Wellington, FL – February 5, 2012 – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (formerly Varsity Equestrian) is pleased to announce the 3nd Annual Collegiate Equitation Challenge to be held at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. The first round of the event will take place on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 2 p.m. in Ring 8 and the finals will be at 7 p.m. in the International Arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Volunteers and donated horses are still needed for the event. Those interested in donating a horse for the competition can visit http://winterheavenfarm.com/invitational/donation_form.html to sign up.

The donated horses will do a warm-up with the owner/trainer/rider and then jump a round with two different Collegiate riders. If it is a sale horse, it will be announced to the audience of the warm-up and the class. For junior riders doing the warm-up, it is an opportunity to be seen by the NCAA coaches that are watching. It is also a great opportunity for a horse to get good mileage in the International Arena under the lights.

The afternoon horses need to jump 3′ – 3’3″ and can be Hunters, Jumpers (quiet), or Equitation type horses. The night class horses need to jump 3’3″ to 3’6″ under the lights.  They need to be horses that are Equitation type horses that have scope and range.

The tournament will be run in the NCEA head to head, bracketed format with sixteen top collegiate riders from all over the country. Riders will compete over an equitation course with heights up to 3’6″. Competition will start at 2 p.m. with all sixteen riders in the Preliminary Round. The eight winners will qualify for the finals in the evening, and the remaining eight will compete in a consolation bracket immediately following the Preliminary Round. The horses will be on loan from local professionals and unfamiliar to the riders.

The winner of the Consolation Bracket will receive a trophy donated by Pierre and Martha Jolicoeur and the Champion will be presented a trophy sponsored by the South Florida Hunter Jumper Association. The competition will also expand this year to include a four rider equitation on the flat tournament that will be run during the finals.

Special thanks go to Jill Townsend, Marion Maybank, Bobby Murphy, Patrick Duncan, David Burton, Michael Stone, Martha Jolicoeur, South Florida Hunter Jumper Association and Katherine Bellissimo.

More information can be found at www.collegiateequestrian.com (also directed from varsityequestrian.com) and www.wellington-wef.com.

For more information, to volunteer, to offer a horse or to be part of Professionals for NCAA Equestrian, contact Jill Townsend at 561-818-0049 or jill@winterheavenfarm.com.

Participating Schools and Riders:
Auburn University – Jennifer Waxman
Baylor University – Taylor Brown
California State University, Fresno – Hillary West
Delaware State University – Caroline Foltz
Florida State University (alternate)
Kansas State University – Sarah Mershon
New Mexico State University – Amy Lang
Oklahoma State University – Samantha Elser
Sacred Heart University – Abbie Britton
South Dakota State University – Santana Wright
Southern Methodist University – Julianna Fischer
Texas A&M University – Maggie Earle
Texas Christian University – Haley Jacobi
University of Georgia – Carly Anthony
University of Miami
University of South Carolina – Kimberly McCormack
University of Tennessee Martin – Caroline Cramer

In 1998, equestrian was classified as an NCAA emerging sport. Currently 23 colleges and universities offer equestrian as a varsity sport and more continue to add each year. Schools compete in a head to head format, where each team is required to ride the same set of horses. The host school provides the horses and tack at each competition. The format includes hunter seat equitation on the flat and over fences, western horsemanship, and reining. The United States Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for equestrian sports, in conjunction with the American Quarter Horse Association, have been influential in the development of the sport and its rules. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a voluntary organization through which the nation’s colleges and universities govern their athletics programs. It comprises more than 1,250 institutions, conferences, organizations, and individuals committed to the best interests, education, and athletics.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 11 through April 1. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $6 million in prize money will be awarded.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 23 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.4 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2010. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Samantha Senft Secures the Ariat National Adult Medal Victory

Andres Rodriguez and Aberdeen. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 3, 2012 – Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez had a great morning at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Friday, earning the top two prizes in the $1,500 Adequan Seven-Year-Old Young Jumper Qualifier.

Week four of the FTI WEF runs February 1-5, and is sponsored by Adequan. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be making two appearances at the FTI WEF this week. The first will be before the $80,000 Adequan Grand Prix, CSI 2* on Saturday, February 4, and again on Sunday, February 5 before the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. The 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1, 2012, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit.

Showing over a course set by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, Rodriguez jumped his horses Aberdeen and Fifty-Fifty to first and second place in the class of 35 entries. Ten went clear over the first round course to jump-off, and Rodriguez captured the two fastest times out of six double clear rounds.

Rodriguez showed first aboard Fifty-Fifty, a seven-year-old mare by Action Breaker x Darco, who he owns in partnership with Stephex Stables. The pair cleared the jump-off course in 37.775 seconds to take the lead. Several rounds later Rodriguez returned with Aberdeen, a seven-year-old stallion by Heartbreaker x Indorado. With Aberdeen, he was able to beat his own leading time in 36.997 seconds to take over the top spot, placing Fifty-Fifty in second.

Fifty Fifty and Andres Rodriguez

Rodriguez was pleased with the success of his young horses and explained that he has high hopes for Aberdeen and Fifty-Fifty to become future grand prix mounts. Following the class he stated, “I am really happy that these two horses won first and second today because I sold some of my bigger horses and I replaced them with these younger ones, so the fact that they are winning classes already makes me feel that I did the right thing.”

“I got Aberdeen last summer as a six-year-old in Europe and he has been great,” Rodriguez detailed. “Fifty I have had a little bit longer, I have had her since last circuit. She was doing the six year olds but a little bit slower and taking more time. I really think that she has all the potential to go to the biggest level. I think they are both really good.”

Describing how the class played out, Rodriguez noted, “I was pretty fast with Fifty, but I knew that I had a lot of good riders behind me, so I thought that if I had a chance I was going to try to be a little bit faster with Aberdeen and then just make sure that I was going to win. The plan went great and both horses jumped really well.”

Following Rodriguez in the class, Carlos Ribas rode Campos & Miranda Investments’ Spirit Of Alena to third, jumping double clear with a time of 38.025 seconds. Matt Williams and Samantha Tuerk’s Ayla were fourth in 38.354 seconds, and Freestyle De Muze, owned by Equinimity LLC and ridden by Richie Moloney, placed fifth in 38.427 seconds.

Rodriguez plans to continue both horses in the Young Jumper division throughout the circuit and also hopes to step up to the 1.40m classes in the International Arena in a week or two to get them each more experience.

Ariat National Adult Medal Finds a Winner

Samantha Senft and her mount, L. Alta Vida, claimed victory in the Ariat National Adult Medal during week four. With a high score of 86, Senft and L. Alta Vida were the last pair to test and successfully maintained their lead position to bring home the blue. Second went to Charity Durgin and her ride, Lead Story, who finished with a score of 79.

Samantha Senft and L. Alta Vida

L. Alta Vida is a sixteen-year-old warmblood owned by Anders Keitz. According to Senft, the bay gelding has been a veteran of the show circuit for years. “This is my first WEF with him,” Senft explained, “but he’s been in our farm for a while. It worked out well because Anders needed a rider and I needed a horse to do the Ariat and he has been great.”

Following her ride, Senft commented on her performance in the ring. “The course rode very nicely,” Senft said. “I didn’t get a chance to take him around the ring this morning because it was so dark but he was perfect anyway. He always walks right in and does his job so it’s really just getting from point A to point B with him. As far as the test, I’ve been doing the eq for so long that it has become second nature to me to treat it as just another round. You just ride each jump as its own and hopefully it falls into place.”

Senft has been competing in equitation classes since she was eleven years old and finished tenth at the ASPCA Maclay Finals during her last year as a junior. Describing the difference between equitation as an adult versus a junior, Senft commented, “A lot of the same people I competed against in the past aged out just as I did. So, the competition is still there but there’s less pressure to be perfect because the jumps aren’t as big. I also feel like expectations are lower because we are adults; it’s more laid back. At the same time, though, they still test us, which is nice. Honestly, I enjoy the equitation a lot more now.”

In addition to the adult equitation division, Senft competes in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers on her mount, Early Morning. In the coming weeks, Senft hopes to claim further victory in both the jumper and equitation rings.

The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition, including the THIS Children’s 14 & Under Medal. The highlight class of the week, the $80,000 Adequan Grand Prix, CSI 2*, will be held in the International Arena at 7 p.m.

For full results please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 11 through April 1. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $6 million in prize money will be awarded.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 23 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.4 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2010. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jacob Arnold. Photo: Joanie Morris/USEF Archive

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is proud to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted awards. Presented by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Saturday, January 14, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Additionally, the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information about that is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7915/2011/12/14/usef_announces_the_2011_equestrian.aspx.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Virginia’s James “Jim” Wofford, 67, is a legend in his sport of Eventing. A decorated athlete, Wofford has helped shape an industry as a trainer, clinician, author, and administrator. His lifelong involvement with equestrian sports and his incredible list of accomplishments have secured his place in history.

Following in his father’s footsteps (Col. John W. Wofford was a founding member and first President of the U.S. Equestrian Team, and a member of the 1932 Olympic Show Jumping Team), Wofford served as President of the American Horse Shows Association; First Vice-President of the United States Equestrian Team, and Secretary of the United States Combined Training Associations (USCTA, now United States Eventing Association – USEA). His resume boasts several other administrative commitments and committee service.

But his influence as an athlete was also profound. Between 1959 and 1986, Wofford’s successes included a berth on the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Teams aboard Kilkenny, winning a Team Silver medal both times. He was also named to the 1980 Olympic Team, and he won Individual Silver at the ‘Alternate Olympics’ that year. In 1970, aboard Kilkenny, the pair won Individual Bronze at the World Championships in Punchestown, Ireland. In 1978, he was part of the Bronze-medal winning team with Carawich at the World Championships in Kentucky. A five-time U.S. National Champion, Wofford won on five different horses. He also won Team Gold at the 1967 Winnipeg Pan American Games. Near the end of his competitive career, Wofford won two titles at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (with Carawich in 1981 and The Optimist in 1986 when he came out of retirement to compete the horse for his student and fellow Olympian Karen O’Connor). He has gone onto to become one of the most respected trainers in the sport and there are few riders competing today who have not been influenced by Wofford.

Junior Equestrian of the Year

Jacob Arnold has embraced the sport of combined driving with maturity beyond his years and has quickly become a young force with which to be reckoned. From the age of eight, Arnold immediately took to the sport – one that traditionally boasts an older demographic. Today, he is already producing top results and represents an exciting future for his sport.

He started his combined driving competition career driving the family’s Morgan mare, Spring Hollow Dark Shadow, in the Training Level Single Horse division, when he was 14. He progressed through the ranks to the FEI level in February 2010, two weeks after turning 17. One year later, he won his first Single Horse CAI (International Combined Driving competition) two weeks after turning 18 at the CAI-B Little Everglades International CDE at in Dade City, FL. He has had a meteoric rise in a sport that takes decades to master.

Arnold spent part of the past summer in Europe gaining valuable experience while competing at the CAIO in Hungary and serving as groom at the World Pony Championships in Slovenia. Through the USEF/USET training sessions, he has been afforded instruction from some of the world’s top drivers. His hard work and determination has earned him an invitation to compete at the Arctic Equestrian Games International Single Driving Challenge in Oslo, Norway, in February 2012. USEF Driving Coach Michael Freund described Arnold’s Cones driving as “unbelievable,” adding, “You won’t hear me say that very often.”

Continuing in his pursuit of excellence, Arnold is now working toward his goal of being a member of the U.S. Team for the FEI World Singles Driving Championship in 2012.

Pegasus Medals of Honor

The Pegasus Medal of Honor was created as an annual award to recognize individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and the sport of Equestrian. These dedicated individuals have engaged more people in their passion for horses through their work in the industry. There are three special recipients of this year’s honors.

Pennsylvania’s Raymond Francis has left his mark on the hunter world as a trainer, judge, and exhibitor. As the owner of Offington Stables, not only has he coached top hunters and equitation riders, but he has produced some of the top hunter breeding horses over the last four decades. His successes have included many champions at the Devon Horse Show and in the USEF Horse of the Year Hunter Breeding divisions. Both an inductee of the Hunter Hall of Fame and recipient of the Pennsylvania Horse Show Association Lifetime Achievement Award, he also received the National Professional Horseman’s Association’s Frank Hawkings Lifetime Achievement Award.

With more than a quarter of a century as a trainer and breeder of the Andalusian/Lusitano breed, California’s Nancy Nathanson has served as a highly respected multi-breed show secretary. Her resume includes serving in that capacity at driving competitions, Paso Fino, Andalusian, and Friesian shows (she was a show secretary nine times for the International Friesian Show Horse Association World Championships). Her most recent post has been as the Executive Director of the International Friesian Show Horse Association and she is an advisory member of the USEF Friesian Committee.

For six generations, horses have been an important part of Marvin McCabe’s family. Marvin himself has been actively showing horses since age 12. Today, at 70, he shows little sign of slowing down as he continues to breed, train and show his beloved Shetland Ponies. It is through much of his work that the Shetland made its affiliation with the USEF. As the owner/trainer of American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) Congress Champion ponies, he takes special pride in his road pony, Masters Jet Star, a Hall of Fame inductee and “Pony of the Year” for two years – a record. His work as a judge and show manager adds to his list of accomplishments, including his dedication to the importance of safety.

For more information regarding the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting visit http://www.usef.org/convention/.

Eirin Bruheim and Cicero 75 won the $5,000 Open Jumper Mini Prix at the Final Chase Horse Show. Photo By: David Mullinix

Katy, TX – November 22, 2011 – As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Nordic Lights Farm wrapped up the 2011 show season during the Final Chase Horse Show at the Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. Eirin Bruheim claimed the winning honors during the $5,000 Open Jumper Mini Prix aboard Cicero 75, as well as the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship. Her sister Lene Bruheim was also very successful, earning top honors in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings.

Eirin and her talented mount Cicero 75 proved to be a dominating combination during the Final Chase Horse Show. For the second week in a row they took home the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship after earning a first place ribbon, a second place ribbon, and a fourth place ribbon. The pair then tackled the $5,000 Open Jumper Mini Prix where their incredible double-clear effort scored the winning prize. Eirin also competed with new mount Anyway to earn the sixth place award, and in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers garnered a third and fourth place ribbon.

“The show this weekend was awesome,” said Eirin. “Cicero and Anyway were both so lively yet polite; it was a joy to be able to ride them. I finally feel like I’m officially back from my six month break and I am ready for WEF!”

Lene continued to be a top competitor in the junior ring, placing second in the ASPCA Maclay with Say No More, as well as second and fourth in the Junior 14-17 Equitation. She also competed in the $5,000 Mini Prix, placing fourth with NLF Valhall. In the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, Lene was aboard NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm and Pristine Park to earn top ribbons throughout the division.

“The show couldn’t have been better,” expressed Lene. “All my horses did exactly as I asked, and I really feel like we ended the year on the best note that we could.”

After an excellent year, Nordic Lights Farm will now give their horses a much-deserved break before gearing up for the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, that was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 18-year-old Eirin Bruheim and 16-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

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

We are excited to announce the 2012 Jacksonville Winter Series and are fortunate to have Bob Bell and the Classic Company returning to manage the three week circuit.  You will be pleased to see many familiar faces in the office, at the rings and on the tractors.  The prize list is complete and is available on both the NFHJA <http://www.nfhja.com/schedule.htm> and the Classic Company <http://www.classiccompany.com/showinfo.html> websites.  It will be in the mail at the end of the week.

There will be many notable changes in 2012 and we expect that you will be as excited about them as we are.  Jumper Exhibitors will be pleased to find that each of the three weeks will feature a $5,000 Welcome Class in addition to a $25,000 Grand Prix.  Hunter Exhibitors will be equally excited to find that each week also features a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic, in addition to the usual division classics.  The $5,000 Equitation Classic will be an additional highlight of week 2, and should be a distinctive complement to the circuit’s standard classes.  Week 3 will not be outdone with special class offerings, but the spotlight will likely be stolen by the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.  We are delighted to be the host of this distinctive class for the second year in a row. Additional offerings of week 3 include the $5,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, $500 Circuit High Point Hunter & $500 Circuit High Point Jumper.  You might also take note that the World Cup Qualifier is missing this year; however, we strongly feel, and expect that you will agree, that this change will allow us to switch the focus back to our main exhibitors and provide a smooth schedule jam packed with special offerings and prize money galore!

We have been fortunate enough to work with the Wounded Warrior Project this year and are anticipating a great success with this worthy cause.  The Wounded Warrior Project was began to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.  Saturday, January 21, 2012, Week 2 of the Jacksonville Winter Series will be held to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This will be an exciting event, featuring the $25,000 Brumos Motor Cars, Inc. Grand Prix and a BBQ dinner catered by Jimmy Weeks BBQ and Sweets by Holly.  Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door.  We are very excited to work with such a special program that is so close to many of our hearts.  Please feel free to visit the Wounded Warrior Project website <https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=167> as well.  We are very excited to work with this very special charity that is so close to all of our hearts.

There will also be a silent auction on Week 1 of the Winter Series to benefit the Clay County 4-H.  There will be many special items up for drawing as well: a Vespa with matching helmet, a golf cart and a big screen TV!  Be sure to get your tickets before the drawing.

Arm bands will again be available for purchase in the horse show office and will grant you access to all of the week’s hospitality.  They will be available to purchase weekly, or for the entire circuit.

We are also thrilled to announce that the Jacksonville Winter Series has gone mobile.  You will be able to opt into a texting service to have daily results, updates, weekly events, schedule changes and class counts texted to your phone.  We are confident you will find this new service a great convenience and will be yet another reason to make your trip to Jacksonville a pleasurable one!

We truly hope that you, our exhibitors, will appreciate and enjoy the changes and special offerings we have arranged for 2012. As always, we look forward to seeing familiar faces and to making new friends.

Please visit www.nfhja.com, www.classiccompany.com or email rindal@bellsouth.net for additional information.

The esteemed George Morris conducted an educational seminar hosted at the Buffalo Therapeutic Center from November 11-13, 2011. Photo © Lauren Fisher

Buffalo, NY – November 18, 2011 – The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) hosted a popular and insightful clinic this past weekend, conducted by the world renowned trainer, rider and Chef d’Equipe of the United States Show Jumping Team, George H. Morris. His experience and knowledge have been invaluable to students attending the clinic for years, working to further each rider’s skills both in the aspects of horsemanship and riding. The clinic not only acted as a learning experience for riders, but it also raised funds to continue the progressive work of the BTRC.

A renowned horseman, Morris has played a crucial role, not only in the growth of countless notorious horses and riders, but also in the development of the current equestrian sport. He has often been referred to as the “founding father” of hunt seat equitation. Second to none, his teachings, technique, and style are admired around the world. His clinics are a rare and exceptional opportunity for riders of all levels and ages to learn from the finest.

Morris has family ties to Buffalo, and looks forward to the clinic each year. “It is always very nostalgic for me when I go back to Buffalo because my mother lived here for a while,” Morris explained. “My mother rode in that very ring, so it is very nostalgic going to Buffalo as I heard a lot about Buffalo growing up.”

SBS Executive Director Susan B. Schoellkopf organized the George H. Morris Educational Seminar. The purpose behind the clinic was for riders to gain firsthand knowledge for success in the sport. “Susie is a very very old friend; she’s a very experienced horse lady and is great as a trainer. She runs that clinic like a tight ship,” Morris continued. “It is a very spacious ring, has great footing and great fences. She organizes it and makes sure that everything goes properly. This year was great, but I always think that Susie and I are a great team, and that her professionalism and that of the organization help truly make the clinic a success.”

The clinic, held November 11-13, 2011, marked 25 years of Morris teaching at BTRC. Eight riders from three varying groups of experience (Intermediate, Advanced, Jumper) as well as auditors, gathered to experience Morris’ teaching and guidance. Joining the riders for this year’s clinic was also professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano who participated in both the Advance and Jumper phases of the program.

“I was just planning on the Advance portion, but participating in the Jumper section was so much fun, it was a different experience. George’s clinics focus on back-to-basics horsemanship, no matter what level the rider may be at. I think that he does an amazing job and everybody benefits from their time with him,” Alfano explained.

Throughout the duration of the clinic, Morris focused on teaching riders and auditors alike about proper horsemanship, correct riding, and the foundation of equitation. “George is the best teacher in the world, there is no teaching style, he created the system, he is the style,” Schoellkopf said. “He does an amazing job; I’ve had him here for 25 years. He starts at the basics with everybody and works through the problems from there.”

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. Adding to their numerous accolades, Schoellkopf and Alfano both recently received prestigious awards; Schoellkopf was presented with the USHJA Presidents Distinguished Service Award, while Alfano was the highest grossing Hunter Rider in the country, as she earned over $400,000 last year.

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

Lene Bruheim and Say No More won the ASCPA Maclay class at the Great Southwest Autumn Classic. Photo By: David Mullinix

Katy, TX – November 16, 2011 – Nordic Lights Farm continued their streak of success this weekend at the Great Southwest Autumn Classic. Talented riders Eirin and Lene Bruheim showed their talented mounts in the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. Eirin took home championship honors with Cicero 75, while Lene claimed a victory in the equitation.

Eirin had a great week in the jumper ring with her veteran mount Cicero 75, as well as her newest mount Anyway. In the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Eirin piloted Cicero 75 to the first, second, and third place finish to eventually claim the division’s championship tricolor. The duo also competed in the $5,000 Open Mini Prix, where they completed a double-clear effort and took home the eighth place award. In the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Eirin and Anway garnered the second and seventh place ribbon.

“This show was a good show,” noted Eirin. “I was thrilled that Cicero75 ended up champion in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers. I thought Anyway was really good in the Lows, and I feel like we are really clicking.”

Lene had her own success during the week, winning the ASPCA Maclay aboard Say No More and placing second during the USEF Talent Search with NLF Valhall. In the hunter ring, Lene took home excellent ribbons with her talented mounts NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm and Pristine Park in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters.

“It was a great show and I couldn’t have had better rounds on any of my mounts,” commented Lene. “I really loved the handy rounds on both Pristine Park and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm. Both rounds put a smile on my face. Say No More could not have been more willing, and did such a superb job. NLF Valhall did the Low Juniors and equitation and was so willing to please me in both. It was an absolutely awesome horse show and I can’t wait for next week.”

Lene and Eirin will continue showing at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center this week during the Final Chase Horse Show, before they begin preparing to head east for the prestigious 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival. They will be riding with top rider and trainer Peter Pletcher, following six months of intensive training with Missy Clark of North Run.

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, that was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 18-year-old Eirin Bruheim and 16-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

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

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2012 Jacksonville Winter Series. There are many notable changes this year and we expect that you will be as excited about them as we are. Jumper Exhibitors will be pleased to find that each of the three weeks will feature a $5,000 Welcome Class in addition to a $25,000 Grand Prix. Hunter Exhibitors will be equally excited to find that each week also features a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic, in addition to the usual division classics. The Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization that helps injured service members, will be the beneficiary of Week 2. We are thrilled to partner up with such a worthy cause. The $5,000 Equitation Classic will be an additional highlight of week 2, and should be a distinctive complement to the circuit’s standard classes. Week 3 will not be outdone with special class offerings, but the spotlight will likely be stolen by the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. We are delighted to be the host of this distinctive class for the second year in a row. Additional offerings of week 3 include the $5,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, $500 Circuit High Point Hunter & $500 Circuit High Point Jumper. You might also take note that the World Cup Qualifier is missing this year; however, we strongly feel, and expect that you will agree, that this change will allow us to switch the focus back to our main exhibitors and provide a smooth schedule jam packed with special offerings and prize money galore! We truly hope that you, our exhibitors, will appreciate and enjoy the changes and special offerings we have arranged for 2012. As always, we look forward to seeing familiar faces and to making new friends.

The Wounded Warrior Project was began to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Saturday, January 21, 2012, Week 2 of the Jacksonville Winter Series will be to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This will be an exciting event, featuring the $25,000 Brumos Motor Cars, Inc. Grand Prix and a BBQ dinner catered by Jimmy Weeks BBQ and Sweets by Holly.  Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door.  We are very excited to work with such a special program that is so close to many of our hearts.  Please see the attached flyer for additional information.  Please feel free to visit the Wounded Warrior Project Website as well. We are very excited to work with this very special charity that is so close to all of our hearts.

There will also be a silent auction on Week 1 of the Winter Series to benefit the Clay County 4-H.  There will be many special items up for drawing as well: a Vespa with matching helmet, a golf cart and a big screen TV!  Be sure to get your tickets before the drawing.

We are excited to announce the 2012 Jacksonville Winter Series. The prize list, schedule, entry forms, camper reservation, and other information are available at http://www.nfhja.com/index-1.htm.

We wish you a very happy Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you in January!

Please visit www.nfhja.com or email rindal@bellsouth.net for additional information.

Sincerely,
NFHJA
info@nfhja.com

Washington, D.C. – October 31, 2011 – The 53rd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) hosted the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. over six days of competition, and the WIHS thanks all of the sponsors, employees, exhibitors, volunteers, and spectators for making this year’s show an incredible success. From the puissance to ponies, the best in equestrian sport competed at the WIHS, and with community events like Barn Night and Kids’ Day, entertaining exhibitions, and incredible competition, the show brought horses to the city in fine fashion.

Nick Skelton and Carlo 273 Capture Victory in $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W presented by Events DC

Nick Skelton captured another big win at the 53rd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), this time taking home the largest purse with Beverley Widdowson’s Carlo 273 in the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix CSI 3*-W presented by Events DC. Along with prize money, Skelton was awarded a Rolex watch from Tiny Jewel Box as the Leading Jumper Rider sponsored by Elm Rock LLC.

Skelton and Carlo 273, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Contender, were the last to go clear in the opening round of 24 entries over a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC. First up in the jump-off was Davis on Nemo 119, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Cambridge owned by Old Oak Farm. They had two rails to finish with eight faults in 39.74 seconds for third place.

Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey, a 10-year-old Selle Francais stallion by Rosire owned by Remarkable Farms LP, had an unfortunate rail for four faults in 43.00 seconds, but that would hold up for second place. Margie Engle (USA) followed next on Indigo, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Indoctro owned by Griese/Garber/Hidden Creek and Gladewinds. They dropped two rails for eight faults and with a slower time of 40.41 seconds, they would place fourth.

Last to go, Skelton knew that he had to produce a clear jumping round for the win. He took some extra time, but it was enough for victory. He and Carlo 273 stopped the timers in 46.32 seconds with two time faults.

“Actually I don’t like those jump offs when there are no clears and you have to go last,” Skelton admitted. “You can make a mistake. If they had all been clear, at least you can go in there and go faster, but when you are in that position you have to be careful. I prefer to have other clears, to have to go fast and attack. Also the time was very tight, so I got two time faults. It was a good class. The horse jumped great and I thought the course was fair for the amount of riders that were in it.”

Skelton described Carlo as a “very talented horse.” He continued, “He is very careful. He has all the jump and he has a great mind. He really wants to do it, so that makes my life easier.”

For their victory, Skelton and Carlo 273 were presented with the President of the United States Perpetual Cup. As Leading Jumper Rider, Skelton also won the Margaret Chovnick Memorial Trophy. Skelton was named the Leading International Rider as well.

Jumper Results: Wednesday to Saturday

The last class of the Wednesday afternoon session was the $10,000 Children’s Jumper Championship, and Ryan Goodman led the victory gallop on Adrienne Marciano’s Pulsatilla W. The evening session highlight, the $10,000 Adult Jumper Championship, saw Haley Pratt with the blue ribbon on Hillary Simpson’s Shane. The night concluded with a victory for Laura Kraut and Stars & Stripes’ Teirra in the $10,000 Children’s Defense Fund Open Jumper Speed sponsored by The Wasserman Foundation.

Thirty-two entries contested the opening class of the international jumpers, and it was Laura Kraut and Teirra who were able to find the fastest clear path to victory in the $10,000 Children’s Defense Fund Open Jumper Speed class sponsored by The Wasserman Foundation. Kraut and Teirra held a wire-to-wire lead, going first in the class and jumping clear in 52.50 seconds. Some went clear, and some went faster, but none were able to beat the combination. Second place went to Emilie Martinsen and her own Gucci, jumping clear in 57.206 seconds. Margie Engle also cleared the course aboard Ashland Farm & Stadium Sport Horse’s Lord Spezi, and finished in third with a time of 58.838 seconds. The $10,000 Children’s Jumper Championship had 29 entries, and 11 of those were clear to advance to the jump-off. Ryan Goodman and Pulsatilla W put down a clear round in a time of 31.940 seconds to take the win over Katherine Strauss and Fardela, who finished in 32.254 seconds. Belle Fulmer piloted Godspeed to third place in 33.298 seconds. For their win today, Goodman and Pulsatilla W were presented with the H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Friends of Fen.

As Wednesday’s competition continued, the evening session got underway with the $10,000 Adult Jumper Championship. Thirty entries showed in the first round and six were able to go clear to advance to the jump-off. Three jumped double clear, and it was the fastest time of 28.829 seconds posted by Kaley Pratt and Shane that earned top honors. Katherine Edgell and Miss Kitty were a close second in 29.788 seconds, and Hannah Murrin and Valentina finished third with a time of 34.072. Pratt and Shane were presented with the Dorothy Foote “Goodie” Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hall.

Sarah Tredennick of Denver, CO, rode Vigaro to the win in the $31,000 International Open Jumper Jump-off class. Todd Minikus and Sweetheart wowed the crowd in their Uncle Sam costume and cleared the Georgetown Cupcake Joker fence to win the $20,000 International Open Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume class.

Thursday night was the always popular “Barn Night,” presented by Dover Saddlery, where local barns, teams, and groups celebrate equestrian sport with their barnmates, friends, and families. Breyer Animal Creations had a Stablesmates Painting booth. Contests such as Best Banner, Best Video, Best Barn Spirit, and Largest Group Contest were held for special prizes like a Kawasaki All-Terrain Vehicle courtesy of Gaithersburg Equipment Company, and gift certificates from Dover Saddlery. Additional thanks go to sponsor, Peterson Family Foundation, and media partners The Equiery and Virginia Horse Journal.

There were 24 entries in today’s $31,000 International Open Jumper jump-off class. Seven found the way to a clear round and advanced to the jump-off. Sarah Tredennick and Vigaro, owned by Mr. and Mrs. John Tredennick, were the fastest double clear for victory in 35.36 seconds. Nick Skelton (GBR) rode Beverley Widdowson’s Carlo 273 to second place in 35.62 seconds, while Margie Engle (USA) and Indigo were third in 37.25 seconds.

The $20,000 Gambler’s Choice Costume class is always a crowd favorite at the WIHS. Garnering the most points in the class was Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, riding Sweetheart, owned by Windsor Show Stables, who had a total of 1190 points. “Avatar” Saer Coulter finished second with Copernicus Stables’ Julia Des Brumes with 1160 points, while “Skeleton” Nick Skelton and Unique, owned by Beverley Widdowson, were third with 1110 points.

Minikus was presented with the Crown Royal Trophy donated by Crown Royal, while Sweetheart, a 12-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding by Heartbreaker, won the Sue Ann Geisler Memorial Trophy donated by the Washington International Horse Show.

In the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers sponsored by North Star, KC van Aarem of Woodbine, MD, and Mastermind took the top prize. They were the fastest double clear in a jump-off of eight entries in a class of 22. They crossed the timers in 29.318 seconds after a fast rollback to the final oxer. Michael Hughes and Drumnacross Farm Ltd’s Red Hot were second in 29.959 seconds. Samantha Schaefer and Sugar Ray were third in 30.347 seconds. Van Aarem was presented with the Beagle Brook Farm Perpetual Trophy donated by Beagle Brook Farm.

The High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers showed in a $5,000 class sponsored by AAA Equestrians, LLC. With 21 entries to start, only three were able to clear the course without fault. Megan Nusz and TNT Equine Partners’ Banana D’Ive Z completed the only clear jump-off round in a time of 31.942 seconds to earn top honors. Charlotte Jacobs finished with four faults in 29.127 seconds aboard Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables’ Promised Land to place second. Genevieve Zock and Olinda had two rails in the jump-off to finish with eight faults in 31.812 seconds in third. Following their winning round, Megan Nusz and Banana D’Ive Z were presented with The “Footloose” Perpetual Trophy donated by The Curtin Family in honor of the 1990 winner Footloose, ridden by Caroline Curtin, and in remembrance of Ruth Ellen Wilmot.

In an exciting display of horsepower, Nick Skelton (GBR) powered over the seven-foot Boeing wall to win the $25,000 Puissance on Unique, owned by Beverley Widdowson. Skelton was the only one to go clear in the fifth and final round when the wall was raised to seven feet tall (2.13m). As the only clear in the final round, Skelton was also awarded a $5,000 bonus from The Boeing Company. For his win, Skelton was presented with the Congressman’s Challenge Trophy donated by the Late Honorable Rogers C. B. Morton and the Late Honorable F. Robert Watkins, of Pennsylvania as well as the Armed Forces Cup.

The other two to make it to the final round were Andrew Kocher (USA) on Elizabeth Allen’s Donnatello and Todd Minikus (USA) on Sweetheart, owned by Windsor Show Stables. They tied for second place. Scott Brash (GBR) and Stanley Brash’s Intertoy Z knocked the blocks off the wall in the fourth round, when the wall was set at six feet, nine inches (2.05m) for fourth place, while Ljubov Kochetova (RUS) and Aslan retired after the second round with the wall at six feet (1.83m). Aaron Vale and Quito, owned by Walter Ulan, cleared the wall at five feet, six inches in the first round, but they had an unfortunate rail at the vertical in the original course for sixth place.

In addition to their Puissance victory, Skelton and Unique won the $10,000 International Open Jumper 1.40m Faults Converted class that was held earlier in the day. The pair jumped last in the class of thirteen and went clear in 52.470 seconds for the win. Skelton was awarded The General Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by the late Arthur J. Morris. Mark Leone and Annie 66, owned by Ri-Arm Farm, finished in 55.900 for second place. Reed Kessler and Pacha de Nantuel finished in third with a time of 56.010 seconds.

Reed Kessler, of Armonk, NY, rode Ligist to victory in Friday night’s $31,000 International Open Jumper 1.50m class held just before the Puissance. In a faults converted format, Kessler and Ligist jumped clear and completed the course in 54.220 seconds. Kessler beat out Nick Dello Joio and Geledimar Z, owned by Wembley Farms Inc., who finished in 55.220 seconds. Third place went to Richie Moloney and Equinimity LLC’s Alsvid with their time of 55.420 seconds.

Eighteen-year-old Christina Kelly of Nicholasville, KY, earned a victory in the $5,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class aboard Double H Farm’s HH Narcos Du Marais. The pair jumped clear in 50.753 seconds to take home top honors. Sponsored by AAA Equestrian, LLC, the class awarded The Cover Story Perpetual Trophy donated by Rolling Acres Farm. Yesterday’s High Jr/AO winners Megan Nusz and Banana D’Ive Z finished in second in 52.163 seconds. Third place went to last year’s class winners Tracey Weinberg and Larone with a time of 52.553 seconds.

Samantha Schaefer, of Westminster, MD, earned victory in the $2,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class, sponsored by North Star, aboard her own 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Sugar Ray with a clean round in 50.728 seconds. Lillie Keenan and Firework, owned by Chansonette Farm LLC, jumped clear in 53.227 seconds for the reserve position. Gabrielle Stern and Anjelica finished third in 53.471 seconds. Schaefer and Sugar Ray were presented The Eleanor White O’Leary Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hill.

The $10,000 Ambassador’s Cup High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was sponsored by AAA Equestrian LLC, and it was Victoria Colvin who came away with the win on Waminka, owned by Rivers Edge. They were the only double clear in a jump-off of four entries. Olinda and Genevieve Zock were second, while Liza Finsness on Ormsby Hill was third.

Colvin was presented with yet another trophy in a week of incredible success for the 14-year-old rider from Loxahatchee, FL. For the classic, she won the Ambassador’s Cup Perpetual Trophy donated by Ambassador and Mrs. Marion H. Smoak.

Colvin won the Grand Junior Hunter championship yesterday and was named Best Child Rider on a Horse. She said of her wins, “I’m excited. I think the best thing was Best Junior Rider. It meant a lot to me.”

The High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper champion was Banana d’Ive Z, ridden by Meagan Nusz. They were awarded the Greenberg Challenge Trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. Hermen Greenberg. Waminka and Colvin were reserve champions. The Shalanno Style of Riding Award was given to Samantha Schaefer.

In the $5,000 Senator’s Cup Low Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic sponsored by North Star, Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ rode Drumnacross Farm Ltd.’s Red Hot to victory. They finished the jump-off double clear in 33.237 seconds for the win over Gabrielle Stern on Anjelica, who stopped the timers in 33.903 seconds for second place. Third place went to Sugar Ray and Samantha Schaefer, who had a clear round in 34.455 seconds.

For their win, Hughes and Red Hot were presented with the Swan Lake Perpetual Trophy donated by Beagle Brook Farm in honor of the 1992 winner Swan Lake, ridden by Jennifer F. Miller.

The Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Champion sponsored by North Star was Red Hot, ridden by Michael Hughes. Samantha Schaefer and Sugar Ray were the reserve champions. They won the Foxbrook Perpetual Trophy in honor of Space Citation donated by Joy Slater.

Hunter Results: Tuesday to Sunday

The $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship was the opening class of the Tuesday evening session, and 32 of the nation’s top children’s hunters came out to compete. The winner was Double Down, ridden by 14-year-old Elizabeth Adelson of Tulsa, OK, for owner Four Fillies LLC. They had a first round score of 78, and when they came back for their second round, Adelson had a plan to improve.

Their plan worked, and the judges average came to an 82 in the second round, giving them a total of 160 for the win. Second place went to On Star, ridden by Rachel Okun for Jillian Fellows, who scored a total of 158.166. Quatro and Stella Styslinger, who rode for Staisha Bejarano, were third with a total of 157. For their win tonight, Adelson and Double Down were presented with the H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by Friends of Fen.

In the $10,000 WIHS Adult Amateur Hunter Championship, there were 26 entries. The top 12 returned for a second round and it was Practical, ridden and owned by Elise Ledsinger, who came out on top. They led the way through both rounds of competition with scores of 81.833 and 81.333 for a total of 163.166. Second place went to My Sweet Daniel, ridden and owned by Whitney Blanchard, who had a two round total of 161.666. Bay of Gold finished third with Phoebe Weseley and a score of 160.166.

Scott Stewart of Flemington, NJ, rode Alexandra Crown’s Garfield to the Grand Hunter Championship. Stewart was also named the Leading Hunter Rider after he won four tricolor ribbons. Stewart and Garfield won all three of their over fences classes this week in the High Performance Hunters sponsored by Pony Lane Farm. After adding a third place in the under saddle, they easily captured championship and Grand Hunter Championship honors.

For the Grand Hunter Championship, they were presented with the Rave Review Challenge Trophy, donated by Stoney Hill. For their win in the High Performance Hunters, they were awarded the “NOT ALWAYS” Challenge Trophy donated by Miss Peggy Steinman. The reserve champion in the High Performance Hunters was Summer Place, ridden by Maggie Jayne for Pony Lane Farm. They received a third and two fourth places over fences and were second in the under saddle. Garfield also won the Protocol Trophy, awarded to the High Performance Hunter with the most points at the Devon Horse Show, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and Washington International Horse Show.

Stewart’s second championship of the day came in the Green Conformation Hunters sponsored by Mrs. Stephen C. Clark, Jr. with Touchdown, owned by Becky Gochman. They won all three over fences classes plus the model for the top tricolor. The reserve champion was Moshi, ridden by Sandy Ferrell for Stephanie Riggio. They placed second, third, and fourth over fences, were second in the model, and won the under saddle. For their division championship, Touchdown, a six-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Quattro B, and Stewart were presented with the Valiant Hawk Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Mrs. Stephen J. Clark.

The third time was another charm for Stewart who won his third championship of the day in the First Year Green Working Hunters on Reality, owned by Krista and Alexa Weisman. They were first, second, and fourth over fences and second in the under saddle. The reserve champion was Holden, ridden by Chris Payne for Susan Moriconi. They were first, third, and third over fences.

For his incredible performance this year, Stewart was named the Leading Hunter Rider sponsored by The Gochman Family and presented with the Robert Coluccio Leading Hunter Rider Perpetual Trophy donated by his friends and family. The trophy comes with an interesting story, as it was originally commissioned in 1888 in New York City and belonged to John Jacob Astor IV, who along with his mother, survived the sinking of the Titanic. In addition to the trophy, Stewart won a Rolex luxury timepiece courtesy of Tiny Jewel Box. This was Stewart’s sixth time winning the honor.

The Regular Conformation Hunters, sponsored by The Davis Family, had a new champion this year in Casallo, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, SC, and owned by Erin McGuire. The pair won two over fences classes and was second in the remaining over fences class. They added a third in the model and second under saddle. For their Regular Conformation championship, they were awarded the Mary Farren Perpetual Trophy. The reserve championship went to Small Affair, ridden by John French for Iwasaki & Reilly. They received second place in two over fences classes and were second in the under saddle.

The Second Year Green Working Hunter championship was awarded to Summer Place, ridden by Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL, for Pony Lane Farm. Jayne and the nine-year-old Sachsen-Anhaltiner gelding by Levisto placed first, second, and fourth over fences and were second in the under saddle. The reserve champion was Premier, ridden by Scott Stewart for Gina Day. They were first and third over fences and won the under saddle. Summer Place and Reality tied for the Grand Green Working Hunter Championship and were awarded the Claire Lang Miller Challenge Trophy, donated by Miss Claire Lang Miller.

While she has never having won a tricolor at indoors before, Becky Gochman was able to sweep her division at the WIHS, taking the championship on Sambalino and the reserve championship on Empire in the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunters sponsored by Lynn Ellen Rice. Sambalino was first and second over fences and won the under saddle, while Empire placed second in two over fences classes and was fifth under saddle.

For their top ribbons, Sambalino and Gochman were awarded the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship. They were presented with the Frank Counselman Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Friends of Frank Counselman. Gochman was also presented with the Leading Amateur-Owner Hunter Rider award sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare.

Poetic and Maggie Boylan of Patterson, NY, won the championship in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters. Boylan and the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding by Faveur finished first and third over fences and won the under saddle class. Keri Guanciale and Thoughtful were the reserve champions after they placed first and second over fences and were second under saddle.

Victoria Colvin and Sanzibar, owned by Karen Long Dwight, were awarded the Grand Junior Hunter Championship after earning the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under tricolor. Colvin was also give the Best Child Rider on a Horse honors. Starting out the day, Colvin and Sanzibar placed first, first and second over fences and finished fifth under saddle. Lillie Keenan and Don Stewart’s Confidential were reserve with a first, second and fourth. Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, and Sanzibar were presented The Ides of March Perpetual Trophy donated by Linda Lee and Lee Reynolds. In addition to the grand championship, Colvin earned the prestigious DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy as Best Child Rider on a Horse. The award was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Crown; the trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick DiVecchia.

The Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under completed their division with a championship win for Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, and Chansonette Farm LLC’s C Coast Z. The pair scored two second place ribbons over fences to come out on top. Victoria Colvin piloted Becky Gochman’s Touchdown to the reserve championship with first and sixth place finishes.

The Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division awarded championship honors to Olivia Esse of Pasadena, CA and Oscany Inc.’s Clooney. The pair placed first, second and fourth. Reserve champion Tenerife, owned and ridden by Noel Fauntleroy, placed second, second and third.

The Large Junior Hunter 16-17, sponsored by Pam Carmichael Keenan, next awarded championship honors to Meg O’Mara and Walk the Line, a 12-year-old Selle Luxemburg gelding owned by O’Mara and Don Stewart. The pair earned two first place ribbons over fences and was awarded The Chance Step Perpetual Trophy, donated by Brooke Carmichael McMurray Fowler and Pam Carmichael Keenan. Heather Hooker guided Richard Prant’s Castlekeep to the reserve tricolor with a first over fences and sixth under saddle. O’Mara of Rumson, NJ, and Walk the Line were awarded The Lyrik Challenge Trophy, donated by Ashley and Courtney Kennedy, for the top junior hunter stake round. O’Mara also earned the brand new Georgetown Trophy as the high-score junior hunter owner-rider with scores of 89 in both classes won.

For The Laughter, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, won the Large Pony Hunter championship for the second year in a row and earned the coveted Grand Pony Hunter Champion award with Meredith Darst in the irons. Darst, of Lebanon, OH, earned two championships aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s talented ponies this morning. Darst rode For The Laughter to the championship in the Large Pony Hunters, sponsored by Rose Hill Farm. The pair finished first in all four classes to take top honors in the division and was awarded The Pegasus Stable Perpetual Trophy donated by Ms. Fenwick Kollock.  Daisy Farish and All The Best, owned by Katherine Strauss LLC, finished in reserve with two second place ribbons.

Darst and For The Laughter were then presented with The Miles River Moonglow Perpetual Trophy donated by Scott Novick and Rustic Woods for the Grand Pony Hunter Championship. Darst was excited to earn top honors and explained that she tried not to let the pressure get to her. “I just thought about riding my best,” she stated.

Darst also guided Parker’s Enchanted Forest to the championship in the Medium Pony Hunters earlier in the morning with first, fifth and sixth place ribbons over fences and a win under saddle. Laugh Out Loud, owned by John and Stephanie Ingram and ridden by Martha Ingram, finished first in both rounds over fences today to secure the reserve championship. For the championship, Darst and Enchanted Forest were presented The Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy Donated by Evan Coluccio and Ashmont Farms, Ltd.

Ten-year-old Madeline Schaefer, of Westminster, MD, dominated the Small Pony Hunters this weekend earning the championship aboard Hi Lite and the reserve championship with Cardiff Mardi Gras. Schaefer just purchased Hi Lite from Madison Maners. The pair earned first, first and fourth over fences and placed second under saddle. Riding Cardiff Mardi Gras, Schaefer earned second, second and third. The Small Pony Hunter division was sponsored by Further Lane Farm. Schaefer was awarded The Stombock Saddlery Challenge Trophy, donated by Stombock Saddlery, in memory of E. P. (Bud) Stombock.

Schaefer is following in the footsteps of her big sister, Samantha, who was champion and reserve in the same division in 2004 aboard Halcyon Hawthorn and Rainbow Canyon. In addition to the championship, Schaefer received the Potomac Trophy as the high scoring junior hunter rider on a pony with her score of 89 on Hi Lite. Schaefer was also presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Pony sponsored by Gotham North. She was presented The Captain V. S. Littauer Perpetual Trophy donated by Hugh J. B. Cassidy III, Mrs. William Dillon and Miss Marion Lee. Talking about her ponies, Schaefer explained, “Hi Lite needs a smooth and quiet ride. Mardi you have to kick; he is very quiet.”

Concluding the week of competition at the 2011 WIHS were the regional hunter championships. The WIHS Regional Pony Hunter grand champion was David Pawlak riding Dr. Betsee Parker’s Liseter Clever Star. Pawlak received The Liseter Clever Star Perpetual Trophy donated by Dr. Betsee Parker, who was also the sponsor of the division. The reserve champion was Sarah Boston riding Blackberry. In their final class today, Pawlak and Liseter Clever Star finished on top with a score of 85 over fences. Elena Desanti followed with a score of 80 aboard Sand Castle, owned by Streett Moore. Boston and Blackberry finished third with a score of 78.

The WIHS Regional Hunter Horse Finals immediately followed with a grand championship win for Molly Cole riding Newport, owned by Streett Moore. Cole was awarded The Black, Starr and Frost Perpetual Trophy donated by Black, Starr and Frost. Reserve went to Mary Claire Medeiros riding Olivia. Medeiros and Olivia won today’s final class with a high score of 83. Black Magic and Marissa Simmons scored a 76 for second place and Cole finished in third with a score of 71 aboard Newport.

Equitation Results: Saturday and Sunday

The 2011 WIHS Equitation Classic Finals concluded with a significant win for 18-year-old Chase Boggio, of Canton, GA. Boggio rode Massimo, his ten-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Cassini, through the first two phases of competition, finishing with a score of 85.33 in the hunter phase and an 89 point total in the jumper phase. Returning for the final work-off sitting in second place overall, Boggio’s ride aboard Elizabeth Benson’s mount Calito 7 scored an 87.83, giving him a three round total of 262.166 for the win.

Boggio earned the victory over Hayley Barnhill, of Collierville, TN, who totaled 259.999 with scores of 87, 86.67, and 86.33. Barnhill rode Elizabeth MacWilliam’s Camora in the hunter/jumper rounds and then piloted Boggio’s mount Massimo in the final work-off. Third place went to Elizabeth Benson, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, with a three round total of 258.499. Benson rode Horizon Hill Farm LLC’s Calito 7 to scores of 87 and 90.33 in the first two rounds. Her ride in the final work-off aboard Sarah Milliren’s mount Vancouver, owned by Elvenstar Farm, scored an 81.17.

Boggio was presented The WIHS Equitation Classic Trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. G. Ralph Ours, III and was awarded a pair of custom chaps provided by Journeymen Saddlers, Ltd. Tonight’s victory was particularly exciting for the rider given that he had previously been in the top ten for this class three times before finally putting his name on the elite list of winners. He finished seventh in 2008, second in 2009, and eighth in 2010.

Massimo was awarded The Lugano Memorial Trophy donated by Stoney Hill as the winning horse of the night. In last year’s competition, Massimo helped put rider Lillie Keenan in the winner’s circle after she rode the big gray in the final work-off. This year he carried both the first and second place finishers through excellent rounds. Trainer Christina Schlusemeyer found the talented gelding in Europe two years ago and knew that he would be the perfect horse to guide Boggio to a national championship.

“I purchased Massimo in November of 2009, and he has been amazing for me,” Boggio explained. “When I tried him in Europe he was very green and could not canter in a straight line. I told Christina he could never do the equitation, but she said ‘He’ll do it, just watch’. He has just been so easy; he never does anything bad. Massimo truly is the deluxe equitation horse.”

Commenting on his victory, Boggio smiled, “It means a lot to win here. I’ve been second in pretty much every big class that there is in the United States, so it feels good to finally win one.”

Later in the afternoon, the young riders competed in the WIHS Pony Equitation Classic Finals with a win for 13-year-old Ali Tritschler riding Rose Hill Farm’s Hallelujah. Tritschler earned the high score of 85 over fences and came out on top after a final work-off. For her victory, Tritschler was presented The Jane Marshall Dillon Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by the friend and students of Mrs. Jane Marshall Dillon. She was also awarded a pair of custom chaps provided by Journeymen Saddlers, Ltd. Emma Lemke finished second, Audrey Muscari third, and Daisy Farish fourth.

For full results and more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

©2011 Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Hi Everyone!
We know you are enjoying this beautiful Fall Weather as much as we are and are very excited for our final show of the season on November 6th <http://www.nfhja.com/schedule.htm> and hope that everyone will be able to come out to secure those points for year-end awards.

The USHJA Affiliate Equitation Awards Program Medal Finals will be held for the Children’s Medal, Adult Medal, Pony Medal & Pre-Children’s Adult Medal. Anyone who has shows in these classes over the course of the year is invited to participate.  Medal Champions will receive a special reward and recognition from USHJA.

Mandarin Equine Veterinary Services has sponsored two special classes:
$250 Handy Hunter
$250 Jumper Classic
Please see the Prize List for additional details!

Please note that the Banquet Information and Reservation Form is also included in the Prize List and is additionally posted on the website.  Don’t forget to get those trophies out, engraved and polished before the banquet!

The Prize List, Entry Blank, & Schedule are all posted on the website! Please feel free to contact info@nfhja.com with any questions!

The 2011 horse show season is drawing to a close and we know you are all eagerly awaiting the Year End Banquet in January.  There are a few changes in the Year End Points that we wanted to make you aware of. One set of points will be offered as the High Point Champion, instead of the usual Local & Overall points that have been offered in the past.  Some divisions have also been combined. These amendments have been implemented due to so much duplication between the Local and Overall Points and/or lack or participation in various divisions.

High Point Year End Awards will be offered in the following divisions:

Walk/Walk Trot
Walt Trot Crossrails/Walk Trot Canter Crossrails
Beginner Rider/Beginner Hunter/Intermediate Hunter
Low Hunter/Stepping Stone Hunter
Short Stirrup Hunter
Hunter Pleasure
Pre Children’s Hunter
Pre Adult Hunter
Pony Hunter
Children’s Hunter 14 & Under
Children’s Hunter 15-17
Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35
Adult Amateur Hunter 36+
Junior Hunter
Amateur Owner Hunter
Green Hunter/Pre-Green Hunter
Low Children’s Jumper
High Children’s Jumper
Low Adult Jumper
High Adult Jumper
Children’s Hunter Pony
Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper
Puddle Jumper/Novice Jumper
Hopeful Jumper
Short Stirrup Equitation
11 & Under Equitation
12-14 Equitation
15-17 Equitation
Adult Amateur Equitation
Pre Children’s Equitation
Pre Adult Equitation
Intermediate Equitation

Sincerely,

NFHJA
info@nfhja.com