Friday, February 3, 2102 – Washington, D.C. — The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is pleased to report that the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, H.R. 7, approved earlier today by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, includes a prohibition on the hauling of horses via double-deck trailers. The move to incorporate this prohibition within the larger transportation bill was strongly supported by AWI and championed by Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) and Committee Ranking Member, Nick Rahall (D-WV). The entire bill now goes before the full House of Representatives for a vote.

While the overall transportation bill is by no means an unqualified success and contains many unsavory elements from an animal welfare perspective, final passage of this ban on double-deck transport in interstate commerce would represent a clear and important victory for horse protection. AWI has long fought to have this inhumane practice outlawed, and in the present instance AWI worked to fend off a last-minute attempt by committee member Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR) to amend the bill so as to strip out the double-deck transport ban.

Chris Heyde, Deputy Director of Government and Legal Affairs for AWI, said, “We are very pleased that this ban has been approved by the House Committee. For far too long, unscrupulous individuals have been legally permitted to pack horses into dangerously cramped trailers with ceilings so low that horses are unable to stand properly. The horses are hauled on long-distance journeys that very often cause serious injuries and even deaths. Today, thanks to Representatives Harris and Rahall along with others on the Committee, we moved one step closer to putting an end to this inhumane and utterly unnecessary practice.”

Equine rescue, advocacy, and professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, National Black Farmers Association, and Veterinarians for Equine Welfare support a ban on double-deck transport of horses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expressed opposition to double-deck hauling of horses, stating that, “We do not believe that equines can be safely and humanely transported on a conveyance that has an animal cargo space divided into two or more stacked levels.”(9 CFR Parts 70 and 88). In fact, the USDA has prohibited using these trailers for transporting horses to slaughter, but its rule doesn’t cover horses being transported for other purposes. All horses, regardless of where they are going, deserve this important precaution, and the language included in the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act will provide it.

Media Contact:
Chris Heyde, (202) 446-2142, chris@awionline.org

Steffen Peters, joyful winner of the WDM Palm Beach Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle. Photos: Sue Stickle and Marie Cobb for Phelps Media Group

Wellington, FL (January 31, 2012) – The 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach exceeded all expectations, from the first horse on center line in Friday’s Grand Prix to the victory lap following Saturday’s Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle. Top sport was represented by the world’s most exciting horse and rider combinations, some of them veterans, others rising stars. When the 2012 WDM Palm Beach Champion was named on Saturday evening, it was the experienced team of Steffen Peters and Akiko Yamazaki’s 14 year old Ravel of the US who succeeded in defending their title against 26 year old Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain and the super-talented ten year old Valegro.

“I must say I have seen some wonderful sport tonight,” said WDM Managing Director John van de Laar following the Freestyle competition. “I would like to congratulate Steffen.” With the Olympics just six months away, van de Laar noted that the WDM Palm Beach gave a hint to the rivalries that can be expected in London. “I am very anxious to see what happens in London. To show a horse like Valegro here at the Masters in an Olympic year, I must say ‘two thumbs up’.”

An incredibly tight contest between Ravel and Valegro gave the WDM Palm Beach all the excitement that had been promised when some of the world’s top ranked riders and horses were invited to participate in the 2012 event, which is the only WDM competition to take place outside of Europe. Antonia Ax:son Johnson of the WDM series presenting sponsor, Axel Johnson Group, was delighted with this year’s WDM Palm Beach. “I would like to thank everyone for making this wonderful show possible, and for bringing it to the Europeans,” she said.

The WDM Grand Prix Special, which took place on Saturday afternoon, revealed two exciting prospects for the 2012 US Olympic Team. Adrienne Lyle and Wizard confidently won the class with athleticism and harmony, while Heather Blitz demonstrated that nine year old Paragon is already comfortable in the Grand Prix. There were several moments of brilliance in his second-placed performance, just three months after winning team gold and individual silver medals at the small tour level in the Pan American Games.

Half-time Laser light show by GoodWray Productions

“It was great fun to judge here,” said Wim Ernes of the Netherlands, speaking on behalf of the FEI Ground Jury. “It was a great show, with good organization and top riders. We love to judge here.” The WDM Palm Beach is a show case for the best of the best in the international dressage world, and an opportunity for fans to get together and celebrate the sport at the highest level. VIP Table holders were treated to fine cuisine and wines at ringside tables during all three competitions. The sold-out Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, gorgeously decorated by the team at International Polo Club Catering, was transformed into the French countryside, complete with cypress trees and lavender against a backdrop of sunflowers and hilltop castles. GoodWray Productions put on a spectacular laser light show during the midway break for nearly 2,000 spectators.

The WDM Palm Beach would not have been possible these past two years without the generous support of International Polo Club Palm Beach, which became the presenting sponsor in 2011. “It was such a great event,” said IPC Palm Beach founder John Goodman. “I feel honored to be a part of it.”

“This is the part of the world where it happens,” said Ax:son Johnson who is now a home owner and resident in Wellington. “It’s the most wonderful place for horses and riders, and we love your go-for-it atmosphere.”

For those who didn’t attend the WDM Palm Beach, High Definition and 3D Blu-Ray DVDs of this year’s event can be purchased at www.internationalpoloclub.com. Eurosport will also broadcast a feature about the WDM Palm Beach on the February 22nd episode of Wednesday Selection.

Results WDM Palm Beach Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle

1. Steffen Peters (USA) Ravel – 83.700%
2. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) Valegro – 83.650%
3. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén (SWE) Favourit – 78.250%
4. Carl Hester (GBR) Wie Atlantico – 74.850%
5. Anja Plönzke (GER) Le Mont d’Or  – 74.800%
6. Tina Konyot (USA) Calecto V – 73.025%
7. Ashley Holzer (CAN) Breaking Dawn – 71.325%
8. Minna Telde (SWE) Deinhardt – 71.000%

Results WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix Special presented by IPC Palm Beach

1. Adrienne Lyle (USA) Wizard – 73.244%
2. Heather Blitz (USA) Paragon – 72.044%
3. Todd Flettrich (USA) Otto – 69.933%
4. Pierre St. Jacques (USA) Lucky Tiger – 66.742%
5. Per Sandgaard (SWE) Lomumba Havdal – 64.889%
6. Victoria Winter (CAN) Proton – 63.889%
7. James Koford (USA) Pharaoh – 63.089%
8. Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (DOM) Liebling II – 62.911 %

Full results of the WDM Palm Beach can be found at www.WorldDressageMasters.com.

World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Fast Facts:

What: North America’s only CDI5*, and part of the richest dressage series in the world. Up to twenty of the world’s top dressage stars will compete for 100,000 Euros in prize money at the WDM Palm Beach.

When: January 26-28, 2012

Competition schedule:

*Gates open at 11:00 am each day for WDM Palm Beach ticket holders only. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate. Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive for Saturday evening’s Grand Prix Freestyle at 5:30 pm.

Friday January 27:
2 pm to 5 – CDI5* Grand Prix

Saturday January 28:
2 pm to 4:30 – CDI5* Grand Prix Special
7:30 pm to 10:30 – CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle

Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center – Okeeheelee Park South, 7500 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413

Producer: Wellington Classic Dressage – www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com – Noreen O’Sullivan 561-227-1570 or John Flanagan 561-714-9058

Ticket sales and information: www.internationalpoloclub.com – Maria Feola: 561-282-5334 – mfeola@internationalpoloclub.com

Official Caterer: International Polo Club Catering

Past WDM results, as well as complete WDM Rider Rankings can also be found on the WDM website: www.WorldDressageMasters.com

WDM Palm Beach Presenting Sponsor: International Polo Club Palm Beach

WDM Presenting Partner: Axel Johnson Group

WDM Official Partners: team EXQUIS, Moorland Investments and Moorland Stables, Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe

WDM Official Supplier: Jerich International

WDM Global Media Partner: Eurosport

Media Contacts: Mason Phelps 561-371-0118 or Karen Robinson 604-318-3121

Pony Power ©Flashpoint Photography

February 2, 2012 – St Johns Island, SC – Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, has officially announced the formation of two $25,000 Hunter Pony Derby Classics that will premiere this summer, the first at the Atlanta Summer Classic, Week II (June 20-24) and the next at the Charleston Summer Classic, Week II (July 17-21).

Bob Bell’s explanation for the development of the big money classes for the youngest set of competitors was an easy one: “I like the pony hunters. I like the trainers. I love the enthusiasm of both the children and their parents for this sport, because in most cases the pony hunter is their first introduction to the equestrian world. I simply wanted to create an event that appreciates this group and I don’t think this type of classic has been done before.”

Aside from the large cash pay outs, Bell believes these classics provide an added benefit. “There is so much talent in our pony riders and I feel they should be rewarded, not only with the money but these classics will give them two opportunities to go head to head with the best for those preparing to compete at Pony Finals later in the summer.”

Both events will be open to all ponies, even nonmembers; however they will need a valid USEF measurement card. “Each Pony Derby Classic will be held as a two round event. The first round will be judged numerically and the top 20 will return for a second round. The course will be made up of 12 jumps with heights being adjusted for each section. Small ponies will show at 2’3”, Mediums at 2’6”, and the Larges at 3’,” Bell said.  Both Derby Classics will be run under the specifications of USEF rule HU 146 and the entry fee for each is $250.00. The prize money will be distributed through 12th place.

“Plans for these events continue developing each day! Our goal is to make each of the Pony Derby Classics a memorable experience for the competitors and their families with a host of social happenings. I want this to become a favorite childhood memory that the children and their parents look back on with pride over the years to come,” Bell said.

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.

Humor Me and Haylie Jayne Top the Sanctuary Regular Conformation Hunters

Yann Candele (CAN) and Carlotta Singular La Magnifica. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 2, 2012 – The $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 had an imposing field of 84 entries today, but it was Yann Candele (CAN) and Carlotta Singular La Magnifica, owned by Susan Grange, who were able to beat the strong contenders for victory. Today’s grand prix was the highlight class in the International Arena at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Beezie Madden (USA) and Cortes C, owned by Abigail Wexner finished second, while Laura Kraut (USA) and Happy Hill Farm’s Cedric were third.

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.

This year’s Olympic Games course designer, Bob Ellis of Great Britain, set a course that would whittle down the 84 entries to 15 for the jump-off. There were seven double clear efforts. Candele noted, “I think he did unbelievable to get 15 clear. We saw a few jump-offs before with more clear and less starters. I think he managed it well. Nobody crashed anywhere; there were rails here and there. I think he did a magnificent job.”

Candele and “Carlotta” went 11th in the jump-off and brought the winning time down to 47.51 seconds. The earlier leading time was set by Beezie Madden and Cortes C in 47.81 seconds. Madden was also fourth on Simon, who went first in the jump-off and set a solid time in 48.15 seconds.

Candele said of his jump-off ride, “Actually I got lucky. In the beginning I was efficient and I was lucky to get a good turn to the double. The last line, I did one more stride than everybody else, so I could have lost there. I think it was the draw of luck. It just happened.”

Laura Kraut and Cedric jumped into third with a quick time of 47.90 seconds. Fifth place went to Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Let’s Fly, owned by Double H Farm, who crossed the timers in 48.66 seconds. Jeffrey Welles (USA) and Noel Love Gross’ Aries notched a clear round in 48.69 seconds for sixth place, while David McPherson (GBR) rode Chamberlain Z, owned by McPherson and Ellen Holtgers, to a seventh place clear round in 49.77 seconds.

Candele has been working with Carlotta since she was eight years old, with a plan from the beginning on preparing her for championships. “We’ve had her in development for a year and a half. The idea is to get on the Nations Cup team in Wellington and get on the Canadian national team for the Olympic Games,” he explained. “She’s been starting nicely and today is a good win.”

While the pair has won grand prix events in Canada, this is their first win together at the FTI WEF. Candele wants to make sure they continue this success throughout the circuit. “The key of the circuit is to be competitive and develop the horses, but mostly to get on the Nations Cup team,” he agreed. “This is a good opening but we still have to confirm and be consistent, be sure everything is running well.”

Candele described Carlotta Singular la Magnifica, a 2002 Hanoverian mare by Chasseur x Singular Joter, as “really careful.” He added, “She’s not too worried. She’s got a lot of blood and you have to control the balance. I got some help from Eric Lamaze on starting to figure her out, so today is a good step in the right direction.”

Earlier in the day, Quentin Judge and HH Sandor finished on top of the standings in the G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers, while young rider phenom Katie Dinan won the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers with Sandro.

Conformation Hunters Show Their Stuff

Humor Me and Haylie Jayne of Elgin, IL, rose to the championship position in week four of the Sanctuary Regular Conformation Hunter division. Jayne kept the eight-year-old grey Holsteiner in the top ribbons all week with scores of 84, 82, 82 and 78 over fences. The pair was also second in both the model and the under saddle, topping the division with 46 points. Smoking Gun and Cynthia Williams brought home the reserve tricolor, winning both the model and under saddle and finishing with a first and two seconds over fences for a total of 38 points.

Humor Me, affectionately known as “Happy” in the barn, is one of Jayne’s favorite rides. Although this year marks Happy’s first FTI WEF season competing in the Sanctuary Regular Conformation Hunter division, the gelding was recognized as the 2011 FTI WEF Circuit Champion of the Second Year Green Hunter division with Havens Schatt in the irons.

Following today’s win, Jayne commented on Happy’s performance in the arena. “He was actually great all weekend,” Jayne said. “He’s really fun to ride. He’s never spooky and he kind of has no vices. He has this big, slow canter so he always gets down the lines nicely. I think he jumped beautifully both days.”

Happy spends his days at Pony Lane Farm where owner Madeline Thatcher keeps him fit during the week and competes in the Antarés Large Junior Hunter division on the weekend. According to Jayne, Thatcher is just getting to know Happy as the pair’s relationship is relatively new. Describing Happy’s plan for the winter, Jayne commented, “I’ll continue to do the Regular Conformations on him and Maddie will show him in the Large Juniors, but he’s not one we have to show too often because he stays pretty dialed in. He knows his job really well and he wants to win.”

Additional FTI WEF Hunter division champions this week include Calvert and Tommy Serio who topped the Pre-Green 3 & 4 Year Old Hunter Division with a total of 36 points and Elizabeth Boyd atop her mount Casallo who won this week’s High Performance Working Hunter division with a total of 42 points.

The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of hunter and jumper competition. The highlight class in the International Arena is the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm Speed Challenge, while adult riders compete in the Ariat National Adult Medal class.

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.

February 3, 2012 – Chicago (EWA) – A poll conducted in January by Lake Research Partners for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that 80% of Americans are strongly opposed to horse slaughter. The highly respected research group based its survey on 1,008 voters giving the results a 3% margin of error. The poll found opposition was consistent across all sectors, including horse owners.

The findings are all the more remarkable given the huge media effort that was mounted by the horse slaughter lobby following the closing of U.S. based horse slaughter plants in 2007.

While the effort appeared to have worked on Congress, causing them to restore funding for horse slaughter inspections, it had the opposite effect on voter opinion. A similar poll performed a decade earlier indicates that opposition to horse slaughter has increased by almost 10%.

The slaughter lobby, supported by some of the most powerful agriculture groups in the country including the Farm Bureau, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the Pork Producers Council (PPC), the American Veterinary Medicine Association and the American Quarter Horse Association, has engaged some of the top lobbying and PR firms in Washington in a concerted effort to push back against what they saw as a victory for “animal rights” supporters.

EWA’s John Holland explains, “The horse slaughter issue has unfortunately become part of a much larger battle between big agriculture and animal welfare advocates. Big agriculture has decided to protect itself with an aggressive in-your-face strategy designed to preemptively crush its opponents, real and imagined.”

The promotion of horse slaughter is just one of the proxy battles being waged by the Ag giants. In July of 2011, the NCBA and the PPC opposed a plan already agreed to by the United Egg Producers (UEP) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to replace existing battery cages with equally efficient environments that create better living conditions for laying hens. The move showed a willingness to attack even other animal agriculture associations who appeared to be bending toward better humane standards.

Perhaps the most bizarre example of this aggressive strategy is SB 610 introduced into the Virginia Legislature this year by State Senator Dick Black. The bill called for working dogs to be reclassified as livestock, effectively removing their humane protection as companion animals. Following an avalanche of criticism, Black announced he was pulling the bill and admitting that he had introduced it “to aid the agriculture and farming community at their request.” He went on to mention the Farm Bureau and the Agribusiness Council by name.

“This newest poll should serve as a warning to politicians who have yielded to big Ag bullying,” says EWA’s Vick Tobin. “Voters are not with you on the horse slaughter issue.”

The Equine Welfare Alliance is a dues-free 501c4, umbrella organization with over 220 member organizations and hundreds of individual members worldwide in 18 countries. The organization focuses its efforts on the welfare of all equines and the preservation of wild equids. www.equinewelfarealliance.org

Contacts:

John Holland
540-268-5693
john@equinewelfarealliance.org

Vicki Tobin
630.961.9292
vicki@equinewelfarealliance.org

©ESI Photography. Charlene Graham boasted top-five finishes in three out of the four legs of the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling League Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship. HITS’ Lisa Engel presents her and Capricette with winning honors after earning the $5,000 Bonus and finishing in first place overall.

OCALA, FL (February 1, 2012) – Charlene Graham of Fairport, New York proved this week that consistency pays off as she and her own Capricette collected three top-five finishes to clinch the Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship at HITS Ocala. After four legs of competition and a Bonus award, $20,500 in prize money was awarded to Children’s/Adult jumpers.

Graham sat in second place overall after the first two legs held during the first pre-circuit week of competition, then rode to fourth place in the Friday’s third leg and second place in Sunday’s  final leg to secure the overall championship. She edged Wendy Libert of Hughesville, Maryland and Mr. & Mrs. John Bartko’s Papillion Peanut by just one point for the win with 112 total points.

“This was the first time I’ve seriously competed in the jumper ring,” said Graham. “I got this horse back in July and it’s been so much fun competing with her – she’s been fantastic. The entire series was a blast. I really enjoyed the format and the amount of prize money offered was great.”

To conclude the multi-phase class, an additional $5,000 Bonus was awarded to the eight competitors who accumulated the most points throughout all four legs of competition with top honors being given to Graham and second to Libert. Stephanie Novas of Lake Forest, Illinois aboard Lance Williamson’s FastBreak rounded out the top three overall with 109 total points. Ashley Reed of Winnetka, Illinois, who led in the standings after the first two legs finished in fourth place with her own Madonna with 103 points. Sunny Drescher of Hinesburg, Vermont and Banner Farm’s Barolo capped the top five overall standings with 95 points.

“This couldn’t have been any more fun,” said Graham. “This is only our fourth or fifth show together, so I’m really excited to see what we can do. I’d like to thank Ashmeadow Farm for all their support. This is the only jumper we have in our barn right now so it’s great to see everyone from the barn who came out to support me.”

To view complete results from each leg of the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship, visit HitsShows.com.

$4,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship – 3rd leg

©ESI Photography. Ashley Reed and her own Madonna ride toward a blue ribbon in the third leg.

To kick off the weekend Reed put on a repeat performance of her first leg victory and earned the blue ribbon in Friday’s third leg of competition. Out of the 30 riders that challenged the 10-effort course, Reed was one of 17 to enter the jump-off.

“My horse is all about speed, so these courses are perfect for her,” she said.

Reed posted a time of 38.028 seconds in the jump-off and was one of only eight to go double clear. Following close behind Reed was Novas and Lance Williamson’s Little Wayne in second place with a time of 40.022 seconds.

Rounding out the top five in the third leg was Libert aboard Papillion Peanut in third, Graham and Capricette in fourth, and Kristin Latimer of Riverton, New Jersey with her own The Icon in fifth, respectively.

$5,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Championship – 4th leg

The fourth and final leg of the Championship capped the second week of pre-circuit competition at HITS Ocala. Novas sealed her top-three overall finish with a win in the final leg in the irons of FastBreak. The first round offered 12 jumping efforts to 29 total competitors and a seven-effort jump-off round to 12 clear pairs. Novas was one of eight to go double clear with a time of 34.235 seconds.

©ESI Photography. Stephanie Novas and FastBreak on course before winning the fourth and final leg.

Novas and FastBreak challenged the course with two competitors remaining. Libert and Papillion Peanut followed Novas, but couldn’t deliver the speed. The pair finished the second round course in 34.663 seconds for the red ribbon, followed by Graham and Capricette who delivered a clean round in 38.385 seconds to finish third.

Rounding out the top five was Katlynn Butler of Mechanicsville, Virginia aboard her own LaBonne in fourth place and Morgan Bailey of West Palm Beach, Florida in the irons of her own Donald in fifth place.

About the Marshall & Sterling League
The Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 21st year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League had the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

The Marshall & Sterling League is proudly sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Joe Norick at 800-333-3766, extension 270, 805-338-0099 or JNorick@MarshallSterling.com.

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

Jane Forbes Clark to Receive Inaugural Luminary Award; Sarah B. Willeman Also to Be Honored

WELLINGTON, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2012) – The second-annual Sidelines Equestrian Tetrathlon Presented by MeadowView & The Riggio Family to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation will be Sunday, February 5, 2012, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. The wild, wild west-themed evening will feature the best of Palm Beach’s restaurant fare and signature cocktails with guest chefs to tempt your palette; and silent auction items to entice your sense of adventure; with the headline of the night being world-class horsemen and women in the greatest discipline switch ever imagined.

R. Bruce Duchossois, renowned equestrian and member of the board of directors, oversee the festivities with event co-chair R. Scot Evans, the EAF’s president.

Defending Team FarmVet will take on sponsored teams MeadowView, Palm Beach Equine Clinic and newcomer Flintfields Horse Park. Success Equestrian has outfitted the dressage, show jumping and reining horses in the competition with new no-slip saddle pads.

The cocktail hour will highlight tasty cocktails made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and delicious appetizers by Oli’s Fashion Cuisine. In addition to the fun competition, one of the events’ signature features is the participation by area restaurants and caterers as part of a Taste of Charity. This year guests will enjoy hand selected specialty entrees from Oli’s Fashion Cuisine, International Polo Club, IPC Catering, The Grille Fashion Cuisine, Pangea Grill, Field of Greens, Four Seasons Resort – Palm Beach, Graffito, Agliolio, Beef Wellington, Taylor Made Catering, I’m Greek Today, Top Notch Caterers and Cupcake Cottage.

The inaugural Equestrian Aid Foundation Luminary Award will be presented to Jane Forbes Clark and special honors will be given to Sarah B. Willeman for their contributions to the equestrian community.

A large saloon by PortaParty features four large flat screen TVs to ensure football fans don’t miss any big plays during the Super Bowl. Another new feature to this year’s event is the jail.

Gold sponsors include, H n’ D Stables, Caroline Moran, Missy Luczak Smith and Doug Smith, and Air and Power Solutions. Silver sponsors include: Ben and Dawn Adams, HorseShow.com, Van Kampen Boyer Molinari Foundation and Diamante Farm. Bronze sponsors include, Margaret H. Duprey, Visse Wedell, Justin Sadrian and Lee Kellogg, Bryan Baldwin, Wood Run Farm, Horses and the Handicapped, Stone Hill Farm, Keller Williams Realty, Debbie Banas, Haven Faith Farm, and Hunt Ltd.

Event sponsors also include Polo Gear; ESI-Equestrian Services International, LLC; TentLogix; Party Tables; Hampton Inn; Palm Beach Parking & Valet Service; Dade Paper; Grill Dome; and Dever Golf Car Sales & Rentals.

The competition will be managed by Premier Sport Services. The Tetrathlon is managed and produced by Sean O’Keefe Events, which specializes in creating signature fundraising events for nonprofits. Visit www.seanokeefeevents.com for more information.

About the Equestrian Aid Foundation:

In 1996 the Equestrian AIDS Foundation was established to assist those with HIV/Aids. Recognizing a broader need, the organization changed its name to the Equestrian Aid Foundation and revised its mission. Its mission is to build a membership-based organization to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing financial assistance for their medical or other basic needs. It is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides grant recipients funding for medical, healthcare, rehabilitation and essential expenses, such as housing and food, throughout their time of need. To learn more about the EAF, visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, Facebook www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or Twitter @ride4hope.

Contact:
Sheryl Kursar
skursar@gmail.com or 704.650.1604

Darragh Kerins (IRL) and Hot Wheels won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 1, 2012 – The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival welcomed exhibitors for the fourth week of competition, which starts today and goes through Sunday, February 5. In the opening class in the International Arena, Darragh Kerins (IRL) guided Hot Wheels to victory in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers.

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.

There were 38 entries in the class and they competed over a track designed by Bob Ellis of Great Britain, who will design the courses at this summer’s Olympic Games in London. Eleven were able to go clear over the course, and the fastest was Hot Wheels, ridden by Darragh Kerins, who completed his round in 73.883 seconds. Ben Maher (GBR) and Quite Easy 4, owned by Mrs. Phillips, were second in 76.743 seconds, while Debbie Stephens and Centennial Farm’s Swagger were third in 80.985 seconds.

Kerins and Hot Wheels, a 1997 Silla Argentino gelding by Liliputiense, have had “quite a long partnership,” Kerins said, “for seven or eight years now. He was bred in Argentina and imported by his other owner Miranda Fischer. Since he’s been imported he’s been with us. He’s like part of the family at this stage.”

With a laugh, Kerins noted, “He hasn’t grown up a whole lot. He’s still very difficult in the barn; he’s quite a quirky horse. It’s not everybody who can look after him. The same guy has looked after him since we got him, from the beginning.”

While he has his quirks, Hot Wheels has been a solid performer in the show ring. “He’s been great,” Kerins agreed. “He was ridden by Miranda in the amateur-owners and she actually won a few grand prix classes on him. Then I took back the ride in the middle of last summer and he’s been great. He’s won a couple of grand prixs and was third here in the WEF (Challenge Grand Prix) in week one.”

Kerins described, “He fights and he always tries 100%. He’s ultra-careful. It doesn’t matter how fast you run at the jumps, his aim is to leave them up. Then it’s easy to ride him.”

After a week off to “freshen up a bit,” Kerins entered Hot Wheels in today’s class to “see where he was at, and he feels good,” he said. Kerins decided to go for the speed over the course. “I’d watched a good few go and I thought it was quite beatable. He’s very careful and it doesn’t bother him to go fast and come out and be the same the next day. I thought I’d give it a shot and it worked out well.”

Kerins plans to show Hot Wheels again in Sunday’s Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of hunter and jumper competition. The highlight class in the International Arena is the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 at 1 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.

Mason Phelps, Mary Ross and Brian O'Connor. Photo By: Susan J. Stickle

Wellington, FL – January 31, 2012 – Mason Phelps Radio is pleased to announce that its fourth segment will be held this Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST on W4CY.com. Media Personality Steve Williams will be co-hosting alongside Phelps once again, and this week will feature Peter Welles, Maureen Gross and Mary Ross as guests. Phelps and Williams along with their guests look forward to discussing conserving land, how to find the perfect horse and how businesses are getting involved with the equestrian world. With the expertise of the panel, the show is sure to provide information on subjects ranging from keeping properties pristine to buying a new horse.

One of this week’s guests will be the founder of MatchnRide.com, a horse sales website, Mary Ross. She has created a new way for prospective buys to find their perfect horse. “I am so excited to be on Mason Phelps Radio this week,” said Mary Ross. “Mason has been a dear friend for many years, and he always finds something exciting to talk about.”

MatchnRide.com offers an ideal way to view potential horses. It is an online equestrian marketplace that unites horse buyers, sellers, and breeders via a fully automated database of classified advertisements. The website provides easy to use search tools, as well as protected communication channels to assist both the buyer and seller. In addition, MatchnRide.com provides an on-line searchable marketplace for equestrian related business.

“I am thrilled to be able to discuss my new website, MatchnRide.com, which is dedicated to finding prospective buyers their perfect horse, and helping sellers promote their horses in the most effective way,” expressed Ross.

There has been a new conservation movement happening across the United States, and this week Kensington Conservancy President Peter Welles will be discussing how individuals can take the time to protect and preserve crucial land for future generations.

“I’m excited to be on Mason’s new radio program,” said Welles. “He has invited me to talk about the private lands conservation movement in America. Individuals have protected nearly 40,000 properties across this great land.”

The third guest on the show will be Maureen Gross. She is part of the Palms West Community Foundation Chamber for non-profit businesses. “I always look forward to meeting with Mason,” exclaimed Gross. “Our new partnership is helping us identify key people in the equestrian industry. These people could potentially be on our chambers equestrian committee and help guide us to the needs from the business side of the equestrians.”

There are 17,000 Internet radio stations worldwide and W4CY is ranked 13th in the world. Listeners can tune in by visiting http://w4cy.com, and they can also call into the show with comments by dialing 561-623-W4CY (9429).

From International Polo to the Winter Equestrian Festival, Phelps will have the latest lowdown on all of the exciting events in Wellington, the equestrian capital of the world. And as you might expect, he’ll be reporting weekly on who has been naughty and nice.

For more information about the new show or to tune in please visit http://w4cy.com, the #1 ranked Internet radio station in West Palm Beach. For more information about Mason Phelps and Phelps Media Group, please visit www.phelpsmediagroup.com.

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

A young horse in the jump chute

Do you know how to set up a jump chute?

Have you ever wondered about the effect of collecting your stallion or getting embryos off your mare while they are competing?

Do you have questions about breeding with frozen semen?

Want the latest update on cartilage and tendon repair?

Then you’ll want to pay attention to the many offerings during Spy Coast Farm Breeding Week at the FTI WEF!

Jan Olof Wannius (director Falsterbo Horse Show) and leading researchers from The University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Foundation will be on hand to answer these questions and more during a week packed with clinics, lectures and presentations during the Spy Coast Farm Breeding Week at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). The Spy Coast Farm Breeding Week will be held from Monday, February 6, through Sunday, February 12, with many amazing educational opportunities for riders, owners, and trainers and their young horses.

As a part of the Spy Coast Farm Breeding Week 5 schedule of events, there will be several exciting educational events planned that are open to all and free to attend:

Monday, February 6: Jump Chute Clinic for the Young Horse: Monday, February 6, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in Rings 7/8. This hands-on clinic will discuss the Jump Chute Dos and Don’ts. Learn from Handler Klaus Schengber and Judge Jana Olof Wannius about tricks and tips for schooling a young horse over the jump chute at home, including where to position an in-gate, ideal distances between fences and how to create positive experiences to maximize the horse’s performance in the competition chute. The clinic is open to all, free to audit, and will be followed by a cocktail reception.

Tuesday, February 7: How does reproductive technology fit into the daily life of the performance horse? Informal educational luncheon at noon in the Ring 7/8 viewing structure with Ed Squires, Director, University of Kentucky Equine Initiative. All welcome, lunch complimentary. Discussion to follow.

Wednesday, February 8: Arthritis – Understanding this degenerative disease. From 3:30-4:30 in the Sanctuary at PBIEC join the University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center in a presentation and discussion. All welcome, beverages complimentary.

Thursday, February 9: Buying Frozen Semen from Europe and Collecting and Competing. Spy Coast Farm presents the WEF 5 Lunch & Learn, with speaker Ed Squires, Director, University of Kentucky Equine Initiative. 11:30-1:00pm in the Wellington Club. All welcome, lunch complimentary.

The Spy Coast Farm Young Horse Show Series (YHS) returns to the FTI WEF in 2012 following an extremely successful inaugural year. In cooperation with The North American Studbook and Spy Coast Farm LLC, the YHS will host two events during this year’s FTI WEF. The first of two shows will be held on Tuesday, February 7. A second show will be held on February 28.

A young horse showing on the line

The Young Horse Show Series is an exciting addition to the sport for American breeders. The series is designed to provide breeders, owners, trainers and riders of young sport horses an affordable show venue to introduce sport horses of all disciplines to the show environment and “put on necessary mileage” with new and special classes suitable to the proper development of young horses. It is also intended to create a sales environment where numerous young horses are in a single location and their talents displayed in front of a buying audience.

The YHS is a show for all horses and ponies, yearlings to five year olds, who are being prepared to compete in Jumpers, Dressage, Eventing or Hunters. Divisions include Suitability for Sport In-Hand, Jump Chute, Suitability for Sport Under Saddle, Style Jumping Under Saddle, and Schooling Dressage. Horses can compete in more than one division appropriate to their age group.

A conclusion to the events is the $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix presented by Spy Coast Farm on Saturday, February 11, at 7 p.m. As part of the “Saturday Night Lights” series at the FTI WEF, the event will feature top show jumpers showing under the lights for points to qualify for the FEI World Cup Finals in April. A party for the public will follow the conclusion of the grand prix and be held in the Special Events Tent.

The University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center is the only scientific institute in the United States with nearly all faculty conducting full-time research in equine health and diseases.  The mission of the Gluck Center is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the health and well-being of horses.

Today, the Gluck Center faculty conducts equine research in six targeted areas: genetics and genomics, infectious diseases and immunology, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology/toxicology and reproductive health.

Information about the Spy Coast Young Horse Show Series can be located at www.younghorseshow.com or visit the Chronicle Connection/Exhibitor Services building at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

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