve championship with Casino. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams/PMG.

Wayne, IL – July 28, 2013 – It was the perfect weather at Lamplight Equestrian Center to welcome champions into the winner’s circle for the conclusion of Equifest I. The Amateur-Owner Hunters and Junior Hunter divisions wrapped up the weeklong competition. Samantha Hall and Beyond Time took home the Junior Hunter Championship, while Sonya Svaty and Pick A Color earned a moment in the limelight for their Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunter Championship. It was Margaret O’Meara who excelled today with top-notch performances aboard Voice of Reason and Casino, riding to both championship titles in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters.

Exhibitors gathered around the hunter ring early this morning as the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions got underway, and riders prepared to navigate the Allen Rheinheimer designed course. There were nine obstacles to test horse and rider alike including bending lines, a vertical-oxer line set on the diagonal and wide turns. Rheinheimer utilized obstacles evocative of a traditional hunt field, skillfully set with lush plant life and forest-like color. Riders were judged for their style throughout the round as they guided their mounts over the courses.

The first of O’Meara’s elite team to make his mark was Voice of Reason in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter division. O’Meara and Voice of Reason rode to first place ranks in both over-fence classes today to earn the division championship. Casino, O’Meara’s other well-praised mount who earned two blues in over fences yesterday, came back placing right under his barn mate for the reserve championship ribbon with a brilliant performance. The O’Meara team trains with Heidi Fish at Woodland Way, Inc., in Kirkland, WA, and has a strong belief that they should show for the love of it.

“The two horses have completely different rides,” O’Meara explained. “Casino is an 11-year-old past jumper and now that we’ve changed that mentality, he is a total hunter horse. He’s lazy, but he jumps great. Both are great horses, and that’s the best part. I’m old and if they didn’t make it so easy on me, I could have quit but as long as it’s fun, I’ll keep going.”

O’Meara continued, “The course rode great today, very straight forward. It’s Voice of Reason’s first year back in the competition ring; he was recovering from a bruise he got during the Winter Equestrian Festival. He’s very excited about being back and, it’s funny, he thinks he’s very cool. He was jumping out of his skin; I think I may need a seatbelt. Everybody was laughing when I came out of the ring wondering how I stayed on, but the good news is that I am getting used to him. I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunters saw a clear leader emerge as Sonya Svaty and Pick A Color, of Lake Bluff, IL, swept the first day of competition. Then on the second day, Pick A Color stole the show with a first place in the under-saddle, and the second and third over-fences, shutting out the competition and taking the division’s championship title. Trust Me with Shannon Kelly in the irons emerged victorious for their showmanship, receiving the reserve championship honors.

“He felt fantastic,” Svaty said. “I made some mistakes, but he came to the party. He was all there for me, and really made up for it. We have been working on our riding so I am very pleased, but there is always more work to do.”

“I’ve loved being here at Equifest. The weather has been wonderful, and the footing is amazing. I’m really impressed with the facilities. It has been really great to be here, and we would love to come back,” shared Svaty.

Later in the afternoon, in the Junior Hunter division, Samantha Hall and Beyond Time worked their way to the top of the ranks. Receiving a blue ribbon in the under saddle class, the pair pressed forward with outstanding efforts to claim first and third places in the over fences. Their overall combined marks earned them the championship award tricolor. Fellow competitor, Madison Edwards aboard Last Wish, rode with competitive results to the reserve championship.

“My favorite thing about him is his personality and his jump,” explained Hall. “He is funny, and he always thinks everything is a treat. He’s a big puppy dog that stares at you for treats. Back when we got him, when I saw him in the stall, I knew I had found him; I just fell in love.”

Today wrapped up the first week of Equifest at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Competitors will have the chance to ride again during Equifest II, scheduled to run July 31 – Aug. 4, 2013. Hunter riders can look forward to an array of exciting division, competition and highlight classes such as the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, division classics and equitation classes.

To find out more about Lamplight Equestrian Center, go to: http://lamplightequestriancenter.com/.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Cloe Hymowitz Goes Two for Two in NAL Low Jr./A-O Classic at Vermont Summer Festival

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Cloe Hymowitz guided Bon Vivant to victory in the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic. David Mullinix Photography.

East Dorset, Vermont — 16-year-old Cloe Hymowitz, of New York, NY, collected her second victory in a row in the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic held Sunday, July 28, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.

Having claimed victory in the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic one week earlier with Caleta, Hymowitz returned to the grand prix ring during week four to again take the win, this time riding Bon Vivant.  Hymowitz and Bon Vivant edged out 26 horse-rider combinations for the win, taking the lead late in the jump-off with a double clear round in 38.08 seconds, two seconds ahead of early pacesetter Adeline Audette riding U2U.  With only two riders left to go, Catherine Tyree came close to catching Hymowitz’s time with Marengo, but 38.85 seconds would eventually leave Tyree in second place.  The final challengers, Gabrielle Hero and Pugnax, were on pace for the win, but a heartbreaking rail at the final fence saw them finish in seventh place.

Hymowitz had only just arrived in Vermont in the early morning hours, flying in specifically for the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic in an effort to earn qualifying points towards year-end finals.

“I came in this morning at 5:30 and got on him and went!” said Hymowitz.  “It’s definitely hard, especially when you haven’t ridden for a while.  I got here in the morning and rode him this morning, then jumped a couple jumps this afternoon and went in the class.  I’m lucky enough that he took me around that nicely!”

Hymowitz was understandably thrilled with how Bon Vivant, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood owned by Rose Hill Farm, performed in the ring on Sunday afternoon.

“He was great in there,” praised Hymowitz.  “He’s one of the most amazing horses to ride. He goes without you even asking him to.  You just let go of his mouth and he’ll run to any distance and jump.  He can turn on a dime.  He’s very exciting to ride and a really fun horse.”

While some competitors found the courses set by Conrad Homfeld, 1984 Olympic team gold and individual silver medalist, difficult, Hymowitz welcomed the challenge and was pleased with her improvement from the previous week.

“The course designer was really smart to start the first round off with a bending line,” explained Hymowitz.  “It’s very tough.  We had trouble with that last week, so I’m glad we fixed that.  Both rounds went really well; the courses rode really smoothly.”

An effortless first round performance put Hymowitz and Bon Vivant through to the jump-off, where Hymowitz aimed to set a fast pace early on in her track.

“The strategy was, basically, if I got a really forward gallop to the first jump, that’s the type of gallop to keep; to fly in the air and give him space to be forward to each jump,” she explained.

Hymowitz and Bon Vivant made their competition debut together at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival, and have enjoyed plenty of success over the past year.  The pair earned multiple Children’s Jumper victories at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, finishing as reserve champion in the Children’s Jumper 15-17 division week four and clinching back-to-back Children’s Modified Jumper championships in weeks six and seven.

Next up on the competition schedule for Hymowitz and Bon Vivant is an appearance at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.  Following that, the duo will travel to Europe for the first time, where Hymowitz aims to improve her riding before year-end finals and returning to Florida.

“We’re going to take him to Vienna and Austria and show him for two weeks there,” said Hymowitz of Bon Vivant.  “I’m really excited.  This is my first time going over to Europe.  I’ve heard how nice it is and that there’s exciting things to do there and that the show grounds are so beautiful.”

Hymowitz’s victory was preceded by the $1,500 Marshall and Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic, when Tye Donaldson and his own Dunja rode to first place.  The $2,500 Marshall and Sterling Adult Amateur Jumper Classic was the next title contested with Alissa Kinsey and her own Grisset jumping to victory.

The final jumper classic of the day was the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic.  Katie Tyler and her own Seattle 6 secured the final blue ribbon handed out during the fourth week of the Vermont Summer Festival.

The Vermont Summer Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary in its current Manchester location, offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont. The six-week circuit will continue through August 11 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

The first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival feature a $30,000 Grand Prix.  The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held during the sixth and final week on Saturday, August 10.  The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, is held each Thursday.  The hugely popular $5,000 3’3” Hunter Derby is also held each Thursday for the first five weeks, with week six featuring the $15,000 Hunter Derby.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL).  For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.

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

Competitions, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Haley Gassel’s Double Clear Effort Wins High Amateur-Owner Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

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Haley Gassel and Quite Dark 2.

Lexington, KY – July 28, 2013 – As the first week of competition at the Kentucky Summer Series concluded, it was Haley Gassel who stepped into the center of the Rolex Stadium to claim her winning prize for the $5,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Amateur-Owner Classic, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. The talented young rider piloted Quite Dark 2 to the lone double clear effort to capture the victory. In the $7,500 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior Jumper Classic sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, Mexico’s Juan Pablo Gaspar and his lucky mount Shamrock dashed through the finish to best a seven-horse jump-off.

For today’s High Amateur-Owner and Junior Classics, Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England set a track mimicking’s last night grand prix. The test included an open water, a vertical-vertical double combination, and the triple bar-oxer-vertical triple combination. For the jump-off, riders had to show over a wide oxer and roll-back to a vertical before turning to a new oxer and jumping the last two parts of the triple combination. Then they continued over a single oxer, rolling back to another vertical with a bending line to an oxer and finishing over a single vertical just passed the gate.

Only four horse and rider combinations managed to best the course and advance to the tiebreaker during the High Amateur-Owner Classic. Friday’s winners Haley Schaufeld of Leesburg, VA, and Harley 86 were the first to return. They had the pace, but they made an error coming across the single to the single oxer after the combination. Their four-faults in a time of 37.810 seconds would hold up for second place.

Chelsea Moss of Medford, NJ, attempted to catch Schaufeld’s time with Dolce D’ive Z, but after rolling back to the first vertical they lowered the height of the new oxer, incurring four faults as well in a time of 41.305 seconds, which was good enough for third place.

Haley Gassel, of Lenoir City, TN, was only focused on one thing with Quite Dark 2: going double clear. Although the pair had a conservative pace as they made their way through the track, the scopey horse left each rail in place, tripping the timers at 44.620 seconds.

Although Gassel had left the door open for the final competitors, Wilton Porter of Bartonville, TX, and Neolisto Van Het Mierenhof, they were unable to take advantage of the opportunity. The win was almost in their grasp, but a miscalculation to the final oxer sent rails flying, and they finished in fourth place with a time of 45.109 seconds, sealing Gassel’s victory.

“Quite Dark 2 is a little bit slower. I try to go double clean before I think about the pace, and double clean won today,” said Gassel. “The course was definitely a little bit technical. Some of the lines walked on the half stride, but it was doable. My horse is used to a big German guy, so he takes a lot of leg and a little hand to keep him up and going forward. If he gets too low that’s when he has the rails. If you ride him right he won’t touch the rails.”

Gassel imported Quite Dark 2 from Germany in February, and the college junior is now focused on the 2014 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). She noted, “He originally was my backup horse, but now he is my number one horse. He’s definitely capable of doing it. I plan to go to Midway College for Equine Rehabilitation after Young Riders.”

Today’s winner in the Junior Jumper Classic just finished competing in the NAJYRC last week for Mexico, where he finished seventh individually. Today though, all the luck was on Juan Pablo Gaspar’s side with talented mount Shamrock. Seven horse and rider combinations returned to the Rolex Stadium to compete over the short course, but only three could leave the rails intact a second time.

The first to do so was Friday’s winner and NAJYRC Individual Junior Silver medalist Katherine Strauss of Southampton, NY, with her veteran partner Chellando Z. They quickly made their way through the course, jumping each fence with room to spare and clocking in at 39.252 seconds.

Juan Pablo Gaspar and Shamrock
Juan Pablo Gaspar and Shamrock

Gaspar was not willing to let Strauss have the victory today though. He picked up a very quick pace and spun through each of the tight turns, never touching a rail and dashing across the finish line in 38.043 seconds, a full second faster. Strauss attempted to catching Gasper with her second mount, Capacity, and although they were clear she fell short of the time again in 40.289 seconds. Capacity and Chellando Z would take home third and second, respectively, but the blue ribbon went to Gaspar and Shamrock.

“I am very happy, and I thank my horse,” smiled Gaspar. “I think the jump-off was really good, very competitive. Shamrock is a little bit strong sometimes, but I’ve had only him six times, so I am very happy with him.”

Gaspar continued, “I think he is my grand prix horse now. Next week I am looking to do the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, and if he jumps really well then hopefully the grand prix as well.”

Earlier in the day, Lizzie Van Der Walde took home both first and second place competing the NAL/WIHS Low Junior Jumper Classic, sponsored by Johnson Horse Transportation. She qualified for the jump-off with her first mount Zibon 2, owned by 2VR Showjumpers of Morriston, FL, setting a clear time to beat of 40. 397 seconds. When Van Der Walde entered the ring with her second mount Zadermus, owned by Dasilva Investments of Ann Arbor, MI, though, there was no stopping them. They left all the fences in place and blazed through the timers in 37.003 seconds, a winning time by three seconds. The third place award went to Andre Mershad and Laqueria, owned by Juan Ortiz of Wellington, FL, while Lucas Porter of Bartonville, TX, and Patriot placed fourth, each producing double clear rounds as well.

“I thought both horses jumped really well,” expressed Van Der Walde. “Zadermus is a little faster naturally; he’s quick-footed. He’s really hot, so it took a little while to get used to him, but we’ve clicked now. He’s really forward and he turns really well, so in the jump-offs you can get him to the long distance and he’ll leave them all up.”

Van Der Walde trains with grand prix rider Aaron Vale, and always enjoys coming to the Kentucky Horse Shows. “I love Kentucky; it’s one of my favorite shows that we come to all year,” she stated. I love the competition and the classes are big enough to be challenging. It’s a really nice show.”

The first class of the day was the Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. There were three riders that produced double clear efforts, but a winning time meant Kenzie Donovan of River Hills, WI, and Colando rode home with the blue ribbon. Anne Gardner of Charlotte, NC, and Cassandra Z were just one second shy of the lead for second place, while Cindy Fuller and Ingaletta, owned by Full Stride Farm of Cumming, GA placed third.

Today marks the conclusion of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, but the Kentucky Summer Classic will get underway on Tuesday. The highlight events in the Rolex Stadium will include the fifth $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic and the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington.

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

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Quebec Original World Cup: Irishman Andrew Bourns in First Place

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Andrew Bourns and Gatsby – Photo By: Cealy Tetley.

Bromont, Quebec – July 28, 2013 – The International Bromont ended this Sunday July 28th with Irishman Andrew Bourns’ stunning victory in the Quebec Original World Cup qualifying event, at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

The course, designed by world renowned Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), comprised thirteen obstacles for sixteen efforts, with a time allowed of 85 seconds. Only three of the twenty-eight participating pairs made it to the jump-off, as there were many technical difficulties.

A first play-off round
The spa (a large obstacle) just before the triple combination proved to be almost insurmountable, forcing riders to play on the scope of the strides. Many had to forget about making it to the jump-off on that fence. The last double combination, with only one stride between both fences, did not leave many survivors. Derek Braun (USA) / Lacarolus, Liubov Kochetova (RUS) / Aslan and Andrew Bourns (IRL) / Gatsby were the only ones to qualify for the jump-off.

A battle of three
American Derek Braun is the first in the ring for the second round, where, with Lacarolus, he executes a clear round in 42.77 seconds. Liubov Kochetova (RUS) on Aslan gets a better time than the first pair, but a fallen bar takes away their chance at first place. Andrew Bourns (IRL), last competitor in the ring, goes for broke on his mount Gatsby, a calculated risk since his quick and precise turns allow him to best Braun’s time by over two seconds, giving him first place.

A sixth place for Angela Covert
Quebec’s Angela Covert Lawrence, who finished in second place in last Sunday’s Grand Prix, climbed to a 6th place ahead of Andrew Bourns and his second horse, New Boy de Logerie.

Montrealer David Arcand took 9th place with Vledder, just behind Mac Cone and Armor van de Rostal.

About International Bromont

International Bromont promises an unforgettable 2013 edition with five FEI events, the return of the Royal Canin Challenge (in collaboration with the Club d’agilité de la Montérégie), two Speed Derbies and a Hunter Derby. For more information on the programme, visit our site at www.internationalbromont.org.

International Bromont, hunter and jumping competition, presents its 38th edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park from July 11 to 14, 17 to 21 and 24 to 28. International Bromont would like to thank the Ministère de l’Éducation du Loisir et du Sport as well as the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec for their support. General admission: $10 per person and free for children under 12. Preferred admission: $25 a ticket.

Information:
Alexandra Hill, communications – International Bromont
T. 450-534-0787 | C. 450-525-2716
communications@internationalbromont.org

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www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Junior Newcomer Samantha Hall Rides to the USEF Junior Hunter Classic Victory at Equifest I

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Samantha Hall and Beyond Time captured the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic victory at Equifest I. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams/PMG.

Wayne, IL – July 27, 2013 – After dodging torrential rain and gray skies yesterday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center, sun and cool weather welcomed hunter competitors to the penultimate day of Equifest I. All eyes were on the hunters today, as riders showcased their talents in their Classics. Fourteen-year-old Samantha Hall entered the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic as a newcomer with her young mount Beyond Time; however, they left as champions.

Today was the beginning of the Junior divisions, and the stakes were high as each horse and rider combination attempted to ride for the top honors in their division, as well as claim the victory in the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic. Hall and Beyond Time faced off against some of the nation’s top riders, and although her nerves were on edge, Hall did not back down from the challenge.

Madison Edwards and Last Wish rode to an impressive score of 83 in the first round of the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic. Hall was close on her heels with Beyond Time, who rode to the first round score of 81. Hall knew she would have to lay down an equally impressive trip in the second round if she wanted to outride Edwards for the win.

It was only three weeks ago that Hall moved up from the Children’s Hunter division, and she has been working diligently to make her mark during Equifest I. She has been riding Beyond Time for a little over a year and a half, and their partnership was apparent as they rode to the overall score of 161 points in today’s classic.

Hall relied on her consistency and solid relationship with Beyond Time to bring them success. Her helpful guidance in the saddle and trust in her mount’s ability to perform paid off, earning them a second round score of 80. The pressure was on Edwards, as Hall and Beyond Time had set the bar high. Unfortunately, Edwards and Last Wish could not match their first round performance. The duo received a 75 for their efforts, bringing their overall score to 158, a score good enough for second. However, Edwards and Last Wish’s first round score of 83 remained the highest of any round of the Classic. Hall and Beyond Time claimed the win.

“I think his jump made it over all,” Hall stated. “He keeps down and low. Really, it is the overall picture of how he shows in the ring that gave us that little extra. We kept a really steady pace out there and I had a longer rein, which helped me do well on the course. We have been practicing that at home.”

“I was surprised and really happy to find out that I won today. I wanted my courses to be good, and after I landed from my last jump, I knew what we had done; I couldn’t stop smiling,” she continued. “I knew he was the horse for me from the beginning. I saw him in the stall and I knew it was him; I fell in love with him. The tingle, it was weird; I didn’t know I would get that feeling.”

In the end, Amanda Paulus and Chantilly took home the third place honors in the classic with the dyad of 76 points. Lauren Duggan and Bellagio captured the fourth place finish, while Stephen Foran and Bronziet finished fifth.

Hall was on a roll today as she also was awarded the first and second place finish over fences in the Junior 3’6″ Hunter division. Edwards was awarded the third and first place over fences, respectively, while Foran claimed the third place during the first course over fences. Hall goes into tomorrow with high hopes of the championship title for the division.

“He didn’t even have a lead change when we first got him a year ago,” trainer Meghan Trilling said. “I’m so proud of Samantha; she’s done a fabulous job. She’s gone from riding a large pony to riding him, and she has made me very proud as a trainer. She’s worked hard as we transition from the Children’s to the Juniors, and, in all honesty, it was very intimidating to her.”

Hall concluded, “We have so much time ahead of us to be able to compete in the hunters and equitation. He is such a versatile horse, and my ultimate goal would be to compete on him in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. That would be so much fun, and such an honor.”

Earlier in the day, the Amateur-Owner Hunter riders were given the opportunity to compete in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. It was Sonya Svaty’s day to shine as she guided Pick A Color to the top of the leader board with smooth rounds, riding both rounds to the high score of 86 points for an overall total of 172 points. She wore a target on her back as the other competitors attempted to best her scores; however, she proved unsurpassable.

“He is a pretty nice horse all by himself,” Svaty said. “I have to learn to stay out of his way, and today I think I did a pretty good job of that. I just kept him on a nice rhythm, and we hit all the jumps perfectly. Overall it was a really nice smooth round. He is very consistent with his jumping which makes him a very nice hunter.”

“We have been coming to Lamplight for almost 10 years,” Svaty stated. “The one thing I like about Lamplight is that they make consistent improvements every year. It only keeps getting better. It is one of the nicest facilities we show at. The footing is phenomenal, and even after a day of rain, the grounds were in perfect condition. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Svaty and Pick A Color picked up the top honors in the Classic, as well as the first and second place finishes over fences in the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Modified Hunters. Shannon Kelly and Trust Me rode to the blue ribbon during the first round, and Zuber picked up the third and second place finishes.

Heather Zuber and Kalifornia also finished in the second place position with an 81 and an 85 for the cumulative score of 166 points in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. Rounding out the top three was Madison Games and Seth, closing out with 164 points.

Margaret O’Meara swept the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Modified Hunters today, riding Casino to the top of the ranks. Alisa Comber and Turn Two rode to the second place over fences in the first round, while Madison Games was awarded the second place ribbon over fences during the second trip with Seth.

In the $500 Pony Hunter Classic, Charlotte Ruff and Clovermeade Inspiration took the top honors. Charlotte Novy and Rockefeller rode to the second place finish, while Halley Steiner and Mr. Australia finished third.

Wrapping up the fourth day of hunter competition at the Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Equifest I was the WIHS/NAL/M&S Children’s Hunter Classic. Maggie Howes and Matisse rode to the blue ribbon with their flowing courses. Jacqueline Oliva and Saracen rode to the second place finish, while Sofia Skok and Bravo rounded out the top three.

Tomorrow Equifest I will conclude with the Amateur-Owner and Junior divisions naming their championships. All of the hunter action will return to the Lamplight Equestrian Center next week when Equifest II returns for five days of competition from Wednesday July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 4.

To find out more about Lamplight Equestrian Center, go to: http://lamplightequestriancenter.com/.

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

Competitions, Show Jumping

Modified Grand Prix: Richie Moloney Wins Top Honors in Bromont

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Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra – Photo By: Cealy Tetley.

Bromont, Québec – July 27, 2013 – Irish rider Richie Moloney finishes in first place in the Modified Grand Prix event, on Saturday July 27 at the 38th edition of International Bromont.

Venezuelan course designer Leopoldo Palacios’ course comprised many technical difficulties, as the participants’ results reflect. Of the 34 pairs registered, none succeeded in executing a perfect round: the time allowed of 83 seconds combined with a highly challenging course resulted in no riders finishing on time could avoid jumping faults.

As the bars keep falling, it is evident that without a clear round, all the riders with only 4 jumping faults will come back for the jump-off, which is the case, incidentally, for American Christine McCrea and Québec’s François Lamontagne.

As the spectators are getting ready for a second round, Ireland’s Richie Moloney gets in the ring on his mount Slieveanorra. Very carefully, using prudence, he overcomes the course’s difficulties, but while he avoids jumping faults in this unique 1m45 event, he still gets over the time allowed. With only two more pairs to come, Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra keep their lead and end up winning first place in the Modified Grand Prix, offering $15,000 in prize money.

Next: Québec Original World Cup Qualifier
The International Bromont will end on Sunday July 28 with the presentation of the Québec Original World Cup qualifying event. This FEI sanctioned event, offering $100,000 in prize money, will feature all the international riders of the 38th edition of the International Bromont.

About International Bromont

International Bromont promises an unforgettable 2013 edition with five FEI events, the return of the Royal Canin Challenge (in collaboration with the Club d’agilité de la Montérégie), two Speed Derbies and a Hunter Derby. For more information on the programme, visit our site at www.internationalbromont.org.

International Bromont, hunter and jumping competition, presents its 38th edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park from July 11 to 14, 17 to 21 and 24 to 28. International Bromont would like to thank the Ministère de l’Éducation du Loisir et du Sport as well as the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec for their support. General admission: $10 per person and free for children under 12. Preferred admission: $25 a ticket.

Information:
Alexandra Hill, communications – International Bromont
T. 450-534-0787 | C. 450-525-2716
communications@internationalbromont.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Sweetnam Soars to $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix Victory at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

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Shane Sweetnam and Fineman – Photo By: Shawn McMillen.

Lexington, KY – July 27, 2013 – The Rolex Stadium was full of excited spectators as they gathered on Hats Off Day to watch the country’s top horse and riders compete during the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix. The international riders gave them exactly what they were looking for: an exciting tiebreaker between five-horse and rider combination dashing to the finish. In the end it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and his new mount Fineman that led the victory gallop after besting Argentina’s Max Amaya and Cartier by two seconds, while New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and Derly Chin De Muze claimed third place.

Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England set a technical track for tonight’s competitors which included an open water, a vertical-vertical double combination, and the most challenging test: a triple bar-oxer-vertical triple combination. Only five riders managed to leave all the fences intact and advance to the speed round. For the jump-off, they had to show over a wide oxer and roll-back to a vertical before turning to a new oxer and jumping the last two parts of the triple combination. Then they continued over a single oxer, rolling back to another vertical with a bending line to an oxer and finishing over a single vertical just passed the gate.

Angel Karolyi of Venezuela was the first to return for the short course with Amigo, owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC. They tried to put the pressure on the riders following them, but Amigo lowered the height of the new oxer and finished in 48.159 seconds for fifth place. Aaron Vale and Spirit of Alena, owned by Campos and Miranda Investments of Ocala, FL, were next, and although they had a faster time of 45.180 seconds, they had the same rail down for four-faults and fourth place.

The luck of the Irish proved to be with Shane Sweetnam and his new mount Fineman, owned by Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm of Wellington, FL. The pair picked up a quick pace and never held back, finding each fence easily and leaving each rail in place as they sped across the finish line in 44.442 seconds. Their time could not be beat, and Sweetnam claimed the winning title.

“I think he was quick to the first few fences, as well as the in-and-out to the oxer,” explained Sweetnam. “I was also quick rolling back to the vertical, so I think that won it for me. Fineman is a quick horse in general. He won a good class up in Spruce Meadows, and he’s been very consistent, so I knew that if I could be clear I could be quick enough.”

Sharn Wordley attempted to best Sweetnam’s effort with Derly Chin De Muze, owned by Ashland Stables of Wellington, FL. He was able to leave all of the fences intact, but a clear time of 47.851 seconds was only good enough for the eventual third place.

Max Amaya and Cartier
Max Amaya and Cartier

The final rider to show was Max Amaya with Cartier, owned by Stonehenge Stables of Ocean, NJ. They put on the gas and cleared all the obstacles in their path, but fell two seconds short of Sweetnam with a time of 46.620 seconds to earn the second place honors.

“I think I was very quick at the beginning, but unfortunately I could not see a better distance to the double, and that kind of slowed me down a little bit,” noted Amaya. “For a little horse he has a big stride, and I ended up getting there a little bit slow in the seven so that put me a little bit behind Shane. He gave his best as always, and I did the best that I could. My horse was exceptional.”

Amaya began riding 12-year-old Cartier, previously owned by Alexa Lowe, in the fall of 2012. “Cartier had a very successful amateur and beginning of Grand Prix career,” he said. “He’s a very, very funny horse because he has a lot of personality. He’s very laid back and lazy in the barn, but when he goes in the ring he’s full game face and you have to be paying attention 100 percent.”

Winners Sweetnam and Fineman are a new match, as he just purchased the Swedish Warmblood in June from Maria Gretzer. “She had showed him wonderfully, and since I’ve got him he’s just been great,” smiled Sweetnam. “He’s a 10-year-old, but he doesn’t have all that much mileage. His first 1.50m was here in June, so he still has to get going, but I think he should jump some of the bigger grand prixs toward the end of the year.”

Sweetnam added, “He makes life easy. You just pick up a rhythm, and you stay with him. He wants to please, and I really enjoy him.”

Today’s event was a part of Hats Off Day, a special celebration of the horse and its impact on the state of Kentucky hosted by the Kentucky Horse Park. A large crowd filled the Rolex Stadium to cheer ton Sweetnam during his winning round. “The crowd was brilliant and I really enjoyed it,” said Sweetnam. “It is one of the biggest crowds we get for a jumping class here in Kentucky so it’s neat to see, and I hope they come out to more weeks as well.”

The Kentucky Summer Horse Shows are always on Sweetnam’s calendar during the year. “Hugh Kincannon and the Murphy Family do a great job,” he commented. “We’ve shown here the last eight years, and we always bring all of our clients. We really enjoy it, and the standard is very high. They really look after you here.”

The Kentucky Summer Horse Show will conclude tomorrow with the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classics for the High Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper divisions, as well as the Low Junior Jumper Classic and the Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Riders will return next Tuesday for the kick-off of the Kentucky Summer Classic, featuring the fifth $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic and the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington.

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

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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