Tag Archives: Alltech National Horse Show

Prize List for National Horse Show CSI-W 4* Available Now Online

Lexington, KY – July 28, 2014 – The prize list for the National Horse Show CSI-W 4* is now posted online. The highly decorated and immensely popular horse show returns for a fifth year at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 28 – November 2, 2014.

The prize list can be downloaded at: https://www.nhs.org/prize-list-and-entry-forms/.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s show has been designated a CSI-W 4* show by the FEI. The International Open Jumpers will compete for $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

The National Horse Show, for the fourth year in a row, received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was again named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in back to back years.

The National Horse Show returns to Lexington, Kentucky, on October 28 – November 2, 2014

For tickets and more information, please visit www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

National Horse Show Named National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Show of the Year for Third Straight Year

Bill Weeks, Leo Conroy, Caroline Moran and Dr Betsee Parker accept the National Horse Show’s award for ‘Horse Show of the Year’.

Haverford, PA – May 28, 2014 – For the third consecutive year, the National Horse Show has been named the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year.

The esteemed honor was awarded as a result of voting by members of the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, and it was presented at Tuesday night’s annual National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Awards Dinner at the Merion Cricket Club. During the dinner, held each year during the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the leading riders, owners and trainers in the show hunter industry gather to recognize and honor the horses, riders and horse shows that are positively shaping and impacting the sport.

Accepting the award on behalf of the National Horse Show was board member Leo G. Conroy, joined by fellow board members Caroline Moran, Ernie Oare, Dr. Betsee Parker and Bill Weeks.

“On behalf of the officers and directors of the National Horse Show, I would like to thank everyone who voted for us this year, and for those who didn’t, we know who you are,” joked Conroy. “We’re going to get you next year, because we’re going to keep trying to run what we believe is the premier hunter event in the country.”

Conroy continued, “Thank you all for your votes and we look forward to seeing you in November and hopefully again up here next year.”

The National Horse Show will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY from October 28 – November 2, 2014. For more information on the National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com Phone: 561-313-0384
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

McLain Ward and Chrystine Tauber to Judge 2014 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals at National Horse Show

McLain Ward.

Lexington, KY – May 5, 2014 – The historic National Horse Show, scheduled for the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, October 28 through November 2, 2014, announced the line-up of judges for the ASPCA Maclay National Championship today. Olympian McLain Ward will be judging the country’s top junior riders alongside the United States Equestrian Federation President Chrystine Tauber.

Ward grew up riding and competing the equitation himself, and has gone on to help the United States Show Jumping Team win two Team Gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Hong Kong Olympics. He is one of the most decorated riders in Show Jumping, with wins in almost every major grand prix, and is well known for his textbook style in the saddle.

“It is a huge honor to judge the Maclay Finals because it is the most prestigious national championship of equitation in our country,” stated Ward.  “It is great honor from your peers that they respect your level of riding and horsemanship enough to give you the opportunity to be in that position.”

Ward continued, “All judging comes down to a philosophy. I look at equitation as a stepping stone to something even bigger. While some junior careers end [after the Finals], many of those that are most successful in the equitation go on to have careers as top show jumpers. If you look at it as a stepping stone, and you see the different ways the rider has developed, the talent as well as their horsemanship and mental point of view, the most well rounded, well prepared junior wins in the end.”

Chrystine Tauber
Chrystine Tauber

Tauber is a past equitation champion herself, winning both the AHSA Medal and ASPCA Maclay Finals in 1965. She is a top rated USEF judge, course designer, trainer and rider and has been involved in the governance of the sport for nearly forty years. In addition to the presidency of the USEF, she serves as the vice president of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association. Tauber has judged all the major equitation finals, most recently judging USEF Medal Finals. She has also judged the IHSA Finals and the NCAA Finals twice.

“I have judged the ASPCA Maclay Finals several times in the past and each time it has evolved to a higher standard as a national championship competition,” explained Tauber. “We have more depth of talent in our young riders than ever before so designing the courses, the flat work, and the tests are an exciting challenge.  I am really looking forward to working on these with McLain. He is an Olympic Gold Medalist, a great trainer, and a super stylish rider over Grand Prix height jumps. Combining our talents to create appropriate tests for the junior riders at this level and collaborating on our assessments of the riders is definitely something to look forward to for this year’s finals.”

Tauber concluded, “The Maclay Finals format provides the judges with an opportunity to have a very thorough look at the competitors both over fences and on the flat. The riders should demonstrate a complete knowledge of riding a horse on the bit in a good rhythm as well as a sophisticated coordination of their aids in order to provide a positive influence on the horse’s performance; plus the ability to maintain that rapport and focus under pressure. And, of course, do all of this with poise and style. It is, after all, an equitation championship.”

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden in 1987, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2012 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Jacob Pope, and in 2013 Lillie Keenan was named the winner.

Eight regional competitions will determine which top junior riders will travel to Kentucky to compete during the 2014 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, which will be held Sunday, November 2, 2014.

For more information, please visit the National Horse Show website at www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com Phone: 561-313-0384
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

National Horse Show Announces 2014 Dates and Locations for ASPCA Maclay Regionals

Lillie Keenan of New York, NY won the 2013 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. Photo Credit: Shawn McMillen.

Lexington, KY – March 31, 2014 – The National Horse Show is pleased to announce the dates and locations for this year’s ASPCA Maclay Regional competitions. The horse shows’ qualifying classes determine which riders will compete in the Alfred B, Maclay ASPCA National Championship, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2, 2014.

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden in 1987, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2012 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Jacob Pope, and in 2013 Lillie Keenan was named the winner.

Separate entry blanks for the ASPCA Maclay Regionals must be mailed to the National Horse Show. All other classes and stall requests should go directly to the host horse show.

The following Regional competitions will be qualifiers for the National Championship. Please contact the appropriate regional horse show for a prize list.

2014 MACLAY REGIONAL CONTACTS:

Region 1, Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) – SEPTEMBER 21
Fairfield County Hunt Club, Fairfield, CT

Region 2, East (NJ, NY, PA) – SEPTEMBER 13
Old Salem Farm, North Salem, NY – 914-669-5610

Region 3, Southeast (AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) – SEPTEMBER 21
Southeast Medal Finals, Jacksonville, FL – 904-993-2053 alexisgnewman@gmail.com

Region 4, Midwest (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH) – SEPTEMBER 20
Kentucky National, Lexington, KY – 615-838-7560 wldwoo@aol.com

Region 5, Central (AZ, IA, KS, LA, MO, MN, ND, NE, OK, SD, TX, WI) – SEPTEMBER 13
St. Louis National Charity, Lake St. Louis, MO – 314-308-1162 stlnchorseshow@aol.com

Region 6, Mountain (AZ, CO, NM, UT) – SEPTEMBER 13
Colorado Springs Fall Classic, CO – 818-679-5776 ceskinner@earthlink.net

Region 7, Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY) – SEPTEMBER 13
NorthWest Autumn Classic, Monroe, WA – 360-805-6711 DIANJNSN@aol.com

Region 8, West (CA, HI, NV) – SEPTEMBER 13
Blenheim Fall Tournament, San Juan Capistrano, CA – 949-443-1841 showpark@aol.com

For more information on the ASPCA Maclay National Championships and its qualifiers as well as the National Horse Show, please visit http://www.nhs.org.

Rebecca Walton 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

Kelli Cruciotti Places Second in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show

Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey competing in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen.

Parker, CO – November 5, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park extends its warm congratulations to Kelli Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, for her impressive second-place finish at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery and held at the Alltech National Horse Show. Cruciotti, who trains with her mother, Cindy Cruciotti, at the family’s Serenity Farm, has earned her place among the top junior riders in the nation.

As part of her preparation for the major equitation finals, Cruciotti competed at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies show series, where she consistently placed well in the equitation. She qualified for the ASPCA Maclay Region 6 Finals in September, where she took home the blue ribbon.

The 2013 ASPCA Maclay Finals got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Cruciotti was called back in eighth place after her first course and joined Group A for the flat.

Riders completed an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They demonstrated collection and extension, as well as the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter.

After the three sections of the flat phase were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test. Cruciotti’s strong performance on the flat placed her in third, behind eventual winner Lillie Keenan and Sophie Simpson. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be performed in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Next, competitors had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders were asked to counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.

Cruciotti continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They performed a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.

Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge

“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it that I had to execute to my horse’s strong suits and not strong suits,” said Cruciotti. “The course was very open, and the first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped, and I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”

“I just don’t think that there are any feelings to describe it,” she went on. “It’s amazing. I have to thank everyone who helped me get here: all my trainers, my mom, the great horse I am on and everyone who has put in the hard work to help me get to this point. I am overwhelmed, for sure.”

Cruciotti is in the 11th grade and attends the K12 Online International Academy.

“We could have never been here without everybody’s support: friends in Colorado, family, trainers – everyone,” said Cindy Cruciotti. “It is an overwhelming feeling to be here and be included in this amazing group of riders and trainers.”

Cindy Cruciotti also credited Kelli’s mount, Monterrey, whom they purchased from Andre Dignelli. She shared, “Kelli has been working and showing him and getting to know him. He’s just one in a million. He’s taught Kelli and me a tremendous amount about horsemanship.”

About the Colorado Horse Park

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

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

Visit CHP at: http://coloradohorsepark.com/.

Wirth, Brakenridge and Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Braiders Recognized for Colorful and Creative Designs at Alltech National Horse Show

Photo by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – November 4, 2013 – The Phelps Media Group $2,000 Braider’s Award was presented Saturday afternoon at the Alltech National Horse Show to three deserving braiders: Jeff Claxton, Jennie Vigliano and Louise Sinkler. The show’s colors are orange and black, and braiders incorporated those colors as they summoned their talent and creativity to try to produce the best complete braid job in the hunter divisions.

Linda Umla, who judged the competition, was impressed by the quality of the entries and found it difficult to choose the winners.

“It was a lot harder than I thought it would be!” she said. “I knew the braiders would all be doing a top-notch job, but they were so creative and did beautiful work. I really liked that the Alltech National Horse Show had the requirement of using some colors because traditionally braiding is very restricted – it is an art, but it’s always within strict guidelines. This contest created an opportunity for artwork to come out in the braiding itself.”

Umla has braided professionally for 30 years. She noted that braiding is “a bit of a hidden art” and that the contest gave braiders a rare chance to step into the spotlight.

“As a braider, you’re a night owl – you’re not there during the day for the most part, and you’re not interacting with the horse show people,” she explained. “It’s easily overlooked. I think offering an award like this was ripe for the taking. Nobody that I can recall in my history of braiding has done anything like that, and certainly not with the criteria of using such eccentric colors as orange and black.”

Umla added that she noticed braiders getting more and more inventive as the week progressed, drawing on the work of their peers for inspiration and working to stand out from the rest.

“I really think that the braiders themselves did an outstanding job,” she said. “They put their all into it in terms of creativity and style. Those top three braiders just did an amazingly beautiful job.”

Jennie Vigliano, who braided for Scott Stewart at the show, was thrilled to be one of the three award recipients. “I’m so happy, I’m going to cry,” she said after the presentation. “I had a really good time doing it. I felt like I was doing it for me, but I was also doing it for the people. The riders were really excited, and they were putting pictures of the braids on Facebook. I was happy that they were so excited about it.”

Vigliano said she focused on producing high quality braids and including the orange and black colors in a subtle but distinctive way.

“The most important thing I tried to do was to make perfect braids,” she said. “I mostly had horses with dark manes, so I braided them with orange and a little black pompom by the ears. I spaced crystals throughout their manes, which I think made them stand out. I really thought it was exciting and fun to experiment and see what everybody did.”

Louise Sinkler braided for Linda Langmeier, Dr. Betsee Parker and Tim & Kelly Goguen. She said she enjoyed the opportunity to be creative.

“It was just really fun to get some recognition and have everyone paying attention to the braids,” Sinkler said. “Braiding in orange is great because we would never get the chance to do that at another horse show.”

The 130th Edition of the Alltech National Horse Show concluded on Sunday with the ASPCA Maclay Finals, Presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery. For more information on the Alltech National Horse Show, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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Lillie Keenan Lights Up 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championships

Lillie Keenan piloted Clearway to the 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals Championship. Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, KY – November 3, 2013 – In many ways, it came as no surprise when the champion of the 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Finals was announced as Lillie Keenan of New York, NY. The young phenom has been at the top of the sport since she was a pony rider, and this has been an exceptional year for her career. It began with the 2013 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships Show Jumping Gold Medal, followed by her first grand prix victory at HITS-on-the-Hudson and a win in the USEF Junior Jumper Individual Championship. Just a few short weeks ago, she won her second big equitation championship, the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal. Today, after three rounds of competition, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery, at the Alltech National Horse Show, she earned her third major title, all before turning 18 years old.

“For a really long time I wanted this, along with wins at other finals, more than anything,” expressed Keenan. “I am glad to say that I do know the history of this class, and every rider on the trophy is extremely well respected and extremely successful. Being on a trophy with them, I am over the moon, but also what that entails for my future is very exciting. I am at a loss for words.”

The competition got underway at 7 a.m. with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Sophie Simpson led the way, followed by Sydney Shulman and Keenan.

Riders had to complete an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They had to show collection and extension, as well as perform the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter throughout different patterns.

“I have to give my wife, Hillary, credit for shoving Debbie McDonald’s book in my face on the plane, which is how the half-pass ended up on the test,” explained Ridland. “When we boil things down to basics, controlling the horse, the forward movement, the extension, lengthening and shortening the strides – all the tests that we asked on the course were basically that. There were adjustments, extensions, collections on course, and of course directional accuracy was a test that we wanted to reward. The number one thing we were trying to test was that-basically being able to control your horse, forward and back, with lateral movements.”

After the three sections were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test with Keenan leading the way, followed by Simpson and Kelli Cruciotti, who jumped up from eighth in the rankings with a solid performance. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be done in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Riders then had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders had to get the counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.

The test was certainly a proving ground, as Simpson dropped down to eighth place with a few rubs and a round that lacked brilliance overall. Michael Hughes and Spencer Smith had been ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, but they dropped out of the standings entirely when Smith had two refusals and Hughes had an awkward trot fence and a rail at the final fence.

There were rounds that were excellent though, including those of Gabrielle Bausano and Shulman, who ended up fourth and fifth, respectively, after keeping a solid pace throughout their rounds and easily answering each question that was asked.

Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo By: Rebecca Walton
Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo By: Rebecca Walton

Charlotte Jacobs of East Aurora, NY, had a standout round aboard Patrick, owned by Catherine Tyree. The pair had a direct approach through the first line and also excelled during the trot jump and the counter canter, jumping all the way up from eleventh in the standings to capture the third place award.

“I was in eleventh, so I kind of knew that I didn’t have anything to lose,” admitted Jacobs, a freshman at Southern Methodist University. “I did some inside turns and put it all out there, and it definitely helped me.”

Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They also had a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.

“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it,” said Cruciotti. “The first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped. I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”

The best test of the day came at the very end from Keenan and Clearway, owned by Heritage Farm. Keenan’s flawless style gave her the lead going into the test, and the talented young rider was not about to let it slide through her fingers. She landed the counter canter and made it smoothly through each of the combinations, demonstrating everything the judges were looking for: style, accuracy and effectiveness. After she left the ring, there was no question that she was the winner, adding another championship title to her resume to conclude a stellar year.

Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey. Shawn McMillen Photography
Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey. Shawn McMillen Photography

“I was nervous coming back last,” admitted Keenan. “I knew that the other riders in the top 20 were definitely very capable. I didn’t really decide what my complete plan was until I walked into the ring. The course rode differently than how it walked. I think that is the wonderful thing about a challenging course for a championship; it is very much about going in and starting your course and being able to negotiate as you go. It is not just about having a plan and thinking that you are going to execute the whole thing. I knew that my horse could do it, but I have to say that I was the most nervous because I didn’t want to get in his way.”

With three equitation titles to her name, Keenan will begin focusing her efforts on the jumper ring next year. “Throughout this year, I have been trying to make the step up to some of the bigger classes. I am going to plan on going to the Talent Search Finals next year. Andre will obviously be the person helping me move up, but I don’t think I am done with equitation yet. Equitation finals are important to me; they always have been. I think I am going to keep moving up, competing in the open divisions, working with a younger horse that I have. I am slowly trying to work my way up.”

Keenan added, “I am not unrealistic though. I am aware that after this year it is not like I have accomplished everything. I think having this as one of the titles I have been able to accomplish is exciting, thrilling and is going to help me move forward, but it is not the end, it’s just the beginning.”

Ten years ago, Keenan began riding with Andre Dignelli and the team at Heritage Farm, and it is a partnership that has flourished over time. “Conrad Homfeld started this relationship, and this show is a full circle moment for us,” said Dignelli. “He was designing the courses, and Lillie was showing here in the open jumpers, so it was a magical moment. We would be remiss in not thanking Lillie’s mother. Nobody has been more supportive of this whole experience than Pam Keenan. She rode; she understood what this was all about. They gave up every vacation; they were at every show. They just spend more hours at Heritage than anyone ever has in 25 years of my training.”

Dignelli concluded, “Today, I thought we won in a magical way. I thought the round was stunning. It was polished; it was relaxed; it was everything that we have worked for since she was 7, so it has been a long road.”

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden (1987) and Nicole Shahinian Simpson (1992). The 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Sarah Milliren of Sapulpa, OK, and in 2012 Jacob Pope of Columbia, MA, won the title.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

For more information on the Alltech National Horse Show, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Peter Lombardo Captures Numerous Championships in His Alltech National Horse Show Hunter Premiere

Peter Lombardo and Jane Fraze’s Academy Award. Photos by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, KY – November 3, 2013 – The bluegrass fields of Kentucky held more than beauty for professional hunter rider and trainer Peter Lombardo. The rolling fields were the ideal setting for the West Coast rider as he took his talented mounts on trail rides leading up to their premiere at the Alltech National Horse Show, 130th Edition, and it worked. Lombardo successfully captured the High Performance Hunter Championship with Ante Up, took the Green Conformation Reserve Championship aboard Academy Award and even navigated Typecast alongside Sybil Rose to the Performance 3’3″ Hunter Championship. Although the Los Angeles-based trainer had to do a little convincing to his clients and owners, the 2013 Alltech National Horse Show became a reality for the team at Frontier Farms. It took long trips for both the riders and horses, but Lombardo had his heart set on attending the prestigious competition.

“I really wanted to come to this horse show,” Lombardo explained. “I had to do some talking to convince everyone that we should do it. I think everyone is really happy and glad that we decided to make the trip, and they enjoyed the horse show. I had heard so much about this horse show, and for me the National Horse Show has so much meaning.”

The first time Lombardo competed at the National Horse Show, he was a 13-year-old. He fondly remembers his time in Madison Square Garden. “The Garden just had such excitement being in a city,” he said. “But it wasn’t necessarily the easiest for everybody, especially the horses. This has it all, because it is a very nice facility. Kentucky is really nice, and they really enjoyed it. It has a real flare to it. It is the equine epicenter – the racing, steeplechasing, American Saddlebreds, dressage, eventing and hunter/jumpers are all here.”

Lombardo relocated to Moorpark, CA about 13 years ago, and making the trip from California has proven to be not only a real commitment but also a special experience.

The winner’s circle saw Lombardo and his students several times throughout the week of competition. He rode Ante Up, owned by Janie Andrew, to the High Performance Championship, a special win for both Lombardo and Andrew, since he has been training her for the last five years.

“He’s a very experienced horse,” Lombardo said of Ante Up. “It was a nice division, and there were really good courses. The handy was a very difficult track. I watched a few horses go and then developed a strategy to do it smoothly, and to keep him calm. It was very hard, but it was really exciting. I think it affected him in a way that he jumped extremely well. He paid attention. I think my stake was the best class; he just jumped great.”

Janie Andrew and Ante Up
Janie Andrew and Ante Up

Ante Up went on to show in the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunters on Thursday and Friday with Andrew. Lombardo stood ringside as he watched the pair tackle the courses where they took a third over fences and in the under saddle, and returned to watch as Jane Fraze and Academy Award took on a similar course in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Over 35 Hunters. Fraze rode the bay gelding to the second in the under saddle and earned good ribbons over fences.

Earlier in the week Lombardo had shown Academy Award in the Green Conformation Hunters, where they were awarded the reserve championship. They also nabbed top ribbons in the First Year Green Working Hunters, winning the blue ribbon in the stake.

“Academy Award was just imported about a year ago now from Denmark, and he only started jumping 3-foot, 6-inches in late April,” Lombardo described. “So he has really come along fast. He is very competitive. Jane has done him in the Low Amateur-Owner Hunter division. He is only a 6-year-old, so I don’t let her do it all the time, but she had enough points to qualify for the Alltech National Horse Show, so she also showed him here, too.”

Lombardo continued, “I think for Academy Award, winning was very exciting for us. He was so great his first time indoors. To do so well, we of course thought he might, but you never know the outcome. He was right there, and just wonderful.”

It was an dual effort in the Performance 3’3″ Hunters as Lombardo rode Typecast the first day to the first and second place over fences, and then Sybil Rose guided him to the championship with their second day placings sealing their rank. In the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ 18-35 Hunters, Rose again turned in top performances aboard Typecast. They finished second in the first over fences class, fourth in the handy round and second in the under saddle.

Sybil Rose and Typecast
Sybil Rose and Typecast

“I would like to come back,” Lombardo expressed. “For me, the story I tell the other trainers is that I really trail rode all week. I didn’t go to any rings, and that helped the horses to be fresh, happy and jumping well. You would think that if you keep doing Indoors, they would get better, but I thought I would think outside of the box so it wouldn’t get stale. The Kentucky Horse Park is a true horse oasis, and we utilized everything it had to offer.”

The Alltech National Horse Show, for the second year in a row, received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in back to back years. The 130th edition came to a conclusion today with the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, but plans are already in the works for the 2014 Alltech National Horse Show.

About Alltech:
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.

Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Katie Dinan and Nougat Du Vallet Fly to Alltech $250,000 Grand Prix Win at Alltech National Horse Show

Katie Dinan and Nougat Du Vallet soared to the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix victory in a four-horse jump off. Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, KY – November 2, 2013 – The demanding coursework required of a Harvard University student is enough to keep anyone busy. Now imagine adding competing at the international grand prix level to that schedule. Juggling the two is hectic, but for Katie Dinan it is paying off in a big way.

Dinan flew in for the Alltech National Horse Show on Wednesday, and by Saturday she was at the top of the leader board. After piloting her veteran mount Nougat Du Vallet to a flawless double clear effort in the challenging Alltech $250,000 Grand Prix CSI-W 5* presented by LIFEFORCE ELITE, Dinan will return to Harvard with a big check and valuable points in the World Cup standings.

Thirty-six of the world’s top horse and rider combinations took center stage in the Alltech Arena this evening as the highlight event got underway. Course designer Conrad Homfeld challenged riders with large fences and technical lines that led to a four-horse jump-off.

The pathfinder during the second round was McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, with Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild. The pair flew around the short course, easily leaving out strides and taking all of the inside options. Their luck ran out though as they galloped to the final vertical, incurring four faults in a time of 42.06 seconds, which would hold up for fourth place.

Dinan watched her trainer’s round carefully and decided to give it everything she had with Nougat Du Vallet, while also being careful enough to leave each rail intact. She left out a stride down one of the last lines, but chose to do the correct number to double combination. Her plan proved to be the perfect answer to the test and she finished in 44.85 seconds, which would hold up for the win.

“I thought I was very fast, but I didn’t leave the ring thinking I had won the class,” noted Dinan. “You can always look back and find little moments where you could have been quicker. I think that if McLain had left all of the jumps up, at least with my time now, he would have beaten me, but I probably would have gone a little faster, too.”

Dinan added, “I’m obviously really excited. My horse was jumping great, and he was unbelievable in the first round. Since there were only four in the jump-off, I knew that this was really a moment for me to take a shot, and I had nothing to lose.”

Nicola Philippaerts and Cortez
Nicola Philippaerts and Cortez

Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts was tasked with trying to best Dinan’s time riding Cortez for his father, Ludo Philippaerts. He had a conservative gallop to the first fence, but started making up time by taking all of the inside turns. His clear round came close, but not close enough, breaking the beam at 45.02 seconds for second place.

“I think McLain was fast, and Katie also went super-fast,” said Philippaerts. “I tried to ride as fast as I could. I think I did one stride too many to the wall. I think that was where I lost the most time. When they go fast, you have to go fast, and it’s only moments you have to decide what you do.”

The final rider to show was Russia’s Ljubov Kochetova with Aslan, and while they did keep the rails in the their cups, Dinan was able to celebrate her victory when Kochetova took the outside turn midway through her effort, leading to a time of 46.42 seconds and the third place award.

“I wanted to try and be clear and fast,” commented Kochetova. “I haven’t jumped a lot of jump offs in difficult competitions. I am so happy that I have a double clear. I was trying to go fast, but I have third place and I am happy.”

Dinan was thrilled to add this exciting victory to her resume, and it made leaving school early this week well worth it. “This month has been a little bit hectic,” she admitted. “The great thing is when you have nights like this, it makes it all seem worth it. When you don’t, it kind of makes you wonder what you’re doing. I wasn’t able to do the classes at the beginning of the week, but I’ve been trying to do as many Indoors as I can because I have a good string of horses, and I feel like my horses are going well. I want to try to maximize that, but at the same time I am a little bit busy going back and forth with school.”

“Nougat Du Vallet is unbelievable,” she concluded. “He tries his heart out. He’s been my main horse for the last two years. I’ve been moving up and he’s been doing a lot. It’s his last show of the year, and to finish on a moment like this is unbelievable. He’s allowed me to accomplish a lot of my goals, while at the same time being competitive, and super forgiving of my mistakes. I love him!”

Kochetova’s consistent top placings throughout the week also helped her win the Martha W. Jolicoeur Leading Lady Jumper Rider Award at the end of the evening. “I am so happy,” she commented. “I was happy with my other horse [Wilford 2] because he’s my new horse and we don’t have a lot of experience. He jumped with me for the first time indoors. I’ve jumped here for the last several years and I really like this show – it has good organization, a big ring and very good footing.”

Philippaerts also scored top honors during the Alltech National Horse Show, winning the Audi Leading Rider Award. “I think it is super,” he expressed. “I think the last two classes made it up for me. I was second yesterday, and today second again. It’s super to be leading rider of such a beautiful show. I really am going to enjoy it.”

Alltech Founder Dr. Pearse Lyons concluded, “Boy that was exciting! This year we decided that we needed to do something different, and that somehow or another we would engage the city of Lexington. We are delighted that the city has responded, and that so many businesses have responded. There was passion, there was fun, there was engagement. I don’t know anywhere in the world where you can get footing, stadiums or barn after barn and demonstration after demonstration. It certainly wasn’t me, but whoever built the horse park way back, that made this event really come into a whole new level.”

Frances Land Victorious with Vieanne in $50,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series Championship Grand Prix

In show jumping there is often a focus on the future of the sport and riders that might someday be a part of it. Today at the Alltech National Horse Show, spectators had the opportunity to see the best in the country as they competed during the $50,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series Championship Grand Prix, presented by Elizabeth Miller and The Dinan Family, The Oken Family, The Straus Family, and the Tyree Family.

Twenty-nine riders who worked all year to compete at this event gathered at the Alltech Arena for the first round. Conrad Homfeld’s technical track yielded only five clear rounds, and riders returned for a speedy jump-off that only one would be able to master.

Leah DeMartini of Bronxville, NY, was the first to attempt the shortened course with True Love, owned by Elm Rock LLC. Unfortunately, her round would prove too conservative. After lowering the height of a vertical and crossing the timers after the time allowed, she finished with a total of six faults for fifth place.

Catherine Tyree of Chicago, IL, was up next aboard Wetter, and although they had a better time of 46.801 seconds, a block off of the wall added four faults to their score for fourth place. Michael Hughes of Ocala, FL, aimed at the top spot with Luxina, owned by Christina Fried, but they also had four faults. Their time of 44.612 seconds was good enough for third place.

“When I went in, there still hadn’t been anyone clear,” noted Hughes. “I had seen Catherine, and she had gone pretty fast, so I knew I had to keep it moving the whole time just in case I had a rail. Unfortunately, I had the second jump down, so I decided I had to pick it up a little bit more, so I was a little bit faster than the first two.”

Adrienne Sternlicht of Greenwich, CT, and her own Quidam MB blazed through the shortened course in the fastest time of 43.201 seconds, but the effort resulted in a costly back rail and four faults for second place.

“My horse has a huge stride, but he’s a bit green, especially at this bigger height and when we go fast in the jump-off,” noted Sternlicht. “On the turn back, I had a back rail. At that point I knew I had to keep galloping. He’s so careful that he’s honest to the jumps, so I just tried to go fast.”

Frances Land and Vieanne
Frances Land and Vieanne

When yesterday’s winner Frances Land of Alpharetta, GA, walked into the ring and mounted Vieanne, she knew that all she had to do was leave all the rails intact. In an effort to be careful over each fence, Land kept a conservative pace. Although she crossed the finish line in 48.811 seconds with a single time fault, her perfection over the course captured the victory.

“The course was definitely a bit tougher today; it was bigger, very technical,” admitted Land. “Conrad did a beautiful job setting the course. It was the perfect step up from yesterday. I knew that coming in my horse was going to be a little bit more tired than she was yesterday. So when I was schooling, I tried to amp her up a little bit so she had enough blood left.”

Land continued, “Going last was a huge advantage for me today. I knew that no one had been clean, and my horse is naturally fast. My dad, who trains me, told me to go around everywhere and have a very good base rhythm, go around and be smooth and leave the jumps up. I think I had a time fault because I went a little too wide to the FEI vertical – I was being overly cautious. I was just kind of trusting that she would be fast naturally. Luckily, I didn’t have more time faults!”

As is the case with many jumper mounts, especially mares, Vieanne is very sensitive, and although it means Land has to mount in the ring, it is a quality that works in her favor. “Today she was rearing in the in gate, so we asked if I could just get on in the ring, and that worked for the first round,” stated Land. “It’s always before the class that she gets very excited. She’s a winner. She knows what is waiting in the ring, so she gets really excited.”

Land concluded, “This is the first mare I have ever had a really good bond with. She is a fighter and I love that about her. We get along really well. She challenges me in a lot of ways, and I think I challenge her. For some reason, we are a good combination. Today she was phenomenal; she was with me every step of the way. She always tries and gives me 100 percent. She has more heart than almost any horse I have ever ridden, and it’s really special.”

Tomorrow equitation will take center stage at the Alltech Arena for the 2013 Alfred B. Maclay ASPCA National Championships. Riders have worked throughout the year to qualify for the prestigious event, which will feature 148 junior competitors.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Lyle Is Grand with Taylor Sutton at Alltech National Horse Show

Taylor Sutton and Lyle. Photos by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, KY – November 2, 2013 – Everybody dreams of having that once-in-a-lifetime mount, and for countless junior hunter riders that horse has been Lyle. His name has been synonymous with hunter championships for over a decade. With Taylor Sutton in the irons, Lyle swept all three over fences class in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters to capture the division’s championship award today at the Alltech National Horse Show. They went on to garner the Grand Champion Junior Hunter title for owner Stephanie Keen of Ocala, FL.

“It’s been amazing,” said Sutton. “Stephanie has been so nice to let me show him,” expressed Sutton. “He’s a horse of a lifetime. He’s old, but I love him to death. He is the sweetest horse ever.”

At 20 years old, Lyle continues to lay down flawless hunter trips without showing any signs of stopping. “There’s nothing like it,” said Sutton. “You don’t think he still can jump like he did when he was six, but he can. He’s amazing!”

Sutton added, “He is in shape. He still bucks and plays. At [the Washington International Horse Show] he let out a buck after one of the jumps, and I was like, ‘Well, that is probably a good thing.’ He’s so sweet and definitely a showman at his finest.”

Sutton has come a long way – both literally and figuratively – to win the Grand Champion Junior Hunter title.

“I had a pony, but we didn’t do the pony division. I managed to fall off every day in the warm up classes in Austin,” said the Austin, TX native.  “My very first trainer told me I should quit riding, so I made it a thing to keep going. Once I started reading about Tori and everybody I thought ‘I want to do that. I want to be able to experience these things.’ I really don’t know how I ended up here. I just got lucky, I guess.”

While she may not know how she got to this point, Sutton definitely knows where she is headed. Her next stop is Sunday’s APSCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championship, and from there, Sutton will head to Baylor University in January.

Finishing in reserve in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters behind Sutton and Lyle were Sydney Shulman and Good Humor, owned by Meridian Partners LLC of Boulder, CO.

Victoria Colvin and Ovation
Victoria Colvin and Ovation

Prior to Lyle being named Grand Hunter Champion, history was made by another horse that is equally familiar with the winner’s circle. Dr. Betsee Parker’s Ovation became the first horse in United States Equestrian Federation history to win a Junior Hunter division championship at all three of the major year-end Indoor horse shows (the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show and the Alltech National Horse Show.) With Victoria Colvin at the reins, Ovation earned the grand championship title in the Junior 15 and Under Hunters.

“It’s amazing to be able to win all three on the same horse,” owner Dr. Betsee Parker said. “Ovation is such a great horse; it’s very special.”

Dr. Betsee Parker continued, “It is a tremendous moment because my trainer George Morris was here to see it happen. It meant so much to me. I was a bit of a dickens as junior rider, and he sometimes read me the riot act. I am very delighted that my mentor and beloved trainer was here to see that. I am swelling with pride. I am so thrilled with Tori.”

In an impressive sweep, Colvin also rode away with the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division reserve championship aboard Canadian Blue, also owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.

Colvin again returned to the winner’s circle in the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunters, this time with Dr. Betsee Parker’s Way Cool. They finished with the championship honor, while the reserve championship went to Hunter Holloway and Cascina, owned by Hays Investment Corp. of Topeka, KS.

In the Large Junior 16 & 17 Hunters, the championship went to Samantha Sommers and Small Affair, owned by Iwasaki & Reilly of Calabasas, CA. Sommers came into the day with a win over fences and a third place under saddle already under her belt, but today proved to be a bit more of a challenge.

“I was really sick before my handy round,” Sommers shared. “I think I ate something and got food poisoning. We had Lillie Keenan on standby in case I wasn’t able to do the handy, but I was able to pull through on that one. Then I felt better, but then that next round was my worst round, which was very ironic.”

While Sommers had a chip to the first fence of the stake round, it did not affect her overall strong performance throughout the past two days, which secured her the division championship and gave her a strong finish to her junior career.

“My last stake round was not how I wanted to end it, but going in and being champion was sure a way to finish it,” Sommers said.

Today marked the conclusion of the hunter divisions at the Alltech National Horse Show, but 148 junior riders will return to the Alltech Arena tomorrow morning to compete in the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championship.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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