Category Archives: Contributors/Press

Blog writers, press releases and contributors

Championships, Competitions, Equestrian Sport Prod., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

ESP Florida State Fall Horse Show: A Weekend of Equitation Mastery

Juan Manuel Gallego & Niagara D’ive Z © Sierra Buerkley Photography

The ESP Florida State Fall Horse Show recently took place at the Equestrian Village in Wellington, Florida, offering an exciting weekend of equestrian events, skilled riders, and impressive performances. From Thursday to Sunday, the show highlighted the special connection between riders and their horses, featuring the Region 10 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship.

The Region 10 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship showcased riders navigating over fences and ending in a flat phase. Maggie King and her own Ivano S, clinched the first-place position. Reserve went to Faith Schuttemeyer and Davinci, owned by Brittany Purnell, while Anika Spaeth and her own entry, Celtic, secured third.

The THIS/NHS Adult Area Championship followed, featuring an over-fence course and a flat phase. Ella Bostwick atop Malbec, owned by Christine Bostwick, emerged as champion, with Kaitlyn Sheerahamed and her own Dany Villers in second. Securing the third-place title was Sophia Bruny and her own mount, Shakiro.

The Hamel Foundation/NHS 3’3” Area Championship rounded out the equitation championships, with Maxima Lanasa and Lambada, owned by Kate Abajian, securing the top spot. Campbell Cauthen on Lucky Luke, owned by DCTM LLC, took second while Lucy Massucci secured the yellow ribbon aboard Empire, owned by Chase Finizio.

All three equitation classes were expertly judged by Tammy Provost & Virginia Edwards and the courses were designed by Andy Christiansen, Jr.

While the equitation classes were the highlight of the week, our hunter and jumpers did not disappoint. Competition on the field kicked off Thursday morning with the $5,000 1.35m Open Jumper Stake, sponsored by Perfect Products. Eighteen horse-and-rider duos tackled the challenging course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), with ten advancing to the jump-off. Andres Julio Soto Pena (DOM) claimed victory with a swift, clear round, completing it in 39.062 seconds aboard Optimus Blue, owned by Alisa Butska. Isabel Sanchez (DOM) secured second place, finishing her clear round in 39.627 seconds on Peter Lloyd’s horse, Vingtcoeurs Du Chalet. Michael Murphy (USA) earned third with a clear round time of 39.996 seconds riding Barcelona, owned by Lauren Tyree.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by Parlanti, served as the highlight of the day on the Annex Derby Field. Lauren Schweppe (USA) delivered an impressive performance on Cali Y, owned by Marjorie Sidman, claiming first place with a combined score of 172. Madison Ramsey (USA) took second aboard MTM Enchanted, owned by Kevin Eufemia, with a score of 171. Taylor St. Jacques secured third on Castleforbes Glenn, owned by Sergent Stables LLC, with a score of 170.

Continuing on with competition on Friday, the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Jumper Stake took place on the Derby Field, where twenty competitors tackled Guilherme Jorge’s course. Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) won the event with a double-clear effort aboard Vasco 109, co-owned by Miguel Madero and Luis Pedro Biraben, finishing in 38.603 seconds. Michael Murphy (USA) earned second place with a clear round of 38.949 seconds on Kaida CM, owned by South Coast, while Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) secured third place riding Scoop De Septon Z, owned by Sigma Stables, with a faultless time of 39.279 seconds.

On Saturday, the $1,000 2’6″/2’9″ Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by ProElite, showcased some of the top hunters. Paige Moose (USA) took first place with her own horse, Quintilus, earning a total score of 156. Joanne Clemente (USA) followed closely in second place with a score of 154 on Channing, owned by Horselux LLC. Marjorie Sidman (USA) rounded out the top three with a score of 145 aboard her own entry, Cali Y.

Sunday’s events wrapped up with the $24,999 Winston Preparatory Grand Prix, where Colombia’s Juan Manuel Gallego clinched victory with Niagara D’ive Z after a thrilling jump-off.

Out of the twenty-five participants, nine advanced to the jump-off, making for a tense competition. Gallego and Niagara D’ive Z, owned by Gabriela Salazar Martinez, took first place with the fastest time of 42.926 seconds.

Alannah Wagstaff (USA) secured second place with a time of 42.944 seconds on Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm Inc. Rounding out the podium was Michael Murphy on Kaida CM, owned by South Coast, finishing in 43.383 seconds.

To view full results from ESP Florida State Fall, please click HERE.

Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

Breeds, Championships, Competitions, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Lanaken Showcases the Best of Young Horse Breeding and Talent

Katrin Eckermann (GER) and Sascinora NRW © FEI/Hippo Foto – Dirk Careman

The FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses 2024 in Lanaken (BEL) concluded after several days of intense competition, with entries from across the world showcasing the best of young horse breeding and talent. Held at the renowned Zangersheide, this year’s event brought out the finest five-, six-, and seven-year-old Jumping horses, with several familiar bloodlines making their mark once again.

5-Year-Olds

The five-year-old final saw a strong field of competitors after two rounds of qualifiers, with 54 combinations making it to the ultimate test. Out of the initial 232 entries, 108 jumped clear in the first qualifier, demonstrating the depth of talent in this age category. In the Final, 20 horses contested the jump-off.

Ireland’s Niamh McEvoy secured the top spot with Orange de Baugy, posting a faultless round in a time of 36.15 seconds, going one-better on her second placing from last year’s final in this age category. Bred by L.A. Geertzema and owned by GBBS International Ltd., the KWPN mare (Dominator Z x Barbarian) impressed with consistent performances throughout the competition. McEvoy’s jump-off round set a high standard, placing her over two seconds ahead of her closest competitor.

Italy’s Diego Pagano with Zuly (Zirocco Blue VDL x Toulon) represented the MASAF, the Italian sport horse studbook, and followed in second place with a time of 38.44 seconds. Third place went to Belgium’s Lotte Teuns aboard Jolidiams des Tocrias (Diamant de Semilly x Opium de Talma), a Selle Français gelding. The combination produced a clear round in 39.04 seconds, narrowly securing a podium finish.

6-Year-Olds

The six-year-old final saw 20 horses and athletes competing in the jump-off, with less than two seconds separating the top five combinations. Katrin Eckermann, who won this class in 2023 aboard Cascajall, had another remarkable year in the category with both a win and a third place.

She led from early on with her first ride, Iron Dames Earl of Alice (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x Cinsey, BRAND). Returning later on the Westphalian mare Sascinora NRW (Stakkato-Boy RM x Firth of Lorne), Eckermann was intent on adding another win to her collection. An incredibly fast and clear round on the mare – bred by Otmar Eckermann – saw her take the lead and remain in contention for both gold and silver with only three riders left to go.

However, fellow German athlete Kendra Claricia Brinkop and the Stephex Stables-owned stallion Sniper Des Lilas Blancs (Hamilton du Chapitre x Calvaro Z, BWP) neatly filled the gap between Eckermann’s two rides and took silver, securing back-to-back victories for Eckermann in this age group.

7-Year-Olds

The seven-year-old class is often considered the pinnacle of young horse development, with combinations facing technically difficult 1.45m courses designed to challenge both scope and precision. Irish breeding was on full display in this class, with Irish Sport Horses taking both gold and bronze.

Last year’s six-year-old champion, Cascajall, ridden by Katrin Eckermann, was considered a strong contender, but an unfortunate pole in the first round kept them from advancing to the jump-off, leaving them in 15th place overall.

Of the seven combinations who did advance, one of the standouts was 21-year-old sensation Mathieu Bourdeaud’Hui. The Belgian rider, already well-regarded for his talent in producing young horses, laid down a strong challenge aboard the BWP gelding Remco van den Uilenbos (Nixon van het Meulenhof x Triomphe de Muze) and took the lead with only two combinations left to compete.

Ireland’s Niamh McEvoy was next in the ring riding Sevilla van de Berghoeve Z (Stakkato Gold x Diamant de Semilly, ZANG), and despite coming home in record time, a knock at the final rail dashed her hopes of another podium finish.

It was a case of saving the best for last when Irishman Michael Pender rounded out the class onboard the Irish Sport Horse mare HHH Mercedes (Can Ya Makan x Couletto). The combination looked as if they’d been competing at Grand Prix level for years, cruising round at lightning speed. They were fast enough to take a half-halt to the final fence and yet still edge out Bourdeaud’Hui, crossing the timers in 38.30 seconds to clinch victory.

In third place was another pairing of Irish rider and Irish Sport Horse in Michael Duffy and BP Royalty, a bay gelding by Comme il Faut and out of an Obos Quality 004 mare.

FULL RESULTS

by Sophie Baker

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Greya Is Great in Traverse City

Kent Farrington (USA) and Greya FEI/Andrew Ryback Photography

Kent Farrington (USA) was the first to crack the code to a clear round over a technical course in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City — the first leg of the 2024-25 North American League season. He’d remain “first” for the rest of the day.

First to return for the jump-off. First to jump double-clear. Ultimately, first on the leaderboard.

Farrington and his talented mount Greya bested a seven-horse jump-off to earn an important five-star victory and valuable qualifying points toward the World Cup Finals in Basel (SUI) next April. The accomplished pair simply could not be caught over Alan Wade’s (IRL) short course, with a winning time of 37.19 seconds.

Samuel Hutton (GBR) and Melusina Bvl Z came closest — within two-tenths of a second — and finished second (37.36s). They were followed by Alise Oken (USA) and Gelvera, who boldly left out a stride to the penultimate line and appeared ahead of the pace before fanning wide and losing ground to the final two fences (38.44s).

“[Going] first, I thought the [jump-off] would be fast, but I didn’t think it would be wild,” Farrington said. “The first part of my round was secure, and then at that point going to the last jump, I thought I played it a bit safe.

“I thought I had done a pretty aggressive round that someone would have to try hard to catch. It got a little closer than I would have liked, but we had luck on our side today.”

Natural footspeed, a ground-saving track, and efficiency over the fences proved keys to victory. Farrington weighed the option of leaving out a stride in the first line, but it wasn’t the correct option for his partner. Instead, he planned for an extra stride and a tight, time-saving turn to the next fence.

“My strategy was to ride [Greya’s round] and try to put the pressure on the ones behind me,” Farrington explained. “I took the chances where I thought I could. I maybe could have done one less [stride] up the first line… but it wasn’t there [for me]. My short eight [strides] ended up very quick.”

Farrington began to eye the NAL opener as a target following his return from the Paris Olympic Games. Farrington and Greya were selected to represent the U.S. for the assignment, but Farrington made the decision to withdraw when his horse developed a cough.

“First I had to get her feeling better. She had a bad cough that made us unable to compete,” he shared. “I had to give her 10 days of no riding, let her get some antibiotics and get her back to America. From there, we said, ‘Let’s just see how she goes, at her own pace.’ I let her feel good with some tiny rounds last week, and then we built up this week. Today she felt great, and I thought she performed great. I’m exciting to get going.”

Farrington has always thought highly of Greya, first discovering the mare as a 5-year-old in Europe. He elected to keep her overseas for a year before importing her and beginning to work with the mare in his stable. From there, it’s been a careful, calculated, and exciting development process.

“She’s a sensational horse,” he gushed. “She was always extremely, extremely careful. She had a bit of a wild personality, but she’s always been an exceptional athlete and a special horse. I’m very proud of what she’s developed into. We’re still at the very start of her career. I’m excited to see where it goes.”

Currently the world’s 10th-ranked jumping athlete and a former World No. 1, Farrington has competed in the World Cup Finals on seven occasions, but his best finish came at Riyadh (KSA) — with Greya and Toulayna, who competed in the opening day’s speed competition.

“We went to World Cup Finals last year, and it went great. It was a big step up for [Greya],” Farrington reflected. “I would like to do it [again] with two horses, like I did last time. I would say [Basel] is definitely in my sights. Hopefully my horses are in good form when that time comes around.”

Farrington has assumed an early lead in the North American League standings with 20 points. Oken sits second with 17 points, followed by Daniel Bluman (ISR) with 15 points.

FULL RESULTS

by Catie Staszak

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, Equestrian Sport Prod., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jad Dana Soars to New Heights in $10,000 Greenberg Traurig 1.40m Stake

Jad Dana & Leonidas © Cassidy Klein

The 2024 ESP September horse show commenced on Friday morning with the 1.40m Open Jumper Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. In this competitive event, eleven horse-and-rider pairs took on Andy Christiansen’s (ECU) intricate course, with seven trying their hand at the jump-off. Michael Murphy (USA) secured the top position with the fastest clear round, finishing in 34.42 seconds on Kaida CM, owned by South Coast. Hadden Frost (GBR) took second place with a clear round time of 35.439 seconds aboard his own horse, Insider BH. Diego Javier Vivero Viteri (ECU) rounded out the top three with a clear time of 35.95 seconds on Daddy’s Destiny, owned by Nicole Velazco Magana.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by Parlanti, was the day’s main hunter event in GDF Hunter Ring 2. Kierstin Antoniadis (USA) excelled with her horse, Vegas de Launay, earning first place with a combined score of 176. Keri Kampsen (USA) earned second place aboard Check Please, owned by Kampsen and Lexy Reed, with a score of 175.75, while also securing third with Barolo, also owned by both Kampsen and Lexy Reed, with a score of 174.

Saturday featured the Zen Elite Equestrian Center 1.35m Open Jumper Stake on the Derby Annex, where sixteen riders competed on Andy Christiansen’s course. Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) emerged as the winner with a double-clear performance on Niagara D’ive Z, owned by Gabriela Salazar Martinez, finishing in 42.499 seconds. Diego Javier Vivero Viteri (ECU) took the second spot with a clear round in 43.96 seconds on Dreamer De La Pointe, owned by Sebastian Rodriguez. The third position was claimed by Natalie Thornell (USA) with Jamiroquai, owned by Loveland Equine Investments, who achieved a fault-free time of 47.453 seconds.

On Saturday, the $1,000 2’6”/2’9” Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by ProElite, showcased the talents of top hunters. Emma Ensor (USA) claimed first place with her own Woodlands Teddybear, achieving a total score of 172. Emma Butchard-Nagata (USA) earned second with a score of 171 on Dia Diamond, owned by Marcia Germain. Kim Barone (USA) rounded out the top three with a score of 169 on Rupaul, owned by Cynthia Bulwicz.

Competition concluded on Sunday with the $10,000 Greenberg Traurig 1.40m Stake, but not before Lebanon’s Jad Dana galloped to victory aboard Leonidas in a competitive jump-off.

With only three of the thirteen pairs advancing to the jump-off, the class was sure to leave no stone unturned. Pulling out all the stops and emerging victorious, Dana and his mount, Leonidas, owned by Burr Associates Inc., put in the fastest round with a four-fault time of 32.484 seconds.

Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) secured the runner-up spot with a time of 35.355 seconds on Niagara D’ive Z, owned by Gabriela Salazar Martinez. Rounding out the podium was Dana on his second mount, Know It All, owned by Burr Associates Inc., with a time of 38.82 seconds.

To view full results from ESP September, please click HERE.

Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

Competitions, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Young Jumping Talent Shines in Lier

Team USA, Juniors: Ann Kursinski, Avery Griffin, Alexa Elle Lignelli, Reese Merna, Propp Clara, Elise Stephens © Hippo Foto Media – Dirk Caremans

The FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final took place in Lier, Belgium after four days of hard-fought competition amongst some of the world’s top young riders. There was a strong showing for Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium in particular, but each of the riders and horses showed exceptional skill and talent for the future.

In each category, four riders competed for each team, with the top three scores counting towards the team’s total each day. In the one-round final, all teams started with a clean slate of 0 points, with the potential for a jump-off if teams were tied after the first round.

Children

The top 6 teams competing for the title were Sweden, Poland, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, and Italy. It was nail biting until the very end, with the outcome hinging on the very last fence. There was a possibility for a straight win, or a two, three, or four-way jump off all possibilities until the fourth rotation of riders. In the end, it was the Dutch team who took the title for the third time in a row, on a perfect score. In second place was Great Britain and the Irish team in third.

Sweden kicked off the action. Maisie Riley and Lorenzo of Great Britain faced a setback with a refusal at the water, giving them 15 penalties in total and putting some pressure on the remaining team members with the best potential score of 4 from their opening rider Emily Gulliver’s score.

The team from The Netherlands finished on a total of 0, with only one rider – Joep Schaap – picking up four penalties in total. The final Dutch rider, Stella Heijligers, had retired from competition the day before to save her horse for the final. A clear would ensure that the Italians had to go clear too, having lost one rider to elimination and therefore having no dropped score available to them. Her decision was a good one, with a clear securing their place on the podium.

Gabriel Zagni Minucci had no wiggle room whatsoever, knowing that a clear would secure a jump off, whereas two poles would completely put them out of medal contention. He was clear until the very last, and then a hesitation from the pair and four faults plus time penalties put them into fourth place overall.

Ponies

The pony teams competing for glory were Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, Great Britain, Belgium, Sweden, and The Netherlands.

Great Britain emerged victorious with a consistent performance, finishing with just one fault across the entire three rounds of jumping. This victory follows their success at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Ponies. Neighbours Ireland came in silver, and Belgium third.

The Netherlands – always hot favourites at any Jumping event – ended up 4th after a shaky start. First rider Bethany Vos and third rider Mienie Vos had expensive rounds with 23 and 10 penalties, respectively – putting one of the favourite teams out of medal contention despite a stellar start to the competition earlier in the week.

The Swiss team had an unlucky day at the office, with an elimination and two expensive rounds putting them on a final score of 24, at the bottom of the table. The Irish, having won the competition four times in the past, were hoping to add a fifth gold medal to their tally. Their six-penalty score, however, wouldn’t be quite enough to take another win.

Third last to go was Robin Vermier, who had the luxury of being able to finish ahead of the Dutch even with one pole down. Her calm, collected clear aboard Kristal Sparkle Van Begeveld secured a podium finish.

Young Riders

In the young rider category, the six teams competing for glory were Belgium, Austria, the USA, Great Britain, Italy, and Switzerland. The Young Rider winning team – Belgium – was crowned after a three-way jump off for the podium positions, with each team’s total points and time counting towards the win.

The Austrians were at a disadvantage with only three available riders throughout the day. Despite that, they managed to advance to the jump-off, but faced immense pressure without a discard score when it reached the second round.

Belgium’s Mathieu Guery set the tone for the jump off with a clear round on Callac de Cyrmanol, helping his country to a third win at home in Lier for the Young Rider FEI Nations Cup Final, with the first rotation riders for Italy and Australia chalking up clears too – albeit slower.

Antonia Weixelbraun of Austria clocked up a fast round with four penalties. Both the Belgian and Italian teams had three clear rounds on the board by the conclusion of the jump off, automatically putting Austria into bronze medal position without the ability to drop Weixelbraun’s four-penalty round. Italy’s final combination, Martina Simoni and Dalvaro 2, needed to jump an incredibly fast clear to clinch first, shaving off over three sounds. They delivered a collected and well-ridden round without a pole, but weren’t fast enough to match the pace, meaning Italy had to settle for silver.

Juniors

The final competition of the day was the Juniors title, which was contested by the USA, The Netherlands, Czechia, Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden. Once again, the order of the podium came down to the very last set of riders, in an ‘anything could happen’ race to the finish line, which ultimately saw the USA take gold, Sweden silver, and the Czech Republic bronze.

A flurry of clear rounds from early on kicked off the event in style, with teams USA and Netherlands edging themselves out as contenders for the win with a perfect 0 on the scoreboard for both teams following the third rotation of riders.

The penultimate rider, Jules Denutte of Belgium, required a clear to stay ahead of The Netherlands and the Czech Republic, keeping them on the podium. One fence came down, which edged Czechia into bronze place thanks to their quick pace.

Elise Stephens, as the USA’s fourth rider, delivered a clear to force Sweden’s hand. The last rider of the day, Liam Nilsson, couldn’t afford even a time penalty if they were to secure a jump off for the gold. When Nilsson cantered into the arena, the challenge was simple – jump a clear and secure the jump off with the USA. Have a pole or penalty, and the USA would take the victory. Having ridden in three European championships, he’s no stranger to pressure – but faced a setback when his mare Ulla Bella Hastak got strong into the double and tipped a rail, meaning the Swedes would settle for silver.

FULL RESULTS

by Sophie Baker

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Community/Charity, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., London International Horse Show, Revolution Sports, Training/Clinics

London International Horse Show Announces Dressage Masterclass with Ros Canter

Photo: Peter Nixon

Organisers of London International Horse Show are proud to unveil the latest instalment of its acclaimed LeMieux Masterclass Series, the “Flawless Flying Changes Masterclass,” taking place on Wednesday 18 December in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena. The Masterclass will feature Paris 2024 Olympic Games team gold medallist and individual FEI Eventing World Champion, Rosalind Canter, and will be presented by British Olympic Dressage rider and World Championship silver medallist Richard Davison.

The hour-long Masterclass promises to be an invaluable learning experience for equestrians of all levels, offering insights into the art of flying changes – a fundamental skill across multiple equestrian disciplines. Davison will be joined by Canter, who most recently won the CCI5* competition at the prestigious Defender Burghley Horse Trials, along with two additional elite riders from the realms of both Show Jumping and Dressage – whose names are soon to be revealed. Together, Davison and the esteemed trio will offer a unique, multidisciplinary perspective on mastering flying changes, from simple changes to advanced tempi movements.

Davison is a familiar face at London International Horse Show, having competed at the Show for over 20 years, a tenure during which he has also represented Great Britain at numerous Championships. Davison’s expertise and deep understanding of Dressage makes him the perfect guide for this Masterclass.

Davison commented: “I am thrilled to be back at London International to present this new Masterclass. Flying changes are absolutely vital in all areas of equestrian sport, and we are going to break them down in a practical and beneficial way for every rider in the audience. Working alongside Ros and two other experts will, I hope, make this a truly dynamic and educational experience.”

The ‘Flawless Flying Changes Masterclass’ aims to provide riders with a comprehensive understanding of how to perform immaculate flying changes – from straightforward single changes to the more challenging one-time tempi movements. The session will not only showcase the skills of world-class riders but will also offer clear demonstrations and step-by-step explanations designed to elevate riders’ flatwork and dressage capabilities.

Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said: “The LeMieux Masterclass Series offers an exceptional platform for world-renowned riders to share their expertise with a passionate and eager audience. Richard Davison’s Masterclass is set to be a highlight of this year’s show. We are also incredibly honoured to welcome Ros Canter, who has achieved extraordinary success this year, alongside two other remarkable riders who will be announced soon.”

Whether an aspiring equestrian looking to refine flying changes or an experienced veteran aiming to perfect their performance, the ‘Flawless Flying Changes Masterclass’ is an unmissable opportunity to learn from some of the very best in equestrian sport.

The “Flawless Flying Changes Masterclass” takes place in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena on Wednesday 18 December at 13:15. To purchase your tickets to the London International Horse Show 2024, please click here.

For more information, please contact: Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Horse Care/Protection, Publications/Media, Wild Horse Fire Brigade

Documentary Film Horse of Nature Officially Selected by Prestigious EQUUS Film & Arts Festival

YREKA, CA, UNITED STATES, September 7, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Based on a true story and actual events, Horse of Nature is set in the middle of the remote Cascade Siskiyou Mountains near the Oregon/California border, where the tiny town of 400 people called Henley Hornbrook exists.

In 2018, a deadly wind driven wildfire tore through the town, the lives of its people, and surrounding countryside.

The documentary film Horse of Nature offers a glimpse into the lives of some of the survivors of that wildfire and the local herd of cultural heritage wild horses that played a role in the battle to control what became known as the Klamathon Fire.

“Horses have been integral in building and progressing societies around the world, and so it’s been healing to explore in this film how horses can help save our modern relationship with nature and the aid in the wildfire epidemic,” said the film’s producer director Autie Carlisle.

Of great historical importance is that, in the year 1580, British officer and serving Knight Sir Francis Drake was on a military exploration mission of the west coast of what is today America, when he discovered horses living among the local indigenous peoples of the area that is today the Oregon/California border. This documented observation was included in the doctoral dissertation of Dr. Yvette ‘Running Horse’ Collin, PhD:

This is the excerpt from Dr. Collin’s doctoral dissertation:

“The Spanish conquistadors were not the only European explorers to have noticed and recorded early sightings of horses in the Americas. In 1579, the Queen of England sent Sir Francis Drake to ‘The New World.’ Drake also recorded having seen herds of horses in the Americas during his voyage off the coasts of what are now known as California and Oregon. An account given of Drake’s landing in the geographic areas now known as Northern California and Southern Oregon includes the English explorer’s description of the homes of the Native Peoples, as well as the animals that he encountered. It related his wonder at seeing so many wild horses, because he had heard that the Spaniards had found no native horses in America, save those of the Arab breed which they had introduced.”

The relevance of Drake’s discovery is that it came just 88 years after Christopher Columbus first landed on the east coast of the North American continent with just a few horses from Europe, which were critical assets and closely guarded. During the 1500s, there was no manner or method for the importation and subsequent accidental release of tens of thousands of horses that would be required for some of them to somehow reach the far northwestern opposite side of the North American continent in just 88 years. This historical fact provides evidence that splinter populations of native North American horses did in fact survive the Ice Age contrary to now obsolete science and belief that they went extinct. And some of the descendants and genetic blood lines of the Drake horses remain on the landscape in the mountains of the Oregon/California border area near Henley Hornbrook, California.

Deb Ferns, president of the all-volunteer nonprofit Wild Horse Fire Brigade (‘WHFB’) said: “We are very pleased and excited that the EQUUS Film Festival has ‘Officially Selected’ Horse of Nature to be screened at the festival. That is such an honor! Autie Carlisle has done a splendid job producing this documentary along with her team. This heartfelt documentary drama takes an honest look into some of the lives of wildfire survivors and the cultural heritage herd of horses that our organization (WHFB) is working hard to study and preserve. There is no doubt that this herd of horses should be protected under the Antiquities Act.”

About the EQUUS Film & Arts Festival (http://www.equusfilmfestival.net):

The EQUUS Film & Arts Fest is the world’s premier showcase for domestic and International Equestrian Content feature films, documentaries, shorts, music videos, commercials, training and educational materials, art, and literature, in addition to film programming, interesting guest speakers and presenters, informative panels, industry workshops, hosting exhibits, and interactive experiences with horses and trainers.

EQUUS Strives to bring a greater awareness and understanding of the unique relationship between horses and the humans who love them.

More about Autie Carlisle here: https://www.autiecarlisle.com/documentaries

Horse of Nature: The Trailer — https://vimeo.com/998882803/001b27d9c1?share=copy

Deb Ferns
Wild Horse Fire Brigade

Visit www.wildhorsefirebrigade.org for more information.

Breeds, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, FEI, FEI

German & Dutch Breeding Excellence Showcased in Ermelo

Bart Veeze (NED) riding Red Viper © FEI/Leanjo de Koster – DigiShots

After four days of competition, it was a chestnut clean sweep and a showcase of the quality of Dutch and German breeding specifically at this year’s Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses 2024 in Ermelo (NED).

Among the top 15 horses — five in each age category — six were German-bred and five were Dutch-bred.

The 5 -,6-, and 7-year-old winners were all chestnuts, too; a distinct change from the dark bay Dressage horses the world has become accustomed to. For those who follow this event every year, there were plenty of familiar faces Dressage enthusiasts will recognise, including a two-time world champion in Life Time FRH.

5-Year-Olds

The 5-year-old test is always the most hotly-contested category and due to the focus on potential – rather than schooling – technicalities, it tends to attract stud farms wanting to show off their top progeny. Of the 46 five-year-olds in this year’s field, 22 were stallions, 9 mares, and 15 geldings.

The KWPN stallion Red Viper (Romanov x Sir Sinclair) led from start to finish, with a win and 92% in the preliminary test and a convincing win in the finals. Ridden by the Dutch jockey Bart Veeze and bred by Coen Kerbert, he scored 93.800% for the win – the only score above 90 in the class – thanks to impressive marks of 9.4 for trot, 8.8 for walk, a competition high 9.7 for canter, 9.2 for submission, and 9.8 for perspective. The horse was almost faultless, with the judging panel saying the trot displayed exceptional elasticity and shoulder freedom, the canter as balanced, powerful, and uphill.

The second placed combination – Westfalen stallion Glamdale WP NRW (Glamourdale x Millennium) with Germany’s Stefanie Ahlert – was over 3% behind on 90.2%. Jeanna Hogberg piloted the Swedish stallion Severucci HT (Secret x Rubinrot) to third on 90.000%.

6-Year-Olds

Danish Warmblood mare Valerie B, ridden by Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen, topped the 6-year-old first qualifier, scoring an outstanding 90.800%. In 2023, Valerie B won the Preliminary rest for 5-year-olds, but was beaten out in the finals by Quinn G and Carl Hedin’s Instagram sensation, stallion Skyline to B.

Merita Hagren and Alkaline (Secret x Zalmiak Firfod) were one of the surprises during the final round, clocking up a huge 92% with 9s and 9.5s across the board to finish with second place. Despite only placing in 6th during the preliminary test, the chestnut stallion was described as “lovely, springy, and elastic” by judge Peter Storr. Talking about the canter, he said, “It has a lot of airtime, and it’s truly elastic and energetic. We did have an argument about where to go with the marks and decided on a 9.5.”

The pressure was on for the remaining few combinations, as Alkaline was followed immediately into the ring by winners of the preliminary test, Valerie B and Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen. Unable to replicate their preliminary performance, the pair finished fourth in the final with 87.2%. Despite scoring a perfect 10 for her trot, mistakes in the flying changes and canter cost her valuable points. Having placed second in the first round, the chances of a podium finish looked excellent for Segantini 6 with Olympian Dorothee Schneider aboard, but some small mistakes put them out of the placings too.

The penultimate combination of the day was Quinn G, winner of last year’s 5-year-old final. Having claimed a tied 4th place in the preliminary final, Fiona Bigwood rode a foot perfect test aboard the DWB mare by Quaterhit/Fassbinder. The mare was destined to be a two-time champion, scoring an incredible 95, including a perfect 10 for both the walk and the trot with very little for the judges to offer other than praise for an “overall, lovely horse.” The KWPN mare Nice Touch W (Dettori/Florencio) took third place, ridden by Charlotta Rogerson.

7-Year-Olds

It’s always wonderful to watch the progression from 5-year-old classes to 7-year-olds in terms of schooling, balance, and collection. 44 combinations took to the arena on the first day.

Charlott-Maria Schürmann of Germany dominated both the preliminary and final tests with her Hanoverian stallion, Life Time FRH. Bred by Johannes Hesselink, Life Time FRH (by Livaldon x Fürstenball OLD) earned a score of 81.175% in the preliminary round. In the final, they went even further, chalking up an impressive 84.129%, with standout scores including a 9.5 for walk, 9.5 for submission, and a 9.5 for perspective. The judging panel said, “We think you had a nice feeling on your horse today. We had that feeling too,” and immediately praised the stallion’s “beautiful frame and correct education.”

Second was Leonie Richter of Germany, riding the Hanoverian stallion Vitalos FRH (by Vitalis x De Niro), the silver medallist of the six-year-old horses in 2023 and the five-year-old horses in 2022. Vitalis FRH had placed fifth in the preliminary round but moved up to secure second place in the final with a score of 83.222%.

Vitalos FRH, bred by Josef Bramlage, received a perfect 10 for trot in the final. Hans Peter Minderhoud of the Netherlands retained his third-place position from the preliminary round in the final, scoring 80.993% with the KWPN stallion Glock’s Massimo (by Glock’s Toto JR. x Bretton Woods).

by Sophie Baker

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Championships, Competitions, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Brian Feigus Wins Inaugural $100k ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic at HITS Hudson

Brian Feigus and Four Aces. Photo © ESI Photography

Hunter competition during HITS Championship week at HITS Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday, September 8, with the inaugural $100,000 ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic. The class represented the culmination of not only an incredible week of top sport, but of an amazing summer season. Exhibitors and spectators alike gathered around The Ring to witness some of the nation’s top hunter horse-and-rider combinations. In the end, it was Brian Feigus of Morriston, Florida who realized he did not need any extra cards up his sleeve as he piloted Four Aces to the top prize.

Riders in the exciting new class were invited to participate, bringing the best of the best in the discipline to compete head-to-head. Each pair contested the single classic hunter round set at 3’6”, overseen by three judging panels. Judges Chris Wynn and David Beisel represented panels one and two and were positioned in different locations around the arena, while MaryLisa Leffler, Linda Andrisani, and Keri Kampsen represented the third panel observing the round from the ClipMyHorse.tv livestream on a monitor. Scores from each panel were then added together to yield a final mark and placing.

Kerry Kocher designed an elegant and flowing classic hunter track for the 20 horse-and-rider combinations to contest, but as they have proven since the start of their partnership, Feigus and Four Aces are a hard act to follow. Laying down a trip worthy of three scores in the 90s, the Florida native and the nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Acodetto 2, owned by Marita Zuraitis, received the three highest marks of the class, earning a 92.00, 93.00, and 90.00 to effectively close the book on the competition with a 275.00 point total.

Read more.

For more information, visit HitsShows.com.

Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, FEI, FEI

Historic Podium at the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024

Virginie ATGER (FRA) on CHAM DE LA PALUD © FEI/Massimo Argenziano

For the first time in the history of the FEI Endurance World Championships, teams from China and Malaysia secured a spot on the podium, taking second and third places, respectively, while host nation France took gold.

The individual medals went to Melody Théolissat (France) riding Yalla de Jalima (bronze), Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi (United Arab Emirates) with Castlebar Cadabra (silver), and HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Bahrain) with Everest la Majorie (gold). HH Sheik Nasser retained his world title, which he won at the 2022 FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb (UAE) with his horse Darco la Majorie.

“I intended to ride Darco here in Monpazier, but he got a slight injury,” the champion said the day after the competition. Instead, he decided to ride Darco’s half-brother, Everest la Majorie. This 10-year-old gelding finished second at last year’s test event in Monpazier, just 25 seconds behind Darco. “I knew Everest was also a top-level horse, but I didn’t expect us to win.”

When asked what the public can expect from him at the next FEI Endurance World Championship in Al Ula (2026), he replied with a spontaneous laugh: “Doing this a third time?”

The team world title stayed with France as the French team successfully defended their top position they claimed in Butheeb in 2023. Ahead of the competition, national coach Jean-Michel Grimal admitted he had a tough time selecting his final team of five from the seven rider-horse combinations available. “They’re all good, and the horses are in perfect condition. There’s no reason to favour one combination over another. But only five can compete, so I had to choose. I based my decision on instinct. On Saturday night, we’ll see if my instinct was right.”

The rest is history: his instinct was rewarded with a gold medal. “It’s been a great sports summer. First the Olympic Games in Paris, with lots of medals for France (fifth place in the medal table) and then the FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier, with gold for our team and bronze for Melody Théolissat with Yalla de Jalima.”

China’s performance was a surprising highlight, considering this year marked only the second time the country had fielded a team at the FEI Endurance World Championship. Among the team were father Bo Sui and daughter Jiahe Sui. At 15 years old, Jiahe was the youngest competitor at this year’s Championship. “Incredible” and “never expected,” she said after their victory. “Our goal as a team was simply to finish the ride and try to be in the top five, so securing second place is fantastic!”

The ride, which started at 5:30 am, had a challenging beginning for the young rider. “It was still dark, and it was pouring rain. All the horses were steaming. Because of the mist and the heavy rain, I couldn’t see anything except the rider in front of me. I completely trusted my horse (Eiwa de Bozouls), and she did brilliantly.”

Jiahe’s love for equestrian sport runs in the family; her father is a true horseman. He owns a stable in China with 70 Arabian horses and was the first Chinese rider to complete the world-famous Tevis Cup Endurance ride in the United States back in 2018. He began his equestrian career with western riding. “But I prefer Endurance because the rides are longer, which means I can spend even more time with my horse. From western riding, I’ve learned how to relieve my horse with the correct posture and seat.”

Malaysia was determined to reach the podium, but their ride didn’t start as planned. Rider Tengku Muhammad Syukri Tengku Mahmood said, “We wanted to follow the French team, but … the rain pouring down and the mud on the ground … it was impossible for us to keep up with France. So, we decided to ride at a slower pace.” That approach earned the team a well-deserved bronze.

Results Here

by Mirjam van Huet MCM Tekst

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