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Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Eiken Sato and Espyrante Succeed in $82,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3*

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Eiken Sato and Espyrante. Photo © Sportfot.

Walk the Line and Lillie Keenan Victorious in Antarés Large Junior 16-17 Hunters

Wellington, FL – March 16, 2013 – Japan’s Eiken Sato and Espyrante jumped to victory in the $82,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday night during another exciting evening of international competition for week ten at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). In a jump-off of seven nations, Sato beat out riders from Great Britain, Ireland, Venezuela, Germany, Greece and the United States for his first big win at the Pam Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany set the course for Saturday night’s Grand Prix with 40 entries competing at night under the lights. Ten riders representing seven different countries qualified for the jump-off and four went double clear over the short course.

Seventh to go, Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra, owned by the ZL Group Inc., were the first pair to jump the short course without fault and finished fourth with their time of 48.27 seconds. Up next, Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Urico cleared the course in 44.27 seconds to briefly take the lead. They were pushed into second by Japan’s Eiken Sato and Stephex Stables’ Espyrante, who stopped the clock in 42.79 seconds for the win. Last to go, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Eregast Van’t Kiezelhof, owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC, finished clear in 47.61 seconds to take the third place prize.

Sato, 27, has lived in Belgium for nine years and began riding for Stephex Stables two years ago. His mount, Espyrante, is a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Obourg x Pauillac De Meia Lua that they got last year.

Watch an interview with Eiken Sato
Watch an interview with Eiken Sato

“My horse always jumps well,” Sato praised after his win. “Tonight she was amazing and I’m really happy. Last week Daniel Deusser won the Grand Prix, and this week I won one. We won for our stable two weeks in a row and this is my first Grand Prix that I have won in Palm Beach, so I am really happy.”

Describing Espyrante, Sato detailed, “She’s a really strong mare and actually nobody liked her at first. I tried working with her and she won the Grand Prix, so you never know. Only the horse can know.”

Sato went after a very fast round from Ben Maher and Urico and explained that he did watch them go, but trusted his horse’s ability to be faster.

“To be honest, I saw, but I tried not to see because he is such a fast rider,” Sato laughed. “The end I saw. My horse is naturally really fast, so I knew I needed to take risks, but I trust my horse and she did a fantastic job.”

Maher commented on his round with Urico, noting, “I was very happy. He felt back to himself tonight. He felt confident. The jump-off was one of those jump-offs again with a lot of riders knocking fences down, so I tried to beat the ones in front of me tonight, not the ones that were after me. I took a risk and it did not pay off tonight, but I could not be happier. He was fantastic and I would never complain about being second in a Grand Prix, especially to a great rider.”

Shane Sweetnam was showing his mount Eregast in the horse’s first Grand Prix as well as his first night class. Although the horse was a little green in the ring, Sweetnam was very happy with his performance.

“It’s his first Grand Prix of any sort. It’s his first Grand Prix here and WEF was his first 1.45m and last week was his first 1.50m,” Sweetnam emphasized. “Honestly, he wasn’t meant to be rushed as quickly, but with Siri getting injured, he had to step up and he has done a great job.”

“He is a very talented horse,” Sweetnam said. “He was very green in the jump-off. I wish I could have gone quicker because he can be a very fast horse, but the music and the crowd and everything was making him fairly high-strung. I was very, very happy with him. For the experience he has, he did unbelievable. I have very high hopes for him.”

Sweetnam commented on the course, stating, “I thought Olaf has always done a great job. As far as a going number of ten tonight in the jump-off, it made a very interesting jump-off with not so many clears. I think the second round the horses were a little tired, but I think he did a great job.”

Sato added, “I did the course walk for the first round and I thought there would be ten or twelve clear. In the jump-off there weren’t too many clear, but it was a fantastic course for the jump-off and it was really fun.”

Maher shared his opinion as well, noting, “It was a very different course. It was a lot more twisty and turny tonight. Not typically a course for here, but it was nice and different for the horses. It was good to see not big jumps, but a big course, take its toll with faults all over the place, which is a sign of a good Grand Prix.”

Walk the Line and Lillie Keenan Victorious in Antarés Large Junior 16-17 Hunters

Walk the Line and Lillie Keenan clinched the championship title in the Antarés Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division during week 10 of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Keenan and Walk the Line were a force to be reckoned with over fences, winning three of four over fences rounds. Keenan and Don Stewart’s fourteen-year-old gelding were also fourth over fences during day one of competition for the division.

Reserve champion honors went to Norgan, Inc.’s Capstone, ridden by Sydney Shulman. Shulman and Capstone were third and first over fences day one and placed third day two in all three classes, including an under saddle and two over fences rounds.

The owner-rider champion was Perfectionist and Cloe Hymowitz. Hymowitz also picked up reserve owner-rider honors with Garfield, co-owned by Alexandra Crown.

Keenan is currently at the top of the circuit championship standings with her other Large Junior mount, Madison, but considers Walk the Line to be equally as talented. “Madison tends to win the hacks, but Walk the Line has a very striking jump. When he goes over the fence, it almost makes you open your eyes a little more. There’s a ‘wow’ factor to how he goes over each fence,” Keenan described.

“I’m very lucky because both of my Large Juniors are very fancy,” Keenan continued. “Both of them are a lot of fun to ride. They have a lot of similarities, but are still quite different. Walk the Line is a little quirky, but I like that about him. I think we match really well.”

While Keenan dominates junior divisions in hunters, jumpers, and equitation classes on a number of competitive mounts, she especially appreciates Walk the Line’s desire to be the best. “I know that every time he goes in the ring he wants to win. All of my horses are like that but it is especially true for him. It’s nice to know that every time you go in the ring, he wants to do well,” Keenan commented.

Keenan is quick to credit the gelding’s success to the exceptional support she receives from owner Don Stewart’s daughter, Erin. “Don is in Ocala right now and I go back to school every week. Erin does a wonderful job with him during the week. She comes to the ring and helps me with him, along with everyone at Heritage [Farm],” Keenan remarked.

Keenan juggles her time between attending the Spence School in her native New York City and competing at the FTI WEF every weekend in Wellington, a feat that she realizes would not be possible without the incredible support system she is surrounded by.

“I care a lot about my schoolwork and my grades. I’m expected to do really well by my family and I expect it of myself,” the fifteen-year-old explained.

“It’s definitely difficult but I’m very lucky. My family makes sure that I have all the opportunity to come [to Florida] every week and my school is wonderful about letting me miss Fridays. Heritage is amazing at making sure when I come back from school the horses are ready. Without everyone’s help – and it’s a lot of help – this would not be possible,” Keenan acknowledged.

Hunter competition for week ten of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Horseware Ireland, concludes Sunday with the Autism Speaks Children’s Large Pony Hunter, hosted in Ring 12 of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The $33,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will complete the week in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Amy Zettler Wins Final $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit

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© ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags picked up another $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix win.

Hunter Holloway captures HITS Equitation Championship

OCALA, FL (March 16, 2013) – The final $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix took the stage on Saturday at HITS Ocala with blue skies and sunshine. Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia and her own Glad Rags picked up their third HITS Hunter Prix victory this season as they set their sights on the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.

“I’ve had an amazing circuit,” said Zettler, who finished in second place last year in the inaugural HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties, New York. “Primo [Glad Rags] is a great horse and we’ve had a wonderful time here this winter. HITS does a great job making the hunter prix classes very special, and I feel like everything was spectacular this whole circuit.”

Twenty-six horse-and-rider combinations competed over a course designed by Tim Hott, as twelve returned for the second round. Zettler posted a pair of 83s in the two-round classic for the win.

Second place belonged to Kevin Foster of Brookeville, Maryland and Ufonia P, owned by Paulexi, LLC. Foster had a first round score of 79 and the top second round score of 86 to claim the red ribbon.

“This has been one of the most successful seasons our barn has ever had,” said wife Patty Foster of Rolling Acres Farm. The Rolling Acres family is sharing a lot this season, as they present, for the first time ever, the Rolling Acres Farm Laura Pickett Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the top scoring Junior Hunter rider of the entire circuit. The award will be presented during the Antares Parade of Champions on Sunday.  “It’s great when you’re successful at a show, but it’s even more special when it’s something you can share with your entire family.”

The third place ribbon was awarded to Margot Peroni and Susan Cowie’s Magnolia. Peroni, of Califon, New Jersey, rides with Redfield Farm under the tutelage of Emil Spadone. The duo posted a first-round score of 84.5 and a second round score of 79.

As HITS Ocala comes to an end, Zettler and Woodhall Farm prepare for another exciting show season that will include HITS Culpeper. She and Glad Rags will head north with the Antares Grand Circuit Championship in the Adult Hunter 36-45 division.

“I’m so proud of my horse and I have to thank my trainers Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger,” she said. “I have really made a lot of new friends and that has been the best part of it all. I’m really lucky to spend good times with great people at a great horse show.”

© ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and Blige on course in the HITS Equitation Championship
© ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and Blige on course in the HITS Equitation Championship

HITS Equitation Championship
The HITS Equitation Championship took place on Saturday in the Grand Prix Ring as the top junior riders of the circuit showed of their equitation one final time. A two-round class, the top twelve returned for the second round with an additional test of the top four to determine the winner. Rising star Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas captured the victory with Blige, owned by Hays Investment Corp.

Holloway has had a fantastic circuit as one of the premier junior riders in the country. The daughter of grand prix veteran Brandie Holloway, she has made a name for herself this season with several strong finishes in grand prix, as well as in the junior hunters. She also earned the 13th overall ribbon in Saturday’s $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge just a few hours after her equitation win.

Second place was awarded to Geoffrey Hesslink and Don Stewart’s Bruno Mars. Third place was awarded to Rolling Acres’ Ashley Foster and Maureen Corcoran’s Leena L. Michael Hughes and Zagreb, owed by Drumnacross Farm LTD., finished fourth.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

Cornelissen and Parzival Secure the Win, but Gal and Undercover Chase Them Home

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Heather Schmidt from Reem Acra presents the Reem Acra Cup to defending series champions Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival.

‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), 16 March 2013 – Defending double-champions, Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival, won the last leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League 2012/2013 on home ground at the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands this afternoon. But Dutch colleague, Edward Gal, put them under intense pressure with a brilliant performance from Glock’s Undercover that brought the crowd to their feet.

Yesterday Gal and the 12-year-old gelding were 1.362 percentage points off Cornelissen’s winning score in the Grand Prix.  But Ground Jury members Katrina Wuest (GER), Hans Christian Matthiesen (DEN), Francis Verbeek van Rooij (NED), Jacques van Daele (BEL) and Adriaan Hamoen (NED) saw an even closer margin today , with just 0.8 separating the two.  Things could now hardly be more exciting ahead of next month’s Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, as Gal is quickly closing in on his team-mate with increasingly impressive performances, while Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill have already proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the battle for the prestigious title.

With another nice test from Don Johnson FRH, Germany’s Isabell Werth slotted into third ahead of Denmark’s Anna Kasprzak and the expressive Donnperignon while Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic claimed fifth place.  There was a big buzz in the aftermath of the competition, and while it was Cornelissen who stood top of the prize-giving line, the electricity was all emanating from Gal whose enormous grin said it all.

Today marked a turning point for his lovely black horse who bears more than a passing resemblance to the great stallion, Totilas, which carried him through one of the most exciting periods in the history of this sport as they set new standards until parting company after winning the FEI European Championship in 2009.  Together they changed the face of international Dressage, and Gal admitted this evening, in almost a whisper, “It’s not just because he’s a black horse; it’s about the feeling… riding a horse that doesn’t want to stop and wants to give everything and more… today was a little bit like the same wow feeling I got with Totilas back then!” he said.

Full of Quality

From the outset this last qualifier was full of quality, with Switzerland’s Marcela Krinke Susmelj showing exactly why she was lying sixth on the Western European League rankings coming into this leg of the series as she produced a lovely opening test from Smeyers Molberg that oozed softness and harmony. And their score of 73.850 held the lead until surpassed, first by Sidsel Johansen and Schianto who notched up 74.950 and then by fellow-Dane Anna Kasprzak who really raised the game just before the half-way break with a mark of 78.650 for Donnperignon.

Not even the near-perfection of the passage and piaffe produced by Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic could oust this Danish pair who remained in front until Cornelissen took her turn with four left to go. And despite the fact that the title-defenders are still feeling their way into a whole new floor-plan and musical score, they forged way ahead when putting 85.900 on the board.

Germany’s Isabell Werth powered into the arena as the penultimate competitor and posted 79.475 to slot into runner-up spot with Don Johnson FRH, but that wouldn’t last long.  Because Gal and Glock’s Undercover kept the crowd spellbound with a last-to-go test that clearly has room for improvement but which had that distinct whiff of a little bit of magic.  The spectators couldn’t contain themselves when he left the ring, spontaneously rising to their feet to roar their approval, and when the judges’ marks were displayed there was an intake of breath, because Gal’s score was so very close to overtaking their other great favourite.  The Dutch are spoiled for choice once again.

Master the Movements

For Cornelissen today was a big one, as she still has to master the new series of movements that will, no doubt, come together to even greater effect over the coming months as both she and her lovely chestnut gelding perform her “Tribute to my Red Knight”.  She uses Parzival’s extraordinary expertise in canter pirouette to full effect in this new Freestyle which, although perhaps less majestic and dramatic, flows easily and will surely make an excellent replacement for the former Tchaikovsky-themed test that brought them so much success.

“I need to change some small things, and we are still getting used to the new test, but I’m very happy because with Parzival it is all getting much lighter and more harmonious,” she said.

While Cornelissen was being philosophical, Gal could hardly contain his excitement at having pushed her so closely.  “I was the most happiest rider today!” he said with a big smile at the post-competition press conference.  It is partly the speed at which his partnership with Undercover is coming together that is surprising him.  He brought the 12-year-old horse with him to ‘s-Hertogenbosch this time last year just to let him experience the atmosphere of a big show and all that goes with it, but only started riding the horse in January 2012.  “I had Totilas for four or five years before competing him like this, and I didn’t expect it would come together so soon.  Our last indoor competition was at Olympia (in London) in December and he (Undercover) was so hot there.  You need to have a hot horse to do a great test, but you have to be able to handle it and today I had a good feeling so I could let him go and do it, he was much more relaxed,” he pointed out.

Isabell Werth was well-pleased with her horse’s performance. “Johnny is always quite powerful, but he is still developing and I’m very happy with him. What Edward says is true: you have to deal with the power and the temperament, but my horse is still just 10 years old and when he plays in the right way he’s perfect!” she insisted.

In Context

Ground Jury President, Francis Verbeek van Rooij, put it all in context when she said, “For us judges it was an exciting afternoon. For me personally I couldn’t say after Edward’s test who was in the lead and in the end Adelinde finished just ahead of him.  These riders are riding the Freestyle test on the music really well, and I congratulate them all,” she added.

Frank Kemperman, Sports Director for Indoor Brabant and Chairman of the FEI Dressage Committee, confirmed that the nine leading riders on the Western European League 2012/2013 leaderboard have now qualified for the Final next month.  They are, in the following order: Kristina Sprehe (GER), Valentina Truppa (ITA), Edward Gal (NED), Helen Langehanenberg (GER), Isabell Werth (GER), Patrik Kittel (SWE), Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE), Anna Kasprzak (DEN), and Marcela Krinke Susmelj (SUI).  Defending champions, Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival, are automatically qualified.

“We have to wait another week or so before some of the other leagues are over so we can finalise the start-list, but I believe we can look forward to a wonderful Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Gothenburg in a few weeks’ time!” Mr Kemperman pointed out.

Retirement

And emotions ran high in the Brabanthallen once again later in the day when the official retirement ceremony for Anky van Grunsven’s 19 year old Hannoverian, Salinero, took place.  The Dutch rider enjoyed enormous success with this horse whose career might well have been overshadowed by the memory of his revered predecessor, Bonfire who, together with van Grunsven, first brought Freestyle Dressage to centre stage.  Salinero however followed faithfully in those very famous hoofprints to become a star in his own right, taking Olympic individual gold in Athens in 2004 and again at the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympic Games in Hong Kong four years later.  And he helped van Grunsven to become the most prolific winner of the FEI World Cup Dressage title – she won it nine times over a 13-year period between 1995 and 2008.

Salinero first came to prominence in 2003 with victory in the Dutch National Championship and was part of the Dutch bronze medal winning team at the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park last summer which brought his spectacular career to a fitting conclusion.

For further information on the eighth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2012/2013 series at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands on Saturday 16 March 2013, go to website http://www.indoorbrabant.com/en/ or contact Press Officer Denise van der Net, Email denisene@xs4all.net, Tel +31 6270 31674.

The Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2012/2013 will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden from 24-28 April.  For details of the Swedish fixture, check out website www.gothenburghorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Mayvor Thorin at Email mayvor.thorin@gotevent.se, Tel +46 31 368 43 49.

Result: 1, Jerich Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) NED 85.900; 2, Glock’s Undercover (Edward Gal) NED 85.100; 3, Don Johnson FRH (Isabell Werth) GER 79.475; 4, Donnperignon (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 78.650; 5, Watermill Scandic (Patrik Kittel) SWE 77.775; 6, Hexagon’s Wellnetta (Laurens van Lieren) NED 75.575; 7, Miciano (Marlies van Baalen) NED 75.100; 8, Schianto (Sidsel Johansen) DEN 74.950; 9, Smeyers Molberg (Marcela Krinke Susmelj) SUI 73.850; 10, Unlimited (Stephanie Peters) NED 72.775; 11, Biggles (Kristian von Krusenstierna) SWE 72.725; 12, Axis TSF (Terhi Stegars) FIN 72.175; 13, Orion (PIa Fortmuller) can 70.025; 14, Vradin (Simon Missiaen) BEL 69.650; 15, World Performance Washington (Luis Principe) POR 67.375.

Full details here: http://results.scgvisual.com/2013/denbosch/r14.html.

Facts and Figures:

Today’s Freestyle competition at ‘s-Hertogenbosch was the eighth and final qualifying round of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League series.
This was the first time for defending champion, The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen, to perform her new Freestyle floor-plan which she calls “Tribute to my Red Knight”.
Following today’s final qualifier, the top 9 riders on the Western European League leaderboard have earned a place at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013 Final which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden from 24-28 April.
Defending champion and today’s winner, The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen, is automatically qualified with Jerich Parzival.
This weekend’s Dutch event also marked the retirement of Anky van Grunsven’s Salinero who, during his sparkling career, twice won Olympic gold .
Between 1995 and 2008 the Dutch rider dominated the FEI World Cup Dressage series with 9 victories over that 13-year period.
This is the 28th season of the FEI World Cup Dressage series, and the third season of sponsorship by New York fashion designer Reem Acra who recently committed to a further three years of support.
In yesterday’s preliminary Grand Prix competition, Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival produced a winning margin of 1.362 percentage points over Dutch colleague Edward Gal with Glock’s Undercover while Germany’s Isabell Werth and Don Johnson FRH finished third.
The panel of judges for today’s Ground Jury was: At E, Katrina Wuest (GER), At H, Hans Christian Matthiesen (DEN), At C, Francis Verbeek van Rooij (NED), At M, Jacques van Daele (BEL) and at B, Adriaan Hamoen (NED).

Quotes:

Isabell Werth – “With Johnny (Don Johnson FRH) we are still on way and learning. He can be a bit tense and do too much, but today he did a good test, not perfect, but to be third here was my goal and it was great preparation for the Final.”

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2012/2013 – Standings after Round 8 at ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED):
1.    Kristina Sprehe GER            –    68
2.    Valentina Truppa ITA            –    67
3.    Edward Gal NED                –    66
3.    Helen Langehanenberg GER        –    66
3.    Isabell Werth GER                –    66
6.    Patrik Kittel SWE                –    63
6.    Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven         –    63
8.    Anna Kasprzak DEN            –    58
9.    Marcela Krinke Susmelj SUI        –    50
10.    Minna Telde SWE                –    49
11.    Sidsel Johansen DEN            –    46
12.    Marlies van Baalen NED            –    40
13.    Kristian von Krusentierna SWE    –    34
14.    Pia Fortmuller CAN                –    33
15.    Imke Schellekens-Bartels NED    –    32
16.    Patrick van der Meer NED        –    30
17.    Anabel Balkenhol GER            –    29
18.    Lyndal Oatley AUS                –    23
18.    Silvia Rizzo ITA                 –    23
20.    Karin Kosak AUT                –    22

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/lPaPBdIsB8U

Reem Acra FEI Hub, http://www.fei.org/reemacra, gives you access to useful information, including all news releases from the current and past Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series (see “News and Press”).

FEI World Cup Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, has entered its 28th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

The complete rules, calendar, updated ranking and results are available here.

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and includes 133 National Federations. Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. In 2012 equestrian sport will celebrate its centenary as an Olympic sport. It is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms. It is also the only sport which involves two athletes – horse and rider. The FEI has relentlessly concerned itself with the welfare of the horse, which is paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Press Officer: Denise van der Net
Email: denisene@xs4all.net
Tel: +31 6270 31674

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

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Debbie McDonald Observing Horses and Riders in Hopes of Developing Elite Competitors for U.S.

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Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin.

Wellington, FL – March 15, 2013 – Debbie McDonald, U.S. Equestrian Federation Developing Dressage Coach, is scoping out possible horse and rider combinations to represent the United States in future competitions while in Wellington, FL.

The Olympic and World Equestrian Games medalist was named the USEF Developmental Coach of the Year in 2008 and her reputation as a competitor, coach and trainer is profound. McDonald’s passion for developing young riders and horses runs deep. Her success is proven by her protégé, Adrienne Lyle, who rode for the U.S. aboard Wizard in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“My job is to seek out combinations that might be able to represent the United States in the future,” McDonald said.

“We revamped the whole program. With the old way, we used to work off a developing list, and the way you got on the list was to make it to finals in Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I and the Brentina Cup,” she said. “But sometimes someone would make it to finals with an 18-year-old horse. That really doesn’t fall into a developing program because that’s the end of their career, not the beginning.”

She observed today’s Prix St. Georges class at the WEF Dressage Classic CDI3* presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds. She said she focused on U.S. riders who have scored well in recent shows on younger horses.

The top two winners in today’s Prix St. Georges just happen to meet those criteria. Kimberly Herslow from New Jersey, riding her own Rosmarin, an 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding, scored a 73.728% to take the win in a field of 19 riders.

“My hopes are that this horse becomes everything I know he can be, which is a Grand Prix horse,” Herslow said. “And then, possibly go to Europe after that and get some showing in over there and see how he competes with the European horses.”

Lars Petersen, Herslow’s coach, said the talent of his student and her horse knows no bounds. “She’ll go far,” Petersen said. “Super horse with a talent for everything. Grand Prix – he’ll do it.”

Taking the second place ribbon was Caroline Roffman, who rode Her Highness O to a 71.404%.

“She’s really progressing and becoming a really reliable show horse,” Roffman said. She plans to keep training with hopes of moving up to Grand Prix next year.

McDonald will continue her observations throughout the country to find the best and brightest future stars. “I’m very excited about the quality so far,” she said.

“Of course, I am trying to hit the places that concentrate the greatest number of riders, so Florida and California are the two major places,” McDonald continued. “Then we’re observing Houston and I think Saugerties and then the Festival of Champions Developing Horse Championships in August at Lamplight. We still have quite a bit more to observe.”

After this weekend, a select group of riders and horses will be invited to participate in a special Developing Program Clinic with McDonald April 2-3 in Wellington.

“I wanted to do this first training session before the majority of the people left Florida,” she said. “We will have a pool of people that we would like to see under a different light and talk to them a little bit more intimately about what their plans are. It’s much easier to do it here before they all leave.”

Although she did not know the exact number of riders and horses invited to the Florida clinic, she said the number would be substantial. More clinics are scheduled in June in California and in June and July in New Jersey and are by invitation only from the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee. After the series of clinics, McDonald will compile a list of names to submit to the USEF to be put in a position to receive a grant to further their education in dressage.

“We have to have valid combinations to be competitive in the future,” she said.

Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Dressage, Para-Equestrian

US and Canada Vie for Para-Equestrian Team Championship at AGDF WEF Dressage Classic CPEDI3*

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Lauren Barwick and Off To Paris. Photos (C) Lindsay McCall.

Wellington, FL – March 15, 2013 – Opening day at the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival WEF Dressage Classic CPEDI3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Fellows, showcased many of North America’s top Para-Dressage riders. Equestrians from Canada and the U.S. competed in the Team Test completing their first of three days of para-dressage tests. The friendly but competitive atmosphere between the countries was illustrated among the riders as they rode down centerline in the Van Kampen Arena. The ground jury included Carlos Lopes (POR), Bo Ahman (SWE), and Hanneke Gerritsen(NED). Earning the top scores in team test competition was Grade Ia rider Jody Schloss of Canada and Inspector Rebus; Grade Ib Canadian Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2; Lauren Barwick of Canada and Off to Paris in Grade II; Eleanor Brimmer of the U.S. and Carino H in Grade III; and Lynne Poole of Canada with Vasco E. Para-Dressage CPEDI3* continues over the weekend at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds in Wellington, FL.

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* is the first opportunity of the 2013 season for para-equestrian dressage riders in Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV to begin the qualifying process for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. With the 2012 London Paralympics in their rearview mirrors Canada and especially the United States is using 2013 as a developing year. There are new horses, new horse and rider combinations, new dressage tests and a few new para-dressage equestrians.

Canadian two-time Paralympian Lauren Barwick was faced with her first execution of the Grade II Team Test with horse Off To Paris. Although the pair had a successful 2012 season, Barwick went back to the drawing board to make “good” into “amazing”. Barwick laughed, “I think I should have turned my brain on today.” On a serious note, “I have been competing nationally this year and we have been picking away at movements. On purpose, we have been forgetting the big picture and working on little things. It’s very frustrating for me because I like the whole big picture and want the big picture. However, it’s about training today for tomorrow. I know the things we worked so hard on today were better, even though it caused the pieces that are normally good to fall apart. My plan is identifying, isolating, and recombining.”

Lauren Barwick earned the top percentage score of the day with a 68.922% in Grade II competition. In Grade Ib fellow Paralympian and teammate Ashley Gowanlock competed with Barwick’s horses Ferdonia 2. Barwick commented, “I am very excited to see Ferdonia back in the ring. She didn’t make it to London and we were really concerned she wouldn’t make it back in the ring. To see her back in the ring is phenomenal for me.”

Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2
Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2

Gowanlock replied, “I am thrilled. It’s her first time coming back from an injury since she has been rehabbing since before London. I knew what she could be, and I knew it was in there, but I wasn’t sure what was going to come out when we got in the ring on Friday. The atmosphere, pressure, tension… there was definitely some tension but she was amazing. I was so proud of Ferdonia and excited for what’s coming.”

After the 2012 London Paralympic Games, riders had to regroup and refocus for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Gowanlock explained, “You almost have to start over. You had this amazing experience and say to yourself, ‘What did I learn and how can it get better?’ You are always thinking, ‘What can I learn today to take with me tomorrow?’ I am excited and happy and looking forward to tomorrow at this calm and beautiful facility.”

Gowanlock (CAN) and Ferdonia 2 topped the Grade Ib competition with Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) in second aboard Niekele fan Busenitz. Sydney Collier (USA) and new horse Wentworth executed a precise and elegant Grade Ib test but her current re-evaluation of her classification creates a non-percentage calculation on her test scores.

Collier’s new horse Wentworth was purchased from Ottawa, Canada. We went up there in the Fall to look at him. At that point I was still in a cast. I rode him without stirrups and did five steps of trot. We clicked very nicely and right away. He made the journey from Ottawa to Wes Dunham’s and we were doing trips back and forth from Ann Arbor, MI.”

Sydney Collier and Wentworth
Sydney Collier and Wentworth

She continued, “For Wentworth’s first show with me, he was great. His tempo was nice and steady. He tuned out the stuff he had to tune out on my left side but at the same time he was listening and totally tuned in. This is his first show in years and he has been so great adapting to the new environment.”

In Grade Ia, Jody Schloss (CAN) earned the top score with Inspector Rebus, following only .797 % behind Schloss with Canadian Robyn Andrews and Fancianna.

In Grade III Eleanor Brimmer (USA) of Wayazata, MN earned the first place score with partner Carino H.

In Grade IV, Lynne Poole (CAN) earned the top accolade with Vasco E. “I was really pleased with Vasco,” smiled Poole. “He stepped up his game last year; we put some weight on him, and he’s getting more mature and settling down. I was really pleased with him today.”

For Poole the change in planning has helped to focus on the 2014 calendar year. She explained, “Equine Canada came up with a training program that is done on a big spreadsheet. We sat down, had a look at movements, and really focused on that. Each month we have a meeting with the team coach and head of Equine Canada so we can really focus with stepping up our game.”

She continued, “It’s so important that we keep getting out and keep doing these shows. Most of us, without funding, we can’t get to Europe and we so desperately need this show. We are so thankful. The facilities are great and it is a lovely ring. I was quite happy to be in the covered arena because it was cooler. Everybody around the show grounds has been wonderful. I was so glad they had a CPEDI3* for us.”

United States Para-Dressage rider concurred. “I am very grateful for the opportunity that we have here to show at Global. Having three star competitions are so important as riders for our growth and development. I am so glad we had a venue that opened their doors to us. The atmosphere here is more like a European event; it’s a great opportunity as riders. I wish more riders from the U.S. came here but I know it’s tough to find horses, money and sponsors and get across the country. I am grateful for the opportunity we have in front of us.”

Jordan earned the second spot in Grade IV behind Poole and she also earned her qualifying score for the 2014 World Equestrian Games. She commented, “I was really thrilled with both horses for different reasons. Sebastian has had a really good winter of training. The horse I have underneath me now is an improved and better horse than at selection trials. He is clearly loving life.”

Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV para-dressage individual tests continue in the Van Kampen Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Saturday’s Individual Test will be combined with the Team Test and considered for the final team championship accolade. Sunday will continue with the exciting freestyle tests to music followed by an awards ceremony.

U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe: Hope Hand
Team Coach: Missy Ransehousen

Schedule:

March 16, 2013 – Individual Test Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
March 17, 2013 – Freestyle Championship Tests Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
— Followed by awards ceremony

Results:

FEI Para Team Grade IV

  1. 580, Poole, Lynne, CAN, Vasco E, 64.048%
  2. 583, Jordan, Mary R., USA, Sebastian, 64.008%
  3. 585, Lawson, Madison, CAN, McGuire, 63.016%
  4. 584, Jordan, Mary R., USA, P Sparrow Socks, 59.603%
  5. 579, Poole, Lynne, CAN, Frisbee, 59.484%

FEI Para Grade III Team

  1. 578, Brimmer, Eleanor, USA, Carino H, 57.456%

FEI Para Team Grade 1A

  1. 575, Schloss, Jody, CAN, Inspector Rebus, 63.913%
  2. 577, Andrews, Robyn, CAN, Fancianna, 63.116%

FEI Para Equestrian Team 1B

  1. 587, Gowanlock, Ashley, CAN, Ferdonia 2, 65.2%
  2. 582, Oakleaf, Laurietta, USA, Niekele fan Busenitz, 63.067%
  3. 581, Collier, Sydney, USA, Wentworth – Re-Evaluation of Classification

FEI Para Team Grade II

  1. 588, Barwick, Lauren, CAN, Off To Paris, 68.922%

For questions about the 2013-2014 Para-Equestrian Dressage season, please contact the USEF High Performance Director of the Para-Equestrian Discipline, Laureen K. Johnson, at (908) 326-1155 or e-mail lkjohnson@usef.org.

For more questions about Para-Equestrian Dressage, please contact Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org or (610) 356-6481.

2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Show Managers:

Manager/Entry Secretary: Lloyd Landkamer phone: 612-290-8523 Fax: 866-832-8610
Secretary: Angela Goodwin-Volpert / Peggy Warren
Co-Secretary: Becky Johnston
Co- Manager/Secretary: John Hoppman 612-799-6381
E-mail: DressageFestival@aol.com
Website: www.globaldressagefestival.com

Ground Jury:

Carlos Lopes (POR/4*), Bo Ahman (SWE/4*), and Hanneke Gerritsen(NED)

http://www.fei.org/disciplines/officials-organisers/organisers/para-equestrian-dressage/dressage-tests

ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014 Qualification Criteria

Qualification Period:

Start: January 1, 2013
End: XXXX 2014 (TBD)

Qualifying Events:

Any CPEDI3* or CPEDI4* event during the qualification period in addition to the Paralympics Games 2012 London

Qualification Score:

All athlete/horse combinations must have attained (as a combination) a minimum 60% score attributed by the Ground Jury in a Team test or Individual Championship test one time.

Judges:

Minimum of 3 FEI PE5* or 4* judges of different nationalities

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (excerpt from www.globaldressagefestival.com)

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Adequan GDF) was created as one of the finest show grounds in the world with a calendar of events and prize money in its first year that places it in the top tier of competitions.

Five CDIs staged by a single organization are more than at any other show grounds in the world. Prize money of more than $275,000 that is the richest single circuit except for the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, what is to horse sports what Wimbledon is to tennis.

The show grounds consists of four arenas that are equal in quality to those at the 2012 and 2008 Olympic Games, several hundred stadium seats around the main ring and the first 200 of what will be 300 permanent horse stalls and a raised courtyard at the center of the show grounds providing a panoramic view of the entire facility.  One of the world’s largest covered arenas at 360 by 210 feet (110 x 64 meters), and a VIP club overlooking the main competition arena.

Dressage has replaced the billiard-table smooth grass polo fields that were the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club stadium where Prince Charles played to kick start Wellington as THE winter lifestyle destination for the world.

The dressage grounds adjoin a beautiful grass jumping derby field all part of the sprawling Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that attracts thousands of horses from about three dozen countries for jumper and hunter competitions in an calendar that has expanded from a few weeks in winter to shows from Fall through Spring, centered around the Winter Equestrian Festival and its $6 million in prize money.

To learn more about the Global Dressage Festival, please visit: www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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

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

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

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

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4 Take Top Prize in $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Speed

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Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4. Photo © Sportfot.

Tim Gredley and Unex Valente Win $10,000 Puissance; Whitecap and Mary-Katherine Shaughnessy Triumph in Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51+ Division

Wellington, FL – March 15, 2013 – Week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland, continued on Friday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4 in the highlight $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class. In an exciting finish, Maher just edged out Canada’s Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S for the win with Japan’s Eiken Sato and Viva finishing in third.

On Friday evening at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival at The Stadium at PBIEC, a fantastic $10,000 Puissance high jump competition was also featured along with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Horseware Ireland. Great Britain’s Tim Gredley and Unex Valente and Germany’s Johannes Ehining and Salvador V went head to head over the ever-increasing wall with Gredley winning in four rounds at a final height of 6’11” (2.10m). Gredley then went on to attempt 7’6″ (2.31m).

Week ten’s FTI WEF competition runs March 13-17 featuring CSI 3* competition. Highlights include the $82,000 Horseware Ireland CSI 3* Grand Prix on Saturday and the $33,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany set the speed track for Friday’s $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class in the International Arena at PBIEC with 43 entries competing. Fifteen were able to clear the course without fault and the times got faster and faster as the list went on. In the end, Ben Maher and Mrs. Phillips’ Quiet Easy 4 won it with their time of 60.69 seconds. Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S, owned by Morningside Stud and Torrey Pines Stables, were just behind in 60.92 seconds. Eiken Sato and Stephex Stables’ Viva finished third in 62.06 seconds. Meagan Nusz (USA) and Amalaya Investments’ Vesuvius were fourth in 62.62 seconds.

When Maher originally finished his round, the clock on the scoreboard showed that his time was slower than Lamaze, but a review by the judges determined that he was in fact faster.

“I landed after the last fence and I saw it was around 59 seconds and you obviously need to run a little bit to get to the timers, but then the clock said I was 61 seconds and I was sure it had run on a little,” Maher explained. “When I came out the judges were already discussing it. They said that it did run late and they went to the backup time, which was noticeably different, so luckily it worked out.”

With a busy schedule showing in other rings, Maher did not get to watch the beginning of the class, but showed up just in time to see Lamaze’s round.

“These classes you just do what you can and know what you can’t do it,” he noted. “I had some other horses going in another ring, but luckily I watched Eric just before I went, so I knew I had to kind of do the same as him and take time off where I knew I could. He was quick places that I knew I couldn’t be, so I just did my own thing and Quiet Easy jumped fantastic today. He was great from the first fence. He warmed up well, so I thought we had a good chance.”

“It was a good course,” Maher stated. “It had a lot more turns today and a little bit more options of how tight you wanted to go and to turn, so that suited my horse. I think I was pretty quick one, two, three, but it was all within less than a second, so I don’t think we really got it any place in particular. He was just quick the whole way.”

Quiet Easy’s barn name, Roary, is quite fitting. Owner Emma Phillips was in Wellington today to watch his winning round and explained that he is named after the British cartoon, Roary the Racing Car, about a young, energetic red race car. Phillips was pleased to be in town to see her horse earn a great win.

“It was special for us because we just flew in this weekend,” she smiled. “We have been here before over the years, but not for this season, so it was really nice to be able to see him win. It was nice for my husband too because he never sees him win.”

Maher laughed, “Every time Mr. Phillips comes, they always knock a jump down, so finally they won a class.”

I haven’t seen them for such a long time and then they arrive and the horse wins, so it could not have worked out any better,” Maher acknowledged. “He has been great. He loves Florida and he has had some great results. We’ll save him for the last two 1.50m classes now.”

Tim Gredley and Unex Valente Jump Great Heights in $10,000 Puissance

The $10,000 Puissance high jump competition was held on Friday evening at The Stadium at PBIEC prior to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Horseware Ireland for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Great Britain’s Tim Gredley and Unex Valente and Germany’s Johannes Ehning and Salvador V went head to head over the wall in four rounds of competition with Gredley winning at a final height of 6’11” (2.10m).

Tim Gredley and Unex Valente jump 7'6". Photo © Sportfot
Tim Gredley and Unex Valente jump 7’6″. Photo © Sportfot

The competition was held as a fun exhibition with slightly modified rules. The two competitors were allotted up to five rounds (first round and four jump-offs) with two attempts at the wall in each round if necessary. The wall began at 5’4″ (1.65m) in round one with both horses and riders jumping clear in one attempt. It then went up to 5’11” (1.85m) with two more clear rounds. In round three, Gredley and Valente cleared the 6’5″ (1.95m) wall on the first try and Ehning and Salvador took two attempts to jump the obstacle. Once the wall went up to 6’11” (2.10m) in round four, Gredley jumped clear, and Ehning opted to withdraw. Gredley earned the winning $7,000 for his effort and then, in an exciting twist, decided to jump higher.

Equestrian Sport Productions’ CEO Mark Bellissimo offered up $10,000 more if Gredley could clear the wall at 7’6″ (2.31m) or $5,000 just for attempting it. Gredley and Valente made two valiant efforts but rubbed the blocks off the top in both tries. They still came out of the day with $12,000 and a great experience.

Unex Valente, owned by Unex Competition Yard, is an eleven-year-old KWPN gelding by Gentleman x Sit This One Out that Gredley has had since the horse was four. The pair has a lot of grand prix experience together, but has only shown in one other Puissance, winning over 7′ and also attempting 7’6″ in Kentucky this past fall.

“I did the indoors in Washington and Harrisburg and Kentucky and I just thought I would try it once in Kentucky and straight away, the first round, he felt like he was going to be a good one,” Gredley stated. “This is only the second one that he has done, but both times he has just been unlucky at 7’6″. I know the horse; I have had him a long time and it makes a big difference when you can trust them a little bit.”

“He is really easy actually,” Gredley added. “Other horses that I have done in Puissance classes before, they normally start backing off, but he just keeps the same stride all the way down and he actually starts to take you, which makes it a lot easier. In hindsight, maybe I was a little bit off the first time. I was a little bit unlucky the second time, but he is just a really nice horse.”

Johannes Ehining’s mount Salvador V is a fourteen-year-old KWPN stallion by Calvados x Voltaire, owned by Nybor Pferde GmbH & Co. KG. The pair has had great grand prix success and this was their first time attempting the Puissance wall.

“For my horse, I rode him also once in a derby qualification in Hamburg and he is super brave, so I thought that maybe he could do it,” Ehning stated. “This was the first time, but I wanted to try it once with him. He is fourteen years old now; he has enough experience for that, so there was reason to try it once.”

“This is my best horse,” Ehning said. “In the last few years he has had a lot of good results in the grand prix. He has won four and five-star grand prix. I rode a few six-bars with him and he won a lot of those, so it was a good thing to try it here. That is also the reason that I didn’t go more rounds though, because he is my best horse and I didn’t want to over-ride him. Tim’s horse looked really comfortable with the wall and mine was really getting a little bit hot. I didn’t want to do too much with him.”

Both riders enjoyed coming to the dressage facility at The Stadium at PBIEC for a change of scenery for their horses and a new experience.

“It was really well organized, it was no problem at all,” Ehning noted. “We talked about getting to ride in the really nice indoor and this ring is also nice, so it is something different.”

Whitecap and Mary-Katherine Shaughnessy Triumph in Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51+ Division

Whitecap and Mary-Katherine Shaughnessy. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Whitecap and Mary-Katherine Shaughnessy. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Mary-Katherine Shaughnessy and her sixteen-year-old Trakehner gelding, Whitecap, jumped to tricolor honors in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51+ Division during week ten of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). With the points widely spread across the division, Whitecap and Shaughnessy emerged as champions after consistent over fences performances. The pair was second and eighth over fences on day one of competition and first and eighth over fences on day two. Reserve champion was Sandra Epstein aboard her own Pembroke. Epstein piloted Pembroke to fourth and third places over fences on day one of competition.

At age 16, Whitecap is a seasoned veteran of the FTI WEF, where he has also competed in Junior and First and Second Year Hunter divisions before being purchased by Shaughnessy two years ago. “I think his age is an advantage. For me, I like the older ones. Before him, I had a hunter that was very spooky and unreliable and it took away from my ability to progress,” Shaughnessy commented.

Throughout the course of their partnership, Whitecap has yet to put a foot wrong for Shaughnessy in the ring. “He’s never stopped, knock on wood! He will find a way to get over it. We don’t have many bad jumps anymore, but the first year I had him there were a few more bumps. He always found a way to get over it. He’s just a very honest horse,” Shaughnessy explained.

Shaughnessy admits Whitecap can be bored by routine work at his age, but only because he revels being in the spotlight of competition. “He’s very sweet, but he has an ego. When we come to the show, there’s a 20% increase in his energy level! The show ring is where he wants to be,” she smiled.

“He’s a very talented horse. He excels being at a show. He perks up in the ring. When you see him at home he’s just a big chestnut with floppy ears. But when he’s all braided up, he looks very elegant in the show ring. He puffs up a bit,” Shaughnessy continued.

Shaughnessy believes Whitecap’s love for the show ring combined with a naturally correct way of going is what keeps them in the ribbons at a show as competitive as the FTI WEF. “He has a very nice rhythm and is naturally a beautiful mover. He has a very even and correct jump and he makes it easy for me to just guide him around and let him do his job,” Shaughnessy stated.

Shaughnessy also enjoys the camaraderie of Adult Amateur division. “We’re all still very competitive, otherwise we’d just be out trail riding somewhere instead of showing,” Shaughnessy laughed. “It adds something and a lot of us become good friends. It makes a nice difference. Maybe it’s just because we’re older and we realize we’re lucky to be here.”

Week ten of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Horseware Ireland, will continue Saturday with the Antarés Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division, hosted in the Rost Arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The $82,000 Horseware Ireland CSI 3* Grand Prix will be featured in the International Arena at 7:30 p.m. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aaron Vale Takes Home First and Fourth-Place Ribbons in $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS Ocala

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©ESI Photography. Aaron Vale piloted Zippo II to a victory in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix.

OCALA, FL (March 15, 2013) – As the last week of HITS Ocala turns on the warm weather for a spectacular finale, Aaron Vale got the excitement started early on with a win in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, aboard Zippo II, owned by 2VR Showjumpers.

Forty-one horse-and-rider combinations made up the starting list on Thursday, as riders got a preview of the design style of Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico. Hernandez will also set Sunday’s $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group. Vale rode two mounts to the ribbons in a ten-trip jump-off. He was also fourth aboard Palm Sunday, owned by Amen Corner Farm, the horse he rode to two consecutive grand prix wins during the first week Of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

First to produce a double-clear effort and set the Great American Time to Beat was last Sunday’s winner, Lisa Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois aboard Mary Goldman’s Centurion B. Goldman’s season, her first at HITS Ocala, has been nothing short of superb with three grand prix win and several more top-five finishes.  She set the pace at 37.49 seconds and eventually finished in third place.

The lead would quickly change hands as Vale and Zippo II entered the ring next and shaved nearly a full second off the clock in 36.81 seconds. Vale is no stranger to success during the final week of HITS Ocala and has his sights set on Sunday’s $100,000 grand prix. Having won the title three times before, and finishing in second place last year, Vale clearly means business again this year.

Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas and MTM Farm’s MTM Centano finished the jump-off in 37.24 seconds to take second place. Also no stranger to victory in the $100,000 Grand Prix of Ocala, she and her two grand prix mounts – MTM Centano and MTM Timon – are also eager to claim top honors on Sunday.

Rounding out the top five was New Jersey’s Amanda Flint on The Coverboy Group’s Superbad. Flint crossed the timers in 39.53 seconds with no faults.

©ESI Photography. Christina Kelly and Ushuaia van de Wolfsakker jump to a win in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome
©ESI Photography. Christina Kelly and Ushuaia van de Wolfsakker jump to a win in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome
A 1.40 meter classic got the final week of competition at HITS Ocala started in the Grand Prix Ring on Wednesday as Christina Kelly and her own Ushuaia van de Wolfsakker took home the blue ribbon in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome, over a course designed by Hernandez. Kyle Dewar and his own Alma finished in second place, while Harold Chopping and Kendra Bullington’s Patent Pending were third.

Farm Credit and Arenus pick their winners!
Farm Credit and Arenus awarded the winners of their respective sponsored awards this week.

Mike McCormick and Tracy Fenney of MTM Farm in Flower Mound, Texas received the Farm Credit Best Tack Room Award. Farm Credit is a reliable source of credit for American agriculture. Fenney and McCormick take much pride in their front-of-the-barn presentation, as their decorative setup stood out this year at HITS Ocala.

The Arenus All-Around Athlete Award was presented to Lisa Goldman after an impressive break-out season at HITS Ocala. She received a $200 gift certificate toward any Arenus purchase. Arenus is one of the leading providers of equine health and nutrition products.

What’s Next at HITS Ocala
The final week of competition at HITS Ocala has arrived and excitement is growing for this weekend’s featured events. The $50,000 East-West Hunter Challenge will take the stage beginning Friday in the main hunter. The two-round class will pit the best hunter rides on the East Coast with the best on the West Coast, all competition for one top prize. Round one will take place Friday, while Saturday will introduce the top twelve from each coast in a simulcast event, broadcasted live at HitsShows.com, courtesy of A Good Show and iEquine.com.

High-Performance riders have one more chance to qualify at Ocala for the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix with the biggest purse on the line. The $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, will serve as the grand finale of the circuit on Sunday, following the Antares Parade of Champions.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Polo

Valiente Knocks Off Audi, 10-7, for First USPA Piaget Gold Cup Loss

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Audi’s Jeff Hall tries to ride off Valiente’s Santi Torres for the ball. Photos – Alex Pacheco.

WELLINGTON, FL – March 15, 2013 — Audi, not playing on all cylinders as it did when it knocked off C. V. Whitney Cup champion Alegria, suffered a 10-7 loss to Valiente in one of five USPA Piaget Gold Cup games Thursday in front of a packed field at windswept International Polo Club Palm Beach.

It was one of the biggest games of the high-goal polo season featuring 10-goalers Adolfo Cambiaso and Pelon Stirling of Valiente and Gonzalito Pieres of Audi.

Grand Champions Polo Club-based Audi committed several unforced errors, including missed penalty shots and scoring opportunities, and was never in sync for most of the game.

Audi managed to outshoot Valiente, 20-15, but missed 13 shots including eight shots at goal and five on penalty shot attempts.

It was Audi’s first loss of the 11-team tournament, falling to 2-1 in its bracket. Other bracket members Mt. Brilliant and Coca Cola remain winless at 0-3.

The game was penalty-marred as Audi players lost their cool as the game progressed and were assessed four red cards.

With a lack of field team leadership and fire, the absence of team captain Marc Ganzi, nursing a broken thumb and knee injury, was never more evident.

Ganzi was replaced by 16-year-old Wellington High senior Juancito Bollini, competing in his third 26-goal game ever. While Bollini held his own, his lack of experience against more savvy players took its toll and Valiente took advantage.

Audi's Nico Pieres goes for the neck shot against Valiente
Audi’s Nico Pieres goes for the neck shot against Valiente

“It was a bad start and there was confusion in the way they took their men as they were supposed to,” said Juan Bollini, a former eight-goaler and player-coach for Piaget and co-manager of Grand Champions.

“There were a few calls that made a few changes in the game,” said Bollini, who watched the game with Piaget team-captain Melissa Ganzi and her Piaget teammates. “It wasn’t a good day today. It is hard to play against Cambiaso; he has been the best player in the world for the last 20 years. He is well-mounted and he uses everybody. You have to have your best day to beat Cambiaso.

“Audi still had a chance but one foul here, one foul there and the penalties that they missed and Audi is right back in the game,” Bollini said.

Added Bollini about his son, “I am very proud of Juancito. Today was not his best game. He was kind of lost. He was not on today. But it was good, he will learn; he is 16 years old.”

Ganzi is expected to return to the lineup for Sunday’s key game against Lyndon Lea’s Zacara team. Audi has beaten Zorzal in overtime and Alegria in Gold Cup play.

In the Valiente game, Gonzalito Pieres was held to three goals, which was a team-high. Nico Pieres and Jeff Hall each had two goals.

Gonzalito Pieres tries to gain control of the ball
Gonzalito Pieres tries to gain control of the ball

Santi Torres led Valiente scoring with six goals, five on penalty shots. Cambiaso had three goals and Stirling added one goal.

Grand Champions Polo Club-based other pro team, Piaget, had a tough day too, losing to Orchard Hill, 12-7, to drop to 0-2 in its bracket.

In other Thursday games at IPC, Alegria defeated Coca-Cola, 11-10, in overtime; Lechuza Caracas edged ERG, 9-6; and Zorzal routed Mt. Brilliant, 14-6.

Piaget will play next on Sunday in the IPC stadium marquis game at 3 p.m. against ERG. In the early game, Audi plays Zacara at 10 a.m.

First played in 1974, the 26-goal USPA Gold Cup has been played at various polo clubs until it found a home at IPC in 2007.

When the USPA awarded IPC the Gold Cup in 2007, the International Polo Club Palm Beach, home of the 26-goal C.V. Whitney Cup Tournament and U.S. Open Championship, sealed its place in history as host of all three legs of the Triple Crown.

Piaget is saluting IPC’s tenth anniversary with the launch of its new luxury Polo FortyFive Black watch which will join their successful collection of polo watches first introduced in the late 1970s.

USPA PIAGET GOLD CUP AUDI/PIAGET SCHEDULE

Sunday, March 17: Zacara vs. Audi, 10 a.m.; Piaget vs. ERG, 3 p.m., stadium game.

Wednesday, March 20: Piaget Gold Cup Semifinals, 2, 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 21: Butler Handicap Semifinals, Gold Cup subsidiary, 10 a.m., noon

Sunday, March 24: Butler Handicap Final, noon; USPA Piaget Gold Cup Final, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26: U.S. Open begins, schedule, pairings to be announced.

AUDI/PIAGET TOURNAMENT LINEUP

March 7 – March 24, USPA Piaget Gold Cup

March 26 – April 21, 109th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington.

INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro teams Audi and Piaget. Everyone is welcome to watch polo during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League Tournament.

Sharon Robb for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Phelps Media Group, Polo

Orchard Hill Defeats Piaget, 12-7, in USPA Piaget Gold Cup

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Piaget 10-goaler Miguel Astrada waiting on the ball while being defended by Orchard Hill’s Rodrigo Andrade. Photos – Alex Pacheco.

WELLINGTON, FL – March 15, 2013 — Orchard Hill took Piaget out of its game plan for a 6-1 lead after two chukkers and went on to defeat Piaget, 12-7, in the first of five USPA Piaget Gold Cup games Thursday at Isla Carroll West.

It was a frustrating day for Piaget which tried to dig itself out of a hole in the second half, but ran out of chukkers.

Piaget 10-goaler Sapo Caset was held scoreless for five chukkers, scoring his one and only goal in the opening chukker on a penalty shot.

Piaget’s other 10-goaler, Miguel Astrada, led scoring with five goals, two on penalty shots.

Nacho Badiola added another goal. Badiola, 23, the son of former 9-goaler Juan Badiola, is making his IPC 26-goal debut this season.

Piaget's Nacho Badiola attacking the ball on a breakaway run
Piaget’s Nacho Badiola attacking the ball on a breakaway run

Piaget team captain Melissa Ganzi turned back Orchard Hill team captain Steve Van Andel on two scoring attempts as one of the few highlights of the game.

It was Piaget’s second consecutive loss after losing 12-10 to Lechuza Caracas last Saturday. Orchard Hill evened its record to 1-1. At 2-0, Lechuza Caracas is the lone undefeated team in Piaget’s bracket. ERG is 1-1.

Trailing 9-2 after three chukkers, Piaget made a few adjustments at the half and came out swinging in the second half, tying Orchard Hill 1-1 in the fourth and outscoring them 2-1 in the final two chukkers.

“We were snakebit,” Piaget coach Joey Casey said. “We weren’t hitting well. The other team played much better the first half.

“We had a lot of bad luck,” Casey said. “To be honest, I don’t think anything went well today. Every ball that they hit in the air, they didn’t miss a ball all day.

“They have some good players but I have not seen those players play that well in a couple of years. They played phenomenal today. The way they played today they will beat anybody. We just had a bad day and just got to move on and get ready for the next one.”

Sapo Caset tries to control the ball on a run
Sapo Caset tries to control the ball on a run

Casey was pleased with Piaget’s turnaround in the second half.

“We changed some things around in the last half and that seemed to work so we are going to try and build on that for the U.S. Open,” Casey said.

Orchard Hill was led by a balanced attack. Matias MacDonough led with five goals followed by brother Pablo MacDonough with four goals, Rodrigo Andrade with two goals and Van Andel with one goal and the play of the day when he stripped Astrada of the ball.

“Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good,” Van Andel said. “I did not expect this kind of game; I was really worried because they are a tough team. Piaget did really well in their last game and I was worried.

“Our whole team played really well together,” Van Andel said. “The objective was to stick against your man and send the ball when we had a chance. We got everybody open and were able to pass it and that’s what helped.”

Grand Champions Polo Club-based other pro team, Audi, had a tough day too, losing to Valiente, 10-7, in a penalty-marred contest.

In other Thursday games at International Polo Club Palm Beach, Alegria defeated Coca-Cola, 11-10, in overtime; Lechuza Caracas edged ERG, 9-6; and Zorzal routed Mt. Brilliant, 14-6.

Piaget will play next on Sunday in the IPC stadium marquis game at 3 p.m. against ERG. In the early Sunday game, Audi plays Valiente at 10 a.m.

First played in 1974, the 26-goal USPA Gold Cup has been played at various polo clubs until it found a home at IPC in 2007.

When the USPA awarded IPC the Gold Cup in 2007, the International Polo Club Palm Beach, home of the 26-goal C.V. Whitney Cup Tournament and U.S. Open Championship, sealed its place in history as host of all three legs of the Triple Crown.

Piaget is saluting IPC’s tenth anniversary with the launch of its new luxury Polo FortyFive Black watch which will join their successful collection of polo watches first introduced in the late 1970s.

USPA PIAGET GOLD CUP AUDI/PIAGET SCHEDULE

Sunday, March 17: Valiente vs. Audi, 10 a.m.; Piaget vs. ERG, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 20: Piaget Gold Cup Semifinals, 2, 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 21: Butler Handicap Semifinals, Gold Cup subsidiary, 10 a.m., noon

Sunday, March 24: Butler Handicap Final, noon; USPA Piaget Gold Cup Final, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26: U.S. Open begins, schedule, pairings to be announced.

AUDI/PIAGET TOURNAMENT LINEUP

March 7 – March 24, USPA Piaget Gold Cup

March 26 – April 21, 109th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington.

INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro teams Audi and Piaget. Everyone is welcome to watch polo during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League Tournament.

Sharon Robb for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Competitions, Dressage

Tina Konyot and Calecto V Take FEI Grand Prix Victory at WEF Dressage Classic CDI 3*

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Tina Konyot and Calecto V. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – March 14, 2013 – The third international competition for the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) began today with the opening CDI competition, the FEI Grand Prix. This week’s show, the WEF Dressage Classic CDI 3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows, runs March 14-17, 2013. Today’s winner was Tina Konyot from Palm City, FL, riding Calecto V.

There were 55 entries that jogged for the CDI competition this morning, with Carlos Munoz taking home the prize for Best Turnout Award from Show Chic with Klouseau.

The judges for today’s FEI Grand Prix were: Anne Gribbons at E, Janet Foy at H, Isabelle Judet at C, Ulrike Nivelle at M, and Bo Ahman at B.

Konyot and Calecto V, winners of the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at the last CDI-W competition at the AGDF, won today’s FEI Grand Prix with a score of 70.553%. Cesar Parra (USA) and Van the Man placed second with a score of 68.213%. Susan Dutta (USA) placed third with Currency DC on a score of 67.383%.

Konyot traveled from Palm City to Wellington this morning in order to compete, and felt that the early morning wake-up call may have had an effect on Calecto V, her and John Byrialsen’s 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion (Come Back II x Rastell).

“I had a few little bobbles. It felt maybe just a slight bit tired, and it shouldn’t be, because the weather is lovely. I did wake him up at 4 am,” she acknowledged with a smile. “He’s been laying down sleeping; he had three naps today. He’s a very laid-back guy! I was happy with it. I had some very nice things, but we could have just a little bit more energy in the package. Tomorrow is another day.”

Konyot joked about Calecto’s penchant for napping. “He doesn’t just lay down. He’s lays out flat, goes to sleep, snores. At the Olympics, they took videos of him. He starts running and whinnying in his sleep. You’ve never seen anything like it. That’s just him.”

The pair will compete in tomorrow night’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle and Konyot said she’s sure Calecto will “be on his toes.” She added, “He feels good and he’s happy. He felt very good physically and in his body.”

Konyot is looking forward to the evening, which will combine show jumping and dressage. “It should be a beautiful evening. Tomorrow night should be a lot of energy and electricity. That’s very exciting and this is such a gorgeous showgrounds. It’s very special to have it right here.”

In addition to their class win, Konyot and Calecto were presented with the Champion Equine Insurance Dressage Style of Riding Award presented by Laura Whitlow of Champion Equine Insurance.

In the national divisions, Megan Glynn had a one-two finish in the FEI Prix St. Georges – AA class with Tyto (62.303%) and Everybody’s Darling (61.908%). The high score of the day was Alix Szepesi on Primative Dancer, who did the First Level Test 2 in the USEF Test of Choice and received a 74.189%.

The Para-Equestrian competition begins tomorrow in the Van Kampen Covered Arena, along with a full schedule of competition in the National divisions in the Wellington Equestrian Realty Rings 1 and 2. The Para-Equestrian riders will compete tomorrow in five grades for their team scores. Their individual tests will run on Saturday, and the team and individual scores combined will determine the team placings. On Sunday, they will have their freestyle classes.

Come see top United States para-equestrians such as Mary Jordan on her homebred mare Clever, along with Sebastian, with whom she placed fifth in qualifications for the London Paralympic Team. The Canadians have brought a strong contingent as well, including three out of four of their team from last summer’s Paralympic Games.

Don’t miss tomorrow night’s exciting line-up of events at the AGDF, including the $10,000 Head-to-Head Competition over the high jump “Puissance” wall at 6 pm, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Horseware Ireland under the lights at 7:30 pm, and The Yale Spizzwinks (?) A Capella singing performances. General admission and parking are free, and there will be fantastic raffle prizes handed out to general admission seat holders. It will be a night of power and grace for equestrian sport that you won’t want to miss!

For full results and more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring five CDIs, including a 5*, the first non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and nine U.S. national events. The Adequan GDF is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for the five international competitions making it one of the richest circuits in the world. In addition to the CDIs with national competitions, the Adequan GDF will feature six separate national shows to be held at the Stadium section of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds.  The Adequan GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

First Founding Sponsors: Matt Varney, Chris and Rob Desino, Wellington Equestrian Realty; Janet and William Richardson Pearson, Chesapeake Dressage Institute of Annapolis, MD; Devon and Terri Kane, Diamante Farm; Joe and Gaye Scarpa, Magnolia Farm; Tuny Page and Family, Stillpoint Farm; and Kimberly and Frederic Boyer, United States P.R.E. Association

Founding Sponsors: Ashley Holzer and Diane Fellows, Today’s Equestrian; Bethany Peslar, Everglades Dressage; Betsy Juliano, Havensafe Farm; Carol and Rebecca Cohen, Two Swans Farm LLC; Janne Rumbough, MTICA Farm; Mike & Roz Collins; Suhail and PJ Rizvi, Peacock Ridge; and Tim and Susie Dutta, The Dutta Corp.

Corporate Sponsors: Brown Distributing, Champion Equine Insurance, Charles Owen, Chronicle of the Horse, Custom Saddlery, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Equestrian Services International (ESI), Elite Equestrian Magazine, European Dressage Connection, Gold Coast Feed & Supply, Horse Of Course, Horseware Ireland, Interagro Lusitanos, Moet Hennessy USA, Nespresso USA, Paddock Cakes, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Pennfield, Piaffe Performance, Premier Equestrian, Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Rolex, Sanctuary at PBIEC, Show Chic, Sidelines Magazine, World Equestrian Brands

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com