Monday, December 8, 2008
Engle Wins 2008 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship; Farrington takes $60,000 Holiday & Horses FEI World Cup Qualifier
December 7, 2008
Margie Engle and Hidden Creeks Quervo GoldWellington, FL – The second and final leg of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach showcased some of the country’s best horses and riders. Todd Minikus won the first leg on Friday night with Pavarotti but Sunday brought a whole new challenge.
35 riders went to task in Sunday’s $60,000 Holiday & Horses FEI World Cup Qualifier which included riders from six nations and featured the final USEF National Championship of 2008. Veteran rider Margie Engle put in the most consistent performance over the two rounds to end up on top. Despite placing eighth overall on Sunday – their third place from the first leg propelled them into the winner’s spot. Riding Hidden Creek’s Quervo Gold on Sunday (and Hidden Creek’s Pamina L on Friday) she ended up on 44 points,, beating out Kirsten Coe and Starlight for the coveted Rolex watch.
“There were so many different things going on,” said Engle. “So I wasn’t sure – so it was kind of a nice surprise.”
Engle won the National Championship a decade ago on Hidden’s Creek Glory in Gladstone, NJ, and she felt this year’s course was plenty tough.
“I thought it was a good test and it was big enough and some technical parts to it,” said Engle. “The rails seemed light. I saw a couple roll off easily. It was a big enough course for what we do this time of year. I didn’t think their would be a ton clears when I walked it.”
Engle, who celebrated her 50th birthday in 2008, rode Hidden Creek Farm’s dependable campaigner, Quervo Gold to an eight fault round but her overall placing was good enough for the championship. The 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding jumped up from third for his rider, after Minikus had four down on Pavarotti and Hillary Dobbs, who was second after the first round, had 13 faults on Marengo.
Engle, who has been a cornerstone of the US show jumping programs for decades sees this season as a rebuilding year.
“I’m trying to rebuild my string a little bit,” said Engle. “I have two young horses and hopefully have one for the WEG (the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games) so this year I hope to have those young horses gain some experience here over the next few months. Going to the World Cup Final would be a bonus because I love Las Vegas.”
Coe and Starlight were crowned the Reserve Champions on their score of 42 points, they too had an eight fault performance on Sunday, and were slightly slower than Engle to slip into the runner-up spot to remain one spot behind Engle.
28-year-old Coe from Johnson, SC, and Laura King’s 9-year-old KWPN gelding recently represented the US on the winning Nations Cup Team at the CSIO Buenos Aires in November.
Anthony D’Ambrosios’s track proved difficult and only two managed clear rounds. Russia’s Ljubov Kochetov jumped the first fault-free round on Aslan, as the 12th combination in the arena. Seven horses later, the 2007 National Champions, Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui, guaranteed a jump-off by putting in one of their signature impressive clear rounds. Neither rider was in the hunt for the National Championship, but when the dust settled after the jump-off, Farrington and the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood prevailed with a faster clear in the jump-off and won the World Cup Qualifier.
“I had to be a little bit careful because I had to go clear,” said Farrington, who followed Kochetov in the jump-off. “I had a light rub in the in and out and got away with that so then I just let him go. My horse is naturally faster, he’s that type of horse so I knew I had to make one or two neat turns, going last is a huge advantage.”
Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui won the Grand Prix second legFarrington’s goal for Up Chiqui is to pick up enough World Cup points to qualify with the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final in Vegas.
“He’s a funny horse when he hasn’t shown in a while, he felt a lot better today than he did the other night,” said Farrington of the incredibly consistent Up Chiqui. “I have a lot of confidence in that horse and I always think there is a chance I can win even when I might not have a chance.”
Farrington finished fifth in the National Championship standings after he finished 14th in the opening round.
“Of course I was disappointed, I knew after the other night that it was probably unrealistic,” said Farrington about defending his title from 2007.
Kochetov was delighted with her horse’s performance, the 8-year-old Aslan hasn’t competed since the Olympic Games, so his rider had ‘no complaints’ with her second place finish.
For more information please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org. For complete results please see www.equestriansport.com.
Written by Joanie Morris · Filed Under Hunters & Jumpers, Joanie Morris, USA, WEF
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Minikus and Pavarotti Cruise to the Top of the Leaderboard of the 2008 Rolex/USEF National Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach
Release: December 06 2008
Wellington, FL – The 2008 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motor Coach kicked off the Florida season in grand style at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL on Friday December 5. Under the lights in the International Ring, 43 horse and rider combinations including 2007 National Champions Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui went to task for the $40,000 Holiday & Horses Opener which served as the first of two legs of the National Championship.
Todd Minikus and Pavarotti were the best of the 29 American combinations in the running for the national title. With a lightning fast performance in the speed class where faults are converted into time they finished on a time of 69.11 as the third pair in the ring.
“I was disappointed that I had to go early especially with Marengo and Hillary coming right behind me and with 40 some entries – going third usually doesn’t hold up. Kent and Up Chiqui and probably a dozen horses in the class that could have been the winner. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”
The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (owned by Todd Minikus Ltd.) stands less than 16 hands but found serious airtime as he flew around the course. The Loxahatchee, FL rider liked the fact that he can utilize Pavarotti’s versatility.
“Anthony did a nice job of giving you inside or around options but if you did the inside option for the most part you had to do the add option in the lines,” said Minikus of the course. “Pavarotti has the ability, although he is very short has the ability of a very long stride. As far as a championship course it was good, it maybe could have been 1.50 m not 1.45m.”
Minikus was relieved he went fast enough for the win, because he knows there are places on the course where he could have gone even quicker.
“I made very tight turns but they weren’t forward riding tight turns but they were tidy,” she said.
Minikus and Pavarotti were .71 seconds fast than the pair that followed them as Hillary Dobbs and Marengo also blazed around Anthony D’Ambrosio’s course. Owned by the Dobbs Group, the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding jumped a brave round under the lights.
“I was really lucky,” said Dobbs. “It is always hard going early. The first two horses were big horses with big strides and mine is quicker. Todd did all the inside turns, I was debating which ones to do, so I made myself do them all for practice. My horse was amazing. I did some dicey angles… He’s always a brave horse and he was backed off just enough so he was super careful.”
Dobbs felt she could have gone faster but that she added strides in a couple of places where Minikus left them out.
“From the triple to the triple bar, I had such a sharp angle I had to do six after the triple bar and Todd did five.,” said Dobbs. “There were two or three places where I could or should have left out but didn’t.”
Dobbs, a 20-year-old student at Harvard University enjoys a distraction from school by coming to Florida even at the end of a long season.
“I don’t get sick of it,” said Dobbs who hasn’t had much of a break all year. “I just want to be at the horse shows and get better. It is also a nice break from school, especially during midterms.”
A Herculean effort has gone in to preparing the venue at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for the Final USEF Championship of 2008 and the 2009 show season. Organizer Mark Bellisimo and hundreds of staff worked around the clock to ensure that the stage was ready when the curtain was drawn.
The second and final leg of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship gets underway Sunday afternoon when the riders take to the ring for the $60,000 Holiday and Horses World Cup Qualifier at 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org. For complete results please see: www.equestriansport.com
Release: December 06 2008
Wellington, FL – The 2008 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motor Coach kicked off the Florida season in grand style at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL on Friday December 5. Under the lights in the International Ring, 43 horse and rider combinations including 2007 National Champions Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui went to task for the $40,000 Holiday & Horses Opener which served as the first of two legs of the National Championship.
Todd Minikus and Pavarotti were the best of the 29 American combinations in the running for the national title. With a lightning fast performance in the speed class where faults are converted into time they finished on a time of 69.11 as the third pair in the ring.
“I was disappointed that I had to go early especially with Marengo and Hillary coming right behind me and with 40 some entries – going third usually doesn’t hold up. Kent and Up Chiqui and probably a dozen horses in the class that could have been the winner. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”
The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (owned by Todd Minikus Ltd.) stands less than 16 hands but found serious airtime as he flew around the course. The Loxahatchee, FL rider liked the fact that he can utilize Pavarotti’s versatility.
“Anthony did a nice job of giving you inside or around options but if you did the inside option for the most part you had to do the add option in the lines,” said Minikus of the course. “Pavarotti has the ability, although he is very short has the ability of a very long stride. As far as a championship course it was good, it maybe could have been 1.50 m not 1.45m.”
Minikus was relieved he went fast enough for the win, because he knows there are places on the course where he could have gone even quicker.
“I made very tight turns but they weren’t forward riding tight turns but they were tidy,” she said.
Minikus and Pavarotti were .71 seconds fast than the pair that followed them as Hillary Dobbs and Marengo also blazed around Anthony D’Ambrosio’s course. Owned by the Dobbs Group, the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding jumped a brave round under the lights.
“I was really lucky,” said Dobbs. “It is always hard going early. The first two horses were big horses with big strides and mine is quicker. Todd did all the inside turns, I was debating which ones to do, so I made myself do them all for practice. My horse was amazing. I did some dicey angles… He’s always a brave horse and he was backed off just enough so he was super careful.”
Dobbs felt she could have gone faster but that she added strides in a couple of places where Minikus left them out.
“From the triple to the triple bar, I had such a sharp angle I had to do six after the triple bar and Todd did five.,” said Dobbs. “There were two or three places where I could or should have left out but didn’t.”
Dobbs, a 20-year-old student at Harvard University enjoys a distraction from school by coming to Florida even at the end of a long season.
“I don’t get sick of it,” said Dobbs who hasn’t had much of a break all year. “I just want to be at the horse shows and get better. It is also a nice break from school, especially during midterms.”
A Herculean effort has gone in to preparing the venue at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for the Final USEF Championship of 2008 and the 2009 show season. Organizer Mark Bellisimo and hundreds of staff worked around the clock to ensure that the stage was ready when the curtain was drawn.
The second and final leg of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship gets underway Sunday afternoon when the riders take to the ring for the $60,000 Holiday and Horses World Cup Qualifier at 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org. For complete results please see: www.equestriansport.com
Friday, December 5, 2008
Holiday & Horses CSI-W/CDI*** Opens at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
Release: December 04 2008
By Ken Braddick
Holiday & Horses CSI-W/CDI*** opened Wednesday in the made-over Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with about 200 horses competing in hunter and jumper classes. Dressage begins Thursday.
Competitors expressed amazement at the multimillion dollar improvements to PBIEC, especially seating around the showcase International Arena. Spectator seating for the International Club, VIP boxes, rider stands and general admission seating were all rebuilt from the ground up.
Opening of the show that features the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach was rated about perfect, under blue skies and the temperature reaching 70 degrees.
The $10,000 Dever, Inc., Welcome Stake was the only class held in the International Arena Wednesday. Kent Farrington of Wellington, FL, on Thunder-ball took first place ahead of Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on Amaretto d'Arco in second and Chris Kappler and VDL Oranta in third.
About $5 million was spent prior to the 2008 Winter Equestrian Festival by Equestrian Sport Productions, the management company of the Wellington shows. ESP is owned by Wellington Equestrian Partners.
Another $5-million has been invested in recent months to complete renovations and improvements.
Holiday & Horses highlights, all in the International Arena, are:
—7 p.m. Friday - Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach - Speed Class
—7 p.m. Saturday - CDI*** Dressage Musical Freestyle
—2 p.m. Sunday - Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach - Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier.
Prize money for the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach is $40,000 for the Speed Class, $60,000 for the Grand Prix and $25,000 for the top finishing U.S. rider.
In addition to the competition, there will be a children's fair, pony rides, Santa Claus and a tree lighting ceremony.
Hunter and jumper competition kicked off Wednesday while horses entered in the CDI*** dressage will perform a veterinary jog.
Release: December 04 2008
By Ken Braddick
Holiday & Horses CSI-W/CDI*** opened Wednesday in the made-over Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with about 200 horses competing in hunter and jumper classes. Dressage begins Thursday.
Competitors expressed amazement at the multimillion dollar improvements to PBIEC, especially seating around the showcase International Arena. Spectator seating for the International Club, VIP boxes, rider stands and general admission seating were all rebuilt from the ground up.
Opening of the show that features the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach was rated about perfect, under blue skies and the temperature reaching 70 degrees.
The $10,000 Dever, Inc., Welcome Stake was the only class held in the International Arena Wednesday. Kent Farrington of Wellington, FL, on Thunder-ball took first place ahead of Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on Amaretto d'Arco in second and Chris Kappler and VDL Oranta in third.
About $5 million was spent prior to the 2008 Winter Equestrian Festival by Equestrian Sport Productions, the management company of the Wellington shows. ESP is owned by Wellington Equestrian Partners.
Another $5-million has been invested in recent months to complete renovations and improvements.
Holiday & Horses highlights, all in the International Arena, are:
—7 p.m. Friday - Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach - Speed Class
—7 p.m. Saturday - CDI*** Dressage Musical Freestyle
—2 p.m. Sunday - Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach - Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier.
Prize money for the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach is $40,000 for the Speed Class, $60,000 for the Grand Prix and $25,000 for the top finishing U.S. rider.
In addition to the competition, there will be a children's fair, pony rides, Santa Claus and a tree lighting ceremony.
Hunter and jumper competition kicked off Wednesday while horses entered in the CDI*** dressage will perform a veterinary jog.
Ken Braddick, Press Releases, WEF
Over 40 Entries in Friday Night’s First Round of Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship
December 4, 2008
WELLINGTON, Fla., Dec. 4–More than 40 horse and rider combinations from six nations will compete Friday night in the first phase of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla. will ride Up Chiqui on whom he won the 2007 title against a field that includes several Olympians, including riders from three different countries at this year’s Games.
Laura Kraut, a member of the USA’s gold medal team, will ride Olympia 90 and Canecko Z, Russian Olympian Ljubov Kochetov will ride Chambertino, Comet and Aslan while Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios will ride Sinatra and Lagran.
Ireland’s Darragh Kerins will be competing with HH Carlsson vom Dach that was on the USA gold medal team in Hong Kong ridden by Will Simpson.
Friday night’s speed class with prize money of $40,000 starts at 7 pm in the International Arena.
The Grand Prix that is the second phase and carries $60,000 in prize money and $25,000 to the top finishing U.S. rider will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tables for both the Friday night and Sunday afternoon competitions are still available in the International Club.
Reservations can be made by telephoning Kiki Umla at 561 793 5867 or 904 607 5541.
Written by Ken Braddick · Filed Under Ken Braddick, Press Releases, WEF
Over 40 Entries in Friday Night’s First Round of Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship
December 4, 2008
WELLINGTON, Fla., Dec. 4–More than 40 horse and rider combinations from six nations will compete Friday night in the first phase of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla. will ride Up Chiqui on whom he won the 2007 title against a field that includes several Olympians, including riders from three different countries at this year’s Games.
Laura Kraut, a member of the USA’s gold medal team, will ride Olympia 90 and Canecko Z, Russian Olympian Ljubov Kochetov will ride Chambertino, Comet and Aslan while Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios will ride Sinatra and Lagran.
Ireland’s Darragh Kerins will be competing with HH Carlsson vom Dach that was on the USA gold medal team in Hong Kong ridden by Will Simpson.
Friday night’s speed class with prize money of $40,000 starts at 7 pm in the International Arena.
The Grand Prix that is the second phase and carries $60,000 in prize money and $25,000 to the top finishing U.S. rider will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tables for both the Friday night and Sunday afternoon competitions are still available in the International Club.
Reservations can be made by telephoning Kiki Umla at 561 793 5867 or 904 607 5541.
Written by Ken Braddick · Filed Under Ken Braddick, Press Releases, WEF
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Holiday and Horses.
Holiday and Horses set forDecember 3rd-7th, celebrates the joy of the holiday season with families and horse lovers alike. Join us for the $125,000 Rolex/USEF National Jumper Championships presented by Equine Motorcoach (Dec. 5th night and Dec. 7th afternoon), Dressage under the Lights (Saturday Dec. 6th evening) and daily national hunter/jumper competition. Seasonal family activities take place on the weekend of December 6th-7th. Enjoy the Village of Wellington Tree Lighting, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and a visit with Santa Claus (Saturday Dec. 6th at 7:00pm).
Saturday, November 8, 2008
AQHA World Show, Oklahoma City
For two weeks in November, the world's best American Quarter Horses meet in Oklahoma City for the chance to become a world champion and a share of more than $2.7 million in cash and awards. From halter to reining and jumping to trail, the Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open AQHA World Championship Show is the event for those who love and appreciate the athletic ability and beauty of the American Quarter Horse.
Equine Motorcoach is on display and open for tours. Call Bob Wiegand at (502) 664-7108 if you want to schedule a special tour.
Equine Motorcoach is on display and open for tours. Call Bob Wiegand at (502) 664-7108 if you want to schedule a special tour.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Springsteen Rocks Syracuse
The whole Springsteen family cheered on Jessica to multiple championships, including the ASPCA Macclay.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Syracuse Invitational in the Snow.
We arrived on Monday to a snow event at the Syracuse Invitational and National Horse Show. That didn't stop the show action and people touring the Equine Motorcoach.
We also attended a great clinic by Missy Clark and John and Frank Madden.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Turn a Lead into $5,000 for You or Your Organization With the Sale of an Equine Motorcoach
United States Equestrian Federation
Release: October 09 2008
Through December 2008, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is offering $5,000 to any individual or organization that can supply a lead that translates to the sale of a new Equine Motorcoach™.
Equine Motorcoach™ is the unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport. Billed as "The New Breed Of Luxury," Equine Motorcoach™ is designated as the “Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation.” The horse transport area accommodates up to six horses comfortably, while providing an air ride to ensure that the horses are ready to compete as soon as they arrive at a horse show.
The luxury of the horse transport area sets Equine Motorcoach™ apart from all other transports and trailers. A key benefit is the front and rear air ride that was uniquely designed for its truck by Volvo Trucks North America.
The Equine Motorcoach™ is quiet, and its European slant-load puts the major visual motion behind the horse and helps the horse balance easily while traveling. It makes sure that the only work a horse has to do is at the show and not on the way to the show.
Luxury is not limited to the horses. In just seconds, the versatile lounge converts into a queen suite fit for royalty. A combination of upper bunks and a full size bed over the cab bring the sleeping accommodations up to six. The larger standard table makes dining an elegant experience. Waterford Crystal, engraved china, and sterling silver flatware enhance the luxury and elegance of Equine Motorcoach™.
Fully equipped with an AM/FM/CD player complete with an iPod port, satellite TV, and Xbox 360, Equine Motorcoach™ continues to make an extended stay pleasant and enjoyable. Wine storage, stainless steel sinks, dishwasher, electric cook surface, convection microwave and built-in television are just the beginning of what can be expected from Equine Motorcoach™.
For more information on Equine Motorcoach™, please contact Bob Wiegand at (502) 664-7108 or bwiegand@equinemotorcoach.com.
Release: October 09 2008
Through December 2008, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is offering $5,000 to any individual or organization that can supply a lead that translates to the sale of a new Equine Motorcoach™.
Equine Motorcoach™ is the unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport. Billed as "The New Breed Of Luxury," Equine Motorcoach™ is designated as the “Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation.” The horse transport area accommodates up to six horses comfortably, while providing an air ride to ensure that the horses are ready to compete as soon as they arrive at a horse show.
The luxury of the horse transport area sets Equine Motorcoach™ apart from all other transports and trailers. A key benefit is the front and rear air ride that was uniquely designed for its truck by Volvo Trucks North America.
The Equine Motorcoach™ is quiet, and its European slant-load puts the major visual motion behind the horse and helps the horse balance easily while traveling. It makes sure that the only work a horse has to do is at the show and not on the way to the show.
Luxury is not limited to the horses. In just seconds, the versatile lounge converts into a queen suite fit for royalty. A combination of upper bunks and a full size bed over the cab bring the sleeping accommodations up to six. The larger standard table makes dining an elegant experience. Waterford Crystal, engraved china, and sterling silver flatware enhance the luxury and elegance of Equine Motorcoach™.
Fully equipped with an AM/FM/CD player complete with an iPod port, satellite TV, and Xbox 360, Equine Motorcoach™ continues to make an extended stay pleasant and enjoyable. Wine storage, stainless steel sinks, dishwasher, electric cook surface, convection microwave and built-in television are just the beginning of what can be expected from Equine Motorcoach™.
For more information on Equine Motorcoach™, please contact Bob Wiegand at (502) 664-7108 or bwiegand@equinemotorcoach.com.
World Championship Morgan Horse Show a Great Success
Release: October 16 2008
By Christina Koliander
Each October since 1973, Morgan horses, owners, trainers and exhibitors descend upon Oklahoma City for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. This year's competition brought nearly 1,200 horses from 46 U.S. States, Austria, Canada and Great Britain to vie for titles in a variety of disciplines, including English pleasure, hunter pleasure, carriage driving, dressage and reining.
The week-long show, held October 4-11 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, included virtually non-stop competition divided in three arenas. More than 100 world titles were at stake in nearly 20 divisions. Awards were presented in classes designated for youth, junior exhibitor, amateur, ladies and gentlemen riders and drivers, junior horses, and classes for the open ranks.
It takes a team of hundreds of dedicated people to present a top-notch show such as this, from the volunteer show committee, chaired this year by George Arnold of San Luis Obispo, CA, to the show management, led by Fred Nava of Kingston, MA. Also included are office personnel, sponsors, vendors, judges, announcers, ringmasters, barn managers and other staff around the grounds, who each ensure that each exhibitor and spectator had the best experience possible. A three-judge system is used for the majority of classes and 22 judges officiated this year's show.
"Both the exhibitors and spectators enjoyed the beauty and versatility of the Morgan horses during the eight days of competition that resulted in the selection of 110 new world champions," said Arnold.
Also taking place throughout the week is the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Youth Judging Contest and the national Youth of the Year Finals. Fourteen young women from across the country qualified at local and regional youth of the year contests to compete at the Youth of the Year Finals in Oklahoma for a month-long trip of the winner's choice, generously sponsored by the Cynthia Elaine Epperson Trust. Winning the honor this year was Hillary Wiles-Lafayette of Litchfield, CT. More than 150 youth participated in the week's youth judging contest.
"The National Youth of the Year Finals and National Youth Horse Judging Contest are truly a product of the Morgan community," said Amanda Ryan, of AMHA's Membership Services and Youth Programs. "They are staffed by volunteers and made possible through many donations and the support of qualifying contests throughout the year. When you look back over the year and see how many people have put their hands in to support these events, you begin to realize the impact and the importance they hold. It's heartwarming and a wonderful picture of how the Morgan community gathers to support its future."
Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 125 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations. It also provides an important link to foreign Morgan horse registries and clubs. The headquarters, located in Shelburne, VT, also is home to the National Museum of the Morgan Horse and are maintained through the generosity of the American Morgan Horse Institute.
You can learn more about AMHA at www.morganhorse.com. For complete results from the 2008 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, visit www.morgangrandnational.com.
Release: October 16 2008
By Christina Koliander
Each October since 1973, Morgan horses, owners, trainers and exhibitors descend upon Oklahoma City for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. This year's competition brought nearly 1,200 horses from 46 U.S. States, Austria, Canada and Great Britain to vie for titles in a variety of disciplines, including English pleasure, hunter pleasure, carriage driving, dressage and reining.
The week-long show, held October 4-11 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, included virtually non-stop competition divided in three arenas. More than 100 world titles were at stake in nearly 20 divisions. Awards were presented in classes designated for youth, junior exhibitor, amateur, ladies and gentlemen riders and drivers, junior horses, and classes for the open ranks.
It takes a team of hundreds of dedicated people to present a top-notch show such as this, from the volunteer show committee, chaired this year by George Arnold of San Luis Obispo, CA, to the show management, led by Fred Nava of Kingston, MA. Also included are office personnel, sponsors, vendors, judges, announcers, ringmasters, barn managers and other staff around the grounds, who each ensure that each exhibitor and spectator had the best experience possible. A three-judge system is used for the majority of classes and 22 judges officiated this year's show.
"Both the exhibitors and spectators enjoyed the beauty and versatility of the Morgan horses during the eight days of competition that resulted in the selection of 110 new world champions," said Arnold.
Also taking place throughout the week is the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Youth Judging Contest and the national Youth of the Year Finals. Fourteen young women from across the country qualified at local and regional youth of the year contests to compete at the Youth of the Year Finals in Oklahoma for a month-long trip of the winner's choice, generously sponsored by the Cynthia Elaine Epperson Trust. Winning the honor this year was Hillary Wiles-Lafayette of Litchfield, CT. More than 150 youth participated in the week's youth judging contest.
"The National Youth of the Year Finals and National Youth Horse Judging Contest are truly a product of the Morgan community," said Amanda Ryan, of AMHA's Membership Services and Youth Programs. "They are staffed by volunteers and made possible through many donations and the support of qualifying contests throughout the year. When you look back over the year and see how many people have put their hands in to support these events, you begin to realize the impact and the importance they hold. It's heartwarming and a wonderful picture of how the Morgan community gathers to support its future."
Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 125 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations. It also provides an important link to foreign Morgan horse registries and clubs. The headquarters, located in Shelburne, VT, also is home to the National Museum of the Morgan Horse and are maintained through the generosity of the American Morgan Horse Institute.
You can learn more about AMHA at www.morganhorse.com. For complete results from the 2008 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, visit www.morgangrandnational.com.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
On Display At Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show
(Oklahoma, Ok.) - The unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport, Equine Motorcoach, is on display this weekend at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, today through the October 11, 2008, in Oklahoma City.
A registered Morgan is the result of breeding two registered Morgan horses. All Morgans today trace to the stallion Justin Morgan, foaled in 1789, who was originally known by the name "Figure". The registry for Morgans was founded in 1909. Prior to that time, Morgans identified by Colonel Joseph Battell as descendants of Justin Morgan were considered Morgan horses.
The breed was formed from European horses brought in with colonists, and the Morgans set themselves apart with unique characteristics from their ancestors. Justin Morgan was, in fact, a genetic "sport" in that he did not resemble his sire or dam in obvious ways. He passed these characteristics on to his offspring, forming a distinct type or breed of horse unique to America. Justin Morgan sired many foals, but the most important ones are his three sons, Sherman, Bulrush, & Woodbury. Every Morgan today traces back to him through one of these stallions.
As of August 20, 2007, there were approximately 107,950 living registered Morgans. Morgans excel in virtually all disciplines. They are one of the premier carriage horses in the world, and are used for combined driving, competitive trail, and endurance riding, eventing, working western events, dressage, all show ring disciplines, and as an excellent friend and companion whether in the backyard or on the trail.
Billed as "The New Breed Of Luxury", Equine Motorcoach is designated as the official horse transport vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation. The horse transport area accommodates up to six horses comfortably, while providing an air-ride to ensure that the horses are ready to compete as soon as they arrive at a horse show.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Jodie Kelly and Wencenza Leave a Hurricane and Get Back in the 5-Year-Old Final by Winning the Consolation Class
Jodie Kelly is a top rider and trainer, who works with Julie Calzone and her horses. She is making her way in the world of dressage. Check out her latest accomplishment.
Jodie Kelly and Wencenza Leave a Hurricane and Get Back in the 5-Year-Old Final by Winning the Consolation Class
By Jeannie Blanq Putney for DressageDaily
With just 72 hours to go before the start of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Championship, competitor Jodie Stevens Kelly had no idea whether or not she’d be making the trip to Kentucky. At home in Destin, FL, Hurricane Ike was brewing, and although the Kelly’s have a solid evacuation plan no one knew where Ike would land. Last week Destin was in the projected path for most of the week. “Until it hits the Gulf, we have no idea which way it will go,” said Jodie.
It appeared after the first day of the Five-Year-Old Championship that maybe Jodie’s first trip to the championship wouldn’t have been worthwhile, but in the consolation class today she proved that was not the case. With a score of 7.76 Jodie earned first place in the class buying her a coveted spot in tomorrow’s finale. The judges’ first comment was that they couldn’t figure out why Jodie and Wencenza were in the consolation class. Tomorrow they will give the other 14 competitors a run for their money. Wencenza, a Dutch Warmblood mare by Contango out of Piacenza by Juventus, bred and owned by Beth and Roy Godwin is one of the promising U.S.-bred horses in this year’s championship. Jodie is no stranger to tough competition. As a 14-year-old she showed her stallion (at the time) Manhattan at the PAVO cup, a competition for young horses in Holland, under the tutelage of Toine Hoefs. Jodie ended up 16th out of some 600-plus competitors.
Back home in Destin, things seem to be settling down, and the 30 horses at Jodie’s training and boarding barn are safe-and-sound. “We are literally sitting ducks,” she said. “The Gulf is a mile south of us, and the Bay is less than a mile north of us so we’re between two bodies of water that could flood at any time. It’s the price you pay for living in paradise.” Her thoughts have constantly been with her horses and her farm, and she said she was ready to drive home at any moment and implement their evacuation plan. “We have a very intricate plan that we develop at the beginning of every hurricane season,” she said. “I could tell you right now which horse goes in which trailer and who is driving it.”
They evacuate to a cinderblock barn that is an hour and a half north of them that includes 29 stalls along with a small barn across the way. “At the beginning of every hurricane season we pay put a deposit down on the stalls,” Jodie said. “It guarantees us that that barn is available no matter what. It’s a pretty good deal for us being where we are.” The Kelly’s opted to leave all their trucks and trailers at home after Beth offered to trailer her horse up, since she is north of the Bay and would be out of harm’s way. Jodie and mom Laurie followed.
"The storm wasn’t one of the strongest, but it was so big in diameter,” said Jodie. "Destin was receiving huge storm surges and a lot of the bridges were closed. A barge actually hit one of the bridges as a result of the high winds. The causeway for one of the bridges was closed so Destin was pretty much closed to incoming and ongoing traffic the day of the jog.”
The Kelly’s rented a house in Kentucky and will have the ability to stay on if need be, but now that their minds are eased temporarily it is time to gear up for some more great competition.
2008 FEI WORLD REINING CHAMPIONSHIP - TEAM USA TAKES THE SILVER!
With a total of 667,5 points Team Italy took the gold medal in the very first FEI World Reining Championship which is being held in Manerbio, Italy. Team USA took the silver medal with 663,5 points closely followed by Team Germany which, a point behind the United States, was awarded the bronze medal.
Sixteen countries were represented in the World Reining Championship and in order to determine who would step on the podium for the bronze medal, reining enthusiasts had to wait for the last German horse and rider combination, Daniel Klein and Dealin Gin owned by the Dealin Gin Syndicate, to show – three horses before the end of the competition.
Team Italy coach, Mario Sbrana, was quick to praise the Italian team members Davide Brighenti, Dario Carmignani, Martin Gamper and Gennaro Lendi for their win. "Getting on the first step of the podium was fantastic", said Mario. "This is a great group of horses and riders and the work they have been doing from the beginning of the year towards this world championship has paid off. They gave all they had and they truly deserved the win".
Brighenti was riding Dualin For Me owned by Mancone QH and scored a 224; Dario Carmignani was seen riding Arc Magic Entprise owned by Pietro DeAngelis and scored a 222; Martin Gamper riding Claudio Risso's RS Oregon N Jac scored a 221,5 and Gennaro Lendi riding his Playing It Out scored a 220,5.
Team U.S.A was represented by Pete Kyle riding A Bueno Poco Dunit owned by Sandra Holt (222); Craig Schmersal riding Mr Dual Rey owned by Casey Holly (221); Jordan Larson riding Lena Gallo (220,5) and Tom McCutcheon riding Ruf Hearted Jac owned by Sarah Willeman (219). "We are very honored to have been able to represent our Country", said Jeff Petska – U.S. Chef d'Equipe. "We had a strong group of horses and great riders for U.S.A. and are hats go off to the Italians, they did a great job".
It was German Sylvia Rzepka aboard Doctor Zip Nic owned by the Zip Nic Partners who marked the highest score of the day, a 227.5, for her Team. Daniel Klein riding Dealin Gin owned by the Dealin Gin Syndicate scored a 219.5, Emanuel Ernst riding Legends Diamond Do owned by Paul Kratschmer scored a 215.5 and Oliver Stein riding Smart Little Lenic scored a 209.
Competitors had to score a 216 or higher to make the Individual Competition which will be held on Sunday 14th at 2pm where twenty horse and rider combinations will be vying for the FEI medals.
The very first FEI World Reining Championship is organized by the Italian Reining Horse Association and is supported by the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE).
Sixteen countries were represented in the World Reining Championship and in order to determine who would step on the podium for the bronze medal, reining enthusiasts had to wait for the last German horse and rider combination, Daniel Klein and Dealin Gin owned by the Dealin Gin Syndicate, to show – three horses before the end of the competition.
Team Italy coach, Mario Sbrana, was quick to praise the Italian team members Davide Brighenti, Dario Carmignani, Martin Gamper and Gennaro Lendi for their win. "Getting on the first step of the podium was fantastic", said Mario. "This is a great group of horses and riders and the work they have been doing from the beginning of the year towards this world championship has paid off. They gave all they had and they truly deserved the win".
Brighenti was riding Dualin For Me owned by Mancone QH and scored a 224; Dario Carmignani was seen riding Arc Magic Entprise owned by Pietro DeAngelis and scored a 222; Martin Gamper riding Claudio Risso's RS Oregon N Jac scored a 221,5 and Gennaro Lendi riding his Playing It Out scored a 220,5.
Team U.S.A was represented by Pete Kyle riding A Bueno Poco Dunit owned by Sandra Holt (222); Craig Schmersal riding Mr Dual Rey owned by Casey Holly (221); Jordan Larson riding Lena Gallo (220,5) and Tom McCutcheon riding Ruf Hearted Jac owned by Sarah Willeman (219). "We are very honored to have been able to represent our Country", said Jeff Petska – U.S. Chef d'Equipe. "We had a strong group of horses and great riders for U.S.A. and are hats go off to the Italians, they did a great job".
It was German Sylvia Rzepka aboard Doctor Zip Nic owned by the Zip Nic Partners who marked the highest score of the day, a 227.5, for her Team. Daniel Klein riding Dealin Gin owned by the Dealin Gin Syndicate scored a 219.5, Emanuel Ernst riding Legends Diamond Do owned by Paul Kratschmer scored a 215.5 and Oliver Stein riding Smart Little Lenic scored a 209.
Competitors had to score a 216 or higher to make the Individual Competition which will be held on Sunday 14th at 2pm where twenty horse and rider combinations will be vying for the FEI medals.
The very first FEI World Reining Championship is organized by the Italian Reining Horse Association and is supported by the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE).
Thursday, September 11, 2008
On Display At Kentucky Horse Park
(Lexington, Ky.) - The unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport, Equine Motorcoach, is on display this weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park as part of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Championships presented by Collecting Gaits Farm and the USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship sponsored by the Dutta Corporation and Performance Sales International.
The dressage competition will feature the MSEDA Championship I & II presented by QBE Financial Group. This event serves as a qualifying event for the 2009 USEF National Intermediaire I Championship and is the Official USDF Qualifying Competitions for the 2009 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championship, FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships and USEF National Junior, Young Rider and Brentina Cup Championships.
The dressage competition will feature the MSEDA Championship I & II presented by QBE Financial Group. This event serves as a qualifying event for the 2009 USEF National Intermediaire I Championship and is the Official USDF Qualifying Competitions for the 2009 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championship, FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships and USEF National Junior, Young Rider and Brentina Cup Championships.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Olympic Equestrians on Oprah on September 8
From our Olympic reporter - Viviane Garner with Laura Kraut
The Olympic fun continues. Oprah has decided to dedicate her season premier to the US Olympians! Laura is on her way to Chicago now. The show will include over 150 athletes and will air on Monday Sept 8. You will have to check your local listings to see what time Oprah airs in your city, but set your Tivo's!
-Viv
Laura waving on Oprah's stage
From the Oprah show! If you can see it, that's a picture of 3 day team member Gina Miles on the big screen on stage. V
The Olympic fun continues. Oprah has decided to dedicate her season premier to the US Olympians! Laura is on her way to Chicago now. The show will include over 150 athletes and will air on Monday Sept 8. You will have to check your local listings to see what time Oprah airs in your city, but set your Tivo's!
-Viv
Laura waving on Oprah's stage
From the Oprah show! If you can see it, that's a picture of 3 day team member Gina Miles on the big screen on stage. V
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Reichert and back home to Louisville.
Pictured are Tom and Carolyn Stinnett, Equine Motorcoach Principals
We had a great a very productive visit at the Reichert Celebration in Tulsa, Oklahoma last week and we are already back in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky Exposition Center for the World Championship Horse Show.
Come see us. Here's where we are: I-65 to Crittenden Drive
Follow to Central Avenue, Gate 4
Kentucky Fair and Expo Center
After turning at gate 4, we are on the right.
Team USA Individual Medal Pursuit.
Inside with Viviane Garner
Watch live - go to: http://www.nbcolympics.com/equestrian/index.html
7:15 p.m. EST August 21, 2008
Hi all,
Unfortunately, Will Simpson will not get to compete for an individual medal. A country is only allowed to send three riders even if all four qualify. It is disappointing as he's had such a great year, but he still goes home with the team gold!
V
Hi everyone,
I made it back home. What a great trip to say the least!
All the US horses passed the jog on weds. The class will start at 7:15 pm thurs Hong Kong time which will be 7:15 am thurs (EST) for us. I will keep you posted as best I can from here. It is supposed to be on tv thurs our time:
Aug. 21: Show Jumping Individual Gold Medal Final–10:00am-1:00 pm
It does not say if that's on NBC or Oxygen.
Talk to you soon!
V
Watch live - go to: http://www.nbcolympics.com/equestrian/index.html
7:15 p.m. EST August 21, 2008
Hi all,
Unfortunately, Will Simpson will not get to compete for an individual medal. A country is only allowed to send three riders even if all four qualify. It is disappointing as he's had such a great year, but he still goes home with the team gold!
V
Hi everyone,
I made it back home. What a great trip to say the least!
All the US horses passed the jog on weds. The class will start at 7:15 pm thurs Hong Kong time which will be 7:15 am thurs (EST) for us. I will keep you posted as best I can from here. It is supposed to be on tv thurs our time:
Aug. 21: Show Jumping Individual Gold Medal Final–10:00am-1:00 pm
It does not say if that's on NBC or Oxygen.
Talk to you soon!
V
Monday, August 18, 2008
Team USA Olympic Gold!
We are so excited about the Team USA Gold Medal for lots of reasons. First, because they represent the United States. We got to know all of them through the Olympic Show Jumping Selection Trials earlier this year that we sponsored. We are incredibly honored to be a part of the process that got them to the Olympics.
Special thanks to Viviane Garner with Laura Kraut and Cedric. She kept us posted every step of the way while the team was performing in Hong Kong.
Congratulations Team USA: Laura Kraut and Cedric, Beezie Madden and Authentic, McClain Ward and Sapphire, and Will Simpson and Carlsson vom Dach.
You can click here to watch a replay of the finals, which even included the medal ceremony.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HONG KONG (Reuters) - The United States snatched the equestrian team show jumping gold from Canada in a breathtaking jump-off at the Olympics on Monday. Canada took silver and Norway bronze.
The United States and Canada had tied for first place in the show jumping final with total penalties of 20 each. Both teams went into a jump-off, where riders tackle a shortened course against the clock.
This marked the second consecutive U.S. victory in Olympic team show jumping.
"I'm shocked, so thrilled with the way we did. So exciting," said American rider Laura Kraut. "We wanted that gold medal really bad."
When asked if he was disappointed to see Canada miss their first gold in the category since the 1968 Mexico City Games, rider Eric Lamaze said: "What we did was already amazing, so we're already very happy."
Thirty-five riders out of the 50 who rode on Monday will also go through to the individual show jumping final on Thursday. The top-ranking individual rider was Norway's Tony Andre Hansen with a total of 3 cumulative penalties.
"For the team to get a bronze medal is fantastic. It's really a team spirit and we helped each other," he said after his round.
The United States won the team show jumping gold at the Athens Games in 2004 and in Los Angeles in 1984.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Inside Olympic Show Jumping.
From Vivian Garner with Laura Kraut and Cedric.
5"59 PM Hong Kong Time
Hi everyone,
The sun is setting over the venue in Hong Kong and it is a warm but lovely evening. The riders are walking the course. The jumps are higher and much more interesting to look at than the first night. Dragons, pagodas, temple doors and a large water jump. The individual riders go first and then the teams begin. The US will be the last team to compete. Beezie goes 76th and last of the evening. Mclain will start off for the US followed by Laura and Will. It is going to be.a very long evening. See attached photo. More to come..........V
8:36 PM Hong Kong Time
The non-team riders finished with no clear rounds. Denis Lynch and Jos Lansink both had one time fault and are in a good position to qualify for the individual medal round. They have divided the teams into two groups for some reason. The bottom half of them are finished and the results are surprising. Sweden is in the lead with 30 points followed by Mexico with 40 and Germany with 52. The course has had only one clear round-Ninja and Rolf Bengtsson from Sweden. The water jump line and the triple have taken their toll. We have an intermission, and then the rest of the riders compete. Talk to you in about 2 hours!
V
10:23 PM Hong Kong
End of night two
The end of the night was very surprising. Authentic did not want to go into the corner and stopped at the in of the triple. Beezie circled and he had it down but finished the rest of the course in his usual great form. So the US is now tied with the Swiss with 12 points each. Mclain is double clear along with Eric Lamaze from Canada in the hunt for the gold! What a night.
My heart is still beating like I'm the one who jumped the course. Laura is thrilled with Cedric, and thanks all of you for the well wishes. Good night from Hong Kong.
Viviane out!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
We're at the Reichert Celebration in Tulsa, OK.
Everywhere we went, people told us we needed to be at the Reichert Celebration. So it should come as no surprise that we are already there. The event runs through August 17.
Bob Wiegand who sells the Coach is such an all around guy that he drives the Coach (sometimes with his family), polishes it up and shows it like no one else can. He knows every nook and cranny of that Coach.
Every time we ask him, "how's it going?", he tells us people start coming to the Coach even before he can get it set up. Today, I asked him where he was at the event so I could direct the media to it, and he said "just ask anyone on the grounds." He had gotten there the day before and already had attracted at crowd.
The Reichert Celebration is an extraganza of horses: paint horses, barrel horses, quarter horses, halter horses and more than we can list. So click here to download the schedule: Reichert schedule.
Bob Wiegand who sells the Coach is such an all around guy that he drives the Coach (sometimes with his family), polishes it up and shows it like no one else can. He knows every nook and cranny of that Coach.
Every time we ask him, "how's it going?", he tells us people start coming to the Coach even before he can get it set up. Today, I asked him where he was at the event so I could direct the media to it, and he said "just ask anyone on the grounds." He had gotten there the day before and already had attracted at crowd.
The Reichert Celebration is an extraganza of horses: paint horses, barrel horses, quarter horses, halter horses and more than we can list. So click here to download the schedule: Reichert schedule.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Medals Awarded at 2008 CN FEI North American Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North
Release: August 04 2008
By Amber Heinzenberger
Parker, CO - The CN FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North finished with a three-hour closing ceremonies at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado today. The four-day championship competition wrapped up with the Junior and Young Rider Musical Freestyles in Dressage, Stadium Jumping in Eventing, the Individual Finals in Show Jumping, and the Individual Finals in Reining.
Already having locked down the Team Gold on Friday, Zone Ten swept the medals in the Young Riders Show Jumping competition today, claiming Individual Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in today’s final competition. Karl Cook, who won Team and Individual Gold last year was the only rider with a score of 0.0 in the first round, but had two rails down riding Notories Utopia in the second round and one in the fifth round (12.00).
Hannah Selleck on Bauer scored 3.76 in the speed round and had a rail down in three of the five following rounds (11.76) to place just .24 points ahead of Cook and claim the Individual Gold, relegating Cook to Silver. Their teammate Paige Dotson took the Bronze on Friponnier II CH (14.3). The team also included Sophie Benjamin riding Marga, who finished 11th overall.
Selleck said, “I’ve had some disappointments – last year my horse got hurt, but that makes it sweeter to come back and do this.”
Cook actually rode ahead of schedule, since Dotson fell off in the warm-up when her horse took a huge leap over one of the warm-up fences and unseated her. “I’m so glad I made it around,” she said.
“Regardless of how you do, riding here is a good experience,” said Cook. “Riding as a team builds character. The first year I was here I ended up in the Farewell class and I thought Young Riders sucked. But the only way to get experience and learn how to handle a situation like this is to ride here. I didn’t want to come back this year and not do as well as last year but once I started doing the trials it pulled me in, it’s a very supportive atmosphere.”
Carlie Thompson of Columbus, Ohio will go down in history as the individual Gold Medal winner at the first-ever Young Riders Reining Championships. She and her Quarter Horse mare Paid By Corona scored 219 from judges John Snobelen, Andrea Simons and Dori Schwartzenberger. Teammates Jason Kvols and his flashy paint horse Sunny Spotacular were close behind with 217 to claim Silver, and Lacey Vernon on Duncans Dun It took the Bronze with 214.5. Team USA won the Team Gold and Team Silver went to Canada.
“I was really proud of my horse today,” said Thomson, who grew up watching reining and started at age eleven. “He loves it – it’s awesome."
Kvos said, “It went well and I’m excited. He pointed out that the Colorado Horse Park was a different sort of venue than they are used to, since they showed outdoors here and generally show indoors. “It was a lot hotter showing outdoors, and it was different with all the arenas and so much going on. We like our ground deep, and they put dump truck after dump truck loads of dirt in the pen. The footing was awesome.”
All three noted that it was fun to be in the midst of so much other equestrian sport. “I used to jump so this is familiar to me,” said Thomson, laughing, “My horse is big as a reiner, but here he feels like a midget!”
Jennifer Brannigan kept her cool and left the rails up to win the Eventing CH** riding her seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cooper on their dressage score of 36.3. Karen Shull and Just My Style also went double clear to hang on to Individual Silver (47.7), while Katlyn McMorris and Clifton Peekachu jumped clear but added 4.4 time faults, still with plenty of room for error, to claim Individual Bronze (51.1). Brannigan’s teammate Max McManamy finished fourth on Beacon Hill and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch, the sole Canadian competitor in this year’s two-star, placed fifth riding Port Authority. Tiana Coudray rounded out the top six with Ringwood Magister (60.6).
Brannigan, McManamy and Coudray, along with David Koss on Candy, claimed the Team Gold Medal for Area VI (California) on a three-day total score of 170.4. The team from Areas I, IV and V finished second (1122.8) followed by Areas VIII and X (1158.5).
Brannigan recently had surgery on her tailbone, which kept her out of the saddle for a couple of weeks prior to the championships. She was able to sit on Cooper only three times in the lead-up to the Championships, and expressed her gratitude to Nick Cwick for riding Cooper while she was recovering. She also thanked Estrella Equine Clinic and her sponsors Custom Saddlery, Ayora Saddlery and Dougie Hannum.
In the one-star championships the Area IV Team (Jessica Lux and Car Tanga, Callie Judy and Irish Odyssey, Hannah Ross and Fantasia and Edith Lee and Ballycormac Petrocelli) led from start to finish, completing the event with an impressive total score of 161.4. Medalist Callie Judy finished on her dressage score of 48.8 to also claim Individual Gold.
“It’s amazing winning Gold,” she said with a smile. This was her second time competing at a Young Riders Championships. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. I had a good cry, and I’m still shocked! My horse is still new to me and we started out with problems – we had some stops on cross-country this spring, so I’m very pleased with her. I just kept trying positive thinking, I kept telling myself, ‘I am going to win this event’.”
Individual Silver went to Lindsay Crnkovich riding Right Back Atcha (49.1) and Individual Bronze went to Canadian Sarah Talaga riding Vena (50.7). Talaga’s success was even more impressive because Vena lost an eye to glaucoma last year. Talaga said it took some time for the mare get used to having one eye, but that their partnership is strong and the horse trusts her.
“It’s so good to win Bronze,” she said. “It’s been a lot of work to get here.”
Area VIII & V claimed Team Silver, and Canada’s team with representatives from British Columbia and Ontario earned Team Bronze.
Laura Noyes had a couple of days of tense, nervous tests from Syncro, but today the 14-year-old Trakehner by Enrico Caruso settled into his job and performed beautifully to win the Young Riders Musical Freestyle Championship with an outstanding 74.75%. Noyes also competed in the NAYRC in 2006 and that same year took Syncro to the Young Riders World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany but did not compete because he had a slight injury.
“Today he was relaxed in the atmosphere,” said Noyes. She rode to music from “Peanuts” compiled by Ruth Hogan-Poulsen. “The test was steady and he was very consistent. The past two days he’s been fresh and tense.” While her horse got better, Noyes said that she suffered from the high temperatures and high altitude in Colorado. “Every day I felt worse,” she said. Noyes is a student of George Williams and bought her horse when she and he were both competing at First level.
Having already claimed individual medals yesterday, Brianna Dutton and Chelsea Pederson returned to the top three today. Dutton took Silver (71.9%) riding Tibet followed by Chelsea Pederson on H.S. With Honors (70.5%) taking home the Bronze.
“This was the first time in his trot work I’ve felt him stay steady,” said Dutton. “As for the second Silver medal, I wasn’t expecting this at all!”
Pederson commented, “The freestyle is the most nerve-wracking test. I just changed it, so I’m not 100% sure all the time. It’s based around the canter music, which is from Aladdin. The trot music is upbeat and fun, which matches his personality.”
In the Junior Dressage Freestyle Morgan Heinrichs and Orlando impressed the judges with their upbeat composition of Swedish music by Rocky Mountain Recorders and relaxed, accurate riding to win on a score of 71.9%. McKenzie Jenkins and her Anglo Polish Arabian Tsarina Bint RII claimed Silver with 70.9%, riding to music from the movie The Thomas Crowne Affair, choreographed by Marlene Whitaker. Mackinzie Pooley and Jonkara earned 69.45% to win the Bronze medal.
“I’ve only been riding this horse since February,” said Heinrichs. “I was hopeful but I didn’t really imagine winning. Overall he felt really energetic today.
Jenkins said, “I am really excited. I love my freestyle! I just try not to get nervous before I go in the ring. I think the canter work was the best; the flying changes are my favorite part.”
In recent years the closing ceremonies took place unmounted in a coliseum, with all competitors attending at once. This year the ceremonies took place outdoors with groups of riders entering the ring separately, on their horses. There was a podium where riders received their medals while flags were raised and anthems played, followed by victory gallops.
For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
Release: August 04 2008
By Amber Heinzenberger
Parker, CO - The CN FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North finished with a three-hour closing ceremonies at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado today. The four-day championship competition wrapped up with the Junior and Young Rider Musical Freestyles in Dressage, Stadium Jumping in Eventing, the Individual Finals in Show Jumping, and the Individual Finals in Reining.
Already having locked down the Team Gold on Friday, Zone Ten swept the medals in the Young Riders Show Jumping competition today, claiming Individual Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in today’s final competition. Karl Cook, who won Team and Individual Gold last year was the only rider with a score of 0.0 in the first round, but had two rails down riding Notories Utopia in the second round and one in the fifth round (12.00).
Hannah Selleck on Bauer scored 3.76 in the speed round and had a rail down in three of the five following rounds (11.76) to place just .24 points ahead of Cook and claim the Individual Gold, relegating Cook to Silver. Their teammate Paige Dotson took the Bronze on Friponnier II CH (14.3). The team also included Sophie Benjamin riding Marga, who finished 11th overall.
Selleck said, “I’ve had some disappointments – last year my horse got hurt, but that makes it sweeter to come back and do this.”
Cook actually rode ahead of schedule, since Dotson fell off in the warm-up when her horse took a huge leap over one of the warm-up fences and unseated her. “I’m so glad I made it around,” she said.
“Regardless of how you do, riding here is a good experience,” said Cook. “Riding as a team builds character. The first year I was here I ended up in the Farewell class and I thought Young Riders sucked. But the only way to get experience and learn how to handle a situation like this is to ride here. I didn’t want to come back this year and not do as well as last year but once I started doing the trials it pulled me in, it’s a very supportive atmosphere.”
Carlie Thompson of Columbus, Ohio will go down in history as the individual Gold Medal winner at the first-ever Young Riders Reining Championships. She and her Quarter Horse mare Paid By Corona scored 219 from judges John Snobelen, Andrea Simons and Dori Schwartzenberger. Teammates Jason Kvols and his flashy paint horse Sunny Spotacular were close behind with 217 to claim Silver, and Lacey Vernon on Duncans Dun It took the Bronze with 214.5. Team USA won the Team Gold and Team Silver went to Canada.
“I was really proud of my horse today,” said Thomson, who grew up watching reining and started at age eleven. “He loves it – it’s awesome."
Kvos said, “It went well and I’m excited. He pointed out that the Colorado Horse Park was a different sort of venue than they are used to, since they showed outdoors here and generally show indoors. “It was a lot hotter showing outdoors, and it was different with all the arenas and so much going on. We like our ground deep, and they put dump truck after dump truck loads of dirt in the pen. The footing was awesome.”
All three noted that it was fun to be in the midst of so much other equestrian sport. “I used to jump so this is familiar to me,” said Thomson, laughing, “My horse is big as a reiner, but here he feels like a midget!”
Jennifer Brannigan kept her cool and left the rails up to win the Eventing CH** riding her seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cooper on their dressage score of 36.3. Karen Shull and Just My Style also went double clear to hang on to Individual Silver (47.7), while Katlyn McMorris and Clifton Peekachu jumped clear but added 4.4 time faults, still with plenty of room for error, to claim Individual Bronze (51.1). Brannigan’s teammate Max McManamy finished fourth on Beacon Hill and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch, the sole Canadian competitor in this year’s two-star, placed fifth riding Port Authority. Tiana Coudray rounded out the top six with Ringwood Magister (60.6).
Brannigan, McManamy and Coudray, along with David Koss on Candy, claimed the Team Gold Medal for Area VI (California) on a three-day total score of 170.4. The team from Areas I, IV and V finished second (1122.8) followed by Areas VIII and X (1158.5).
Brannigan recently had surgery on her tailbone, which kept her out of the saddle for a couple of weeks prior to the championships. She was able to sit on Cooper only three times in the lead-up to the Championships, and expressed her gratitude to Nick Cwick for riding Cooper while she was recovering. She also thanked Estrella Equine Clinic and her sponsors Custom Saddlery, Ayora Saddlery and Dougie Hannum.
In the one-star championships the Area IV Team (Jessica Lux and Car Tanga, Callie Judy and Irish Odyssey, Hannah Ross and Fantasia and Edith Lee and Ballycormac Petrocelli) led from start to finish, completing the event with an impressive total score of 161.4. Medalist Callie Judy finished on her dressage score of 48.8 to also claim Individual Gold.
“It’s amazing winning Gold,” she said with a smile. This was her second time competing at a Young Riders Championships. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. I had a good cry, and I’m still shocked! My horse is still new to me and we started out with problems – we had some stops on cross-country this spring, so I’m very pleased with her. I just kept trying positive thinking, I kept telling myself, ‘I am going to win this event’.”
Individual Silver went to Lindsay Crnkovich riding Right Back Atcha (49.1) and Individual Bronze went to Canadian Sarah Talaga riding Vena (50.7). Talaga’s success was even more impressive because Vena lost an eye to glaucoma last year. Talaga said it took some time for the mare get used to having one eye, but that their partnership is strong and the horse trusts her.
“It’s so good to win Bronze,” she said. “It’s been a lot of work to get here.”
Area VIII & V claimed Team Silver, and Canada’s team with representatives from British Columbia and Ontario earned Team Bronze.
Laura Noyes had a couple of days of tense, nervous tests from Syncro, but today the 14-year-old Trakehner by Enrico Caruso settled into his job and performed beautifully to win the Young Riders Musical Freestyle Championship with an outstanding 74.75%. Noyes also competed in the NAYRC in 2006 and that same year took Syncro to the Young Riders World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany but did not compete because he had a slight injury.
“Today he was relaxed in the atmosphere,” said Noyes. She rode to music from “Peanuts” compiled by Ruth Hogan-Poulsen. “The test was steady and he was very consistent. The past two days he’s been fresh and tense.” While her horse got better, Noyes said that she suffered from the high temperatures and high altitude in Colorado. “Every day I felt worse,” she said. Noyes is a student of George Williams and bought her horse when she and he were both competing at First level.
Having already claimed individual medals yesterday, Brianna Dutton and Chelsea Pederson returned to the top three today. Dutton took Silver (71.9%) riding Tibet followed by Chelsea Pederson on H.S. With Honors (70.5%) taking home the Bronze.
“This was the first time in his trot work I’ve felt him stay steady,” said Dutton. “As for the second Silver medal, I wasn’t expecting this at all!”
Pederson commented, “The freestyle is the most nerve-wracking test. I just changed it, so I’m not 100% sure all the time. It’s based around the canter music, which is from Aladdin. The trot music is upbeat and fun, which matches his personality.”
In the Junior Dressage Freestyle Morgan Heinrichs and Orlando impressed the judges with their upbeat composition of Swedish music by Rocky Mountain Recorders and relaxed, accurate riding to win on a score of 71.9%. McKenzie Jenkins and her Anglo Polish Arabian Tsarina Bint RII claimed Silver with 70.9%, riding to music from the movie The Thomas Crowne Affair, choreographed by Marlene Whitaker. Mackinzie Pooley and Jonkara earned 69.45% to win the Bronze medal.
“I’ve only been riding this horse since February,” said Heinrichs. “I was hopeful but I didn’t really imagine winning. Overall he felt really energetic today.
Jenkins said, “I am really excited. I love my freestyle! I just try not to get nervous before I go in the ring. I think the canter work was the best; the flying changes are my favorite part.”
In recent years the closing ceremonies took place unmounted in a coliseum, with all competitors attending at once. This year the ceremonies took place outdoors with groups of riders entering the ring separately, on their horses. There was a podium where riders received their medals while flags were raised and anthems played, followed by victory gallops.
For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Region 7 Wins Young Riders Dressage Team Gold at 2008 CN North American Junior & Young Rider Championships at The Colorado Horse Park Presented by Gotham North
Release: July 31 2008
By Marty Bauman
Parker, CO – Region 7 won the Young Riders team Gold Medal in the USDF/Platinum Performance Dressage Division at the 2008 CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park Presented By Gotham North
The CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park Presented by Gotham North are the premier equestrian event in North America for riders age 14-21. Run in a format similar to the Olympic Games, the Championships feature riders competing for team and individual medals in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing, as well as the western discipline of reining, which was added to the schedule this year.
The Region 7 team won the Gold with a score of 4417 points and a percentage of 65.437, followed by Region 8 with a score of 4395 points and 65.111% and Canada-Ontario who received a score of 4374 points and 64.800%. Each team counts its three best scores.
Region 7, whose riders were all competing in their first Young Riders Championship, was led by Katie Johnson of El Cajon, CA who scored 66.356% on Millenium. Region 7 also got scores of 65.778% from Brianna Dutton of Tracy, CA on Tibet, 64.178% from Christine Stephenson of Mission Viejo, CA on Charly 285, and 60.933% from Thomas Walker of Nipomo, CA on Grundsteins Legacy.
“This is something you dream about but certainly don't expect,” said Dutton. “Even just to place is like a dream come true, but to win the Gold is unbelievable!”
Region 7 Chef d'Equipe Elizabeth Hendrix wasn't sure what to expect of her team before arriving at the Colorado Horse Park. “I hadn't seen a lot of the riders and I knew my team consisted of all first timers,” she said. “When I saw them warm up though, I started to realize that this could be a really good team.”
All four of the riders were enjoying the first experience at the NAJYRC even before becoming Gold Medalists. “It's often hard to get people to understand how we feel about our sport,” Johnson said. “It's really fun to be with so many others our age who have the same passion for horses that we do.”
Earlier in the day, Carlie Thompson of Dublin, OH rode Paid By Corona to the win in the USEF Reining Division's Welcome Competition, the first official reining competition ever held at the NAJYRC. In the USEA Eventing Division, Jennifer Brannigan of San Diego, CA rode Cooper to an impressive dressage score of 36.3 penalties to take the lead following the first phase of the CCI**.
In the USHJA Show Jumping Division, Shannon McGrath of North Caldwell, NJ rode Ancho de Pomme to victory in the first Individual Qualifier for Juniors and Karl Cook of Woodside, CA had a successful start to his defense of his 2007 individual Gold Medal when he rode Notories Utopia to the win in the first Individual Qualifier for Young Riders.
The NAJYRC operates under the rules of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport. It is the only FEI championship held annually in this country.
The NAJYRC began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between Canada and the United States. A Dressage Championship was added in 1981 and, with the addition of Show Jumping, the first complete Championship with all three Olympic disciplines was held in British Columbia, Canada in 1982. A championship division for juniors was added to the schedule in 2006 and reining, a fourth discipline, joined the schedule of FEI-recognized championships in 2008.
Many of North America's best equestrians got their start at the NAJYRC including Olympic medalists Greg Best, Karen Lende O'Connor, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, as well as Alison Firestone, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, Ray Texel, Chris Pratt, Frankie Chesler, Lisa Carlsen, Harold Chopping, Martina Pracht, Kathleen Raine, Heather Mason, David Wilson, Gwyneth MacPherson, Tiffani Loudon, Buck Davidson, Abigail Lufkin, Missy Ransehousen, Mara DePuy, Molly Bliss, and Julie Gomena.
Release: July 31 2008
By Marty Bauman
Parker, CO – Region 7 won the Young Riders team Gold Medal in the USDF/Platinum Performance Dressage Division at the 2008 CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park Presented By Gotham North
The CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park Presented by Gotham North are the premier equestrian event in North America for riders age 14-21. Run in a format similar to the Olympic Games, the Championships feature riders competing for team and individual medals in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing, as well as the western discipline of reining, which was added to the schedule this year.
The Region 7 team won the Gold with a score of 4417 points and a percentage of 65.437, followed by Region 8 with a score of 4395 points and 65.111% and Canada-Ontario who received a score of 4374 points and 64.800%. Each team counts its three best scores.
Region 7, whose riders were all competing in their first Young Riders Championship, was led by Katie Johnson of El Cajon, CA who scored 66.356% on Millenium. Region 7 also got scores of 65.778% from Brianna Dutton of Tracy, CA on Tibet, 64.178% from Christine Stephenson of Mission Viejo, CA on Charly 285, and 60.933% from Thomas Walker of Nipomo, CA on Grundsteins Legacy.
“This is something you dream about but certainly don't expect,” said Dutton. “Even just to place is like a dream come true, but to win the Gold is unbelievable!”
Region 7 Chef d'Equipe Elizabeth Hendrix wasn't sure what to expect of her team before arriving at the Colorado Horse Park. “I hadn't seen a lot of the riders and I knew my team consisted of all first timers,” she said. “When I saw them warm up though, I started to realize that this could be a really good team.”
All four of the riders were enjoying the first experience at the NAJYRC even before becoming Gold Medalists. “It's often hard to get people to understand how we feel about our sport,” Johnson said. “It's really fun to be with so many others our age who have the same passion for horses that we do.”
Earlier in the day, Carlie Thompson of Dublin, OH rode Paid By Corona to the win in the USEF Reining Division's Welcome Competition, the first official reining competition ever held at the NAJYRC. In the USEA Eventing Division, Jennifer Brannigan of San Diego, CA rode Cooper to an impressive dressage score of 36.3 penalties to take the lead following the first phase of the CCI**.
In the USHJA Show Jumping Division, Shannon McGrath of North Caldwell, NJ rode Ancho de Pomme to victory in the first Individual Qualifier for Juniors and Karl Cook of Woodside, CA had a successful start to his defense of his 2007 individual Gold Medal when he rode Notories Utopia to the win in the first Individual Qualifier for Young Riders.
The NAJYRC operates under the rules of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport. It is the only FEI championship held annually in this country.
The NAJYRC began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between Canada and the United States. A Dressage Championship was added in 1981 and, with the addition of Show Jumping, the first complete Championship with all three Olympic disciplines was held in British Columbia, Canada in 1982. A championship division for juniors was added to the schedule in 2006 and reining, a fourth discipline, joined the schedule of FEI-recognized championships in 2008.
Many of North America's best equestrians got their start at the NAJYRC including Olympic medalists Greg Best, Karen Lende O'Connor, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, as well as Alison Firestone, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, Ray Texel, Chris Pratt, Frankie Chesler, Lisa Carlsen, Harold Chopping, Martina Pracht, Kathleen Raine, Heather Mason, David Wilson, Gwyneth MacPherson, Tiffani Loudon, Buck Davidson, Abigail Lufkin, Missy Ransehousen, Mara DePuy, Molly Bliss, and Julie Gomena.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Have you really taken a look at how your horses are being transported these days? Have you ever been in your horse trailer while it goes down the road? Try it. You'll be surprised at how bumpy, noisy and how much movement is going on while you are sitting in your nice truck.
Not only does all of that wear the horse out before the show, it is stressful. We've heard a lot lately about research that says the American version of the slant load makes a horse dizzy from the motion of the scenery.
The Equine Motorcoach is an air-ride, quiet and a European slant-load - the major visual motion is behind the horse. When people spend so much money on a horse, it's hard to believe they would skimp on the type of ride they give their horses to the show. If you can't get an Equine Motorcoach, take another look at your transport and find a way to give your horse a good ride. Make sure the only work your horse has to do is at the show and not on the way to the show.
Not only does all of that wear the horse out before the show, it is stressful. We've heard a lot lately about research that says the American version of the slant load makes a horse dizzy from the motion of the scenery.
The Equine Motorcoach is an air-ride, quiet and a European slant-load - the major visual motion is behind the horse. When people spend so much money on a horse, it's hard to believe they would skimp on the type of ride they give their horses to the show. If you can't get an Equine Motorcoach, take another look at your transport and find a way to give your horse a good ride. Make sure the only work your horse has to do is at the show and not on the way to the show.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Air Ride. No Other Transport Can Match It.
Let's face it, one of the main reasons anyone would want to buy an Equine Motorcoach is for the ride and accommodations for the horses. We talk a lot about the luxury of the RV portion, but it's really the luxury of the horse transport area that set's us apart.
We know we're making an impression when we start seeing other horse transport companies starting to promote an air ride for the horses.
The beauty of our Coach is the front and rear air ride that was uniquely designed for our truck by Volvo Trucks North America. You just can't get it anywhere else.
As one person who toured the Coach recently said, "I just knew there was a way to do this!" Equine Motorcoach is the only one that can. Call 502.664.7108 if you want to get on the list to buy one.
We know we're making an impression when we start seeing other horse transport companies starting to promote an air ride for the horses.
The beauty of our Coach is the front and rear air ride that was uniquely designed for our truck by Volvo Trucks North America. You just can't get it anywhere else.
As one person who toured the Coach recently said, "I just knew there was a way to do this!" Equine Motorcoach is the only one that can. Call 502.664.7108 if you want to get on the list to buy one.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Colorado Bound for North American Young Riders Championships
We've finalized our sponsorship and location at the Colorado Horse Park for the North American Young Riders Championships (NAYRC).
The event is set for July 29-August 3 and brings the top young riders in North America in a team and individual competition. For the first time reining will join dressage, eventing and jumping as a discipline. We can't wait to meet all of these riders!
The event is set for July 29-August 3 and brings the top young riders in North America in a team and individual competition. For the first time reining will join dressage, eventing and jumping as a discipline. We can't wait to meet all of these riders!
Monday, June 30, 2008
It Was Reining in Oklahoma City!
Our first trip to the world of reining was over the top! As a presenting sponsor of the Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championships, we were given a first-rate welcome by all of the competitors, trainers, owners and NRHA staff and Board. We met so many people and they were very enthusiast about the Equine Motorcoach.
Congratulations to Craig C. Schmersal and Mr. Duel Ray on being crowned the USEF Open Reining Champion. He and his wife, Ginger, treated me to a private tour of their stabling area. I got to meet the horses and more importantly, their fabulous children.
The News Story
The Adequan®/USEF National Reining Championship (FEI CRI 4 Star) presented by Equine Motor Coach determined Team USA for the 2008 FEI Reining World Championship in Manerbio, Italy, September 11-14. Some of the top reiners in the country competed for $25,000 added money Friday, June 27, at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK, as part of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) 2008 Derby. Craig Schmersal guided Mr Dual Rey (Mister Dual Pep x Robin Red Rae) owned by Holly Casey, Mansfield, GA, to win the class and earn a $7,000 paycheck.
Placing second was Jordan Larson riding Lena Gallo (Gallo Del Cielo x Heavenly Doc) owned by Lapke Quarter Horses, Logan, IA with a score of 223.5. They earned $5,500 for their efforts.
Rounding out the team of four were Pete Kyle on A Poco Bueno Dunit (Hollywood Dun It x Champs Poco Girl) and Tom McCutcheon on Ruf Hearted Jac (Lil Ruf Peppy x Miss Jac Of Hearts), both with scores of 222 for a third-place tie. A Poco Bueno Dunit is owned by Sandi Holt of Aubrey, TX. Ruf Hearted Jac is owned by Sarah Willeman of Gloucester, MA. Each team earned $4,125 for the tie.
Adequan® continued their sponsorship of this event and was on-hand to watch the thrilling evening of reining unfold. “We are excited to continue our support of the Adequan®/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motor Coach,” said Allyn Mann, Senior Manager of the Animal Health Division at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “As the sport continues to expand its presence globally, this championship will play a vital role in qualifying the top horses and riders in the U.S. for International competitions. Who knows, one day it could be the stepping stone to the Olympics.” Equine Motor Coach is the presenting sponsor of this event.
Monday, June 23, 2008
We're in Oklahoma, City!
Oklahoma, OK – Billed as “The New Breed Of Luxury” and designated as the official horse transport vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the new Equine Motorcoach™ is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The all-in-one RV and horse transport is on display at the 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby at the Oklahoma State Fair Park.
The NRHA Derby is the host competition USEF Reining Championships, which include the Open, USEF National CRI* Reining Championship, and the USEF National Youth Reining Championships. The Derby will showcase the nation’s best reiners at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 23-28, 2008.
“It is our first time to participate with the reining world,” said Bob Wiegand, event and sales director for Equine Motorcoach. “We are very excited to be a part of this prestigious event and cannot wait to see what the response is from this very active and mobile part of the horse competition world. “
Thursday, June 19, 2008
We're Off To Oklahoma for the USEF Reining Championship.
Bob Wiegand and family are traveling in the Equine Motorcoach to the NRHA event in Oklahoma City next week. The event features a phethora of championships and selection trials. We're the presenting sponsor for the Adequan/ National Reining Championship.
We are looking forward to our first reining event. We can't wait to see the competition, learn about the sport and meet new horse people.
We are looking forward to our first reining event. We can't wait to see the competition, learn about the sport and meet new horse people.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
CDI Raleigh Visit!
Pictured above are Bill & Belinda Wertman, who stopped by to visit the Coach at the recent CDI in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Wertman's own INSPO and Belinda rides some of the top dressage horses. Some of her horses are Watch Me and Watch Me's sire Sir Sinclair. Belinda has trained Equine Motorcoach principal, Julie Calzone, in the past as well as has imported top Dutch horses for her. Bill, besides being a blast to be around, has arranged most of the sire matches for Julie's horse breeding program.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
First Horse in the Coach Appropriately Named Big Ben.
Check out the first horse ever loaded in the Equine Motorcoach. This is Big Ben who is 19.1 hands and 2,300 pounds. He walked right up the ramp turned around to get in his stall and had plenty of head room and lots of room in front of his chest. He stood perfectly in the European slant until we took his head out to take pictures.
Big Ben is owned by Dusty Castille, whose family owns Ranch Outlet. We were there for their second anniversary celebration in Lafayette, LA.
Since we found the Coach at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in England, it's not an accident that the first horse in our Coach just happened to be named
Big Ben!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Kentucky Horse Shows
Equine Motorcoach made its first trip to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky for the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. It was a great time to meet our friends from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. We also met a lot of new equestrians. So far, the reception has been wonderful.
Monday, May 5, 2008
One Qualifier Left for 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach
Release: May 05 2008
By Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY -The countdown is almost over. There is only one more qualifier for the 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach left for riders to win their ticket to the USEF National Championship. The final qualifying competition is at Syracuse, NY at the CNYRHA Ride and Slide June 7th.
The National Reining Breeders Classic hosted a 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach qualifier on April 18th in Katy, TX. The resounding winner of the CRI 2* was Jordan Larson and Lake Quarter Horses’ Lena Gallo with a 227.
This is a second consecutive win for Larson and Lena Gallo, who previously won the CRI 2* at the Cowboy Capital Classic in Stephenville, TX.
Craig Schmersal and Holly Casey’s Mr Dual Rey came close to taking top honors but the judges awarded Schmersal with a 226.5 to take second place. At third with a score of 222 was Pete Kyle riding A Bueno Poco Dunit, owned by Sandi Holt.
The 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach will be held at the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City, OK June 23 -28, 2008. Accompanying this championship will be the 2008 USEF National Youth Reining Championships and the inaugural 2008 USEF National CRI* Reining Championship.
For more information please contact USEF Director of Reining Courtney Barnett at cbarnett@usef.org.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
What's in it for the horse?
The benefit for the horse is a ride as comfortable as human traveling in a car. They are less stressed and use a minimum of energy while traveling, especially when compared to conventional towed trailers (tag-a-long and/or gooseneck).
The flooring and the ventilation systems maximize the horse's comfort while traveling. When combined with the "air cushion" ride, there's no better way for the horse to travel, especially for long distances.
A groom can travel in an upper bunk in the horse transport section, so the horses can be monitored constantly. Cameras in the horse transport area allow the driver and passengers to monitor the horses without disturbing them.
The horses can be accessed from the RV portion of the Coach, so a visual check is possible.
Running red light interior lighting ensures that the horses can see easily, but will allow them to rest easier when traveling.
There are several access opportunities to the horses while they are in transport or stationery in the trailer. That means that the horses can be tended to easily while traveling - blankets, water, feed, hay, etc.
The ramp system and stalls allow for safe, easy and comfortable loading.
The sides and panels of the horse transport area are built so that if a horse kicks, they cannot penetrate it. The kicks are cushioned by the type of materials and construction used in the paneling.
There is plenty of height and width so the horse travels in comfort.
Translucent, soft vinyl panels hang from the stall partitions to ensure a safer separation while at the same time allowing the horse to move its legs sideways for balance.
The interior provides for a quiet ride, shielding the horse for exterior road noises that can be stressful.
The transport provides a steadier ride so horses don’t get anxious or stressed while anticipating the next move the transport will make.
The flooring and the ventilation systems maximize the horse's comfort while traveling. When combined with the "air cushion" ride, there's no better way for the horse to travel, especially for long distances.
A groom can travel in an upper bunk in the horse transport section, so the horses can be monitored constantly. Cameras in the horse transport area allow the driver and passengers to monitor the horses without disturbing them.
The horses can be accessed from the RV portion of the Coach, so a visual check is possible.
Running red light interior lighting ensures that the horses can see easily, but will allow them to rest easier when traveling.
There are several access opportunities to the horses while they are in transport or stationery in the trailer. That means that the horses can be tended to easily while traveling - blankets, water, feed, hay, etc.
The ramp system and stalls allow for safe, easy and comfortable loading.
The sides and panels of the horse transport area are built so that if a horse kicks, they cannot penetrate it. The kicks are cushioned by the type of materials and construction used in the paneling.
There is plenty of height and width so the horse travels in comfort.
Translucent, soft vinyl panels hang from the stall partitions to ensure a safer separation while at the same time allowing the horse to move its legs sideways for balance.
The interior provides for a quiet ride, shielding the horse for exterior road noises that can be stressful.
The transport provides a steadier ride so horses don’t get anxious or stressed while anticipating the next move the transport will make.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volvo and Equine Motorcoach to the U.S.
The Volvo/U.S. version of the Equine Motorcoach by Lehel will soon debut at Stinnett RV in Clarksville, IN. Stinnett RV is currently the exclusive RV dealer for Equine Motorcoach.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui Wins $150,000 CN U.S. Open Jumping Championship
(Photo credit: Randi Muster, MustPhoto, Inc.)
Kent Farrington of Chicago, Ill., won the $150,000 CN US Open Jumping Championship, presented by Cosequin, during the CSIO5* CN Wellington Open, week eight of the CN Winter Equestrian Festival, presented by Zimmerman Advertising, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The competition, which also acted as the fifth and final United States Show Jumping Team Selection Trial for the 2008 Olympic Games, presented by Equine Motor Coach and Hong Kong Tourism, saw Laura Kraut of Wellington, Fla., emerge the winner. The event was held March 9 in Wellington, Florida.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Equine Motorcoach Sponsors U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Selection Trials
Wellington, FL - The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is playing host to the the USEF Selection Trials for Show Jumping sponsored by Equine Motorcoach and Hong Kong Tourism as part of the $100,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier and Zada Enterprises LLC Masters Cup.
For complete news go to: www.equinemotorcoach.com/
For complete news go to: www.equinemotorcoach.com/
Friday, January 25, 2008
Dates Finalized for 2008 World Reining Championships
Dates Finalized for 2008 World Reining Championships
Release: January 17 2008 from USEF
Lexington, KY - 2008 will be an important milestone in the international Reining community. Previously, a World Reining Championship had only been offered at the FEI World Equestrian Games. But this year, in Maneribo, Italy, teams will compete for World Championship medals September 11-14.
The U.S. team will be selected at the Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma June 24-28, which will be held during the NRHA Derby.
To compete at the Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach riders will have to have at least competed at one of the following CRI**:
National Western Stock Show Denver, CO Jan. 13, 2008
Cowboy Capital Classic Stephenville, TX March 8, 2008
National Reining Breeders Classic Katy, TX April 14-20, 2008
The Reining World Championship Selection Procedures will be published on the USEF website, www.usef.org, once the procedures have been finalized.
Release: January 17 2008 from USEF
Lexington, KY - 2008 will be an important milestone in the international Reining community. Previously, a World Reining Championship had only been offered at the FEI World Equestrian Games. But this year, in Maneribo, Italy, teams will compete for World Championship medals September 11-14.
The U.S. team will be selected at the Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma June 24-28, which will be held during the NRHA Derby.
To compete at the Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach riders will have to have at least competed at one of the following CRI**:
National Western Stock Show Denver, CO Jan. 13, 2008
Cowboy Capital Classic Stephenville, TX March 8, 2008
National Reining Breeders Classic Katy, TX April 14-20, 2008
The Reining World Championship Selection Procedures will be published on the USEF website, www.usef.org, once the procedures have been finalized.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Why Should You Buy An Equine Motorcoach?
For anyone who has shown horses in Europe, the answer to this question is a no-brainer. Europeans transport their horses in very comfortable motorized vehicles. They've been doing it for decades. Called horse boxes, this transport gets everyone to the show grounds easily and efficiently.
The last decade has seen the evolution of more luxurious people accommodations along with the horse box. The similarity to an RVing in the U.S. is immediately apparent. It's like a "toy-box" only you can transport your horses. Well, it's more than a toy-box. The cargo can be upwards of 9,000 pounds and it's live and moves.
That's why it's important to have a really, good manufacturer and an excellent truck. The American horsemen/women get excited when they see the European version. They get even more excited when they learn it's being built on a Volvo truck.
This Coach is everything RVing is and more. It's the comfort, security and flexibility you can have at the horse show. No more trusting your horses' care to someone else. No more commercial haulers. No more bringing 2-3 horse trailers and a motorhome so you can stay on grounds.
The last decade has seen the evolution of more luxurious people accommodations along with the horse box. The similarity to an RVing in the U.S. is immediately apparent. It's like a "toy-box" only you can transport your horses. Well, it's more than a toy-box. The cargo can be upwards of 9,000 pounds and it's live and moves.
That's why it's important to have a really, good manufacturer and an excellent truck. The American horsemen/women get excited when they see the European version. They get even more excited when they learn it's being built on a Volvo truck.
This Coach is everything RVing is and more. It's the comfort, security and flexibility you can have at the horse show. No more trusting your horses' care to someone else. No more commercial haulers. No more bringing 2-3 horse trailers and a motorhome so you can stay on grounds.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Reception Set Up.
Equine Motorcoach principals, Julie Calzone and Carolyn & Tom Stinnett, hosted a reception for the staff and board of directors for the United States Equestrian Federation last night at Stinnett RV. Equine Motorcoach is the official horse transport vehicle for the USEF.
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