July 23, 2010 – Arezzo, Italy – Equestrian athletes uniting for positive change is truly a global movement, as evidenced by a fundraiser held to benefit JustWorld International at the Arezzo Equestrian Centre in Italy on July 16.
Spearheaded by grand prix rider Matteo Guinti, the local community gathered in support of JustWorld International, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping impoverished children in developing nations around the world. Guinti’s motivation for organizing the fundraising event mirrored the exact reason so many of the more than 300 JustWorld Rider Ambassadors representing 34 nations have become involved with the organization – to share their good fortunate.
“When everything is going well, it is the perfect time to share the moment with someone else,” said Guinti, 34, of Italy, who recently signed a three-year contract to be the resident trainer at Arezzo Equestrian Centre. “I have worked hard in my life to get to where I am today, and now I have a chance to be in Arezzo at this beautiful facility. I have good sponsors and good horses, and have been able to jump in the Global Champions Tour with good results. At this moment in my life, surrounded by good people, I wanted to do something for the people of the world who are not as lucky as me.”
25/07/10 – Well before there French got the home win they were waiting for in today’s Equidia Grand Prix, Eric van der Vleuten was the very first competitor in the ring this morning on VDL Groep Cannelina (below right). And although 50% of the thirty-two starters were clear and through to the jump off, he was never headed in the Prix Savelys. His grey mare, already in the money earlier in the week, was smooth and efficient round the turns in the timed phase and the clock stopped 38.79. None of the other 16 combinations could catch the Dutch pair, try as they might and Holland got another win at Chantilly after Harrie Smolders’ yesterday. Eric’s win was a good result for his sponsors VDL Groep, as well as for the GCT, because they are one of the main sponsors at GCT Valkenswaard in addition to their generous support of Eric. Eventually second was Edwina Alexander on a relatively new ride, dark chestnut mare Kisby, who had a time of 39.29 and third place went to another of this weeks earlier winners, Simon Delestre, riding Napoli du Ry. Their time was 39.59. Bernado Alves was fourth with Monaco GP winner Bridgit.
24/07/10 – The female of the species was most definitely deadlier than the male in Chantilly today as American Laura Kraut and Cedric headed another all girl 1,2,3. The riders had warmed up earlier in the day with the Prix Amunde, a Table C Speed class. This is where faults are converted to time so if you are very fast it is possible to win even with a fence down. However in this company only being fast and clean over the rails would be good enough. The course featured several alternatives where the line was shorter but the jumps more difficult and Penelope Leprevost riding British bred Belle was the first to set a decent target. 60.68 looked fast and it did take Harrie Smolders on Exquis Powerfee to get in front. The horse who won or was placed in several GCT against the clock classes in 2009 scooted round in 59.12 and then his rider had to wait for the other half of the class to finish to see if he would win. But although he had to endure a couple of close shaves as first Denis Lynch (All Inclusive NW) and then Jerome Hurel (Nectar des Forets) got close the top two did not change. “I think the GCT know all about Powerfee by now” said Harrie “But it is fair to say he is my best all round horse. You can always count on him as a standby for any class!”
Traverse City, MI – July 24, 2010 – Caitlin Ziegler and Winterplace took home the grand championship in the Junior Hunters today and also received the highest score given out at Horse Shows by the Bay II with a 95 in their Handy Hunter round.
“This week, I’ve gotten the highest scores I’ve ever gotten. Every trip was better than anything we’ve done before. The handy trip was amazing; with him, we are always careful in the handy rounds, we don’t do the tightest turns and we don’t go all out like we would with Safari. We really tried everything today and he was so good,” smiled Ziegler.
Ziegler and Winterplace won three jumping rounds in the Small Junior Hunters 15-under, and were awarded scores of more than 90 for all of their blue ribbon rounds. Ziegler was also reserve champion in the division on her other horse, Safari.
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