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Steffen Peters Sets New Grand Prix Record at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:01:53 +0000

Steffen Peters and Ravel, Grand Prix winners at the 2012 WDM Palm Beach. Photo credit Sue Stickle

Wellington, FL (January 27, 2012) – American Steffen Peters took a step toward defending his 2011 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach title by winning the WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix test with a record-shattering score of 81.383%. Not only is that a personal best result in a CDI Grand Prix for Peters and Akiko Yamazaki’s 14 year old KWPN gelding, it is also the highest score ever attained in a WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix.

“I started to have the feeling I got from Ravel tonight in the last couple of weeks,” said Peters after his decisive victory over the international field of 16 competitors. “I had this feeling at a show two weeks ago in California, but I had to risk it a bit more here. Ravel feels even stronger than last year and more supple. It was a blast to ride.”

Finishing in second place behind Peters was Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin riding Valegro, a ten year old KWPN gelding co-owned by Carl Hester and Roly Luard. Dujardin’s score of 78.468% was nearly three points behind Peters, but it was a full five percentage points higher than the third placed pair, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven of Sweden on Antonia Ax:son Johnson’s 13 year old Rheinlander gelding Favourit, with a score of 73.255%.

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro

The WDM Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach is Dujardin’s North American debut. For Peters and Vilhelmson-Silfven, their placings in the Grand Prix are identical to the 2011 WDM Palm Beach on the same horses, though the scores are higher than a year ago. “I think we had so many good horses in this class,” said FEI five star dressage judge Gary Rockwell, president of the ground jury.

The 2012 WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix has also set records for spectators, with well over a thousand people in the stands and at ringside VIP tables on Friday afternoon. For the first time ever, USEF Network live streamed the entire competition in High Definition not only for the web, but also for smart phones. People from all over the world – from Canada to Germany to Japan – logged in on computers and mobile devices to watch the event.

“I was really pleased with the number of spectators who came today,” said Noreen O’Sullivan of Wellington Classic Dressage, which is the Official Show Producer of the WDM Palm Beach. “It’s a wonderful statement about the state of our sport.” A completely full Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is expected for Saturday afternoon’s sold out Grand Prix Special and the evening Grand Prix Freestyle. Eight pairs from the Grand Prix, including the top three from the Grand Prix, have opted to enter the Freestyle, while the remaining eight will compete in the Grand Prix Special.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Favourit

Live streaming video will continue to bring WDM Palm Beach action to fans around the world on Saturday. In addition to their broadcast at www.internationalpoloclub.com, IPC Palm Beach has created a smartphone application that will be available at the Jim Brandon Center. The application will provide live stream video of the competition, as well as up-to-the-minute information about the competitors and results. USEF Network’s live streaming coverage can be found at www.usefnetwork.com. Eurosport will also broadcast a feature about the WDM Palm Beach on the February 22nd episode of Wednesday Selection.

The World Dressage Masters presented by Axel Johnson Group is the most prestigious dressage series in the world, and with €400,000 in prize money awarded at 2011 WDM events, also the richest. The field at the 2012 WDM Palm Beach represents some of the world’s top ranked and most successful horses and riders.

Results WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix
Steffen Peters (USA) Ravel – 81.383%
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) Valegro – 78.468%
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) Favourit – 73.255%
Adrienne Lyle (USA) Wizard – 72.149%
Anja Plönzke (GER) Le Mont D’Or – 71.404%

5.(tie) Ashley Holzer (CAN) Breaking Dawn – 71.404%

7. Heather Blitz (USA) Paragon – 71.000%

8. Carl Hester (GBR) Wie Atlantico De Ymas – 69.979%
Full results of the WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix, as well as a detailed schedule of competitor times for Saturday’s Grand Prix Special and the Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle 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

Who:
Confirmed entries for WDM Palm Beach presented by IPC Palm Beach:

Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) – Gran Gesto
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) – Valegro
Todd Flettrich (USA) – Otto
Carl Hester (GBR) – Wie Atlantico
Adrienne Lyle (USA) – Wizard
Ashley Holzer (CAN) – Pop Art
Tina Konyot (USA) – Calecto V
Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (DOM) – Dondolo Las Marismas
Steffen Peters (USA) – Ravel
Anja Plönzke (GER) – Le Mont d’Or
Pierre St. Jacques (USA) – Lucky Tiger
Per Sandgaard (SWE) – Lomumba Havdal
Minna Telde (SWE) – Deinhardt
Tinne Vilhelmsson-Silfven (SWE) – Favourit
Victoria Winter (CAN) – Proton

In addition, the two top placed horses from Thursday’s CDI3* Grand Prix will be invited to compete in the WDM Palm Beach CDI5*

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

World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Grand Prix Order of Go

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:38:46 +0000

Wellington, FL (January 27, 2012) – Following the draw for order of go at the WDM Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach, the competition for Friday afternoon’s Nürnberger Grand Prix is as follows:

2:00 PM Carl Hester (GBR) Wie Atlantico De Ymas
2:09 PM Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (DOM) Liebling II
2:18 PM Heather Blitz (USA) Paragon
2:27 PM Pierre St Jacques (USA) Lucky Tiger
2:36 PM Ashley Holzer (CAN) Breaking Dawn
2:45 PM James Koford (USA) Pharaoh
2:54 PM ***Break*** ***Break***

3:10 PM Minna Telde (SWE) Deinhardt
3:19 PM Todd Flettrich (USA) Otto
3:28 PM Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) Gran Gesto
3:37 PM Adrienne Lyle (USA) Wizard
3:46 PM Per Sandgaard (SWE) Lomumba Havdal
3:55 PM Victoria Winter (CAN) Proton

4:04 PM ***Break*** ***Break***

4:20 PM Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) Valegro
4:29 PM Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) Favourit
4:38 PM Tina M Konyot (USA) Calecto V
4:47 PM Anja Plönzke (GER) Le Mont D’Or
4:56 PM Steffen Peters (USA) Ravel

World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Fast Facts:

When: January 26-28, 2012

Competition schedule:

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

Who:
Confirmed entries for WDM Palm Beach presented by IPC Palm Beach:

In addition, the two top placed horses from Thursday’s CDI3* Grand Prix will be invited to compete in the WDM Palm Beach CDI5*

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

FEI World Cup Dressage – Asia/Pacific and Central European League Updates

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:56:13 +0000

SANNA BOOKS HER TICKET TO DEN BOSCH WHILE LOIKA LEADS CENTRAL EUROPEAN SERIES by Louise Parkes

Rachael Sanna has earned a place at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in 's-Hertogenbosch following her victory at the Asia/Pacific FEI World Cup Dressage Final. Photo: Derek O'Leary.

Lausanne (SUI), 19 January 2012 – Australia’s Rachael Sanna earned a place at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2011/2012 Final at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands next April with a convincing victory in the Asia/Pacific FEI World Cup Dressage League which concluded at Werribee, Australia last month. The series embraced six rounds of competition, all on Australian soil, and kicked off at Boneo in March 2011 before moving on to Werribee and Melbourne.

Sydney hosted two legs before the Final returned to the National Equestrian Centre at Werribee, Victoria in December. A strong favourite from the outset, the Australian National Champion, Sanna, dominated throughout.

The 39 year old Sydney native steered Jaybee Alabaster to win the opening Grand Prix with a score of 71.128% and, the following day, Ground Jury judges Mary Seefried (AUS), Helen Hughes-Keen (NZL), Katrina Wuest (GER), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS) and Alison Pauline King (HKG) awarded the winning mark of 75.125% in the Grand Prix Freestyle which was the FEI World Cup qualifying class. The pair subsequently also went on to top the Grand Prix Special with a score of 71.000% to underpin a superb weekend.

LONE VISITOR
Runner-up at the Werribee Final was fellow-Australian Heath Ryan riding Regardez Moi while the lone visitor from New Zealand, Louisa Hill who competed at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, steered Bates Antonello into third. A total of nine riders competed at the Asia-Pacific Final.

Sanna, currently 80th in the FEI World Rankings, plans to bring Jaybee Alabaster to Europe soon to prepare for both the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final and the 2012 Olympic Games. The horse’s proud owner and breeder, Beverley Edwards, is looking forward to attending the closing stages of another FEI World Cup event. She previously had the pleasure of watching her stallion, Vivant, finish seventh at the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Geneva two years ago, with Chris Chugg on board.

CENTRAL EUROPEAN SERIES

Meanwhile in Central Europe, competitors are still battling it out for a starting spot at ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Sviatlana Loika from Belarus won the league series which attracted 36 competitors from seven countries – Belarus, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Turkey. The qualifying rounds visited Lipica (SLO), Nizhniy Novgorod (RUS), Brno (CZE), Moscow (RUS), Wroclaw (POL), Minsk (BLR), Kaposvar (HUN) and Zhashkiv (UKR), and the series Final will take place in Warsaw, Poland on 22-23 March.

Points from the Western European League legs are also included in calculating the standings in this regional contest, but only two riders from the Central European series competed at these events. Poland’s Katarzyna Milczarek lined out at Odense (DEN) last October, but failed to add to her scoreline and finished fifth on the league table, while the Ukraine’s Inna Logutenkova collected four points at the Belgian fixture in Mechelen just after Christmas to slot into equal-11th position.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR
Loika, who holds 122nd place in the current FEI World Rankings list, has enjoyed a successful year. With her top ride, Gulbis, the 30 year old won the Grand Prix Special at Zhashkiv in the Ukraine last April and then earned her first FEI World Cup Dressage qualifying points of the 2011/2012 season with a good result at Nizhniy Novgorod in Russia in June. She followed that with another strong outing in Moscow in early September before registering a double-victory in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle on her home turf at Minsk later that month.

She topped the Central European League leaderboard with a total of 48 points which gave her a three-point advantage over runner-up Michal Rapcewicz from Poland who, at 29 years of age, is already an Olympic and FEI World Equestrian Games veteran. Russia’s Anna Pyrkina finished third ahead of Hungary’s Robert Acs in fourth, but at the Final all competitors start on level-pegging once again so the result at Warsaw will be critical.

Meanwhile the Western European League of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2011/2012 series resumes this Saturday in Amsterdam, The Netherlands where the star-studded line-up includes defending champion Adelinde Cornelissen and her Dutch colleagues Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud. With just three qualifiers let to go, Sweden’s Patrik Kittel continues to head the standings ahead of Minderhoud in second and Italy’s Valentina Truppa in third.

Leibler and Watson 108 Continue on to Freestyle at the FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final in Germany

admin — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:46:36 +0000

Isabelle Leibler and Watson 108 National Young Rider Dressage Championships (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, KY – Isabelle Leibler and Watson 108 performed flawlessly Friday while representing the U.S. at the FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final Grand Prix, and are moving forward to the B Final on Sunday in the Freestyle.

“We were mistake free and I finished the first day very proud of myself and of Watson for staying focused throughout the exciting distractions,” Leibler said. “The competition has been absolutely amazing so far. It is like nothing I have ever seen before: big, bright, and electric.”

Leibler (Greenwich, CT) and the 14-year-old Westphalian gelding were invited to represent the U.S. at the 2011 Finals after posting the highest average in the FEI Young Rider Freestyle Test at CDI-Ys during the qualifying period. This pair landed in Germany after a strong 2011 campaign that included winning a team Bronze medal and two Gold medals, individual and freestyle, at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships presented by Gotham North. Additionally, they were crowned National Young Rider Dressage Champions at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Championships.

The FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final is being held in conjunction with the Internationales Festhallen Reitturnier Frankfurt December 14-18 in Frankfurt, Germany. Fourteen horse-and-rider combinations from around the world are competing.

At Friday’s Individual Test, Leibler placed 10th.

“Everywhere you look there are people and horses all over the place. It is truly quite something,” Leibler said. “This competition has really been one of a kind with gracious hosts and generous sponsors. It is an honor and a privilege to be here, and I hope to represent the USA well in the kur on Sunday.”

For the complete results, visit: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/648/sta_erg/19_ergDEU.htm?style=escon.

Keep up with Leibler’s preparation and performance at the 2011 FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final regularly, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/equestrianUSA/read.aspx.

Margie Engle and Indigo Grab Victory in FEI World Cup Grand Prix, CSI 2* at Holiday and Horses

admin — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:56:26 +0000

Indigo and Margie Engle. Photos © ManciniPhotos

Wellington, FL – December 3, 2011 – The $50,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix was the highlight class of the week at the Holiday and Horses Show, hosted by Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, and Indigo were able to secure the victory in the FEI World Cup qualifier, and Engle also finished second with Lord Spezi. The show concludes on Sunday, December 4.

Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY, set the course for 42 entries and six were able to find the path to a clear round. “I thought it was a good course,” Engle said. “The oxer to oxer one stride you don’t see very often. You need to have that for World Cup courses. It’s a real scope test and you need a legitimate horse to do it. There were a lot of rails in different places. If you’re going to do World Cup Finals, you need that. He tested everything; he tested carefulness, he tested scope, the verticals were quite tall. I thought he did a great job.”

First up in the jump-off was Pablo Barrios (VEN) on G&C Flash, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Forrester x Grannus owned by G&C Farm. They had a block off the wall, the second to last jump, and added a time fault for five faults in 45.50 seconds. They finished in fourth place.

Margie Engle (USA) and Indigo followed in the jump-off and were able to take the lead with the only clear round of the jump-off in 43.42 seconds. Indigo, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Indoctro, is owned by Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek, and Gladewinds.

“I was trying to go neat and I knew I had some fast ones behind me,” Engle recalled. “I wanted to be neat but not risk too much. I figured I could take a little shot at the last oxer. I didn’t mean to take as much of a shot to the double. I knew the in and out was tight and he backed up beautifully on his own.”

Next in was Mark Leone (USA) on Ri-Arm Farm’s Great American, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Acord II x Ricardo. They also had a block off the wall but finished with a faster time of 43.57 seconds that would slot into third place.

Leone commented, “I was happy with my effort, the horse’s effort, the speed. To be right behind Margie is great. What a nice night. I loved it, I was feeling it! This jump-off suited me.”

Ljubov Kochetova (RUS) and her horse Royce, a seven-year-old Oldenburg stallion by Café au Lait x Grandilot, had a rail at a tall vertical and added two more time faults to finish with six faults in 46.74 seconds for fifth place. Leslie Howard (USA) and The Utah Group’s Utah, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Andiamo x Jus De Pomme, had 16 faults in 40.94 seconds for sixth place.

Lord Spezi and Margie Engle

Engle returned last in the jump-off on her second mount, Lord Spezi, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Lord Pezi x Grandeur owned by Ashland Farms. Although they had a rail for four faults, they had the fastest time of the night in 43.26 seconds, which left them in second place.

Engle noted, “I was really pleased with Spezi. He did the World Cup at Toronto. He was really good there and got a ribbon. We were debating whether to go or not. He jumped really well and had a light rub. I turned back a little short and ran out of room. He caught Indigo’s time though.”

Tonight was a great return for Great American, who was off for 20 months with a soft tissue injury. “It was a pretty severe injury,” Leone acknowledged. “It was one of those things where you ask, ‘Is he going to get back?’ He’s a little bit of an older horse now. We put the time in. He started jumping in July and did normal national Grand Prix in August. What a blast to get back and show at World Cup level, to be in a jump-off with Margie. The adrenaline gets flowing. I was myself getting back into the groove of it.”

Leone was clear in Thursday’s grand prix, but had eight faults in the jump-off. “I was out of the money, which was irritating,” he joked. But the experience made him more “focused on the speed aspect” for tonight. “It was a great night,” he said.

Engle and Indigo have become a solid combination for the United States show jumping team, having put in clear performances in Nations Cups in La Baule and Rome and a solid showing in Aachen. Engle has ridden him for a year and a half and is still learning what works best with the talented grey.

“He’s been fantastic. Everything I’ve asked of him, he’s been really good. I’m learning more about him all the time,” she admitted. “At Harrisburg, I put him in a little class early in the week and went slow. I think it’s good for him to do a little class and take a breath. He reminds me a little of Saluut, I used to do that with him. When they try that hard all the time, it’s good to go in and let them feel like King Kong, like everything’s really easy. He tends to get keyed up. He’s very energetic and always thinking ahead.”

She added, “Tonight in the first round he went as good as he’s ever ridden. He was relaxed and quiet and felt great. Then I felt like I could take more of a shot in the jump-off.”

Engle said that the 2012 FEI World Cup Finals may be in the cards for Indigo, depending on his show schedule and performance in the Olympic Trials, which will be held at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival during week 11.

The 2011 Equestrian Sport Production’s Holiday and Horses competition will conclude tomorrow evening with the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Final Results: $50,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix

1.INDIGO: 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Indoctro x Unknown
MARGIE ENGLE (USA), Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek & Gladewinds: 0/43.42

2. LORD SPEZI: 1998 Oldenburg gelding by Lord Pezi x Grandeur
MARGIE ENGLE (USA), Ashland Farms: 4/43.26

3. GREAT AMERICAN: 1997 Hanoverian gelding by Acord II x Ricardo
MARK LEONE (USA), Ri-Arm Farm: 4/43.57

4. G&C FLASH: 2002 Hanoverian gelding by Forrester x Grannus
PABLO BARRIOS (VEN), Pablo Barrios and Gustavo Mirabal: 5/45.50

5. ROYCE: 2004 Oldenburg stallion by Café au Lait x Grandilot
LJUBOV KOCHETOVA (RUS), Ljubov Kochetova: 6/46.74

6. UTAH: 2001 KWPN gelding by Andiamo x Jus De Pomme
LESLIE HOWARD (USA), The Utah Group: 16/40.94

7. SLEIVEANORRA: 2002 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Voltaire x Flagmount Diamond
RICHIE MOLONEY (IRL), Equanimity LLC: 4/71.50

8. PJOTTER VAN DE ZONNEHOEVE: 2001 Dutch Warmblood Gelding by Plato x Emilion
MCLAIN WARD (USA), Louisburg Farm: 4/72.43

9. INTERTOY Z: 1999 Zangersheide gelding by Interadel x Centauer
SCOTT BRASH (GBR), Stan Brash: 4/73.03

10. URAYA: 2001 KWPN mare by Farmer x Zeno
CHARLIE JAYNE (USA), Pony Lane Farm: 4/73.41

11. CARLO 273: 2001 Holsteiner gelding by Contender x Cascavelle
NICK SKELTON (GBR), Beverly Widdowson: 4/75.35

12. BON AMI: 2001 BWP gelding by Pavarotti VD Helle x Unknown
SCOTT BRASH (GBR), Liz McTaggart: 4/76.33

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-793-5867 (phone)
561-753-0394 (fax)

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
803-240-7488
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Brooke Bidgood
Public Relations – Equestrian Sport Productions
561-793-5867
brooke@equestriansport.com

Kick Off the Equestrian Season with the $50,000 Holiday and Horses CSI-W 2* Grand Prix This Saturday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:39:23 +0000

The opening event of the winter season will happen this Saturday, December 3 at 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Expecting a record number of entries in this year’s $50,000 Holiday and Horses CSI-W 2* Grand Prix, it is sure to be an exciting evening.

Numerous venues will be open and hosting spectators and patrons during and after the grand prix event. The Tiki Hut at PBIEC will have a DJ on hand for the evening’s festivities, and The International Club will be open to spectators at a cost of $50 per person, which will include dinner, dessert, and an open bar. Seats for The International Club can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door. Tables may also be reserved through Annette Goyette at annette@equestriansport.com.

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-793-5867 (phone)
561-753-0394 (fax)

Brooke Bidgood
Public Relations – Equestrian Sport Productions
brooke@equestriansport.com

Megan Edrick and Cadence Triumph in $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:23:19 +0000

Wellington, FL – December 1, 2011 – Megan Edrick and Cadence jumped to an exciting victory in the $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix CSI 2* at Equestrian Sport Production’s Holiday and Horses competition on Thursday afternoon. The win was Edrick’s fourth grand prix victory of the year with Cadence after topping a class in St. Louis this summer and recently earning back to back victories in Atlanta. The rider won her very first grand prix just last summer.

The $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener saw 46 entries in the first round of competition showing over a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio. Seventeen were able to clear the course without fault, and sixteen of those entries returned for the jump-off.

Andres Rodriguez was first to return over the short course and jumped clear and fast aboard Arao Enterprises’ Caballito, setting the time to beat at 38.08 seconds. Rodriguez and Caballito held the lead through fourteen rounds, almost securing a wire to wire victory, until Megan Edrick and Cadence entered the ring. Last to go in the order, Edrick and Cadence took over the top spot with a time of 37.84 seconds, pushing Rodriguez into second place.

Margie Engle and Lord Spezi, owned by Ashland Farms, finished in third with a clear jump-off round in 42.24 seconds. Pablo Barrios and Gustavo Mirabal’s G&C Con Air were right behind with a time of 42.46 seconds to finish fourth. Cara Raether placed fifth riding Saskia 269, owned by Trelawny Farm LLC, stopping the clock in 44.70 seconds.

Class winner Megan Edrick is originally from Agoura, CA, but now lives in Ocala, FL, working for trainer Don Stewart. The rider has owned Cadence, a ten-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Cardento, for two years.

“I am so excited and so happy,” Edrick beamed after her win. “That horse is the best horse I have ever ridden!”

“I am here for just a week and I am having the best time,” she smiled. “I have won four grand prix this year now, so that was exciting. He is super.”

Edrick described her horse, stating, “He suits his name, he just has a cadence about him. He has the biggest stride; a slow, steady stride. He is better when he is fresh and wild, but he is always calm and relaxed, so I tried to jazz him up. I watched Andres go because he was the first one to go and he was so fast, but I stuck to the plan and it was my day. I just had to go faster.”

Edrick plans to show in Saturday night’s $50,000 Holiday and Horses CSI 2*-W Grand Prix.

The ESP Holiday and Horses competition will continue tomorrow with a $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m FEI class as the highlight event in the International Arena. The $50,000 Holiday and Horses CSI 2*-W Grand Prix will be held under the lights on Saturday night, and competition will conclude on Sunday with a $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Final Results: $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener
1 CADENCE, MEGAN EDRICK (USA), PROCEDURES, INC.: 0/0/37.84
2 CABALLITO, ANDRES RODRIGUEZ (VEN), ARAO ENTERPRISES: 0/0/38.08
3 LORD SPEZI, MARGIE ENGLE (USA), ASHLANDS FARMS: 0/0/42.24
4 G&C CON AIR, PABLO BARRIOS (VEN), GUSTAVO MIRABAL: 0/0/42.46
5 SASKIA 269, CARA RAETHER (USA), TRELAWNY FARM LLC: 0/0/44.70
6 SUPER TROOPER DE NESS, KATHERINE DINAN (USA), GRANT ROAD PARTNERS: 0/0/45.65
7 BOGEGARDENS APOLLO, EMILIE MARTINSEN (DEN), EMILIE MARTINSEN: 0/0/46.51
8 WATERLOO, SCHUYLER RILEY (USA), M. MICHAEL MELLER: 0/1/48.59
9 FATALIS FATUM, DANIEL BLUMAN (COL), DANIEL BLUMAN: 0/4/37.42
10 URAYA, CHARLIE JAYNE (USA), PONY LANE FARM: 0/4/37.77
11 UTAH, LESLIE HOWARD (USA), UTAH GROUP: 0/4/39.55
12 G&C FLASH, PABLO BARRIOS (VEN), G&C FARM: 0/4/41.23

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-793-5867 (phone)
561-753-0394 (fax)

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
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Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy Win Ericsson Grand Prix at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:05:02 +0000

Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy won the Ericsson Grand Prix at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires. Photo By: Haras El Capricho

Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 29, 2011 – Delaware North Companies and Boston Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs had great success at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires in Argentina held November 23-27, 2011 at Haras El Capricho, The talented amateur rider won three classes for his family’s Deeridge Farm, including the Ericsson Grand Prix aboard Leap of Joy, and the Nissan International Speed Derby with Flaming Star. He traveled to the event as a member of the United States Show Jumping Team competing in the FEI Nations Cup, which eventually earned the fifth place honors.

On Sunday, Jacobs topped off a great week by claiming the victory in the Ericsson Grand Prix with Leap of Joy. The pair completed a clear first round, and was the first to return for the four-horse jump-off. Once again they left all the fences standing, setting the unbeatable pace at 43.77 seconds. Canada’s Angela Lawrence came the closest to catching Jacobs, finishing second after crossing the finish line without fault riding Utan. Their time of 44.84 seconds was over a second off of the winning pace set by Jacobs.

“Leap of Joy was spectacular today,” said Jacobs. “Olaf Petersen did the courses, and this is a World Cup Qualifier, so it was a meaty course. There were over 40 horses and only four jumped clean. I had to go first in the jump-off and I knew the riders behind me were really fast, so I had to lay a good lick down and do my best, and I was fortunate that my horses responded really well.”

Earlier in the week, Jacobs piloted his second mount Flaming Star to victory as well, winning the 1.45m Open Jumper class on Thursday, and then the Nissan International Speed Derby on Saturday.

“Flaming Star was full of energy, even in this heat,” noted Jacobs. “We had a long course, with over 15 obstacles in a big field, during the Speed Derby and he held up wonderfully. He did a great job of keeping his composure.”

Following a strong first round of competition, the United States Show Jumping Team, competing in the FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires on Friday, had to settle for a fifth place at the end of the day. “We had a great trip with the exception of the Nation’s Cup on Friday, we just couldn’t catch a break,” explained Jacobs. “It was tough going for us, but couldn’t seem to get any luck on our side. Chef d’Equipe John Madden knew that we all wanted it really badly and we just needed to focus our energy on being calm and poised. It was good advice; he was a great coach.”

Jacobs concluded, “It’s a great honor to represent the United States, and a real privilege to be a part of this group. There were a lot of great people here and I really hope I have the opportunity to do it again soon.”

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

United States Places Fifth in FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:55:51 +0000

U.S. rider Charlie Jacobs wins Ericsson Grand Prix with Leap of Joy

Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy won the Ericsson Grand Prix at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires. Photo By: Haras El Capricho

Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 28, 2011 – The United States Show Jumping Team finished fifth during the FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires in Argentina held November 25, 2011 at Haras El Capricho, with 29 faults. The Jumping team included Charlie Jacobs of Buffalo, NY, aboard Leap of Joy, Ali Wolff of New Albany, OH, with Blacklick Bend Farm’s Lanoo, Cara Anthony of Redmond, WA, riding Potcreek Partners, LLC’s Woodpecker de Villars, and Cara Raether of Bedford, NY, aboard Trelawny Farm’s Lyonell. Jacobs also won three individual classes, including the Ericsson Grand Prix with Leap of Joy and the Nissan International Speed Derby with Flaming Star.

Following a strong first round of competition, the United States Show Jumping Team, competing in the FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires on Friday, had to settle for a fifth place at the end of the day. Three of the U.S. horse and rider combinations, Jacobs and Leap of Joy, Anthony with Woodpecker de Villars and Raether on Lyonell, all had four faults in round one. The first round drop score was that of Lanoo and Wolff who had two knockdowns. The team total of 12 faults had the US squad sitting seven faults off the lead in third place following the first round of action.

In round two, Anthony was the best for the United States, picking up just a single knockdown, while Jacobs had a rail and what turned out to be a costly time fault. Wolff duplicated her first round score of eight faults and Raether had the drop score in round two with 20 faults. Canada claimed the Nations Cup victory, while Argentina 1 and Brazil 1 tied for second place with 26 faults. Fourth place went to Chile with 28 and the United States finished fifth with 29 total faults.

“We had a great trip with the exception of the Nation’s Cup on Friday, we just couldn’t catch a break,” explained Jacobs. “It was tough going for us, but couldn’t seem to get any luck on our side. Chef d’Equipe John Madden knew that we all wanted it really badly and we just needed to focus our energy on being calm and poised. It was good advice; he was a great coach.”

Earlier in the week, Jacobs piloted his second mount Flaming Star to victory as well, winning the 1.45m Open Jumper class on Thursday, and then the Nissan International Speed Derby on Saturday.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

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

Atlanta Fall Classics – Classic Company Ends 2011 Season on High Note

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:13:51 +0000

Michael Tokaruk and Ultaire Win $25,000 EMO Welcome Jumper Stake; Megan Edrick and Cadence Repeat Victory in $25,000 EMO Grand Prix

Conyers, GA — Nov 20, 2011 — Week two of the Atlanta Fall Classics put the jumpers center stage for the finale event of Classic Company’s 2011 season with two big $25,000 classes. “This week’s big money classes were a nice way to end the season for our exhibitors. It’s been a great year of shows and the new season will be even better!” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said.

Show jumping action kicked off on Friday with the $25,000 EMO Welcome Stake presented by EMO Insurance. The field of 31 was a virtual who’s who of the sport with the likes of Olympic vet Chris Kappler, USET Champion Schuyler Riley, and show jumping Million Dollar Club member Wilhelm Genn taking on Allen Rheinheimer’s complex 12 fence layout with one goal-clear the jumps and beat the 82 second time allowance.

A baker’s dozen succeeded in advancing to the jump off, along with the seasoned big names was up and coming pro Michael Tokaruk of the Eads, TN based Spring Mill Farm aboard the 18 hand Dutch gelding Ultaire owned by Janet McCarroll. The pair were 22nd in the order of go. “The course was tricky enough, a nice class and with that many clear I knew we’d have to take a shot in the jump off and really go for it.” Ultaire’s clean time of 75.689 in round one was among the fastest, a feat Tokaruk attributes to the “massive stride and scope” of his partner. The twisty 8 effort jump off had an allowance of 48 seconds and a lot of challenges. Local favorite Chase Boggio of Alpharetta, GA and mount Hennessey were the first to gallop into the jump off, but dropped a rail to finish with 4 faults in a speedy 38.961. The first clean ride belonged to Schuyler Riley aboard the Wolfstone Stables entry Goldmarie 33 finishing in 40.895. Archer, FL pro Derek Petersen scored the lead with a clear run on his mount Via Dolorosa in 39.626. That is until Tokaruk and Ultaire cleared the final obstacle in a blazing 37.005, but with three horses still to follow. “It all worked out nice; I never really had to pull on the reins much and with that big ring he can just eat up the ground,” Tokaruk said. Nice work indeed – the duo’s time held and victory was clinched.

Michael shared a little history of his partnership. “Ultaire’s fantastic, I rode him as a 5-year-old – he’s a Voltaire baby – and he’s 10 now, so it’s been a long time since I’ve shown him. I’ve been back riding him for 3 months and we’re clicking more and more every time we go into the ring.” Concerning their future, Michael said, “We’ll finish this year in Sunday’s prix, then home to enjoy some Holiday downtime and prep for the winter season.”

Official Results for the $25,000 EMO Welcome Jumper Stake:
1st Ultaire owned by Janet McCarroll and ridden by Michael Tokaruk 0 37.005
2nd Via Dolorosa owned and ridden by Derek Petersen 0 39.626
3rd Goldmarie 33 owned by Wolfstone Stables and ridden by Schuyler Riley 0 40.895
4th Lazaro owned and ridden by Jordan Coyne 0 41.952
5th Waterloo owned by Michael Meller and ridden by Schuyler Riley 0 42.529
6th L’Etoile owned by The L’Etoile Group and ridden by Theo Genn 0 42.790
7th Available Heartbreaker owner Available Jumpers and ridden by My Weber 0 45.080
8th Hennessey owned and ridden by Chasen Boggio 4 38.961
9th Happy Z owned and ridden by Wilhelm Genn 4 39.309
10th Cadence owned by Procedures, Inc and ridden by Megan Edrick 4 39.602
11th Quinlan owned by Wolfstone Stables and ridden by Schuyler Riley 5 48.626
12th Uranda owned by Highridge Farm and ridden by Susan Fried 8 43.626

Sunday’s $10,000 Adult-Children’s Jumper Classic had 37 fierce competitors vying for the top spot, and when the dust settled it was Jordan Irvan and Johnny Dublin (owned by Ernie Irvan) taking the win.

Official Results of the $10,000 Adult-Children’s Jumper Classic:
1st Johnny Dublin owned by Ernie Irvan ridden by Jordan Irvan
2nd MTM Karma owned by MTM Farm ridden by Landrie Folsom
3rd Jacob’s ladder owned and ridden by Sydney Johnson
4th Campiola owned and ridden by Dana Tourville
5th Bennett owned by Thierry Van Dyck and ridden by Colleen Sheridan
6th Little Tom owned and ridden by Patricia Hennessy
7th Partizan owned and ridden by Juan Gamboa
8th Golden Boy owned and ridden by Anne Gardner
9th Candor 15 owned and ridden by Dana Tourville
10th Jacquet owned by Sharon Bejarano and ridden by Emily Fleishman
11th Good Carma owned and ridden by Heather Crespo
12th Tulip owned by Redfield Farm and ridden by Mattie Worsham

Call it déjà vu: Megan Edrick of the Ocala, FL based Don Stewart Stables partnered with the Procedures, Inc owned Cadence and claimed victory again in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix. Edrick’s cool demeanor and precise actions made taking on some heavy hitters of show jumping and defeating the course work of Allen Rheinheimer seem like a walk in the park for this up and comer. Round one saw 28 entries cross the start timers in the hopes of clearing the 13 fences well below the allotted 94 seconds and advancing to the jump off round. USET veteran Schuyler Riley of Wellington, FL with the Wolfstone Stables owned Goldmarie 33 were the first on course and the first clear ride, posting a time of 82.765. A few rides later it was Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Kappler of Pittstown, NJ piloting As Di Volare, an entry of Sand Castle Farm, to a clean time of 89.412. Soon after, Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC brought Sympa (owned by Mrs. Charles Bostwick) home clean in 88.208. Seven more went clean and Edrick was the last clear ride in round one with a time of 85.029. Once more Edrick praised her 10-year-old Swedish partner Cadence. “We weren’t holding back and he came through for me again! He just loves this big field.”

Round two’s 50 second allowance for the 8 obstacle [9 effort] layout gave the appearance of a continuous turn ending with a straight run to the finish line. Riley guided Goldmarie 33 safely to a clear time of 42.158 to set the bar for the remaining horses. Kappler gave it his best but fell short with a downed rail. Geitner galloped Sympa into the arena and set the course on fire with a scorching clear ride of 41.048. Their lead held until the last – Edrick and Cadence knew what was needed to seize the win. “We had a set plan and track. I went inside from 1 to 2 which was a real slice across the center. I think that helped, I think it gave me the second I needed to be faster than Daniel,” Edrick said, then added of Daniel Geitner’s performance, “He’s so smooth. His ride was flawless.” As was Edrick’s, and she claimed her second consecutive victory.

Official Results in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix
1st Cadence with Megan Edrick for owner Procedures, Inc 39.798 0
2nd Sympa with Daniel Geitner for owner Mrs. Charles Bostwick 41.048 0
3rd Hennessey with owner-rider Chasen Boggio 41.426 0
4th Goldmarie 33 with Riley Schuyler for owner Wolfstone Stables 42.158 0
5th Waterloo with Riley Schuyler for owner Michael Meller 43.171 0 4
6th Lazaro with owner-rider Jordan Coyne 44.067 0
7th As Di Volare with Chris Kappler for owner Sand Castle farm 42.865 4
8th Hermine 44 with Chris Kappler for owner Kamine & Fisher Families, LLC 49.821 4
9th Grande Finale 3E with owner-rider Emily Short 42.981 8
10th Utharo with Glenn Hartigan for owner Mary Kate Dillon 85.521 0 (Retired from JO)
11th Via Dolorosa with owner-rider Derek Petersen 81.313 4
12th Bravoman with Abigail McArdle for owner Old Barrington LLC 84.737 4

This week also saw the crowning of several Championship titles such as the National Classic Equitation Finals and Year End Awards. A complete list of the 2011 winners and full show results can be found at the Classic Company web site, www.classiccompany.com and www.horseshowsonline.com or call the Classic office at 843-768-5503.