Tag Archives: Todd Flettrich

Community/Charity, Dressage, Publications/Media

Horse Radio Network Features Todd Flettrich and Shannon Dueck

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Jupiter, FL – March 3, 2015 – Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show featured Todd Flettrich and Shannon Dueck with hosts Lindsay McCall from the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and co-host Regina Cristo. To listen to episode #300, please visit: http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2015/02/26/dressage-radio-episode-300-by-uspea-dressage-partnerships-with-flettrich-and-dueck/.

Todd Flettrich: From being an Olympic contender to coaching some of the best riders in the world to international success, Flettrich is a veteran of the competition arena and sought-after trainer and mentor.

A native of New Orleans, Flettrich began his dressage career at a young age and won individual gold and team silver in the 1991 North American Junior/Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). He went on to coach Catherine Malone to the individual gold as a Junior and Young Rider

In addition to riding against the best in the world, he has helped other riders achieve success, and continues to train Margaret Duprey.

Todd Flettrich is a veteran competitor and trainer at the FEI levels of dressage. He began riding at the age of 12 and trained with such well-known horsemen as Jessica Ransenhousen, Robert Dover, Odet Shimoni, Sue Malone Casey, Steffen Peters, Kathy Connelly, Christine Traurig and Hubertus Schmidt.

Flettrich served as Region 1 Coach and Chef d’Equipe at the NAYRC from 1988 through 1994. He earned his United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Silver and Gold Medals and is also a graduate of the USDF ‘L’ (Learner) Judge Program.

In 2010 he rode Otto, owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. In 2012 Todd qualified with Otto as the alternate of the United States Dressage Team for the London Olympic Games.

Shannon Dueck: Born in Austin, Texas, Shannon grew up outside of Vancouver, Canada. Her mother Jacqueline Oldham was an “S” dressage judge in both Canada and the USA, and instilled in Shannon a love and knowledge of classical dressage from an early age. Shannon was lucky enough to grow up with horses in her backyard, and evented to Intermediate level as a teenager, as well as show jumped and worked on the Thoroughbred racetrack. She went through the Pony Club levels to attain her “A” status at the age of 18, and also got her Canadian Coaching Level 2 status.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at the University of British Columbia and a Master’s degree in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University, she went on to become faculty at Lakeland College and Olds College in Alberta, Canada, and then moved to Massachusetts with her husband Lorne to take up a faculty position at Johnson & Wales University.

DueckIn 1994, Shannon spent many months training in Holland as a working student for Bert Rutten – this was when she decided to get serious about dressage. She rode in her first international competition in 1995 in California, and was long-listed for the Canadian Equestrian Team in 1996 with her mother’s Madison. In 1995 she sold her last event horse and bought her first real star, Korona, as a 3 year old from Bert Rutten.

Shannon trained Korona from the beginning. The partnership was very successful, beginning with an Individual Silver Medal at the Pan Am Games in 1999, they never looked back. Korona and Shannon represented Canada successfully at the Grand Prix level for many years. In 2002 at the World Championships in Spain they were the top Canadians, finishing 23rd in the Grand Prix and 25th in the Grand Prix Special. After winning the Canadian League World Cup Final in 2002, they represented Canada at the World Cup Final in Sweden in 2003. In 2003 they were also a part of the Canadian Team at the Open European Championships in England, which secured an Olympic berth for the Canadians at the 2004 Olympic Games. In 2004 they had a very successful training and competition tour in Holland, Germany and Austria, but did not get to represent Canada at the Olympics – Korona was ill during the Canadian Olympic Selection Trials.

Since those days, Shannon has been busy training other horses and riders from Training level to Grand Prix. The many horses she has trained to the FEI levels and competed successfully on include Leoliet, Pegasus, Amazing, Ringo Starr, Control IV, S Infinity, and Sentimiento II. She absolutely loves teaching her students both at home and at the shows, and many of her students have been with her for years.

It took her many years to find her next international superstar, but she bought Ayscha in Germany from a friend as a 6 year old. Ayscha was supposed to be sales project, but Shannon soon found out that she had talent for Grand Prix, and decided to keep her and develop her as far as possible. With very limited show experience, Ayscha began Grand Prix in 2010 as a 9 year old. Shannon and Ayscha were part of the Canadian Team which traveled to Europe with Robert Dover and they competed successfully in many international shows in Germany that summer. In 2011 Ayscha and Shannon headed to Great Britain to train with Carl Hester, where they competed at Hickstead and London Olympia as well.

Shannon has had wonderful coaching all her life, from the very beginning with Klaus Albin and Dietrich Von Hopfgarten in Langley British Columbia with her event horses. In her adult life she has had extensive help from Bert Rutten of the Netherlands, Lars Peterson of Denmark, Kathy Connelly, Robert Dover and Steffen Peters of the USA, Hubertus Schmidt and Wolfram Wittig of Germany, and most recently, Carl Hester of Great Britain.

Once a month, the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including Olympians, Paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.

To learn more about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network, visit www.horseradionetwork.com; to contact Glenn the Geek, go to http://www.horseradionetwork.com/contact/ or leave a voicemail at 270-803-0025.

About the Horse Radio Network:

The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.

We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows, empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner?

Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile on your face! Learn more at www.horseradionetwork.com.

HORSES IN THE MORNING live M-F at 9am Eastern at www.horsesinthemorning.com.

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

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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

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

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

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

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

Community/Charity, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Long-Time Partnership Brings Para-Dressage Rider’s Dreams to Fruition

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani. Photos by Lindsay McCall.

Unionville, PA – November 18, 2014 – Competing at an international level requires much more than just being a good rider; it takes a village. For para-dressage rider Becca Hart, three of the prominent members of that ‘village’ are Jessica and Missy Ransehousen and Todd Flettrich.

The support and tutelage of the three trainers has helped propel Hart to where she is today: riding down centerline at the highest levels of para-dressage competition, including two Paralympics and two World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Rewind back before her successful Paralympic and WEG rides in Hong Kong, London, Normandy and Kentucky, and Hart was just gearing up for the 2008 Paralympics, her first Paralympics event.

It was at that time that the Ransehousens, of Blue Hill Farm, decided to host the 2008 para-dressage riders and offer them all, including Hart, free training and board leading up to the Paralympic Games.

At that time, the training relationship that had begun to develop in 2006 between Hart and the Ransehousens continued to flourish into one that would truly help springboard Hart’s career. In Missy, Hart has a trainer well versed in teaching para-riders and in helping them compete at the highest level of the sport.

“My involvement with the para-riders started back in 1999 when Hope Hand, who lives locally in the Malvern [Pennsylvania] area, asked me to teach a clinic,” Missy said. “I had to very quickly adjust my training technique because many of the riders weren’t able to use a strong leg so they compensated in other ways. Hope was very patient with me, and she helped me gain a better understanding into coaching para-riders. While I was teaching her, she was also teaching me.”

Missy Ransehousen jogs Lord Ludgar at the London Olympic Games
Missy Ransehousen jogs Lord Ludgar at the London Olympic Games

Working with Hand further fueled Missy’s interest in the sport of para-dressage, and in 2000, she traveled to the Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia as a coach. Since that summer in 2000, Missy has traveled to the Paralympic Games in Athens, Hong Kong, and London as, not only a trainer, but also as the Chef d’Equipe of the United States Paralympic Dressage teams.

That background and knowledge that Missy brought to the table has proved invaluable to Hart, who continued on with Blue Hill Farm after her positive 2008 Paralympics experience and following her graduation from school. There the Ransehousens provided, and continue to provide, Hart with free board and lessons, allowing her to more easily continue to pursue her goals.

The combination of Missy and Jessica’s generosity and coaching and Hart’s talent was becoming a force to be reckoned with in the para-dressage ring, but as the 2010 World Equestrian Games approached, Missy too was competing and with conflicts in coaching Hart in Florida, she felt it was time to bring in an added reinforcement. Missy knew that longtime friend and professional international dressage rider Todd Flettrich would be just the man for the job.

“When Missy asked me, I was skeptical because I had not taught a para-rider before,” Flettrich admitted, but he was not one to say no to the Ransehousens, with whom he had been like family for some time.

“Going back to the 1980s, I met Todd, and he was my scribe when I judged a show in New Orleans,” said Jessica, a three time Olympic dressage rider herself. “It was very cute because he kept breaking in while scribing and saying that he really wanted to get to Young Riders. He pressed that he wanted to get somewhere where he could have the chance to compete on an international level.”

Jessica saw the passion that Flettrich had for the sport and offered to have him train with her at Blue Hill Farm, much like the current day situation between Hart and the Ransehousens.

“I said to him, if you get permission from your parents and have a horse to ride you can come and live with us. I can take you there. So he came to live with us, and I took him to the North American Young Rider Championship in 1989 and then again in 1990. He was the gold medal winner in 1990.”

With the unyielding generosity of Jessica and through their mutual respect, the two grew to have a wonderful relationship, and Flettrich came to be like a son to Jessica, often joking that Jessica is his other mom. The dynamic duo considers themselves to be family, as Jessica stays with Flettrich when she attends the shows in Florida.

And so, Flettrich was brought into the picture as a vital part of Hart’s growing team.

“As an FEI level rider and trainer, his is another opinion that I really respect,” Missy said. “That is one of the reasons I thought he would do well with Hart. She needed some guidance, but she didn’t need to be talked through every second of her ride. He says a lot of encouraging words, and he is there to back you up.”

Then, with Flettrich on board and leading up to the 2012 London Paralympics, Jessica offered Hart another exciting addition to the team: Missy’s talented PSG dressage mount, Lord Ludgar.

Hart had retired Norteassa, who had been quite competitive and helped her reach her goal of going to the Paralympics, but Jessica knew that Lord Ludgar would be the perfect next step in helping Hart be competitive in the top tier of the sport.

By the time the 2012 London Paralympics actually arrived, Hart had an outstanding selection trial at Gladstone in 2012 and had been named the national champion aboard Lord Ludgar. At the Games, with the assistance of Missy who rode Lord Ludgar every morning, Hart delivered two beautiful tests for the team, placing fourth in the first team test and fifth in the freestyle.

The time came for Lord Ludgar to retire, and a top-level horse of her own was just what Hart needed, and that is just what another vital member of Hart’s growing team, Margaret Duprey of Cherry Knoll Farm, was able to offer her.

Duprey currently backs and supports Flettrich, and she presented the opportunity to Missy to do the same for Hart.

“Margaret came to me and told me that she was interested in helping Becca [Hart] buy a horse, and that was great,” Missy said. “She definitely has done a lot for the para-dressage program, and I hope that she stays with it and continues to sponsor Becca. Margaret is upbeat and supportive, and it is really great to have her as part of the team.”

Duprey, with additional sponsors, purchased Schroeters Romani, a Danish Warmblood mare, for Hart, and it was on Schroeters Romani that Hart competed this summer at the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France. From there, their relationship has only continued to grow and improve with every ride.

“I recently went with [Hart] to a nice schooling show at Dunmovin where she rode really well and got a nice 67 percent in her third level test,” Jessica said.

With the support of the powerhouse team behind her, the future looks bright for Hart as she continues to climb the ranks as a top international competitor.

For more information about the Ransehousen family and their Blue Hill Farm, click here.

To learn more about Becca Hart visit, http://www.teamusa.org/para-equestrian/athletes/Rebecca-Hart.

Emily Riden 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

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group

Cherry Knoll Farm’s Dressage Powerhouse: Todd Flettrich and Rebecca Hart

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani. Photos by Susan J. Stickle Photography.

West Grove, PA – September 26, 2014 – Todd Flettrich is an internationally recognized dressage rider and trainer. Rebecca Hart is one of the brightest stars of Para-Dressage. When the two joined forces, they became an unstoppable team of positive energy and excellent horsemanship.

Hart, a Grade II Para-Dressage athlete with birth-onset hereditary spastic paraplegia, is a two-time paralympian and an incredible six-time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion. Prior to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Rebecca’s primary trainer, Missy Ransehousen, asked professional dressage rider Flettrich to help polish Rebecca’s performance during her final preparations for the event. Since then, he continues to work with Hart before many major events.

“When Missy asked me, I was skeptical because I had not taught a para-rider before,” Flettrich acknowledged. “Yet it wasn’t as difficult as I thought because it all comes back to the basic riding principles.”

The relationship between Hart and Flettrich has grown and strengthened over time and through several mount changes for Hart. They work together because they feel it’s a mutual learning experience.

For Hart, the first meeting with Flettrich actually swept her off her feet.

“I went to Florida to hang out with Margaret Duprey and Todd. When Missy dropped me off at the barn, I literally fell out of the truck at his feet,” Hart said laughing. “I told him to teach me as if I were an able-bodied rider and I will adapt it to my body. If something doesn’t work we’ll have a conversation about it.”

Todd Flettrich and Otto
Todd Flettrich and Otto

Flettrich’s training style worked well for Hart. She enjoyed great success competing one of her early international horses, Norteassa (nicknamed Pippin).

“Todd is impeccable with his timing and his finesse with the aids to get the horse responding at exactly the right moment,” said Hart. “He makes you very aware of what’s going on beneath you and ensures you’re able to keep it playful, light and energetic. Pippin really responded.”

Hart qualified for the 2012 London Paralympic games with her new mount Lord Ludger and, again Flettrich was there to polish and perfect Hart’s riding prior to the big competition. With his help, Hart finished in fourth place, just shy of a medal.

After his impressive career, Lord Ludger retired and Hart began the challenging search for a new international mount. With the generous support of Margaret Duprey, owner of Cherry Knoll Farm, they purchased the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, Schroeters Romani.

“I had to have a skillset in mind when finding a horse that would work with my disability,” Hart explained. “My disease is a progressive one that causes muscle wasting and paralysis from your mid-back down; what I could do six months ago with my body I can’t do now. So I need a horse that is adaptable so I can start somewhere and progress, and that’s what I fell in love with Romani for.”

Flettrich shares Hart’s confidence in her new mount and said having Romani has made teaching her easier.

“Rebecca having the right horse allows her to really excel,” said Flettrich. “We focused on the basics like fixing her balance and since she knew my riding principles, it was easy to jump in and start helping.”

This March, Hart and Romani tackled their first big CDI at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 12 CPEDI3*, with Flettrich helping to train them prior to the event once more.

Through hard work and training with Flettrich, Hart and Romani solidified their bond and began to set sights on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

After she claimed her sixth U.S. National Championship in June, Hart took Romani to France for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The pair qualified for the Freestyle after finishing in seventh place with a score of 67.486 percent individually.

While Flettrich could not be in Normandy, he was confident about Hart’s abilities and said he didn’t need to give her any advice.

“Working with Rebecca has been a wonderful experience. Sometimes I think Rebecca has taught me more than I have taught her,” Flettrich laughed. “That girl has an unbelievable work ethic and she does not allow her disability to run her life.”

With the help of her trainers and mentors, Hart has climbed to 25th position in Para-Dressage on the FEI’s World Individual Ranking List.

“I’m so grateful to all of the people who have helped me along the way, Margaret, Todd, and Missy,” Rebecca said.

For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group

Team International The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch Revving It Up for COTA

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Wellington, FL – February 18, 2013 – The international quadrille team sponsored by The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch plans to give their competitors a run for their money at The Challenge of the Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves on Saturday, March 9.

Team International The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch has been practicing an intricate quadrille for The Challenge and its 11th anniversary return as a one-of-a-kind affair highlighting the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe riding in team quadrilles to Play for P.I.N.K. to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

Team International is comprised of dressage stars Todd Flettrich, Catherine Haddad-Staller, Susanne Hamilton, Nancy Later, Sharon McCusker and Cherri Reiber. The coaches for the team are Ruth Hogan-Poulsen and Erin Swaney.

Josh Parker, one of the principals of The Seley Parker Group, said it’s their seventh year to sponsor the event. “The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch is extremely proud to once again support the International Team and The Challenge of the Americas,” he said. “Raising awareness and helping find a cure for such a terrible disease should be one of everyone’s top priorities.”

Susanne Hamilton
Susanne Hamilton

Susanne Hamilton, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Gold Medalist and one of the team riders, said she went to her first Challenge of the Americas six years ago with her friend, Ingrid Lind, who lost her fight with breast cancer three years later.

“This is close to my heart,” she said. “I’d like to dedicate my ride to someone this year who’s fighting hard. She’s in Britain and she’s a Grade II para-rider who is dying from this,” she continued with a hitch in her voice. “Her name is Gwenllian Hughes. I want to dedicate this to her.”

Quadrille rider Sharon McCusker, a USEF long listed FEI Grand Prix competitor and trainer, also believes in the cause. “I’m delighted to be involved with this benefit,” she said. “Almost all of us have lost somebody who has been affected by breast cancer.”

One of the Team International coaches, Ruth Hogan-Poulsen, who creates freestyles for every level of dressage rider, said she is happy and honored to be a part of The Challenge of the Americas. “It’s impressive and shows the importance of the cause when six professionals and two choreographers take time from their schedules at least once a week to show their dedication to COTA,” she said. “As a choreographer and music editor, it’s a fun challenge to create for both riders and spectators alike.”

The other coach and choreographer, Erin Swaney, an FEI rider and trainer, said she started helping with The Challenge in response to COTA organizer Mary Ross’ request.

“I always went to The Challenge and one year Mary needed somebody to coach one of the teams and she asked me to do it,” she said. “I had watched it for years and I always thought of things that would look different and amazing for the spectators.”

She said that since she has been one of the coaches for the quadrilles, she strives to make the choreography fresh and jots down ideas for the freestyle throughout the year, paying special attention to visual excitement from every angle for the audience.

“It’s funny because every year the riders think it’s crazy and they say they can’t do it but in the end, everyone is surprised,” she laughed. “Last year the team was so cute. I gave them the pattern and they gave me THAT look, but in the end it all came together. This year it’s a whole new team and they have a really great dynamic. When we walked the pattern the first time it was hilarious but it all seems to work out in the end. I like how the whole thing unfolds and how each person comes together for the team.”

Todd Flettrich leads the way during team practice
Todd Flettrich leads the way during team practice

Aside from the serious theme of fundraising for breast cancer research, fun is a central theme to all the riders on the team.

“I did it once before and it was a really fun experience,” Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Todd Flettrich said. “Everybody gets together to ride and it’s for a good cause. I enjoy the sense of camaraderie when we are all for the same team. It’s great because it’s for the cause and not for yourself.”

Catherine Haddad-Staller, a two-time Grand Prix winner in the U.S. and a USDF Gold Medalist, agreed. “I think it’s a worthy cause and I am quite excited to be a part of the international team,” she said.

Cherri Reiber, an FEI trainer and competitor, added she is also involved with the quadrille to support the cause. “We’re having a ball,” she said. “It’s really been fun.”

This is Nancy Later’s first year to participate as a rider in the quadrille and she said she is helping support organizer Mary Ross in her effort to fund breast cancer research. Later is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist.

Nancy Later
Nancy Later

“I think Mary’s done a great job for years and we love going to watch and I always wanted to be part of a team so it’s very exciting,” she said. “We’re a newbie team. So far we are having a great time. We can be partners instead of competitors so it’s really fun. It’s important that we remember to thank our sponsor, Merrill Lynch, too.”

Parker from the Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch added, “This event, with all of its equestrian pageantry, is always a blast and raises considerable funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”

To learn more about The Challenge of The Americas, visit www.challengeoftheamericas.com.

For tickets, contact Mary Ross at (561) 433-0988 or by email at Anglot@aol.com.

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChallengeOfTheAmericas.

The Challenge of The Americas Fast Facts

What:

The Challenge of The Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

Sharon McCusker
Sharon McCusker

There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.

When:

Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m.        Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m.        Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m.        Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m.        Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m.        Award Presentation
7:45 p.m.        The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing

Where:

Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
www.pbcgov.com/parks/equestrian/jimbrandon/#.UP1pfqHjmFc

Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage

Ticket Information:

Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945
Anglot@aol.com

Ticket prices:

VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron               $6,500 per table
Silver Patron              $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron            $2,000 per table

VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing)       $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar)        $100 per person

General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)

News and Information:
Phelps Media Group
Sue Weakley
skw@phelpsmediagroup.com
(561) 753-3389
12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Website:
www.challengeoftheamericas.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ChallengeOfTheAmericas

The Challenge of The Americas Beneficiaries:

Play for P.I.N.K.

Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits.  Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.

Website: playforpink.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/playforpink

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Website: www.bcrfcure.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBreastCancerResearchFoundation

Sue Weakley 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

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Olympic Games, Phelps Media Group, USEF

Todd Flettrich and Otto Are Ready and Set to Go to the USEF Olympic Dressage Selection Trials

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Photo courtesy of Susan Stickle

Wellington, FL – May 31, 2012 – Olympic hopeful Todd Flettrich and his equine partner, Otto, are hard at work getting ready for the USEF Olympic Dressage Selection Trials in Gladstone, NJ. The selection trials will decide which horse and rider teams will represent the United States in dressage at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The trials will be held at the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation headquarters June 8-10 and 13-14.

In order to get closer to New Jersey, Flettrich and Otto recently returned to their summer home in Pennsylvania. The two had a successful winter show season in South Florida and were training in Wellington, FL, with Oded Shimoni, the U.S.-based Israeli coach who has proclaimed them both fit and strong. The dynamic duo of Flettrich and Otto remained in Florida as long as possible before the trials to stay acclimated to the heat and humidity.

“The weather in Pennsylvania is really nice this time of year, but it’s hot and humid in New Jersey during the trails and we both need to be ready,” Flettrich explained. “The heat and humidity in Florida will have us ready for whatever weather comes our way at the trials.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Competitions, Dressage, Equestrian Sport Prod., Events, FEI

Todd Flettrich Wins FEI Olympic Grand Prix Special at Global Dressage Festival

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Todd Flettrich and Otto. Photos: SusanJStickle.com

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2012 – Todd Flettrich of Wellington, FL won the FEI Olympic Grand Prix Special at the $50,000 Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W, presented by the United States P.R.E. Association, on Sunday.  Riding Otto, his 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) partner, Flettrich scored 71.422%. Ashley Holzer of Canada finished second on Breaking Dawn with 70.800% and Heather Blitz came in third on Paragon by a fraction of a percent less scoring 70.756%.

Flettrich was thrilled with the performance of the 16-year-old gelding and the score; it was their second highest in the Olympic Grand Prix Special.

“I am happy,” said Flettrich. “I can take risks. Before the WEG we were still getting to know each other. Now, I’m willing to take a chance. I could not have done it before. He’s become my horse now.”

Flettrich owes the great score to a change in attitude. “Otto is arrogant and I used to feel I had to control him, but now I just encourage him to be arrogant.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group, World Dressage Masters

Adrienne Lyle Wins Grand Prix Special in Debut Appearance at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

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Adrienne Lyle and Wizard, winners of the WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix Special. Photos: Sue Stickle and Marie Cobb

Wellington, FL (January 28, 2012) – At the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach, Adrienne Lyle of the United States bested the international field to win the Grand Prix Special at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Saturday afternoon. The 26 year old Idaho-based rider scored 73.244% riding Wizard, a 13 year old Oldenburg gelding owned by Peggy and Parry Thomas.

“My horse handled everything beautifully. I’m really excited and happy,” said Lyle, who placed fourth in Friday’s WDM Nürnberger Grand Prix, and was eligible to compete in the Grand Prix Freestyle, though she opted to ride in the Grand Prix Special instead. “As much as I would have liked to ride in the freestyle, I need a Grand Prix Special qualifying score for the Olympic Selection Trials,” she explained.

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Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Show Jumping, USEF, Vaulting

USEF Names Riders, Drivers and Vaulters for CHIO Aachen

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Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be represented in four disciplines at CHIO Aachen, which runs July 8-17, 2011 in Aachen, Germany. Please click on any athlete or team name for more information about them.

The following horse/rider combinations have been named in ranked order to represent the U.S. in Dressage:

Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) will ride Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki’s Ravel
Ravel is a 13-year-old KWPN gelding

Jan Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) will ride Ann Romney and Amy Roberts Ebeling Rafalca
Rafalca is a 14-year-old Oldenburg mare

Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, CA) will ride Dick and Jane Brown’s UII
UII is a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood

Todd Flettrich (Royal Palm Beach, FL) will ride Cherry Knoll Farm’s Otto
Otto is a 15-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding

Catherine Haddad-Staller (Vectha, Germany) and Winyamaro have been named as the first ranked substitute.

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Awards, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Training/Clinics

Catherine Malone Wins Everglades Dressage Adult Amateur High Score Award at Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge

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Catherine Malone won the Everglades Dressage Overall High Score Adult Amateur Award with Florianus II at the Wellington Classic Dressage Holiday Challenge Show. Malone trains with Todd Flettrich, left. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (January 10, 2011) – The Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge ended the year on a good note for dressage rider Catherine Malone, who rode away the Everglades Dressage Overall High Score Adult Amateur Award at the show. Sponsored by Everglades Dressage Farm and Bethany Peslar, Malone won the High Score Award with a 66.026% in the USEF National Young Adult “Brentina Cup” Test of Choice.

Malone, the daughter of Mary Alice Malone of Iron Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, rode Iron Spring Farm’s Westfalen stallion Florianus 2. “It was our first show and it ended up going quite nicely,” Malone said. “I think we will have more confidence in the future.”

Malone, who rides with dressage trainer Todd Flettrich, said she was thrilled when her mother gave her the chance to ride Florianus 2, the first stallion fully approved by the KWPN outside of Holland. “He’s my first Grand Prix horse so I am very excited,” Malone said. “He carried me through the test where I wasn’t sure about things. It’s definitely a great privilege to ride a Grand Prix horse.”

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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, FEI, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

Todd Flettrich Views World Equestrian Games as a Great Stepping Stone toward Future Goals

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Todd Flettrich and Otto had a great showing in the FEI Dressage Grand Prix at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo © 2010 Susan J. Stickle

Lexington, KY – October 8, 2010 – Todd Flettrich and his grand prix mount Otto were recently a part of the United States Dressage Team that competed during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, KY. The pair finished with a great score in the FEI Grand Prix and Flettrich left Kentucky happy with his consistent results and a fun experience riding for his country.

Flettrich considers it a great honor to have been a part of the United States Team at this year’s WEG, and believes the competition was a positive stepping stone toward his future goals. Flettrich has made it his main goal to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London and feels that his horse and his riding show improvement with each international competition.

During WEG, Flettrich showed first for Team USA on the opening day of dressage competition with his mount Otto, a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Cherry Knoll Farm. The pair finished in the 38th position out of the world’s very best horses and riders.

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