Tag Archives: Winter Equestrian Festival

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden Scores Second Win of the Week with Prima in $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby

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Beezie Madden and Prima jumping out of the Devils' Dyke. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 20, 2011 – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden scored her second win this week at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in the $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby. She and Prima, owned by Neapolitan Holding Co., LLC, were the fastest over a challenging derby course on the grass field at The Stadium.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s sixth week concluded today and was sponsored by Fidelity Investments. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

There were 22 entries in today’s derby, and the course was designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. It featured a step bank, open water, liverpools, Devil’s Dyke, and a triple option jump through a “maze” of hedges. The format was Table C, where rails down were converted into added seconds for a final time.

Madden and Prima, a 12-year-old KWPN mare by Kigali x Nimmerdor, went ninth in the order and were lightning fast through most of the course. With a huge, open stride, Madden barely pulled on the reins and made the trip look smooth and easy. They had no faults for a final time of 122.81 seconds for the win.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Louise Serio and Castle Rock Claim Victory in WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular

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Louise Serio and Castle Rock won the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2011 – Louise Serio and Castle Rock earned a victory in the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular on Friday evening at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival following two beautiful rounds of competition. After two weeks of qualifying competition, only the top horses and riders had the opportunity to compete in a fantastic class held under the bright lights of the impressive International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Ken Krome of Maryland designed the course for this evening’s class. A total of 25 entries began the competition in round one and the top eight were then invited to return for a second round course. Finishing in first place, Louise Serio of Kennett Square, PA, rode Bryan Baldwin’s Castle Rock to the win with her two round total of 177.62. The pair finished round one in third place with a score of 87.12, and then earned the class high score of 90.50 in round two to move to the top of the field.

Scott Stewart and Krista Weisman’s Reality held on to their second place position in both rounds one and two, earning an 88.50 and an 88.37 for a total score of 176.87.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle Master the Field in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6

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Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle won the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2011 – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, rode Abigail Wexner’s Mademoiselle to victory in the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 today at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The grand prix was held on the grass at The Stadium, and riders and spectators alike enjoyed the beautiful weather and change of scenery at the venue.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s sixth week of competition continues through Sunday, February 20. Week six, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, will feature the FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments, on Saturday at 7 p.m., the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Saturday afternoon, and the $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby on Sunday at 3 p.m. at The Stadium. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

There were 29 entries in today’s class, and the course was designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. The course was set on the grass field at The Stadium and had 14 numbered obstacles with a triple and a double combination. There were nine clear rounds, and they advanced to the jump-off to compete for time.

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Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Scott Stewart Garners Multiple Championship Wins in WCHR Hunter Week

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Scott Stewart dominated the First Year Green Hunter division during week six at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, earning the championship aboard Inclusive. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 17, 2011 – The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued on Thursday with World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) hunter competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All of the rated professional hunter divisions concluded today and awarded championship honors for week six. Champion and reserve champion horses will qualify to compete in the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular on Friday evening, showcasing the hunters on an international stage.

No surprise as a qualifier for Friday night’s classic, four-time WCHR Professional Champion Scott Stewart earned multiple championship awards today with his string of talented horses. Stewart dominated the First Year Green Hunter division, earning the championship aboard Inclusive and the reserve championship aboard Reality, owned by Krista Weisman. Inclusive, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding, finished first in both classes over fences today and earned first and second place ribbons on Wednesday. Reality, an eight-year-old Mecklenberg stallion by D’Olympic, earned second in both classes today and placed third on Wednesday.

Stewart first rode Inclusive to victory in the Future Hunter division at the 2010 Capital Challenge Horse Show this past fall and expects great things from the horse this year. Along with showing in the First Years with Stewart, Inclusive also competes in the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division with rider Victoria Colvin and has earned championship honors with both riders.

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Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Cedric Do It Again and Win Grand Prix and Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during WEF

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Olympic stars Laura Kraut and Cedric won The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award for the second week in a row at the 2011 FTI WEF. (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)

Wellington, FL (February 15, 2011) – Gold Medal Olympian Laura Kraut and her Olympic partner Cedric turned on the speed and the power during the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, presented by Spy Coast Farm, to ride away the victor in the class that featured six other Olympians. During the fifth week of the prestigious 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, Kraut and Cedric also rode away, for the second week in a row, as the winner of The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award.

Sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, the Peak Performance Award is presented to the winner of the Grand Prix. “I heard Laura said that she and Cedric went as fast as they could go and turned as tight as possible, and I believe it,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary. “It was an amazing jump-off and Laura and Cedric certainly gave it their all and deserved to ride into the winner’s circle.”

McDuffee also congratulated Kraut on her second Sanctuary Peak Performance Award. “The competition was extremely tough in the Grand Prix, with 40 riders starting including seven Olympians and a field of world-class riders. For the second week in a row, Laura and Cedric were phenomenal and we look forward to seeing them at our new Sanctuary facility located on the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds.”

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Ben Maher and Oscar Score Week 5 Opening Win in $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers

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Ben Maher and Oscar won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers during week five at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2011 – Ben Maher (GBR) scored a win this morning in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers on the opening day of week 5 of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Maher and Oscar put down a winning time of 60.806 seconds for the win over Peter Wylde (USA) on Lipton De L’Othain (62.987 seconds) and McLain Ward (USA) on Domino (64.050 seconds).

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s fifth week of competition continues through Sunday, February 13. Week five, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, will feature the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 on Thursday afternoon, the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, presented by Spy Coast Farm, on Saturday at 7 p.m., the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix on Sunday morning, and the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

Today’s $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper class had 41 entries, and they competed over a course designed by Alan Wade of Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Maher stated, “It’s good that they have different course designers here every week.”

Seventeen found the way to a clear round, but it was Maher and Oscar who had the most speed. “He’s naturally a fast horse, so if you’re clear, he’s always near the top end without even trying,” Maher pointed out.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13235

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Products/Services, Show Jumping

Rodrigo Pessoa and Champ 163 Win Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award during Third Week of the Winter Equestrian Festival

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Champ 163 and Rodrigo Pessoa won the Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award during the third week of the WEF. Melissa Bennington and Kristen Galvan, Sales Specialists for Arenus, presented Pessoa with the award. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2011) – Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa rode away as the winner of the Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award aboard Champ 163 during the third week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Champ 163, owned by Legacy Stables LLC, finished ninth in the 1.50m Jumper Classic.

“Rodrigo is a legend in the show jumping world and it was a thrill to present him with the Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award,” said Melissa Bennington, northeast Sales Specialist for Arenus. “Rodrigo made history and broke a world record when he and Baloubet du Rouet won the World Cup Final three years in a row. Rodrigo has also competed and medaled in multiple Olympics and Pan Am Games and it was an honor to meet him and present him with the Arenus award.”

The Performance and Conditioning Award is sponsored by Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses, and is given to one horse during the show whose conditioning enhances its performance. Kristen Galvan, an Arenus Sales Specialist for the southeast, was also thrilled to meet Rodrigo. “It’s not often you get to meet someone who has made such an impact on the show jumping world,” she said.

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Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Show Jumping

Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival – Laura Kraut and Cedric Win The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award in Grand Prix

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Olympic stars Laura Kraut and Cedric won The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during the fourth week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)

Wellington, FL (February 8, 2011) – Winter Equestrian Festival veteran Laura Kraut, and her Gold Medal Olympic partner Cedric, not only cruised to victory in the $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix during the fourth week of WEF, but the pair also rode away with The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award. Sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, the award is presented to a horse with a successful performance due to their conditioning and fitness level.

Cedric, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Chambertin x Carolus Z and owned by Happy Hill Farm, proved he was fit and ready to be back in the winner’s circle when he bested 48 other entries to gallop away with the blue ribbon. Cedric, who competed with Kraut at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, recently enjoyed two months off and this class was his first return to the Grand Prix ring.

“Cedric is an amazing horse and The Sanctuary was thrilled to award Laura and Cedric with the Peak Performance Award. From his 2008 Olympic Gold Medal victory to his victory in this Grand Prix, Cedric has an extraordinary ability and is a great pleasure to watch. When he is galloping around the course it is easy to see that he is fit and well conditioned, which of course helps lead to his winning performance,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center. “We will be awarding six Peak Performance Awards during the Grand Prix’s at WEF and we want to congratulate Laura and Cedric on winning the first Peak Performance Award from The Sanctuary.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Cedric Jump Clear to Win $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix, CSI 2*

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Laura Kraut and Cedric won the $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix, CSI 2* during week four at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2011 – The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded its fourth week of competition on Sunday afternoon with the $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix, CSI 2* held in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. In a talent packed class, Laura Kraut (USA) and Happy Hill Farm’s Cedric jumped to victory over 48 starters.

This week’s course designer in the International Arena was Richard Jeffery of Great Britain. At the halfway point in the class, nine had jumped clear over the first round course. Seven more clear rounds followed to leave 16 horse and rider combinations to jump-off. The countries of the United States, Mexico, Great Britain, Ireland and Canada were all represented in today’s jump-off, but the United States reigned supreme as Olympic gold medalists Laura Kraut and Cedric took the win.

Of the 16 entries in the jump-off, just two were able to clear the course. Nick Skelton (GBR) and Unique, owned by Beverly Widdowson, were first to jump clear and clocked in at 51.02 seconds to finish in second place. Kraut and Cedric went last, and stopped the clock in 45.11 seconds for the win.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Show Jumping

Women Win for the Third Year in Nespresso Battle of the Sexes

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Ashlee Bond and Chivas Z were victorious in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic during week 4 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photos © Sportfot

Ashlee Bond and Chivas Z Find Key to Win the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2011 – The women have dominated the Nespresso Battle of the Sexes for three years now with another exciting win in Saturday evening’s dynamic competition. The women’s team, captained by Katie Prudent, and including riders Georgina Bloomberg, Ashlee Bond, Brianne Goutal, Lauren Hough, Maggie Jayne, Reed Kessler, Candice King, Laura Kraut, Christine McCrea, Catherine Pasmore, and Nicole Simpson, swept the three phase competition with 37 points over the men’s score of 25 to win their third title.

The evening’s attendance was approximately 6,500 people for the class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo stated, “This was a great event and we’re very thankful to the riders and their owners for supporting this class with their time and their horses. Special classes like this really grow our spectator base, which is one of our biggest goals at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.”

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