Scott Stewart dominated the hunter ring during the first week of the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival. (Photo courtesy of Sportfot.com)

Wellington, FL (February 8, 2012) – Hunter trainer and rider Scott Stewart dominated the hunter ring during the first week of the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival, riding away with the Championship in the Green Working Hunter, the First Year Green Working Hunter and the Second Year Green Working Hunter divisions. Kelly Farmer won the Championship in the Regular Conformation Hunter division, also sponsored by The Sanctuary at PBIEC.

“Scott’s a very accomplished hunter trainer and rider and he showed off his skill during the first week of WEF by riding into the winner’s circle countless times,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of the Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Ocala. “We are thrilled that Scott won so many of the classes we sponsored and we congratulate him on his victories. We also want to congratulate Kelley. She is also an accomplished hunter rider who is also well known for being in the winner’s circle.”

Stewart rode Beholden to the Green Conformation Hunter Championship, Enjoy to the First Year Green Working Hunter Championship and Dedication to the Second Year Green Working Hunter Championship. Farmer rode Straight Talk to the Championship in the Regular Conformation Hunter.

McDuffee said The Sanctuary is a world-class rehab and conditioning facility located on a beautiful 30-acre, state-of-the-art campus in Ocala that has built a tremendous reputation on their ability to condition and rehabilitate equines of all disciplines. “The Sanctuary in Ocala is our main facility and we have also opened a facility in Wellington, The Sanctuary at PBIEC, a rehab and conditioning facility located on the grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Having a satellite facility at the show grounds gives riders and trainers a taste of our full facility in Ocala,” McDuffee said.

In addition to The Sanctuary’s main location and their Wellington facility, The Sanctuary also has a mobile state-of-the-art therapy unit that travels to shows. “Our Ocala facility has had so much success over the years with helping to either rehab horses and get them back in the show ring or help condition horses so that they are competing at their very best,” McDuffee said. “The great thing about all of our therapies for horses is that they are based on methods used for human rehabilitation. Just like human athletes who work hard to condition their bodies, are horses deserve to be in the best condition so that they can compete at the top of their game.”

McDuffee added, “At The Sanctuary in Ocala we believe in adequately preparing the horse for the show ring, which includes building muscle and stamina. We have owners and trainers who routinely use our equine swimming pool and our treadmills. Our goal is to send every horse home in the best condition possible.”

For more information on The Sanctuary, visit their website at www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com.

For more information contact:
Tom Grabe
The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center
www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com
1-352-369-HEAL (4325)

Jennifer Alfano guided Sting to his comeback in the $5,000 Devoucoux 3'3" Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala I. Photo By: ESI The Digital Place

Ocala, FL – February 8, 2012 – The first week of SBS Farms’ six-week stay at HITS Ocala was filled with nothing but success as professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano guided Sting to his comeback. The talented team executed the $5,000 Devoucoux 3’3″ Hunter Prix with consistency and precision, riding to the coveted championship spot. Alfano also rode numerous mounts to the top awards in the hunter divisions, while student Grace Weidner exhibited Castell in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, leaving the ring with high scores across the board.

It seems as though Sting, after taking some time to recuperate, is finally hitting his stride in the new 2012 year. Alfano and Sting took control of the $5,000 Devoucoux 3’3″ Hunter Prix, taking the course with a smooth ease. “He was really good, the courses were nice and he jumped great,” Alfano described. “It was so nice to have Sting back after having him out for a while. He was really smooth going around, everything matched, he’s such a fun horse and I am so happy to have him back.”

Alfano also showed Danny Robertshaw’s Lions Paw to the Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship title. Early in the division, Lions Paw made his mark winning the blue in the model class. His success continued with Alfano in the irons, guiding him to the top score in the handy, as well as earning the third place ribbon over fences and an additional blue ribbon for their efforts in the under saddle.

In the Low Pre-Green Hunter division, Alfano and Samba Sensation, owned by Christina Major, received the reserve championship. Together, the pair earned the first, second and third place ribbons over fences, falling shortly behind Erin McCabe and Mojito. “This was the first time I have shown both of them and they did really great. I have to get to know them better, but they are both super fun to ride. They are both for sale at the moment, so I am going to continue to ride them throughout the Ocala shows as well,” Alfano explained.

Although Rose Hill, Miss Lucy and Jersey Boy took a break this week, Alfano did not skip a single beat aboard Maggie May, earning the second place over fences and the blue ribbon for the under saddle in the High Pre-Green Hunter division. She also had the opportunity to ride Michigan Avenue, an exciting reunion since the gelding was sold shortly after Capital Challenge in 2011. Together, they proved that they are still a team to be reckoned with. Their consistency throughout the Second Year Green Hunters earned the duo the reserve tricolor.

“I sold Michigan Avenue at Capital Challenge, and the owners asked me to ride him here this week,” Alfano elaborated. “I was so excited to have the opportunity again since he is such a fun horse to ride and compete.”

Recently, both Alfano and student Grace Weidner began showing SBS Farms’ Castell in separate hunter divisions, both catching the judges’ eyes and raising the bar aboard the nine-year-old Danish Warmblood. Alfano rode to the reserve championship in the High Performance Working Hunters, winning the first place ribbon and two third place ribbons over fences along with the second place honors in the under saddle. Weidner earned the second place ribbon and the fourth place ribbon over fences in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, also riding Castell to the second place ribbon in the under saddle. In the jumper ring, Luke Olsen rode Mick O’ Angelo to great success, earning the second and fourth place ribbons in the Low Children’s Jumpers.

“We had a great first week at Ocala,” Alfano concluded. “I feel as though everyone is really falling into a rhythm and we have a lot to look forward to.”

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.

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

Willem Greve riding Carambole at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken (BEL). Photo: SPORTFOT/Rolex

The Rolex One to Watch for February 2012 is awarded to Willem Greve (NED). Based in Markelo, The Netherlands, the 28-year-old jumped from number 299 to 241 during January – a move up the Rolex Rankings of 58 places.

Willem Greve had a very successful early career riding ponies before moving on to compete in both the Juniors and Young Riders’ Championships where he displayed a great deal of talent. When he was only 20 years old, Greve demonstrated that he was to have a promising future ahead of him, when he was named as the Rabobank Talent of the Year 2003.

When Greve moved on to Seniors, he competed as a member of the Dutch team at several FEI Nations Cup competitions. Last year (2011), Greve claimed victory in the first leg of the Grand Prix at CSI3* Hagen (GER), riding 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion, Ukato. Greve went on to ensure an impressive third-place finish at CSI4* Wiesbaden (GER) riding Sonate, beating the winner of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2011, Christian Ahlmann (GER). Before 2011 drew to a close, Greve and Sonate secured a well-deserved victory at CSI2* Wierden (NED).

This year (2012) is proving promising so far for Greve. Riding Carambole, the pair jumped their way to victory at CSI2* Drachten (NED) in January, which was the stallion’s first international victory. We look forward to seeing what the rest of the year has in store for the young Dutch rider.

The Rolex One to Watch is an initiative which identifies the rider who has made the biggest jump within or into the Top 250 of the Rolex Rankings the previous month.

For details online featuring the Rolex Rankings please click here

The winner of March’s Rolex One to Watch initiative will be announced at the beginning of March 2012.

• Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) is currently ranked number one in the Rolex Rankings and therefore holds the Green & Gold armband which bears the words “Number 1, The Rolex Rankings”.

• Marcus Ehning (GER) was the first rider to be awarded the Green & Gold in December 2009. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson shall wear it in all competitions whilst he is the Number 1 ranked rider in the Rolex Rankings.

• The Rolex Rankings are the only official guide to excellence in Jumping recognised by the FEI, and the Green & Gold has been devised for equestrian fans at events, and for those watching on TV internationally, to instantly recognise the world’s best/leading rider.

• The Rolex Rankings are updated monthly and issued at the start of each calendar month. For more information on the Rolex Rankings and to download the latest standings please visit the Jumping section of the FEI website at www.fei.org.

For further information please contact:
Rod Kohler, Revolution Sports
Email: rod@revolutionpr.co.uk

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

“You are really smart. You are very talented. You are a good rider.”

All those things make you feel good right? I used to think so. I used to compliment all the other horses in the barn, thinking I would be helping their self-esteem by reminding them how great they are. But, new studies indicate that this may not be the case.

An article by Po Bronson, posted in New York Magazine, states that certain types of praise can have a negative effect on the behavior of people. (For the entire article, go here: http://nymag.com/news/features/27840/.)

A study was done that indicated that if a child is constantly told they are “smart” or “talented” or “the best,” it can create a situation in their minds that makes them “risk adversant.” They become so sensitive to any task that isn’t immediately easy, that they stop trying. They won’t take risks that might prove to their parent(s) or teacher(s) that they don’t have the natural talent or brains with which they’ve been labeled. In equestrian terms, it takes away their “try.”

So, what should you do instead? Acknowledgement is important and you still want to acknowledge success and effort. However, you can change the way you “praise” by simply stating (with a positive tone in your voice) what action was actually completed, without the qualitative words like “good,” “best,” “smart,” or “talented.”

What’s the difference? Instead of saying something like, “You’re really good at lead changes,” you simply state with a happy voice, “You did three lead changes!” It may sound like the same thing, but it’s NOT! To say “good lead changes” makes the statement qualitative and about YOU, the observer, and what the observer has just observed… indicating that the action has now been judged as “good.” But to say, “you did three lead changes,” acknowledges a FACT about what the person (or horse) factually DID. It’s only about the person who just completed the task. There is no judgement, no opinion, just the facts about what was done. And such a statement will automatically cause the subject to look back at his or herself, and say inside with pride, “Yes! I did three lead changes!” It feels so good to acknowledge the self without first seeing it through the observer’s point of view, that the behavior will most likely be repeated!

This subtle difference is very powerful. And, it’s a bit confusing at first. Practice acknowledging your students, children (if you have them), and friends (both two and four legged), and see if you can just state the FACTS in a happy, appreciative voice. Then, watch how they react. You may be able to see their attention switching to their inner-self with a smile and a straightening of their posture. It’s very interesting to observe.

It is important that you acknowledge yourself this way, too. Rather than saying, “I rode well today,” say, “I rode my horse today, and we ran through First Level, test two, four times.” Or, “I went to the barn and brushed my horse today.” State what you DID, without a qualifying or judgment word. Notice how acknowledging the FACTS about what you did, changes how you feel inside!

I completed eleven one tempis in a row today! I practiced pirouettes for ten minutes today. I slept in the sun for two hours this afternoon. I dictated this message to you today. Acknowledging these facts gives me a great sense of accomplishment!

What have YOU done today? Just the facts, ma’am. Just the FACTS….

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

I’ve decided I want to be on Dancing with the Stars. I’ve never seen a dog on the show, and I think it’s time. Don’t you think so? Jane likes to dance, and sometimes we dance around the house together. My foxtrot is better than hers, but her waltz is better than mine. We practice so we both can be better dancers. I wonder if they will reply to my request to be in the show. After all, I’m a STAR of sorts! I mean, I get fan mail and everything!

Is there something that you’ve always wanted to do, but have never really put any effort into making it happen? Why is that? Is it fear of failure? Is it fear of success? How would your world be different if you really did do that thing you’ve always dreamed of?

There is a saying going around, that no one lies on their death bed wishing they had spent more time in the office. So where would YOU have wished you’d spent more time, if you knew your days were numbered? Well, guess what: your days ARE numbered! Hopefully your number is still very high, but maybe today is the day to start taking action on that dream of yours!

Just for today, I’m going to imagine that I was chosen to be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. I’m going to practice my waltz and show off my foxtrot. Whether or not they pick me, I know I’ve done what I can to give forward momentum to my dream.

So today, to acknowledge myself, I’ll say; I practiced my waltz for fifteen minutes today. I practiced my foxtrot for ten minutes today. Today I sent in my application for Dancing with the Stars.

Ahhh… that feels good inside to know I’ve done something productive toward achieving my dream.

Do you like to dance? Come on over and I’ll teach you the foxtrot! Of course, I call it the dogtrot.

Love, Indy

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602

© ESI Photography. Jennifer Alfano and Helen Lenahan’s Sting earned the top score in Sunday's $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala

OCALA, FL (February 7, 2012) – As the Ocala Premier celebrated its first full week of rated show jumping at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, hunter riders were treated with another gorgeous day to showcase the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix. Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, New York, one of the nation’s top hunter riders, enjoyed a successful day after she captured the blue ribbon in Sunday’s main hunter event aboard Helen Lenahan’s Sting.

Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida designed a first round course for 35 competitors and welcomed the top 12 scores to return for a second round to determine the overall winner. Alfano and Sting posted the best first round score of 87 to lead the way and followed it with a second round high-score of 89 to earn her the decisive victory.

Alfano is no stranger to the winner’s circle, and throughout her illustrious career has won many top place finishes at nearly every major horse show and year-end finals in the country.

“It was a nice course,” said Alfano. “I think a lot of the horses rode nicely and it was a fun class to do. This class has become very popular, especially with the [Diamond Mills Hunter Prix] Finals and they’ve done a great job at making it feel special.”

Second place was awarded to Chris Nelson of Northlake, Texas aboard Playboy Des Plants of le Bocage, owned by The Stables at le Bocage.

Kate Conover and Redfield Farm’s Peron captured the third place ribbon. Conover, of Califon, New Jersey earned several top finishes last year at HITS Ocala and HITS-on-the-Hudson to qualify for the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. She and Balios Z ultimately finished third in the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties. A professional rider at Redfield Farm for head trainer Emil Spadone, Conover, alongside hundreds of juniors and amateurs, will be on the hunt to qualify for the 2012 return of the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final.

Rounding out the top five in Sunday’s Devoucoux Hunter Prix were Amanda Steege of Bedminster, New Jersey and Tony Arena’s Majestic in fourth, while Patty Stovel aboard Shoal Creek Stables’ Kenya, another Diamond Mills duo who finished in 11th place last year at the Final, finished in fifth place spot on Sunday.

$1,500 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix

© ESI Photography. Michelle Stopford of Reddick, Florida and Mark Stopford’s Agassi finished first in Saturday's $2,500 HITS 3'3" Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala

The $1,500 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix took place on Saturday as junior and amateur riders embarked on the road to the all-new $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final, which will take place alongside the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix September 7-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson. Michelle Stopford of Reddick, Florida aboard Mark Stopford’s Agassi topped the field of 19 competitors to take home the blue. Last week’s winner Jodi Czaplick of Morriston, Florida and her own Untold finished in second place, while Shannon Valley of Kildeer, Illinois finished in third aboard Donna Struve’s Insight.

The Ocala Winter Classic begins on Tuesday and will feature a full lineup of classes from grassroots to High-Performance competition. The road to the America’s richest weekend of show jumping – the HITS Championship Weekend, which will take place September 7-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York – continues this week in Ocala with two more qualifiers for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, one more for the $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final and one more for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the second-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 8-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine-dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Steffen Peters and Ravel during the awards ceremony following the 2012 World Dressage Masters Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle, which they won with a score of 83.70%. (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2012) – Thanks to the efforts of the show management team from the Gold Coast Dressage Association and the Wellington Dressage Classic Association, the 2012 Dressage season kicked off with three amazing CDI events in January and 2 Paralympic Qualifiers. With world-class dressage riders providing an air of European competition, the Gold Coast Dressage Association’s Opener CDI W/CDEDI3* January 19-22, 2012, the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*/CPEDI3* January 25-29, 2012 and the 2012 Palm Beach leg of the prestigious World Dressage Masters presented by the Axel Johnson Group set the tone for a fantastic Wellington dressage season.

Wellington Classic Dressage once again hosted the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach with International Polo Club as Presenting Sponsor.  The Masters proved to be a record setting event for the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, with dressage star Steffen Peters setting the dressage ring on fire with record breaking scores, while the number of spectators also proved to be at an all-time high. “This year’s Masters was one for the record books,” said John Flanagan of Wellington Classic Dressage, Gold Coast Dressage, International Horse Sport, and one of the organizers of the WDM Palm Beach. “The competition was amazing and a record number of people were able to watch this event live, which is a great testament to the strength of our sport in South Florida and the United States.”

Flanagan added that technology played an important role in audience participation during the Masters, including the ability to stream the rides to a smart phone. “This year we featured a live video stream which was so inundated by viewers it actually crashed the USEF website. We also featured high definition monitors at various locations in the area to provide each viewer with optimal angles of each movement and to replay clips from each ride.”

An added highlight of the World Dressage Masters was an up-close-and-personal moment of each rider being interviewed after their ride. “The crowd really enjoyed hearing the excitement in each rider’s voice as they spoke about their ride, and I think it brought them even closer to the action of an international dressage competition,” said Flanagan.

The 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach is the only North American leg in the Masters series and was presented by the International Polo Club of Wellington, which hosted a spectacular competitors’ party during the event. Held poolside at the Mallet Grill on the Polo Club grounds, the Competitors party featured an exquisite ice sculpture of the WDM logo, Venetian cuisine, mermaids, showgirls and fire dancers. The ambiance and excitement of the Competitors party set the tone for the entire weekend, which culminated with the Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle. Steffen Peters and Akiko Yamazaki’s Ravel beat out Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro by the narrowest of margins, only .05%, to capture the win for the second year in a row. During the Grand Prix Special on Saturday afternoon Adrienne Lyle and Wizard easily captured the win, with Heather Blitz and Paragon placing second and showing off some impressive movements for a young Grand Prix horse.

The World Dressage Master highlights came on the heels of the exciting Gold Coast Dressage Association’s Opener CDIW in which Adrienne Lyle and Wizard, owned by Parry and Peggy Thomas, captured the win in the Grand Prix class in the National Division with a 73.652%. Konyot rode away with a 71.596%, just ahead of Canada’s Ashley Holzer on Pop Art who scored 71.525%.

The Gold Coast Opener also proved to be a festive occasion, with the GCDA Opener Competitor’s party hosted by Stanley and Janne Rumbough and the Second Annual Stick Horse Quadrille, which featured great prizes from Sho Clothes Dressage boutique in Wellington. The show also featured para-equestrian dressage riders from Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Bermuda, the United States, Finland and Japan. The United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, coached by Missy Ransehousen, was in the ribbons with Jonathan Wentz taking home the blue aboard NTEC Richter Scale. The para riders also took part in the qualifier at the Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge, which ran in conjunction with the Masters. “It was a great weekend for the riders who competed in the Sunshine Challenge CDI 3*, as they were able to ride among some of the top Olympic riders and in an environment unparalleled in the United States,” said Flanagan.

The World Dressage Masters is proving to be a major steppingstone for the South Florida dressage market and the United States dressage scene, becoming a true mecca for Olympic level dressage. “Having the Masters here in Wellington is great for both the riders, who get to enjoy the beautiful weather and top class competition, and for the audiences and dressage enthusiasts who get to have the top echelons of the sport right in their backyard. The stands were full all throughout the weekend, and I think we were pushing 3500 people during the Grand Prix Freestyle and over 10,000 for the weekend. Dressage is quickly becoming a major spectator sport,” Flanagan said.

For more information on Gold Coast Dressage Association shows, visit their website at www.gcdafl.org.

For more information on Wellington Classic Dressage shows, visit their website at www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com.

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

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

Dr. Cesar Parra rode Lindner, owned by Michael Davis and his family, to the highest score at the Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2012) – Dr. Cesar Parra turned in another stunning ride aboard Lindner, owned by Michael and Sarah Davis, when the duo rode away with the Overall High Score at the Wellington Dressage Classic Sunshine Challenge, held in conjunction with the World Dressage Masters. Lindner, a six-year-old Westfalen gelding, showed off his brilliance to earn a winning score of 80.676% in the First Level Test 2.

Thanks to their high score, Parra and Lindner also captured The Horse of Course High Score Award, sponsored by The Horse of Course, Inc, one of the nation’s premier tack shops specializing in dressage tack, clothing and supplies. Parra was thrilled with Lindner’s performance and compared the young horse to a racecar. “Lindner is half Thoroughbred and very typey. If you compared him to a racecar he would be a Formula One. He’s very fast, modern and sporty,” Parra said.

Parra said Lindner was imported two years ago from Germany as a stallion. “He was a champion stallion in Germany,” Parra said. “He is now a fantastic gelding and I feel very blessed to be riding and competing Lindner. He is unbelievably special, never a dull moment.  He is so intelligent and always ready to do his best for me.”

Parra added that he believes Lindner’s potential is unlimited, although they are not rushing his career. “Even though he is capable of doing so much more, and soon he will be able to represent our nation, we are taking it slow with him. We want to make sure that Lindner is happy, confident and able to develop the harmony that our sport is looking for,” he said.

As the winners of the High Score Award, Parra and Lindner were presented with a beautiful cooler from The Horse of Course. “I want to congratulate Cesar on his fabulous ride. Lindner is an amazing horse and will certainly prove to be one of our country’s most talented horses in the future,” said Beth Haist, CEO of The Horse of Course. “I am sure that Lindner will look great in his winning cooler from The Horse of Course. I can’t wait to see him wearing it around the show grounds.”

Haist said The Horse of Course is pleased to be part of the Wellington show scene. “We love our clients and so many of them have come to rely on our fashions and tack. We are a one-stop dressage specialty mobile store at the horse shows in Wellington this winter and we invite everyone to stop by and meet us,” she said.

The Horse of Course offers top proven brands, innovative new products, complete customized saddle fitting and customized bit fitting. The Horse of Course also carries saddles, including the Sommer Flextra Eq and the new Sommer Spezial, the most advanced dressage saddles on the market. Haist’s husband, Marty Haist, is a saddler who attends the shows to assist customers with their saddle fitting needs.

To learn more about The Horse of Course, visit their website at www.thehorseofcourse.com.

For more information contact:
The Horse of Course, Inc.
Beth Haist, CEO
888-49-HORSE (46773)
www.thehorseofcourse.com
beth@thehorseofcourse.com

Horses have been domesticated for many years, and from the very beginning, it was us teaching them. We attached our ropes, harnesses, saddles, and ideas unto them. We taught them what to be, think, and do.

And amazingly, they went along. Horses obliged us. When we asked them to carry us just where we wanted to go — and sometimes in the most dangerous circumstances — they did. After all, horses were the very first war vehicle.

And when we asked them to carry us in the way we wanted to go, again, they did. We hitched their heads up high, and weighted their feet, so that the picture would be pleasurable to us. And still, they did.

Regardless of how absurd and even threatening our ideas may have seemed to a horse, still they obliged our desires, putting their emotions, and even very primal need for protection aside. Simply because we asked.

And now, it to them that we turn. Because they have shown us the way. Horses live in the way that we can only aspire to. They live in the moment, fully aware of their emotions, and yet, they put these emotions aside to serve us — even when it makes no sense to them.

So it is now us who learns from them. As they help us uncover the unconscious processes that drive our behavior and guide our emotional reality, they don’t struggle with knowing these things about themselves as we do. And they don’t struggle with knowing right from wrong — as we do. To a horse, there is only one way. It is the way. There is no right and wrong. There are no judgments, no confusion, and no lack of humanity.

While they may fight with one another, it is with grace. For when one horse backs down, the other backs off. And a horse that is ousted from one herd, will in a time of need, quickly be accepted into another.

And maybe this is the most important lesson that we can learn from a horse — that is, how to treat each other humanely.