February 8, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) – The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) commends the House of Representatives for unanimously passing H.R. 306, the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, introduced by Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC).  This bill will provide for a new management plan for the free-roaming Corolla wild horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The Corolla horses’ presence on the island is thought to coincide with the arrival of the Spanish explorers on the American coast in the early 16th century.  Today, these beautiful horses roam over 7,500 acres of public and private land in coastal Currituck County, North Carolina.

“This critical piece of legislation will enable the protection and responsible management of a prized herd of Colonial Spanish Mustangs,” noted Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for AWI. “Wild horses have held a significant role in North Carolina and our nation’s history and this bill will ensure their preservation.”

The current Currituck Outer Banks Wild Horse Management Plan of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides for a maximum of 60 horses, with the population controlled through adoption, relocation, or contraceptive fertility methods.  According to Gus Cothran – a leading equine geneticist at Texas A&M University who has conducted extensive research on American wild horses – the genetic variability of the Corolla horses is among the lowest seen in any wild horse population in the country.

H.R. 306 will incorporate Dr. Cothran’s recommendation to increase the herd to a minimum of 110 animals, with a target population of between 120 and 130.  In addition, the legislation will provide for cost-effective management of the horses while ensuring that natural resources within the refuge are not adversely impacted.  The Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act will mandate a viable population control plan for the horses – including auctions, adoptions, contraceptive fertility methods, and other viable options.

AWI supports the bill’s goal of increasing the population in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge while addressing concerns over conflicts with endangered species on refuge lands, and commends Representative Jones for his commitment to the protection of both wild and domestic horses.  We hope the Senate will likewise move swiftly to approve the measure when it comes up for consideration in that chamber.

For More Information Contact:
Chris Heyde – (202) 446-2142

Zairo Interagro and rider Heather Bender receive coaching during the USDF Trainer’s Conference at High Meadow Farm. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2012) – Zairo Interagro, a beautiful grey Lusitano stallion bred by Interagro Lusitanos, participated as a demonstration horse the during the USDF FEI-Level Trainer’s Conference with trainer Heather Bender. The USDF Trainer’s Conference was held at High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida, and featured Christoph Hess, an FEI “I” judge in both dressage and eventing.

“I am so pleased that Zairo Interagro had the opportunity to represent the Lusitano breed during the Trainer’s Conference,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, the Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos in Brazil. “Trainers from around the United States attended the conference, and this event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the breed.”

Zairo and Bender took part in the Third level demonstration, working on flying changes and stretching over the back under the tutelage of Hess. “Zairo is a talented horse and a good representation of the Lusitano breed, which are known for their generous temperament and trainability,” Gonzaga said.

Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world, operates out of their 1200-acre ranch outside of São Paulo in Brazil. Well known for hosting Lusitano auctions in the United States, this year they will hold their auction in Brazil. “We are encouraging Lusitano fans to mark their calendars for June 23rd, the date of the 2012 Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction,” Gonzaga said.

With the success of the auction in the United States and the blossoming popularity of the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos prompted the organizers to host the prestigious auction at Interagro Lusitanos outside of Sao Paulo. Interagro’s unique equestrian culture and dedication to preserving the pure Lusitano lineages offers visitors an unparalleled equestrian experience.

Named the “Best Breeder of Year” in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Interagro Lusitanos was founded in 1975 with the goal of preserving the Lusitano breed. “Interagro’s mission has always been to develop a bloodline of Lusitanos that are competitive in contemporary equestrian pursuits, including FEI level dressage. As a competition and performance horse, the Lusitano is hard to beat,” Gonzaga said.

To learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

About Interagro Lusitanos
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is now recognized as the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with a small band of four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal; to date nearly 700 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations. Interagro Lusitanos are handled, prepared, and evaluated from birth, with a handful of the best stock presented at auction each year.

For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608
jrpr@mac.com

February 1, 2012 – The Alltech National Horse Show, following its debut at the Kentucky Horse Park last November, on Tuesday evening was awarded the North American Riders Group’s highest ranking for any American horse show.

The North American Riders Group (NARG), representing the riders and owners in North America, is comprised of the top horsemen from the United States, Canada and Mexico and was formed with the goal of improving the sport of show jumping. In their presentation of the NARG Top 25 Horse Shows of 2011, they stated, “The North American Riders Group remains steadfast in achieving an essential goal-improving our sport so that once again show jumping in North America will rank among the greatest in the world.”

Their report said, “After overwhelmingly positive results from our 2010 Top 25 report, NARG and a host of volunteers once again spent hundreds of hours to numerically evaluate 50 of the top horse shows in North America.”

Finishing third in the overall rankings behind legendary Spruce Meadows in Canada, and Canadian newcomer to the rankings, Thunderbird, the Alltech National Horse Show, attained the highest score of any show in the United States at 83%. “The successful re-birth of the National Horse Show is important for our sport and crucial to the resurgence of this nation’s traditionally outstanding Indoor shows,” the NARG report stated. “Congratulations on year one’s score of 83%. NARG believes this event has a bright future.”

The report continued, “Once one of the nation’s most esteemed and celebrated indoor events, The National Horse Show is making a comeback. With the support of Alltech, as well as other sponsors, this year the renowned event relocated to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. It appears the show will remain at this home of the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) indefinitely, with great efforts to return it to its bygone excellence.”

“While it is challenging to establish a show steeped in tradition at a new venue, NARG commends the management team of ANHS for a job well done in year one. Three essential aspects came together to bring about a high score and a solid event. First, a committed management team and Board, with a vision for bringing back what once was. Second, the Kentucky Horse Park has a fabulous new indoor arena. And third Alltech is a strong title sponsor; unlocking possibilities that show managements yearn for. However to truly be a marquee event, it is a priority to get people in the seats. We know management understands this,” NARG stated.

“We are honored and very proud with this top ranking from the North American Riders Group,” said Mason Phelps, Jr., the President of the National Horse Show Association. “It’s rewarding that our team’s tremendous efforts in year one were recognized by this outstanding group of professional horsemen.”

More than 560 horses and 350 riders from nine countries attended in 2011 and the show’s debut this past season will go down in the record books as one of the most successful in the history of equestrian events in the United States.

“The team at the Alltech National Horse Show takes the NARG rankings very seriously and will keep a laser focus on those items that kept the show from the very top of the charts this year,” Phelps added. “In fact, we’ve already addressed and plan to fix a number of those issues mentioned in the NARG rankings, including bigger and better scoreboards, the location of the Taylor Harris Club, access to the main arena floor and much improved and exciting nighttime entertainment. Our number one concern next year,” Phelps said, “will be to get, as NARG put it, people in the seats.”

Alltech President and Founder Dr. Pearse Lyons agreed. “This inaugural event was a good beginning, but it was only the beginning. This show will continue to grow and next time around the city of Lexington will embrace this show more and we, in fact, will go all out to create a super experience for all who attend.”

The second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is set for October 31 through November 4, 2012. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

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

Jennifer Alfano & Jersey Boy - USHJA International Hunter Derby ©Flashpoint Photography

February 3, 2012 – Green Cove Springs, FL – The Jacksonville Winter Series wrapped up its three week run on January 29th with the naming of Circuit Champions and a lot of fond memories for those attending.

Alexis Newman of the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association summed up the series: “We enjoyed a fantastic three weeks of shows that were marked with great exhibitor parties, superb competition, wonderful camaraderie, near perfect weather, plus a touching and successful benefit dinner.” The support of attendees raised in excess of $14,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project and local 4-H clubs. Show manager Bob Bell echoed Newman’s sentiment: “The number of exhibitors may not have been what we hoped for, but the competition was nothing less than fierce! I really feel this was one the best Jacksonville series yet – like Alexis said, we just had the best of everything come together and make for a great three weeks.”

Each weekend featured $25,000 up for the taking during Saturday evenings’ main events – spotlighting show jumpers from around the country. International course designer Dave Ballard watched intently as victory for the opening week went to Robert Lee of Old Saybrook, CT, riding the 12-year-old Hanoverian, El Greeco, to the top spot in both the Welcome Stake and the $25,000 Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club/Hodges Boulevard Development Grand Prix. Week two’s $25,000 Brumos Motor Cars, Inc Grand Prix, which benefited the Wound Warriors Project, found local legend Aaron Vale of Morriston, FL and the Thinks Like A Horse entry, 8-year-old KWPN Warmblood Wodka L, galloping the victory lap after conquering J. P. Godard’s course work. And wrapping up the winter series, Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC piloted Sympa, the 12-year-old Rheinland Pfalz Saar mare owned by Mrs. Charles Bostwick, to the win in the $25,000 Clay County Grand Prix. The course layout was done by Tim Hott.

Hunter horses saw their fair share of tough competition each week thanks in part to the technical design work of Joe Carnicom, especially during each of the USHJA National Derby classes that without a doubt provided many a rider the opportunity to prepare for the finale event, the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.  Week one’s USHJA National Derby winner was local favorite Kathryn Mittauer partnered with Allawishus. Jeffrey Ayers and Abercrombie took the second week victory, and South Carolina’s favorite lady rider Liza Boyd hit the bull’s-eye with Marksmann for owner Mailla Van Beuren in the third USHJA National Derby.

The $5,000 NFHJA Equitation Challenge had some of the nation’s top young hunter riders going head to head during week two’s spotlighted competition. “This was one of the best classes to watch because of the incredible talent in it,” Bob Bell commented.

Top Five Results:
1st – Meg O’Mara of Rumson, NJ
2nd – Hasbrouck Donovan of Ocala, FL
3rd – Ashton Alexander of Ocala, FL
4th – Nikki Diamantis of Tallahassee, FL
5th – Reily Rieker of Oviedo, FL

One of the most anticipated events took place during week three with the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Jerry Parks Insurance Group and The Bruning Foundation, bringing several of the leading horses and riders of the USHJA series looking to move up in the overall national standings.  At the conclusion of round one it was Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA aboard the AM Free, Inc owned Red Sky in the top spot, followed closely by Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY in the second and third positions with Jersey Boy (owner SBS Stables) and Miss Lucy (owner Helen Lenahan). Fourth was held by Liza Boyd of Camden, SC with Brunello, co-owned with Janet Peterson, and the fifth spot found Farmer with Bases Loaded for owner AM Free, Inc.  The Handy round found few changes in the players just the positioning, with Jersey Boy and Alfano moving to the top, Farmer and Bases Loaded second, Brunello and Boyd in third, Miss Lucy and Alfano in fourth, and a new face in the fifth spot: Majestic with Amanda Steege riding for owner Tony arena.

Excitement and cheering grew louder among the spectators as the judging panels calculated all the scores to officially crown the champion. When the pencils went down and the scores came up it was Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy taking the overall victory in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Top Ten Final Results:
1st – Jersey Boy with Jennifer Alfano for owner SBS Stables
2nd – Bases Loaded with Kelley Farmer for owner AM Free, Inc
3rd – Brunello with Liza Boyd for owners Boyd and Janet Peterson
4th – Miss Lucy with Jennifer Alfano for owner Helen Lenahan
5th – Red Sky with Kelley Farmer for owner AM Free, Inc
6th – Majestic with Amanda Steege for owner Tony Arena
7th – Taken with Kelley Farmer for owner Nancy Amling
8th – Sting with Jennifer Alfano for owner Helen Lenahan
9th – Henry Hill with Kelley Farmer for owners Larry Glefke & Bibby Hill
10th – Casallo with Liza Boyd for owner Erin McGuire

The crescendo of the three week winter series was the announcement of this year’s Circuit Champions. “Green Cove has been a wonderful kick off to our winter season and judging by the level of competitiveness, it’s clearly going to be a great year full of talent!” Bob Bell said.

2012 Jacksonville Winter Series Circuit Champions:

Adult Amateur Hunter – Cezanne and Carrie Ettinger
Adult Amateur Jumper – Leroy Brown 17 and Kelly Maloney
Amateur Owner Jumper – Thoughtful and Keri Guanciale
Children’s Hunter – Unlimited and Madison Maners
Children’s Jumper – 2 The Nines and Sophia Berot
Green Pony Hunter – Blur Ridge Sweet Dreams and Devin Seek
High Performance Hunter – MJ and Mary Eufemia
Junior Hunter – Felicci and Caroline Kellog
Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper – Tanimara and Anne Bingler
Pony Hunter – Tuscany and Ashton Alexander
Pre Children’s/Pre Adult Hunter – Summer Daze and Patricia Simpson Zeh
Pre Green Hunter – Summer Daze and Patricia Simpson Zeh
Short/Long Stirrup Hunter – Barrington’s Brew of Magic and Samantha Palmero

For complete results of the 2012 Jacksonville Winter Series please visit www.horseshowsonline.com or www.nfhja.com. The Classic Company is a USHJA Members Choice Award winner, known for producing quality, exhibitor friendly, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows throughout the Southeast US. For additional information on any of the 2012 events, please call the office at 843-768-5503 or visit them on the web at www.classiccompany.com, and for great hotel or condo rates contact www.equestriantravel.com.

The inaugural NARG riders' grant was awarded to Sarah Johnstone by Beezie Madden. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com

Wellington, FL – February 1, 2012 – New in 2011, the NARG Riders’ Grant is designed to afford an emerging rider, dedicated to the sport of show jumping, an opportunity to achieve levels of performance they would otherwise not be able to attain. The grant provides the winner with $15,000 USD for expenses within North America approved by the NARG Board, a new Beval Artisan saddle, products from Ariat, PR from Phelps Media and a custom web site by Spotted Toad Design.

After extensive discussion and multiple meetings, the NARG Board awarded The 2011 NARG Riders’ Grant to twenty-year-old Canadian Sarah Johnstone. A devoted young professional, Johnstone was a self-proclaimed barn rat who began working at the stable by age ten. As she continued to compete, Johnstone always worked to pay her way. Proving that hard work and a strong sense of commitment bring success, Sarah achieved an impressive list of accomplishments in the last decade. These include winning the Canadian Jump Canada Medal Finals and Canadian Equestrian Team Finals (CET) in 2006, taking 4th in her first CSI4* Grand Prix in 2010, topping the field in the FEI CSI3* Open Welcome at International Bromont last July and earning a short list position on the Canadian Show Jumping Team in 2011.

Not only a solid rider with aspirations to represent her country and become internationally recognized, Johnstone is also a solid citizen. In 2008 she was nominated by fellow peers, trainers and riders for the Jane Hunter Sportsmanship Award and ‘felt lucky enough’ to be presented with the honor at the Royal Agricultural Fair. It’s not without adversity that this talented rider has risen through the ranks, but her struggles have only solidified the steadfast commitment to achieve her goals.

“When I applied I never thought I would win!” exclaimed Johnstone. “The grant gives me such a great sense of encouragement. It feels like a huge step forward on a path where I am continuing to grow as a professional.”

Due to the unexpected number of applicants to this inaugural year’s grant, the NARG Board decided to also award a runner up. This additional $5,000 grant with the same stipulations as above went to Kaitlin Campbell from Pennsylvania. Also quite accomplished at a young age, Campbell is a junior in college. This past year she won her first as well as her second grand prix, earned a tri-color at The Devon Horse Show, competed in her first 1.6m World Cup Qualifier and finished with the Leading Amateur Rider award from the Alltech National Horse Show. Devoted to the sport, Campbell also worked as an intern for the Washington International Horse Show.

The North American Riders Group congratulates Sarah Johnstone, Kaitlin Campbell and each of the other 38 applicants from this inaugural year. We are most grateful for the generosity of the Southern-Heathcott family who make this grant possible.

About the North American Riders Group – NARG
The North American Riders Group, NARG, remains steadfast in achieving an essential goal – improving our sport so that once again show jumping in North America will rank among the greatest in the world. It takes teamwork to achieve a goal of this magnitude. Representing the riders and owners in North America, NARG takes the necessary steps to work openly with show managements, governing bodies and associations, as collectively we all make up the team that must evolve with the times to see this come to fruition.

With your participation, NARG’s voice becomes incrementally stronger and clearer. To bring change we must be able to speak with a singular voice. Join us. Visit www.narg.org or call 561.386.4525 for more details.

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

Year Two: The NARG Top 25 Shows in North America Are Revealed

Wellington, FL – February 1, 2012 – Following the overwhelmingly positive response to our 2010 Top 25 report, NARG’s host of volunteers once again invested hundreds of hours to numerically evaluate 50 of the top horse shows in North America. The 2011 results are an interesting mix of events – including a couple of Canadian champions, a promising new beginning for The National Horse Show, several new discoveries and two most improved shows.

Canada claimed the top two spots this year. The highest marks once again go to Spruce Meadows, a venue that continues to exemplify our aspirations for great sport in North America. The number two title this year goes to a Canadian discovery, Thunderbird Show Park. Both venues are tremendous places to compete and show jumpers should seriously consider adding these solid examples of top tournaments to their summer schedule.

Relocated to Lexington, the Alltech National Horse Show earned a top ranking this year. With the promise of recreating what once was, this indoor event could again bring brilliance back to the fall circuit.

Two of our nation’s most treasured traditional events rank in the top five this year, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair and The Hampton Classic. These shows have stood the test of time and continue to offer an outstanding experience for both the exhibitors and the spectators. By making big strides towards footing improvements, Devon also earned one of two NARG’s ‘Most Improved’ Awards this year. In 2011 Devon’s score improved by 6% and their ranking jumped five spots.

The second event to earn the NARG ‘Most Improved’ in 2011 is Old Salem Farm’s May series. Often plagued by wet weather, Old Salem’s new large sand arena ably handles the classes that the grass field cannot. Dedicated to becoming a premiere event, Old Salem’s score improved by 7% and their ranking also jumped three spots.

NARG acknowledges the effort required to produce a world-class equestrian competition. We value the open-mindedness with which horse show managers have considered our evaluations. These top managements are working hard to offer superb competition by putting sport first. As we continue to rank the Top 25 Shows each year, NARG feels confident that the quality of competitions as well as the number of top ranked international riders will increase as top horse shows continue to develop into world class events.

The Top 25 of 2011

The top SIX shows scored 80% or higher. To make the Top 25 a show had to score 69%, eight percent higher than 2010. Average score 76%.

1. Spruce Meadows – 92%
2. Thunderbird – 83%
3. Alltech National Horse Show – 83%
4. Devon Horse Show – 81%
5. Hampton Classic – 80%
6. Pennsylvania National Horse Show – 80%
7. Winter Equestrian Festival – 79%
8. New Albany Horse Show – 79%
9. Pin Oak Charity Horse Show – 77%
10. Del Mar National Horse Show – 77%
11. American Invitational – 76%
12. Pfizer Million Grand Prix – 75%
13. Kentucky Spring Horse Shows – 74%
14. North American Junior/Young Rider Championship – 74%
15. Washington International Horse Show – 74%
16. Sacramento Horse Show – 73%
17. The Royal – 73%
18. Xalapa – 73%
19. Bromont – 72%
20. Horse Shows by the Bay – 72 %
21. Old Salem Horse Show – 72%
22. Lake Placid Horse Show – 72%
23. Blenheim – 71%
24. Putnum Boston Classic – 70%
25. HITS Thermal – 69%

About the North American Riders Group – NARG
The North American Riders Group, NARG, remains steadfast in achieving an essential goal – improving our sport so that once again show jumping in North America will rank among the greatest in the world. It takes teamwork to achieve a goal of this magnitude. Representing the riders and owners in North America, NARG takes the necessary steps to work openly with show managements, governing bodies and associations, as collectively we all make up the team that must evolve with the times to see this come to fruition.

With your participation, NARG’s voice becomes incrementally stronger and clearer. To bring change we must be able to speak with a singular voice. Join us. Visit www.narg.org or call 561.386.4525 for more details.

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

In the technological age many turn to the Internet to find information on horses as well as their products and services, but it can be difficult with the amount of sources and the uncertainty of bias in ratings and reviews.  A great resource for information on horse breeds has just been released from FindTheBest.  This is a great reference on 258 different horse breeds, comparing a number of qualities including breed groups and origins, as well as physical features like size, coat and color.  FindTheBest presents the facts in easy to use tables and allows for side-by-side comparisons of different breeds and consumer products so that you can find the best.

This is also a great resource for horse lovers to come, share and exchange information on what they are most passionate about.  My youngest sister is 13 years old and has been able to use this site to research some of the horses she has.  She is largely interested in the Rodeo style of horseback riding so things like barrel and pole racing as well as various roping events.  Each horse is trained and used almost exclusively for that one event.  Information on horse breeds can give insight into their success or failures in various rodeo events.  This is a call to action for horse lovers to come and connect.

Grayson Nance
Business Development Associate
FindTheBest

Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 31, 2012 – The 3rd Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online auction of exclusive handcrafted Kentucky Derby Hats, continues February 1st with a hat inspired by the great sire Fortunate Prospect.

This is the fourth hat in a series of six magnificent chapeaus to be auctioned by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.  Each hat has been custom crafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Old Friends, the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to the dignified retirement of former racehorses.

Each of Steinmann’s magnificent designs is inspired by one of the champions retired at Old Friends, and one will be auctioned every month leading up to this year’s Kentucky Derby, to be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on May 5.

This month’s hat is “The Fortunate Prospect,” a sultry design of rich black tones and orange hues. To view the hat and to read more about Maggie Mae Designs go to www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Bidding opens on February 1st at 8pm. To bid on go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.  Bidding is open until February 11.

Fortunate Prospect, now 31, is the oldest retiree at Old Friends, and has been pensioned at the farm since 2005. Gramps, as he is fondly known, had a respectable track record (about a dozen stakes wins, including the San Vicente at Santa Anita and the Equus Handicap at Garden State) but it’s his family tree that has grown with distinction.

Considered one of the truly great stallions in Florida breeding history, Mr. P has sired numerous stakes victors.  Of his 779 foals, 663 started and 573 were winners of 2,700 races worth over $43 million.

The stallion also gained recognition over the years as a top broodmare sire: His daughter Successful Dancer is the dam of multiple stakes winner Successful Appeal while Fortuesque is the dam to 2009 Kentucky Derby contender Musket Man.

This Derby hat is especially elegant.  Moved by the deep coat of the near-black stallion, Steinmann used lush black dupioni silk as the foundation for the hat then covered the chapeau’s dramatic 23-inch brim with swirling layers of ebony and espresso tulle.

The centerpiece, a stunning rose curl, was created using goldenrod shantung, soft coral organza, and deep tangerine satin. The colors represent Fortunate Prospect’s one-time racing silk colors.

As she has done in other recent designs, Steinmann has also woven a physical remembrance of Fortunate Prospect into the hat. Several strands of the great stallion’s tail hairs have been braided into the trim.

Similar designs by Steinmann have sold for upwards of $1,000.

Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby began on November 1 2011 with “The Noor.” “The Prized” hat followed in December and “The Benburb” rang in the New Year last month.  The next hat will go on the block March 1, 2012.

The online auction has raised over $10,000 for Old Friends since its inception in the fall of 2009

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626)).

For more information about Old Friends see the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design.  Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Maggie Mae Designs (508-430-1626), sally@maggiemae.com

Jersey Boy & Jennifer Alfano

The Jacksonville Winter Series has come and gone.  We enjoyed a fantastic three weeks of shows that were marked with great exhibitor parties, superb competition, camaraderie, perfect weather and a touching & successful benefit dinner.  Thank you to all of our exhibitors who supported not only the series, but the Wounded Warrior Project & the Clay County 4-H as well.  In excess of $14,000 was raised for these very worthy causes.

Congratulations to the following Circuit Champions:
Adult Amateur Hunter – Cezanne & Carrie Ettinger
Adult Amateur Jumper – Leroy Brown 17 & Kelly Maloney
Amateur Owner Jumper – Thoughtful & Keri Guanciale
Children’s Hunter – Unlimited & Madison Maners
Children’s Jumper – 2 The Nines & Sophia Bertot
Green Pony Hunter – Blue Ridge Sweet Dreams & Devin Seek
High Performance Hunter – MJ & Mary Eufemia
Junior Hunter – Felicci & Caroline Kellog
Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper – Tanimara & Anne Bingler
Short/Long Stirrup Hunter – Barrington’s Brew of Magic & Samantha Palermo
Pony Hunter – Tuscany & Ashton Alexander
Pre-Children’s/Adult Hunter – Summer Daze & Patricia Simpson Zeh
Pre-Green Hunter – Summer Daze & Patricia Simpson Zeh

Sympa & Daniel Geitner

We wish you a very successful 2012 show season and hope that everyone plans to stop in Green Cove Springs for 4 weeks of fantastic shows in January 2013!

A special THANKS to Flashpoint Photography & Media Services for providing the pictures.

Sincerely,

NFHJA
info@nfhja.com

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the last week of the Jacksonville Winter Series A to Z. Photo By: Flashpoint Photography

Buffalo, NY – January 31, 2012 – As 2012 kicks off for SBS Farms, Inc., it is apparent that nothing is going to stand in their way. Professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano rode Jersey Boy to a spectacular win in the Jacksonville Winter Series $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby last week. She and her mounts have earned numerous distinctions in the hunter rings, riding to the top scores with ease and consistency.

Alfano rode Jersey Boy to the reserve championship in the High Performance Hunters earlier in the week, earning the first and second place ribbons over fences as well as the blue ribbon for their efforts in the handy course. The team was only getting started for the week.

“Jersey Boy was awesome this week; he did great in the High Performance Hunters and then was spectacular for the derby,” Alfano described. “The first round he went around really lightly and skillfully but in the handy he was really just beautiful.”

As the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby got underway, Alfano and Jersey Boy stole the show. The combination took the second place position during the first round of the derby, and their handy round was executed seemingly flawless. Together, Alfano and Jersey Boy were awarded the top score and subsequently, the highest overall. “We all pretty much took the same track, but I picked up the gallop and never really stopped galloping. He kept such a great pace and was really on for the handy course, I think that is what gave us that edge,” Alfano explained.

Miss Lucy, owned by Helen Lenahan, took the third place position during the first round and the fourth place spot for the handy, overall taking fourth place. Alfano also exhibited Sting, owned by Helen Lenahan, for his 2012 comeback. The duo was awarded eighth overall for their cumulative two-round scores, and also earned two yellow ribbons in the 3’6-3’9 Performance Working Hunters.

“I’m going to save Sting, he’s been out for a long time and this was his first time competing in a derby since Devon 2009, and I was so pleased with him and am so excited to have him back, but I am definitely not going to push him too hard,” Alfano elaborated. “You’re always nervous to show them the first time or have that big class with them, so I was fretting about it the whole time, but he was so good, he jumped beautifully and I think he was happy to be back.”

Miss Lucy also earned impressive scores in the High Performance Working Hunters. With Alfano in the irons, the pair took the second, third and fourth place ribbons over fences as well as the third place award in the under saddle. Alfano showed her other mount Rose Hill, owned by Sharon O’Neill, to the Second Year Green Working Hunter Championship. The combination swept the over fences on the first day, and earned an additional first and third place ribbon over fences during the second day of the division.

“Rosie was excellent. It was her first time showing in the Second Years and she won three classes. She also did her first derby in Jacksonville, she was really great, but she made a few minor mistakes here and there,” Alfano explained. “I was impressed though that the derby didn’t faze her one bit.”

Alfano also rode SBS Farms’ Castell in the High Performance Hunters, pinned with the second, third and fourth place ribbons over fences. They also nabbed the third place prize in the under saddle. Later in the week, Grace Weidner showed Castell in the Large Junior Hunter Division, earning top scores for their rides in the hunter ring. They rode to the third place award over fences and also earned the second place in the under saddle.

“This is the first time I have shown Castell in the High Performance, but he was really good,” Alfano concluded. “He’s so scopey and such a good jumper that he is really fun to ride and is going to be really enjoyable to have in that division.”

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

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