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

© 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathryn Haefner and Columbus Find Victory in the Hunter Ring

Scott Brash and Whisky Mac. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2012 – Week four of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Adequan, concluded on Sunday with a win for Great Britain’s Scott Brash and Whisky Mac in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

Week four of the FTI WEF was sponsored by Adequan. Week five, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, will run February 8-12. The 2012 FTI Consulting 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.

Forty-four entries showed in the 1.50m class over a track set by 2012 Olympic course designer Bob Ellis of Great Britain. Six went clear to jump-off and five completed double clear rounds. Scott Brash and Whisky Mac, owned by Stan Brash, finished with the fastest time of 44.670 seconds taking the top prize.

Following Brash, Ben Maher (GBR) guided Rowan, owned by Mrs. Louise Flower, to the second fastest time in 45.608 seconds. Andrew Welles (USA) rode Boo Van Het Kastanjehof, owned by Peter Welles, into third in 46.121 seconds. Great Britain’s Tina Fletcher and Unique IX stopped the clock in 47.365 seconds to finish fourth. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor and Sinead and Oonagh Kennedy’ KEC Alligator Alley finish fifth in 47.650 seconds, and Nick Skelton (GBR) rode Unique, owned by Beverly Widdowson, to eight faults in 48.016 seconds to take the sixth position.

Class winner Whisky Mac, a nine-year-old Scottish Sporthorse gelding by Emilion x Burggraaf, is a new horse for Brash since August. Brash started Whisky Mac when the horse was a four-year-old in Scotland and the gelding then showed with his owner for several years. When it came up that Whisky Mac was for sale last year, Brash bought him.

“He had not done a whole lot; he was really an inexperienced horse, so I thought that I would bring him to this circuit for good experience,” Brash explained. “This was one of the first big classes that he has done and I can’t talk highly enough of the horse. He is a really, really good horse. Hopefully this tour is going to bring him forward in the education that he has missed in the last couple of years. I am really excited about his future.”

Brash acknowledged course designer Bob Ellis on a great effort throughout this week’s competition and praised today’s course. “I thought it was a really good course. I must say, I think the course builder got it right all week,” Brash said. “He has gotten the right number of clears in every class. Course builders don’t really get credited enough when they do a good job and I think Bob did a fantastic job this weekend.”

“It was really good to ride those sort of courses,” Brash continued. “You have to think, you have to be able to ride, and your horses have to be good horses at the end of the day. It’s the quality horses at the end of the day that are winning the classes. For me, in the grand prix last night, Big Star was the best horse in the class and he won. It was a really good course and he has done a good job.”

On his ride in the jump-off today, Brash detailed Whisky Mac’s success in one of his biggest starts. “He is dead easy and he is the nicest horse to work with, but he is actually still very green,” Brash noted. “I went against the clock with him today, but even when I’m turning him he still doesn’t really know where he is going and he is just not totally with me at the moment. It can make it a little bit hard work at the fence. At fence number two, I turned him back and because he fought with me a little bit on the turn we were quite far off the fence, but when he gets there he tries his best for you. I think he is a great horse and when I get his rideability a bit better, I think he is going to be really good.”

Riding to the Tricolor in the Adult Hunters

Kathryn Haefner and Columbus

Kathryn Haefner and her mount, Columbus, captured the championship tricolor in this week’s Voltaire Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division. The pair scored two firsts and a second over fences and finished at the top of the under saddle to earn a total of 36 points. In a race for the reserve tricolor, Music Street and Alexa Weisman finished just one point ahead of Pacifico and Moira Corcoran. Weisman was fourth, second and third over fences and finished third under saddle, earning 16 points.

The victorious bay gelding, Columbus, is a six-year-old Westphalian imported from Germany by Stewart Moran. Owned by Kathryn Haefner LLC, Columbus is new to the FTI WEF circuit and recently began showing in the Pre-Green Level 2 Hunters with rider Jimmy Torano.

Following her win, Haefner commented on her performance in the ring. “I was a little more relaxed today,” Haefner explained. “I do get very nervous so I try to just take a deep breath before I go in the ring and let Columbus do his thing. Jimmy and Stewart are great about helping me focus and just being supportive of my rides. Today, we were super consistent and he jumps fantastic, so I was glad I could let him go and cruise around.”

Haefner is a sophomore at the University of Miami where she majors in Aerospace Engineering. With hopes of working for NASA and designing cutting-edge exploratory space crafts, Haefner considers school her top priority. “I refuse to miss school,” Haefner said, “so during circuit, I don’t get to ride very often. Usually Friday afternoons I’ll get here in time to ride one and if I’m not showing too early on Saturday morning, I’ll ride before I go show. I get most of my practice in on the weekends.”

Describing her routine before competing, Haefner commented, “I’ll come up to the ring a class before or at the beginning of my class because I really like to watch. That way, I can see the lines to different jumps or, you know, see if there is a funny distance off the corner that’s giving people trouble. I like to come and prepare myself and know when I go in the ring if I have to be careful in certain parts of the course.”

For Haefner, a balance between school and competition has been a challenge met with attention to detail and strict time management. She is especially thankful for the support of her father, Bob Haefner, who makes a concerted effort to watch her ride as often as possible. For Haefner and Columbus, the coming weeks promise several more chances to achieve success in the Voltaire Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division.

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.

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.

YouTube – http://youtu.be/I4DTWXpLhz0

Kevin Staut is presented with a Rolex watch by Arnaud Reverdin, Commercial Director, Rolex France. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

Bordeaux (FRA), 4 February 2012 – French hero, Kevin Staut, won the eleventh qualifying round of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2011/2012 series on his home turf at Bordeaux tonight.  Riding the 13 year old grey mare, Silvana HDC, he devastated the opposition in the ten-horse jump-off with a display of class and courage that snatched the honours from Australian runners-up Edwina Top-Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau.  Belgium’s Rik Hemeryck slotted into third with Quarco de Kerambars, while Ireland’s Denis Lynch finished fourth with his exciting new stallion, Contifex.

But tonight’s competition was as much about the battle for positions on the Western  European League leaderboard as anything else.  Following the next, and last, qualifying leg at Gothenburg, Sweden, the top-18 riders will make the cut for the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping final which will take place in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands at the end of April.  So the placings all the way down the line are critical at this stage, and the pressure is at boiling point.

IN PROSPECT
With three of the first seven riders clear over Uliano Vezzani’s first-round track, it seemed another big start-list was in prospect for the jump-off.  But, surprisingly, many of the highest-ranked riders running later in the class failed to keep a clean sheet as the triple combination at fence five, the double at fence eight and the last line that included a vertical with water-tray followed by a big oxer and the final vertical took a heavy toll.

There were 11 runners from France, but only two managed to keep a clean sheet and make it into the deciding round.  Staut would ensure that the glory remained at home however.

SET THE PACE
It was his fellow-countryman, Julien Epaillard, who set the pace in the jump-off with the 12 year old Mister Davier who lowered the first of the two remaining elements of the triple combination and the massive Rolex oxer at the end of the new track for eight faults.  And the door was still wide open when Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt and Monte Bellini hit the 1.60m FEI vertical which had also claimed plenty of victims in the opening round.

Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson made no mistake however, steering the 11-year-old gelding H&M Reveue de Hurtebise through the finish in 37.78 seconds to set the standard, but Belgium’s Rik Hemeryck shaved more than two seconds off that with a great run from the fresh-looking Darco gelding, Quarco de Kerambars, who seemed to be relishing his evening out as they took the lead.

Nina Fagerstrom and Talent had been in sparkling form in the opening round, but the Finnish rider paid the price when cutting too close to the right-hand wing of the fence as she negotiated the penultimate oxer this time out, and it was Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander who would be first to loosen Hemeryck’s grip on pole position.  Producing one of those magical rounds that have earned them a place in the hearts of jumping fans all around the globe, the spring-heeled 16-year-old Cevo Itot du Chateau and his equally petite rider popped every fence with plenty to spare before galloping down to the last to stop the clock in the new target-time of 34.59 seconds.

ALREADY DECIDED
With just four left to go, it seemed possible that the destination of the maximum points in this leg of the series was already decided, but Staut had his own ideas about that.  Having seen Hemeryck go, he knew there was no room for complacency and set off in determined fashion, although things didn’t quite as smoothly as he would have liked.

“I was determined to try and try to do the best I could do, but I missed a bit my turn to the combination (now just two elements remaining) which was fence number three, so I went quickly to the next and I had to take all the risks to the last,” the Frenchman explained afterwards.  “I saw a stride to the last from very far away and I asked everything of Silvana there – she was so brave – she was just fantastic!” he added.

Silvana had her ears pinned back as she raced through the finish in 34.16 seconds, and that would prove an unbeatable time as Denis Lynch steered his nine-year-old stallion Contifex home with a lovely clear in 36.53 seconds to take fourth while the final two – Portugal’s Luciana Diniz with Lennox and three-time Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping champion Marcus Ehning from Germany riding Plot Blue – both faulted at the first element of the former triple combination.

DELIGHTED
Staut was delighted with his result.  “I’m really happy – there’s a special feeling when you know that you have won in front of your home crowd!” he said.

He has competed in every leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series this season and plans to take in the last qualifier at Gothenburg before heading to the Final.  When asked why he has competed in every round, he replied, “The World Cup tour is a fantastic series.  I like to start in Oslo and Helsinki and pick up some points there and once I have enough points then I just enjoy going to the fantastic shows – they have such a great atmosphere.  I’m very happy that Rolex continues to sponsor this great series – we are very lucky to have them with us in our sport,” he pointed out.

For the last qualifying fixture in Sweden he will bring some younger horses while Silvana will have a well-earned rest.  “She will go on holiday now to the sea for a while, she deserves it, and then she will compete again in one month in Paris,” he explained.  And after that?  “Well then she will be ready for the Final!” Staut pointed out.  It’s shaping up for a thrilling end to the 2011/2012 series, and with just one more chance to make the start-list, the battle for those last few precious qualifying points will be ferocious when the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg opens its doors in three weeks’ time.

For further information on the eleventh leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2011/2012 at Bordeaux, France go to website http://www.jumping-bordeaux.com/ or contact Press Officer Marie-Sol Fournier at Email ms.fournier@bordeaux-expo.com or Tel: +33 556 11 99 43. The last qualifying leg of the series takes place at Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday 26 February.  For details of the Swedish fixture check out website www.goteborghorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Mayvor Thorin at Email mayvor.thorin@gotevent.se or Tel +46 705 828420.

Result: 1, Silvana HDC (Kevin Staut) FRA 0/0 34.16; 2, Cevo Itot du Chateau (Edwina Tops-Alexander) AUS 0/0 34.59; 3, Quarco de Kerambars (Rik Hemeryck) BEL 0/0 35.54; 4, Contifex (Denis Lynch) IRL 0/0 36.53; 5, H&M Reveuer de Hurtebise (Malin Baryard-Johnsson) SWE 0/0 37.78; 6, Plot Blue (Marcus Ehning) GER 0/4 35.35; 7, Monte Bellini (Philipp Weishaupt) GER 0/4 36.60; 8, Lennox (Luciana Diniz) POR 0/4 37.44; 9, Talent (Nina Fagerstrom) FIN 0/4 37.48; 10, Mister Davier (Julien Epaillard) FRA 0/8 35.63.  Full result at www.scgvisual.com.

Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2011/2012 Western European League – Standings after Round 11 at Bordeaux, France:
1.    Rolf-Goran Bengtsson SWE            -    77
2.    Kevin Staut FRA                    -    73
3.    Denis Lynch IRL                    -    67
4.    Patrice Delaveau FRA                -    60
5.    Marco Kutscher GER                -    53
6.    Steve Guerdat SUI                    -    51
7.    Ludger Beerbaum GER                -    49
8.    Pius Schwizer SUI                    -    48
9.    Nick Skelton GBR                    -    48
10.    Edwina Alexander AUS                -    47
11.    Luciana Diniz POR                    -    46
12.    Marcus Ehning GER                -    45
13.    Scott Brash GBR                    -    43
14.    Harrie Smolders NED                -    42
15.    Emilie Martinsen DEN                -    41
16.    Malin Baryard-Johnsson SWE            -    41
17.    Maikel van der Vleuten NED            -    36
18.    Ben Maher GBR                    -    32
19.    Philipp Weishaupt GER                -    32
20.    Dermott Lennon IRL                -    30
20.    Rik Hemeryck BEL                    -    30

Facts and Figures:
Bordeaux presented the penultimate leg in the 12-round qualifying series for the 2011/2012 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series.
The last qualifier will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday 26 February.
The series Final will take place in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands from 19 to 22 April.
38 starters in today’s competition including 11 from the host nation of France.
18 countries represented.
10 into jump-off – 2 from France and Germany and one rider from Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Portugal, Australia and Belgium.
5 double-clear rounds.
12 horse-and-rider combinations collected just 4 faults in the first round.
1 retirement – Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize from France who were the first to go in the opening round of the competition.
Tonight’s winning rider, Kevin Staut from France, has competed in all of the 11 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping qualifiers so far this season.

Quotes:
Kevin Staut – “I didn’t have a big plan going into the jump-off, I didn’t think too much, I just knew that I had to be really quick.”

FEI TV – Re-live the excitement of today’s competition, and enjoy highlights, interviews and archive footage at www.feitv.org.

Vote for Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping “Best Press Office” Award.  Journalists and photographers are being asked to cast their votes for the “Best Press Office” of the Rolex FEI World Cup 2011/2012 season.  All services provided by the 12 press officers covering this season’s qualifiers, including on-site facilities, internet access, press conference organization and speed of information supply will be evaluated.  Forms will be provided in the press offices at each of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2011/2012 qualifiers.

To view the complete FEI World Cup Jumping Calendar, please click here.

To view the Rolex Rankings, please click here.

Media Contacts:
At Bordeaux
Press Officer – Marie Sol Fournier
Email: ms.fournier@bordeaux-expo.com
Tel: +33 556 11 99 43

At FEI
Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 78 750 6145

Katherine Johnson Victorious in THIS Children’s Medal 14 & Under

Nick Skelton and Big Star. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 4, 2012 – Great Britain’s Nick Skelton and Big Star triumphed in Saturday night’s $80,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix during the fourth week of competition at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Nineteen countries were represented in the world-class event with a record 81 starters, the largest recorded weekend grand prix field. Riders from Canada, Venezuela, Great Britain, the United States, Ireland, Germany, and Sweden made it to the jump-off with Skelton leading the way.

Week four of the FTI WEF runs February 1-5, and is sponsored by Adequan. The 2012 FTI Consulting 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. This week will conclude with the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

This year’s Olympic Games course designer, Bob Ellis of Great Britain, set the track for tonight’s 81 entries and skillfully narrowed the field down to ten for the jump-off. Skelton and Big Star, owned by Beverley Widdowson, were the clear winners with their faultless round over the short course in 45.93 seconds. Charlie Jayne (USA) and Alex Jayne’s Urbanus were the only other pair to clear the jump-off course without fault, stopping the clock in 51.70 seconds for the second place prize.

Class winner Big Star is a nine-year-old KWPN stallion by Quick Star x Nimmerdor. Following the win Skelton spoke about his ride aboard the talented young horse in tonight’s class, stating, “He jumped fantastic. I’m really pleased. He had one down in the WEF on Thursday, but I think he was a little bit rusty. He hadn’t jumped for a while. Today he was really very good. I’m very lucky to be riding him. I don’t know what more to say really.”

Skelton praised Bob Ellis on his course for the evening. “I’ll be a bit biased really because he’s from my country, but Bob’s a great course builder,” he smiled. “With 81 starters and he got 10 clear rounds, I think that was an amazing job. Fair play to him; he did a very good job. I thought there would have been 20. It was a good course.”

Second place finisher Charlie Jayne agreed, stating, “Eighty-one in a class is a big number, I do agree. But I think if you look at the class tonight, I think everyone in there should have been in there. I think they all had a great shot and I think Bob Ellis did a fantastic job with the course. To only have 10 clear out of 81 with two star specs is great. Fences fell down from fence one to the skinny at the last fence. He did a fantastic job of not over-facing the younger horses but still causing errors at the right places.”

On his ride aboard Urbanus, Jayne noted, “My horse is more of a Nations Cup horse. I’ve never really gone fast with him. Before I walked in the ring, my dad said, ‘You know, double clear is going to get you a good check.’ It’s his horse, so I listened! When you have someone like Nick Skelton and Big Star, who are two amazing athletes, and when they’re on, you’re the first loser no matter what. I was very happy with my result today.”

Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez and Caballito, owned by Arao Enterprises LLC, finished with one rail in 46.06 seconds to place third behind the two double clears.

Rodriguez detailed his jump-off round, explaining, “I knew I needed to take a chance. With the riders I had behind, I needed to risk a little bit. I was a little bit too tight for the double and I had the back rail. Otherwise I would have gone clear. I’m happy I took the chance and ended up third than not taking a chance.”

Rodriguez is still getting to know his mount Caballito, but was pleased with the horse’s efforts tonight. “Caballito I haven’t had for a long time. He was supposed to be my ride in the Pan American Games and then at the last moment he couldn’t make it. I’ve had him now for six months. I am really pleased with him. I think I’ve never had a horse like that. It’s a horse that whenever you get to the jump-off, you know you have a real chance. I’m really looking forward to having him for a long time.”

Rodriguez had the fastest of several four fault rounds in the top ten. Finishing close behind, Daniel Zetterman put Sweden in the top of the class riding Glory Days, owned by Springfield Jumpers, to four faults in 46.22 seconds to earn the fourth place prize. Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ also earned four faults and finished fifth with their time of 46.34 seconds. Ireland took sixth and seventh place with Cian O’Connor and Blue Loyd 12, owned by O’Connor and Ashkirk Ltd., and Richie Moloney and his own and Equinimity LLC’s Ahorn Van De Zuuthoeve each incurring four faults.

As the sponsor of the class, Adequan’s Allyn Mann was thrilled with the result. “It was exciting to learn that this was the largest grand prix ever on a weekend. For it to be Adequan’s week and to host something like this was very exciting,” Mann stated. “Just to see the level of competition was great. As far as being a sponsor at the Winter Equestrian Festival, it’s a great venue. I think it’s a testament to Mark Bellissimo and all that he’s done to make this a world-class operation. I think it’s only going to get better. We’re honored to be a part of it and look forward to many years of continued success. Thank you to all of the horses and riders that support us. Hopefully we’ll continue to try and support you in many ways. For those going to London this year, best of luck. I hope some dreams can come true.”

Close Competition in the Equitation Ring

Katherine Johnson and Millthyme Lambrini

Katherine Johnson of Holliston, MA surpassed a field of 27 competitors to claim victory in this week’s Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) Children’s Medal 14 & Under atop her mount Millthyme Lambrini. Johnson reserved the lead spot after testing against the top four riders and finishing with a score of 86. Competition in the equitation ring was fierce with a spread of just half a point between the first and third place winners. Hannah Pattin and her mount Agostino were just shy of the win with a second place score of 85.75, while Maria Moore and Kashmir finished third with an 85.5.

Millthyme Lambrini, affectionately known as Larry in the barn, is a twelve-year-old Holsteiner by Millthyme Luksus. According to Johnson, the bay gelding’s perfect temperament has made him a barn favorite.

Following their win, Johnson commented on her experience in the show ring. “We really connected today,” Jonson said. “Larry is one of those horses who gives you a lot of confidence and today everything came up as if there was no question whether it was going to work out. He likes ring seven too. We were really in sync and felt like a team.”

This year marks Johnson’s second season moving up from ponies to horses and only her second month riding Millthyme Lambrini. “Last year was my first year doing horses,” Johnson explained. “I showed mostly in the hunters but I did the Taylor Harris as well. Larry’s just starting me in the Medal and Maclay equitation this season.”

Describing her strategy when testing in the equitation ring, Johnson explained, “I just think about what my trainers tell me beforehand. They encourage me to listen to my instincts and not to freak out if anything goes wrong. Larry does his part by listening to everything I tell him. He’s so great.”

In the coming weeks, Johnson will continue to show Millthyme Lambrini along with her Children’s Jumper, Lucio 13. The junior rider recognizes the challenges of competition and has high hopes for future success in the equitation and jumper divisions.

The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will conclude its fourth week of competition tomorrow with the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic in the International Arena. The hunters will wrap-up their competition for the weekend with the presentation of championship honors in the Voltaire Design Adult Amateur 18-35 division.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 Jacksonville Winter Series Circuit Champions:

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

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

Alison Finger and Tuvalu schooling. Photo by Carrie Wirth

Wellington, FL – February 3, 2012 – Talented amateur rider Alison Finger became a client of Olympic Silver Medalist, Peter Leone, and the Lionshare Farm team in 1994. They met in Dublin where Finger was horse shopping and Leone was competing at the Dublin Horse Show. A busy senior strategy professional at Bristol Myers, Finger carefully balances family, riding, showing and business.

“Peter’s coaching style is, in a word, insightful.  He has such great expertise in how to develop a horse and develop a rider, but then brings so much insight into the partnership and how they need to work together. Each horse that I’ve had with Peter I know is developed to his or her full potential. Additionally, Peter is fantastic at working with the limitations I bring into the mix – when my work schedule doesn’t allow me time to ride, etc. He always makes any time I do have productive and fun.  I’ve ridden with him for quite a while now, and each year I learn more and more,” shared Finger.

In 2005, Finger bought Tuvalu (Blue) after Peter Leone successfully campaigned him in the Belgium in the Five-Year-Old Championships. Shortly after the purchase, duty called.  Bristol Myers promoted Finger to a Global Strategy position. It was a fantastic opportunity for the young professional. The catch: the job was half way around the world in Australia.

While in Australia she found trainer, Michelle Strap. Finger and her equine partner, Blue, went back to basics and flatwork. “I really got to know Blue by going back to square one. It was very good for both of us,” she shared.

As fate would have it, Finger was transferred back to the Greenwich, Connecticut area and returned to Lionshare Farm. “When Blue got off the trailer and saw Lionshare Farm, he was so happy. To both of us, it’s home.”

Finger and Blue recently earned a second place ribbon in the $1,500 Martha Jolicoeur Adult Amateur 36-49 Jumpers. Look for Alison Finger and Tuvalu in the Adult Amateur Jumpers and the entire Lionshare Farm team at the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Peter Leone is an Olympic equestrian, trainer, producer of hunter/jumper instructional DVDs and author. He owns and operates Lionshare Farm in Greenwich, CT. His clients successfully compete in the pony, equitation, hunter and jumper divisions. He is one of three brothers, internationally known as Team Leone, for their success in the show ring. Leone was a member of the 1996 Silver Medal United States Olympic Show Jumping Team and winner of numerous national and international Grand-Prix show jumping competitions.

For more information about Peter Leone and Lionshare Farm go to: http://www.lionsharefarm.com/index.html.

To purchase Peter Leone’s Ride the Body: Select Insights of Peter Leone DVD go to: http://www.lionsharefarm.com/store/page2.html.

To be notified when the book Peter Leone’s Jumping Clinic: Success Strategies for Equestrian Athletes by Peter Leone and Kimberly S. Jaussi, PhD will be available, contact:  cw@phelpsmediagroup.com.

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