|
Miss Rodeo America 2009 Tapes Absorbine® Video with Horsegirltv.com
It was a fun day in Tennessee recently when Miss Rodeo America 2009, Maegan Ridley, spent the day with Angelea K. Walkup from Horsegirltv.com to tape a segment for Angelea’s increasingly popular website. Miss Rodeo America is sponsored by W. F. Young, Inc. and appears at events throughout the country on behalf of their Absorbine brand equine health care products. Filmed on location at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Maegan and Angelea bonded over their love of horses and the good care supplied by Absorbine products. Best of all, Angelea learned how to do the “Queen’s Wave” – quite a feat!
Absorbine products are available nationwide in tack shops, farm supply stores, on-line dealers, and catalogs. For a dealer near you or for more information, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbine.com. Founded in 1892 by Wilbur Fenelon Young and his wife, Mary Ida, W. F. Young, Inc. has provided over a century of quality health care products for the equine industry. The company is recognized as a worldwide leader in innovative, specialized health care brands that enhance the quality and enjoyment of life for families and their pets. Labels: equine world news
Dirtiest Horses in America Selected as Winners of the Miracle Groom® “Dirty Horse Challenge”
A picture is worth a thousand words, as the old saying goes. Photographs entered into the Miracle Groom “Dirty Horse Challenge” proved that adage. “Before” and “After” pictures of some of the dirtiest – and then cleanest - horses ever seen were submitted by their owners. The contest required that the horse be cleaned up using Miracle Groom “Bath in a Bottle”® and other grooming products from Absorbine®. The results were fantastic. Photographs and names of the winners will be posted soon at www.absorbine.com. Grand Prize winners were Abbi Hancock and Lucy from Camp LeJeune, North Carolina; Kaitlin Smith and Krash’n’Kaboom from Canastota, New York; Erin Tuntland and Belle from Serena, Illinois; Bud Hartmann and Gandy from Coventry, Connecticut; and Julia Bixler and Areba from Dittmer, Missouri. They received a selection of Miracle Groom and Absorbine grooming products from W. F.Young, Inc. There were also first and second prize winners who also received Absorbine products. W. F. Young, Inc., marketers of Miracle Groom and Absorbine products, understands how hard it is to keep a horse clean during the winter season and wanted to bring a little fun to that horse owner’s challenge. Incorporating Miracle Groom as part of a horse’s daily grooming regimen helps maintain a bright and shiny coat and does not leave a greasy residue. It quickly and easily wipes away dust and dandruff that can get trapped in a long winter coat or under a blanket. Miracle Groom acts as a “Bath in a Bottle”® and requires no extra soap or water, which makes it an ideal tool for a thorough cleaning – or a quick touch-up – even in the coldest weather. For more information on Miracle Groom, visit www.absorbine.com. Absorbine products are available nationwide in tack shops, farm supply stores, on-line dealers, and catalogs. For a dealer near you or for more information, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbine.com. Founded in 1892 by Wilbur Fenelon Young and his wife, Mary Ida, W. F. Young, Inc. has provided over a century of quality health care products for the equine industry. The company is recognized as a worldwide leader in innovative, specialized health care brands that enhance the quality and enjoyment of life for families and their pets. Labels: product news
SUNDAY SILENCE, MAN O’ WAR NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK
New Lower Prices on Entire Thoroughbred Legends Series
Lexington, KY (March 26, 2009) – Eclipse Press, the award-winning book publishing division of Blood-Horse Publications, has released paperback editions of Man o’ War and Sunday Silence and has lowered prices on all books in its popular Thoroughbred Legends series just in time for the Triple Crown season. These books as well as the entire series (paperback editions) are available at www.ExclusiveEquine.com for $7.95. Hardcover editions are available for $12.95. The Thoroughbred Legend Series takes an in-depth look at some of racing’s most storied horses. In addition to Man o’ War, which chronicles the Horse of the Century, and Sunday Silence, the story of the 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, the series also includes Triple Crown winners Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed, who is profiled along with his chief rival, Alydar. In total, there are 23 books in series, nine of which are available in paperback. Also now available in paperback is The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty ($16.95). Written by noted pedigree expert Avalyn Hunter, this book brings readers the complete story of the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner and how he became the sport’s most influential sire through his sons Danzig, Nureyev, Sadler’s Wells, Storm Bird and Vice Regent. All books published by Eclipse Press can be purchased at www.ExclusivelyEquine.com, the official store of the Blood-Horse, or at any major bookstore. Labels: book news
South Florida RV Dealership Remains Committed During Hard Times.
RV Sales of Broward, the leading RV dealer for sales and service in the southeast, remains committed to offering impeccable customer service. In an industry that has been hard hit with increasing fuel prices and a general economic downturn, RV Sales of Broward owner Gigi Stetler is making sure her customers are taken care of. While some manufacturers refuse to honor valid warranties, Stetler has been paying for her customer's repairs out of her own pocket if need be.
Fort Lauderdale, FL - March 28, 2009 - It comes as no surprise that due to increasing fuel prices, the lending crisis and the general economic downturn, that the RV industry has been hit hard. The entire industry is in serious trouble.
RV Sales of Broward, one of the biggest names in RV sales and service in the southeast, has not escaped the negative effects that have been sweeping across the industry. The lack of retail financing, strict dealer wholesale financing and unscrupulous finance charges on new products that arrive from the manufacturers in unsellable condition, has taken a particularly hard financial toll on RV Sales of Broward and owner Gigi Stetler. In addition, as manufacturers are also struggling, a popular trend-taking place is the unwillingness to support customer warranties.
In the past twelve months, RV Sales of Broward, and Gigi Stetler, have had numerous customers purchase new motor homes and travel trailers that have gone less than 20 miles from the dealership and encountered some sort of mechanical breakdown. Stetler did not believe that a customer should suffer with the inconveniences of the manufacturer's procedures of waiting in line for service, in some unfamiliar territory, and have to wait up to six months to get an appointment because no other dealer wants to address the problem.
Stetler has continued to pour her own money into the repairs and has even given some customers new units, because their one day or one month old unit has left them stranded on the side of the road.
Despite numerous attempts to get manufacturers to financially assist as it is spelled out in the dealer agreement, a practice that would promote customer satisfaction and confidence, manufacturers are instead literally leaving motorists stranded on the side of the road, forcing them to pay for repairs that should be covered under the warranty. Manufacturers seek outstanding dealers to use good business practices to sell and service their products. RV Sales of Broward and Gigi Stetler did just that, and it has nearly bankrupted the company because the manufacturers refuse to standby their products.
"I am Unstoppable! I have been knocked down more times than I can remember, and each time I get knocked down, I get back up that much stronger," said Stetler. "High gas prices, low consumer confidence and mega RV corporations trying to destroy RV Sales of Broward and small dealerships up and down the coast of Florida to control pricing, isn't going to happen. If we allow that to happen, customer satisfaction will be out the window, because there won't be any competition."
Gigi Stetler and the staff of RV Sales of Broward will continue to care for customers by offering the highest level of customer service possible.
In the midst of the economic downturn, Gigi has written a book called Unstoppable, which is being launched on April 28, 2009. The book launch will be held at the Courtyard Marriott in Dania Beach, FL, and tickets are on sale for a two and a half hour seminar, "Economic Boot Camp for Small Business Owners." Tickets for that can be purchased at www.gigistetler.eventbrite.com.
In a down market and bad economic times everyone is doing what they have to to survive and Gigi Stetler is trying to maintain her commitment to her customers. She is backing her customers even though the manufacturers want out and there are many people who can attest to her commitment and perseverance.
World-renowned show jumper Jimmy Torano is one of those many customers, and Torano appreciates Stetler's commitment and perseverance."Gigi has been good to us; we have bought campers from her year after year and the last three or four years we have gotten a new bus every year," Torano stated. "We have always gotten a good product from her and when we have had one that wasn't good, she went to the factory and went to bat for us."
RV Sales of Broward is the official RV sponsor of the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival and supplied campers for people such as Torano, Mason Phelps, Jane F. Clark, and many of the exhibitors. This past week Stetler hosted an exhibitor's barbeque as a thank you to the horse show and a thank you to her clients and promised to remain committed to providing them with the best service possible in these trying times.
Labels: product news
NARHA’s Regional Conferences Provide Educational Experiences Close to Home
Denver, CO—With its membership dispersed across the North American continent and beyond, NARHA provides an organizational and educational opportunity in each of its 11 regions each year. In February and March of 2009 alone, NARHA regions convened region conferences in Willowbrook, Illinois, Hackettstown, New Jersey; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Brainerd, Minnesota.
Each of NARHA’s modestly priced region conferences offers an opportunity for NARHA Center representatives involved in equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) to take NARHA’s Center Accreditation Training Course and exam for free, to dine together and celebrate regional accomplishments and awards, to learn from local experts about aspects of the EAAT field, and to discuss standards for safety and excellence in the provision of EAAT services.
“More than 850 people have attended these first four region conferences,” said Jama Rice NARHA’s Director of Membership, “so we expect that number to more than double before the year is over.” This weekend there will be a region conference in Park City, Utah and others will take place in Goffstown, New Hampshire (April 17–19); Burbank, California (May 8–10); Beaverton, Oregon (May 15–17); Lenoir City, Tennessee (August 14–16) and Noblesville, Indiana (September 25–27).
For more information about NARHA’s region conferences visit www.narha.org and click on the Conference Connection pull-down menu on the right side of the homepage.
About NARHA: NARHA was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. At almost 800 member centers, a total of 42,000 children and adults find a sense of independence through involvement with horses. These member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several certified instructors and licensed therapists. In addition to therapeutic riding, a center may offer any number of equine assisted activities including hippotherapy, equine facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work, or stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful equine assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. There are more than 30,000 volunteers, 3,500 instructors, 6,300 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at NARHA centers. Labels: equine world news
O’Connor Signature Facility Receives Site Accreditation from CHA
(March 2009) – Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) recently awarded Site Accreditation to The O’Connor Signature at The Oaks Equestrian Center in Lake City, Florida. This prestigious honor was awarded during a highly successful CHA instructor certification clinic at the beautiful state-of-the-art Oaks of Lake City Equestrian Center.
Equestrians from all disciplines gathered at The Oaks of Lake City residential community to take part in the clinic provided by the CHA. “In addition to holding the clinic, our equestrian center became an accredited facility and all of our instructors became CHA certified,” said Rhonda Gailey, Resident Equestrian Facility Manager at The O’Connor Signature at The Oaks Equestrian Center.
CHA Site Accreditation requires an equine facility to meet 100% of the mandatory and 80% of recommended standards in program, management and site evaluations. For more information on what this process entails please visit http://www.cha-ahse.org/accredit.htm. CHA has over 100 accredited equine facilities throughout the US and Canada.
Olympians Karen and David O’Connor, in conjunction with Equestrian Services, LLC, have designed and put their stamp on the community, whose standards reflect their commitment to an equestrian facility designed to offer residents the finest in equestrian lifestyles. The community caters to a variety of equestrian disciplines, from jumpers and eventers to ropers and trail riders. For more information on the world’s first branded equestrian community visit www.theoakslakecity.com.
The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call toll free 1-800-399-0138. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com. Labels: equine world news
Final Qualifier for the Budweiser American Invitational Tomorrow at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 31, 2009 -Tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. the Covered Arena at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center will host the $35,000 Grand Prix of Florida CSI, the final qualifying event for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational. Only the top 35 horses and riders earn the opportunity to compete in the elite event, and tomorrow's competition will determine the final qualifiers.
After Sunday's $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, Kent Farrington and Darragh Kerins are currently in the lead for the American Invitational standings. Farrington and Kerins had a historical tie for first place in the class, which shot them both to the top of the points. Tomorrow's class could be very important as some of the top 35 riders are very close in points and need to hold on to their position to compete in Saturday's class. The American Invitational is one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian sport, and tomorrow's competition is sure to be challenging as the nation's best horses and riders battle it out for the top spots. This class will be the final qualifying event for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational CSI 4*, which will be held under lights on April 4 at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium.
Current American Invitational Standings TOTAL PT RIDER NAT TBC100 tbc 100 TBC101 tbc101 85 KENT FARRINGTON USA 40 $19,500 45 45 DARRAGH KERINS IRL $19,500 45 68 CHRISTINE MCCREA USA 25 $9,750 43 90 MICHAEL MORRISSEY USA $7,500 57 33 55 MCLAIN WARD USA 13 $6,000 42 93 LAUREN HOUGH USA $1,950 53 $3,750 40 85 HENRI KOVACS HUN $500 44 $4,500 41 82 HILLARY DOBBS USA 43 $3,000 39 54 KEEAN WHITE CAN $2,300 54 51 BEEZIE MADDEN USA 14 $2,250 37 48 MICHELLE SPADONE USA 10 $2,250 38 55 LESLIE HOWARD USA $1,600 52 3 53 DANIELLE TORANO USA 18 $1,500 35 39 DANIEL BLUMAN COL 5 $1,500 34 73.5 CLARA LINDNER USA $750 49.5 24 70.5 LAURA LINBACK USA $750 49.5 21 50.5 CHRIS KAPPLER USA $750 49.5 1 78 MARY SHIRLEY USA $500 46 32 74 REBECCA JOHANSON HOFMANN USA $500 47 27 57 JENNA THOMPSON CAN 31 26 56 DEBBIE STEPHENS USA 34 22 55 CARA RAETHER USA 42 13 55 MARIO DESLAURIERS CAN 27 28 55 SHANE SWEETNAM IRL 39 16 47 GEORGINA BLOOMBERG USA 28 19 41 KRISTEN VANDERVEEN USA 24 17 40 FILIP AMRAM TUR 20 20 35 JAMES BILLINGTON GBR 12 23 35 LJUBOV KOCHETOVA RUS 29 6 32 CHARLIE JAYNE USA 23 9 31 MARGIE ENGLE USA 6 25 30 JAMES BENEDETTO USA 26 4 28 KIRK WEBBY NZL 16 12 25 PABLO BARRIOS VEN 15 10 22 SETH VALLHONRAT USA 11 11 19 JIMMY TORANO USA 17 2 15 MARY LISA LEFFLER USA 8 7 12 TODD MINIKUS USA 4 8 Stadium Jumping Support Just World International Labels: equine event news
The Colorado Horse Park Expands Eventing Season
David O'Connor and Gina Miles Headline Clinic Schedule
Parker, CO-- The Colorado Horse Park kicks off an exciting season of eventing on May 2 with the Eventing Derby. This is followed by the highly anticipated Colorado Horse Park CCI** on May 29-31. Educational clinics with Olympic gold medalist David O' Connor, international judge Sally O'Connor and Olympic silver medalist Gina Miles, and a one-day horse trial in August, are also included on the expanded calendar. The Colorado Horse Park National Horse Trials on October 2-4 finishes what is expected to be a highly competitive season at the park. The park's 2009 roster continues the tradition of world-class competition in all equestrian disciplines, as well as family fun that both spectators and competitors have come to expect. The full schedule of horse shows, Grand Prix and other events can be found on the park's website.
"We are committed to serious eventing and we look forward to seeing top riders from around the country and around the world competing once again at The Colorado Horse Park," said the park's Founder and President Helen Krieble. "The two star event in May draws Olympic-level riders who rise to the challenge of the competition and always delight spectators." Olympians like Amy Tryon and Stuart Black are just two of the international stars that have competed at the park over the years. As always, competitors can expect to find top-notch courses by Olympic gold medalist David O' Connor. Eventing is one of the few Olympic sports in which men and women compete against each other. The three phases of the sport, known as the triathlon of equestrian competitions, are an adrenaline rush for spectators and competitors alike. From the precision of dressage to the speed, power and thrill of cross-country, The Colorado Horse Park is the place to witness the amazing connection between horse and rider.
In addition to incredible competition, the park is committed to education and this year offers clinics by three of the world's most respected riders and teachers. Eventing pioneer and world-renowned judge and clinician Sally O' Connor is sure to wow the crowd with her insight on June 1. Riders will also enjoy 2008 Olympic silver medalist Gina Miles as she shares the skills that brought her to the top of the sport on June 20-21. David O' Connor makes a rare educational appearance in Colorado on July 14-15. This exciting event is open to both eventing and jumper riders of all levels.
"It's always been a priority to offer educational programs as part of The Colorado Horse Park's mission," continued Krieble. "We are very excited to bring top international clinicians like Gina and Sally to Colorado."
Eventing Schedule at a Glance Free admission and parking at all events. May 2 Eventing Derby May 29-31 Colorado Horse Park CCI** June 1 Sally O'Connor clinic June 20-21 Gina Miles clinic August 16 Horse Trials October 2-4 Colorado Horse Park National Horse Trials
Eventing is not the only excitement on The Colorado Horse Park's calendar. The sizzling Colorado Summer Circuit returns this July with $275,000 in jumper prize money and three Grand Prix show jumping events. But it's not all horses at the park. There's a must-see event this spring for dog-lovers-the Sheep Dog Stock Trial on May 23-26. As one of the top shows in the country, this is the opportunity to see some of the country's best sheep dogs.
Western Arenas Available to Local Equestrian Organizations For the first time, The Colorado Horse Park is opening its western-style arenas free of charge on weekdays to local organizations for equestrian endeavors such as practice runs, open horse shows, barrel racing, roping, reining, etc. The arenas are also available to rent for a nominal fee on weekends. Facilities include warm-up and competition arenas, chutes and cattle pens, parking area and more.
"We want to support our local western riding groups and to fully utilize the park's facilities," Krieble said. "The western arenas are available, so let's use them!"
The Colorado Horse Park offers free admission and parking for all spectators. There are concession options at the horse park as well as many equestrian-themed shopping opportunities during events. For more information on The Colorado Horse Park please visit www.coloradohorsepark.org or call 303-841-5550. Labels: equine event news
Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows
What: Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows When: May 5-10 and May 12-17, 2009 Where: Old Salem Farm 190 June Road North Salem, NY 01560 Featuring: Old Salem Farm will host its 2009 spring horse shows at its newly renovated facility in the charming town of North Salem, NY, in the heart of Westchester County. Old Salem Farm boasts its historic pristine grass Grand Prix field, state-of-the-art stabling facility and three pristine all-weather outdoor rings. The 2009 Old Salem Farm spring horse shows will feature the $40,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix, the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix, $25,000 North Salem GrandPrix as well as a $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, $10,000 Hunter Classic and $10,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award The horse shows are excited to announce a new partnership with the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen Greater NYC). Komen for the Cure is the world's leading non-profit organization dedicated to curing breast cancer. A portion of all ticket sales from this year's Spring Horse Shows will benefit Komen Greater NYC. For More Information: Labels: equine event news
What Horse Owners Should Know About Strangles
On Behalf of the Equine Research Coordination Group
Strangles is a highly contagious disease that causes horses to have swollen and painful lymph nodes that block their airway and can cause difficult breathing. The name was coined because these enlarged nodes sometimes (but rarely) suffocate affected horses.
The first reported case of strangles in a horse was in 1251 by Jordanus Ruffus in Europe. Convinced of its contagious nature, Ruffus recommended isolating affected animals and pointed out that the most common source of infection for horses was water buckets previously used by infected animals. This advice remains valid today. Here are some common questions and answers about strangles: What causes strangles and what should I expect to see? Strangles is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi (commonly known as S. equi), which gains access to a horse either through the animal's nose or mouth. Bacteria then invade the lymph nodes in the head and throat area, making them swollen and painful. With time, abscesses in the lymph nodes will mature and rupture to drain a creamy pus. Other lymph nodes in the head and throat may be involved but not be apparent because many of them will drain into the horse's throat and nasal cavity. Additional signs of the disease that often develop include fever, loss of appetite and listlessness. How does a horse become exposed to strangles? Most horses that develop strangles contract the disease through contact with the infected nasal discharges from another horse that has an active case of strangles or has recently recovered from strangles. Direct transmission occurs when horses, being very social creatures, have nose-to-nose contact with each other. Indirect transmission occurs when a susceptible horse shares feed, water buckets or housing with an infected horse. About 20% of horses continue to shed S. equi in their nasal secretions for several weeks after they have recovered from the disease, making all recovered horses a potential source of infection for at least six weeks after clinical signs have resolved. An extremely small percentage (1% to 10%) of horses continue to shed S. equi in their nasal secretions for months to years. These horses frequently have guttural-pouch infections caused by S. equi. Fortunately, S. equi is not a hearty organism and does not persist for long in the environment. While it is possible that a horse could contract strangles from the pasture that housed a horse with strangles, it is very unlikely. How will a veterinarian know if a horse has strangles? A veterinarian generally will diagnose a case of strangles based on the classical clinical signs. The gold standard to confirm the infection is a bacteriologic culture from either nasal swabs or pus from the abscesses. Another test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which detects the DNA of S. equi. While this test is excellent, it does not distinguish between dead and live organisms and therefore should not be used alone to make a diagnosis of strangles. What should be done if there is a strangles outbreak? Proper management by the horse owner or the farm manager is the key to the successful control of an outbreak of strangles. Working with a veterinarian, the owner or farm manager can identify affected groups of horses, look at the geography of the premises and review management practices to develop a practical disease-control strategy. Several specific aims of the plan should include: 1. Preventing the spread of S. equi infection to horses on other premises and to new arrivals on the infected premises. This is done by stopping all movement of horses on and off the affected premises until further notice. Horses with strangles and their contact should be maintained in well-demarcated “dirty” quarantine areas. Clustering the cases in groups should allow parts of the premises to be allocated as “dirty” and other parts as “clean.” 2. Establishing when horses that have recovered are no longer infectious. The veterinarian will institute a program of culturing nasal swabs over several weeks. Horses that consistently test negative are returned to the clean area. 3. Investigating long-term carriers. If a horse continues to shed S. equi longer than expected, the veterinarian will recommend an endoscopy examination of the guttural pouches and determine treatment if needed. 4. Preventing infection spreading from dirty areas to clean areas of the premise. Ideally, the individuals working with horses should be divided to deal with each of the two groups of horses. If this is not possible, horses in the clean area should be attended to first. The veterinarian will also be able to describe methods of disinfecting facilities. Is it possible to vaccinate against strangles? Field experience suggests that vaccinating horses usually reduces the incidence and severity of strangles. However, vaccination is not an absolute preventative. Researchers are actively working to develop improved strangles vaccines to protect horses from this highly contagious disease. By Corinne R. Sweeney, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center The veterinary community needs your assistance to increase funding for research on strangles and other equine diseases. Please contact the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation ( www.aaepfoundation.org), the American Quarter Horse Foundation ( www.aqha.com/foundation), Grayson Jockey-Club Research Foundation ( www.grayson-jockeyclub.org), Morris Animal Foundation ( www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) or your favorite veterinary school or research institution to make a contribution towards equine research. This is just one of the many efforts that the AAEP Foundation is coordinating on behalf of the industry through the Equine Research Coordination Group (ERCG), which is comprised of researchers and organizations that support equine research. Formally organized in 2006, the ERCG has a mission of advancing the health and welfare of horses by promoting the discovery and sharing of new knowledge, enhancing awareness of the need for targeted research, educating the public, expanding fundraising opportunities and facilitating cooperation among funding agencies. The ERCG is a group comprised of researchers and organizations that support equine research. Participants in the ERCG include equine foundations and multiple university research representatives. Current participants include: AAEP Foundation, American Horse Council, AQHA Foundation, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Morris Animal Foundation, Havemeyer Foundation, United States Equestrian Federation Foundation and university researchers: Warwick Arden, BVSc, DVCS, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVS (North Carolina State University); Rick Arthur, DVM (Oak Tree Charitable Foundation; Noah Cohen, VMD, MPH, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (Texas A & M University); Gregory Ferraro, DVM (University of California-Davis); Eleanor Green, DVM, DACVIM, DAVBP (University of Florida); Joan Hendricks, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (University of Pennsylvania); C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS (Colorado State University); James Moore, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS (University of Georgia); Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS (The Ohio State University); Corinne Sweeney, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (University of Pennsylvania); Mats Troedsson, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT (M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center); and Nathaniel White II, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS (Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine) (University of Florida); Joan Hendricks, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (University of Pennsylvania); C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS (Colorado State University); James Moore, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS (University of Georgia); Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS (The Ohio State University); Corinne Sweeney, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (University of Pennsylvania); Mats Troedsson, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT (M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center); and Nathaniel White II, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS (Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine). Labels: health news
New Pleasure and Youth Saddles from Circle P
March 2009—Circle P Saddles presents two new leather saddles from its family of rugged, affordable Western Saddles.
The Circle P Pleasure Saddle will keep you and your horse comfortable, ensuring a relaxing ride and a smooth gait. This expertly crafted saddle features a soft suede seat, tough rawhide-wrapped horn, durable stainless steel hardware and beautifully hand-tooled jockey, pommel and skirt. The Circle P Pleasure Saddle is available in tan in sizes 15” and 16” with an MSRP of $889.99 - Tree: Full Quarter Horse Bars - Rigging position 7/8” - Fenders: 19.5” by 8.5” - 4” Cantle height - Horn: 3” neck, 2” top - Gullet Size: 6.75” wide by 7.75” high - Swell width: 12.5” - Skirt size: 28” long by 14” deep - Stirrups: 2” - Weight: 34 lbs. The Circle P Youth Saddle is the perfect all-around leather saddle for any beginning buckaroo! This saddle has all the features of the larger Circle P saddles, but in a size made for smaller cowboys and cowgirls. The Circle P Youth Saddle is available in tan in sizes 12” and 13” with an MSRP of $399.99 - Tree: Semi Quarter Horse Bars - Rigging position 7/8” - 12”saddle fenders: 13” by 6.75” - 13”saddle fenders: 13.75” by 7.5” - Stainless steel hardware - 4” Cantle height - Horn: 3” neck, 2” top - Gullet Size: 6.5” wide by 7.25” high - Swell width: 12” - Skirt size: 20” long by 8” deep - Stirrups: 2” - Weight: 19 lbs. The Circle P Pleasure Saddle and Youth Saddle are distributed by Partrade About Partrade Since our start in 1955, Partrade Trading Company has become a premier manufacturer and international retailer for world-class Western and English riding supplies. Partrade’s success is founded on an unrivaled dedication to our customers, supreme selection, and constant innovations in our product lines. As a manufacturer, we can promise you the highest quality; as a retailer, we can promise you exceptional value and superior service. Contact us at 800.223.2101 or visit Partrade.net. Labels: product news
Effective Political Involvement Brings Results
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
A major portion of Back Country Horsemen of America’s purpose and philosophy is “to work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use and to assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.” For the last four consecutive years, Back Country Horsemen of Washington has put that purpose into action as they have journeyed to their state capitol in Olympia, Washington, for an event they call Legislation Day. This year, on March 2nd, 65 members were in attendance, some traveling a number of hours from the eastern portion of the state. Back Country Horsemen of Washington is a state organization of Back Country Horsemen of America. It has 35 chapters across the state of Washington. The tradition of Legislation Day began under the guidance of Judy Warnick, a previous BCHW Legislative Chair who is now a state representative. Current BCHW Legislative Chair Robert Brooke continues to organize this important occasion every year. Rallying for a Reason Their purpose is simple. Meeting with state representatives and senators in face-to-face conversations keeps our interests real to them, enabling them to see how important it is to us to continue enjoying wilderness lands with our pack and saddle stock. This group of dedicated equestrians believes that such demonstrations of strength and leadership encourage other recreational users, such as hikers and mountain bikers, to work with them in keeping trails open. This serves to increase their influence as recreationalists, not just stock users. BCHW folks prepare a packet of materials to distribute to the decision-makers they meet in Olympia, which includes a glossy, high quality calendar featuring colorful photos of rides and work days, as well as beautiful Washington state scenery. The packet also contains information about the mission and efforts of BCHW. This year at Legislation Day, Back Country Horsemen of Washington realized that trails might be a secondary issue, overshadowed by related but no less important subjects. There is an increasing sentiment that fuel use, endangered species, perceived equestrian impact, and user conflict may, at this point, be greater threats to our access to wilderness areas. Don’t Cut Funding for Public Lands BCHW also keeps an eye on topics that are presented in Olympia, ready to speak out on the issues that affect equestrians. As the state looks for ways to cut costs and reduce its debt, our natural resources are often the first to lose funding. BCHW encourages the state of Washington to continue to support parks, forests, and public lands for all users, including horseback riders and stock users. Fuel Tax Another vital issue that affects not only horsemen but also all users of the back country in Washington state is the amount of fuel tax allocated to non-highway activities. As with all states, the Washington Department of Transportation taxes each gallon of fuel to acquire the funds needed to maintain highways and roads throughout the state. With the understanding that some of that fuel is used for non-highway use such as boating and traveling in the back country on non-state roads, an exemption was established to distribute 1% of those revenues to various recreational entities like the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, state and city parks, and other public lands. Unfortunately, when the fuel tax was raised from 17 cents per gallon to 26 cents per gallon, the funds allocated to non-highway use remained 1% of 17 cents. BCHW took a stand with other public lands users to see that amount updated to stay in step with the current highway fuel tax, ensuring that land managers have access to the funds they need to maintain trails and related facilities. BCHA Sets the Example BCHW’s Legislative Day is just one example of the many ways that Back Country Horsemen of America members nationwide volunteer their time and effort, often at their own expense, to make sure we continue to enjoy our horses and mules on public lands. BCHA officers started setting this example many years ago, when they began to get involved with issues that affect equestrians. From attending town meetings and writing letters to state representatives to visiting decision-makers in Washington, D.C., BCHA has always believed in the responsibility of every American to speak out on the issues that matter to them. Back Country Horsemen of America has been influential in a number of rulings, including the U.S. Forest Service trail classification system, right-to-ride legislation, and movements by various public lands managers to eliminate horses from trails. They realize the power of individuals when they work together through the appropriate channels toward a common cause. What’s Happening in Your State? Do you know what issues your state representatives and senators are considering and voting on right now? How will their decisions change the way you keep your horses and mules, where you ride, and how you enjoy our nation’s wilderness lands? Back Country Horsemen of Washington and Back Country Horsemen of America encourage every U.S. citizen to get involved with local, state, and federal politics. Have your rightful say on the topics and decisions that affect how we live. Knowing what’s going on in your area means attending town meetings, casting your vote, and encouraging others to do the same. It takes keeping an eye on the bills that come through your state capitol, understanding the effects they’ll have, and voicing your opinion. Getting involved means introducing yourself to your state representatives and senators, the voice of the American people, and expressing your concerns. Sometimes, it just takes a simple phone call or e-mail to the people making these important decisions. Other times, it requires a more pro-active approach, including letters, signed petitions, and face-to-face visits to get our voices heard. Regardless of the methods, though, BCHA admonishes us to go through legal means and always present ourselves peacefully and with a spirit of cooperation and shared empathy. About Back Country Horsemen of America BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands. If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands! Labels: equine world news
Youth Horse Enthusiasts Gather for 32nd Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium
Youth horse enthusiasts from across the country gathered in Lincoln, Nebraska for the 32nd Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium on March 27 through March 29, 2009. Volunteers, teens, industry professionals and other youth horse enthusiasts participated in roundtable discussions, attended lectures and arena sessions, networked and honored leaders in the youth horse industry. AYHC President and symposium chair, Kathy Anderson commented on the event, “We were very excited to bring this unique event to our state and the University of Nebraska. Thank you to the volunteers, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and AYHC board members who helped make this a great event.”
The weekend started with a fabulous pre-conference tour. The day kicked-off with a visit to Anderson Thoroughbred Farm where attendees learned about the Thoroughbred racing industry in the Midwest. From there, a tour of Voegler’s equine reproduction center included a demonstration of ultrasound technology. The day continued with a visit to Chance Ridge veterinary clinic and a roping demonstration by the Nebraska Rope Horse Association. Rounding out the day was a stop at The Fort Western Store for some great shopping!
A full weekend of educational sessions and activities geared specifically at the teen leaders made it a great event for young horse enthusiasts to meet peers from across the country. The youth participated in a variety of activities throughout the weekend including a critical thinking project “Disaster Planning for Your Horse,” that culminated in Public Service Announcements by each group about disaster planning in their region of the country. Learning how to rope, and a mini-judging clinic and other activities were offered to the youth in attendance. The enthusiastic and talented youth in attendance show that the future of the horse industry is in very capable hands!
Other attendees enjoyed the incredible networking with youth leaders from far and near during the roundtables. Speakers on three tracks shared their knowledge of careers in the horse industry, take home tools and games, fitness and nutrition for riding, public speaking, developing leaders and much more. Attendees were treated to arena demonstrations at the University of Nebraska’s R.B. Warren Arena on Saturday afternoon where among other things they got to see Extreme Mustang Makeover Champ Mark Lyons demonstrate his horsemanship skills.
The American Youth Horse Council extends sincere thanks to all those who helped make the event a great success, with a special thanks to our host, The University of Nebraska Lincoln. Make plans to join us for the 33rd Annual National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium to be held in Lexington, Kentucky on March 19 – 21, 2010!
Corporate Sponsors AAEP FOUNDATION ANIMAL WELFARE COUNCIL EQUUS/EQUINE NETWORK JR MASTER HORSEMAN Symposium Sponsors Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association American Quarter Horse Association ¨ American Paint Horse Association Storey Publishing ¨ HORSECITY.COM Penn State University Equine Science Purina Mills ¨ University of Louisville Equine Industry Program North American Equine Ranching Information Council ¨ Wrangler Cornell University/NY State 4-H Program ¨ National High School Rodeo Association Certified Horsemanship Association ¨ Western Horseman ¨ Nebraska Horse Council PA 4-H Horse Program Development Committee Labels: equine world news
SBS Farms' Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano Sweep Victory in $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at WEF
Wellington, FL - March 31, 2009 - Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms and ridden by Jennifer Alfano, was the winner of this year's $50,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). SBS Farms is led by trainer Susie Schoellkopf and rider/trainer Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY.
The win in Wellington was Jersey Boy's second straight victory in a derby class. He won the $10,000 class in Ocala just weeks before. Jersey Boy and Alfano took the lead over 65 other entries in the first round on Friday in Wellington and kept it in the second round, which was held under the lights in the International Arena. Jersey Boy is a seven-year-old gelding that SBS Farms has owned for three years. Schoellkopf and Alfano purchased him from Louise Serio and Val Renihan as a Pre-Green Hunter, and Alfano also showed him in the Six Year Old Young Jumper classes into the middle of his First Year Green show year. He has been steadily progressing in the hunter divisions and seems to have found his niche both in the four-foot division and in the derby classes. Jersey Boy has been champion at the Devon Horse Show and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. After his victory in Ocala where he also won both rounds, Alfano felt that Jersey Boy was ready for the derby in Wellington. "He was great in the first round on Friday. He was a little looky when he first went in on Saturday night, just looking at the little rocks on the ground. But, once he got going, and he was all business," she explained. While the Saturday night class was more challenging, Alfano was very pleased with the way Jersey Boy reacted. "There was at a lot more going on Saturday," Alfano agreed, "but I thought it was a nice course. It gave everyone some nice options, especially with the bank. The jumping is always the easiest for him." Alfano and Jersey Boy won the Saturday night round with style and ended up as the overall winner of the class. In addition to Jersey Boy, Alfano competed with Sting, owned by Helen Lenahan, and Rock Star, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC and Jennifer Burger. In the first round, Rock Star sat in third place while Sting was ninth. On Saturday night, Rock Star had a mishap at the final jump and placed out of the ribbons, while Sting did well and ended up seventh overall. Alfano recounted, "Sting was excellent on Friday. Saturday night he was a little nervous. I could feel his heart pounding when we were standing at the in-gate. He's still a little green for the night time crowd. I was thrilled with Rock Star because he just came back from colic surgery. He was perfect on Friday and Saturday, and we just had a bit of a mishap at the last jump. I feel really lucky to have three horses that are good at those classes." Schoellkopf agreed that they were lucky to have the horses, but also the owners who make it possible for Alfano to compete and win. The derby classes, with their excellent prize money, are something that gives hunter owners more incentive and excitement. "The prize money for the hunter derbies is so great," she said. "It is important for owners to get something back so they will keep these Derby horses. With Jen Burger and Helen Lenahan, we have amazing owners of horses for Jennifer to show. In addition to the three that she rode in Wellington, Jennifer will also start competing with Meredith Lipke Bartolone's horse, The Specialist, in derby classes later this year."
Schoellkopf added that it was great to see how Jersey Boy has grown under the guidance of Alfano. "I kept him for Jen because she deserves one she knows is there and will not get sold until after the finals in August, if then," she explained. "He has grown up so much and jumps so beautiful. Jen rode so beautifully in the derby and the win was so exciting." Before the WEF derby, Rock Star was leading the standings for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals with 18,500 and Jersey Boy was in fourth with 10,790. Jersey Boy's win will move him up in the standings and help them going into the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals on August 21-22, where even more big prize money will be available for these talented hunters. SBS Farms is based in Buffalo, NY, and is at the home of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. For more information, please visit www.thebtrc.org. Labels: equine event news
Lou Jacobs and Kachina of Deeridge Farm Win WEF Circuit Championship
Pia and Charlie Jacobs Capture Classic Win and Championship in Final Week
Wellington, FL - March 31, 2009 - Deeridge Farm finished out their winter season in fine fashion this year at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Lou Jacobs and his mare Kachina won the WEF Circuit Championship in the High Amateur Jumpers, while younger brother Charlie Jacobs and Pia were the High Amateur Jumper division champions in the last week.
This year marked the first time in more than 20 years of competing in the High Amateur Jumper division at WEF that Lou Jacobs has won a circuit championship. In 2009, Lou made a concerted effort in the division, rather than moving up to the 1.50m classes, because of work responsibilities. The focus paid off and the pair was in the top three in the Sunday $15,000 Classics four times. They were also division champions in weeks six, eight, and ten. "I was very pleased to learn that Kachina had won the circuit championship," Lou said. "She's a terrific horse. I decided early in the year to use her in the high amateurs in Florida rather than trying to do the grand prix or 1.50m classes with her because of my work schedule. I really couldn't get down to Wellington before Friday's classes most weeks. And, when I was there, my riding wasn't really good enough to compete in the top classes. In the amateurs, Kachina gives me a nice margin of error that takes all the pressure off." Lou added that Kachina is "really a super horse and I had a lot of fun with her this season." He hopes that when the Deeridge Farm horses move to their northern base in upstate New York, he will have more time in the saddle. He plans to compete in various classes this summer, including smaller grand prix in addition to the amateur division. Charlie Jacobs finished the WEF circuit in style when he and Pia, his 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, took the division championship this week in the High Amateur Jumpers. The pair was the fastest clear in the jump-off to win the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur Jumper Classic. They were also sixth in the $2,500 Time First Round class. In week 11 of WEF, Charlie and Pia were reserve champions in the High Amateur Jumper division. They won the $2,500 Power and Speed class. Charlie and Pia were one of only three pairs to go clean in the first round of the final week's classic and advance to the jump-off. They went second, and although the horse before them had a rail, Charlie still felt like he had to go fast in order to put pressure on the final competitor in the jump-off. Charlie was very happy to receive the blue ribbon and tricolor in his final week of winter competition. "Anytime you take home the tricolor it is a great feeling!" he smiled. "I have to say that especially rings true when it comes to the last week of WEF. As for me, it marks the end of the season, and it is a great way to finish." Pia has shown remarkable consistency through the WEF circuits, and 2009 was no different. Charlie said, "My girl Pia has been a great horse for me for many years. She always tries her heart out for me, and we were fortunate to win a few big classes this winter during WEF." Pia and Charlie will take a few weeks off before they start preparing for their summer show schedule. They plan to start competing again in late June.
So You Say and Katie Jacobs Robinson picked up ribbons once again in the Amateur-Owner Over 35, finishing third and fifth in the hunter classes in week 12. Kimberly Jacobs and Artistic were very consistent in the Adult Amateur 36-50 Hunters in the final week. They placed second, third, and received two fifths. Melissa Jacobs competed in the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters and placed well this past week with Mr. Coffee and Dakota. Deeridge Farm is based in East Aurora, NY, and Wellington, FL. They will compete next at the Lake Placid Horse Show on June 23-28.
Labels: equine event news
CAVALOR Becomes Title Sponsor Of The 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series
Tampa, FL-March 31, 2009-CAVALOR, which recently launched its complete line of equine supplements, care and feed products in North America, has become the official title sponsor of the 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.
The CAVALOR Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series will see classes at more than 100 horse shows across the country before culminating in Year-End Championships at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 126th National Horse Show in Syracuse, NY, in October.
The Series hosts separate divisions for junior and amateur-owner riders in two Conferences-the East Conference and the West Conference. Series standings are used to help determine junior and amateur-owner entries for the National Horse Show.
"We are very excited to partner with the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series," said Philippe Collard, President of CAVALOR, Inc. "I feel the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is the perfect match for CAVALOR because it stands for quality, success and excellence - which is also represented in the CAVALOR brand."
In an effort to honor the excellence and success of those riders participating in the Series, one rider per month will be honored as the CAVALOR Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Rider of The Month. The rider who is chosen will have accumulated the most points in the Series for that month.
"The Rider of The Month award is a wonderful addition to the Series," said George Morris, President of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. "It is a great way for us to honor the accomplishments of those who participate in the Series, and we are thrilled to have CAVALOR on board with us to make this possible."
CAVALOR Inc. is the exclusive North American licensee of the CAVALOR brand and the CAVALOR products from Nutriquine NV. CAVALOR Inc.'s mission is to organize and manage the distribution of CAVALOR products, promote the brand, and establish partnerships to locally manufacture the CAVALOR products, all in North America.
For over 20 years, Nutriquine NV (a Belgian company) has been a pioneer in equine nutrition. In close cooperation with veterinarians, scientists and specialists of equestrian sports, Nutriquine has developed, under the brand name CAVALOR, a complete line of supplements, care and feed products to address the diverse needs and requirements of topsport horses and breeding stables. CAVALOR products are distributed and used by many champions in 45 countries around the world.
The 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series is also sponsored by the Lake Placid Horse Show Association, Practical Horseman, Langer Equestrian Group, Taylor Harris Insurance Services and Stadium Jumping, Inc.
The Series is designed to give amateur-owner and junior riders an opportunity to compete at higher levels and serves as a proving ground for many riders who aspire to someday represent the United States in international competition.
The Show Jumping Hall of Fame was organized to promote the sport of show jumping and to immortalize the legends of the men, women and horses who have made great contributions to the sport. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame conducts the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, held under Grand Prix rules and specifications. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame has moved from its long-time home at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL. An announcement about the Museum's new home will be made later this year.
Any horse show offering a class that meets all the criteria set forth in the 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series specifications and has prize money of at least $1,000 is eligible to be part of the Series.
For more information about the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, including the 2009 CAVALOR Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series schedule, please visit the Show Jumping Hall of Fame website at www.showjumpinghalloffame.net. CAVALOR, when the result counts! Labels: equine world news
Volunteer Training Dates at Bright Horizon
Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center is having two volunteer trainings for their upcoming Spring session that begins April 14 th, 2009. The Volunteer training dates are: Tuesday, April 7th from 6-7:30 pm and Saturday, April 11th from 10-11:30. This is a wonderful way to give back to the community and work with horses and people. The facility is fully enclosed so you won’t get wet. You do not have to have horse experience to volunteer, we will train you. Bright Horizon has open lesson times available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the Spring session for anyone who would be interested in riding. Children and adults with disabilities and able bodied riders are welcome. Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center is located at Walker Farms 1925 Logsden Rd, Siletz, Oregon. Please contact Polly Cohen at 961-4156 to sign up, space is limited. Labels: oregon news
Thin is in for Spring with the New AriatR DuraCrepe Outsole
Want the comfort of traditional crepe soled boots, but need a thin-yet-durable sole for maximum performance? Try Ariat’s spring collection of DuraCrepe styles on for size; they feature our new DuraCrepe™ outsole, which is 30% thinner than traditional crepe soles yet has Ariat-exclusive wear-resisting Duratread plugs in the forefoot and heel. It’s the best of both worlds – tough, yet lightweight and flexible.
It’s available for both men and women in the following spring styles:
Men’s: Slider DuraCrepe, MSRP $189.95 ($199.95 for taller shaft) Heritage DuraCrepe, MSRP $189.95 Women’s: Heritage DuraCrepe, MSRP $189.95
Labels: product news
The American Quarter Horse Foundation Begins Campaign for Therapeutic Riding
America’s Horse, March, 30, 2009 - The American Quarter Horse Foundation’s promotional campaign Because of a Horse is raising awareness and funds for America’s Horse Cares, a program supporting therapeutic riding.
In 2002, the American Quarter Horse Foundation searched for a way to provide financial assistance to therapeutic riding organizations that inspire or improve the quality of life of individuals with emotional, physical and cognitive disabilities. An overwhelming response of grant requests illustrated the growing need for therapeutic riding assistance and paved the way for America’s Horse Cares. “By providing financial assistance to therapeutic riding organizations, America’s Horse Cares helps facilitate a relationship between American Quarter Horses and challenged riders,” said Foundation Executive Director Gary Carpenter. “The Foundation’s goal is to strengthen our support for centers that are pairing horses with humans for the benefit of both.” Thanks to the many donors and support from AQHA’s Corporate Partner Farnam, the Foundation has awarded more than $218,000 in assistance to more than 80 centers across the country. The Foundation’s partnerships with Farnam and NARHA offer rich and rewarding experiences that will provide many challenged individuals with confidence and self-esteem through therapeutic riding sessions. Each year, more children and adults with disabilities whose lives, limbs and language are limited are positively impacted by riding a horse. Whether it is autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Downs syndrome, spina bifida or other disability, horses are making a measurable impact on their lives. With that in mind, the Foundation has launched Because of a Horse. You and your organization can help this important cause. Below are just a few ideas to get you started: • Put ads on your Web page linking to the America’s Horse Cares Web site. • Place a news article in your newsletter about the benefits of therapeutic riding and the opportunity to help through America’s Horse Cares. • Put banners, posters and flyers up in your facilities and at your events. • Host a fund-raising event and show the Foundation’s “Fly Without Wings” video or ask a local therapeutic riding center to provide a demonstration and testimonial. • Pass a feed bucket for donations. • Sell items or services such as wrist bands, baked goods, car washes, etc. The American Quarter Horse Foundation offers the needed tools, including posters, banners, Web banners, advertisements and the “Fly Without Wings” video, for download at americashorsecares.com. To learn how you or your organization can become more involved in supporting America’s Horse Cares, visit aqha.com/foundation or contact the Foundation at (806) 378-5029 or foundation@aqha.org. Labels: quarter horse breed news
Two Day Horsemanship Clinic June 6-7, 2009
Hosted by Shared Hope for Healing at Nine Oak Ranch
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Daily Evening Equine Assisted Personal Development Demonstration
6 pm to 9 pm Saturday June 6, 2009
Whether a horse needs to build fear into confidence, rudeness into respect, distraction into focus or defiance into willingness, Chris Irwin’s Horsemanship Program has been designed to ensure all breeds of horses and all disciplines of riders, English, Western and driving, realize their goals. Chris’ unique approach to coaching and training from the level of “cause” rather than “symptom” transforms bad horses into good, good horses into better, and great horses into becoming their very best.
Come find out how horses and people can bring out the best in each other.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from this master horseman and eloquent teacher. For more information about this event and to learn more about Chris, his two bestselling books “DANCING WITH YOUR DARK HORSE” and “HORSES DON’T LIE,” as well as his acclaimed 8-Title DVD/VHS Training Library, please contact Horsepower Productions toll free at (877) 394-6773. To register for this event please go to www.chrisirwin.com.
Nine Oak Ranch and Shared Hope for Healing 6750 McCoy Road, Rickreall, Oregon 97371.
Labels: equine event news, oregon news
Happy Endings Farm Wins Stall Safe® Tack Room Award at Winter Equestrian Festival
Wellington, FL – Happy Endings Farm wrapped up the 12-week FTI Winter Equestrian Festival by winning the prestigious Absorbine Stall Safe® Tack Room Award. In addition to winning a wall full of ribbons during the world-class winter show, riders at Happy Endings Farm were pleased to finish out the circuit with the highly sought after Stall Safe Award given to a stabling area that has tapped into its equestrian interior decorating abilities and provided a safe, functional, yet beautiful setting for horse and rider.
Linda Smith, owner of the Wellington-based Happy Endings Farm, was thrilled to win the Stall Safe Award. Happy Ending’s stabling area features two country white porches on either side of the stalls, offering riders the chance to relax in an attractive country atmosphere complete with bark chairs that resemble a Cracker Barrel store front. Happy Endings Farm caught the eye of the Stall Safe spotters who were impressed with the farm’s home-away-from-home country porches that offered riders protection from the sun and rain. Happy Endings, which caters to many young riders from the age of five up, created a low-key family atmosphere at the show in an effort to make the kids and families feel comfortable. Happy Endings offers lessons, training and boarding at their premiere facility in Wellington. They pride themselves on a relaxed atmosphere, both at the show and at home, and their students have won ribbons and titles in everything from short stirrup through the Big Equitation classes. The Stall Safe award basket won by Happy Endings Farm was filled with Absorbine prizes, including a supply of Stall Safe that is shown to be effective in guarding against Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 and Equine Influenza A Virus. Riders, trainers and grooms throughout the show grounds have discovered Stall Safe is an easy-to-use alternative to commonly used chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, iodine, and pine cleaners. In addition to its many benefits, Stall Safe comes with a hand pump that makes disinfecting stall walls a quick and easy process. For more information on Stall Safe, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbine.com. Labels: equine world news
Tampa Equestrian Festival Week 2 Wrap-up, March 25-29, 2009, Tampa Bay Classic
Tampa, FL - March 30, 2009- Never before in the history of the Grand Prix of Tampa has there been a tie for winner, but yesterday that all changed when both Darragh Kerins riding Night Train, owned by Double H Farms, and Kent Farrington riding Up Chiqui, owned by Alex Boone, Craig Dobbs and Kent Farrington, emerged victorious after the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, when both pairs completed clear jump-off rounds and crossed the finished line in the exact same time, 32.63 seconds.
Yesterday's grand prix was the final FEI World Cup Qualifier for the Rolex FEI World Cup finals in Las Vegas and Pierre Jolicouer designed a very technically difficult course that tested all 45 riders that competed. The most difficult parts of the course included fence 5, a deceptive triple combination, fence 10 to fence 11, a liverpool bending line to a large vertical, followed by a tight turn to fence 12, a delicate plank vertical, and finally fences 13 "a" and "b", an oxer to oxer double combination going towards the end of the ring. The triple combination's middle element, a large oxer, and the last oxer of the final double combination, was where many riders found faults and lost their bid to the jump-off.
It was 17 rounds before Christine McCrea and Promised Land, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, managed to be the first pair to complete a clear first round. The pair had a hard rub at fence 5a and fence 11 that had the crowd holding their breath, but the fences stayed up and she took over first place. McCrea held the lead for nine more rounds before McLain Ward and Phillipa, owned by Sagamore Farms, stepped up to challenge by completing the second fault-free round and assuring the crowd of a jump-off. Up Chiqui and Farrington were one of the last six rounds of the class and also completed a clear first round despite a great deal of bucking throughout the course on the part of Up Chiqui, who came into the ring feeling fresh. Darragh Kerins and Night Train were the last entry to leave all the jumps standing. The crowd cheered as he had a long approach to the final combination and still made it across the final oxer without bringing down any rails.
The crowd was prepared for a very exciting jump-off, knowing that the four participants would be trying their best and going all out to win today's class. Promised Land and McCrea entered the ring first, setting a very high standard when they managed to leave all the rails in their cups and crossed the finish line in a fast 33.25 seconds to eventually earn the third place ribbon. Ward and Phillipa were next and came into the ring with a plan, but in an attempt to make a very tight inside turn the pair had a rail down at fence 7, a tall vertical. They tripped the timers in 31.69 seconds, the fastest time of the day, but their four fault score landed them in the fourth place position. Up Chiqui and Farrington stepped into the ring next and this time Up Chiqui was focused on the job at hand. The naturally fast horse was clear in a time 32.63 seconds without taking the inside turn but managed to takeover the lead. Kerins knew he would need to take the inside turn with Night Train and be clear to win the class, but despite his best efforts a slight bobble meant that he would not be able to make up the time. The pair stopped the clock at 32.63 seconds, the exact same time as Farrington and Up Chiqui, creating a tie for first place.
"It is great, we're both thrilled with how our horses went " smiled Farrington. "These two horses compete against each other a lot and kind of battle back and forth. They're both similar types, fast and careful, so when they're both in a jump-off it's always exciting."
Kerins has qualified for the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals and will be representing Ireland with Night Train during this year's event. After today's win Farrington became the leader of the East Coast World Cup standings. He will be representing the East Coast along with McLain Ward, Christine McCrea, Todd Minikus, Hillary Dobbs, Beezie Madden and Michelle Spadone.
The Tampa Equestrian Festival will continue this week with its third and final week of competition, the Tournament of Champions. The first major event will be the $35,000 Grand Prix of Florida CSI on Wednesday, April 1, the final qualifier for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational. The grand finale of the Tampa Equestrian Festival is the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, which will be held Saturday, April 4, beginning at 7 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. This event features the world's top equestrians competing for one of the richest purses during one of show jumping's most historical events.
Jumper Highlights: Wednesday through Saturday
Wednesday's top riders were Lauren Hough and McLain Ward. Hough won the 1.40m class aboard 13-year-old Prziosos S, while Ward took home the first and second place honors in the 1.35m class with Cover Girl and Gentleman.
Wednesday's courses, designed by Pierre Jolicouer, winded around and had twelve obstacles featuring many bending lines, a double combination, and a triple combination. During the 1.40m class eight horse and riders combinations completed the first course without any jumping penalties, but because of time penalties did not advance to the jump-off.
Lauren Hough and Preziosos S were the one of the few horse and rider combination to complete a clear first round. Hough cut the turns and Preziosos S left all the jumps standing. The duo raced through the timers in 28.128, passing McCrea to take over the lead and win the class. Mario Deslauriers would attempt to challenge Hough's time with his second mount Tigger, but their time of 28.313 seconds was only fast enough to earn them second place honors.
"It's always good to win," smiled Hough. "He's a really good horse and he's won a lot at this level. He has a lot of experience so he was able to go in and be competitive on the first day. This is a big change in venue after being at WEF for so long but he can accommodate to whatever is in front of him."
The 1.35m competed earlier in the day where Ward garnered the top two ribbons. Margie Engle set the jump-off pace after being the first rider to go double clear with her mount Hidden Creek's Campella. The pair managed to leave all the jumps standing and tripped the timers at 28.377, which held up for the third place prize. Ward and Gentleman entered the ring next and also advanced to the jump-off. The pair breezed past Engle's time, stopping the clock at 25.857 seconds and capturing the second place award. Ward and Cover Girl were the next combination to go clear and Ward managed to top his own time by a fraction of a second, flying across the finish line in 25.707 seconds and winning the class.
The last class of the day was the 1.45m where Andres Rodriguez and Secret captured the top spot after a double clear effort in a time of 28.556 seconds.
Thursday fifty-eight riders competed in the $35,000 Welcome Stake in the Covered Arena. Seven riders were able to complete clear rounds and advance to the jump-off, but it was Hillary Dobbs and Marlo who completed the fastest double clear round of the day and took home the blue ribbon.
"This is a really important, special win for me today," smiled Dobbs after her victory lap. "Marlo is my newest horse and we had a period where we were getting to know each other this circuit. Today's win solidifies that we're making great strides and getting to know each other better. I'm really happy with the way she went; she was unbelievable today and I couldn't be happier with her."
The jump-off course was designed by Pierre Jolicoeur and included nine jumping efforts. Riders began over a bending line from fence three, a large oxer, to fence four, a difficult vertical plank, followed by fence ten which was a skinny vertical. Riders then continued to fence 11, a large oxer, and then to the vertical-to-vertical double combination, 12ab, followed by a tight turn to fence nine, a large oxer. Finally riders raced home over fence number one, a very wide yellow and black oxer.
Hillary Dobbs and Marlo were second to last to compete in the day's jump-off but they were prepared to win. Dobbs took off towards the first fence, leaving strides out and cutting turns where she could. The duo left all the fences standing and raced through the finish line in 38.920 seconds, passing Michael Morrissey and Crelido to garner the win. Leslie Howard challenged Dobb's lead with her second mount, Raimond W. She also went double clear, but her time of 41.950 seconds would not be enough to pass Dobbs and the pair earned the third place prize.
Friday jumper riders competed in the Covered Arena in the 1.40m class, where Beezie Madden garnered the top two prizes, earning the blue ribbon with Exclusive, owned by Elizabeth Busch Burke and John Madden Sales, and the red ribbon with the Neopolitan Holding entry, Prima.
The first course was difficult with 15 jumping efforts that included many challenging bending lines, a triple combination, and an oxer to vertical double combination. Only six riders advanced to the jump-off, which included very sharp turns and rollbacks, the double combination, and finished over a large oxer going away from the gate.
Madden followed Kent Farrington into the ring with her first mount Prima, posting a clear effort and beating his time by stopping the clock at 38.611 seconds to earn the second place prize. Madden entered the ring last with Exclusive and didn't hold back in the jump-off, allowing the mare to cut the turns and fly through the timers in a clear 38.202 seconds to capture the day's win.
"The first round was a little difficult; there weren't very many clear," explained Madden. "I was a little conservative with my first horse, Prima, because she's done a lot of running. She's kind of my main speed horse, so I didn't want to let her go in and just be fast the whole time. When we went in and took over the lead being conservative I knew that if I let Exclusive slip around at her own pace she'd probably be a little bit faster to win."
Saturday in the Covered Arena junior and amateur riders competed in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Power and Speed class and the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Low class, with the top awards going to Erica Pritz riding Ad Fundum, and Marque Cincotta riding Chappie.
Erica Pritz and Ad Fundum were the last to qualify for the speed phase and Pritz knew she was going to have to be fast and accurate to win the class. The pair cut all the turns and left out all the right strides, flying through the timers in 44.554 seconds and capturing the blue ribbon.
"I'm pretty excited," expressed Pritz after receiving her ribbon. "This is my first high win on him, I only moved him up the last week we were in Palm Beach; I had been originally doing the lows and the mediums when I bought him in December."
She continued, "My plan with him was to try and make up for my mistake at the triple combination with my other horse earlier in the class, and really try to not over think and just go for it. The biggest concern was that first fence in the triple, I had it with my first horse, and a lot of others did as well. It was hard, especially coming off of a bending line with a triple bar. Today I just had to stay with my horse and turn; he jumps amazing!"
Next to compete in the Covered Arena was the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Low class. Seven riders were able to advance to the jump-off, which became a battle of the clock when they all managed complete clear short-courses. Sarah Kerins was the first to set a very fast time of 34.647 second with Allie, but it would not be enough to hold up against Marque Cincotta and Chappie, who beat them by fractions of a second after crossing the finish line in 34.244 seconds and winning the class.
Hunter Highlights: Thursday through Sunday
The Regular Working Hunters showed in the Main Hunter Ring Thursday, and after two days of competition, the division's championship honors were awarded to Abel, owned by Megan McGuire, and ridden by Amanda Steege. Abel and Steege won two first place ribbons and three second place ribbons in the division's individual classes for the tricolor win. Reserve champion of the Regular Working Hunter division went to Gamaliel, owned by McNeel H.J. Inc., and ridden by Clair Kellner. Kellner and Gamaliel won both classes over fences Wenesday and were second, second and third Thursday.
Abel, is an eight year-old Belgian Warmblood. Megan McGuire has owned the horse for two years and shows him in the younger Amateur-Owner Hunters. Amanda Steege of Bedminster, NJ, showed the horse today and was very happy with his brave performance.
Steege showed all winter in Ocala, and is enjoying the change of scenery here in Tampa. "I think this is my fifth year coming to Tampa and I love it here," she smiled. "We have been talking to people all week and everyone keeps saying how happy they are when they are here. The weather is perfect, the ring is beautiful, the footing is perfect, the jumps are nice, and I just think that Stadium Jumping puts on a really classy event. We always look forward to coming here. I have some new clients who are showing here for the first time this year and they are totally hooked on Tampa now. We will definitely have it on the schedule for next year."
The Green Working Hunters showed in the Main Hunter Ring earlier in the day, with Like Wize and Kate Conover winning the division's championship tricolor after two days of competition. Like Wize and Conover placed first in all three of the division's classes yesterday and were second in both classes today to win the championship honors. Black Pearl and Mary Eufemia won the reserve championship tricolor, placing second, second and fourth Wednesday and first and second Thursday.
The ASCPA Maclay Horsemanship Medal kicked off mid-afternoon Friday in the Jumper Annex with 14 horse and rider combinations competing over fences for the first round. The top pairs then showed under saddle for the final judging.
Following the flat phase it was 14 year-old Shawn Casady of Tennessee who took top honors in the class. Casady showed Don Stewart, Jr.'s horse Piece of Art and walked away with the blue ribbon. Later in the day Casady also placed third in the Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal riding Piece of Art.
"Piece of Art is a great horse; she is a really easy ride and really easy to do these courses on," Casady commented after his win. "She has a big stride and she really takes you around the course. I thought it was a nice course today; it flowed nicely and was pretty open."
Following Casady in the class standings was Chelsey Zulia, who finished in second place riding Arcadia Farm, Inc.'s Convent 8. After Zulia, Bailey Hughes placed third in the class riding The Insider, owned by Gillian Sciaretta. Fourth place honors went to Hasbrouck Donovan showing Sag Harbor's Lucky Star, owned by Paige Dekko. Fifth place honors went to Rachel Griffin showing her horse Simplify.
The Amateur-Owner Hunters concluded their second day of competition Saturday afternoon and presented championship awards to the division's top finishers. Player and Penelope Ayers placed first and second in Saturday's classes over fences and were second and sixth Friday to take the championship win. Templeton and Darby Toben won the reserve championship honors after placing second Saturday and first, third and sixth Friday.
Penelope Ayers has owned nine year-old Player since last April. Ayers is from Burnettsville, NJ, and trains with Sandy Lobel, who she has been riding with for nearly 25 years.
"He has been an amazing ride for me," Ayers said of Player after her win. "My trainer Sandy has always found me fabulous horses. He is really easy; he has a lot of scope and a huge step. He is also very forgiving, so he is a wonderful amateur horse and he has a great sense of humor. He just likes you to stay off his mouth and let him do his job."
Both the Small and Large Junior Hunters 15 and Under competed in the Main Hunter Ring Sunday morning at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. After showing under saddle and in two classes over fences Sunday, it was Taylor Ann Adams who took both championship and reserve championship honors in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Adams showed Eloise to the championship tricolor, placing fourth in the under saddle and first in both classes over fences Sunday. Eloise was also first and third over fences Saturday. Adams rode Ferngully to the reserve championship honors, placing third under saddle and second, second, first and sixth over fences.
"Eloise is the best horse ever and she always does her job," Adams smiled. "She has the best personality; she just went out there in the pouring down rain today no problem."
Eloise is ten years old and Adams has been riding her for about six months. The pair showed in Ocala together, and about halfway through the Ocala circuit, six year-old Ferngully came along.
This was Ferngully's second week in a row being reserve champion in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division, and the young horse just started showing for the first time five weeks ago. "He is a baby," Adams stated. "He is so great; he is going to be the next big thing. We just love him and he has the best personality."
The Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division competed following the Smalls. Junior rider Samantha Schaefer rode Garfield to the championship tricolor for the second week in a row. Schaefer also had the ride aboard the division's reserve champion, Lazy Sunday.
The Small and Large Junior Hunters 16-17 also competed Sunday morning. The Small Junior Hunters 16-17 were the first to compete, with Laura Pfeiffer riding Manchineel to the championship win. The reserve championship honors went to last week's champion, Lyle, ridden by Abby O'Mara.
Next to compete were the Large Junior Hunters 16-17. Earning the championship honors was Practicial, ridden by Laura Pfieffer. Saving Grace and Evy Carroll took home the reserve championship tricolor. Labels: equine event news
Bare Skin Barrier Fly Control Receives BEST CHOICE from the Horse Journal
At Missy’s barn, the Natural Horsemanship Center of Oregon, the horse’s health and wellbeing are top priority. Only the best and healthiest feed and products are provided with restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals and inappropriate feeds. For fly control manure management is the first line of defense and for the horses only Nature’s Balance Care products are used. Nature’s Balance Care Bare Skin Barrier is applied daily from chest to tail to protect against biting flies and now it receives and BEST CHOICE for fly control around raw and sore areas by the Horse Journal (March 2009 issue).
“I had a mare come into my barn for surgical aftercare with an 18” incision on her belly where her ovary had been removed due to a huge granulosis tumor”, Missy says. “It was in the middle of summer and flies love wounds, so I applied the Bare Skin Barrier twice a day to protect her incision. When the vet came out two weeks later for a follow-up he was amazed at how quickly the incision had healed. He commented that he had never seen such rapid healing. I told him that the Bare Skin Barrier has Jojoba in it which has a protein that mimics collagen along with other natural anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-fungal ingredients along with its insect repellent ability without insecticides, Pyrethrum or neuro-toxic chemicals. We use the Bare Skin Barrier on all the horses during fly season to protect against flies, mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects. It stops the stomping, the rubbing and heals itchy scabby conditions quickly. We also use Nature’s Balance Care Groomer Concentrate as a fly spray and all over wipe. Its natural ingredients are known to be repugnant to flies and insects without the use of pesticides or insecticides and both products have organic certification, OMRI approval, and are safe for lactating mares”. Bare Skin Barrier and other Nature’s Balance Care products are sold at Missy’s website www.WHolisticHorsemanship.com, as well as feed and pet stores. If you don’t see the Bare Skin Barrier at your favorite store ask for it. For high resolution pictures contact Info@WHolisticHorsemanship.com, or call 503-630-3744. Missy Wryn is the founder of WHolistic Horsemanship Training the Whole Horse®, IRON FREE Riding, and HorseMAREship™ plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle. Specializing in problem and dangerous horses Missy has developed a unique approach to training horses and riding Iron Free. Training the Whole Horse® is the foundation to Missy’s innovative and simpler approach to training your horse using effective communication that your horse will understand, honor and respect while having fun and being safer riding Iron Free (no bits – no spurs). Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.WHolisticHorsemanship.com, or schedule an Intensive for you and your horse by calling 866-821-0374. Missy Wryn is also CEO and founder of Natures Balance Care, LLC. Natures Balance Care is the manufacturer of organic approved (OMRI) fly control skin care products for dogs, horses, livestock and people. Visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.comLabels: product news
TOBA LAUNCHES EQUINE DRUG TESTING PRESENTATON AS A WEBCAST
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) announced today that it has launched a new webcast entitled “Recent Advances and New Innovations in Equine Drug Testing”. The webcast features Dr. Lawrence Soma, VMD of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center and Dr. Scot Waterman, DVM Executive Director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC).
Dr. Soma discusses the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Laboratory’s expertise in testing for protein-based drugs and other illegal substances and their new innovations in drug testing. Dr. Waterman discusses the RMTC’s perspective on drug testing nationwide. The webcast was videotaped at a presentation held on March 4 at Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and sponsored by TOBA. To view the webcast simply visit www.toba.org, click on “watch our webcasts” on the homepage and complete the brief registration form. The webcast is sponsored by Long Grove Bloodstock, Thoro-Graph, Team Valor, Joe Browne Nicholson Insurance and The Blood-Horse. TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, The Racing Game, Sales Integrity Program and Claiming Crown. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc., and is represented on the Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member. Labels: equine world news
Missy Wryn on PetLife Radio’s Horsing Around
Missy Talks about Five Fundamentals that Translate Under Saddle for a Safer Ride
Audrey Pavia of PetLife Radio’s Horsing Around interviews Missy Wryn about her Five Fundamentals that Translate Under Saddle for a Safer Ride. Available as podcast, iTunes, RSS and MP3 visit http://www.markiac.addr.com/PET_LIFE_RADIO/horsingep21.html. Audrey invited Missy to return soon to discuss her WHolistic Joining, an alternative to round penning. Tune in…………
Missy Wryn is the founder of WHolistic Horsemanship Training the Whole Horse®, IRON FREE Riding, HorseMAREship™, Sisters of the Saddle, plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle. Specializing in problem and dangerous horses Missy has developed an instinct and relationship based training program that incorporates riding Iron Free (no bits-no spurs). Training the Whole Horse® is the foundation to Missy’s innovative and simpler approach to training horses using effective communication that horses understand, honor and respect while having fun and being safer riding Iron Free (no bits – no spurs). Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.WHolisticHorsemanship.com. Missy Wryn is also CEO and founder of Natures Balance Care, LLC. Natures Balance Care is the manufacturer of organic approved (OMRI) fly control and skin care products for dogs, horses, organic livestock and people. Visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.com. Labels: equine event news
MAKE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSES YOUR “HAPPY PLACE”
America’s Horse, March 30, 2009 – Lately, the daily news has only offered troubling and depressing news, but there are still many joys in today’s economy.
When you look at the economic times we're experiencing, now it’s more important than ever to recognize the things that bring the most joy and relaxes tension. Of course, these things are your family, remembering your childhood dreams and celebrating your health.
AQHA has a way to encompass all those joys through the eyes of the American Quarter Horse – a brand true to the history and development of the United States. But to all, and especially the child who asks Santa for a horse, the American Quarter Horse brings families together, makes dreams come true and eases tensions.
When investing your money, look to a brand where your investment grows with your family and have peace of mind knowing your investment is one that always brings joy.
The videos below give a glimpse of how the horse changes lives, what we can do together to help educate people on responsible horse ownership and why an American Quarter Horse Association membership isn't just for people living the ranching lifestyle. It’s for anyone wanting to bring a family closer, finding a smile at the end of a day's work or quite simply put – it’s for developing a relationship with a partner who will never give up – in any economy.
How the American Quarter Horse Touches Lives
How to Find Your Perfect Horse If we’re going to ride out this recession together, it might as well be on the back of an American Quarter Horse. To learn more about saddling up with an American Quarter Horse, visit www.aqha.com.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines. Labels: quarter horse breed news
Highly-respected horse trainer Dennis Brouse releases 5-disc training DVD set
Training method focuses on building communication and establishing leadership
March 30, 2009, Le Claire, Iowa – Dennis Brouse, a highly-respected horse trainer and star of the new public television series Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse™ has released a 5-disc training DVD set that teaches training methods that are safe, gentle and effective for both the horse owner and the horse.
The set, which retails for $169, features simple, step-by-step techniques covering the subjects of roundpenning, control techniques, problem solving, despooking, and trailer loading. It can be purchased online at www.SaddleUpWithDennisBrouse.com/store.
Brouse has been working with horses since the age of 14. After learning to train horses “the old fashioned way,” using intimidation, he realized that he was at odds with this method and began developing his own safer, gentler technique based on building a bond between human and horse. In 1996, Brouse started training horses on a full-time basis, and has since spent thousands of hours studying and fine-tuning his training methods.
His technique, which features a unique rewarding system, is as much about training the horse owner as it is training the horse.
“Training horses isn’t about breaking the horse – it’s about establishing leadership, building a bond and truly communicating with your horse,” said Brouse. “This training DVD set teaches you the simple and effective techniques I’ve developed that will help you achieve this. It works for any horse, and any owner—even beginners.”
Brouse produced his first series of training tapes in 2002. Shortly thereafter he produced a television show that aired on RFDTV. His new show, Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse began airing on public television stations across the country in January of 2009.
Each episode showcases a specific training question or situation addressed by Brouse with the horse’s owner. The show also features vignettes of visits to ranches and other organizations where the human bond with horses is illustrated in countless ways.
“Whether you own a horse or just love to watch them in the movies, we’ll explore our storied partnership with this magnificent animal,” Brouse said. “The series will appeal to everyone from the serious horse owner to the arm-chair rider.”
Labels: product news
Denny Hales Passes
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association regrets to inform you of the passing of OQHA Executive Vice President, Mr. Denny Hales. Our deepest sympathies go out to Denny's family, as well as all his friends across the country.
Calling hours and the funeral will be held at Hillis and Hardwick Funeral Home, 935 Forrest Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, (740) 452-5494. Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, April 1, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, and again from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Additional calling hours will be held (directly before the funeral) on Thursday morning, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The funeral will be held at the same funeral home on Thursday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately following the funeral, there will be food provided at a location to be announced. Rooms have been blocked off at the Comfort Inn in Zanesville. If anyone from out of town needs rooms reserved, please feel free to contact Mary McCoy at 740-943-3906.
Notes, thoughts, memories or messages to the family may be e-mailed to carly@oqha.com Labels: quarter horse breed news
CHATEAUBLOND EQUESTRIAN CENTER’S BENEFIT LUNCH “HELPING HAITIAN RIDERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS” FOLLOWED SPECIAL OLYMPICS & RAISED $14,000 AT PBIEC ON SUND
Wellington, FL -- Romy Tschudi-Roy built a riding program at the Chateaublond Equestrian Center in 2004 that enriches the lives of handicapped children in Haiti. She welcomed 5 young special needs children from Haiti and their teachers, who joined fellow Special Olympics riders, supporters and sponsors at the 3rd Annual “Helping Haitian Riders With Special Needs” Luncheon to benefit the Chateaublond Equestrian Center. Held in the Blue Ribbon Club at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center in Wellington FL, the benefit raised awareness and $14,000 on Sunday March 22, 2009.
Earlier that morning, the Haitian youngsters competed in the Special Olympics along with 65 special needs equestrians from the United States. Each rider put their mounts, donated for the event from the nearby Vinceremos Therapeutic Rider Center, through their paces in different levels of competitions from “equitation” to “dressage.” International Grand Prix rider Georgina Bloomberg helped outfit the competitors from her own charity, “The Rider’s Closet.”
At noon, every celebrated at the benefit lunch where Tschudi-Roy, Lilian Stransky of the Step By Step Foundation, and her 13 year old daughter Daniela Stransky Secchi, who had numerous horses to show later in the day, and Vinceremos’ director Ruth Menor and her staff joined 150 guests under the tents at the Blue Ribbon Club at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center. Well-known athletes, trainers, donors, sponsors and fans of the equestrian sports all dined on fabulous food on the sunny day, while watching the thrilling $10,000 Junior Jumper Classic and then the exciting $15,000 Fidelity Investment 1.50m Classic in the Grand Prix arena.
Guests purchased raffle tickets to win everything from original Haitian art and gold jewelry to equestrian equipment and animal vaccinations. Olympic veterans Chris Kappler, Laura Kraut, Pablo Barrios and Nona Garson were among the 20 Grand Prix show jumping veterans to donate private training sessions that were offered in a silent auction! And Stransky and her daughter Daniela, who always donates a portion of all her equestrian winnings to charity, gifted the visiting Haitian riders with brand new approved helmets
It has been found that through riding and taking care of horses, challenged children are given a sense of normalcy, pride and independence. Parents and teachers alike have been delighted to see youngsters who are paralyzed feel movement, and those with mental disabilities thrive around horses. The results of riding, and caring for these beautiful, gentle creatures, has proven to help challenged children learn behavioral skills such as patience, communication, and the ability to show affection. The next thing on Tschudi schedule is that she has arranged for two riders from Vinceremos to accompany two Haitian riders to the German Friendship Show this July. The riders will travel to Germany and ride in the show, hosted by the German Association for Disabled Riders.
Sponsors: The Step by Step Foundation, Sales of Broward, Denver Inc., Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. Labels: equine event news
HILLARY DOBBS QUALIFIES FOR ROLEX FEI WORLD CUP FINALS ABOARD QUINCY B DURING $75,000 GRAND PRIX OF TAMPA HARVARD STUDENT WINS $35,000 TAMPA BAY WELC
Tampa, FL - March 30, 2009 – Hillary Dobbs secured her invitation to the Rolex FEI World Cup Final aboard Quincy B during the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Fl on Sunday, March 30, 2009. This was the last of the FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI-W events. By placing seventh, the full time 21 year old full time Harvard student made the cut and is now invited to compete in the prestigious show jumping event held in Las Vegas, NV.
Las Vegas Events (LVE) will once again host the 2009 FEI World Cup Finals in both show jumping and dressage at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, April 15-19, 2009. Internationally respected course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY will create the final tests for the top show jumping riders from around the globe during the 31st final of the FEI World Cup Jumping show jumping series held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum of Germany will be the defending champion, having won the 2008 final in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Dobbs, the daughter of CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, also earned her place to compete in the 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational Grand Prix aboard her newest mount Marlo by winning the $35,000 Tampa Bay Welcome Stake on Thursday, March 26, 2009. The 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational will be held on Saturday, April 4, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. One of the most prestigious events in show jumping, the competition will be the culmination of the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival.
Invitations to this event are offered to the thirty-five top riders on the tour, and this year's line-up will be a star-studded array of some of the world's finest equestrians, jumping some of the most grueling and challenging courses in the world, in a test of both sheer power and outright speed.
Dobbs, who has already made history in the show jumping arena being the youngest rider to ever win the Hampton Classic Grand Prix (a World Cup qualifying event) and has received numerous awards and victories in 2008, is ready for the two great challenges ahead! If you would like photos or to speak with this young equestrian, please email or call (917) 584-8385.
Labels: equine event news
Mike Miller and Bucks Genuine Fever Win 2009 NRCHA Stakes Non Pro Championship
Mike Miller and Bucks Genuine Fever have become the team to beat at National Reined Cow Horse Association premier events. They began their career with a third place win in the Non Pro at the 2007 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and followed that with a Championship at the 2008 NRCHA Derby, before winning the Non Pro Hackamore at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in October.
"It's kind of like cheating - she makes it so easy," laughed Miller after piloting the mare to yet another title - the NRCHA Stakes Non Pro Championship. "If all the horses showing were like this, we'd all believe we really were trainers. She's always ready to show - and shows well."
The Big Piney, Wyoming, rancher and the 5-year-old mare, by Miller's stallion Playboys Buck Fever and out of Nu And Genuine, marked a 212 in the herd work, followed that with the high score of 218 in the rein work, and marked the cow work high score of 219. "The fence work could have been scary. The cow was fresh, but I couldn't get him to move and wear himself out in the boxing. Then I took him down the fence and was getting scared, but this mare's really fast, so we were ok," he said. "On the second turn the cow came off the fence, so I made the decision to go on to the circles with a fast cow. That could have back-fired on me, but it worked out."
The Non Pro Championship paid Miller $10,650, and he collected a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by the Northwest Region NRCHA Affiliates, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Paul Bailey, a CR Morrison trophy and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. The venerable competitor also earned an additional $2,000 for owning Bucks Genuine Fever's sire, Playboys Buck Fever.
Anne Reynolds and Very Smart Flo Jo claimed the Non Pro Reserve Championship with a composite score of 643.5, earning a check for $8,520, a Gist Silversmiths buckle and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. The home-grown 5-year-old mare is by Reynold's stallion, Very Smart Remedy, and out of Teena Cash Flo, and is owned by Reynold's mother, Joyce Pearson. Reynolds received an additional $1,000 for the Non Pro Reserve Sire Award.
For the third year in a row, Kathy Wilson won the Intermediate Non Pro Championship, this year on Dandy Little Randy, by Mister Dual Pep and out of Dandy Geraldine. The win netted a CR Morrison trophy, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Aspen Meadows Ranch, a CR Morrison commemorative medallion, and a check for $4,220.
Wilson's finals began with a demoralizing 206 in the herd work. "The cutting was horrid today," she admitted. "He can really do well at the cutting, we just cut bad cows. But he followed that with a very smooth rein work, and everything was solid."
The Clarksburg, California, competitor graciously thanked everyone who had helped her make it to the winners circle. "I want to thank the Lord for letting us do this, my dad Tom Young and my mother, Dixie. I want to thank Ken Wold and his wife Ramona for all their help, my husband Mark, and my kids Lindy and Danny," she said.
Carol Roberts earned the Intermediate Non Pro Reserve title on her horse, Ill Be A Super Star, by Ill Be Smart and out of Gay Starlight. The Reserve Championship came with a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Dan and Rachelle Heiner, a CR Morrison commemorative medallion, and a check for $3,165.
The Intermediate Non Pro Champion Sire Award of $1,000 was earned by Mister Dual Pep, sire of Dandy Little Randy, and went to NRCHA Stakes nominator Ward Ranch.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Ed Robertson Wins 2009 NRCHA Stakes Open Championship on That CD Rocks
In just one day of competition at the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, Ed Robertson piloted That CD Rocks to win $39,672. He accomplished that feat by topping both the Open and Intermediate Open divisions with a score of 651, taking home a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Idaho Equine Hospital, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Flynn's Saddle Shop, an additional Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Why Worry Ranch/Very Smart Remedy, a CR Morrison trophy sponsored by Wide World of Horses, a CR Morrison trophy sponsored by Roeser Ranch, and two CR Morrison commemorative medallions.
"We started out just flat in the herd work, and couldn't cut a cow that would challenge us," Robertson admitted about his score of 212 in the first phase of finals competition - but that low score combined with a 219 in the reining, and put him and the CD Lights stallion back into contention for the title. "It was cold and windy today, and he was pretty strong. I just rolled with him and he worked."
It all came down to the cow work, with Robertson and That CD Rocks drawing up in the middle of the second set. The Paso Robles, California, trainer admitted that the cow work can sometimes work against him at big events - he and That CD Rocks missed the Open finals at the 2008 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity because of a difficult bovine, but made the Intermediate finals and won that title.
"I was really happy with the cow. This horse is very talented in every dimension of this competition. He just has that presence that makes him special," Robertson explained after the awards ceremony.
That CD Rocks, by CD Lights and out of Shiney Tari, is owned by Robbie Humphreys of Clovis, California.
Jay McLaughlin, of Gainesville, Texas, rode his three finalists horses to three of the top six spots, winning the Reserve Championship on Shiney Sushi, a 4-year-old mare by Shining Spark and out of Docs Sulena, owned by Carol Rose. "All my horses did well in the prelims, and then they all did great in the finals. I really have to thank all the guys that I work with at Carol's for helping me get them shown," he said. McLaughlin moved to Gainesville to work for Rose, and officially began working on January 2. "I also want to thank Carol for giving me the opportunity to ride such great horses. This mare in particular is such a great stopper. She is extremely talented and I just hope to keep showing her."
Rose collected the Reserve Championship check for $24,724 and a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Blackpoint Ranch and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion, and an additional $15,894 when her other horse, CD Dee Vee Dee won fourth place.
Doug Mills piloted Shiney Playboy to the Limited Open Championship, winning $4,860, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Combs Quarter Horses/One Smart Response, a CR Morrison trophy sponsored by Duquette Quarter Horses, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. Shiney Playboy, by Shining Spark and out of Playboys Sally, is owned by Michael Vantreight. "This horse was really solid today. He just had a little bit of bad luck in some areas," noted Mills after his run. "He's a good horse, and really has heart."
The NRCHA Stakes awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money to the competitors, but the show also recognized the sires and their owners who are the backbone of the program.
CD Lights, sire of Open Champion That CD Rocks, earned $4,000 for Winston Hansma and Danny Motes. Carol Rose, who owns Shiney Sushi's sire, Shining Spark, earned $2,500 for the Reserve Open Sire Award, and Larry & Elaine Hall, nominator of Peptoboonsmal, the sire of Smart Boons, received $1,500 for the third place Open finish.
The Intermediate Open Sire Award was $1,000 to Winston Hansma and Danny Motes, for That CD Rocks Intermediate Open win, and the Limited Open Sire Award of $1,000 went to Carol Rose, owner of Shining Spark, sire of the Limited Open Champion, Shiney Playboy.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Second Sound Horse Conference a Great Success
March 30, 2009
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) is pleased to announce that the second Sound Horse Conference was a powerful and moving experience that brought together veterinarians, researchers, the USDA, and numerous individuals concerned about the continued cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses. The conference was held March 20 & 21 at the Paramount Plaza Hotel in Gainesville, FL. Presentations included Current Soring Practices which consisted of anonymous interviews with trainers and owners involved in soring; Technology of the Future, Detection and Enforcement; How Access to Information Can Cause Change; Future Plans of the USDA; Gaited Horse Biomechanics and Hoof Structure; The Important Role of the Media in Raising Awareness and much more. Conference highlights included a luncheon with sound horse trainers, a natural gaited horse breed exhibition, private Pat and Linda Parelli demonstration and keynote address by Dr. Robert Miller, world renowned author-veterinarian and Pat Parelli speaking of Humane Trends in the Horse Industry. FOSH released its most recent analysis of soring violation statistics and several panelists shared their ideas on how attendees could fight soring. The HSUS debuted its recently completed video on soring and song writer and Grammy winner, Mary Ann Kennedy sang her song, “Tennessee” to the Conference. The song illustrates the importance of letting Tennessee Walking Horses live free of the cruelties imposed upon this breed for decades. In addition to FOSH, major sponsors in 2009 included the Alliance to End Soring, American Horse Protection Association, Animal Welfare Institute, Farm Family Insurance, the Humane Society of the United States, the Leslie Desmond International School of Horsemanship, the Morgan Stanley Foundation, the National Walking Horse Association, Nolan Hoof Plates, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association, Tonka Records, Triple K Bar C Farm, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and Vettec. The date and location for the 2010 Conference is not yet determined. More information on the 2009 Sound Horse Conference is available at www.soundhorseconference.com with audio recordings and speakers’ screen presentations. Transcripts will soon be available. FOSH is a national leader in the promotion of natural, sound gaited horses and in the fight against abuse and soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. For more information about FOSH, or to become a member, please visit www.fosh.info or call 800-651-7993. Labels: equine event news
North Dakota & Minnesota Flood Assistance for Equines
CHICAGO, (EWA) – The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) sends our thoughts and prayers to the residents of North Dakota and Minnesota affected by the recent devastating storms and subsequent floods.
In this most difficult time for residents, the EWA is providing the following information to help their equine friends and other pets. We encourage you to contact and help the following organizations with their rescue and relief efforts. 1) Colleen Cheechalk, from Special Horses, has posted information on assistance on their website, www.specialhorses.org. Special Horses is working with the North Dakota State University Equine Department who is organizing the evacuation for flood victims in their state. A fund for equine victims has been established in cooperation with the University. Donations can be made directly to: NDSU Development Foundation Flood Horse Victims 1241 N. University Drive Fargo ND 58102 Note: select “other” and note Flood Horse Victims. The University is also asking for donations of hay, trailering, supplies and temporary housing. 2) The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has also established emergency relief. IFAWs Emergency Relief Manager, Dick Green and Fred O'Regan, estimate that there may be over 3,000 animals in need of temporary shelter, food, medical care and clean water. IFAW is also assisting with dogs and cats that may have been left behind during evacuations or separated from their owners. To send an emergency donation to assist with the rescue efforts, please visit IFAW’s secure site for on-line donations at: 3) The Fargo-Moorhead (F-M) Humane Society has established an animal rescue area at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo. To contact the F-M Humane Society to help with their efforts, please call 701.281.1574. They are currently in need of hay and grain and human food for their volunteers. They indicated they are okay on volunteers, cat and dog food, water and bleach but please check as that could change as the numbers of rescues increase. A group of volunteers are making a run to Fargo from Minot on Friday, April 3, 2009. There will be a stop in Bismarck to drop off donations for Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue. The supplies currently needed for Fargo are; cat litter, cat litter pans (litter boxes) cat litter scoops, cat food, dog food, jugs of water, horse feed and hay, horse salt block, newspapers, blankets and sheets, any size and color and of course, monetary donations. The staging area for the drop-offs is: Souris Valley Animal Shelter 1935 20th Ave SE Minot ND 58701 701.852.6133 Please notify the staff that donations are for Fargo Rescue. 4) The Red River Zoo (Fargo Zoo) is taking exotics that have been displaced. Please call 701.277.9240 for additional information. The EWA along with Special Horses, North Dakota State University, IFAW and the F-M Humane Society are hoping to ease the concerns of owners for their four legged friends during this most difficult time for North Dakota and Minnesota residents. EWA anticipates that some facilities will be damaged to the extent that there will be a need for longer term boarding and fostering care of displaced animals and possibly even re-homing of some equines. If this becomes necessary, we will provide relevant information. Any additional relief effort information not covered in this press release should be sent to john@equinewelfarealliance.org and/or vicki@equinewelfarealliance.org.
Labels: equine world news
OHSET results for Central District’s 2nd meet held March 27-29 in Redmond.
Individual Event results:
Dressage: 1st Sarah Madison, Crook 2nd Katie Yozamp, Sisters 2nd Elizabeth Schteiden, Redmond
Equitation Over Fences: 1st Katie Yozamp, Sisters 2nd Christa Beezley, Bend 3rd Courtney Acarregui, Sisters
Hunt Seat Equitation: 1st Laurie MacWhorter, Mtn View 2nd Allegra Keith, Bend 3rd Katie Yozamp, Sisters
Saddle Equitation: 1st Ransom Hayden, Redmond 2nd Courtney Acarregui, Sisters 3rd Colton Steinke, Redmond
Trail: 1st Lisa Corley, Pendleton 2nd Shelby Ross, Sisters 2nd Christa Beezley, Bend
Driving: 1st Allegra Keith, Bend 2nd Ransom Hayden, Redmond 3rd Awbrey Cyrus, Sisters
In Hand Trail: 1st Laurie MacWhorter, Mtn View 2nd Brandice Durfee, Redmond 3rd Courtney Acarregui, Sisters
Working Rancher: 1st Lindsey Bernbaum, Dufur 2nd Kristen Russell, La Pine 3rd Allee Aschoff, Dufur 3rd Colton Gilbert, North Lake/Paisley 3rd Laura Russell, Bend
Stock Seat Equitation: 1st Courtney Thomas, Mtn View 2nd Lindsey Bernbaum, Dufur 3rd Laurie MacWhorter, Mtn View
Reining: 1st Lindsey Bernbaum, Dufur 2nd Christa Beezley, Bend 3rd Jana Gisler, Redmond
Showmanship: 1st Courtney George, Mtn View 2nd Shelby Ross, Sisters 2nd Michelle Gant, Redmond 2nd Kayla Vincent, Madras
Breakaway Roping: 1st Mackenzie Hughes, Mtn View 2nd Colton Steinke, Redmond 3rd Harrison Buller, Madras
Steer Daubing: 1st Colton Steinke, Redmond 2nd Kaylee Patterson, Madras 3rd Shelby Nordman, Redmond
Barrels: 1st Shelby Nordman, Redmond, 14.450 New District record 2nd Karlee Markham, Mtn View, 14.620 3rd Courtney Thomas, Mtn View, 15.050
Poles: 1st Hennessey Sloter, Redmond, 22.880 2nd Ciara Timm, Bend, 23.740 3rd Megen Hopper, Redmond, 23.830
Individual Flags: 1st Casey Long, Redmond, 9.550 2nd Ransom Hayden, Redmond, 10.020 3rd Sara Peterson, Mtn View, 10.030
Figure 8: 1st Shelby Nordman, Redmond, 11.020 2nd Karlee Markham, Mtn View, 11.080 3rd Courtney Thomas, Mtn View, 11.210
Keyhole: 1st Shelby Nordman, Redmond, 7.750 2nd Courtney Thomas, Mtn View, 8.080 3rd Taryn Gates, Sisters, 8.490
Team Events:
Bi-Rangle: 1st Karlee Markham & Courtney Thomas, Mtn View, 25.17 2nd Brandice Durfee & Kassi Page, Redmond, 25.71 3rd Shelby Nordman & Hennessey Sloter, Redmond, 26.78
Canadian Flags: 1st Redmond C: Casey Long, Colton Steinke, Ransom Hayden & Shelby Nordman, 33.75 2nd Mtn View A: MacKenzie Hughes, Karlee Markham, Laurie MacWhorter, Courtney Thomas, 35.22 3rd Madras A: Harrison Buller, Kayla Vincent, Ally Bowden, Kaylee Patterson
Drill Working 4’s: 1st Bend (Allegra Keith, Alena Hoyer, Ciara Timm & Christa Beezley) 2nd La Pine (Kelsi Dozier, Chrystal Bates, Jaime Dunn & Haley Knowles) 3rd Summit (Camille Alexander, Kirsten Rehn, Sarah Nave & Catherine Thelen)
Drill Short Program: 1st Redmond (Brandice Durfee, Brittney Fraker, Jordan Payne, Hennessey Sloter, Ransom Hayden & Megen Hopper) 2nd Mtn View (Krystal Brix, Courtney George, Cheyenne Hatfield, Madison Hood, MacKenzie Hughes, Sara Peterson, Kyia Sell & Courtney Thomas)
In Hand Obstacle Relay: 1st Redmond B: Brandice Durfee, Colton Steinke, Natalie Nigg & Katie Clermont 2nd Redmond A: Jordan Payne, Jana Gisler, Michelle Gant & Hennessey Sloter 3rd Mtn View A: Madison Hood, Courtney George, Sara Peterson & Courtney Thomas
Working Pairs: 1st Allee Aschoff & Lindsey Bernbaum, Dufur 2nd Ransom Hayden & Colton Steinke, Redmond 3rd Allegra Keith & Christa Beezley, Bend
Team Penning: 1st Redmond F: Hennessey Sloter, Colton Steinke, Shelby Nordman, (9 cows 3 pens) 2nd Bend B: Alena Hoyer, Christa Beezley, Ciara Timm (9 cows 3 pens) 3rd Madras B: Harrison Buller, Trevor Suppah & Kody Abendschein (8 cows 3 pens)
Overall Team Results
Large Team: Redmond 722
Medium Teams: 1st Mtn View 542 2nd Sisters 510 3rd Bend 485 4th Madras 293
Small Teams: 1st La Pine 266 2nd Dufur 174 3rd Hood River 129 4th Summit 109 5th Crook 93 6th Pendleton 82 7th North Lake/Paisley 61 8th The Dalles/Wahtonka 15 Labels: equine event news, oregon news
Darragh Kerins and Night Train Tie with Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui for the Win in the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa
Tampa, FL - March 29, 2009- Never before in the history of the Grand Prix of Tampa has there been a tie for winner, but today that all changed. Today riders competed in the Covered Arena at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, and both Darragh Kerins riding Night Train, owned by Double H Farms, and Kent Farrington riding Up Chiqui, owned by Alex Boone, Craig Dobbs and Kent Farrington, emerged victorious after the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, when both pairs completed clear jump-off rounds and crossed the finished line in the exact same time, 32.63 seconds.
Today's grand prix was the final FEI World Cup Qualifier for the Rolex FEI World Cup finals in Las Vegas and Pierre Jolicouer designed a very technically difficult course that tested all 45 riders that competed. The most difficult parts of the course included fence 5, a deceptive triple combination, fence 10 to fence 11, a liverpool bending line to a large vertical, followed by a tight turn to fence 12, a delicate plank vertical, and finally fences 13 "a" and "b", an oxer to oxer double combination going towards the end of the ring. The triple combination's middle element, a large oxer, and the last oxer of the final double combination, was where many riders found faults and lost their bid to the jump-off.
"I didn't think that the course was going to be as difficult as it turned out to be when I walked it," noted Kerins, one of only four riders who was able to complete the first round without fault. "I think I was definitely at an advantage to go late in the class and to study other people's mistakes. I think you had to be patient into the triple combination. A lot of horses were getting on top of "b" and having the back rail, but I was just a little bit quieter into the combination."
"The last double combination walked a normal seven strides, but there were people doing seven and eight strides, and it was just causing a lot of difficulty. You had to hit it right on; it was set at a funny angle," explained Kerins.
Farrington added, "It was an oxer-to-oxer one stride which always rides scopey. It was also at the end of the course going into the corner of the ring. Whenever something is set into the end of the ring like that the horses will naturally hold back a little bit when they jump, making the distance much farther away."
It was 17 rounds before Christine McCrea and Promised Land, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, managed to be the first pair to complete a clear first round. The pair had a hard rub at fence 5a and fence 11 that had the crowd holding their breath, but the fences stayed up and she took over first place. McCrea held the lead for nine more rounds before McLain Ward and Phillipa, owned by Sagamore Farms, stepped up to challenge by completing the second fault-free round and assuring the crowd of a jump-off. Up Chiqui and Farrington were one of the last six rounds of the class and also completed a clear first round despite a great deal of bucking throughout the course on the part of Up Chiqui, who came into the ring feeling fresh. Darragh Kerins and Night Train were the last entry to leave all the jumps standing. The crowd cheered as he had a long approach to the final combination and still made it across the final oxer without bringing down any rails.
The crowd was prepared for a very exciting jump-off, knowing that the four participants would be trying their best and going all out to win today's class. Promised Land and McCrea entered the ring first, setting a very high standard when they managed to leave all the rails in their cups and crossed the finish line in a fast 33.25 seconds to eventually earn the third place ribbon. Ward and Phillipa were next and came into the ring with a plan, but in an attempt to make a very tight inside turn the pair had a rail down at fence 7, a tall vertical. They tripped the timers in 31.69 seconds, the fastest time of the day, but their four fault score landed them in the fourth place position. Up Chiqui and Farrington stepped into the ring next and this time Up Chiqui was focused on the job at hand. The naturally fast horse was clear in a time 32.63 seconds without taking the inside turn but managed to takeover the lead. Kerins knew he would need to take the inside turn with Night Train and be clear to win the class, but despite his best efforts a slight bobble meant that he would not be able to make up the time. The pair stopped the clock at 32.63 seconds, the exact same time as Farrington and Up Chiqui, creating a tie for first place.
"It is great, we're both thrilled with how our horses went " smiled Farrington. "These two horses compete against each other a lot and kind of battle back and forth. They're both similar types, fast and careful, so when they're both in a jump-off it's always exciting."
Kerins has qualified for the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals and will be representing Ireland with Night Train during this year's event. After today's win Farrington became the leader of the East Coast World Cup standings. He will be representing the East Coast along with McLain Ward, Christine McCrea, Todd Minikus, Hillary Dobbs, Beezie Madden and Michelle Spadone.
The Tampa Equestrian Festival will continue next week with its third and final week of competition, the Tournament of Champions. The first major event next week will be the $35,000 Grand Prix of Florida CSI on Wednesday, April 1, the final qualifier for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational. The grand finale of the Tampa Equestrian Festival is the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, which will be held Saturday, April 4, beginning at 7 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. This event features the world's top equestrians competing for one of the richest purses during one of show jumping's most historical events.
Labels: equine event news
Taylor Ann Adams Takes Championship and Reserve Championship Honors at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 29, 2009 -The second week of competition at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival concluded today with the Tampa Bay Classic's fifth and final day of competition. The Tampa Equestrian Festival is being held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds and will run through Saturday, April 4
The Junior Hunters 15 and Under started off their division yesterday with beautiful, sunny weather, but this morning the riders were forced to conclude their weekend showing in the pouring rain. Although it was raining heavily the majority of the morning here in Tampa, that did not stop the young riders from competing their best in the sloppy conditions. Both the Small and Large Junior Hunters 15 and Under competed in the Main Hunter Ring this morning at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. After showing under saddle and in two classes over fences today, it was Taylor Ann Adams who took both championship and reserve championship honors in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Adams showed Eloise to the championship tricolor, placing fourth in the under saddle and first in both classes over fences today. Eloise was also first and third over fences yesterday. Adams rode Ferngully to the reserve championship honors, placing third under saddle and second, second, first and sixth over fences 15 year-old Taylor Ann Adams is from Tennessee and trains with Don Stewart, Jr. The young rider had high praise for both her talented horses after this morning's wins and didn't seem to mind the mud and rain at all. "Eloise is the best horse ever and she always does her job," Adams smiled. "She has the best personality; she just went out there in the pouring down rain today no problem." Eloise is ten years old and Adams has been riding her for about six months. The pair showed in Ocala together, and about halfway through the Ocala circuit, six year-old Ferngully came along. This was Ferngully's second week in a row being reserve champion in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division, and the young horse just started showing for the first time five weeks ago. "He is a baby," Adams stated. "He is so great; he is going to be the next big thing. We just love him and he has the best personality." Taylor Ann Adams has shown in Tampa for the past several years and really enjoys her time here. "I love this show; it is great," she said. "I like the setup a lot, there are good people, good judges and good staff. They have great footing and everybody is really nice here, we don't usually have any problems." The Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division competed following the Smalls. Junior rider Samantha Schaefer rode Garfield to the championship tricolor for the second week in a row. Schaefer also had the ride aboard the division's reserve champion, Lazy Sunday. The Small and Large Junior Hunters 16-17 also competed this morning. The Small Junior Hunters 16-17 were the first to compete, with Laura Pfeiffer riding Manchineel to the championship win. The reserve championship honors went to last week's champion, Lyle, ridden by Abby O'Mara. Next to compete were the Large Junior Hunters 16-17. Earning the championship honors was Practicial, ridden by Laura Pfieffer. Saving Grace and Evy Carroll took home the reserve championship tricolor. Today was the final day of competition for the Tampa Bay Classic, the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival's second week of competition. The third and final week of competition, the Tournament of Champions, will begin on Tuesday, March 31 and will run through April 4. Labels: equine event news
Jacob Waggoner Tops NRCHA Stakes Limited Open Hackamore on Miss Behavin Shiner
Coming in as the last draw in the Limited Open Hackamore at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes in Nampa, Idaho, Jacob Waggoner knew exactly what he'd need to score to win the Championship. Riding Miss Behavin Shiner, he managed to outdo that needed score by four points!
"She was soft warming up, and she's fast, so I knew she wasn't going to get outrun. We had a really good cow, too, so she was able to work," noted Waggoner, who has only shown the mare five times since last summer. Although Miss Behavin Shiner, by Shining Topsail and out of Lenas Rani Chex, is listed as being owned by Colleen Augiero, Wagoner is in the process of buying her. "I really like her, and I have half-ownership of her, now."
Waggoner happily accepted the special CR Morrison trophy and $1,560 for the win. The young trainer had previously worked for Dave Duquette, but recently moved out to start his own training business in Notus, Idaho.
Christina Allen guided Paloma Roo to the Limited Open Hackamore Reserve Championship with a score of 278.5, winning $1,170. Owned by KT Cowhorses/Christina Allen, Paloma Roo is by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Instant Paloma.
The NRCHA Stakes is held March 25-29 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. The event concludes Sunday with the NRCHA Stakes finals. The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Wade Reaney Wins NRCHA Stakes Open Hackamore on Gunna Be A Prize
Wade Reaney was all smiles after completing his Open Hackamore runs at the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes. The NRCHA Stakes, held March 25-29 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, featured a full slate of NRCHA approved classes on Saturday, March 26.
Reaney, of Rupert, Idaho, rode Gunna Be A Prize to a 286.5 to win the title for owners Duane and Kay Hall, of Pocatello, Idaho. The couple raised the horse out of a mare they had purchased at the Snaffle Bit Futurity Sale in Reno, Nevada. "She's really produced some good babies for us," noted Duane prior to the awards ceremony, at which they were awarded a CR Morrison trophy and a check for $2,616.
Reaney started training Gunna Be A Prize, by Smokums Prize and out of Gunna Duel, as a late yearling, but "Prize" had some setbacks in his show career.
"He started good, and I really liked him - but he just had some bad luck in his Futurity year, so we just decided to go ahead and show in the Hackamore," Reaney said of the 4-year-old. He continued, "I want to thank Duane and Kay for letting me show this horse."
Earning the Open Hackamore Reserve Championship was NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee Ken Wold, who rode Cobys Soula for Joe Putnam, of Burlingame, California. The accomplished horseman and the 4-year-old mare, by Soula Jule Star and out of Coby Jo Chex, scored a 284.5, and collected a $2,180 paycheck.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Debbie Sanguinetti Wins NRCHA Stakes Non Pro Hackamore on She Aint Plain
For the second year in a row, Debbie Sanguinetti and She Aint Plain won the Non Pro Hackamore at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes. This year the win garnered a CR Morrison trophy, and a check for $1,100.
"I'm really proud of her today. Her reining was good, and we worked a practice cow before the class - that paid off," said Sanguinetti following her run. "We didn't do well in the Stakes, but she did really good in this, today. I'm not the best at the hackamore - but I think now we'll stay in it and keep showing the rest of the year."
She Aint Plain, by Just Plain Colonel and out of Bex Leoak Chex, is special to Sanguinetti. She Aint Plain's dam, Bex Leoak Chex, was a gift from her good friend, the late Jane Tatum.
Earning the Reserve Championship was Natall Melo, of Turlock, California. Melo and his horse, Colonel Doc Tucker, scored a 276.5, pocketing $825. Colonel Doc Tucker is by Master Jay and out of Genuine Emma Tucker.
The NRCHA Stakes is held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, and runs from March 25-29.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Jamie Foster Wins $5K Non Pro Limited and Non Pro Limited (Provisional) at 2009 NRCHA Stakes
Jamie Foster, of Roseville, California, earned two titles at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes horse show - the Non Pro Limited (Provisional) and the $5K Non Pro Limited. Her partner for the event was
Fletch Me If You Can, a 6-year-old gelding by Royal Fletch and out of Sug Sug Could. She purchased "Fletch" in July of 2008. "I'm very excited. Fletch worked really great. He was very smooth in the reining, and had very good stops. Then we had an awesome cow - I couldn't have asked for a better one," Foster explained. Her take for the event included two CR Morrison NRCHA trophies, a check for $550 in the $5K Non Pro Limited, and an additional $156 for the Non Pro Limited (Provisional) title.
Foster thanked her husband Nick Foster, for his support, and her trainer Ron Emmons and his wife, Ladonna, for their help. "I'll stay in the Non Pro Limited as long as I can, and then we'll just see where life takes us," she said.
Galt, California, competitor Mary Robertson earned the Reserve Championship in both divisions on Give Me A Name, a 10-year-old gelding by Smart Little Calboy and out of Leas Peppy, earning $516 for the two reserve placings.
The NRCHA Stakes is held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. The event runs March 25-29, and concludes Sunday with the NRCHA Stakes finals.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Jake Telford Wins NRCHA Stakes Open Two Rein on Starlights Finale
Jake Telford, of Caldwell, Idaho, piloted Starlights Finale to a score of 292.5 - winning the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes Open Two Rein Championship. Along with a check for $1,770 and a CR Morrison trophy, the win garnered even more - the chance for Telford to say "I told you so."
Starlights Finale's owner, Newt White of Santa Fe, New Mexico, had been planning to retire the talented mare, and had already bred her to CD Olena. But Telford was sure she still had more winning left to do. "She was pretty hard to show in the Hackamore, but I was sure she would be a great Two Rein horse. I just wanted her to have a chance, and I kept after him," he said.
"So I'm glad this worked the way it did - I look very smart! I'm glad we'll still have time to show her more before she foals."
Starlights Finale is by Grays Starlight and out of Fasa Little Lena. The 6-year-old mare has over $25,000 in career earnings. Gainesville, Texas, trainer Jay McLaughlin earned the Reserve Championship on Shiners Quixote, by Shining Spark and out of JRC Quixote O Lena, for owner Carol Rose. The title added $1,475 to 7-year-old Shiners Quixote's lifetime earnings.
Joe Stone, of Clements, California, earned the Non Pro Two Rein Championship, a CR Morrison trophy, and $710 on his horse, Sugs Stylish. Sugs Stylish is by Playin Stylish and out of Sugar Bo Hickory.
The NRCHA Stakes is held March 25-29 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. Along with the premier Limited Age Event, the show also hosts a full slate of NRCHA approved classes.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Brody Fitch Tops Youth Bridle at 2009 NRCHA Stakes
On Saturday, March 28, Brody Fitch earned the Youth Bridle Championship on Frosted Pistol Chex at the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, collective $606 and a CR Morrison NRCHA trophy. The win helped brighten a day that was darkened by a rough fall earlier in the Limited Open Hackamore.
While circling the cow, Fitch's horse stumbled - and both found themselves on the arena floor. But the 18-year-old took the fall as a learning experience. "It reinforced how important position is in the cow work. I didn't let it affect my run in the Youth Bridle - I just went out to do the best I could," he explained.
Fitch at the 11-year-old mare, by Little Peppy Pistol and out of Tuckers Frosted Chex, have had a successful career together, winning cow horse competitions as well as All-Around and rodeo titles. Most recently the pair won both the World and National NRCHA Youth Bridle Championships, and won the Youth Bridle at the 2008 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity. Fitch plans to train horses professionally, and is currently pursuing a Business Degree at Idaho State University.
Newly elected NRCHA Youth Treasurer Walker Pozzi earned the Youth Bridle Reserve Championship on Lady Tom Tucker, winning $404. Lady Tom Tucker, by Senors Lil Brudder and out of Filoli Dox, is owned by Walker's younger sister, Morgan Pozzi.
Morgan also earned a title at the NRCHA Stakes - the Youth Limited Championship on Cuatro Olena. The Youth Limited title paid $315, and came with a CR Morrison NRCHA trophy.
The NRCHA Stakes are held March 25-29 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. The event concludes Sunday with the NRCHA Stakes finals.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Wade Reaney Rides Flo N Blu Boon to Win 2009 NRCHA Stakes Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Open Bridle Spectacular
Wade Reaney began his Saturday by winning the Open Hackamore title at the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. He finished his day in the same Championship form by piloting Flo N Blu Boon to a score of 657.5 to win the Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Open Bridle Spectacular - a win that garnered a check for $5,460.
Reaney had begun with a 217 in the herd work - the phase of competition he feels is the mare's strong area. "I just let her do her thing and trusted her. I put my hand down and she just worked. She's always a little different in the rein work, but came through for me tonight," he said. Wade followed his rein work score of 219.5 with a 221 in the cow work. "She's always real good in the fence work. She ran hard and was always in position."
Flo N Blu Boon, by Pretty Boy Boon and out of Lena Over Flo, is owned by Reaney's mother-in-law, Jan Little, and has amassed over $40,000 in earnings. "My mother-in-law is great, and I'm glad she's let me show this mare. I think that this is my last show on her, because I'm pretty sure she's sold," he noted.
NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee Ken Wold rode MC Pepolena Play to win the Reserve Championship for owner Diana Ceresola, of Lodi, California. Their score of 652 earned a check for $4,368. MC Pepolena Play is by Dual Pep and out of Little Nurse Lena, and has lifetime earnings exceeding $35,000.
"We're really excited about doing this well for Diana," noted Ken's wife, Ramona, prior to the awards ceremony.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com Labels: nrha/nrcha news
Debbie Sanguinetti Wins Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Non Pro Bridle Spectacular
After winning the Non Pro Hackamore early on Saturday morning, Debbie Sanguinetti admitted she hoped she'd top the leader board later in the Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Non Pro Bridle Spectacular. The event is a highlight of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, are held March 25-29 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho.
The veteran competitor got her wish when she won after a strong finish and a 219 score in the cow work to push her composite score ahead of the rest of the field. Sanguinetti was riding Peps Command, and won $3,060 and a CR Morrison NRCHA Trophy.
Peps Command is a 6-year-old gelding by Tangys Classy Peppy and out of Misty Fritz Command. It's already been a great year for Sanguinetti and the multi-dimensional gelding - they recently won the American Quarter Horse Association Open Ranch Horse Versatility at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado.
Earning the Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Non Pro Bridle Spectacular was Sharri Gallagher of Surrey, British Columbia. Gallagher collected the Reserve title and $1,836 on her horse Farranic, by Reminic and out of Farrah Oak. But the winning didn't end for the pair - Sharri and Farranic won the Novice Non Pro Bridle title and an additional $1,560.
Richard Montarbo of Paynes Creek, California, won the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle (Provisional) on Jos Neat, by Sanjo Colonel and out of Solisa Cal Bar. The win garnered a check for $710 and a CR Morrison NRCHA trophy.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Sharri Gallagher Wins 2009 NRCHA Stakes Novice Non Pro Bridle
Competing at her first National Reined Cow Horse Association premier event, Sharri Gallagher won the Novice Non Pro Bridle Championship and in the process claimed the Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Non Pro Bridle Spectacular Reserve Championship. Her partner for the event was 6-year-old Farranic, by Reminic and out of Farrah Oak.
Gallagher used to work full time as an accountant, but cut down her workload in order to show more at larger NRCHA events. "I hadn't been able to devote a lot of time to showing and working with my horse," she said. "Now I'll be able to really start going to more shows."
The Surrey, British Columbia modestly gave credit for her win to her trainer, Cayley Wilson. "I really want to thank him and my friend Sarah Sherman. We've been here and having a great time - and this just makes it even better," she explained.
Gallagher's take for the event was $1,560 and a CR Morrison NRCHA trophy in the Novice Non Pro Bridle, and an additional $1,836 for the Reserve Championship in the Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Non Pro Bridle Spectacular.
Becky Lynch, of Ulm, Montana, earned the Novice Non Pro Bridle Reserve Championship on her horse Fairlea Zannie Jay, by Colonel Pic and out of Zannie Jay Lena. The win garnered a paycheck for $1,170.
The NRCHA Stakes concludes Sunday, March 29, with the NRCHA Stakes finals. The event is held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, and began on March 25.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: british columbia news, nrha/nrcha news
Christina Allen Rides Smart Madera to Win 2009 NRCHA Stakes Limited Open Bridle
Showing veteran cow horse Smart Madera for the first time, Christina Allen not only won the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes Limited Open Championship - she also set a personal record. "I've never marked as high down the fence as I did tonight. I scored a 220 and I'm pretty excited," she admitted. What made the score all the more impressive was that the NRCHA Stakes was Allen's first time to ever show the 7-year-old mare.
Allen had ridden Smart Madera, by Smart Chic Olena and out of Jewels Madera, often when she was being shown by Allen's boss and mentor, Jake Telford. But when plans were made to retire Smart Madera, who has lifetime earnings of $40,000 and is a former NRCHA World Champion, Telford asked her owner, Floyd Miller, if Allen could show her for experience.
"I really want to thank Floyd Miller and Michael Moynihan of Cottonwood Springs Ranch for letting me show this mare. She's really great and it was very fun," she said. The Caldwell, Idaho, trainer has worked for Telford for two years, and is looking forward to showing more in the future. Jeremy Meador piloted Ben And Dun It to the Reserve Championship with a score of 411. Ben And Dun It, by Ima Dun Cody and out of Docs Little Sal, is owned by Stevie Beehler of Eagle, Idaho. The Reserve Championship came with a check for $990.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.
Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION: NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY CONCLUDES
Kreuth, Germany - March 29, 2009 - A week of Reining action concluded on Sunday at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association European Futurity at Ostbayernhalle in Kreuth-Rieden, Germany. The show offered $251,000 in added money, as well as 11 ancillary classes for reiners from around the world. Sixteen countries were represented at the event and hosted live feed and live score for fans across the globe. Web visitors contributed to nearly 50,000 page views over the last three days of show. It is estimated that 10,000 people attended the show during its run with approximately 4,000 in the stands during Saturday’s finals.
The final Sunday featured ancillary classes in the $15,000 added Open; $7,500 added Non Pro and Youth 14-18. A complete list of results, photo gallery, blog and news can be found at www.nrha-european-futurity.com.
$15,000 added Open Place / Horse / Rider (Country) / Score 1 / Yellow Jersey / Stefano Massignan (ITA) / 222.5 / $4,379.11 2 / Star Spangled Whiz / Rudi Kronsteiner / (AUT) / 222 / 2,665.55 3 / BA Reckless Chic / Bernard Fonck (BEL) / 220.5 / 1,861.37 3 / Mister Hollywood Nic / Patrice St. Onge (CAN) / 220.5 /$1,867.37
$7,500 added Non Pro 1 / Whizashiningwalla BB / Cira Baeck (BEL) / 216 / $ 2,208.40 2 Skeets Dun / Andrea Castrucci (ITA) / 214.5 / $1,344.25 3 Gumpy Grumpy BB / Cira Baeck (BEL) / 213.5 / $1,008.18
Youth 14 - 18 1 / Major Lena Ciello / Nina Zinsli (SUI) / 203.5 2 / Twist Please / Birgit Wenninger (GER) / 200 Labels: nrha/nrcha news
NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY FINALS PACK THE HOUSE
Kreuth, Germany – March 28, 2009 – In the sport of Reining, the day of Saturday, March 28, 2009 should be considered monumental. The first-ever National Reining Horse Association European Futurity brought the world together to a spectacular $251,000 added event at Ostbayernhalle in Kreuth-Rieden, Germany. By the end of the show, riders from 16 countries brought more than 320 horses, sold-out area hotels, drew online visitors from more than 30 countries and filled nearly every seat in the stands on Saturday night. This monumental night was capped off in the next to last run. Sail On Top Whizard and Bernard Fonck blistered the competition with a 228.5 to win both Level 4 Open and Level 3 Intermediate Open Divisions.
The large crowd of approximately 10,000 let the reiners know when they liked what they saw, and with boisterous enthusiasm. When the duo finished their pattern in Saturday night’s finals, the crowd couldn’t control their appreciation for such an amazing ride. Fonck’s wife, who placed among the top 5 in both divisions, watched on with pride during the awards ceremony in the arena. After his ride Fonck talked about the great partnership they have in preparing horses to show and how it helped Danny and Deluc Cerato’s stallion take home the futurity win and a total of more than $55,000.
Spark N Whiz and Duane Latimer earned their berth by qualifying through the consolation round. In the finals, they marked a 220.5 as draw 12 and led for quite sometime. In draw 18, Smart Reminic Twist and Volker Schmitt knocked on the door with a 220. Spark N Whiz, owned by Luga QH, showed at the NRHA Futurity and was shipped to Germany to compete this week. The stud developed some respiratory problems before the show and the Fonck’s helped Latimer get him healthy and ready to compete this week. Schmitt said Smart Reminic Twist was shown to him only a few weeks ago when Kimberly Wegner was looking for a horse for the futurity. He said, “I rode the horse ten minutes and I said this is my horse (for the show).” Wegner agreed and made plans to have him shown in Kreuth-Rieden. Latimer finished second in the Level 4 Open Division and Volker placed second in the Level 3 Intermediate Open Division.
Not only were the finals of the Level 4 Non Pro and Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro finals exciting to watch, but the awards presentation was also. Italy’s Claudio Risso showed his RS Linkwood Jac to an impressive win in the Level 4 Non Pro Division finals with a 216.5. During his “Celebration of Champions,” he enjoyed the moment waving his hat at the cheering crowd while he piloted RS Linkwood Jac to bridleless slides and spins. Risso bred the mare has owned her dam since 1992, NMSU Bonitas Jo, a horse hailing originally from New Mexico State University. The mare has produced the earners of more than $72,000 at NRHA shows and more than 110 AQHA points.
Twenty-four year-old Matteo Benedusi was ready to show against his good friend Risso on Saturday. Risso joked with Benedusi before the finals telling him to do well, but not to beat him. In the end, Benedusi showed his At Toriwin to a win the Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro Division and place in the Reserve Championship position in the Level 4 Non Pro division. This is the first futurity win for the aerospace engineer major who has been showing since age 11. He said, “I was very happy to win my first futurity championship. And I want to give great thanks to my parents. Without them, I couldn’t be here.”
$125,000 added Level 4 Open Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / Sail On Top Whizard (Whizard Jac x Miss N Sis) / Bernard Fonck (BEL) / Danny and Deluc Cerato (BEL) / Yvette Saad / 228.5 / $45.115.00 2 / Spark N Whiz (Shining Spark x Mizzen Topsail) / Duane Latimer (CAN) / Luga QH(ITA) / Bob Loomis Quarter Horses Inc / 220.5 / $15.882.68 3 / Smart Reminic Twist (Dun It With A Twist x Smart Reminic Twist) / Volker Schmitt (GER) / Kimberly Wegner (GER) / Werner and Linda Hermus / 220 / $12.408.34
$50,000 added Level 3 Intermediate Open Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / Sail On Top Whizard (Whizard Jac x Miss N Sis) / Bernard Fonck (BEL) / Danny and Deluc Cerato (BEL) / Yvette Saad / 228.5 / $10.924.94 2 / Smart Reminic Twist (Dun It With A Twist x Smart Reminic Twist) / Volker Schmitt (GER) / Kimberly Wegner (GER) / Werner and Linda Hermus / 220 / $8.642.30 3 / Whizoom (Topsail Whiz x Dun It The Hard Way) / Grischa Ludwig (GER) / Roy DeBruin (GER) / Charlotte M Decoster / 219.5 / $6.847.92
$50,000 added Level 4 Non Pro Finals Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / RS Linkwood Jac (Mcjac Flash x NMSU Bonitas Jo) / Claudio Risso (ITA) / Claudio Risso (ITA) / Claudio Risso / 216.5 / $9,987.88 2 / At Toriwin (Mr Tori Kid x Iown Doc Win) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Antonio Tropepe / 211 / $7,901.88 3 / Sweet Reminic (Reminic Dun It x Morosita Chex) / Chiara Bartoletti (ITA) / Marco Bartoletti (ITA) / Alesandro Tameni / 210.5 / $5,515.66 3 / Miss Whiz Sparkles (Topsail Whiz x Diamonds Sparklette) / Katharina King (GER) / Katharina King (GER) / Carol Rose / 210.5 / $5,515.66
$10,000 added Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro Finals Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / At Toriwin (Mr Tori Kid x Iown Doc Win) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Antonio Tropepe / 211 / $3,130.36 2 / Sweet Reminic (Reminic Dun It x Morosita Chex) / Chiara Bartoletti (ITA) / Marco Bartoletti (ITA) / Alesandro Tameni / 210.5 / $1,667.26 2 / Miss Whiz Sparkles (Topsail Whiz x Diamonds Sparklette) / Katharina King (GER) / Katharina King (GER) / Carol Rose / 210.5 / $1,667.26
The NRHA European Futurity & NRHA Show offers a full slate of Category 1 classes for Open and Non Pro riders. The NRHA European Futurity is “Open to the World” and showcases four-year-old reining horses and riders competing for close to $300,000 in prize money. More information is available on the official Web site of the NRHA European Futurity at www.nrha-european-futurity.com or on the Online Reiner Blog at www.reiner.nrha.com. Labels: nrha/nrcha news
Jennifer Alfano & Jersey Boy Win $50,000 USJA International Hunter Derby at
WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 28--Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the richest ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Saturday night when they triumphed over a record number of entries to win the $50,000 class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Alfano of Buffalo, N.Y. held on to the lead she established in the first of two rounds of competition to return for the final to post her second straight victory in the multi-year nationwide series. The derby is a highlight of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival and caps 12 weeks of world class jumper, hunter, equitation and dressage competition at the world's largest and longest running horse show.
Kelley Farmer of Keswick, Va., and Early Applause--winners of the AHJF Hunter Spectacular Classic at PBIEC just six weeks earlier--moved up to finish second from their fifth place after the first round. It was their first International Hunter Derby.
Scott Stewart of Wellington, Fla. placed third on the veteran gray Grand Prix Carlos Boy after he retired on Castlewalk, on whom he had been in second place after the first round.
A record 66 combinations started the first round of the final under lights in the showcase International Arena before a crowd estimated at 3,000 that was broadcast live over the Internet and will be broadcast in high definition on WHDT in South Florida on Sunday at 9 p.m.
The class was preceded by the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions in which the circuit champions paraded in the International Arena for photos for posterity.
The riders in the derby complimented the course by designer Bobby Murphy of Lexington, Ky. for presentng challenges with a rock field with geese at the start of a course that laid out the different elements of the derby.
Alfano said of her round: "Jersey Boy is coming into his own. He is only seven years old and is starting to step up.
"There were a lot of challenges tonight. My horse is looky at things on the ground, like the rock field. Those things are more difficult than the jumping..."
Farmer said: "I knew I had to be bold."
She praised her horse as "amazing" who was "great under the lights and has proved himself."
Randy Mullins, a member of the judging panel, said it "so special to judge this class, it brings out the beauty, scope and elegance of the sport." Labels: equine event news
NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY FINALS PACK THE HOUSE
Kreuth, Germany – March 28, 2009 – In the sport of Reining, the day of Saturday, March 28, 2009 should be considered monumental. The first-ever National Reining Horse Association European Futurity brought the world together to a spectacular $251,000 added event at Ostbayernhalle in Kreuth-Rieden, Germany. By the end of the show, riders from 16 countries brought more than 320 horses, sold-out area hotels, drew online visitors from more than 30 countries and filled nearly every seat in the stands on Saturday night. This monumental night was capped off in the next to last run. Sail On Top Whizard and Bernard Fonck blistered the competition with a 228.5 to win both Level 4 Open and Level 3 Intermediate Open Divisions.
The large crowd of approximately 10,000 let the reiners know when they liked what they saw, and with boisterous enthusiasm. When the duo finished their pattern in Saturday night’s finals, the crowd couldn’t control their appreciation for such an amazing ride. Fonck’s wife, who placed among the top 5 in both divisions, watched on with pride during the awards ceremony in the arena. After his ride Fonck talked about the great partnership they have in preparing horses to show and how it helped Danny and Deluc Cerato’s stallion take home the futurity win and a total of more than $55,000.
Spark N Whiz and Duane Latimer earned their berth by qualifying through the consolation round. In the finals, they marked a 220.5 as draw 12 and led for quite sometime. In draw 18, Smart Reminic Twist and Volker Schmitt knocked on the door with a 220. Spark N Whiz, owned by Marco Bartoletti, showed at the NRHA Futurity and was shipped to Germany to compete this week. The stud developed some respiratory problems before the show and the Fonck’s helped Latimer get him healthy and ready to compete this week. Schmitt said Smart Reminic Twist was shown to him only a few weeks ago when Kimberly Wegner was looking for a horse for the futurity. He said, “I rode the horse ten minutes and I said this is my horse (for the show).” Wegner agreed and made plans to have him shown in Kreuth-Rieden. Latimer finished second in the Level 4 Open Division and Volker placed second in the Level 3 Intermediate Open Division.
Not only were the finals of the Level 4 Non Pro and Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro finals exciting to watch, but the awards presentation was also. Italy’s Claudio Risso showed his RS Linkwood Jac to an impressive win in the Level 4 Non Pro Division finals with a 216.5. During his “Celebration of Champions,” he enjoyed the moment waving his hat at the cheering crowd while he piloted RS Linkwood Jac to bridleless slides and spins. Risso bred the mare has owned her dam since 1992, NMSU Bonitas Jo, a horse hailing originally from New Mexico State University. The mare has produced the earners of more than $72,000 at NRHA shows and more than 110 AQHA points.
Twenty-four year-old Matteo Benedusi was ready to show against his good friend Risso on Saturday. Risso joked with Benedusi before the finals telling him to do well, but not to beat him. In the end, Benedusi showed his At Toriwin to a win the Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro Division and place in the Reserve Championship position in the Level 4 Non Pro division. This is the first futurity win for the aerospace engineer major who has been showing since age 11. He said, “I was very happy to win my first futurity championship. And I want to give great thanks to my parents. Without them, I couldn’t be here.”
$125,000 added Level 4 Open Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / Sail On Top Whizard (Whizard Jac x Miss N Sis) / Bernard Fonck (BEL) / Danny and Deluc Cerato (BEL) / Yvette Saad / 228.5 / $45.115.00 2 / Spark N Whiz (Shining Spark x Mizzen Topsail) / Duane Latimer (CAN) / Marco Bartoletti (ITA) / Bob Loomis Quarter Horses Inc / Luga Quarter Horses / 220.5 / $15.882.68 3 / Smart Reminic Twist (Dun It With A Twist x Smart Reminic Twist) / Volker Schmitt (GER) / Kimberly Wegner (GER) / Werner and Linda Hermus / 220 / $12.408.34
$50,000 added Level 3 Intermediate Open Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / Sail On Top Whizard (Whizard Jac x Miss N Sis) / Bernard Fonck (BEL) / Danny and Deluc Cerato (BEL) / Yvette Saad / 228.5 / $10.924.94 2 / Smart Reminic Twist (Dun It With A Twist x Smart Reminic Twist) / Volker Schmitt (GER) / Kimberly Wegner (GER) / Werner and Linda Hermus / 220 / $8.642.30 3 / Whizoom (Topsail Whiz x Dun It The Hard Way) / Grischa Ludwig (GER) / Roy DeBruin (GER) / Charlotte M Decoster / 219.5 / $6.847.92
$50,000 added Level 4 Non Pro Finals Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / RS Linkwood Jac (Mcjac Flash x NMSU Bonitas Jo) / Claudio Risso (ITA) / Claudio Risso (ITA) / Claudio Risso / 216.5 / $9,987.88 2 / At Toriwin (Mr Tori Kid x Iown Doc Win) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Antonio Tropepe / 211 / $7,901.88 3 / Sweet Reminic (Reminic Dun It x Morosita Chex) / Chiara Bartoletti (ITA) / Marco Bartoletti (ITA) / Alesandro Tameni / 210.5 / $5,515.66 3 / Miss Whiz Sparkles (Topsail Whiz x Diamonds Sparklette) / Katharina King (GER) / Katharina King (GER) / Carol Rose / 210.5 / $5,515.66
$10,000 added Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro Finals Place / Horse (Country) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder/ Score / Purse 1 / At Toriwin (Mr Tori Kid x Iown Doc Win) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Antonio Tropepe / 211 / $3,130.36 2 / Sweet Reminic (Reminic Dun It x Morosita Chex) / Chiara Bartoletti (ITA) / Marco Bartoletti (ITA) / Alesandro Tameni / 210.5 / $1,667.26 2 / Miss Whiz Sparkles (Topsail Whiz x Diamonds Sparklette) / Katharina King (GER) / Katharina King (GER) / Carol Rose / 210.5 / $1,667.26
The NRHA European Futurity & NRHA Show offers a full slate of Category 1 classes for Open and Non Pro riders. The NRHA European Futurity is “Open to the World” and showcases four-year-old reining horses and riders competing for close to $300,000 in prize money. More information is available on the official Web site of the NRHA European Futurity at www.nrha-european-futurity.com or on the Online Reiner Blog at www.reiner.nrha.com. Labels: nrha/nrcha news
Penelope Ayers Victorious in Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship with Player at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 28, 2009 - The second week of competition at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival continued today with the Tampa Bay Classic's fourth day of competition. The Tampa Equestrian Festival is being held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds and will run through Saturday, April 4.
The Amateur-Owner Hunters concluded their second day of competition this afternoon and presented championship awards to the division's top finishers. Player and Penelope Ayers placed first and second in today's classes over fences and were second and sixth yesterday to take the championship win. Templeton and Darby Toben won the reserve championship honors after placing second today and first, third and sixth yesterday. Penelope Ayers has owned nine year-old Player since last April. Ayers is from Burnettsville, NJ, and trains with Sandy Lobel, who she has been riding with for nearly 25 years. "He has been an amazing ride for me," Ayers said of Player after her win. "My trainer Sandy has always found me fabulous horses. He is really easy; he has a lot of scope and a huge step. He is also very forgiving, so he is a wonderful amateur horse and he has a great sense of humor. He just likes you to stay off his mouth and let him do his job." Ayers has shown in Tampa many times and really enjoys showing here. "I love this show; it is one of my very favorite horse shows," she smiled. "I love the ring and I am staying at the Hard Rock Hotel, which I love. I have had a lot of good luck here; I have been very fortunate and done very well." The Tampa Equestrian Festival's second week of competition, the Tampa Bay Classic, will run through Sunday, March 29. The week will feature much more exciting hunter and jumper competition including the highly anticipated $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI-W Grand Prix of Tampa, which will be the grand finale of week two on Sunday afternoon. Labels: equine event news
Erica Pritz and Ad Fundum Gallop Away with Junior/Amateur-Owner High Power and Speed Win at the Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 28, 2009- It was warm and partly cloudy today at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, the host of this year's Tampa Equestrian Festival. Today marks the fourth day of competition during the second week, the Tampa Bay Classic. In the Covered Arena junior and amateur riders competed in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Power and Speed class and the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Low class, with the top awards going to Erica Pritz riding Ad Fundum, and Marque Cincotta riding Chappie.
The Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Owner High Power and Speed class was the first to compete in the Covered Arena beginning at 8 a.m. For the power phase riders competed over eight fences, including a difficult triple bar bending line and a triple combination. If riders completed those eight fences without fault they then continued directly on to the speed phase. Today's speed phase featured eight fences, including a tricky double combination.
Eight riders were able to successfully master the power phase and advance to the speed phase, the first of which was Danielle Torano riding Pandoer. The pair had an unfortunate rail coming out of the double combination but had the fastest time of the class, stopping the timers in 41.126 to earn the pink ribbon. John Holmes was the next to compete in the speed phase aboard Baletta, and the duo was clear and fast in a time of 45.087. That time held the lead for four more speed rounds but eventually garnered them the second place prize. Michael Murphy followed Holmes into the ring with Katina 12. The pair came very close to catching Holmes' lead after going clear in a time of 45.294 seconds but their time put them in the third place position.
Next to compete in the speed phase was Filip Amram and Zorro, who also left all the jumps standing, but their time of 50.925 seconds earned them one time fault, and they took home the fourth place ribbon. Hillary McNerney followed Amram into the ring riding Unicum. The pair had a difficult trip, bringing down rails at fence 12, a single vertical, fence 13b, the second part of the double combination, and fence 14, a wide oxer. Their twelve fault score earned them the seventh place position. Julia Lourie qualified for the speed phase with Werly Chinde Muze but the pair had an unfortunate fall at the first fence; luckily both horse and rider walked away unharmed.
Erica Pritz and Ad Fundum were the last to qualify for the speed phase and Pritz knew she was going to have to be fast and accurate to win the class. The pair cut all the turns and left out all the right strides, flying through the timers in 44.554 seconds and capturing the blue ribbon.
"I'm pretty excited," expressed Pritz after receiving her ribbon. "This is my first high win on him, I only moved him up the last week we were in Palm Beach; I had been originally doing the lows and the mediums when I bought him in December."
She continued, "My plan with him was to try and make up for my mistake at the triple combination with my other horse earlier in the class, and really try to not over think and just go for it. The biggest concern was that first fence in the triple, I had it with my first horse, and a lot of others did as well. It was hard, especially coming off of a bending line with a triple bar. Today I just had to stay with my horse and turn; he jumps amazing!"
Pritz hopes to qualify both of her horses for the Devon Horse Show and will then go on to compete at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows. She has been competing at Tampa for a long time and enjoys having the opportunity to show here again. "I've had a fabulous time here this year," Pritz smiled. "I have really great memories from coming here as a kid and I'm really glad Stadium Jumping is still putting on these shows. It's a nice break, this is a great facility, and Tampa's a really nice city."
Next to compete in the Covered Arena was the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Low class. Seven riders were able to advance to the jump-off, which became a battle of the clock when they all managed complete clear short-courses. Sarah Kerins was the first to set a very fast time of 34.647 second with Allie, but it would not be enough to hold up against Marque Cincotta and Chappie, who beat them by fractions of a second after crossing the finish line in 34.244 seconds and winning the class.
Tomorrow the Tampa Equestrian Festival will feature the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa beginning at noon in the Covered Arena. The $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa is the final World Cup Qualifier CSI-W before the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas. It is also a qualifying event for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, being held Saturday, April 4, and beginning at 7 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational with feature 35 of the world's most renowned equestrian athletes competing at one of the nation's most historical show jumping events.
Labels: equine event news
Television's Star Horse Trainer Julie Goodnight Offers Free Spectator Tickets to NARHA Therapeutic Riding Center Employees and Volunteers
SALIDA, Colorado March 27, 2009 TV's Horse Master with Julie Goodnight, www.juliegoodnight.com) offers 4 free spectator tickets to each NARHA therapeutic riding center or member who would like to attend a stop on her 2009 Clinic Tour (see below for precise dates and locations). Julie Goodnight travels to Massachusetts, Kansas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, Colorado, and Hawaii during her 2009 travels. NARHA members listed on the organization's site may call (800) 225-8827 or e-mail clinics@juliegoodnight.com to request tickets. Please include your center's name, address and member identification when requesting tickets at least two weeks in advance of the clinic date.
Each two-day clinic provides an opportunity for horse owners to ride with Goodnight and learn her Straightforward Horsemanship techniques (improving horsemanship skills and learning to be their horses' leaders on the ground and while riding). Audiences are also invited to watch and learn in a friendly environment for a nominal cost. Clinics are open to 10-15 riders ($400 per horse and rider pair) and unlimited audiences ($20 pre-order or $25 adult tickets at the door; $10 for youths 18 and under at the door).
"I'm really excited about all the great places my Clinic Tour will take me this year!" Goodnight says. "In addition to many of my favorite sites-I try to return to Hawaii and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts each year-I'm visiting some new areas of the country. Kansas, Virginia and Pennsylvania will be new stops for me. I've had requests for clinics from very enthusiastic riders and I am eager to work with the many horses and riders I'll meet across the country.
"Horsemanship clinics are a great opportunity for me to work up-close and personal with riders and their mounts. I love helping riders achieve their goals and have a more satisfying relationship with their horse. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction they feel at the end of a clinic is all the thanks I need!"
Ride with Julie: Julie's clinics are informative and personal. At each clinic, you'll have the opportunity to work with your horse under Julie's close supervision. You'll get the one-on-one attention you want to help you achieve your riding goals or overcome obstacles. Pre-registration is required. Bring your horse and work with Julie to improve your horsemanship. Stabling is available for a nominal fee; school horses are available at some clinic locales. Register to Ride with Julie now at http://juliegoodnight..com/clinicreg.html. Free NARHA tickets do not apply to the riding opportunities.
Be in the Audience: This is the best way to gain valuable, see-it-for-yourself training skills at an affordable cost. Don't have a horse? Spectators get the same personal attention and are included in the clinic. You'll be welcome to ask questions and get clarification then take the new info home to work with your horse. Come to watch, learn and network. Clinics run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Bring a chair, a notebook and all your questions. Lunch is available on site.
2009 Clinic Tour Dates: April 18-19, 2009 Rocking V 7325 SW 93rd Wakarusa, KS 66564
April 25-26, 2009 Campbell Springs Farm 12830 River Rd Chesterfield, VA 23838
May 9-10, 2009 RNR Ranch & Tack 2697 Nevers Dam Rd St Croix, WI 54024
May 16-17, 2009 Tally Ho Farms 620 Franklin Church Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019
May 30-31, 2009 Wolf Creek Equestrian Centre 3684 S Bailey Rd North Jackson, OH 44451
June 6-7, 2009 Ironwood Equestrian Park 9625 Florin Rd Sacramento, CA 95829
June 27-28, 2009 Saddle Up! Foundation 11152 E Daley Circle Parker, CO 80134
July 25-26, 2009 Maui Equestrian Facility 1742 Omaopio Rd Kula, HI 96790
August 15-16, 2009 Berkshire Equestrian Center 40 Perry's Peak Rd Richmond, MA 01254
Sept 26-27, 2009 4186 E Hwy 160 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
More About Goodnight: Goodnight is an internationally respected trainer and clinician with experience in many types of training. She grew up riding ponies and horses on an Orlando farm and competed in hunter jumpers throughout her youth. Goodnight counts horses among her earliest friends; she spent many summer days hanging out in the horse pasture and studying how the horses moved and interacted. During her college days in New Mexico, Goodnight earned extra money by warming up Thoroughbreds on the race track. The cowgirl felt at home in the west and soon hit the trails and studying Western disciplines. Always the adventurer, she began leading riders through the Rocky Mountains. As a natural teacher, Goodnight decided to make horses her life's work-and to teach people how to work with horses safely and with kindness. Showing her dedication to teaching and safety, Goodnight earned her Master Instructor and Clinician ranking with the Certified Horsemanship Association (the association she continues to represent as International Spokesperson). She presents clinics and teaches people at horse expos around North America. She recently won Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator award-an award only presented three times in the well-known trade show's 15-year history.
Goodnight is now best known for her award-winning television show airing weekly on RFD-TV-Horse Master with Julie Goodnight. Through the show, Goodnight hopes to help all riders master their equestrian dreams and skills. As "The Horse Master," Goodnight shares the wisdom she's gained by reaching her master-level CHA status and encourages all horse people to become the leaders/masters their horses want and deserve. Natural horsemanship is founded on understanding horse behavior and the idea that horses look for leadership, direction and assurance that they're safe and acting appropriately. Goodnight strives to teach you how to master that ideal and emphasizes the importance of life-long learning.
Julie Goodnight is sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories, Circle Y Saddles, Spalding Labs, Troxel, and the Certified Horsemanship Association. Visit http://www.juliegoodnight.com and http://www.horsemaster.tv for more information about Julie Goodnight and her Horse Master television show. RFD-TV is available on DirecTV channel 345 and Dish channel 231 as well as cable outlets in the Northeast through Verizon; Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Tennessee through Charter; Georgia through ComSouth; Kentucky and New Mexico through Comcast. Visit http://www.rfdtv.com/ to find out how to view the channel in your area.
Labels: equine world news
FIRST CHAMPION NAMED AT NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY
Kreuth, Germany – March 27, 2009 – The National Reining Horse Association crowned the first champions in history for the NRHA European Futurity. The $251,000 added show is being held in Kreuth-Rieden, Germany at Ostbayernhalle. Friday’s competition consisted of finals in the $1,000 added Level 1 Non Pro, $3,000 added Level 2 Limited Non Pro, $2,000 added Level 1 Open and $10,000 added Level 2 Limited Open Divisions.
Twenty-three year-old Jan Tobias Kock had a night he will never forget. Not only did he take a broncy horse he bought as a two-year-old to the first-ever NRHA European Futurity finals in the Level 1 Non Pro and Level 2 Limited Non Pro Divisions, but he also won both divisions including his first saddle ever. He commented about his horse Peppy Olena Chex, “It was our plan when we heard about this show to bring him here.” Looks like he and trainer Rudi Kronsteiner made a good decision. When talking about Peppy Olena Chex and his temperament now he said, “He’s like a pet. He’s really nice and a nice mover. I really like him.”
Barnmate Ingrid Vermeiren took the reserve championship in the Level 2 Non Pro Division on CB Custom Chrome who is sired by Vermeiren’s stallion Custom Berry. Vermeiren said, “We bred him (CB Custom Chrome) ourselves. So he is really close to my heart. He’s so much like his father.”
Whizoom, the Topsail Whiz stallion owned by Roy DeBruin, was among the leading contenders going into the final. Rider Grischa Ludwig said, “Everyone going into the finals has a chance. But I knew I had a very special horse, and I knew I had a chance to do well.” The duo marked a 219 to win the Level 2 Limited Open Division. This was the same score they earned in the previous Go which was the first time the stallion had entered the show ring. Ludwig continued, “He is the most special horse I’ve ever ridden.”
Roostop and Stefano Ferri finished second with a 217.5 in the Level 2 Limited Open Division, but marked high enough to take the championship in the Level 1 Open Division. The Ricochet Rooster gelding is owned Manuel Bonzano. Ferri commented, “This horse is so honest. He has a big heart, big maneuvers and a really big stop.” He went on the thank Bonzano for his support and for letting him show Roostop at the NRHA European Futurity.
$3,000 added Level 2 Limited Non Pro Place / Horse (Breeding) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder / Score / Purse 1 / Peppy Olena Chex (Chex Enterprise x Poco Lena Peppy) / Jan Tobias Kock (GER) / Jan Tobias Kock (GER) / Angela Esser / 212 / $1,333.29 2 / CB Custom Junior (Custom Berry x Prescribed Solano) / Ingrid Vermeiren (BEL) / Marc Andries (BEL) / Marc Andries / 210.5 / $811.57 3 / At Toriwin (Mr Tori Kid x Iown Doc Win) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Antonio Tropepe / 209 / $608.68
$1,000 added Level 1 Non Pro Place / Horse (Breeding) / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder / Score / Purse 1 / Peppy Olena Chex (Chex Enterprise x Poco Lena Peppy / Jan Tobias Kock (GER) / Jan Tobias Kock (GER) / Angela Esser / 212 / $387.92 2 / Gumps First Lady BB (Little Gump x Arcy Cutter King BB) / Ives Leflot (BEL) / Ives Leflot (BEL) / Arthur Baeck / 210 / $236.13 3 / At Toriwin (Mr Tori Kid x Iown Doc Win) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Matteo Benedusi (ITA) / Antonio Tropepe / 209 / $177.10
$10,000 added Level 2 Limited Open Place / Horse / Rider (Country) / Owner (Country) / Breeder / Score / Purse 1 / Whizoom (Topsail Whiz x Dun It The Hard Way) / Grischa Ludwig (GER) / Roy DeBruin (GER) / Charlotte M Decoster / 219 / $3.342.06 2 / Roostop (Ricochet Rooster x Ms Sanditch Whiz) / Stefano Ferri (ITA) / Manuel Bonzano (ITA) / Manuel Bonzano / 217.5 / $2.643.77 3 / CP Surprise (That Stud Muffin x Dun It Chowchilla) / Tom Van Eyck (BEL) / Paul Verhulst (BEL) / Walter Van Aken / 217 / $2.094.85
$2,000 added Level 1 Open Place / Horse / Rider (Country) / Score / Purse 1/ Roostop (Ricochet Rooster x Ms Sanditch Whiz) / Stefano Ferri (ITA) / Manuel Bonzano (ITA) / Manuel Bonzano 217.5 (Runoff – 216) / $909.25 2 / CDS Bull It Olena (Spat Olea x RS Jenny Dry Alejos) / Siefreid Weber (FRA) / CD’s Quarter Horses (FRA) / Laurent & Alexandria Deniel / 217.5 (Runoff – 212) / $719.27 3 / CP Surprise (That Stud Muffin x Dun It Chowchilla) / Tom Van Eyck (BEL) / Paul Verhulst (BEL) / Walter Van Aken / 217 / $569.93
Ancillary Classes - Rookie Level II Place / Horse / Rider (Country) / Score 1 / Tuffenufftobeachic / Claudia Scheuermann (GER) / 209 2 / Freckles Play Ruf / Kerstin Kraus (GER) / 206.5 3 / Quasi Power / Birgit Pott (GER) / 206 3 / Peppy San Winner / Wendelin Herger (GER) / 206
Limited Open $500 added Place / Horse / Rider (Country) / Score 1 / Skeets Dun / Matteo Vedovato (ITA) / 210 2 / Dun It Primo Style / Henry Kuhnel (GER) / 209 3 / BQH Einstiens Delmas / Michael Steimer (GER) / 207.5 3 / Muy Bueno Starlight / Giovanni Rinaldi (ITA) / 207.5 Labels: nrha/nrcha news
2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Champions Parade of Champions Saturday Night, Mar. 28
WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 27--The 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions will be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday night, Mar. 28.
The parade will be broadcast live on the Internet at www.equestriansport.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern US time (2230 GMT) before the ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby final round.
DIVISION HORSE RIDER OWNER 1.45 JUMPER PALOUCHIN DE LIGNY RODRIGO PESSOA RODRIGO PESSOA 1.40 JUMPER BRADBERRY LAURA CHAPOT HAROLD VOGEL 1.35 JUMPER CAPRI LAURA CHAPOT MARY CHAPOT 1.30 JUMPER TOPAS DAVID TROMP BEYAERT FARM, INC. 5 YR OLD JUMPER ZEALOUS LAURA CHAPOT MARY CHAPOT 6 YR OLD JUMPER VDL DUNDEE CHRIS KAPPLER SAND CASTLE FARM 7/8 YR OLD JUMPER PRIMERO TODD MINIKUS SLEEPY P RANCH A/O HIGH JUMPER KACHINA LOUIS JACOBS DEERIDGE FARM A/O MEDIUM JUMPER 7-UP JAMIE WALKER JAMIE WALKER A/O LOW JUMPER RASTELLA CLEMENTINE GOUTAL CLOVERLEAF FARM ADULT JUMPER 18-35 GRISSET ALISSA KINSEY ALISSA KINSEY ADULT JUMPER 36-50 WONDER BUNNI SUSANNAH WISE SUSANNAH WISE SENIOR JUMPERS HS KOUNTRY BOY SHARON SCHMIDT SHARON SCHMIDT SHARON SCHMIDT ALSO AWARDED THE HOWARD A. NEWMAN PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR OWNER OF MASTERS HORSE WITH MOST PRIZE MONEY ADULT JUMPER MODIFIED MOZART ANGELISA CATALDO ANGELISA CATALDO LOW ADULT JUMPER ALL IN ANALISE MUTI ANALISE MUTI JR. HIGH JUMPER JERREMY VICTORIA BIRDSALL NATALIE JOHNSON JR. MEDIUM JUMPER JAMISON ZAZOU HOFFMAN ATHLONE PARTNERS JR. LOW JUMPER WILLY WONKA RICHARD HOWLEY BROOKE GILECE CHLDRN'S JUMPER 13 & UNDER RASHNU LAUREN BIDDLE KATIE BROWN CHLDRN'S JUMPER 15-17 REALITY'S HEARTBREAKER KAILA ROBERT KAILA ROBERT CHLDRN'S JUMPER MOD PHOENIX RISING CAITLIN WATTERSON CAITLIN WATTERSON LOW CHILD JUMPER FIRE CAT AMANDA METZLER AMANDA METZLER PONY JUMPER TALLYMAN BRIANNE LINK BRIANNE LINK PRE GREEN LEVEL 1 NEW ZEALAND ROB BIELEFELD EMILY WYGOD PRE GREEN LEVEL 2 STARQUEST'S SERENADE AMY MOMROW DEBORAH BRENNER PRE GREEN 3 & 4 YR OLD MR. GOODTIME SANDY FERRELL SHADYSIDE FARM 1ST YEAR GREEN HUNTER SUNSHINE PETER PLETCHER BECKY GOCHMAN 2ND YEAR GREEN HUNTER NAMESAKE MAGGIE JAYNE MADELINE THATCHER REG. WORKING HUNTER ANDIAMO SANDY FERRELL MEGAN FELLOWS GREEN CONFORM HUNTER EARLY APPLAUSE KELLEY FARMER LARRY GLEFKE REG. CONFORM. HUNTER FRANCESCA MAGGIE JAYNE MADELINE THATCHER A/O HUNTER 18-35 PREMONITION SHEILA MOTLEY SHEILA MOTLEY A/O HUNTER 36 & OVER COLOGNE DON GRAVES DON GRAVES A/O HUNTER 3'3" ORKA LAURIE STEVENS LAURIE STEVENS ADULT AM. HUNTER 18-35 DONOVAN TRACEY SCHERIFF TRACEY SCHERIFF ADULT AM. HUNTER 36-50 WINTERCASTLE JEANINE CASH VANESSA SYMMONS JEANINE CASH ALSO AWARDED THE MARTHA BASKOWITZ PERPETUAL MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR LEADING HUNTER RIDER ADULT AM. HUNTER 51 & OLDER A ANIKA B LYNN ROGERS LYNN ROGERS ANIKA B AND LYNN ROGERS ALSO AWARDED THE KENYA PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR HIGH SCORE ADULT HUNTER 51 & OLDER ADULT AM. HUNTER 51 & OLDER B HIGHLAND PARK GLENN SENK FASHION FARMS ADULT AM. HUNTER 3'3" RICH AND FAMOUS JEANINE CASH JANE HOSACK LOW ADULT HUNTER A CONTIKI LINDA KRAT LINDA KRAT LOW ADULT HUNTER B THURSDAY NIGHT ALEX PARADYSZ PARADYSZ FARM SMALL JUNIOR YOUNGER WORLD TIME VICTORIA COLVIN SCOTT STEWART SMALL JUNIOR OLDER RED PANDA JENNIFER WAXMAN JOHN INGRAM LARGE JUNIOR YOUNGER ALLEJANDRO KATIE DINAN KATIE DINAN, LLC LARGE JUNIOR OLDER TAKE AWAY ALISE OKEN ALISE OKEN TAKE AWAY ALSO AWARDED THE MARIE SPEED TROPHY FOR HIGH SCORE JUNIOR HUNTER CHILDREN'S HUNTER 14 & UNDER SILAS V BRIANNE LINK BRIANNE LINK CHILDREN'S HUNTER 15-17 DILUVIAL DONNERHALL KELLY RODRIGUEZ KELLY RODRIGUEZ CHILDREN'S PONY SMALL/MEDIUM SATIN DAISY FARISH HERITAGE FARM CHILDREN'S PONY LARGE RAINBEAU'S REFLECTION CAROLINE CLINE AILISH CUNNIFFE SMALL PONY HUNTER BALLOU VICTORIA COLVIN VICTORIA COLVIN MEDIUM PONY HUNTER CLEVERIST VICTORIA COLVIN SCOTT STEWART LARGE PONY HUNTER FOR THE LAUGHTER VICTORIA COLVIN SCOTT STEWART SMALL GREEN PONY BROWNLAND'S MR. MAC MEREDITH DARST KIMBERDEN, INC. BROWNLAND'S MR. MACK ALSO AWARDED THE JIM BRUNDAGE MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR OVERALL GREEN PONY HUNTER MEDIUM GREEN PONY NIGEL MADELYN KECK DANIEL CYPHERT LARGE GREEN PONY CENTER ICE LAUREN SOGARD BECKY COHN BABY GREEN HUNTER AMICI ELLEN RAIDT ALLISON TAYLOR NON THOROBRED HUNTER 3' ROCKFORD NORA THOMAS NORGAN, INC. NON THORBRED HUNTER 3'3" GOLDFINGER JEFF GOGUL CONNIE LINCOLN THOROUGHBRED HUNTER FLEETWOOD'S CABERNET DENISE MONOPOLI LORENA O'NEIL WALK-TROT CLEVER ENDEAVOR LOLA CONSUELOS NELLIE FOOSANER SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER JUST A DREAM NICHOLAS PARADYSZ JOE NORRICK CROSSRAILS HUNTER POCKET CHANGE LILLI HYMOWITZ CHLOE HYMOWITZ EQUITATION 11 & UNDER CAMILA CONESSA EQUITATION 12-14 ADELINE AUDETTE EQUITATION 15-17 KATE BARTOLLA ADULT EQUITATION SAMANTHA SENFT
REED KESSLER AWARDED THE PIN OAK FARM PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR OVERALL JUNIOR JUMPER RIDER WITH MOST PRIZE MONEY
JACQUELINE LUBRANO AWARDED THE CHRISTY CONRAD PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE.
OVERALL JUMPER RIDER LAURA CHAPOT
OVERALL HUNTER RIDER VICTORIA COLVIN
OVERALL JUMPER OWNER MARY CHAPOT
OVERALL HUNTER OWNER SCOTT STEWART
OVERALL JUMPER TRAINER MARY CHAPOT
OVERALL HUNTER TRAINER ANDRE DIGNELLI
Labels: equine event news
Jennifer Alfano & Jersey Boy Leading for Final Round of $50,000 USJA International Hunter Derby at Palm Beach Saturday Night
WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 27--Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy have the lead going into the final round of the $50,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday night.
Alfano of Buffalo, N.Y. took the lead with a score of 181 points in the first round Friday, just two points ahead of the 2008 champion rider Scott Stewart who rode Castlewalk this year. Alfano on Rock Star filled third place with 174.5 points.
The top 25 from Friday's first round in the Grand Hunter Field will be in the final Saturday night under lights in the showcase International Arena.
The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions from 12 weeks of competition will begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern US time, followed by the derby.
Both the WEF Parade of Champions and the USHJA International Hunter Derby will be broadcast live on www.equestriansport.com from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday night. The broadcast will begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern US time (2230 GMT) and is available for $9.95.
Prize money distribution is $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second, $7,500 for third, $5,000 for fourth down to $1,500 for 10th place.
Pl Horse Rider J1 J2 Final _________________________ _______________________ 1. JERSEY BOY JENNIFER ALFANO 92 89 181 2. CASTLEWALK SCOTT STEWART 89 90 179 3. ROCK STAR JENNIFER ALFANO 88 86.5 174.5 4. ANDIAMO MEGAN FELLOWS 85 87 172 5. EARLY APPLAUSE KELLEY FARMER 82.5 88 170.5 6. CARLOS BOY SCOTT STEWART 87 83 170 7. GRATEFUL SCOTT STEWART 83.5 86 169.5 8. VENLO HAVENS SCHATT 84.5 83.5 168 9. STING JENNIFER ALFANO 83 85 168 10. QUERIDO PATRICIA GRIFFITH 84 82 166 11. BOREALUS KATIE DINAN 81 84.5 165.5 12. OLIVIER HAVENS SCHATT 82 82.5 164.5 13. KAISER DE LA COUR MARIA SCHAUB 79 81 160 14. MAUI TIFFANY MORRISSEY 75 84 159 15. TAKE AWAY ALISE OKEN 81.5 77 158.5 16. SIERRA KIRSTEN COE 76 80 156 17/ BEYOND BELIEF GEOFFREY CASE 78.5 76 154.5 18. SAYO CASEY HODGES 80 74 154 19. TIZIANO JESSICA SPRINGSTEEN 80.5 73 153.5 20. FALCON JENNIFER WAXMAN 78 73 151 21. CONCERTO LOUISE SERIO 75.5 75.5 151 22. PREMONITION SHEILA MOTLEY 78 70.5 148.5 23. CASTELLO ELIZABETH TOWELL 77 70 147 24. CLARIN LEAH DEMARTINI 72 71 143 25. QUINTELLI REED KESSLER 71 72 143 Labels: equine event news
Live Internet Broadcast of $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby & WEF Parade of Champions from Palm Beach Saturday Night
WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 27--The $50,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby and the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions will be broadcast live on www.equestriansport.com from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday night.
The broadcast will begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern US time (2230 GMT) and is available for $9.95.
Viewers can go to www.equestriansport.com and click on Event Video to register to view the event from the showcase International Arena at PBIEC.
Geoff Teall, one of the nation's top trainers, best selling author and broadcaster of premier equestrian events, will provide the commentary. Steve Williams, who has anchored the headliner events from PBIEC this year, will join Teall at ringside.
The broadcast will begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern US time with the WEF Parade of Champions from 12 weeks of top competition in jumpers, hunters and equitation at the world's largest and longest running horse show.
The USHJA International Hunter Derby final round of 25 horses and riders from the record field of 70 that were entered for the event will begin after the parade and the broadcast will continue through the presentation of awards. Labels: equine event news
Heather Livingston Wins 2009 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Amateur Championship on Allthatglittersisme
Riding her home-grown mare, Allthatglittersisme, Heather Livingston claimed the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes Amateur Championship with a composite score of 626. The NRCHA Stakes, held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, runs March 25-29.
A bad cow in the herd work nearly erased their chances at the title - but that same cow almost certainly helped secure the Championship. "I picked a really bad cow in the herd work, and then I drew that exact same one for the fence work, and it was really good! My horse stayed right there with that cow and we finished up really well."
The Stakes title is not the pair's first NRCHA Premier Event Championship - they also won the Hackamore Classic Amateur title in 2008. "I love this mare - she's my best friend," Livingston exuberantly explained prior to the awards ceremony. "She is so human-like, and is very emotional. She calls for me every morning."
Livingston, who owns a successful hair salon, almost didn't come to the Stakes - but thanks to urging from friends, she decided to make the trip. "John and Loretta Showalter hauled my horse out here - and Jim and Jo Anne Carollo will haul her back," noted Livingston, whose flight home was set to leave before daylight on Saturday morning. "I want to thank them, because without their help I wouldn't have been here."
The Amateur Championship came with a Gist Silversmiths champion buckle sponsored by Drayer Trust, a CR Morrison NRCHA trophy, a CR Morrison commemorative medallion, and a check for $1,640.
Even more money was given out when Allthatglittersisme, by Yellow Roan Of Texas out of Mistys Remedy, won the Amateur Championship. The owner of Yellow Roan Of Texas, Oasis Ranch, also received the Amateur Sire Award of $1,000.
Chip Redding got to experience the winner's spotlight from a different perspective when he earned the Amateur Reserve Championship on his horse Bueno Tang, who he owns with his wife, Michelle. Bueno Tang is actually a full sibling to one of the Redding's best show mares, Im Smart And Classy, that trainer Lyn Anderson rode to a multitude of titles. "I haven't gotten to show much - in fact, the last time I showed seriously was in 1998. We just really enjoy our horses," he said.
Redding and his wife Michelle collected $1,230, a CR Morrison commemorative medallion, and a Gist Silversmiths custom buckle sponsored by Lyn Anderson.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com Labels: nrha/nrcha news
Jay McLaughlin Tops Open Stakes Preliminaries on CD Dee Vee Dee
The field of 87 Open entries at the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stallion Stakes was narrowed to twenty after a grueling round of competition at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho. Over the first three days of competition, top 4- and 5-year-old cow horses vied for a slot in the clean-slate finals on Sunday, March 29.
Leading the Open field advancing to the finals was Jay McLaughlin, who piloted CD Dee Vee Dee to a 655 composite for owner Carol Rose, of Gainesville, Texas. McLaughlin actually took three horses back to the finals - also riding Shiney Sushi for Rose, and Genuine Masterpiece for Wagonhound Land & Livestock.
The top 20 plus ties advanced to the Open finals, with the bubble score at 640. 627 was the magic number for the nine Intermediate Open riders who also earned a finals berth. Advancing to the Limited Open finals took a score of 614.5.
Anne Reynolds, of King Hill, Idaho, had the high score of 639 in the Non Pro preliminaries on Very Smart Flo Jo, owned by her mother, Joyce Pearson. She earned the second high score on her horse Very Smart Sir, and also the bubble score of 629.5 on Very Smart Cow Pony. All three horses are by Very Smart Remedy.
The top four Intermediate Non Pro riders advanced to the finals, with a score of 611 as the bubble.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse\ News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Shawn Casady Rides Piece of Art to a Win in the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Medal at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 27, 2009 - The 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival's Tampa Bay Classic week continued with its third day of competition today at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The Tampa Bay Classic will continue through this Sunday, March 29, and will feature some of the nation's best horses and riders competing for top honors.
The ASCPA Maclay Horsemanship Medal kicked off mid-afternoon in the Jumper Annex with 14 horse and rider combinations competing over fences for the first round. The top pairs then showed under saddle for the final judging. Following the flat phase it was 14 year-old Shawn Casady of Tennessee who took top honors in the class. Casady showed Don Stewart, Jr.'s horse Piece of Art and walked away with the blue ribbon. Later in the day Casady also placed third in the Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal riding Piece of Art. "Piece of Art is a great horse; she is a really easy ride and really easy to do these courses on," Casady commented after his win. "She has a big stride and she really takes you around the course. I thought it was a nice course today; it flowed nicely and was pretty open." After competing on the large Florida show circuit throughout the winter, Casady appreciates the laid back atmosphere in Tampa. "This is a nice show and we love coming here," Casady stated. "It is nice after circuit because it is a lot more relaxed and everything is a lot closer. The ring is right here so you don't need a golf cart to go everywhere, which is really nice." Following Casady in the class standings was Chelsey Zulia, who finished in second place riding Arcadia Farm, Inc.'s Convent 8. After Zulia, Bailey Hughes placed third in the class riding The Insider, owned by Gillian Sciaretta. Fourth place honors went to Hasbrouck Donovan showing Sag Harbor's Lucky Star, owned by Paige Dekko. Fifth place honors went to Rachel Griffin showing her horse Simplify. The Tampa Equestrian Festival's second week of competition, the Tampa Bay Classic, will run through Sunday, March 29. The week will feature much more exciting hunter and jumper competition including the highly anticipated $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI-W Grand Prix of Tampa, which will be the grand finale of week two on Sunday afternoon. Labels: equine event news
LMF Feeds, Inc. Partners with Alltech for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™
[Lexington, KY] – Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has proudly announced LMF Feeds as an Official Animal Health and Nutrition Partner for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™. LMF Feeds is one of 35 global animal health and nutrition partners who have united with Alltech in a collaborative effort to promote the highest level of performance for the competitors of the world’s most prestigious equestrian championships.
“Alltech has worked with LMF Feeds for more than 15 years, and it is with great excitement that we welcome them aboard as a partner for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Like Alltech, LMF Feeds has a demonstrated commitment to nutritional excellence for animal health and performance.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with a company like Alltech for an event that is truly significant to the equine world,” said Mr. Marlin Statema, president of LMF Feeds. “The equine feed business is a great industry with which to be associated, and we have been especially blessed with significant growth of loyal customers and support from credible suppliers such as Alltech.”
LMF Feeds Incorporated has been a leader in advanced equine feeds for more than 28 years and has been at the forefront of feed formulation innovation. Beginning in 1981 as a local feed housed in a small mill in Deer Park, Wash., LMF Feeds is a major force in the equine feed market today with distribution in nine western states through AFCO Distribution in Spokane, Wash., and Farmers Warehouse in Keyes, Calif.
All LMF equine feeds are formulated by Dr. Stephen Duren of Performance Horse Nutrition. LMF pioneered the concept of individual feed formulations based on the type of hay fed, was an early developer of low starch and low sugar commercial feeds, and continues to be an industry forerunner through its incorporation of live yeasts and prebiotics.
The purpose of the Alltech Animal Health and Nutrition Program is to identify key players who can serve as multipliers of the message of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This strategic partnership with Alltech includes collaborative sales, marketing, and advertising activities as well as hospitality opportunities in the build-up to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. With Alltech’s recent sponsorship of the Alltech European Championships 2009 to be held in August at Windsor Castle, animal health and nutrition partners have the opportunity to align themselves with two of the most celebrated equestrian competitions in the world.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held in Lexington, KY, USA from September 25 – October 10, 2010, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Held outside of Europe for the first time, the 16-day competition involving 600 riding competitors and 700 horses from more than 60 countries is expected to be attended by as many as 600,000 spectators and viewed on television by an international audience exceeding 460 million people. Labels: product news
Beezie Madden and Exclusive Master 1.40m at the Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 27, 2009 - It was a warm, sunny day at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on the Florida State Fairgrounds, where riders competed for the third day during the Tampa Bay Classic. The Tampa Bay Classic is the second week of the Tampa Equestrian Festival, a three-week horse show featuring the nations premier hunters and jumpers competing for top prizes. Today jumper riders competed in the Covered Arena in the 1.40m class, where Beezie Madden garnered the top two prizes, earning the blue ribbon with Exclusive, owned by Elizabeth Busch Burke and John Madden Sales, and the red ribbon with the Neopolitan Holding entry, Prima.
"Exclusive is a new young horse for me," smiled Madden. "We got her right after the Syracuse Invitational and we started her at Palm Beach. She won a 1.45m class there and she's placed in a lot of classes. She's a really exciting new horse for us."
Today's first course was difficult with 15 jumping efforts that included many challenging bending lines, a triple combination, and an oxer to vertical double combination. Only six riders advanced to the jump-off, which included very sharp turns and rollbacks, the double combination, and finished over a large oxer going away from the gate.
McLain Ward and Sagamore Farm's Rothchild were the first horse and rider combination to complete a faultless first round and advance to the jump-off. The pair had rails at fence eight, a single vertical, and the first jump of the double combination, for an eight fault score and the sixth place award. Leslie Howard and Hip Hop, owned by David Goodwin, were the next pair to compete over the short course, but they also had a rail at fence eight for a four fault score in 38.074 seconds for fourth place. Kent Farrington and Uceko, owned by RCG Farm LLC, were the first to complete a faultless jump-off effort, but their time of 41.463 seconds placed them in the third position.
Madden followed Farrington into the ring with her first mount Prima, posting a clear effort and beating his time by stopping the clock at 38.611 seconds to earn the second place prize. Shane Sweetnam was the next to compete in the jump-off with Triviant, owned by the Curtis Lourie Group, but the pair had a rail at fence eight and moved into the fifth place position after tripping the timers at 39.772 seconds. Madden entered the ring last with Exclusive and didn't hold back in the jump-off, allowing the mare to cut the turns and fly through the timers in a clear 38.202 seconds to capture the day's win.
"The first round was a little difficult; there weren't very many clear," explained Madden. "I was a little conservative with my first horse, Prima, because she's done a lot of running. She's kind of my main speed horse, so I didn't want to let her go in and just be fast the whole time. When we went in and took over the lead being conservative I knew that if I let Exclusive slip around at her own pace she'd probably be a little bit faster to win."
Madden will continue to compete with Exclusive next week and then she will show her at the Charlotte Jumper Classic and Spruce Meadows. Madden also hopes to take her to Europe over the summer.
Madden has enjoyed having the opportunity to show at the Tampa Equestrian Festival. "I like the facility because everything is convenient," she said. "You get to see some of the other horses and some of the other people; it's more social. They've done a beautiful job. We love to support the show and we love the Invitational; we hope everybody comes out to watch."
The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational will be held Saturday, April 4, at Raymond James Stadium, and is the finale of the Tampa Equestrian Festival. The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational is a star-studded event featuring the top equestrians from all over the world competing for one of the largest purses in show jumping.
Labels: equine event news
The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo 2009 Celebrated 10 Years with Extremely Exciting Equine Entertainment!
Costumes, color, choreography, competition and crowds of horse lovers! All were part of the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, presented by Silverlite Trailers, March 20 through 22 at the Linn County Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon. Official attendance for the weekend was slightly higher than last years’ event with just over 14,000 people attending. The horse fair featured a giant trade show, equine demonstrations, lectures and workshops, as well as two special “Extreme” equine competitions, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the horse festival. Competitors from all over the Northwest, rode their hearts out in Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy RaceÔ and the Extreme Mustang Makeover.
Expo attendees cheered and applauded for horse and rider teams in the Extreme Cowboy Race as 34 cowboys and cowgirls showed off their skill and horsemanship in a difficult indoor obstacle course. The top twelve finalists competed Sunday morning, exhibiting their best horsemanship skills and finesse, in a timed obstacle course that combined speed with careful negotiation of jumps and tricky obstacles within the course. Tammy Harty of Bend, Oregon, won the event, earning the title of “Extreme Cowboy Race Champion” and receiving $2880 in first place prize money. The second place prize of $1800 went to Tawnie Painter of Rogue River, Oregon; with third place and $1080 awarded to Dustin DeHaan from Eugene,Oregon; the fourth place prize of $720 went to Jessica Bishop of Scio, Oregon; with fifth place and $720 going to Lance Monagon of The Dalles, Oregon. In the second portion of the “Extreme” equine entertainment, trainers from Oregon, Washington, Montana and California competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, presented by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. Contestants vied for the chance to take home a four figure purse of prize money, while demonstrating their top training skills with wild horses. Trainers were chosen from applications to the Mustang Heritage Foundation, received their wild mustangs, and had just 90 days to train and prepare them for the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition. Competitors were judged on conditioning, groundwork, and a "Horse Course" that required maneuvers and included obstacles found in trail and recreational riding situations. Then the top ten trainers and their mustangs showcased their horse’s talents in the “Freestyle” Final Round. All horses were then auctioned to the highest bidder and adopted, immediately following the competition. The champion mustang, fittingly named “Mustang Sally”, was trained and ridden by Laird McCabe of Yamhill, Oregon, earning the champion’s check of $3,000. The little horse brought the cheering crowd to its feet, as it flew over 3 foot jumps, clearing them easily! “This was a fantastic finish to the event,” said Kali Sublett, Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) event coordinator. “Sally and Laird were the last to compete and they did an incredible job showing the crowd what great horses these mustangs can be.” Second place honors went to Dave Weeding of Pompeys Pillar, Montana; third place prize went to Dave Bosen of Swan Lake, Idaho; fourth place was won by Corine Belser of Burns, Oregon; and fifth place honors went to Kyle Churchill of Mill Creek, Washington. The highest adoption bid for the mustangs was $5,000 for the horse trained by Jani Mari Sigray-Cochran of Rogue River, Oregon. A total of 28 horses were adopted in the bidding process for an average bid of $1,142.86. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to showcase the recognized value of mustangs through a national training competition and has placed more than 1,000 mustangs for adoption since September 2007. Northwest Horse Fair & Expo 2009 clinicians provided outstanding educational opportunities in Colt Starting, Reining, Dressage, Jumping, Centered RidingÒ, Centered DrivingÒ, Horse Psychology, Horse Handling and General Horse Training. Equine Experts appearing at the event were: Craig Cameron, Kay Meredith, Linda Allen, Peggy Brown, Rick Lamb and Steve Rother. Breed and stallion groups decorated their stalls and alleyways, to highlight the variety of horses represented at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, and Event Management hosted a Stall Decorating Contest to reward these efforts. The winners were: In the Breed/Discipline Showcase Category, First Place went to the Oregon Pony of the Americas Club; Second Place went to the National Miniature Donkey Association; and Third Place went to the Northwest Pleasure Tennessee Walking Horse Association. In the Stallion Review category, winners were: First Place went to the Benson Ranch Miniature Donkeys from Gold Hill, Oregon; the Second Place winner was Hartley Performance Horses of Aumsville, Oregon; and the Third Place prize went to Wolfsong Friesians of Springfield, Oregon. John Cloe, founder of the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, and event manager said, “We’ve been so impressed with the response and enthusiasm for this horse festival over the past 10 years. I’d like to personally thank everyone who has supported us and our event. We’re looking forward to hosting another outstanding Northwest Horse Fair and Expo next year!” The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo will be held next year at the Linn County Fair & Expo in Albany, March 19 through 21, 2010. Clinicians and event details will be announced at a later date. Sponsors for the 2009 Northwest Horse Fair & Expo were: SilverLite Trailers, the Presenting Sponsor; Beelart Embroidery; Coastal Farm and Ranch; Guaranty RV & 5th Wheel Centers; KRKT; KXPC-FM; LMF Feed; Purina Mills, LLC; and Northwest Rider, the official publication for the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. Labels: equine event news, oregon news
Equi-Spirit Toys and Tools Launches Canine-Spirit Balls
Let Your Dog Have a Ball with Canine-Spirit Toys
Hours of Fun with Extremely Durable, Safe, and Affordable Dog Play Balls and Toys March 27, 2009 -- Cornville, AZ - Lisa Ross Williams, creator of both the "If Your Horse Could Talk" webcast available on her unique holistic horse care website, www.naturalhorsetalk.com and Equi-Spirit Toys and Tools for horses is excited to introduce Canine-Spirit Toys, their new line of dog play and training balls. Equi-Spirit Toys & Tools are experiencing a fantastic response to the unique product line, both in the U.S. and over-seas. Equi-Spirit has become the leader in horse play and training toys and tools, including their famous 40” fun-designed balls. "Our Canine-Spirit ball was originally designed for horses, but when we witnessed the enthusiasm of our dog, Spirit, playing with the Equi-Spirit horse ball, we knew we had to offer this great product to other dogs and their humans. Furthermore, the response we received from dog guardians who purchased an Equi-Spirit ball was amazing, which concreted the idea to start Canine-Spirit Toys," states Lisa Ross-Williams.
The Canine-Spirit 25” ball, offered in three designs; red & black or red & white soccer or yellow Smiley Face, features a heavy-duty inner PVC bladder which is then covered by a 100% polyester fabric cover. An air pump is used to inflate it and it can be kept inflated for storage.
Kenny Williams, co-creator of Equi-Spirit balls states, “It’s a great thing for us to be able to bring fun, joy and laughter to people and their animals. “
For further information about Canine-Spirit balls or Equi-Spirit Toys & Tools please email Lisa@naturalhorsetalk.com Labels: Companion animal news
Top Riders Win with Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons
Impressive results continue to roll in for Easyboot hoof boot products in endurance competitions around the world.
Australia. Carol Layton and Sqiggle finished first in the lightweight division and won Best Condition at the Kiwarrak endurance ride March 21. "Many in the peanut gallery at the workout for all the division horses were heard to say that they felt that Sqiggle had the best movement of the lot," said Carol. Carol and Sqiggle used Easyboot Gloves during the event. USA. Heather Reynolds and her mare “Gem” won their 5th consecutive event with first place finishes all three days at the Cuyama Oaks Pioneer. Gem also received overall Best Condition for the event. Gem recently was 1st place and Best Condition at the Twenty Mule Team 65 and the Shine and Shine Only 50. Heather and Gem have been racing in both the Easyboot Glue-On and Easyboot Glove. “The boots have worked out really great.” said Heather. “Twenty Mule Team was a really sandy ride. We took the boots off right afterwards and there wasn’t any sand in the boots. We were really amazed.” Heather has an impressive American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) record of over 14,000 miles. Chris Martin’s horse, Monk, finished the Twenty Mule Team Ride 4th in Easyboot Glue-On’s with Lindsay Graham of Napa, CA up. Dave Rabe finished a respectable 12th on his Arab gelding, Tigger. Vettec Adhere is used to apply Easyboot Glue-Ons. Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons were just released in January. EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70's. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care. EasyCare is excited about being part of this growing trend. For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, e-mail: admin@easycareinc.com or visit our website www.easycareinc.com. Labels: product news
2009 Charlotte Jumper Classic, CSI 5* Features Exciting Puissance Class as New Event
Charlotte, NC - March 27, 2009 - The 2009 Charlotte Jumper Classic, CSI 5* will have an exciting new class added to the schedule this year. The Puissance will be held on Saturday, April 11, during the evening session that starts at 7 p.m. The Charlotte Jumper Classic, one of the nation's best show jumping events, is held on April 10-12 at the Time Warner Cable Arena in downtown Charlotte, which is also home to the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats basketball team.
"Our riders are some of the best on the circuit, all very accomplished and ranked worldwide," said Bob Johnson, Chairman of the Bobcats Youth Foundation and Owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. "I am excited to add the Puissance Class to this year's Charlotte Jumper Classic and know that the riders and attendees will enjoy an exciting competition." The Puissance has a rich history in equestrian sport. Puissance means "powerful", or having the power to do something. It is a class that requires special talent and concentration from the horse and rider. The competition involves jumping a puissance wall. The starting height is a minimum of 4'6" and often is raised to over seven feet tall. The Puissance is not the same as the High Jump, because the Puissance is a series of bricks built as a wall rather than angled poles as used in the high jump. The world record for the outdoor Puissance is held by German rider Franke Sloothaak, who in 1991 jumped 7'10" on Leonardo in Chaudfontaine, Belgium. At the 1983 Washington International Horse Show, the American Indoor Record was set by Anthony d'Ambrosio and Sweet 'n' Low, who jumped 7'7½". The Puissance is a featured event at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), where last year Michael Morrissey of Bradenton, FL, tried to set the new American Indoor Record with his horse Scaraberas. Although they did not set the record at 7'8", they did win the class at 7'1/2". Last year's attempt at the WIHS was Morrissey's second Puissance class with Scaraberas. At the 2008 Dublin Horse Show in Ireland, they cleared 6'11" in the pouring rain. "In the last minute I went in the Puissance," Morrissey explained. "I've had that horse since he was six years old and had never jumped him over a wall. We were third and jumped quite big in the pouring rain. He jumped fantastic, and he became a puissance horse in Dublin." Morrissey has ridden Scaraberas, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, for five years. He feels that his horse has certain qualities that make him perfect for a specialized class like the Puissance. "He's super brave," Morrissey acknowledged. "I don't think I've ever been on a horse braver than him. He'll jump anything and everything. They have to be very brave to go down to a seven foot wall. They also have to have the talent and athleticism to do it. He's got all of those qualities. He's big, scopey, careful, brave, and very athletic for such a big horse, which really helps." Morrissey went to the 2008 WIHS in anticipation of the Puissance class. "At Washington, I was really looking forward to the Puissance because Scaraberas was so good in Dublin. I really studied it and went on YouTube and watched a lot of puissance rounds. I learned a lot on how to ride a big wall," he said. "You ride a big wall a lot differently than you would a normal fence. It all worked out in Washington." Morrissey plans to compete with Scaraberas at this year's Puissance class at the Charlotte Jumper Classic and hopes he will get another shot at setting a new record. "I've always loved the Puissance, and it's been my favorite class. I've always wanted to do them. I think we should have more of them in this country, so I'm really happy to see that Charlotte has added it to their show schedule," he added. "Spectators love to watch it, and it's a very crowd-pleasing exhibition." Morrissey and other top grand prix riders can be seen in the highlight events of the 2009 Charlotte Jumper Classic: The Puissance class on Saturday, April 11, at 7 p.m., and the $450,000 Grand Prix of Charlotte on Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m. The $450,000 Grand Prix of Charlotte, CSI 5* will also be televised, and a live webcast of the show will be available online. The Charlotte Jumper Classic, a fundraiser for the Bobcats Youth Foundation, will host more than 150 horses in Uptown Charlotte and features $575,000 in prize money. For more information on the Charlotte Jumper Classic, please visit their Web site at www.charlottejumperclassic.com. Labels: equine event news
A New, Innovative Body Protector for Young Riders
March 2009—Lami Cell introduces the Child’s Body Protector because it’s never too early to teach—or ensure—rider safety.
The Child’s Body Protector features NPVC impact foam with zones of differing densities for more efficient shock absorption and range of motion, as well as holes for increased ventilation. The Child’s Body Protector also features a durable, easy-to-clean nylon outer shell and a poly mesh lining for higher breathability. Naturally, the Child’s Body Protector is rigorously safety certified at the highest level: Beta Level 3 Color: now available in purple and black MSRP $109.99 The Child’s Body Protector by Lami-Cell is distributed by Partrade. About Partrade Since our start in 1955, Partrade Trading Company has become a premier manufacturer and international retailer for world-class Western and English riding supplies. Partrade’s success is founded on an unrivaled dedication to our customers, supreme selection, and constant innovations in our product lines. As a manufacturer, we can promise you the highest quality; as a retailer, we can promise you exceptional value and superior service. Contact us at 800.223.2101 or visit Partrade.net. Labels: product news
SMARTPAK™ OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM TOP RIDERS AT ROLEX CHAMPIONSHIP
The Company hosts free Rolex Course Walk for 5th consecutive year
PLYMOUTH, Mass. – (March 27, 2009) SmartPak™, title sponsor of the new USEA Training Level 3 Day series, is offering attendees another special opportunity to learn from top riders at the 2009 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** when they hold their 5th consecutive Course Walk on Thursday, April 23rd. Attendees will get the opportunity to see the course through the eyes of 2 of the country’s top event riders; Kim Severson and Jan Byyny.
Always an entertaining duo, Severson and Byyny will lead a guided tour through the perils of the most challenging cross country course in the U.S., offering their tips and tactics along the way. Everyone is welcome to attend this incredible opportunity and attendees are encouraged to participate and ask questions along the way. "The response from last year’s Course Walk was overwhelming,” said Becky Minard, SmartPak’s founder and senior VP. “People really enjoyed the event and had such a fun time getting insight from Kim and Jan. We’re so happy that we’re able to offer Rolex attendees the opportunity again this year."
Kim Severson’s recent career highlights include: 2004 Individual Olympic Silver Medalist as well as a Team Olympic Bronze Medalist. She is the winner of the 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI****. The USEA named her their Leading Lady rider in 2002, 2004 and 2005. Her famous partner of previous years, Winsome Adante, was named the 2002, 2004 and 2005 Horse of the Year by the USEA making him the second highest scoring horse in the history of U.S. eventing. Winsome Adante was officially retired at last year’s Rolex event.
Jan Byyny’s career highlights include: Team Gold Medalist and Individual Bronze Medalist at 2003 Pan Am Games; 2007 1st place Bromont CCI** and 1st place Morven CCI*; 2006 Reserve Champion Fair Hill International and individual member of the U.S. World Equestrian Games squad in Aachen, Germany; 6th 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI and 2004 Team Alternate for Athens Olympics.
Interested parties are strongly encouraged to pre-register by emailing SmartPak at coursewalk@SmartPak.com with a subject line of “Rolex Course Walk Sign-Up.” SmartPak will be offering a select number of free gift bags available on a first come first serve basis to those who stop by the SmartPak booth prior to the walk on Thursday. The walk will commence at the start of Cross Country; exact time to be posted on www.SmartPakEquine.com and at the SmartPak booth after ride times are posted.
For more information on the Course Walk, visit the SmartPak booth located in Sponsor Village during the event. While you’re there, you can put together a customized SmartPak for your horse or shop for a customized outfit for yourself, with SmartPak’s array of personalized products featuring everything from barn jackets to helmet covers.
For more information on SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll free at (800) 461-8898. SmartPak is a proud member of the USEA’s new Training Level 3 Day Series, a Sponsor of the USEA Horse of the Year program and a legacy sponsor of the Spalding Labs USEA Young Event Horse Series. About SmartPak Equine SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. It has been embraced by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. In 2006, SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list.
The company was also listed among the Boston Globe's annual "Top Places to Work" in 2008 and was honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com. Labels: equine event news
USET Foundation to Host Joe Fargis Show Jumping Clinic in Gladstone
Gladstone, NJ - March 27, 2009 - The USET Foundation is pleased to announce that the special opportunity to train with Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis is still available. The Gold Medal Olympic Show Jumping Clinic with Fargis will be held at the historic training facility at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ. The clinic will benefit the USET Foundation in their pursuit of funding the High Performance equestrian teams.
The clinic will take place on May 23-24. It will have a maximum of 24 participants, with three sections of eight participants each. The clinic will include flatwork, gymnastics, and jumping in the historic competition ring at Gladstone. In the event of inclement weather, the clinic will take place in Nautical Hall, the adjacent indoor arena. Those who wish to participate as riders in the clinic will receive two hours of clinic instruction each day for two days, as well as breakfast and lunch daily, one complimentary auditing seat, stabling at Hamilton Farm, and initial bedding. The space for auditors is unlimited. Auditors will have the opportunity to observe all clinic sessions and will receive breakfast and lunch daily. Joe Fargis is one of the most successful riders ever to represent the United States Equestrian Team in international competition. During the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, Fargis and his great mare, Touch of Class, won the show jumping Individual Gold Medal and the Team Gold Medal. He became only the second U.S. athlete to ever win an Individual Gold Medal in show jumping. He was also a member of the Team Silver Medal show jumping squad during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Fargis has won countless Grand Prix classes throughout his illustrious career and is lauded as one of the best practical clinicians in the country. Fargis was a member of the USET training camps and lived at Hamilton Farm from 1969 to 1971 during the winter. There, he worked with then Chef d'Equipe Bertalan deNemethy. Fargis is looking forward to returning to Gladstone to teach riders and pass on the valuable lessons that he learned during his time there. "I'm flattered that they asked me to teach a clinic there," he said. "I hope the students will leave believing in something that I taught them." Fargis wants to emphasize to students that "the horse comes first." He said, "It's good horsemanship. The horse is a very valuable partner to us, and we need to appreciate them. We should be as kind and nice to them as they are to us." USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins said, "This clinic with Joe Fargis is a special event fundraiser that benefits the Foundation, but it also gives the participants a chance to receive excellent instruction from an Olympic gold medal rider here at the historic Gladstone facility. This is also a great opportunity for eventers who may wish to get great show jumping instruction." Generous sponsors have signed on to make the clinic series a success, The New Gladstone Market, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, and FarmVet are supporting the clinics. For further information please contact the USET Foundation at 908-234-1251. The United States Equestrian Team Foundation ( www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America's elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.
Labels: equine event news
Michael Morrissey Leads $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational Standings
Tampa, FL - March 27, 2009 - Michael Morrissey vaulted to the lead of the $200,00 Budweiser American Invitational standings after earning second place during yesterday's $35,000 Welcome Stake at the Tampa Bay Classic.
The $35,000 Welcome Stake was the first qualifier for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational. Keean White of Canada currently stands in second place, while Lauren Hough follows in third.
The Tampa Equestrian Festival is currently being hosted at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, and will continue through Saturday, April 4.
The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational CSI 4*, under the lights at Raymond James Stadium, on April 4, 2009, is again the grand finale to this year's festival.
Over the years, the American Invitational has been recognized as the crown jewel of American show jumping, and year in and year out, it has been one of its toughest tests.
The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, at Raymond James Stadium, brings together an elite group of international equestrians to compete for one of the richest purses in all of show jumping. The unique invitation-only format assures the best possible starting field.
The following events remain as qualifiers for this year's Budweiser American Invitational:
March 29: $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 3*-W
April 1: $35,000 Grand Prix of Florida CSI
Here, are the latest standings for this year's contest, based on money won in WEF qualifying events.
THE LATEST BUDWEISER AMERICAN INVITATIONAL STANDINGS
As of 3/27/09
PLACE TOTAL $ TOTAL PT RIDER NAT TBC100 tbc 100 TBC101 tbc101 1 $7,500 57 MICHAEL MORRISSEY USA $7,500 57 2 $2,300 54 KEEAN WHITE CAN $2,300 54 3 $1,950 53 LAUREN HOUGH USA $1,950 53 4 $1,600 52 LESLIE HOWARD USA $1,600 52 5 $750 49.5 CHRIS KAPPLER USA $750 49.5 $750 49.5 CLARA LINDNER USA $750 49.5 $750 49.5 LAURA LINBACK USA $750 49.5 8 $500 44 HENRI KOVACS HUN $500 44 $500 46 MARY SHIRLEY USA $500 46 $500 47 REBECCA JOHANSON HOFMANN USA $500 47 11 $0 43 HILLARY DOBBS USA 43 12 $0 42 CARA RAETHER USA 42 13 $0 40 KENT FARRINGTON USA 40 14 $0 39 SHANE SWEETNAM IRL 39 15 $0 34 DEBBIE STEPHENS USA 34 16 $0 31 JENNA THOMPSON CAN 31 17 $0 29 LJUBOV KOCHETOVA RUS 29 18 $0 28 GEORGINA BLOOMBERG USA 28 19 $0 27 MARIO DESLAURIERS CAN 27 20 $0 26 JAMES BENEDETTO USA 26 21 $0 25 CHRISTINE MCCREA USA 25 22 $0 24 KRISTEN VANDERVEEN USA 24 23 $0 23 CHARLIE JAYNE USA 23 24 $0 20 FILIP AMRAM TUR 20 25 $0 18 DANIELLE TORANO USA 18 26 $0 17 JIMMY TORANO USA 17 27 $0 16 KIRK WEBBY NZL 16 28 $0 15 PABLO BARRIOS VEN 15 29 $0 14 BEEZIE MADDEN USA 14 30 $0 13 MCLAIN WARD USA 13 31 $0 12 JAMES BILLINGTON GBR 12 32 $0 11 SETH VALLHONRAT USA 11 33 $0 10 MICHELLE SPADONE USA 10 34 $0 8 MARY LISA LEFFLER USA 8 35 $0 6 MARGIE ENGLE USA 6 36 $0 5 DANIEL BLUMAN COL 5 37 $0 4 TODD MINIKUS USA 4 $0 0 CHRISTINA SERIO USA 0
Labels: equine event news
Jon Roeser Takes Early Lead of Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Open Bridle Spectacular on Mister Smart Remedy
The 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes kicked up the action
Thursday, March 26, with the start of the Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectaculars. The Bridle Spectaculars, for horses past their Futurity and Derby years, feature the elite bridle horses in herd, rein, and cow work.
In action at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Jon Roeser piloted Mister Smart Remedy to the Open Bridle high score of 222 - giving him a 5-point edge on the rest of the competition. Owned by Larry and Sharon Rose of California, Mister Smart Remedy is by Mister Dual Pep and out of Ima Smart Remedy. Although he hails from California, Roeser has a strong connection to the Nampa, Idaho, area - he was raised only twenty miles away in Marsing, Idaho. His brother Dan Roeser, also a top reined cow horse trainer, currently resides and trains out of the family ranch.
A connection can almost always be found among reined cow horse competitors - and the Open Bridle class proved that as Wade Reaney rode Flo N Blu Boon to the second high score of a 217 for owner Jan Little. Reaney, who currently resides in Rupert, Idaho, worked as an assistant trainer for Dan Roeser at the Roeser Ranch in Marsing for many years before beginning his own training program.
Non Pro competition was tough, with accomplished competitor Kathy Wilson riding her mare, Sis Is Smart, to the high score of 210. The Idaho Horse Park has been good to the pair - they won the Stakes Intermediate Non Pro Championship two years in a row!
The Penny Knight/Coyote Rock Ranch Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectaculars will conclude Saturday, March 28, after the rein and cow work. When it's time to take a break from the cow horse competition in the arena, there are shopping opportunities, thanks to NRCHA Stakes vendors which include Couture West, Sue Crane/Silver Lining Herbs, Ray Church-Wood Creations, Mark Mather-Iron West, Jimmy Flores Cowboy Gear, Flynn Saddle Shop, Ricotti Saddle Co., Dave Hack Custom Chaps, Mountain Supply, Outback Stallion Station, Roeser Ranch, 3K Ranch, Adequan, Primo Morales Photography, and Galloping Video.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, Great American Insurance Company and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry.
For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.comLabels: nrha/nrcha news
Pure Thoughts Inc. expands OTTB Division for Florida Racetracks
Florida Thoroughbred Rehab and Placement Program Launches with First Two Horses
March 27, 2009 - West Palm Beach, FL -- Go Smarty Go by Smarty Jones and Brave & Skillful by Silver Deputy are the first Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) to arrive at Pure Thoughts Inc.'s expanded Thoroughbred Program. The decision came from observations made over the past 5 years pulling OTTB's from the auctions and killpens. After representatives from Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse & Foal Rescue recently attended the races at Gulfstream Park to watch Nicanor, brother of the legendary Barbaro, run his first race, it became apparent to us that much of the deterioration a race horse goes through is in the hauling to Northern auctions and the elements they are exposed to at these auctions as well as the risk of going to slaughter. Through recent research we have found that there are few groups in Florida dedicated to only OTTB's. The organization decided that there is a definite need for the horses racing at the Florida tracks including Calder, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Pure Thoughts, Inc. Horse and Foal Rescue has spent the last 6 1/2 years pulling horses from slaughter as well as taking in horses from abuse and neglect. Two months ago, the organization, with the help of others in the racing industry decided to expand the Thoroughbred Division for the horses at Florida tracks. Just this past week Miami's WTVJ/NBC, Channel 6 special projects reporter Jeff Burnside, reported a large, growing and illegal horse slaughter industry in South Florida. Horses are being tied to trees and slaughtered.
"They are poachers from Miami's black market who sell the horses' meat, which is a popular delicacy among new arrivals from other countries to the area. The horse meat can go for as much as $20 per pound and based on the number of bloody horse remains and meat-stripped carcasses found on the side of dirt roads and in stables across Miami-Dade, harvesting horses for meat is a lucrative business," reported Burnside.
There are also kill buyers here picking up horses throughout the state from racetracks and auctions and sending them to larger slaughter houses in Mexico and Canada. Brave & Skillful was saved from going to auction by a group of people dedicated to the welfare of the racehorses. He arrived at Pure Thoughts, Inc. three weeks ago. Go Smarty Go was seriously injured in his last race at Belmont Park and his owners opted for surgery. Go Smarty Go was placed in rehab and after a successful recovery his owners have decided to retire him. He will finish out his rehabilitation at Pure Thoughts, Inc., after which he will be retrained as a riding horse and one day be placed in his forever home. All horses are placed with a strict adoption contract including a no breeding, no racing clause.
For more information on Pure Thoughts Inc.'s Florida Thoroughbred Rehab and Placement you may email FLTRP@PureThoughtsHorseRescue.com. To donate you may visit www.PTHR.org or mail to Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse & Foal Rescue, 19181 Capet Creek, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 Attn: Thoroughbred Rehab and Placement. You may also contact B. Moline at 772-485-3799. Labels: equine world news
NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION: FIVE MORE QUALIFIERS DETERMINED
Kreuth, Germany – March 27, 2009 – The stage is finally set for the first-ever NRHA European Futurity Finals in all Open divisions. Thursday’s action featured the Level 4 Open Consolation for riders who did not finish in the top 20, plus ties, in the Go. The top five placers in today’s round now qualify for Saturday’s 6 p.m. final in Kreuth-Rieden, Germany.
The home country of Germany is represented with two additional riders, Italy also earned two more positions and the U.S.A. added one qualifier to the field of finalists. Riders from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States competed at Osterbayernhalle in the hope of making it to the finals at this milestone event. Nearly a dozen will have representatives in either the Open or Non Pro finals on Friday and Saturday.
Admission is free everyday at the NRHA European Futurity. The Level 1 and Level 2 Limited Non Pro finals start at 3:30 p.m. on Friday with the finals of the Level 1 and Level 2 Limited Open division starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday’s schedule includes the finals of the Level 3 Intermediate and Level 4 Non Pro division finals at 2 p.m., as well as the Level 3 Intermediate and Level 4 Open division finals at 5:30 p.m. The livestream also is available from www.nrha-european-futurity.com for those who cannot attend.
The NRHA European Futurity is “Open to the World” and showcases four-year-old reining horses and riders competing for close to $300,000 in prize money. More information is available on the official Web site of the NRHA European Futurity at www.nrha-european-futurity.com or on the Online Reiner Blog at www.reiner.nrha.com.
Level 4 Open Consolation 1 / Smart Reminic Twist (Dun It With A Twist x Smart Reminic Twist) / Volker Schmitt (GER) / Kimberly Wegner (GER) / 216 2 / Spark N Whiz (Shining Spark x Mizzen Topsail) / Duane Latimer (USA) / Luga QH (ITA) / 214.5 3 / RS Knockandolena (Spat Olena x RS Cherry Miss Jac) / Nicola Brunelli (ITA) / Bernard Jillali (ITA) / 213 4 / ARC Ropers Sparkle (Surprise Enterprise x Diamonds Ms Topsail) / Adriano Meacci (ITA) / Francesca Vanni (ITA) / 212 5 / Sparkling Cielo (Gallo Del Cielo x Bella Della) / Steffen Breug (GER) / Oliver Muller (GER) / 210.5
Ancillary Classes also held: Intermediate Non Pro $3,500 added 37 entries 1 / Rooster Trip / Ingrid Vermeiren (BEL) / 214 2 / Smoking Kills / Fenna Elzinga (NED) / 213.5 3 / Lilpeppy Dunit Right / Martin Binder (GER) / 211
Intermediate Open $5,000 added 31 entries 1 / Blue Quick Command / Ian Boogaert (BEL) / 216.5 1 / Chickie Me Please / Nina Lill (GER) / 216.5 3 / Glowhiz In Hollywood / Olivier Van den Berg / 214 Labels: nrha/nrcha news
Hillary Dobbs and Marlo Master $35,000 Welcome Stake at the Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 26, 2009 - It was a bright and sunny day at the Tampa Equestrian Festival, held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, marking the second day of the Tampa Bay Classic. Today fifty-eight riders competed in the $35,000 Welcome Stake in the Covered Arena. Seven riders were able to complete clear rounds and advance to the jump-off, but it was Hillary Dobbs and Marlo who completed the fastest double clear round of the day and took home the blue ribbon.
"This is a really important, special win for me today," smiled Dobbs after her victory lap. "Marlo is my newest horse and we had a period where we were getting to know each other this circuit. Today's win solidifies that we're making great strides and getting to know each other better. I'm really happy with the way she went; she was unbelievable today and I couldn't be happier with her."
Today's jump-off course was designed by Pierre Jolicoeur and included nine jumping efforts. Riders began over a bending line from fence three, a large oxer, to fence four, a difficult vertical plank, followed by fence ten which was a skinny vertical. Riders then continued to fence 11, a large oxer, and then to the vertical-to-vertical double combination, 12ab, followed by a tight turn to fence nine, a large oxer. Finally riders raced home over fence number one, a very wide yellow and black oxer.
Lauren Hough was the first to qualify for the jump-off after completing a clear first-round aboard Naomi 152. The pair took down the rail coming out of the double combination at fence 12b and stopped the clock at 39.660, earning the sixth place award. Leslie Howard entered the ring next with Lennox Lewis II. The duo faulted at fence 11 and stopped the clock in 40.840 seconds to finish in seventh place behind Hough.
Michael Morrissey and Crelido were the first combination to complete a double clear round during today's jump-off. Morrissey and Crelido were fast and accurate, cutting the turns in all the right places to set the pace at 39.530 seconds. Their fast time garnered the second place ribbon. Play On and Beezie Madden also completed a fault-free jump-off round, but their time of 43.620 would earn them the fourth place position. Next to compete was Keean White of Canada aboard Celena Z. White and Celena Z also pulled down the rail at fence 11, but slipped through the timers in 38.750 seconds to be the fastest of the four-faulters and take home the pink ribbon.
Hillary Dobbs and Marlo were second to last to compete in today's jump-off but they were prepared to win. Dobbs took off towards the first fence, leaving strides out and cutting turns where she could. The duo left all the fences standing and raced through the finish line in 38.920 seconds, passing Morrissey and garnering the win. Leslie Howard challenged Dobb's lead with her second mount, Raimond W. She also went double clear, but her time of 41.950 seconds would not be enough to pass Dobbs and the pair earned the third place prize.
"I thought today's jumps were especially large for the first big class in an indoor all season; I thought they were big and wide," explained Dobbs. "During the first round I really trusted Marlo because she has such a big stride and she's so athletic. I protected the front pole with her and really just trusted her to do the rest and she was really remarkable today.
Dobbs hopes her luck will continue later this week during the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, the final FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI-W for the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas. Dobbs is currently tied for fifth place with her other mount, Quincy B, and hopes another good placing will move her up in the standings.
Dobbs is very excited to be at the Tampa Equestrian Festival. "This is a great horse show," she said. "It's a great opportunity to get indoors after being in an outdoor ring all year. It prepares you for the other indoor events coming up, whether it is Charlotte or World Cup Finals. This is a great preparatory horse show, not just to qualify, but to get experience indoors before going somewhere else."
The second week of the Tampa Equestrian Festival, the Tampa Bay Classic, will continue through Sunday, March 29, and will conclude with the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, which will be held at noon in the Covered Arena. The Tampa Equestrian Festival will come to a close following week three, the Tournament of Champions, on Saturday, April 4, at Raymond James Stadium. The final event will be the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, one of the most prestigious show jumping events in the nation.
Labels: equine event news
Record 70 Entries for $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Palm Beach Friday, Final on Saturday
WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 26--A record of 70 entries for the ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby are scheduled to start in the first round of the event at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Friday.
For the second straight year, the derby presented by Dietrich Insurance featuring Walsh Harness & Saddlery at PBIEC offers prize money of $50,000.
The top 25 from Friday's first round will return for the final to be held Saturday night under lights in the showcase International Arena starting at 7 p.m. The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions from 12 weeks of competition will precede the final.
The first round will be in the Grand Hunter Field starting at about 2 p.m.
Prize money distribution is $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second, $7,500 for third, $5,000 for fourth down to $1,500 for 10th place. Labels: equine event news
The National Cutting Horse Association announces the winners of the NCHA Eastern National Championships for 2008
The National Cutting Horse Association announces the winners of the NCHA Eastern National Championships for 2008, held in Jackson, Mississippi on March 9-20, 2009. All Champions: OPEN: Captains Choice, 2008 NCHA Open Reserve World Champion and NCHA $10,000 Novice Eastern National Champion, also won the Eastern National Open championship with 223 points under Casey Crouch. “How do you explain it?” asked Crouch following his win. “I had great help and everything just flowed.” Ten-year-old Captains Choice, by SR Instant Choice, is owned by Joe and Stacey Robinson of Corsicana, TX. Crouch has had the horse since October 2007, when he discovered that he had ridden the gelding’s mother, Miss CC Wilson. “His mother was a good mare, but she was really hot,” said Crouch. “He’s totally opposite. He’s quiet as a mouse and doesn’t scare a cow at all. And he moves real soft and easy in front of them.” Captains Choice is the first horse owned by the Robinsons, who became avid cutters after Stacey gave Joe cutting lessons with Casey as a birthday present in November 2007. Joe’s first lesson was on Captains Choice. “It’s the most expensive birthday present I’ve ever given him, but it just keeps on giving,” said Stacey Robinson. “Now we have five cutting horses.” Joe Robinson owns an aircraft interior company based in Southlake, TX. Crouch also placed seventh in the Open with 215 points on his own horse, Ima Mauvelus Pistol, that his wife, Chelsa, rode as a finalist in the Non-Pro division. Captains Choice tied with 218, the third highest score in the go-round. NON-PRO: Mike Bowman, Simpsonville, KY, won the Non-Pro championship with 222 points aboard San Tule Uno, by San Tule Freckles. “He has so much eye appeal,” said Bowman of 6-year-old San Tule Uno, which Bowman and his wife, Libby, bred out of Smart Little Thunder, 2007 Broodmare of the Year. San Tule Uno, the earner of more than $450,000, carried Mike Bowman as reserve champion of the 2009 Augusta Futurity Classic, and won the MillionHeir Classic at four and five years of age under Austin Shepard. $50,000 AMATEUR: Lee Garner III of Batesville, MS, carried on a family tradition with his win aboard Tex San Sierra in the $50,000 Amateur. Garner, son of NCHA Hall of Fame Non-Pro Rider and former Eastern National Non-Pro champion Lee Garner (1999 on Peponitas Acre), scored 218.5 points for his win. “I was next-to-last, so I wasn’t expecting much,” said Garner. “In the first go-round they told me that I picked my hand up, so I was determined not to pick my hand up. Most of the time when we don’t win, it’s my fault. He’s a special gelding,” Garner added. “He does it all.” Seven-year-old Tex San Sierra, by Horseplayin, won the 2006 Novice Non-Pro championship title under the senior Garner, whose business interests kept him at home in Batesville this year. Lee Garner III’s son, Levi, won the Eastern National Junior Youth championship in 2006 riding SS Pretty Boy. “My dad has had a lot of success here and my son won a few years ago, but this is my first here and it’s a big deal for me,” said Garner. $20,000 NON-PRO: Victor Davis, Marshall, TX, was the winner of the $20,000 Non-Pro championship. Riding Little Ollie North, by Playin Stylish, Davis scored 222 points. “He’s real fast across a cow and can do some pretty neat stuff in spite of me,” said Davis, who manages a natural gas pipeline system in Texas and Louisiana. Davis qualified for the show with Diamond Bud, the horse his son Drake, 13, is riding this year to currently lead the Junior Youth World standings. $10,000 AMATEUR: Jeanelle Taveau, 31, a police officer from Lubbock, TX, scored her first win and her first championship buckle with 216.5 points aboard Smart Lil Aristocat, in the $10,000 Amateur division. “This year I finally got weekends off,” said Taveau, who purchased 9-year-old Smart Lil Aristocat, her first cutting horse, five years ago with the help of trainer Gary Ray. “She’s been ready and waiting for me to catch up,” said Taveau, who is being coached by Dawson Burns. “The problem has been me learning how to ride her.” Taveau, who had shown pleasure horses in the past, saw cutting for the first time at the Buckskin World Show. “I thought that looked kind of cool,” she said. “Now that’s all I do.” $2,000 LIMIT RIDER: Colton Price, 16, Lake Creek, TX, scored 217 for his win aboard Bobs Sundown Silver, owned by Ron Abbott, in the $2,000 Limited Rider. “I’ve been riding him since I started cutting five years ago,” said Price of his 8-year-old mount, trained by his father Rodney. Colton’s grandfather, Robert Price, is also a cutting horse trainer. $10,000 NOVICE: Captains Choice and Casey Crouch were at the top during Thursday’s competition with 223 points in the finals of the $10,000 Novice division. “It was one of those things that just fit,” said Crouch, who was co-reserve champion of the 2004 Eastern National Finals on Alotta Pepper, but had never claimed a championship. Captains Choice is owned by Joe and Stacey Robinson, Corsicana, TX, who purchased the 1999 son of SR Instant Choice just over year ago. The gelding was their first cutting horse and under Crouch also earned the reserve championship title in the 2008 NCHA World $10,000 Novice division. “He’s just a fun little horse to show,” said Crouch, who also split fifth and sixth in the $10,000 Novice riding Lenas Silver Pistol for Lori Broome, Aubrey, TX. “Probably his biggest fault is that he’ll draw a cow to him and when he does, it’s about the only time I might have a bad situation because he just keeps sucking a cow to him and it’s hard to ever get off of it.” Stacey Robinson had purchased cutting lessons for Joe as a birthday present. It only took two lessons before he wanted his own horse. Now he and Stacey own five horses and are both competing in the National Finals this week. $3,000 NOVICE: Joanna Cat and Mark Coie won the $3,000 Novice championship with 219 points. Mark Coie didn’t think his 212.5-point score aboard Joanna Cat in the first go-round would be enough to take them to the Finals. “I was surprised,” said Coie, who rides the 6-year-old High Brow Cat daughter for Shawn and George Franklin of Rayville, LA. “The cattle were tough and they took a lot of good horses out. The cattle kind of dictated who won this.” Joanna Cat scored 219 points for her win. “We cut some cattle (in the Finals) that fit this horse really good,” Coie added. “She doesn’t usually do well on cattle that get real close to her. But we were able to cut some that stayed away from her a little bit and let her do her thing. Joanna Cat, who was injured as a 3-year-old, was a 2007 NCHA Derby semi-finalist with Bubba Matlock, and a 2008 Music City Futurity 5/6 Classic finalist under Coie. “We haven’t shown her a whole bunch,” said Coie. “So we’ll just keep going to see what we can get done.” $10,000 NOVICE NON-PRO – Co Champions: Tim May and Toddy Pitard tied with 217 points to become co-champions of the $10,000 Novice Non-Pro. Commanda Boon and Tim May drew up midway through the first set of the $10,000 Novice Non-Pro Finals, while Double Sugar Reward and Toddy Pitard cut midway through the second set. And that’s how they ended, in an even draw with 217 points. “The little horse made one mistake, but other than that, he covered it,” said May. “The first cow wasn’t near the cow that I needed, but the second and third were good.” May, a two-time Eastern National Non-Pro champion, purchased the 6-year-old Peptoboonsmal son last year during the NCHA Super Stakes Sale. “I liked his stop,” said May. “That’s the first thing I look for in a horse.” Toddy Pitard wanted the first two cows he cut, but the third one was a chip. “It wanted to go up the pen a little bit, but my horse stayed hooked,” he recalled. “She’s got a lot of guts and she did what needed to be done.” Pitard, a jewelry store owner from El Dorado, AR, purchased the 7-year old Dual Reward daughter when she was four and has placed as a finalist with her in seven limited age events, including a third-place in last year’s Amateur Cotton Stakes. $3,000 NOVICE NON-PRO: Austin Pigg, 16, Collinsville, AL, had a game plan, when he rode to the herd in the $3,000 Novice Non-Pro, and it paid off with a 220-point score. “Those cows were getting really shook up,” said Austin, who rode sixth in the second set. “So I decided to slow down and do what I could. I cut real confident and clean and my mare did her job.” Pigg, a high school junior, has been cutting for three years. “We just took off with it and it’s been a lot of fun,” said Pigg, whose sister Aubrey, 12, split 5/6 in the Junior Youth division, and whose other sister Ashely, 17, also cuts. Austin rode Dox Olena Lady, a 7-year-old daughter of Miss N Cash that had been Non-Pro Limited champion in the 2006 South Coast Winter and Music City 4-year-old divisions for Todd Quick. Cara Heinrich, 22, Clermont, FL, scored 215 riding Smart Smokin Flash to claim the reserve championship. SENIOR YOUTH: Jared Williams, 19, of Hope Hull, AL, won the Eastern National Senior Youth championship with 219 points riding Oak Olena King, his first and favorite cutting horse. “My helpers told me to go in there and be aggressive and not hold back,” said Jared, a college freshman majoring in physical therapy. “My horse was awesome. He might not have a lot of style, but he can really run and stop.” Jared, who stands 6 feet-four inches, purchased Oak Olena King five years ago. Oak Olena King, the 14-year-old son of Doc’s Oak, who measures less than 14 hands, had been an open and amateur limited age event finalist with Todd Gann and Andrew Sleigh. Jared also showed the gelding as an Eastern National Youth finalist in 2006 and 2008, and placed with him in the 2008 NCHA Senior Youth World Championship standings. It was Jared’s uncle, amateur and non-pro competitor Larry Gafford, who put him on his first horse six years ago. “I hadn’t even ever sat on a horse until then,” said Jared. “But my uncle trains his own horses and he helps me out and gives me advice on how to do things.” JUNIOR YOUTH: Mikayla Riddle, 14, from Foster, OK, made the most of her next-to-last draw in the Junior Youth finals with a 218.5-points score, beating Cheyenne Johnson and Chase Yarnall (each with 218 points) for the championship. “My mare didn’t try to help me out on some parts,” said Mikayla, “but other than that, she was good.” Mikayla also benefits from having a relative who knows his way around the cutting pen. Her grandfather is NCHA Hall of Fame rider Terry Riddle, and Mikayla often helps him lope horses. Her Youth mount, Most Stylish Mom, by Docs Stylish Oak, is owned by Chuck Drummond, who rode the 7-year-old mare as reserve champion. The National Cutting Horse Association is made up of over 21,000 members across the United States with a wide range of backgrounds. The sport of cutting has roots in Western ranching traditions, where good horses were a necessity for everyday ranch work and cattle handling. From cowgirls to CEOs, from firefighters to professional football players, the common ground is often in the cutting arena. Each year more than 2,200 NCHA-approved events are held throughout the country with more than $43 million in prize money awarded. To learn more about the National Cutting Horse Association and the sport of cutting, call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com. Labels: equine event news
Abel and Amanda Steege Awarded the Championship Tricolor in the Regular Working Hunter Division at the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival
Tampa, FL - March 26, 2009 - The perfect weather continued in Tampa, FL, as week two of the 2009 Tampa Equestrian Festival got underway with its second day of competition. Week two, the Tampa Bay Classic, will continue through this Sunday, March 29, and will feature some of the nation's best horses and riders competing for top honors. The Tampa Equestrian Festival is being held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on the Florida State Fairgrounds and will run through April 4.
The Regular Working Hunters showed in the Main Hunter Ring today, and after two days of competition, the division's championship honors were awarded to Abel, owned by Megan McGuire, and ridden by Amanda Steege. Abel and Steege won two first place ribbons and three second place ribbons in the division's individual classes for the tricolor win. Reserve champion of the Regular Working Hunter division went to Gamaliel, owned by McNeel H.J. Inc., and ridden by Clair Kellner. Kellner and Gamaliel won both classes over fences yesterday and were second, second and third today. Today's champion, Abel, is an eight year-old Belgian Warmblood. Megan McGuire has owned the horse for two years and shows him in the younger Amateur-Owner Hunters. Amanda Steege of Bedminster, NJ, showed the horse today and was very happy with his brave performance. Steege showed all winter in Ocala, and is enjoying the change of scenery here in Tampa. "I think this is my fifth year coming to Tampa and I love it here," she smiled. "We have been talking to people all week and everyone keeps saying how happy they are when they are here. The weather is perfect, the ring is beautiful, the footing is perfect, the jumps are nice, and I just think that Stadium Jumping puts on a really classy event. We always look forward to coming here. I have some new clients who are showing here for the first time this year and they are totally hooked on Tampa now. We will definitely have it on the schedule for next year." The Green Working Hunters showed in the Main Hunter Ring earlier in the day, with Like Wize and Kate Conover winning the division's championship tricolor after two days of competition. Like Wize and Conover placed first in all three of the division's classes yesterday and were second in both classes today to win the championship honors. Black Pearl and Mary Eufemia won the reserve championship tricolor, placing second, second and fourth yesterday and first and second today. Conover has shown in Tampa before and really enjoys the show. "I love showing here, it is a blast," she stated. "It couldn't be more fun; the rings are great, the courses are beautiful. It is such a joy to ride out here because you have so much space, which is definitely nice." The Tampa Equestrian Festival's second week of competition, the Tampa Bay Classic, will run through Sunday, March 29. The week will feature much more exciting hunter and jumper competition including the highly anticipated $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI-W Grand Prix of Tampa, which will be the grand finale of week two on Sunday afternoon. Labels: equine event news
The EQUUS Foundation and the Ox Ridge Hunt Club June Horse Show Team Up to Help Horses, Help People and Promote the Sport of Show Jumping
WESTPORT, CT - March 26, 2009 - The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce that it will team up with the Ox Ridge June Horse Show, June 9-14, 2009, in Darien, Connecticut, to raise public awareness of the significant impact horses have not just in the competitive arena, but in our everyday lives.
The EQUUS Foundation will receive proceeds stemming from several fundraising opportunities prior to and during the course of the show, including a $5,000 donation from the show's proceeds. The highlight of the fundraising effort will be the "Blast From the Past Block Party" to be held on the Ox Ridge show grounds on Saturday, June 6, 2009, the weekend preceding the start of the show. Casual chic will be the attire for this fun-filled evening, which will include a reception, dinner, and dancing.
Co-Chairs Flavia Callari of Wilton and Julie Frank of Darien are seeking individuals and local businesses to assist with their gracious generosity either through cash donations, in-kind donations, auction donations and sponsorships. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Callari and Frank, both equestrians, have experienced the powerful and therapeutic impact of horses first hand and hope to share this vision with the larger community.
Horses have existed for 50 million years, predating man. But, once their partnership was forged, no other animal has matched the contributions that horses have made to civilization. Horses continue to make a significant contribution. They enrich and empower us - whether we come from a privileged background or a disadvantaged one.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation has awarded over $1.1 million in grants since its first awards in 2003 to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote horse welfare, and elevate the equestrian sport. 50 charities received grants totaling over $300,000 in 2008. The funds raised from the partnership with the Ox Ridge June Horse Show will be used specifically for grants to charities in Connecticut and Westchester County.
In 2008, locally EQUUS horse welfare grants were awarded to help care for the Bridgeport Police Mounted Unit horses, provide a safe and comfortable retirement alternative for geriatric and infirm horses at Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement in Salem, Connecticut, and provide for the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses at H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, based in Washington, Connecticut. EQUUS Horse Welfare grants support horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and retirement programs across the United States. Grants are also awarded for horse ambulance services, veterinary research, and scholarships for veterinary students.
Sport welfare grants are awarded for scholarships, awards, land conservation, youth programs, public education programs, and relief to equestrians in need. Equestrian sport grants promote all levels of riding for people of all ages. Over 300 colleges and universities benefit from EQUUS-funded intercollegiate riding scholarships. EQUUS also supports the high performance disciplines. This effort was rewarded by the United States Show Jumping Team of Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, Will Simpson, and McLain Ward, who brought home the Team Gold Medal, and by Beezie Madden who brought home the Individual Bronze Medal from the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong.
EQUUS public welfare grants are awarded for therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities, life-threatening or other serious illnesses, and underserved, economically-disadvantaged and "at-risk" youth across the United States. EQUUS public welfare grants in Connecticut and Westchester County support therapeutic riding programs at High Hopes in Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Pegasus and We Will Ride in Brewster, New York. EQUUS also underwrites a therapeutic riding program for children with autism at the Giant Steps School in Southport, Connecticut. The EQUUS grant to the New Canaan Mounted Troop, based in New Canaan, Connecticut, provides scholarships to children from diverse, low-income families to participate in the year-round horsemanship and equine care program.
EQUUS also supports the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, for children with life-threatening and other serious illnesses by supporting its therapeutic horseback riding program. Coping with serious illness takes courage, self-confidence and the ability to visualize wellness. Because the program is so popular and effective, and because of the differing needs and sizes of the children, about half of the equipment needs to be replaced each year.
The EQUUS Grant to Green Chimneys Children's Services & School based in Brewster, New York, supports two of the three EQUUS funding areas. Green Chimneys operates a residential treatment and a special education school for children with emotional, behavioral, social and learning challenges while also providing care for animals and nature. Recognized as a worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and activities, Green Chimneys was founded in 1947 by Dr. Samuel B. Ross, Jr., who continues to serve as its Managing Director.
Based outside of Hartford, Connecticut, City Slickers uses horses to provide the common link for students to bridge racial, ethnic, and socio-economic isolation. Paired with suburban youngsters in Wolcott, Southington, Terryville and Bristol in structured cooperative learning lessons, for the inner city youth from Hartford, it is an opportunity for them to leave the city and enjoy a healthy and positive alternative to their daily exposure to gangs, violence and drugs.
Funds also support a program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Project SOAR in conjunction with the Suffolk County Department of Probation to allow adjudicated middle and high school youth, 13-17 years of age, to participate in a 4-H program to learn basic horse safety, how to care for a horse, and horseback riding skills.
The benefits of human-animal interaction are well-known, but developing a bond with a horse, whether it be learning to ride or care for these very large animals, is physically and mentally challenging. Learning to ride involves body awareness, balance, eye-hand coordination, muscle control, patience, focus and concentration. Riding and caring for horses builds trust and team work, and improvements in attention span, language skills and empathy for others. Horses give people facing often insurmountable challenges a chance to succeed that is rarely available to them.
The EQUUS Foundation not only provides fundraising support, but also guidelines for management and financial practices. Grant recipients must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Foundation. EQUUS Foundation donors can rest assured that due diligence has been undertaken to insure that their dollars are well spent. They can also feel confident that their dollars are directly helping people, especially children, and horses.
"We are very excited to partner with Ox Ridge, to help them promote the horse show and the equestrian sport. We hope the local community will support our "Blast From the Past" event on June 6th and learn more about how horses positively impact our everyday lives", said Jenny Belknap, Foundation Chair.
For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. and the "Blast From the Past Block Party" on Saturday, June 6, 2009 visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org, or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, telephone (203) 259-1550, email oxridge@equusfoundation.org.
About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, seeks to raise public awareness of the value of the horse in society through education and the award of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote the health and welfare of horses, and elevate the equestrian sport as a whole.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for the selection of the grant recipients. The Board includes: Jenny Belknap, Chairman, Catherine Herman, Vice Chairman, David T. Goodwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Lynn Coakley, President, Pamela Allardice, Margaret Bondy, Flavia Callari, David Distler, Gray Fadden, Julie Frank, Richard Mitchell DVM, James Newhouse, Clea Newman Soderlund, George N. Venizelos, and Visse Wedell.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $300,000 in grants were awarded to 50 charities in 2008, bringing the total to over $1.1 million in grants since the first awards in 2003. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203-259-1550, equus@equusfoundation.org, www.equusfoundation.org. Labels: equine event news
Oakcroft Trunks Sponsors Grand Prix Rider Steve Schaefer and His Grove Place Farm
Wellington, FL - Oakcroft Trunks & Stable Accessories, a fine custom trunk company, is pleased to announce they are sponsoring Grand Prix rider and trainer Steve Schaefer. As owner of Grove Place Farm in Maple Park, Illinois, Schaefer has students who successfully compete in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings in top shows all over the country.
“Oakcroft trunks are as beautiful as they are durable and I am very pleased to be sponsored by them. Any trunks we use need to be able to handle the abuse of lots of traveling and Oakcroft trunks certainly can,” Schaefer said, adding that his Grove Place Farm is a full service boarding and training facility specializing in hunter, jumper and equitation lessons and horse sales.
Thanks to customized trunks from Oakcroft that combine good looks and functional design, Grove Place Farm, a state-of-the-art facility with 32 stalls on 40 acres, now has beautiful hunter green trunks with tan and black accents. “They really are the most beautiful trunks I have ever seen,” Schaefer said. “The craftsmanship is remarkable.” While Schaefer stays on the road quite a bit with his students, he also finds time to compete in the Grand Prix ring and is consistently at the top of the scoreboard throughout the Midwest and Colorado. Schaefer has a new up-and-coming stallion named Carebe, which he owns through a partnership, and he has high hopes for him. “We brought 12 horses to WEF this year. The six-year-old stallion, Carebe, is really showing promise. I think he will be a Grand Prix horse for sure,” he said. Recognizing quality is the mark of a top trainer, and Schaefer can spot quality in students, horses and Oakcroft trunks. “The trunks handle the pressure of being at a show barn. We stay at WEF for three months and then travel to probably 20 more shows throughout the year,” Schaefer said.
Located in West Michigan, Oakcroft Trunks continues a third generation family tradition of fine wood craftsmanship with a commitment to service and timeliness. Oakcroft is made up of riders who know the conditions equipment is exposed to in the barn and away at shows. They also understand that a well designed barn and beautiful, hardworking equipment are key components for the successful day-to-day operation of a stable, whether it be a small for-pleasure barn or a large training and showing business.
“I am very excited to have Steve Schaefer as part of our Oakcroft team,” said Naomi Despres, president of Oakcroft. “He is committed to quality training in the same way we are committed to producing quality trunks. Together we will make a winning team.”
Labels: equine world news
The Oaks of Lake City Holds “Intro to Eventing” Clinic at O’Connor Signature Equestrian Center
Lake City, FL – Riders taking part in the Intro to Eventing clinic at The Oaks Equestrian Center, home to the inaugural O’Connor Signature Facility, not only learned the basics of eventing but also had a chance to test out the world-class cross country course designed by Olympians David and Karen O’Connor. Rhonda Gailey, Resident Equestrian Facility Manager of The Oaks Equestrian Center, taught the two-day Intro to Eventing clinic.
“We had an excellent response for the clinic. Everyone who attended learned a lot of new things and had a fun and exciting time without being overwhelmed,” said Gailey, an accomplished three-day eventer. Participating riders and auditors started off the clinic by meeting in the luxurious member lounge at The Oaks Equestrian Center. While mounted, they worked on gymnastics and cross-country jumping. “We will be offering the clinic at least three times a year,” said Gailey, who has trained and ridden with the O’Connors. “It was an exciting weekend and I know the riders all certainly enjoyed our state-of-the art facility.” The Oaks of Lake City, a residential community in Northern Florida designed to enhance the equestrian lifestyle of riders of all disciplines, was pleased to host the Intro to Eventing clinic. The community, home to The Oaks Equestrian Center and the inaugural O’Connor Signature equestrian facility, is committed to supporting the equestrian community through sponsorships and clinics. Olympians Karen and David O’Connor, in conjunction with Equestrian Services, LLC, have designed and put their stamp on the community, whose standards reflect their commitment to an equestrian facility designed to offer residents the finest in equestrian lifestyles. Professionally managed by Equestrian Management, LLC, the facility offers a 33-stall barn, a 122’ x 225’ covered riding arena, a 60 foot covered round pen with world-class footing, 15 miles of looped trails and the O’Connor designed 11 acre cross-country jumping course.
The community and its Equestrian Center cater to a variety of equestrian disciplines, from jumpers and eventers to ropers and trail riders. For more information on The Oaks of Lake City, visit their website at www.theoakslakecity.com. Labels: equine event news
This Joint is Jumping
Choice of Champions Sponsors Grand Prix Rider Marilyn Little-Meredith
Wellington, FL – Grand Prix jumper rider Marilyn Little-Meredith is now sponsored by Choice of Champions International. Choice of Champions distributes a number of quality supplements such as True Sweat, Lung Aid, and Super Joint Solution. Many top riders in a number of disciplines have begun using Choice of Champions supplements for their horses, including all of the horses under Little-Meredith's care.
Little-Meredith has gained prominence in the Grand Prix stadium-jumping arena after a successful early career as a youngster. She is a two-time winner of the National Grand Prix League Junior Rider of the Year. Since her earlier years, Little-Meredith has added a long list of accomplishments to her resume including being named to the East Coast Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Recently, Little-Meredith finished second in the Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge, Leading Horse and Rider Combination Award with Comtesse Du Lys during the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Little-Meredith began using products from Choice of Champions International in December of 2007 on her Grand Prix horse. She had such success with the products that she has begun using supplements from Choice of Champions on all of her horses and those of her clients. She said, “Using the Super Joint Solution has been great. It has reduced the number of joint injections given to horses in my barn by fifty perfect, and I rarely give Adequan or Legend anymore.” Little-Meredith went on to say that her horses are still feeling fresh and happy when she rides, even toward the end of the long three-month winter season in Wellington Florida that is often extremely challenging and exhausting for horses.
The Super Joint Solution is not the only supplement from Choice of Champions International used by Little-Meredith. True Sweat, Ulser Shield and Lung Aid are her other favorite supplements. Little-Meredith has found that Lung Aid is very useful in aiding a horse's immune system. “Lung Aid is a great thing for upper level horses or for horses coming back from time off,” says Little-Meredith, adding that Lund Aid also helps horses recover after working in intense heat.
Choice of Champions International president Allyn Maix said she is pleased to give support to Marilyn Little-Meredith, “Marilyn works hard to be a top rider at this sport and that work is paying off now. She is very successful in the competition arena and it is wonderful to be a part of the team to keep her horses in peak condition.”
Maix continued on to say that one of the reasons supplements from Choice of Champions like Super Joint Solution are so beneficial to horses is because it is absorbed right in the horse’s mouth. “Unlike powders that are sometimes left at the bottom of the feed bucket, the Super Joint Solution is a liquid that is easily absorbed,” said Maix, “which assures it will be utilized’.
For more information on products from Choice of Champions International, visit the website at www.choiceofchamps.com. Labels: equine event news
Lance Johnston Rides Shes Ful Of Diamonds to Preliminary Herd Work High Score
On Wednesday, March 25, Lance Johnston rode Shes Ful Of Diamonds to a preliminary herd work score of 218 that topped the Open division, a great first-step in securing a spot in the National Reined Cow Horse Association
Stakes finals that will take place on March, 29. The NRCHA Stallion Stakes, held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, is one of the NRCHA's premier events - and is expected to pay out over $300,000 in the five days of competition.
Johnston has already ridden Shes Ful Of Diamonds, by Hes A Peptospoonful and out of Shining Rings, to over $100,000 in earnings - thanks to an Open Reserve Championship at the 2007 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity. Owned by Gary and Kay Watt, of Porterville, California, Shes Ful Of Diamonds earned $85,000 for that title - and has been a consistent winner since. 2008 Intermediate Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champions Ed Robertson and That CD Rocks marked the herd work preliminary Intermediate Open high score with a 217, which was also good for second place in the Open division. That CD Rocks, by CD Lights and out of Shiney Tari, is owned by Robbie Humphreys of Clovis, California.
In the Limited Open division, Doug Mills rode Shiney Playboy to the top score with a 212. Shiney Playboy, owned by Michael Vantreight, is by Shining Spark and out of Playboys Sally. Herd work scores of the preliminaries are added to the rein and cow work marks to determine the qualifiers for the clean-slate finals on Sunday, March 29.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan(r), Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, Great American Insurance Company and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. At the 2009 NRCHA Stallion Stakes, the event is also greatly supported from local sponsorship, including Jerry and Shirley Beukelman, Coyote Rock Ranch, Idaho Horse Park, Impact Performance Horses, 3K Ranch, Commercial Tire, Noble Panels, Idaho Equine Hospital, NRCHA Northwest Region Affiliates, Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association, Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association, Utah Reined Cow Horse Association, Central Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association, Magic Valley Reined Cow Horse Association, Gem State Stock Horse Association, Montana Reined Cow Horse Association, Oregon Reined Cow Horse Association, Flynn's Saddle Shop, Blackpoint Ranch - Little Bay Starlight, Why Worry Ranch - Very Smart Remedy, Shane Demler Masonry, Combs Quarter Horses - One Smart Response, Paul & Amy Bailey, Farm Bureau Insurance, Aspen Meadows Ranch, Dan & Rachelle Heiner, Reiny Day Quarter Horses and Shining Topsail, Wide World of Horses, Drayer Trust/Rick & Carla Drayer, Roeser Ranch Stallion Station, Duquette Quarter Horses, Lyn Anderson Training Stables and Northwest Farm Credit.
For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com. Labels: nrha/nrcha news
Renowned Harness Maker David Freedman Provides Commentary for HorseTV Broadcast of CAI Live Oak International
Ocala, FL – World renowned harness maker, David Freedman, switched hats or in this case headsets to serve as a commentator for the broadcast of the 2009 CAI Live Oak International to air on HorseTV. The Live Oak International event has gained a reputation for being one of the top combined driving competitions in the United States and this year’s competition was a USEF Selection Trial for the 2009 FEI World Driving Championships.
David Freedman, president of Freedman Harness based in Toronto Canada, has an extensive knowledge of the sport of combined driving and brings six generations and an almost 200 year legacy of harness making experience to his colorful commentary. Several well-known world competitors including Misdee Wrigley-Miller, Australian medalist Boyd Exell and USA Champion Chester Webber joined Freedman on the HorseTV Set Sports Desk for alternating expert and colorful commentary, which was shot adjacent to the spectacular water hazard sponsored by Pennfield Feeds. The alternating experts helped provide the HorseTV audience with an exciting insider’s glimpse into the world of combined driving with a fresh perspective.
Freedman Harness is known worldwide for their harnesses and equestrian leather goods. Many elite professionals in the sport of combined driving rely on equipment from Freedman Harness, including the six-time U.S. National Four-In-Hand Driving Champion Chester Weber, who continued his 2009 winning streak at the Live Oak International.
In the vendors pavilion at Live Oak, Freedman Harness displayed their line of luxurious of leather goods. Along with their beautifully crafted harness collection was the collection of Freedman’s belts, handbags and travel bags that are becoming the must-have accessory for the equestrian set!
The upcoming broadcast of Live Oak International is just one of a number of major equestrian competitions, documentaries and other programs that can be viewed at HorseTV and available online at www.horsetv.com. HorseTV Chairman, Bernard Uechtritz who was also hands on at the Live Oak event said, “This is truly a very skilled and spectacular sport which offers great interest and value to mainstream viewers as attested by the large crowds who attended the venue. Our thrust in providing coverage of this event was to provide some different aspects and appeals of the sport to an outside audience, as well as promote those involved. To have David commentate along with a great lineup of other knowledgeable professionals who got involved was a lot of fun and a real privilege for us.” HorseTV is the first and only multimedia network that is dedicated to equestrian sport worldwide.
Live Oak International continuously attracts international level exhibitors as well as a huge crowd of spectators. Freedman, a veteran attendee of the event, got to see it from a fresh perspective as the commentator. “As always, Live Oak is an exciting event but to commentate the event, I looked at is as a viewer at home might seeing for the first time. It was really even more exciting explaining and analyzing the details. HorseTV viewers are in for a treat,” said Freedman of the broadcast.
For more information on the tradition of Freedman Harness or their high-quality goods, visit the website at www.FreedmanHarness.com. Labels: equine event news
Dressage Training Online Kicks Off “Learn at Lunch” Series With Judge Axel Steiner At The Dressage Affaire in California
Alamo, CA – Dressage Training Online kicked off their new “Learn at Lunch” series during The Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, California, giving dressage enthusiasts a chance to watch, listen and learn from FEI O Judge Axel Steiner. The “Learn at Lunch” series, which features a respected judge giving a short training session to a rider from a judge’s perspective, allows riders the chance to compete at a show while also fitting in an educational experience.
Reisa Bonetti, founder of Dressage Training Online, said the reaction to the inaugural event was “absolutely positive” and it strengthened her belief that this type of educational experience is important for competitive riders. “During the session, we had the rider and Axel on an audio setup while the attendees listened through headsets. The rider rode the test and repeated movements with Axel’s feedback,” Bonetti said, adding that the repeated movements always contained improved results. “This type of learning is really important for competitive riders as the judge’s view is critical. What they see is what is tallied. This type of learning provides you with a comparative barometer of how well you and your horse are going.”
For dressage riders who missed the “Learn at Lunch” event, it will be available for viewing on DressageTrainingOnline.com in April. Bonetti believes dressage enthusiasts of all levels will benefit from Steiner. “Axel is so wonderful to work with and very much on board with thinking outside of the box regarding providing education to those who are hungry enough to ask for it,” Bonetti said. “He was extremely supportive and quite keen on repeating the program in different venues around the world.”
Bonetti said she decided to hold the “Learn at Lunch” series because she is always thinking of ways to increase educational opportunities for dressage riders. “Because this sport is my own personal passion, as an amateur I am constantly thinking about knowledge and improvement to achieve my own goals,” she said, adding that was one of the reasons she founded the Dressage Training Online website. Bonetti is pleased that more and more riders are turning to the innovative website for their dressage training needs. The website has revolutionized the dressage world by giving riders the chance to learn from some of the worlds' top trainers and judges and is additionally furthering the FEI's desire for more transparency in judging. “It’s a great way for dressage riders to be present and learn, even if they aren’t able to personally train with them, or attend a clinic or show,” Bonetti said. DressageTrainingOnline.com has several top name trainers and judges for viewing on the website, including Jean Bemelmans-GER, Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg-AUT, Hilda Gurney-USA, Courtney King-Dye-USA, Jan Brink-SWE, Henk Van Bergen-NED, Axel Steiner-USA and Uwe Mechlem-GER. Bonetti invites dressage riders, trainers, judges and dressage enthusiasts, both amateurs and professionals, to check out the site at www.dressagetrainingonline.com. Labels: equine world news
The HSUS Applauds Introduction of The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act
Landrieu, Ensign Introduce Legislation to Stop Horse Slaughter Today
(March 26, 2009)—The Humane Society of the United States applauds U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and John Ensign, R-Nev., for reintroducing legislation today that would stop Mexico and Canada from killing and butchering tens of thousands of healthy American horses and prohibit the slaughter of American horses in the United States for sale to European and Asian countries. The passage of this critical legislation--The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act-- is a top priority for The HSUS and other animal welfare and equine rescue organizations, veterinarians and horse industry groups.
Original cosponsors of this legislation include Senators Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Robert Byrd, D- W.Va., Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., Thomas Carper, D-Del., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., Ted Kennedy, D- Mass., John Kerry, D-Mass., Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Carl Levin, D-Mich., Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., John McCain, R-Ariz., and Robert Menendez, D-N.J.
“This bill could finally take American horses off the menu for good, and put an end to the disrespectful and inhumane treatment of a class of animals that have helped to shape and build American culture,” said Wayne Pacelle, The HSUS' president and CEO. “The opponents of this legislation take a miserly and selfish attitude toward these creatures, and we can certainly do better than to ship horses hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles, in unbearable conditions to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada.” State legislatures have acted to stop horse slaughter, shuttering the last remaining foreign-owned horse slaughter plants in the United States in 2007, and federal courts have upheld those state laws. But Congress has failed to act to stop the export of live horses to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, which is still occurring. More than 86,000 horses were sent across U.S. borders to slaughter in Canada or Mexico in 2008, surpassing the number of exports to date in 2007. "America's horses are being beaten and dragged across the border into Mexico and Canada so that they can be inhumanely slaughtered for food. I will continue to fight in Congress to end this brutal practice and ensure that American horses will no longer be savagely slaughtered for human consumption," Sen. Landrieu said. "The time to put an end to the practice of slaughtering horses in America is long overdue,” Sen. Ensign said. “Horses have an important role in the history of our country, particularly the West, and they deserve our protection. As a senator and a veterinarian, I am committed to doing what I can for these magnificent animals." Sen. Ensign is the only veterinarian serving in the U.S. Senate. In January, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., introduced the House version of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503. Past congressional actions on horse slaughter have demonstrated a strong, bipartisan desire to prohibit the killing of horses for human consumption. In the 109th Congress, legislation to stop horse slaughter passed the Senate by a more than two-to-one margin and passed the House numerous times by a margin of more than 100 votes. But in the 110th Congress, prior legislation, H.R. 503, introduced by Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and John Spratt, D-S.C, and S. 311, introduced by Sens. Landrieu and Ensign, was not enacted because it was blocked by House committee leaders and Western senators. Animal advocates hope the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act will advance quickly in the House and Senate in the 111th Congress. Butchering horses is a particularly cruel end for these loyal and trusting creatures. The HSUS documented the cruelty and abuse when investigators followed "killer buyers" who transport horses thousands of miles from auctions to feedlots to interstate highways. The HSUS also documented a barbaric method of slaughter on a kill floor in Juarez, Mexico, in which thousands of horses were, and still are, stabbed with short knives, leaving them paralyzed and unable to breathe. Horses may still be conscious when they are hoisted up by a chain and when their throats are slit. Recent documentation uncovered by horse welfare advocates demonstrates that the U.S. plants were equally inhumane and riddled with gross abuse. There is no humane way to slaughter horses for food and no reason to prop up this ailing and unpopular industry.
The HSUS is joined by members of Congress, the National Show Horse Registry, American Horse Defense Fund, Veterinarians for Equine Welfare, United States Equine Sanctuary & Rescue and more than 500 endorsing organizations along with the majority of Americans in support of a ban on the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
Timeline:
· September 2008 – House Judiciary Committee passes H.R. 6598 by voice vote after majority reject multiple poison pill amendments. · July 2008 – Conyers and Burton introduce H.R. 6598, legislation amending Title 18 to prohibit horse slaughter for human consumption as a form of equine cruelty. · September 2007 - A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit unanimously upholds the Illinois state law banning the slaughter of horses for human consumption in that state. · May 2007 – Illinois governor signs H.B. 1711, banning horse slaughter in Illinois. · May 2007 – The U.S. Supreme Court announces that it denies to consider an appeal of the lower court decision upholding Texas' ban on the sale of horsemeat for human consumption. · April 2007 – The U.S. House of Representatives passes H.R. 249 to restore a decades-old ban on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses first enacted under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. House vote: 277-137 · April 2007 – The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee votes 15-7 to approve S. 311 to ban horse slaughter and exports of horses for slaughter. · March 2007 - A federal district court orders the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop inspecting horsemeat at the Cavel International slaughter plant, effectively closing the last operating horse slaughtering operation in the United States. · March 2007 – The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirms a decision upholding a Texas state law banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption. · September 2006 – The U.S. House of Representatives passes H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. The 109th Congress adjourns before the Senate can consider the bill. House vote: 263-146 · September 2005 – The U.S. Senate approves the Ensign-Byrd Amendment to the FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill to prohibit the use of tax dollars to pay for inspections of horsemeat. Senate vote: 69-28 · June 2005 – The U.S. House of Representatives approves the Sweeney-Spratt-Rahall-Whitfield Amendment to the FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill to prohibit the use of tax dollars to pay for inspections of horsemeat. House vote: 269-158 · May 2005 – The U.S. House of Representatives approves the Rahall-Whitfield Amendment to the FY 2006 Interior Appropriations Bill to restore federal protections from commercial sale and slaughter to wild horses and burros. House vote: 249-159. The provision is stripped in conference from the final bill. Video footage from The HSUS' horse slaughter investigations is at video@hsus.org. Labels: equine world news
NEW FVH update for March 28th
Hi everyone, This week, Saturday March 28th, we will be hunting at the Muxlow Cattle Co. near Agassiz, BC. This is a fabulous hunt with lots of varied and challenging terrain - open galloping, hills, trails, river crossings - you name it! And, there will be plenty of optional jumping for those who are interested. Hope to see everyone out! As always, call Kennels after 6pm on Friday for details and directions: 604-856-6170. Tally ho! Remember: The Fraser Valley Hunt is a drag hunt, where everyone has a great day - including the fox!! Labels: british columbia news
APPALOOSA YOUTH FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS
MOSCOW, Idaho—Times are tough and paying for college isn’t easy, but the Appaloosa Youth Foundation (AYF), a subsidiary of the Appaloosa Youth Association (AYA), is making it easier by offering up to $10,000 in scholarships! The AYF is proud to provide outstanding youth members of the AYA or the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) the opportunity to offset college expenses.
The AYF offers scholarships in three categories: Territory Scholarship, Continuing Education Scholarship and the Sagebrush Circuit Lew & Jo Eklund Scholarship.
The Territory Scholarship offers six awards of up to $1,000 that may be given to one graduating high school student that is entering an institution of higher education in the fall in each of the six ApHC territories. An additional scholarship of up to $1,000 may be awarded at random in this category. Applicants must submit a copy of official ACT, SAT or similar exam results, and they must have at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale or 3.8 GPA on a 6.0 scale.
The Continuing Education Scholarship is a $1,000 award available to one college sophomore student each year. The student must have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 3.8 GPA on a 6.0 scale during their freshmen year of college. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment.
The Sagebrush Circuit Lew & Jo Eklund Scholarship may award $2,000 to one college junior, senior or graduate student pursuing a degree in an equine-related field. Applicants must include proof of enrollment.
All scholarship submissions must include a complete official application, filled out by the person applying for the scholarship; official transcript; a 200-400 word essay regarding experiences with horses; photograph; and three (3) letters of personal recommendation that must be mailed separately. Applications must be received in the ApHC office no later than June 1. No exceptions.
For an application and additional information about the AYF scholarship program, please visit www.appaloosayouth.com or call the Youth Coordinator at (208) 882-5578 ext. 264.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin. Labels: appaloosa breed news
Online Horse Photography Courses Are Off and Running
Aspiring equine photographers learn how to take pro quality photos using tips and techniques from well known horse photographer Christina Handley.
March 26, 2009 – The series of horse photography courses offered by http://www.learntotakehorsephotos.com has become very popular in the first two sessions. The courses are taught by well known horse photographers Christina Handley and Laura Cotterman with prizes for top photos sponsored by SmartPak Equine. Christina and Laura are professional photographers and lifelong horse owners who bring years of field experience to their teaching. These courses are for any one who wants to improve their horse photography for every reason from capturing precious memories to making better photos of their horses for sale. The next two courses offered in April are Horses and Humans starts April 1st and Horses in Action which starts April 15th. The courses are full of practical and easy to follow advice. Students learn which settings to use and important shooting techniques, all explained in easy to understand plain language with plenty of help and how-to videos along the way to get the results they are looking for. The Horses and Humans course covers visualizing, styling and setting up your shot to create a photograph that tells the story of the relationship between horse and human. Here are three ideas to consider for better portraits from the course. The location is critical for an environmental portrait. The location provides your canvas that you will place your subjects on and it is used to convey more information about the person being photographed and put them in the context of their lifestyle. A mounted portrait best demonstrates the working relationship or partnership between the horse and rider. A horse and rider are athletes working together and you will want your portrait to convey that sense of partnership and unity in the context of their equine discipline by using a complimentary location and the correct tack and attire. An un-mounted portrait tends to be more about the emotional relationship between the horse and rider. Some ideas for un-mounted portraits that work well are hugging, kissing, petting, grooming, feeding treats, leading and hand grazing. The virtual classroom at Learn To Take Photos is a lively place attracting hundreds of students from all over the US and Canada in addition to a growing number of students from around the world. Course materials and discussions are available 24/7. Equine photographer and online student, Dorothy Puddester from Ontario Canada writes “I love these courses you have offered. They are just amazing. Both you and Christina are fantastic instructors and are very patient with all our technical questions.” Weekly photo challenges offer another engaging way for students to share photos and have fun with some friendly competition. All students are invited to participate by uploading and rating photos. There are two prizes for each challenge. One prize is awarded to the Peoples' Choice highest rated photo and the other prize is awarded to the Instructors' Choice photo. Learn to Take Photos offers free short courses each month for new students. With ongoing enrollment you can join anytime. Courses begin the first and third Wednesday of each month. Coupon codes for a FREE short course are available for new students on the course detail pages. About Learn To Take Photos Learn To Take Photos is an online photography school taught by well known horse photographers Christina Handley and Laura Cotterman. Students learn photography, get to know new people and share ideas in a fun, encouraging and supportive environment. Learn To Take Photos’ online photography courses are designed for adult learners and are self-directed, creative and motivating. Students have one-to-one access to an expert photographer. Visit http://www.learntotakehorsephotos.com for the current course schedule. Labels: equine world news
U.S. Border Patrol adopts 8 wild horses to patrol U.S./Canada Border
America’s Legends to Defend America’s Borders
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Sector Border Patrol has adopted eight horses from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s “Wild Horse and Burro Program.” Adopting these horses for patrolling the northern border blends today’s technology with yesterday’s traditions to create an effective component that provides seamless border enforcement.
Known for their strength, intelligence, endurance, and sure-footedness, wild horses meet our need for a durable animal physically capable of working in areas that are virtually inaccessible to motorized vehicles. The Spokane Sector Border Patrol’s area of operations has some of the most rugged and remote terrain along the northern border. It is characterized by mountain ranges, wilderness areas, national forests and parks. Equipping Border Patrol agents with these mustangs will allow them to patrol the most isolated areas along the border with an animal whose distinctive anatomical features have enabled their survival for hundreds of years. Because horses have a minimal impact on the natural environment, utilizing horses to secure America’s northern border also allows us to respect and preserve protected lands such as the Glacier National Park and the Pasayten Wilderness while also ensuring that these areas are monitored. In utilizing a cost-saving resource already available, the Spokane Sector Border Patrol eases the burden placed on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to search for caring homes for these horses that previously roamed public lands where vegetation and water would become scarce if too many animals used the area.
Through a cooperative agreement between BLM and the Colorado Department of Corrections, these wild horses received personal and extensive training as part of a unique inmate rehabilitative program at the Canon City, Colo. correctional institution before arriving at the Spokane Sector. By entering into this three-way partnership, the Border Patrol has seized the opportunity to use an integral part of American history to drastically expand our enforcement efforts and ensure that our borders are safer.
During fiscal year 2006, the Spokane Sector established a horse patrol unit at each of its seven line stations, becoming the only northern border sector to utilize horses for patrolling, and the only Border Patrol sector with back country packing capability readily available.
The U.S. Border Patrol is a division of the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, the unified agency charged with management, control, and protection of our Nation’s border. The U.S. Border Patrol is specifically responsible for U.S. national security in the rural areas between the official ports of entry. For additional information on the U.S. Border Patrol or to report suspicious activity near the border call 1-800-218-9788 or refer to www.cbp.gov. Labels: equine world news
Spring Steeplechase Canceled Due to Drought Conditions Likely to Adversely Affect Track at Palm Beach Stadium
WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 26--The Spring Steeplechase that was scheduled for Saturday, April 4 has been canceled due to recent drought conditions and a severe weather forecast that could adversely affect the grass track at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Following months of drought that has weakened the grass roots of the steeplechase track at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the management team had concerns about the safety of the course. Records show that so far this year Wellington has recorded precipitation of 1.63 ins. compared with the annual average for the period of 9.26 ins.
The National Weather Service is now forecasting severe thunderstorms next week that, combined with the recent drought, threaten to jeopardize the safety of the horses and riders in the steeplechase.
Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) that owns and manages PBIEC had scheduled the Spring Steeplechase and its four races over jumps sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and two celebrity races on the flat for Saturday, April 4. The event was planned after the inaugural Palm Beach Steeplechase last Thanksgiving drew more than 8,000 spectators to the PBIEC Stadium and its grass field that was the original showcase of Wellington's winter equestrian circuit.
ESP will refund all payments made for tickets. "Our first priority is the safety of the horses," said Mark Bellissimo, Chief Executive Officer of ESP. "Demand for tickets for the Spring Steeplechase is greater at this stage than it was for the inaugural event four months ago.
"Arrangements were being finalized for a day of exciting competition and fun for the whole family to make this second steeplechase as enjoyable and memorable as our inaugural event.
"While disappointed, we look forward to the Fall Palm Beach Steeplechase."
PBIEC Stadium has one of the top grass polo fields among Wellington's dozens of top venues. The venue was originally created as the Palm Beach Polo Club and the scene of games featuring Britain's Prince Charles watched by his then wife, Princess Diana.
The field has been maintained to its original quality and used sparingly for such popular events as last Fall's steeplechase and a jumping derby during this year's FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Labels: equine event news
Be dynamic in your ride with Kerrits new Biodynamic garments
Hood River, OR—Start a new trend at your barn with Kerrits fresh, modern Biodynamic Jacket and Biodynamic Bootcut. Featuring a unique stretch woven, ultra-lightweight and breathable fabric, called Biodynamic, these two items offer full freedom of motion with a sporty look to match.
“Our Biodynamic products are constructed in a compression fabric that provides extra support for your muscles to prevent fatigue when you’re riding,” said Kerri Kent, owner and designer for Kerrits. “This fabric provides stretchy mobility, giving you unhindered movement as well as breathability when you sweat.” The Biodynamic Jacket is just what you need for an early ride or to help you enjoy time on your horse while giving your skin a rest from the sun’s damaging rays. The flattering fit is a little longer in the back to give you coverage in the saddle or around town. Contrasting fabric is in stretchy side panels, lining the collar and at the articulated elbows. The stretchy compression fabric of the Biodynamic Bootcut hugs your muscles giving you extra support and the slight flare at the calf offers a flattering look to all figure types. Kerrits exclusive GripStretch™ suede kneepatches give additional freedom of motion and a back pocket provides a place to store the small stuff. Since 1986 Kerrits Equestrian Apparel has been committed to providing innovative, functional performance apparel, designed and constructed specifically for the unique demands of women who ride and love horses. The company is based in Hood River, Oregon. For more information, go to www.kerrits.com or call 1.541.386.4187. Labels: product news
Group Discounts Currently Available for the 2009 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational
Tampa, FL - March 26, 2009 - Special group discounts are available for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational for groups of twenty or more. The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, produced by Stadium Jumping Inc., will be held on Saturday evening, April 4 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Thirty-five of the top-show jumpers in the world are offered the opportunity to compete at the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational. This year's line-up will be a star-studded array of some of the world's finest equestrians competing for one of show jumping's most prestigious titles in a test of both sheer power and outright speed. Included will be members of the United States' 2008 Gold Medal Olympic team.
The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational is the "Super Bowl of Show Jumping," and follows three weeks of competition during the 37th Annual Tampa Equestrian Festival, held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairground in Tampa beginning on March 18.
Spectators for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational have the opportunity to enjoy one of the top show jumping performances in the country. Groups of twenty or more can call 508-698-6810 or send an email to info@classic-communications.com for special pricing on reserved tickets. Call now. The advanced ticket price for groups over 20 is $30 per person for premium seating, discounted from $35, and $17 per person for regular seating, discounted from $25.
The Tampa Equestrian Festival and the 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational Fast Facts EVENT: Tampa Equestrian Festival presented by Stadium Jumping, Inc. and 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, which features the world's best Olympic athletes. WHAT: Three-week hunter/jumper horse show circuit produced by Stadium Jumping, Inc. The 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational is one of the premier show jumping events in the United States. WHERE: Tampa Equestrian Festival: Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 North US Highway 301 Tampa, FL 33680
37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational: Raymond James Stadium 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607
WHEN: Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tampa Classic CSI 3*-W - March 25-29, 2009 Tournament of Champions, CSI - March 31-April 4, 2009 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational CSI 3* - April 4, 2009, 7 p.m. HIGHLIGHTS: Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m. - $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI 3*-W Grand Prix of Tampa Wednesday, April 1, 1:00 pm, $35,000 Grand Prix of Florida, Final Qualifier for American Invitational Saturday, April 4: 6:00-6:45 p.m. - Open Course Walk 7 p.m. - 37th Annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational CSI 3* Directions From Tampa or St. Pete/Clearwater via I-275 to I-4 Eastbound Orient Rd. Entrance Gate: From I-4 Eastbound only, take Exit #6 for Orient Rd. and turn right off the ramp. There will be a sign for the Fairgrounds entrance immediately on the left-hand side. Check in at the Security Guard gate for entry.
From Lakeland/Orlando area via I-4 Westbound Orient Rd. Entrance Gate: Travel on I-4 West toward Tampa to Exit #7 toward US-92 W / HILLSBOROUGH AVE and merge onto E. HILLSBOROUGH AVE. Proceed to the light at Orient Road and turn left. There will be a sign for the Fairgrounds entrance on the left-hand side. Check in at the Security Guard gate for entry.
Traveling from I-75 North/South (from Ocala/Sarasota area) Orient Rd. Entrance Gate: Traveling north on I-75, take Exit #260 (B) and merge LEFT onto DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD (aka SR-574 West). Traveling south on I-75, take Exit #260 and merge RIGHT onto DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD. Go west for 2.5 miles and pass the light at U.S. Hwy. 301. Keep proceeding on MLK, Jr. Blvd. to the next light which is ORIENT RD. Make a right at Orient Road. There will be a sign for the Fairgrounds entrance on the right-hand side. Check in at the Security Guard gate for entry.
THE FACILITY: Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, Tampa, FL All arenas have a separate warm-up area with all-weather footing Grand Prix Field 250' x 350' all weather footing Covered Ring 165' x 300' clay/sand mixture Annex Ring 150' x 275' all weather footing Indoor Ring 130' x 250' clay/sand mixture Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL Outdoor Stadium Arena 150' x 360' bermuda sod grass HOTELS (in Tampa, more listed in prize list): Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa 5223 North Orient Road (next to showgrounds) Tampa, FL (813) 627-7625 La Quinta Inn East Fairgrounds 4811 U.S. 301 North Tampa, FL (813) 623-3321 (800) 642-4271 SpringHill Suites 4835 W. Cypress Street Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 639-9600 (888) 236-2427 STADIUM JUMPING INC.: Corporate Office 1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406 Bradenton, FL 34205 Tel: 941-744-5465 Fax: 941-744-0874
Labels: equine event news
AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOOL TEACHER RIDES ACROSS AMERICA
Public School Teacher Makes Historic Ride to Highlight African American Achievements
It was the ultimate field trip. On September 22nd, 2007, 57-year-old social studies teacher Miles Dean swung aboard his Arabian-Saddlebred stallion, Sankofa, and began The Modern African American Pioneer Expedition, a six-month, 5,000-mile ride from Manhattan to Los Angeles. Dean’s students, fifth and sixth graders at Chancellor Avenue Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey, along with thousands of other elementary through college students across the nation, followed his journey on the Web. They watched, listened, and interacted with him as he visited national landmarks, interviewed African American studies experts, and discovered America as many pioneers had discovered it: from the back of a trusty horse. “Most American schoolchildren are unaware of the role African Americans and their horses played in the exploration, expansion, and settlement of the United States,” says Dean. “Through the expedition, those students rode with me across America, learned about African American explorers, soldiers, pioneers, cowgirls and cowboys, and discovered that no matter what their circumstances they, like their ancestors, can be trailblazers, too.” Dean and Sankofa successfully completed the expedition on April 1st, 2008. Yet its legacy continues to touch and change lives. As the co-founder and director of The Black Heritage Riders, Dean provides educational equestrian programs blending history, horsemanship, and motivational learning in riding demonstrations, community workshops, and camps for inner city youth. For Memorial Day weekend 2009, Dean has organized The National Day of the Black Jockey celebration at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The celebration will include educational workshops, a gala ball, a horse show, a parade, and a memorial tribute to the Black Jockey. Dean, Sankofa and their journey are also featured in Vanessa Wright’s exhibit, "The Literary Horse: When Legends Come to Life," which is touring public and school libraries through 2012. "Wherever I have traveled, people have said that this journey is historic," says Dean. "But I tell them: this is what we do. Our ancestors did it, we’re still doing it, and we’re going to keep on making history." To learn more about Miles and Sankofa, or to ride with them across America in The Modern African American Pioneer Expedition, please visit www.MilesDean.com. Labels: equine world news
Olympic Rematch Set for 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas
Anky Van Grunsven and Isabell Werth Head Entry List for Dressage World Cup Final
LAS VEGAS, NV - March 26, 2009 - A showdown of Olympic proportions is setfor this year's Dressage World Cup Final at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas, as Anky Van Grunsven of The Netherlands and Isabell Werth of Germany head the list of 15 riders from eight countries set to compete.
The Rolex FEI World Cup™Finals return to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, April 15-19. The Finals feature World Cup Finals in the two Olympic disciplines of show jumping and dressage.
Van Grunsven, the reigning Olympic, World, and World Cup Champion, is one of the most decorated riders in dressage history. She has won the World Cup Final a record nine times, including last year, and also the individual Gold Medal at the last three Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008). She is also the reigning World Champion, having won that title at the last World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany in 2006. Joining Van Grunsven in Las Vegas is her longtime rival, Isabell Werth of Germany. Werth has won the World Cup Final on two occasions-1992 and 2007 in Las Vegas when van Grunsven was home in Holland after having just given birth. The two rivals have traded places on the podium for years. Each has won eight Olympic medals. When Werth won Gold in 1996, van Grunsven took Silver. In 2000, the results were reversed, with van Grunsven winning Gold. At the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Van Grunsven won Gold in the Grand Prix Freestyle, where Werth won Bronze, and Werth won Gold in the Grand Prix Special, where van Grunsven won silver. Looking to crack the van Grunsven-Werth hold on the World Cup championship will be 16 other riders including three Americans, led by Steffen Peters of San Diego, CA who finished fourth in last year's Olympic Games in Hong Kong. He is joined by Jan Ebeling of Moorpark, CA and Leslie Morse of Beverly Hills, CA. The full list of entries for this year's World Cup Final is as follows:
Title Defender: 1 Anky VAN GRUNSVEN, NED IPS Painted Black Western European League:
2 Isabell WERTH, GER Satchmo 3 Adelinde CORNELISSEN, NED Parzival 4 Hans Peter MINDERHOUD, NED Exquis Nadine 5 Monica THEODORESCU, GER Whisper 6 Jan BRINK, SWE Briar 7 Jeanette HAAZEN, NED Nartan 8 Minna Telde, SWE Don Charly
Central European League: 9 Mical RAPCEWICZ, POL Randon
Pacific League: 10 Heath RYAN, AUS Regardez Moi
North American League: 11 Steffen PETERS, USA Ravel 12 Ashley HOLZER, CAN Pop Art
South America / Asia: 13 Marco BERNAL, COL Diamore
Additional starting places or FEI Wild Cards: 14 Leslie MORSE, USA Kingston 15 Jan EBELING, USA Rafalca The 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals will see exciting equestrian action throughout its five days. Wednesday, April 15 will feature the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Warm Up I and II at 9:30am and the Rolex FEI World Cup dressage warm up at 1:30pm. Thursday, April 16 will feature the Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix at noon and the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final Round I at 7:00pm.
Things begin to heat up on Friday, April 17 with the Las Vegas Dressage Showcase at noon as well as the official Retirement Ceremony for Brentina, the only U.S. horse ever to win the Dressage World Cup Final. Friday will also feature the second round of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final. Saturday, April 18 features the Las Vegas Jumping Grand Prix at noon. Dressage competition concludes on Saturday when a new World Cup Dressage Champion will be crowned following the Grand Prix Freestyle at 7:00pm. Show Jumping concludes on Sunday, April 19 with the third round of the Rolex World Cup Show Jumping Final, and the determination of the next World Cup Show Jumping Champion.
Started in 1979, the FEI World Cup Jumping Final is an annual international showdown among the world's best show jumping horses and riders. Approximately 45 riders qualify from 13 leagues around the world. In the 30 finals held through 2008, United States riders have emerged with the most titles, having won the championship seven times.
The 2009 event will mark the eighth FEI World Cup Jumping Final to be held in the United States, following Finals in Baltimore in 1980, Tampa, Fla. in 1989, Del Mar, Calif. in 1992 and four in Las Vegas in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2007. First held in 1986, the FEI World Cup Dressage Final has been held in the U.S. three times, in 1995 in Los Angeles and 2005 and 2007 in Las Vegas. The Netherlands has dominated the competition, winning nine titles, followed by Germany with seven. The United States won its first title in 2003 when Debbie McDonald rode Brentina to the championship. About Las Vegas Events Founded in 1983, Las |
