Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Germany Pips USA in Furusiyya Cliff-Hanger at Rotterdam

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Ludger Beerbaum clinched victory for Germany with a thrilling last-to-go round riding Chiara at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 qualifier. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Rotterdam (NED), 21 June 2013 – Germany galloped back into the game when claiming the honours in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Rotterdam, The Netherlands today.  In a tense cliff-hanger that went right down to the wire, it fell to Ludger Beerbaum to clinch it, and the man who has long been the linchpin of the German squad succeeded, but only by the narrowest of margins. His nail-biting last-to-go ride had spectators gripping the edges of their seats, but despite collecting two time penalties his side finished with a single-point advantage over the runners-up from the USA who put up a tremendous fight.

France slotted into third ahead of Great Britain in fourth and Switzerland in fifth.  But it was a disappointing day for the host nation as they had to settle for joint-sixth along with Belgium, while the Spanish brought up the rear at the end of a day that just didn’t go their way.

Today’s victory collected 100 points for the German team, but they lie joint-last on the Europe Division 1 league table.  So with only two more opportunities to gather those all-important qualifying points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain in September, today’s winners will be under enormous pressure going into next week’s leg of the series on their home turf at Aachen.

On a Mission

The Germans were on a mission coming to Rotterdam.  The team withdrew from the previous Europe Division 1 leg at St Gallen, Switzerland three weeks ago but was permitted to rejoin the series following a decision taken by the FEI Jumping Committee.  “For sure we were one-hundred percent focused on today’s Nations Cup,” said Beerbaum this evening.  “We brought a very strong team because we knew after St Gallen that we needed to win the most points.”

They were already out in front at the halfway stage when counting just single time penalties from both second-line rider Hans-Dieter Dreher (Embassy ll) and anchorman Beerbaum with Chiara.  Philipp Weishaupt’s clear with Monte Bellini ensured that pathfinder Christian Ahlmann’s single mistake with Taloubet Z at the vertical first element of the double at fence eight could be discounted.

The clever course was not over-complicated but was big and wide – “more technical than massive,” according to Beerbaum afterwards.  Course designer, The Netherlands’ Louis Konickx, laid out looping turns, and distances that demanded clear decision-making.  It was easy to run up seconds on the clock while getting the fences lined up nicely, and although the triple combination at fence six and the double at eight played a significant role, the poles fell at every obstacle except the vertical at fence two.

Drama

The open water, just one from home on the 12-fence track and following on a bending right-hand line after a tricky vertical that claimed a good number of victims, provided its fair share of drama.  It was here that America’s Laura Kraut made her only first-round error when her little grey gelding, Cedric, pulled hard left on landing over the vertical. Kraut had to grab him back and chase him down to the water, but they arrived on a long stride and made a splash before finishing without further incident.

The US team was lying second at the halfway point carrying just those four faults after lovely clears from both Lucy Davis (Barron) and Beezie Madden (Cortes C), Lauren Hough’s opening eight-fault effort with Quick Study providing the discard.

And three more teams were also snapping at the leader’s heels as Spain, France and Switzerland each carried just five faults into round two.  Belgium was only a little further adrift with seven while Great Britain had 11 on the board as the second round got underway and the Dutch were bringing up the rear with 12.  This was a surprising situation for the host nation who, along with the Swiss, Germans and Spanish, had nominated their home event for points-gathering.  Each team in Europe Division 1 has nominated four of the eight legs of this series for points-gathering purposes.

Loosen Their Grip

A clear second effort from Ahlmann, who continues to top the Longines Rankings, bolstered the German position, but when Dreher’s stallion lowered the oxer at fence three and the first element of the double at eight that seemed to loosen their grip.  With less than a fence between the top five teams there was little room for any stumbling now, and while the Spanish fell away when adding 28 faults and the Swiss slipped when posting 17 more, the French and Americans stood their ground.  Simon Delestre (Qlassic Bois Margot) and Aymeric de Ponnat (Armitages Boy) produced impressive clears for France while both Davis and Kraut followed suit for the USA.  It was no surprise when 20-year-old Davis was presented with the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award.  Her double-clear with the nine-year-old For Pleasure gelding, Barron, was little short of perfection and bodes so very well for this pair’s future in the sport.

Kraut’s clear was a little more exciting as Cedric decided that he still wasn’t that keen about taking on the open water, and once again pulled left on landing over the previous fence.  But his rider was ready for him this time, and as she gathered him up they arrived on a perfect stride to return with a clean sheet.

Decided

By now Weishaupt had registered the second part of his double-clear for the day, so as the competition drew to a close it would all be decided by the last few rounds.  Kevin Staut’s mistake with Silvana at the water had to be counted because Roger Yves Bost (Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois) had picked up five faults at his second attempt, and this brought the French final tally to nine.  But despite a double-error from Madden this time out, the US only had the additional one time penalty collected by Hough to bring their final total to five.  So, as last man into the ring, Beerbaum, headed off for his second tour of the track it was all hanging in the balance.  A fence down would bring the German total to six faults and leave them trailing the Americans by a single point.  But he could afford a couple of time faults.

“I knew I could have two (time faults), but going to the last fence I suddenly thought I hope I don’t have three, because otherwise we might have to go into a jump-off and who knows what could happen then!” the German rider said afterwards.  The Longines timing system showed just two time faults however, giving his side the slimmest of victories.

Not Surprised

When asked about how closely his team was chased by the USA today, German Chef d’Equipe, Otto Becker, said, “I’m not surprised at all.  They’re a really good team and actually one of my favourites.  They made it really hard for us to win today!”

Beerbaum said, “Scores were very tight in the end.  This was really exciting sport and any of the top three teams could have won.  That definitely means the course was good.”  The German maestro is already looking forward to next week’s event on home turf.  “I should be one of the five on the German team at Aachen, and we are going to be under a lot of pressure there,” he pointed out.

Following today’s competition the Europe Division 1 leaderboard continues to be led by the Swiss who, with 250 points to date, have more than a 90-point lead over France in second while the Irish are just seven points further behind in third.  Great Britain lies fourth with The Netherlands in fifth while Germany lies equal seventh with Ukraine.

The inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping season has certainly not been short of excitement so far.  And when the action resumes on the hallowed ground of the Soers Arena in Aachen next Thursday evening the atmosphere is sure to be nothing short of electric.

For information on the 13th leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Rotterdam, The Netherlands go to website www.chio.nl or contact Press Officer Anita Lussenberg, Email press@chio.nl, Tel: + 31 621 585 878.  The next leg takes place at Aachen, Germany on Thursday 27 June.  For details of the German fixture go to website www.chioaachen.de or contact Press Officer Niels Knippertz at Email niels.knippertz@chioaachen.de

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Rotterdam hosted the fourth round of the eight-leg Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 series, bringing it to the half-way stage.

Just a single time fault separated the top two teams.

Course designer was The Netherlands’ Louis Konickx.

The time-allowed of 78 seconds proved difficult to achieve.

There were three double-clear performances – from Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt (Monte Bellini), the USA’s Lucy Davis (Barron) and Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger (Palloubet D’Halong).

Six horse-and-rider combinations went clear in the first round, and two of those were from the USA.

Switzerland maintains the lead at the top of Europe Division 1 following today’s competition.

3 horses in today’s competition were by Baloubet du Rouet, the stallion ridden to great success by Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa.  The 3 horses were Bonaire 5, ridden by Spain’s Manuel Fernandez Saro, VDL Bubalu ridden by The Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling and Palloubet D’Halong ridden by Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger.

Quotes:

Christian Ahlmann, GER: “It was a really fair course. The biggest fence was actually the time allowed! The course was pretty technical and big enough. It was really good sport today and a hard fight.”

Philipp Weishaupt, GER – “I tried to keep my concentration levels for the second round and tried to forget about the first round. My horse made it a lot easier for me. He loves it here; he loves Holland!”

Lucy Davis, USA – “It feels amazing to have won this award, and it’s a huge honour. I’m on a team with three women who I’ve looked up to since I started riding, so to have won this award amongst them, and also amongst the Germans is a huge honour, and it’s very inspiring.”

Manuel Fernandez Saro, ESP – “I’m very happy with my horse, because he’s essentially 10 years old – he jumped well today. In the first round we had a small mistake at the combination, and in the second round I pushed him a bit too much so it was my mistake for our faults.”

“As a team we did well in the first round but we were disappointing in the second round.”

Lauren Hough, USA – “The ground was super; it can rain as much as it wants here and the ground stays in super condition. The course was tough and the time played a big factor, and we gave it a good shot, but unfortunately when you are up against Ludger [Beerbaum] you don’t really have much of a chance!. Overall, I think we’re quite happy with second place, and our young rider [Lucy Davis] having a double clear was fantastic – she rode two beautiful, beautiful rounds.”

William Whitaker, GBR – “This is the first time for me and my horse in Rotterdam, and I’m pretty pleased. Both mistakes were probably my fault when you look back, and he’s still quite novice at this level so I’m pleased really. This was Fandango’s first five star FEI Nations Cup so hopefully he’ll get to do a few more now.”

Standings:

For the latest standings in Europe Division 2 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series check 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 Rotterdam:

Anita Lussenberg
Email: press@chio.nl
Tel: + 31 621 585 878

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

It’s Victory Again for VanderVeen in the $15,000 Open Welcome Stake at Summer in the Rockies III

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Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Le Conte.

Parker, CO – June 20, 2013 – The $15,000 Open Welcome Stake was the highlight of the day in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies III. Kristen VanderVeen used Bull Run’s Le Conte’s huge stride to her advantage and eventually earned the victory gallop.

Irish course designer Alan Wade built an intuitive, flowing course that tested the more experienced horse and rider, while allowing the less experienced horses and riders to move up with confidence.

“I thought that the Welcome should be just that – a welcome,” said Wade. “There was some real variation in the field. There were some really nice horses and there were some inexperienced horses and riders. They got around. Some had a little difficulty. It was a nice flowing course. This is my first time in Colorado and I didn’t want anything tricky – I just wanted a nice course. I put up most of the fences in the second round. Some of them coped with it and some of them didn’t. Overall, I am quite happy with it.”

Twenty-two horse and rider combinations tried their hand at Wade’s track, and 12 earned the opportunity to compete in the jump-off round.

The first horse and rider team to return for the short track was VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Le Conte. The round was smooth and effortless over the raised obstacles. The pair laid down a time of 34.623, which would stand as the fastest of the field and eventually earn them the win.

Amanda McConnell and Leon D'Or
Amanda McConnell and Leon D’Or

Bjorn Ikast and Royal Flush had the next fault-free round with a time of 41.142. Then Amanda McConnell and Leon D’Or sped around the short course cleanly in 36.113, putting them in second place. Bryn Sadler and Bon Giorno and Matt Cyphert and Lochivar both went double clear with times of 38.376 and 38.670 respectively. Then, Ikast returned on the Summer in the Rockies II $15,000 Open Welcome Stake winner, Colorado, owned by Bovee Limited Liability Partnership. The pair left all the rails in their cups in a time of 38.051, landing them in third place.

“It has been a huge blessing for us,” VanderVeen said. “I thought the course was great. For this horse, it rode really nice. The lines were, for the most part, set up so you could stay on a bend and come a little forward into the combinations. He’s so lofty in the air – that’s great for me and it really helped me in the jump off. I could leave off into a combination, just because he’s so careful and still make it out clean. For him we made up a lot of time.”

“The skinny by the in-gate was a little tricky with the slow six going to an oxer to a one-stride,” she continued. “My other horse, the mare (Bull Run’s Holy Smoke) who was 10th, is very new to me, but she is also incredibly strong. So it was a bit of a workout. She tries her heart out but, man, is she bold. She wants to go, which is great. I prefer that any day over the opposite. So it was a little difficult to add a stride to a skinny and still jump it clean. It worked.”

Earlier in the day, Kelsey Van Ackeren won the $500 High Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers aboard Vernon G, repeating the win form last week. Jennifer Hodgson and Waterloo II were second and Hannah Holik and Cupido de Laubry were third.

“The course was great. It was really inviting, it rode well – a really nice speed course. I really liked the way the lines were set up,” said Ackeren. “The inside turn to the sailboat oxer would set you up for that seven but it ended up being a little short – you had options whether you could leave it out or add it in. It gave you options for what was best for your horse.”

Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G
Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G

“Vernon G is a competitor,” she continued. “He walks in the ring and he has this focus, more focus than I have. He comes around the turn and he measures where he is. When he’s not in the ring, he’s wild all the time. He gets ridden a lot and he never runs out of energy. He’s kind of hard to handle but he is the sweetest horse ever. He loves people.”

Ackeren’s goal for the week is to be consistent in the High Amateur Jumpers. “It’s great that they have the $10,000 classics, because it’s big,” she said.

In the $500 Low Junior Jumpers, Chelsea Babcock and Bull Run’s Guardian, owned by Empire State Equine Sales LLC, proved their consistency and staying power. The pair won the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers during Summer in the Rockies II. Rising stars Isabel Johnson and Thinks Like a Horse’s Quito were second and Hannah Holik and Czech Mate, LLC’s Santiago were third.

“She’s jumping great and we’ve been getting along really well,” said Babcock. “She has a really big step and that takes care of a lot of the speed, but she goes fast too. I just try to turn tight and keep her moving in the turns. Guardian is probably one of the easiest horses I’ve ever ridden because she carries herself so well and she is such a kind soul that I really just have to ride and she will go for anything.”

On Friday, Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies III continues with $1,000 Young Jumpers 7/8 Year Olds, 1.30m and 1.40 Open Jumpers, High and Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers and much more in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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561-753-3389 (phone)
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www.phelpsmediagroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

British Win FEI Nations Cup Dressage in Rotterdam, but Dutch Stay Top of League Table

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(L to R): Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Daniel Watson and Gareth Hughes. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Rotterdam (NED), 20 June 2013 – Great Britain won the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 series at Rotterdam, The Netherlands today where team member, Charlotte Dujardin, produced the biggest score of the competition with a strong performance from her London 2012 Olympic Games double-gold medal winning partner, Valegro.  Just over 1.5 percentage points gave the British the edge over the host nation in the final analysis, while, despite fielding only three riders, Sweden lined up third.

However it is the Dutch who hold the advantage at the top of the league table as the four-leg pilot season moves on to Aachen, Germany next week.  The British failed to start at the opening round in Vidauban, France last month when, having arrived with only three riders, one horse didn’t pass the first horse inspection.

This time around they brought the full complement of four horse-and-rider combinations, and although two of the side, Daniel Watson (Fideramber) and Gareth Hughes (DV Stenkjers Nadonna) were considerably less-experienced, the combined scores of the best three team-members secured success. Dujardin finished at the top of the individual rankings with 82.191, Carl Hester was fourth with Fine Time on a mark of 71.532 and first-timer Hughes was most impressive when slotting into seventh with DV Stenkjers Nadonna when posting 70.149.  British pathfinder, Watson, scored 67.830 with Fideramber.

Highest Individual Marks

Some of the highest individual marks of the day however were collected by The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover who filled runner-up spot on 79.660.  This pair’s passage/piaffe work was often sensational, but they were penalised by a big mistake in the tempi changes.  Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Wim Ernes, said afterwards that the partnership “is getting better and better, but there is still plenty more room for improvement.  I’m very pleased with Edward’s progress,” he pointed out.

A total of seven nations competed, with Denmark slotting into fourth ahead of Germany in fifth, France in sixth and Belgium in seventh place.  Today’s competition brought the FEI Nations Cup Dressage pilot season to the half-way stage.

First to Go

Madeleine Witte-Vrees was first to go for the home team and scored 68.404 with Blom’s Wynton while Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Tango posted 69.681.  Patrick van der Meer and Uzzo raised the bar higher when awarded 69.766 but it was Gal’s result that boosted The Netherlands’ position and ensured they remain in front going into the next leg in seven days’ time.

They are only four points ahead of Sweden at the top of the league table while the British lie third, another four points further behind.  Today’s Swedish performance was all-the-more creditable for the fact that there were only three riders in the side.  And Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven’s score of 75.788 with Don Auriello proved crucial when Mads Hendeliowitz (Weihenstephaner) posted 63.447 and Cecilia Dorselius (Lennox) registered a mark of 68.660.

Less than two marks separated the remaining four teams, with the average scores between 66.00 and 68.00. Germany was the only other country to field three riders.

Fabulous

Olympic champion, Dujardin, said afterwards that the concept of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage series is “fabulous!  We had two new riders on our team, so to pull off the win with them, and to give them their first experience at this level, is a great opportunity for everyone”.

She talked about her own performance today. “I’m really happy.  Obviously there were a few blips, but Valegro has not been out since December,” she explained.  “His last competition was at Olympia, so to come here and perform the way he did, and with such confidence, was brilliant.  I had a really good ride, but I know there are a few things I need to sharpen up,” she added.

It seems Valegro’s success hasn’t gone to his head.  After setting a new world record in the Grand Prix at London Olympia with a score of 84.447, the 11-year-old Dutch-bred gelding had “a bit of a holiday, he went out in the field a lot,” according to Dujardin. “When he came in he went hacking a lot with a friend of ours, Trish Gardner, who is 76 years old – although actually she probably won’t be too happy with me for mentioning that!” the British rider said with a laugh.

Next Big Target

The European Championships at Herning, Denmark in August are the next big target for the gentlemanly horse and his talented rider who will turn 28 next month. “We made a plan to get going here in Rotterdam, and after this I’m not quite sure yet what we’ll do.  We may go to Hickstead, but it’s all up to Carl (Hester) to decide,” Dujardin said.

If the British want to win the inaugural FEI Nations Cup Dressage series however they still have plenty of work to do with an eight-point gap between them and the leading Dutch at this stage.

The FEI Nations Cup pilot series takes place over four events.  CDIO 3* Vidauban, CDIO 5* Rotterdam and CDIO 5* Aachen all took the option to stage a Grand Prix competition as part of this trial FEI Nations Cup Dressage season, while CDIO 3* Hickstead has chosen to stage a Freestyle to Music competition to bring the test series to a close.

Detailed results here.

Facts and Figures:

Today’s competition at Rotterdam (NED) was the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot season.

The opening event of the series was staged at Vidauban, France on 18 May when The Netherlands came out on top.

26 competitors from 7 nations lined out in today’s second leg.

The countries represented were Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, Netherlands and Sweden.

2 countries fielded teams with just three team-members – Sweden and Germany.

The Ground Jury members were: At E, Francis Verbeek (NED); At H, Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), At C, Leif Tornblad (DEN) President; At M, Mariette Sanders (NED); At B, Andrew Gardner (GBR).

The highest score in today’s competition was recorded by the London 2012 Olympic double gold medal winning partnership of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro for Great Britain who posted a mark of 82.191.

The third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot season takes place next Thursday, 27 June, in Aachen, Germany.

Just one further leg remains after that, at Hickstead (GBR) on Sunday, 3 August.

Quote:

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) – “I had the chance to ride Uthopia in the Grand Prix yesterday and he was second by point-nothing, we made a mistake in the two’s but I was delighted with him.”

FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 – Standings after second leg at Rotterdam (NED) here.

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

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

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

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

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

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

Competitions, Show Jumping

Matt Cyphert Wins the 1.40m Open Jumpers by Solid Margin on Day One of Summer in the Rockies III

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Matt Cyphert and Lochivar.

Parker, CO – June 19, 2013 – Summer in the Rockies III kicked off Wednesday with exciting show jumping action in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena. Highlights of the day included the 1.30m and 1.40m Open Jumpers and the Young Jumper Divisions.

McLain Ward has called Alan Wade his favorite course designer in the whole world. And here at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies III, the jumper competitors got their first taste of the Irish course designer’s work.

In the 1.40m Open Jumper class, Bjorn Ikast and his own enormous splashy chestnut Dutch Warmblood mare, Iz’s Viva La Vida, were the first to go and the first to lay down a clean round. The pair proceeded to a faultless jump-off round with a time of 32.267.

Next, Matt Cyphert from Northlake, TX, piloted Lochivar skillfully and cleanly around Alan Wade’s course. In their jump-off round, Lochivar and Cyphert edged out Ikast, completing the short course with a time of 31.991 without a fault to claim the top spot.

Guy McElvain and his own Coco Colette were third to deliver double clear rounds with a short track time of 34.862, placing them third. Tony Font and Colotta also had a clear first round but retired during the jump-off. Cyphert maintained his position to win the class.

“He’s 9 years old this year; we’ve had him since he was 5,” said Cyphert of Lochivar. “We brought him up through the ranks. He had never really jumped with anybody when we bought him. He has a lot of talent and we’ve taken our time. We started doing the grand prixes with him last year. He was better and better each week. I ended up getting a nice prize in the last one here in June.”

“Then we had to take a chip out of his ankle in September, so he’s had a significant amount of time off,” he said. “We started him back up in March and showed him a little bit in April and May and hoped to get him back into the grand prixes. I think today is a great start.”

“It is really neat to ride on courses built by people of his caliber,” Cyphert said of Alan Wade’s course. “I have actually been coming here for 20 plus years, since the very first one. We haven’t missed a year. We are thrilled about the footing. It has enabled us to come for more weeks than we’ve ever come before and coming from Texas and getting out of the heat; we love being here and hope to be here all summer over the next few years.”

Bjorn Ikast and Iz's Viva La Vida
Bjorn Ikast and Iz’s Viva La Vida

“She’s a little bit feisty; she’s a real chestnut lady,” said Ikast of Iz’s Viva La Vida. “She’s a great horse, just a different ride. I have a philosophy that you have to ride each horse the way they like to be ridden. That’s the way she likes to be – why not follow her? She can really jump.”

“It was a great course today,” continued Ikast. “We have a new course builder. It’s nice to see someone from Europe – I’m from Europe also. I feel at home here! He built a nice attractive course for the first day. It gave us the most important thing in show jumping: confidence. I think he will build them up nicely for Saturday. I think we will see a very good grand prix on Saturday night.”

Seven entries had clear first rounds in the 1.30m Open Jumpers. The first was Tony Font and Sheishof’s Gloria, owned by Ashton Galo Paley. The pair finished the short course with a time of 36.711, setting the time to beat. Next, Amanda McConnell and James McConnell’s Leon D’Or had four faults in the jump-off round. Courtney Frederick and Equestrian Investments LLC’s Soulshine were next to try their skills around the short track, stopping the clock at 36.961, which placed them momentarily in second place.

Next to go were Armando Hassey and Lambert Louis, owned by Cora Leeuwemburg, who performed brilliantly and took over the lead with their clear round of 36.323. Then Chenoa McElvain and Wild Thing 2, owned by Guy McElvain, produced a double clear round with a jump-off timed at 36.600, fast enough to take over second place. Guy McElvain and Carino G, owned by Rancho Corazon LLC, followed but had a rail in the second round.

Last to go, Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Believer had a blazing fast and fault-free jump-off with an incredible time of 33.127, earning them the win.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run's Believer
Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Believer

“He’s actually Chelsea (Babcock)’s horse and I get the privilege of riding for her sometimes,” said VanderVeen about Believer. “We found him in Europe. He was an approved stallion and he has a lot of 1.50m experience. It’s her move-up horse. When she’s ready she will step into the grand prix. She did her first grand prix on him a few weeks ago.”

“When he goes in that ring he knows it’s show time,” VanderVeen said. “To ride him, he’s lazy, but you get him in that ring and he is fired up. He knows right when that buzzer goes off. Today, he felt great. He’s been jumping really carefully off this footing, even more so than normal, so we could go fast in the jump-off.”

“I quite liked the course,” continued VanderVeen. “It rode really well. The jump-off was fun – you were able to go fast and use turns at the same time. It wasn’t just an all-out gallop or a turn. It was a good mix.”

“We got him for one of my good clients,” said Hassey about Lambert Lewis, who came in second. “He is a great horse. I haven’t ridden him much and we decided to do him in the 1.30m.”

“This is my home town, so I love it here,” he added. “We have great people and a great horse show with intense competition and good footing.”

In the Young Jumpers 6-Year-Old, Tony Font and the beautiful grey Holsteiner, Von Casius, owned by Deana Blackburn, ended up on top.

“He’s coming into his own,” said Font about Von Casius. “Because he’s big and long, he’s kind of hard to get him into shape and get him to do the right things. He’s brave but he’s immature for being 6 years old. He didn’t do so many shows last year. I think he’s going to be a nice horse in another year or so. Jumping is never an issue for him. He can jump big jumps but you have to let them mature at their own rate.”

“I just hope the horses learn and progress,” he continued. “We’re here for four shows. I’d like to come out with a bang on the end, so I don’t want to try to dry up the well too quick.”

“I thought he courses were really fair,” he said. “What you walked is what you got. I thought for the first day, without him knowing the field of horses and riders, he (Alan Wade) did a good job. They rode nice, they were friendly enough and the questions were still hard enough.”

Summer in the Rockies III continues on Thursday, June 20, and runs through June 23. Highlights include a $15,000 Welcome Stake, a $30,000 Grand Prix, a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and a full array of hunter/jumper competition.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Breeds, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, JRPR

From Pan Am Qualifiers to Equitation Wins – Interagro Lusitanos Prove Elite

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Zingaro Interagro and Luan Carlos Brito took the win the Working Equitation Open division. (Photo courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos)

Itapira, Brazil (June 18, 2013) – Interagro Lusitanos have proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of international equestrian competition.  A string of wins at the 1st Annual International Riding and Dressage Meeting (IDRM) at Coudelaria Illha Verde, Brazil included top placings in dressage and working equitation.

The stunning black stallion Zingaro Interagro (Perdigueiro (MAC) x Olimpia Interagro) and rider Luan Carlos Brito took the win in the Open division of working equitation, a discipline born from the skill and athleticism needed by horses on working farms and ranches.  A well-known discipline in Brazil, it has its roots in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.  Working equitation tests the horse and rider in three phases: dressage, ease or skill with obstacles, and obstacles at speed.  Steeped in history and designed to preserve and carry on the cultural traditions of each country and their horses, working equitation harnesses the Lusitano’s natural grace, athleticism, and intelligence.

Interagro also had success in the dressage arena, where Zepelim Interagro (Quinarius Interagro x Ordenada Interagro) placed 2nd in the CDI at Prix St. Georges to qualify for a spot to compete on the Brazilian Team for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games.  Trainer and rider Pia Aragao also rode Vade Mecum Interagro (Noblissimo Interago x Pecunia Interagro x Yacht SA) to a third place in the Intermediare II class, and scored well in the pair’s first freestyle at that level.  The Interagro horse is no stranger to success in the dressage arena, and is a favored dressage mount for both professionals and amateurs due to their willing temperaments, athleticism, and trainability.

Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos, said, “We are so very proud of our horses and riders.  Having a horse in the running for the Pan Am Games is a great honor, and Zingaro’s success on the international stage is such a thrill!  He is a favorite stallion here at the farm and a few of his progeny will be offered for sale at our annual auction.  His beauty, temperament, and athleticism make him a perfect representative of the Lusitano breed and Interagro’s breeding program.”

Interagro Lusitanos have gained a reputation as being an elite choice among international equestrians. Their annual Interagro Collection National Auction will be held this year on August 31, 2013 in Itapira, Brazil. Interagro expects around 500 spectators, many of which visit from the United States and abroad. Last year, international buyers purchased 9 of the 12 adult Lusitano horses presented at the auction.

The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in the traditional equestrian disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil every day. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).

Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Lusitano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guests needs and can be tailored to their interests. In addition, the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.

For more information about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

About Interagro Lusitanos

Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is now recognized as the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with a small band of four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal; to date over 600 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations. Interagro Lusitanos are handled, prepared, and evaluated from birth, with a handful of the best stock presented at auction each year.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

JRPR

Mini Equines “Barnes” and “Noble” Join Bestseller Tami Hoag at The 9th Girl Booksigning This Friday

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Barnes and Noble will join author Tami Hoag at her book signing this Friday night at 7 PM at Barnes & Noble in Wellington, Florida. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (June 19, 2013) – While mystery writer Tami Hoag debuts her most recent book, two very unique miniature horses will also be making their debut at their namesake store: Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  Both of the miniature horses, aptly named Barnes and Noble, will be celebrating the release of Hoag’s much anticipated thriller, The 9th Girl, at 7pm on June 21, 2013 at the Barnes & Noble in Wellington, Florida located at 10500 West Forest Hill Boulevard.  Fans of Hoag and her writing will get a rare opportunity to hear about the inspiration and development of Hoag’s characters and story lines, as well as see the miniature horses, who are brothers and as identical as bookends.

The 9th Girl opens on a frigid New Year’s Eve in Minneapolis, when a young woman’s brutalized body falls from the trunk of a car into the path of oncoming traffic. Questions as to whether she was alive or dead when she hit the icy pavement result in her macabre nickname, Zombie Doe.  Unidentifiable, she is the ninth nameless female victim of the year, and homicide detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska are charged with not only finding out who Zombie Doe is, but who in her life hated her enough to destroy her.

Uncover the mystery behind great mystery story-writing, and see a matched pair of minatures, as Barnes & Noble hosts the author and avid dressage rider just as The 9th Girl is released worldwide.  Hoag’s fans know she is devoted to her own dressage horses, and began her writing and riding career at age nine with a self-published, self-illustrated third-grade ‘bestseller,’ Black Pony, about two children sharing a pony named Smoky.

With fifteen consecutive Times bestsellers, including Deeper Than the Dead, Secrets to the Grave, and Prior Bad Acts, Hoag has more than 35 million books in print, published in more than 20 languages. Her first thriller, Night Sins, was made into a mini-series in 1997, and continues to air on cable networks.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Vaulting

US Vaulters Ready for Competition at Aachen CVIO3*

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Alicen Divita (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – The U.S. effort at the 2013 CHIO Aachen kicks off Friday as vaulters take center stage at the historic German venue. The United States will be represented by six athletes across three divisions in CVIO3* competition held June 20-23. Alicen Divita, Elizabeth Ioannou, and Mary Garrett will look to earn top Individual Female honors, while in Individual Male competition Kristian Roberts is the sole U.S. representative. In Pas de Deux competition, Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer look to showcase their talent.

Individual Female

A total of 29 competitors from 15 nations will vie for top honors in the Individual Female division at the CVIO3*. On Friday morning, they kick off competition in the Preis of Sparkasse where all entries will complete their Compulsory Tests. The vaulters will then return later in the afternoon to complete their Technical Tests in the Prize of Sparkasse. Final places will be decided Saturday in Preis of Sparkasse competition where Freestyle Tests are performed.

Divita (Redwood City, CA) will use the experience earned from competing twice in World Championship competition as she looks to secure a top finish in Aachen. At the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, she earned a seventh place finish in her first international championship. Last year, Divita represented the U.S. at the FEI World Vaulting Championship in Le Mans, France, finishing in 11th place.

The 24-year-old will look to improve upon her 2012 10th place finish in Aachen this year as she vaults on her mother Julie Divita’s Pino del Rio. The combination looks to showcase the form that earned them third place in the Krumke CVI3* two weeks ago.

Ioannou (Saratoga, CA) will vault on Lasse Kristensen and Emma Seely’s Jarl at her second appearance in Aachen. In 2006, she vaulted on the F.A.M.E. team that won Silver for the U.S. at the FEI World Equestrian Games that were hosted at the prestigious German venue. Vaulting in Individual competition, Ioannou earned a second place finish in the Chilliwack CVI3* in 2012. This year she has collected wins at the Great Falls Vaulter, Topaz Vaulters Spring Fest, and Garrod’s 2013 Spring Classic competitions.

Garrett (Seal Beach, CA) is no stranger to success at the top levels, having helped the U.S. capture Team Gold at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In 2012, she vaulted to the Reserve Champion honors at the USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championship. Garrett began 2013 with a second place finish at the Mozart Memorial Vaulting Classic.

In Aachen, Garrett will vault on Renz Wolfgang’s Leon 364.

Kristian Roberts (Shannon Brinkman)
Kristian Roberts (Shannon Brinkman)

Individual Male

In Individual Male competition Roberts (Moss Beach, CA) is one of 17 entries representing 10 nations. Competition begins Friday morning with the Compulsory Test in the Prize of Sparkasse and continues later in the day as competitors perform their Prize of Sparkasse Technical Tests. Competition concludes Saturday as the Prize of Sparkasse Freestyle Tests are executed.

Roberts is making his second appearance in Aachen after having placed eighth in 2012. In addition, he also represented the U.S. at the FEI World Vaulting Championship and added the USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championship title to his name last year.

The 20-year-old prepared for the Aachen CVIO3* with a ninth place finish at the Krumke CVI3*. This weekend he will also vault on Wolfgang’s Leon 364.

Pas de Deux

In Pas de Deux competition, sisters Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer (Half Moon Bay, CA) look to continue the trend of strong U.S. results in the division after American pairs claimed second and third places in Aachen last year. In 2013, they will be among a field of six combinations from four nations. Prize of Sparkasse Pas de Deux competition begins Saturday with the first of two Freestyle Tests. Winners will be crowned Sunday following the second Freestyle Test.

Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer (Sarah Miller/MacMillan Photography)
Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer (Sarah Miller/MacMillan Photography)

The Palmers will vault on Wolfgang’s Leon 364 as they strive to earn top honors in Aachen. In 2010, they joined forces to win the Pas de Deux at the Chilliwack CVI2*. They prepared for their first trip to Aachen with a second place finish at the Krumke CVI3*.

To learn more about CHIO Aachen, visit: http://www.chioaachen.de/en/.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Vaulting Team here.

Awards, Community/Charity, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Moran Family Award Recognizes Joey Darby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

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Joey Darby riding Balaliaka to the title of AHSA Working Horse of the Year in 1972.

Devon, PA – June 18, 2013 – The Brandywine Valley Summer Series is delighted to honor Joey Darby with this year’s Moran Family Award for Excellence in the Industry. The Moran family will present the prestigious award, donated by Caroline Moran and her family, to Darby on Sunday, June 30, at the Devon Show Grounds. The award presentation falls prior to the start of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a highlight of the two weeks of top hunter and jumper competition at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series running June 26-30 and July 3-7.

As a rider, trainer and respected judge, Darby’s career has spanned more than 40 years. His name is legendary, and he exemplifies the essence of true horsemanship and tradition in the hunter industry. In the late 1960s, Darby relocated to Any Day Farm in Southern Pines, the heartland of the show hunter. As a rider and trainer for loyal owners such as Junie Kulp and Sally Sexton, he garnered success with such memorable champions as Balalaika, Lyric, Sand Man, Loveable Truly, Rosie Report and Goodness. He’s also found success in the jumper ring with horses such as Arrive Alive and Brother Sam, who went on to compete at Aachen with Canadian, Ian Millar.

Darby has been a renaissance man in the equine industry, having mentored young equestrians in hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, three-day eventing and driving. Over the years, he has coached many three-day riders who wished to improve their stadium jumping skills, including Michael Plumb and Phillip Dutton. The Moran Family Award will be presented to Darby in recognition of his dedication and service to the equestrian sport.

In addition to this special award presentation, the Brandywine Valley Summer Series will feature a number notable classes and events, including two $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies and the $5,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.

Exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, guests and media can find out more information about the Brandywine Valley Summer Series by visiting http://brandywinevalleysummerseries.com.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY SUMMER SERIES FAST FACTS:

WHAT: An ‘AA’ hunter/jumper/equitation horse show presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services benefitting Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Main Line Animal Rescue.

WHEN: Week I: June 26-30, 2013 and Week II: July 3-7, 2013, with a local day of competition on Monday, July 8, 2013.

WHERE: The prestigious Devon Show Grounds in Devon, PA.

FEATURES:

  • Johnson Horse Transportation $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
  • Week 1 $5,000 National Hunter Derby Sponsored by Outer Beaches Realty and the Risser Family
  • Week 2 $5,000 National Hunter Derby Sponsored by Concord Pet Food and Supplies
  • $5,000 M&T Bank High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Hall of Fame Classic
  • $3,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Hall of Fame Classic
  • Hunter and Jumper Grooms Classes
  • Leadline
  • Designated WCHR Member Event
  • PHSA Hunter Classic

BENEFICIARIES:

The mission of our show is to provide ‘AA’ quality competition that benefits other non-profit organizations. The opportunity to include Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Main Line Animal Rescue as beneficiaries ties directly to that goal.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Louise Serio – Executive Director – (610) 636-0678
Jennifer Burger – Sponsor Relations – (716)830-8544
Gillian Grant – Sponsors/Beneficiaries- (302) 427-9622
Blair Balmer – Vendors – blair.balmer@gmail.com
Emily Riden – Marketing & Press – (717) 368-8102 or emr@phelpsmediagroup.com
Mike Rheinheimer – Horse Show Manager – mwrheinheimer@msn.com
Website: http://brandywinevalleysummerseries.com

DIRECTIONS:
From Philadelphia International Airport:
Follow signs to I-95 South and follow I-95 South approximately 5 miles. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the Northeast:
Follow I-95 South. Look for I-476 approximately 5 miles South of the Philadelphia International Airport. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the South:
Follow I-95 North toward Philadelphia. Once you’ve crossed into Delaware, keep right and take I-495 North via exit 5D toward Port of Wilmington / Philadelphia. Follow for I-495 North and remerge onto I-95 North (Crossing into Pennsylvania). Follow I-95 North to I-476 North. Take I-476 N via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the East:
Follow the Schuylkill Expressway / I-76 West to I-476 South. Merge onto I-476 South via exit 331A on the left toward Chester. Follow I-476 South for approximately 2 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the West:
Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-76 E toward Philadelphia. Take exit 326 toward Valley Forge. Stay in right lane after the tolls. Merge onto US-202 South via exit 328A toward West Chester. Follow US-202 South for approximately 2 miles. Take the PA-252 North exit toward Devon. Make a left onto Valley Forge Road / PA-252. Continue to follow Valley Forge Road for approximately .5 miles and make a slight right turn onto Devon State Road. Follow Devon State road for approximately 1 mile until you reach a dead end. Make a left onto Old Lancaster Road and then an immediate right onto Waterloo Road. Turn left on to Lancaster Avenue / US-30 East and the Devon Horse Show will be on your right within .2 miles.

HOTELS:

OFFICIAL TRAVEL COORDINATIOR: Connections at EquestrianTravel.com
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800-262-9974
404-842-0000
www.equestriantravel.com
Please call or click today for special room rates!

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Wayne, PA 19087
610-687-6633

Best Western The Inn at King of Prussia
127 South Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Clarion Park Ridge Hotel
480 North Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Comfort Inn Valley Forge
550 West DeKalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Courtyard Marriott – Malvern
280 Old Morehall Road
Malvern, PA 19355

Courtyard Marriott – Valley Forge King of Prussia
1100 Drummers Lane
610-687-6700

Crowne Plaza – Valley Forge
260 Mall Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406

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Competitions, Western/Reining

IHSA Announces Western Riders for AQHA Horsemanship Challenge

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2013 IHSA AQHA High Point Rider, Austin Griffith, riding Little Bill. Photo credits: Rich Ormanowski.

Fairfield, CT — June 18, 2013 – The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association is pleased to announce eight IHSA Western Horsemanship riders have been selected to participate in the 2013 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsemanship Challenge, November 20-21, during the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The IHSA riders selected include the 2013 IHSA National Championships’ AQHA High Point Rider (Austin Griffith, Ohio State University) and reserve AQHA High Point Rider (Ashley Winters, University of Findlay, who continued her season despite the grief of losing her AQHA show horse to cancer), and a member of the 2013 IHSA National Championships High Point Western Team, Julia Roberts, of West Texas A&M University, who was also selected in 2012 but was competing in collegiate judging (she and her WTAMU team went on to become reserve champions). Emily Honey, of Oregon State University, represents the second (Elizabeth Whitman, 2012) consecutive time OSU riders have earned a slot in the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge.

The complete list of IHSA riders selected for the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge is as follows:

Julia Roberts, West Texas A&M University
Austin Griffith, Ohio State University
Douglas Mohr, Ball State University
Emily Honey, Oregon State University
Alissa Frederick, Black Hawk College
Rebecca Strunk, Clemson University
Ashley Winters, University of Findlay
Kodi Anderson, North Central Texas College

Austin Griffith, a business and marketing major at Ohio State, cited both hard work and the IHSA as integral to the path leading him to OKC. The newly-minted AQHA High Point Rider from the 2013 IHSA National Championships is also a two-time (2008, 2009) winner at AQHA Congress.

“I was so excited when I received the invitation,” says the IHSA National’s 2013 reserve AQHA High Point Rider, Ashley Winters, a freshman majoring in Environmental Safety and Occupational Health and Western Equestrian Studies at The University of Findlay. “During the show season I lost my AQHA show horse to cancer. This was an extremely hard time for me and the only way to cope was to keep riding. I knew the open level was going to be really tough and worked really hard, practicing five times a week for reining and horsemanship. The Findlay IHSA Team has wonderful coaches. At Nationals, their advice was to go out there and show them what a freshman can do.” Now she gets her chance to show them at AQHA Worlds.

For Douglas Mohr, who will represent Ball State, it’s a dream come true. “Ever since hearing of the AQHA Collegiate Challenge, it’s been a dream to be selected and represent my university, and now that dream is a reality. It’s a huge honor to be one of eight IHSA riders picked, and I am very grateful. To be surrounded by the best collegiate riders will be a humbling and rewarding experience.” Mohr will pursue a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, having just earned his Bachelor’s in Exercise Science.

Rebecca Strunk is also among the IHSA 8
Rebecca Strunk is also among the IHSA 8

Animal and Veterinary Science major, Rebecca Strunk (’15), adds, “I was honestly shocked to be invited to this prestigious event. It makes all the long hours of practice worth it. It’s an honor to represent Clemson University and hope to do so to the best of my abilities.”

The eight collegiate equestrian athletes representing their educational institutions in the Challenge were selected based on their 2012-13 individual statistics for horsemanship. Preliminary AQHA Horsemanship Challenge competition will take place Wednesday, November 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge finals will be held the evening of November 21. Three IHSA alternates have also been identified, pending availability of the original eight candidates.

About IHSA

The IHSA mission is to promote competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional and national levels. IHSA is based on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of financial status or riding level. More than 400 educational institutions in the U.S. and parts of Canada have teams belonging to IHSA, including student academic clubs, JV, and/or varsity programs. Learn more at www.ihsainc.com and connect with more than 6,800 student riders and coaches on Facebook and Twitter @IHSAinc.

IHSA Media Liaison:
L. A. Pomeroy
(413) 586-6121
PomeroyLA@aol.com
www.ihsainc.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Victor Segovia Secures Victory in $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix

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Victor Segovia and Romeo (pictured here competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL) won the $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix. Photo by Jack Mancini.

Lexington, Kentucky – Victor Segovia of Venezuela jumped to victory in the $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix on Sunday, June 16, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.  The 36-year-old topped a competitive field of 24 to take the win aboard Romeo, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by The Romeo Group.

Only four riders managed to contest the first round track cleanly to advance to the jump-off.  Segovia put in a second clear performance in a time of 43.96 seconds to secure the win.  The only other rider to jump fault-free was Juan Ortiz, also of Venezuela, who finished runner-up aboard Accordance with a time of 45.35 seconds.  Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam riding Fine Man incurred four faults to take third while David Beisel and Ammeretto placed fourth with an eight-fault total.

“Lately, I’ve been trying to go fast at the beginning of the jump-off and by the end, Romeo gets strong and I have trouble turning,” said Segovia, who came back first in the jump-off order.  “This time, we decided to go for a nice, clear round; we didn’t do the inside turns or try to leave strides out.  Our strategy was to let those who followed do the inside turns and leave out strides and see if they made a mistake.  Shane and David are very fast, and even though Juan has a naturally slower horse than mine, I was worried as I had been conservative in my track and knew that I had left the door open.”

In addition to winning the $60,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix, Segovia and Romeo also posted a number of impressive performances earlier in the week, finishing fifth in the $8,000 Half Million Jumper Classic on Wednesday, June 12, and seventh in the $25,000 Grand Prix on Friday, June 14.  Segovia advanced to the jump-off in both classes, going double-clear in the $8,000 Classic and finishing with four faults in the $25,000 Grand Prix jump-off.

“He’s a hot horse, very hot and strong,” said Segovia, who first began campaigning Romeo three years ago for Brooke Gilece and The Romeo Group.  “I’ve been very patient with him.  Every time he’s bad, I try to kill him with kindness instead of getting after him, and that seems to work.  In the barn, he is so sweet and anyone can handle him, but when I get on, it’s a whole different story.  He’s only 15.3hh but when I put my foot in the stirrup, he thinks he’s 17hh.  He’s super cocky, which is why I think he’s not afraid of the big jumps.  He’s very special.  I’m super grateful and feel very lucky to have him.”

Segovia trains with Andrea King and fellow Venezuelan, Angel Karolyi, who operate Hollow Creek Farm in Aiken, SC.  Segovia began working with Hollow Creek Farm at the beginning of 2013 and has since noticed a big difference in Romeo’s performance.

“I’ve been working with Angel and Andrea since the beginning of this year and it’s been super,” said Segovia, who scored the first grand prix victory of his career in the $25,000 Carolina Real Estate Co. Grand Prix at the Aiken Spring Classic Finale, SC, in April.  “The difference has been a ‘180’ in how the horse is going.  I started having clear rounds at the Live Oak International in March, and it’s been going really well ever since.  I am so thankful to Andrea, Angel and the Andrade family to be a part of the Hollow Creek Farm team.”

Fellow Hollow Creek Farm rider Emanuel Andrade also enjoyed tremendous success at the Country Heir II competition.  The 16-year-old took home seventh, ninth and 11th in the $60,000 Grand Prix riding Walter 61, ZZ Top v/h Schaarbroek Z and Crossfire 10 respectively, having incurred four faults with each in the first round.  Aboard Crossfire 10, Andrade also placed ninth in the $25,000 Grand Prix after incurring one time fault in the first round.

Andrade also dominated the Junior Jumper divisions, capturing both the Championship and Reserve Championship titles with Carboni and Casanova Junior respectively in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner division.

Andrade also took the Reserve Championship title in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner division riding Tiny Tim, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.  The pair finished second in two classes during the week and seventh in the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner High Jumper Classic on Saturday, June 15.  He also earned wins in the High Junior Jumper division with La Fe Forli and Walter 61.  In the Open Jumpers, Andrade won a 1.25m class with Oxford and two 1.30m classes with Costa.

Hollow Creek Farm has the unique distinction of winning three prestigious titles at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.  Andrade was named the Leading Jumper Rider, King was named the Leading Jumper Trainer, and Hollow Creek Farm was named the Leading Jumper Owner.

For more information on Hollow Creek Farm, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

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