Category Archives: Equinium Sports Mktg.

Greenberg Traurig’s Polo Team Wins Senator Cup during 2023 International Gay Polo Tournament

Photo courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing

Wellington, FL (April 11, 2023) – Greenberg Traurig’s team won the most fabulous day of the equestrian season this past Saturday when they clinched the Senator Cup during the final match of the 2023 International Gay Polo Tournament. Held at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida and designed as a unique competition celebrating and showcasing LGBTQ+ athletes and their supporters in the sport of polo, the 2023 Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament marks the finale of the equestrian season in Wellington. As a mix of sport and horseplay and a significant donation to LGBTQ+ charities, the event’s competition on the polo field is only rivaled by the flamboyance of the tailgates, and the event works to ensure athletes not only have the same opportunities, but also a safe place to learn, grow, and excel in their sport.

Headed by the founder of GT’s Equine Industry Group and shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s West Palm Beach office, Michael Nicodema, the firm’s polo team was made up of Ryan Cronin-Prather (US), Jesse Lee Eller (US), Peter Secor (US), and Juan Diego Rizo Patron (PE). Decked out in blue and gold colors emblazoned with the logos of the Gay Polo Tournament and especially the GT logo, the Greenberg Traurig team won the semi-finals on Friday, April 7th and then delivered a nail-biting win in overtime to clinch the Senator’s Cup on Saturday. As a part of Wellington’s equestrian community, joining this year’s Gay Polo Tournament as a team sponsor was a natural step for Nicodema and Greenberg Traurig’s Equine Industry Group.

“The organizers here always put on a spectacular event, and one that is undoubtedly one of the most unique in the world,” said Nicodema. “The air of inclusion mixed with top polo, amazing attire and themes, champagne, and tailgating really set the Gay Polo Tournament apart, and we are thrilled to be a team sponsor and supporter of all of the athletes and all things equestrian.”

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Hadrian Interagro and Tyra Vernon Featured in Kyra Kyrklund Masterclass

Hadrian Interagro and Tyra Vernon (Photo by Carmen Franco)

Loxahatchee, FL (March 15, 2023) – Some of the best examples of the modern competitive Lusitano horse were on display during February’s 2023 US Lusitano Conference, held this February at May Faire Oaks in Loxahatchee. On day two, attendees and riders enjoyed a targeted day of dressage training with one of the legends of the sport, Kyra Kyrklund, who covered topics from neck position, steadiness of connection, quiet hands and legs, and body control. One of the Grand Prix level exhibitors was Tyra Vernon and the grey Lusitano gelding, Hadrian Interagro, and with Ms. Kyrklund’s guidance demonstrated the power of weight, body control, and how the rider must use her body effectively to control the impulsion and balance of the horse at the higher-level movements.

Carmen “Queca” Franco of Q-Equestrian was on the ground at the Conference, and gives a detailed account of Hadrian Interagro and Tyra Vernon’s ride:

“With this wonderful combination, Kyra worked the execution of the [canter] zig-zag [a movement required in the Grand Prix]: In the change, he looks into the new direction.

“We were able to learn also some very helpful tips to improve the piaffe and passage, like using turn on the forehand at the piaffe with a small flexion to the outside and produce very small steps to improve engagement. For the passage Tyra was asked to do rising trot, go slower, push the hindlegs out, then make the horse straight, find short steps. If you lose the hindleg, push them out.

“Kyra used this explanation: if you want to bounce a beach ball, you variate how quick your hand meets the ball, but your hand needs to be flexible for the ball to bounce. [The] same happens with the back of the horse: the rider needs to know how to maintain control of his own energy to move up and down. ‘Your weight is the one thing that’s influencing the horse all the time.’

While stressing that the rider needs to be patient training horses, she also said: ‘Don’t go on and on practicing a movement; at some point in a dressage test it has to happen the first time you ask.’

I wish I could put in writing every single word and phrase Kyra said, but I’m happy I can share here some of my notes. Her approach is always interesting as she has a wonderful way to break down the movements, for both horses and riders, to improve their performances. All that added to very entertaining stories and funny jokes. Absolutely inspiring in so many ways!”

Carmen Franco’s excerpt on Hadrian Interagro is part of a larger article written for EuroDressage.com on the US Lusitano Conference. Read the full article by clicking here.

Hadrian Interagro was bred by Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil before being sold as a young horse to Tyra Vernon’s BREC Dressage in Ocala, Florida. By FEI Dressage Champion Baldor Interagro, Hadrian Interagro embodies much of the athleticism, trainability, and rideability that have been the staples of Interagro’s breeding program for more than 4 decades.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Larrazabal Leads in Week 7 Rising Star at The Ridge

Luis Larrazabal and Kadansa B.

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 24, 2023) – Luis Larrazabal claimed his second consecutive $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic win on Wednesday, this time riding Kadansa B. With a total of 7 double clear efforts, the $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic saw a field of 22 horses tackle the course set by Maricio Garcia.

First to go double clear was Alex Granato and Cupcake, who set the standard with a quick jump-off in 38.290 seconds. This first double clear proved hard to beat, with a number of other jump-offs clocking through the timers with no faults but a slower time. Hallie Grimes and La Belle Dame Z were the first to overtake Granato and Cupcake, flashing around the shortened course in an impressive 34.853. After having a rail in the jump-off with his Week 6 Rising Star Champion Billy Spiral, Larrazabal and Kadansa B proved to be just faster than Grimes and La Belle Dame Z, stopping the clock only a few tenths of a second faster in 34.238.

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Daniel Coyle Delivers Again with Win in $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic aboard Jasper

Daniel Coyle and Jasper (Photo by Equinium)

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 10, 2023) – Daniel Coyle answered his cousin’s back-to-back Grand Prix victories with back-to-back Rising Star victories. On Wednesday the Irishman piloted Ariel Grange’s Jasper to a wire-to-wire victory, proving untouchable against a field of more than thirty competitors in The Ridge at Wellington Groves’ $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. The win during the first day of Week 5 marks Coyle’s second consecutive victory in the Classic, while his cousin Jordan Coyle marked his second consecutive Grand Prix win at The Ridge during Week 4.

Coyle was the first rider to go in Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic, and his double clear effort and jump-off time of 36.650 seconds stood the entire day despite fierce opposition. The only two riders to come within a second of his time were Lola Head aboard Adelita (37.352s) and Rupert Winklemann aboard Omar van de Hunters (37.508s).

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Daniel Coyle and Amalia Swoop In to Claim Victory in Week 4’s $5k 1.30m Rising Star Classic

Daniel Coyle and Amalia.

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 3, 2023) – Daniel Coyle and the sporty, spotty bay mare Amalia were the last to go and the fastest pair in Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. The pair edged out two previous jump-offs to win the class, and with just tenths of a second separating the three.

Coyle, an internationally acclaimed show jumper representing Ireland, was contested by Abbygale Funk and Ryan Sassmannshausen over the course designed by Jaime Morillo. Sassmannshausen was an early double clear effort, galloping around the jump-off in 38.814 seconds. His round stood most of the day, until Abbygale Funk and Alastor edged them out by less than a tenth of a second, flying through the timers in 38.806 seconds. Coyle, however, would establish his dominance with the nimble Amalia, taking an amazingly tight inside turn to the final vertical to post a time of 38.039 seconds and win the class.

Coyle and Amalia have been successful up through the FEI level and the Irish rider stated that the course at The Ridge was a great warmup for the future FEI rounds they had planned during their 2023 Wellington show season. Coyle and his cousin, Jordan, have won multiple titles over the years at The Ridge.

Funk, an aspiring U25 Grand Prix rider, is new to The Ridge’s events this year, having discovered them during USEF Equitation Tuesdays in 2022. “I had two great rounds over the lovely course here at The Ridge,” said Funk. “It’s an amazing chance to show at the Grand Prix level while also still being able to develop the horses and prepare for bigger classes.”

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

First Hunter Derby of ‘23 and Irish Grand Prix Victory at The Ridge at Wellington Groves Week 4

Jordan Coyle and Picador (Photo by Romeo Ghete)

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 1, 2023) – The Ridge at Wellington Groves wrapped up its third week of competition with an Irish victory in the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix, their first $1,000 2’6″ National Hunter Derby, and two extra days of classes for hunters, jumpers, and equitation riders, both recognized and unrecognized. On Friday Ireland’s Jordan Coyle and Picador fought their way to victory in The Ridge’s Week 3 $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix, besting a field of 30 over a course designed by Leopoldo Palacios. Second went to Week 3’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic winner, Israel’s Daniel Bluman riding Corbie V.V.Z Et, while third went to Coyle as well, this time aboard Ariso. The competition included some of the world’s top riders, including Adrienne Sternlicht, Beat Mandli, and Cian O’Connor, mixed in with freshly minted Grand Prix riders and horses over a dynamic course intended to challenge while allowing for growth and development.

Saturday’s Hunter Derby was the inaugural Derby event of the 2023 Ridge season, offering $1,000 in prize money and a course designed by Nona Garson with high options up to 2’6″. Julie Hogan riding Gigi Stetler’s Imagine That bested the three rounds, which included an optional Warm Up, first round, and handy round. Second went to Samantha Carp and Conchita 128, while Sara Kate Long and Delivered by Hand finished in third.

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Corbie and Bluman Double Up on Rising Star Wins

Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V.Z Et (Photo by Romeo Ghete)

Loxahatchee, FL (January 26, 2023) – Israel’s Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V.Z Et added a second $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic Grand Prix win to their roster on Wednesday, kicking off Week 3’s jumper classes at The Ridge at Wellington Groves.

The Ridge’s weekly $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic is designed to be a dynamic option for riders looking to develop their skills at the higher levels. Bridging the gap for young or green horses, as well as their riders, the Rising Star Classic utilizes FEI and Olympic level materials, course designing, footing and more to help bring the Grand Prix within reach. Week 3’s Rising Star Classic featured a field of 29, with Bluman and the scopey gray gelding Corbie V.V.Z Et taking first for the second time this season. Second went to Samuel Perot Jr. and Ioussoupov Db, and Samuel Hutton and Verona 13 rounded out the top 3.

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

To enter, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

Ali Wagstaff and Great Thing Clinch Second Title of Ridge at Wellington Groves Season

Ali Wagstaff and Great Thing.

Loxahatchee, FL (January 25, 2023) – Ali Wagstaff and Great Thing have knocked out their second winning title of the 2023 Ridge at Wellington Groves show season. The pair put in an amazingly fast jump-off as the last ride of the day to edge out the competition in a field of 18 in the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix held during Week 2. Wagstaff also won the first $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic during Week 1, and her super fast and fault free jump-off over a challenging course set by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios proves she will be a major contender this year.

Palacios set a series of fences for Week 2’s Grand Prix that gave just enough of a challenge to help riders progress and prepare for more international level jumping courses. Round one asked a few questions that for some prevented progression to the jump-off, including a triple bar to vertical to skinny line and a skinny wall. The jump-off was designed to allow riders to go fast but reinforced those questions asked in the first round, with horse and rider given the option of tight turns, a few long gallops, and two jumps, including the wall jump, going the opposite way. Jordan Coyle secured first and second with his mounts Picador (39.178 seconds) and Lisaniska Cool Quality (39.239 seconds), solidifying his reputation as a speed merchant. But Wagstaff, as the last to go, asked Great Thing for his speed and flew through the timers in 38.205, edging out Coyle for the win.

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

To enter, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

Lumière Horses Wraps Up 2022 with Success in Tyron and Aiken

Reutter and Here I Am Z.

Mill Spring, NC (November 23, 2022) – Chilean show jumper Gabriela Reutter of Lumière Horses wrapped up her stellar 2022 show season in North Carolina this fall, jumping her three-horse string to multiple top finishes. In her final competitive appearances of the year, Reutter focused on clean rounds and bolstering the horses’ FEI experience while her top Grand Prix mount, Maharees Rock, rested after the pair’s Bronze Medal win at the South American Games in September. After North Carolina, Reutter plans to move south to Wellington, Florida in preparation for the new year at the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Reutter began the end of her fall season in Tryon, North Carolina, competing in the 2022 Tryon Fall Finale I, held November 3-6. Sales horses Joselinde L.A.T, Here I Am Z, and Billy Lincoln jumped in the 1.30-1.35m divisions, with multiple in the ribbons finishes. Joselinde L.A.T, a.k.a. Jojo, took 2nd in the $2,000 1.30m Open Stake and 5th in the 1.30m Open. Here I Am Z, a.k.a. Hero, finished 6th in the $3,000 1.35m Open Stake, while Billy Lincoln finished 5th in the 1.35m Open.

The following week in Aiken, all three horses were once again finishing in the ribbons. At the Split Rock Aiken CSI2, held November 9-13, Reutter rode Billy Lincoln to a 6th place finish in the $10,000 1.40m CSI 2 and Hero to the win in the 1.30m. Hero also finished 11th overall in the $20,000 1.35m Grand Prix, while Jojo took 3rd and 12th in the 1.30m.

In addition to her competitive accolades, the hard work of Reutter’s groom Anthony Chavez was highlighted at Split Rock. Billy Lincoln was awarded the Hyaluronex Best Turned Out in the FEI Jog and Chavez received the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund Grooms Award.

Reutter’s passion for equestrian sport began at a young age, and has since taken her to the upper echelons of show jumping. Combining talent, horsemanship, and dedication to her dreams, she rides with the aspiration of representing Chile at the pinnacle of show jumping sport. Born in Santiago, Chile, Gaby began riding at only four years old. At 17, she moved to the United States to pursue a professional show jumping career. Since 2014, she has ridden under the guidance of Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Chris Kappler, and completed her undergraduate degree in Economics and Business Studies at NYU.

To date, Gaby is currently the #1 female Chilean show jumper, and her most recent career highlight was a Bronze Medal finish at the 2022 South American Games in Paraguay with Maharees Rock. She also has multiple top finishes in international FEI classes, including her Nations Cup accomplishments, European tour, the U25 Grand Prix divisions, and victory in an FEI 4-star event. She currently campaigns her anchor show jumper, Maharees Rock (a.k.a. Rocky) and a string of sales horses. Her international equestrian CV also includes Spruce Meadows, The Hampton Classic, and several junior/young rider South American Games. She and Rocky were in the top 3 during this July’s Tryon Summer 5 $75,000 Grand Prix CSI2-star, out of 50 entries and top 3 in the $138,600 Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel CSI3* Grand Prix during the 2022 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. In 2018, Reutter received her certificate of capability for the Pan American Games following a top 3 finish in the FEI 3-star 1.50m Captive One Classic, and has her sights set on representing Chile internationally this winter.

For more information on Reutter, her horses, and Lumière, visit www.LumiereHorses.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Gótico Interagro Augments Accolades with 2022 USDF Awards

Photo: Gótico Interagro and Randi Joslyn.

Mashapaug, CT (November 7, 2022) – Gótico Interagro and owner Randi Joslyn of Quadrifoglio Dressage added a few more accolades to their list of awards earned during their 18-month partnership. In that short period of time, the pair has been named to multiple Championships and Reserve Championships for the United States Dressage Association (USDF) and their local GMO, and plan to move up to the Prix St. Georges Level in 2023, with their sights set on their first CDI.

Bred by Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil, Gótico came to Joslyn in the spring of 2021. After seeing something special in the beautiful mahogany bay gelding, a week later Gótico was part of the Quadrifoglio family. The pair started out at Second Level, and in less than a year they were named the 2021 USDF US Lusitano Reserve Champion in the Third Level Open division, the 2021 Connecticut Dressage Association Third Level Open Champion, the 2022 US Lusitano Champion at Fourth Level in both the Open and Adult Amateur divisions, and the USDF Fourth Level Vintage Cup Champion. Gótico has since been successfully schooling the Prix St. Georges and FEI movements, pulling from the natural athleticism, intelligence, and rideability Interagro strives for in their breeding program.

Gótico Interagro is by Profano Interagro, a stallion known for producing exceptionally versatile and athletic offspring. Gótico, before being exported to the US, was highly awarded in Working Equitation, and was beloved in Interagro’s training barns as a young horse because of his exceptional personality. The gelding’s unique character and abilities are what drew Joslyn to him to start, and have proven to be an incredibly important aspect of their training up the levels.

“He has the most amazing personality,” said Joslyn. “I describe him as an old soul because it’s like there is a wisdom about him. He is picky about who he sees as ‘his people,’ but he is kind to everyone. He’s extremely athletic and incredibly smart. He picks up on new skills quickly and then goes out of his way to make you happy. There is also a regal side to him, so much so that he has become affectionately known as ‘his lordship’ in the barn. I’m really looking forward to moving up with him and I hope to someday compete with him at Grand Prix. He truly is the most amazing horse and I feel very honoured that he let me into his enormous heart.”

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com