Equine Motorcoach

Safe Travels.

2012-01-06T08:22:00.001-08:00

Trailer safety an important consideration in hauling horses

by Natalie Voss/Business Lexington

Lexington, KY - As breeding and foaling season resumes in central Kentucky, the roadways will soon be dotted with equine motorcoaches and private trailers.

Safety features are a prime consideration for horse owners and commercial haulers alike to ensure breeding, racing and show horses reach their destinations across the state.

Equine Motorcoach LLC expanded safety features to a luxury level when producing their 2012 model, which recently débuted at the Recreation Industry Vehicle Association trade show in Louisville.

One of the more high-tech features of the Equine Motorcoach is a GPS tracking system for the vehicle, allowing location pinpointing for owners who may not be traveling with their horses, as well as a collision-alert system. It also includes a navigation system that allows drivers to avoid low bridges and difficult routes and to locate equine vets and layover accommodations for long trips.

"Whether (or not) you're in our all-in-one equine motorcoach, those are things you can integrate into vehicles," said Julie Calzone, spokesperson for Equine Motorcoach LLC.

The trailer component of the coach has a forced air system and finely tuned ventilation to prevent respiratory illness that is common during long trailer rides. It also has a surveillance camera system, which includes a red-light system for use at night, to allow the driver to watch for signs of illness or other problems with his charges.

The trailer section is also set up for horses to face the rear of the vehicle, the opposite of the typical set-up in slant-load vehicles, where horses are standing diagonally across the width of the trailer. Calzone said studies have shown that transport stress is reduced for horses facing a static landscape.

Transporting horses poses many other unique challenges, she said.

"The difference between transporting horses and regular cargo is that horses are actually moving cargo. They can move, and you want to be sure that your vehicle's stable enough … If you have a 1,300- to 1,400-pound horse that decides to move in the back of the trailer, you want to be sure that you and the rig are not being moved by the horse," said Calzone.

One of the key components to ensuring that stability is having a professional install the hitch and maintaining it to prevent rusting, she said.

Pricing at $499,000, the Equine Motorcoach is the high end of horse-transport vehicles available for private purchase.

"This is how people want to haul their horses," said Calzone.

But Trent Buchanan, co-owner of Wise Choice Tack and Trailer in Lexington, is quick to point out that more basic safety considerations are just as important for customers with a significantly smaller budget.

"Trailering's not really a complex thing, as long as you follow a few certain steps," said Buchanan. "Most of the time, people have problems because they get in a hurry or they didn't check something."

Buchanan stresses the importance of matching the right trailer to the vehicle used to haul it and getting state inspections done as mandated, not just to meet legal requirements but also to ensure brakes, wheels, tire pressure, axles and more are in appropriate condition. He also said that when considering a used trailer, checking the floor is an important consideration.

Trailer safety can also be a training issue for the horse.

"If you have a hard loader, I recommend getting with your trainer and going through the steps to introduce your horses to the trailer, to prevent forming problems as you go," said Buchanan.

Both Calzone and Buchanan agree that having a plan for what to do in an emergency, as well as having a series of checks of locks and bolts before departing, are great safety measures.

"It's just like anything else in life: have a plan," reiterated Calzone.

Made in the USA. More Models and More Options.

2012-01-02T04:59:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Equine Motorcoach™ is being well received by horse enthusiasts and RVers. The new model debuted at the RV Industry Trade Show at the end of November 2011. The demonstration model is a 4-horse, but we are also building 2 and 6-horse transports. The new model has more amenities like climate controlled horse transport area, heated floor in the living area, solar panels, easy electric, water and septic systems and more - all for $250,000 less than the original model.

Floor plans are available on request. Most requests for customer floor plan options can be accommodated. Email julie@equinemotorcoach.com or call Stinnett RV at 812.282.7718.

We are developing a smaller transport as we build out our product line. We have a towable that transports 8-10 horses depending on the configuration. This Equine Carriage is towed by an Equine Transport that has iiving accommodations. Our production model is pictures below.

The 2012 Equine Motorcoach is on display at Stinnett RV in Clarksville, Indiana, just across the river north of Louisville, Kentucky. Trade-in options and financing are available.

Now on tumblr and Pinterest

2012-01-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

We've added to our social media and outreach into the digital world. It is all part of our marketing efforts.

Check us out on Pinterest and tumblr. So many ways to connect with customers and horse enthusiasts. A great way to spread the word about what we're doing and producing.

Lots happening into the holidays.

2011-12-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about all of the interest in our second generation Equine Motorcoach. We have already closed some sales and have more in the pipeline. Our floor plans for the two, four and six horse are completed. Customization is key in creating an Equine Motorcoach that meets each customer's special needs.

We had lots of traffic at the RV Industry trade show in Louisville, KY and at our appearance at the U.S. Eventing Convention in Nashville, TN. Looks like distribution into Australia should happen by the end of next year.

We have already engineered some new products including the Equine Carriage and are starting on a smaller truck to meet another market need.

So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. We are very busy elves in Santa's workshop.

Happy Holidays to You and Your Horses.

2011-12-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

It has been an amazing year for Equine Motorcoach. We moved our manufacturing to the United States and debuted our 2012 model at the RV Industry Trade Show.

We are so excited about the rave reviews and media coverage we received throughout the process. The most rewarding part of the process is all of the sales that are resulting from our efforts. The photos of the new Equine Motorcoach went viral over Facebook and the Internet. That is just an overwhelming experience.

Thank you! We can't wait to see more Equine Motorcoaches on the road along with a whole new line of horse transports/RVs that is already in production.

Take a look at the pictures.

2011-11-23T19:45:00.001-08:00

CLICK HERE to view a slide show of the new 2012 Equine Motorcoach™.

Equine Motorcoach to Use RV|ID

2011-11-23T09:01:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release

Equine Motorcoach to Use RV|ID
SmartRV service provides helpful tools and enhances the customer experience

Louisville, KY (November 22, 2011). Equine Motorcoach, the builder of an all-in-one motorized RV and horse transport vehicle to be showcased at the RVIA Industry Trade Show this month, announced it is equipping its vehicles with RV|ID™. RV|ID is the innovative location-based system that provides real-time mapping, reports and alerts for high-value mobile assets. Using GPS and wireless communications, together with sophisticated software analytics, RV|ID gives Equine Motorcoach state-of-the art tools to efficiently manage inventory and improve customer support.

In addition, RV|ID-equipped RVs include the exciting new SmartRV™ consumer service. Smart RVs connect RV owners with their RVs and enable them to share their adventures with family and friends on the Internet. The SmartRV service monitors RV batteries, detects theft, provides location information, and automatically generates trip journals.

“The Equine Motorcoach is an exciting new product offering the latest in available technology so it makes perfect sense that it should also include RV|ID as standard equipment.” stated Tom Stinnett, principal and national dealer for Equine Motorcoach who is also the owner of Tom Stinnett Derby City RV in Clarksville, Ind., and co-chair of the Go-RVing Coalition. “RV|ID is good for our business because it enables us to keep in close contact with our customers while giving them to an innovative way to monitor their RVs and ensure the well-being of their horses.”

“We’re pleased that Equine’s innovative RVs will be Smart RVs,” stated John Mancinelli, vice president of RV dealer development for Red Lantern Labs, which offers the RV|ID and SmartRV services. “For manufacturers like Equine, and dealers like Tom Stinnett, our commercial and consumer services are useful, value-add selling features that benefit the whole supply chain, and especially RV owners.”

About Equine Motorcoach
Equine Motorcoach, LLC, (www.equinemotorcoach.com) a RV and horse transport company based in Louisville, KY, is the exclusive North American producer of the innovative Equine Motorcoach. Founded by co-owners Tom and Carolyn Stinnett and veteran advertising executive Julie Calzone, Equine Motorcoach RVs are manufactured in Bristol, IN by Kibbi, LLC. Tom Stinnett Derby City RV (www.stinnettrv.com), Clarksville, Ind., is the national dealer for all Equine Motorcoach products. Visit Equine at Booth 1528 at the National RV Trade show in Louisville, KY.

About Red Lantern and RV|ID
Using GPS and wireless communications technology, RV|ID (www.rv-id.com) provides valuable real-time mapping, reports and alerts for all stakeholders in the RV value chain—from floorplan lenders, to manufacturers, rental fleets and dealers. For RV owners, the SmartRV service (www.myrv-id.com) monitors RV batteries, detects theft, provides location information, and automatically generates trip journals, which can be enhanced with trip details and shared with friends and family or posted to Facebook. Follow RV|ID on Twitter and like RV|ID and SmartRV on Facebook.

Red Lantern Labs, a privately held company based in Solana Beach, California, develops advanced telematics services that address the specific needs of the value chains in the RV,marine, heavy equipment, power sports and similar industries. Its patent-pending technology offers useful tools and a fun new social network for consumers and provide a full range of tools and applications that help businesses reduce risk and cost, operate more efficiently, enhance customer service and improve sales. Visit us at Booth C7 at the National RV Trade show in Louisville, KY.

Contacts:
Tom Stinnett
Equine Motorcoach, LLC
502-664-3300
tstinnett@stinnettrv.com
www.equinemotorcoach.com

RV|ID
Jon Corn, President of Business Development & Sales
+1-858-367-5192
sales@rv-id.com
www.rv-id.com and www.myrv-id.com

It's here. All done in the USA.

2011-11-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Putting the sizzle in the paint.

2011-11-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ready for paint, then reveal.

2011-10-28T07:25:00.001-07:00

Benefits of our U.S. manufacturing process

2011-10-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

1. Feature Freightliner Chassis’

1. Benefit largest manufacturer in the trucking industry
2. Benefit nation wide dealer network
3. Benefit variety of chassis choices
4. Benefit variety of engine and transmission combinations
5. Benefit designed to go a million miles

2. Feature FRP construction

1. Benefit smooth seam free exterior
2. Benefit low maintenance
3. Benefit industrial strength
4. Benefit 100% walk on roof
5. Benefit paintable and repairable

3. Feature Onan generators

1. Benefit name brand recognition
2. Benefit variety of sizes to fit any application
3. Benefit nation wide service
4. Benefit quiet operation
5. Benefit slide out for easy maintenance

4. Feature steel storage boxes

1. Benefit powder coated for lasting durability
2. Benefit larger load capacity
3. Benefit lighted for ease of packing
4. Benefit felt lined for cargo protection
5. Benefit soft rubber door seal for cargo protection

5. Feature Super Sandwich Coach Floor

1. Benefit strong 3X6 steel frame runners
2. Benefit strong 2X2 steel cross members
3. Benefit galvanized steel vapor barrier
4. Benefit bead board and fiberglass insulation in floor
5. Benefit strong 3/4 “ plywood sub floor

6. Feature Sony electronics

1. Benefit full product line
2. Benefit name brand recognition
3. Benefit component compatibility
4. Benefit nationwide service
5. Benefit matching appearance

7. Feature central monitor panel

1. Benefit convenient location
2. Benefit shows tank levels
3. Benefit control water heater
4. Benefit control generator
5. Benefit operate slide-outs

8. Feature available slide-outs

1. Benefit increased living space
2. Benefit flush floor when extended
3. Benefit push button operation
4. Benefit rack & pinion/gear drive
5. Benefit standard awning for protection

9. Feature Flexsteel Seating

1. Benefit name brand recognition
2. Benefit engineered frames
3. Benefit multi-functional controls
4. Benefit engineered seat foam
5. Benefit modern styling

10. Feature Common RV Utilities

1. Benefit Suburban water heaters (nationwide service)
2. Benefit Suburban furnaces (nationwide service)
3. Benefit Dometic Refrigerators (nationwide service)
4. Benefit Shur-flow water pumps and vents (nationwide service)

Progress...off to finish the horse transport area.

2011-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek.

2011-10-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

2012 Equine Motorcoach On Schedule For RV Industry Trade Show

2011-09-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

(Louisville, Ky.) - The 2012 Equine Motorcoach™ is on schedule to showcase at the RVIA Industry Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, November 28-December 1. In total, the National RV Trade Show will feature 307 companies displaying the latest RVs and related products across more than 730,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Equine Motorcoach™ recently moved its manufacturing facility from the Europe to the United States where production of the first units are already underway. Equine Motorcoach™ is the only company in North America that manufactures an all in one RV and horse transport vehicle. The vehicle is modeled after the popular mode of horse transport in Europe.

"The exterior and interior finishes, engineering and horse transport area are progressing on schedule," said Tom Stinnett, Equine Motorcoach principal. "We are already seeing requests for new orders and are engineering 2, 4 and 6 horse models."

The current production model is a 4-horse, which is the most requested transport size. "We spent a lot of time at the top equestrian events throughout the U.S.," said Julie Calzone, another principal in the company. "Our marketing efforts brought us to Olympic Trials, National and International Championship events. Those events gave us the opportunity to engage thousands of top trainers, riders, families and horse enthusiasts who toured the Coach."

The Equine Motorcoach™ brand is solidly established," said Calzone. "More importantly we have been able to achieve a price point that meets the market's need while being able to maintain the high quality that has the horse community calling it a 'rock star bus for horses.'"

Stinnett and Calzone anticipate a significant volume of sales with the rebound in the RV market and the continued horse transport needs of the competitive and pleasure horse communities. "This is going to be especially true with the new pricing," said Stinnett. "When you look at what people are using to go and stay at a show - truck, horse trailer and RV - our vehicle is now going to provide a price structure that will keep those costs at or below what people are investing now."

The U.S. manufacturing process has also dramatically shortened the production process. The first 2012 Equine Motorcoach™ is being built on a 560 hp Freightliner, Cascadia chassis with an Allison 4000 TRV automatic transmission. The company created jobs for the U.S. through private investment and at no cost to the taxpayers.

Any Exterior Paint Design You Want.

2011-09-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is just one example of an exterior paint design. Whatever you want, we can do.

Next Generation Equine Motorcoach™ Production Underway in the United States

2011-08-30T14:25:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release

Dealer Development and
Consumer Sales contact:
Tom Stinnett
502.664.3300
tstinnett@stinnettrv.com

Media contact:
Julie Calzone
337.235.2924 ext. 18
jcalzone@calzone.com

Next Generation Equine Motorcoach™ Production Underway in the United States

(Louisville, Ky.) – Equine Motorcoach™, the one of a kind all-in-one RV and horse transport company, has moved its manufacturing to the United States. The Coach was previously finished in Europe to take advantage of engineering and production quality that were unavailable in the North America marketplace when the company was founded.

The 2012 U.S. version will feature a four-horse configuration with fully loaded amenities on the interior and exterior. The interior has a spacious full bath, complete kitchen and multiple sleeping accommodations. The horse transport area has air ride suspension and European slant load configuration to provide our horses the best ride possible.

“Moving our manufacturing to the U.S. will give our customers all the ingenuity and manufacturing quality we are known for at a drastically reduced purchase price,” said Tom Stinnett, principal and Director of Sales for Equine Motorcoach™. “We are taking orders for new units while building a demonstration coach for display at horse shows and trade events.”

Kibbi LLC and Equine Motorcoach LLC signed an exclusive agreement to manufacture the widely known Equine Motorcoach™. The four-year old brand has achieved so much name recognition in North America that the partners in Equine Motorcoach LLC decided to move manufacturing to the U.S. after building a relationship with Kibbi LLC that included extensive engineering and design upgrades.

Kibbi LLC is an original equipment manufacturer of motorcoaches and heavy duty trailers as well as an up-fitter for custom designed interiors for specialty markets. Kibbi LLC uses commercial truck chassis manufactured by Freightliner and Volvo Motor Co. as it’s primary platforms for their current motorized product line. Interiors are designed using AutoCad computer design software and are custom built in a variety of lengths and sizes.

“We are excited to continue to produce a high quality vehicle that meets the needs of the U.S. equestrian market,” said Stinnett. “The new engineering plans incorporate what Americans like in their RVs along with our specialized horse transport area. We are pleased to secure these jobs for the U.S. through private investment and at no cost to the taxpayers.”

The first 2012 Equine Motorcoach™ is being built on a 560 hp Freightliner, Cascadia chassis with an Allison 4000 TRV automatic transmission.

For more information visit equinemotorcoach.com.

Update.

2011-08-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

We are very excited to announce that the complete manufacturing for our Equine Motorcoach is now headquartered in the United States. We will be making a formal announcement in the next few days. The move has enabled us to produce the same high quality transport vehicle at a greatly reduced price. We also have financing packages in place.

Survey time.

2011-08-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Taking a little survey here. How many horses do you want to transport in your Equine Motorcoach?

Time for an update.

2011-07-20T07:43:00.001-07:00

Lots is going on in our manufacturing world. We will have a major announcement in a couple of weeks.

2010-12-14T08:56:00.001-08:00

2010-10-11T11:31:00.001-07:00

The Alltech World Equestrian Games were amazing. Equine Motorcoach partners, Carolyn Stinnett and Julie Calzone, experienced the event first-hand. The USEF Network has lots of replays in case you couldn't get to Lexington, KY.

USEF Network, NBC Sports and Universal Sports to Deliver Complete Coverage of 2010 WEG

2010-09-27T04:39:00.001-07:00

USEF Network, NBC Sports and Universal Sports to Deliver Complete Coverage of 2010 WEG
Release: September 23 2010
Author: Kathy Meyer
Lexington, KY - More than 150 hours of programming will be hitting the airwaves and the web starting Saturday, as the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games gets underway. As part of this effort, the United States Equestrian Federation's new online broadcasting center, USEF Network, plans to carry more than 65 hours of free coverage during the Games, including LIVE coverage of the Opening Ceremonies and Closing Ceremonies, LIVE competition coverage of reining, driving, vaulting and endurance, as well as recorded coverage of para-equestrian dressage. Together with the coverage planned by NBC Sports, Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com, spanning dressage, show jumping, eventing and more, this marks the most extensive coverage of equestrian sporting events in U.S. history.

NBC Sports will air 8 ½ hours of LIVE coverage on three consecutive weekends, beginning Sunday at 12 Noon ET. Universal Sports will show more than 15 hours LIVE, including the majority of the show jumping competition, and will also air taped broadcasts of the Reining Final, the Dressage Freestyle, the Driving competition and the Vaulting Final. The joint effort will include more than 30 hours of live and taped television coverage.

To access free, LIVE coverage from USEF, the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport, visit: www.USEFNetwork.com. Live streaming starts Saturday, September 25, and begins with the Reining Team Competition, followed by Opening Ceremonies.

For the LIVE streaming subscription available for purchase from UniversalSports.com, visit www.UniversalSports.com/equestrian. A one-time subscription fee is available for only $29.99; daily purchase options are available for only $12.99. Live streaming begins with the dressage on Saturday, September 25. Full replays of subscription content will be provided for on-demand viewing.

To view the complete television schedule, visit: http://www.usef.org/documents/WEG/WEGTelevisionSchedule.pdf

Coverage of all events is also available through www.FEITV.org with a paid subscription.

Lexington-area cable operator Insight Communications will offer the Universal Sports network to its subscribers on a trial basis beginning on September 24, allowing local horse enthusiasts to watch the action. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will run from September 25 through October 10. The event takes place once every four years, with 2010 marking the first time the event has been hosted on U.S. soil.

Team USA Wins Reining

2010-09-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

1 USA
S. Flarida / T. McCutcheon / C. Schmersal / T. McQuay 674.50
2 BEL
B. Fonck / A. Poels / C. Baeck / J. Boogaerts 659.00
3 ITA
S. Massignan / D. Carmignani / N. Brunelli / M. Ricotta 655.50

2010-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

U.S. Dressage Team Looks Fit and Sound, Ready to Take on the World in Kentucky
Release: September 26 2010
Author: by Brian Sosby

Lexington, KY - All four of the U.S. Team dressage horses were presented during the official Veterinary Inspection (or jog) at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on Sunday. The U.S. Team is but one of the 24 countries with dressage athletes competing at the Games. A total of 11 four-member teams will be in the battle for a Team medal. There are a total of 66 dressage competitors with the hopes of earning an Individual medal.

With the jog complete, the four horse-and-rider combinations that will compete for a Team medal for the U.S. are:
(Name / Age / Hometown / Horse / Age / Sex / Breed / Owner)

Tina Konyot / 48 / Palm City, FL / Calecto V / 12 / Stallion / Danish Warmblood / Tina Konyot and John Byrialsen
Todd Flettrich / 40 / Royal Palm Beach, FL / Otto / 14 / Gelding / Danish Warmblood / Cherry Knoll Farm
Katherine Bateson-Chandler / 35 / Wellington, FL / Nartan / 15 / Gelding / KWPN / Jane Forbes Clark
Steffen Peters / 45 / San Diego, CA / Ravel / 12 / Gelding / KWPN / Four Winds Farm

"The team looks really good," said Eva Salomon, USEF Dressage Team Chef d'Equipe. "The horses all look good, and we are really excited and ready to have a chance to compete."

Dressage competition begins on Monday, September 27, in the Kentucky Horse Park's Main Stadium at 8:30 a.m. The schedule for the various competitions is as follows:

Monday, September 27 - Team Grand Prix - 1st Half of Part 1 - 8:30 a.m.; 1st Half of Part 2 - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 28 - Team Grand Prix - 2nd Half of Part 1 - 8:30 a.m.; 2nd Half of Part 2 - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29 - Grand Prix Special - 1st Half - 10:00 a.m.; 2nd Half - 2:30 p.m.
Friday, October 1 - Grand Prix Freestyle - 7:00 p.m.

The Super Bowl For Horses

2010-09-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Equine Motorcoach is so excited that the World Equestrian Games are underway. If you can't make it to Lexington, Kentucky, watch the Games live online by clicking here. This is the Super Bowl of horses!

Team USA is currently in the lead in the Reining division. We are especially proud of this team since we sponsored the NRHA Derby for two years. The NRHA was a gracious host to Equine Motorcoach and we were introduced to the sport in style.

Three-time Dressage Olympian Anky van Grunsven stunned the horse media world yesterday when she announced she was competing in the Reining division instead of Dressage. She was introduced to Reining in her many trips to Florida for the Winter Equestrian Festival. We say "there's a cowgirl and cowboy" in everyone.

Let us know if you are there and share your experiences with us via Twitter, Facebook or our Blog.

Filmed in both of our homes - Louisville, KY and Lafayette, LA.

2010-05-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

2010-04-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at The Fork International Horse Trials in Norwood, NC. We hung out with Team Will Faudree and Team Bobby Costello. They had great results at the horse trials. What was so much fun was hanging out in the Equine Motorcoach that the Mosing family purchased last year. Jennifer sponsors Will Faudree on Pawlow and Andromaque. Team Will Faudree has the Coach (lorrie) to transport the horses.

2010-03-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the River Ridge Charity Show in Ohio to a growing list of co-marketers through the USEF.

2010-03-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

So glad to be co-marketing at The Dressage Affair next week.

2010-01-20T12:00:00.001-08:00

Wellington This Weekend

2010-01-13T07:25:00.001-08:00

We are so excited about heading to Wellington to see all of our equestrian friends - Will Faudree, Heather Blitz, Carla Dupuis and more.

The Sterling Silver Stables Equine Motorcoach will be there with Will who is attending a training session on his top horses.

Happy Holidays From Team Motorcoach.

2009-12-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

2009-10-19T11:10:00.001-07:00

“Please view our Equine Motorcoach exclusive European Manufacturer’s video from Lehel. Our US Equine Motorcoaches are built on an American made Volvo custom chassis to assure complete service and support throughout North America.”

North Carolina Hunter Jumper Show in Raleigh

2009-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Track results and HorseShowsOnline for this horse show. We've been set up and showing the Equine Motorcoach since Wednesday. As always, we are meeting wonderful horse people. We are especially enjoying meeting all of their canine and equine friends. The show is located at the North Carolina State Fair Grounds in Raleigh. The weather is gorgeous. Come visit us.

Annual Paso Fino Horse Association Grand National Show

2009-09-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

We are set up at the Annual Paso Fino Horse Association Grand National Show in Perry, Georgia. The horses are beautiful and the people are just amazing. We've met so many wonderful riders, trainers, owners and families. We set up by the warm up arena just behind the main show arena. There's a steady flow of visitors and we love it! If you're anywhere near Perry, stop by to visit us. We'll be here through the end of the horse show on Saturday evening.

Faudree and Mosing’s Pawlow On The Way To The United Kingdom

2009-08-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

(Maurice, LA and Hoffman, NC – August 26, 2009 - Will Faudree and Pawlow who were named to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) high performance eventing training list earlier this year are preparing to leave for an international competition in the United Kingdom. Coach Mark Phillips and team members visited the pair while they were competing at a spring Jersey Fresh event.

All three Eventing High Performance Training Lists were updated following the spring competition season. Faudree and Pawlow were placed on the list to compete at the Blenheim Horse Trials in the United Kingdom.

Faudree and Pawlow fly out to the United Kingdom on August 31. Once there they will have eight days to prepare for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials September 10 –13. Ernie's owner, Jennifer Mosing, is attending the event as well.

Will Faudree is based in Hoffman, North Carolina at his Gavilan Farm. Pawlow is a 10-year old Irish Thoroughbred gelding and is owned by Jennifer Mosing. Mosing and her family own Sterling Silver Stables in Maurice, Louisiana. This is Mosing’s first sponsorship in the equestrian world although she and her family have sponsored top-bred dogs through their Nottoway Kennels.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” said Will Faudree. “This horse is so amazing and he is just beginning to show us what he has to give. He’s an incredible athlete and we are both so lucky that Jennifer came into our lives.”

The pair did their first advanced horse trial in late February and moved up quickly to the 3-star level with the selectors taking a look at them in early May. The pair has been competitive at the advanced level throughout the competition season.

Blenheim Palace is the host venue for one of the best three-day horse trial events in the world. Attracting top international competitors and their up and coming horses who compete against one another in the three phases of dressage, cross country and show jumping, this event offers great days with much to see and do including a wide range of attractions and displays, fabulous shopping and of course the chance to get close to the best sportsmen and women from this sport in the world–with a new class for 2009 aimed at those horses who are being targeted at London 2012 the equine Olympian stars of the future too.

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials was awarded the opportunity to run a CIC3* competition alongside its established CCI3* event. “With the CIC cross country Sunday morning this will give spectators the opportunity to enjoy cross country on two days,” said Event Director Mandy Hervieu “as well as offering more riders and horses the opportunity to compete at this prestigious venue.”

The class will be positioned as an opportunity to spot the stars of the future and is very likely to be a target for those aiming for 2012 as it is similar to the CCI3*, but of less difficulty with a slightly shorter cross country course and not such a tight optimum time target.

Many riders will be keen to ride the anticlockwise course at Blenheim designed by Eric Winter but as yet never ridden, due to the cancellation of last year’s event due to adverse weather. Both the CCI 3*and CIC3* will incorporate some of the feature fences such as the lake crossings, dew pond and famous ‘Blenheim Flyer’ fence.
This new competition provides a much-awaited end of season target for the owners of talented young horses and will undoubtedly be an excellent showcase for those tipped for future success.

Faudree and Mosing teamed up earlier this year when Mosing purchased Pawlow, who they affectionately call Ernie P. Mosing. Mosing’s children ride and train with Faudree.

About Will Faudree
Will Faudree was born on October 4, 1981 in Midland Texas. He grew up on a cattle ranch, learning to ride at a very young age. When he was about thirteen he became interested in eventing, and started to compete. After graduating high school, Will moved to Pennsylvania to ride and train with Phillip Dutton. In 2003 Will set out on his own and moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina with his dog, Kemper, where Gavilan Farm is currently based. Will also competed in the Pan American Games that year. The team won a gold medal. The following year, Will was named the traveling reserve for the Athens Olympic Team. Unfortunately when Will returned home from the games, he found his house and barn had been struck by lightning and burnt down. Luckily no horses were on the property at the time, but the damage was too great. Will had to find a new farm and replace almost all of his personal belongings as well as his horse equipment. With the help of Will's family and close friends, Will was able to put things back together and moved into his current house and barn in January of 2005.

With the continued support of friends and family, Will's career as an Equestrian continues to grow. He represented the United States once again by riding on the US team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, and continues riding for the U.S. Team in future international competitions.

2009-08-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

Will Faudree is driving back from the 2009 Richland Park Horse Trial
Richland, Michigan. Will Faudree and Pawlow (Ernie P. Mosing) finished ninth in the CIC Three Star division at 2009 Richland Park Horse Trial in Richland, Michigan. They are in an Equine Motorcoach. Will said the horses walked off the Coach after 14 hours just like they were walking out of their stalls.

Equine Motorcoach Goes To Jersey Fresh.

2009-05-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Mosings sent their Equine Motorcoach north to Will Faudree, who rides and trains Jennifer's horse Pawlow aka Ernie P. Mosing. Will and crew texted and called the whole trip to Jersey Fresh saying "it's the only way to travel!" Will said the horses walked out of the Coach just like they were just leaving their stall. They loved the ride and were fresh for Jersey Fresh.

Jennifer joined the Gavilan Farm crew for the event and enjoyed her first 3-star experience along with all of Will's cuisine.

When asked how he was able to have an Equine Motorcoach, Will simply answered that it belonged to Ernie P. Ernie P. finished 10th in his first 3-star and we know that the team selectors came to see Ernie P. and Will.

Sterling Silver Stables Takes Delivery of New Equine Motorcoach

2009-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

(Maurice, La.) – Equine Motorcoach™ delivered a new Equine Motorcoach to Sterling Silver Stables in Maurice, Louisiana. The equestrian center was founded less than a year ago, but the family who owns it has been involved with horses for 16 years.

The Mosing family opened the doors of their equestrian center in June 2008 and it is rapidly developing into a world-class facility. In addition to finishing construction designed by some of the top international cross country and footing experts, they sponsor top three-day event rider, Will Faudree, and own his advanced level horse, Pawlow.

The Mosings’ two daughters, Kaitlynn and Maddie, ride and compete regularly at horse trials, jumper and dressage shows. The Mosings founded their operation and purchased their Equine Motorcoach as a way to keep the whole family together. They also have two sons who like horses, but prefer other activities.

On their maiden voyage to the Fork Stables Horse Trials in North Carolina, Jennifer and Kirk (mom and dad) traded driving duties while the rest of the family watched movies, played Xbox or slept. At one point, Jennifer sent a text message that her husband would not let her drive anymore because he said he was having fun driving the Coach.

Bob Wiegand, director of sales and general manager for Equine Motorcoach, made a special trip to a Poplar Place Farm horse trial in Georgia in late September 2008 to show the Coach to the Mosings. Once they finalized their order, the Volvo truck, electronics, plumbing and all other U.S. materials were crated, bundled and shipped overseas to the Lehel manufacturing plant in Hungary for finishing.

Wiegand traveled to Hungary to oversee the electrical and manufacturing process. The new Equine Motorcoach returned to the U.S. and was serviced at Stinnett RV, which is owned by Equine Motorcoach partner, Tom Stinnett. Wiegand then drove the Coach to Louisiana to train and prepare the family for their first trip.

Equine Motorcoach designed and produced many new amenities and features to create an even more user-friendly and functional vehicle. The Volvo truck now has front and rear air, making leveling and traveling in the Coach even easier. The TVs in the bunks and main living area are all configured for the kids to play Xbox with each other or watch their favorite programs together. The individual upper bunks are configured for access through the main living or horse transport area. The divider wall between the bunks was deleted so the kids could share the entire upper berth.

There is a full-size refrigerator/freezer and entertainment center on the exterior of the Coach. A portable grill stows easily and allows Kirk to set up his grill anywhere around the Coach.

The Coach is a perfect fit for the family of six and their horses. The Equine Motorcoach sleeps six and transports six horses. Even after loading all of the show gear, feed, hay, horses, kids, supplies, clothing, food and necessities, the Mosing family had lots of storage space left.

Last we heard, the family was working on their Easter eggs and having a great go with the horses and riders at the horse trials. The family is spending the remainder of their Easter vacation with Will Faudree at Gavilan Farm in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Jennifer Alfano & Jersey Boy Win $50,000 USJA International Hunter Derby at Palm Beach Saturday Night

2009-03-29T06:06:00.001-07:00

Photo: Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy on their winning ride at the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday. Photo: © 2009 Ken Braddick

WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 28--Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the richest ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Saturday night when they triumphed over a record number of entries to win the $50,000 class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Alfano of Buffalo, N.Y. held on to the lead she established in the first of two rounds of competition to return for the final to post her second straight victory in the multi-year nationwide series. The derby is a highlight of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival and caps 12 weeks of world class jumper, hunter, equitation and dressage competition at the world's largest and longest running horse show.
Kelley Farmer of Keswick, Va., and Early Applause--winners of the AHJF Hunter Spectacular Classic at PBIEC just six weeks earlier--moved up to finish second from their fifth place after the first round. It was their first International Hunter Derby.
Scott Stewart of Wellington, Fla. placed third on the veteran gray Grand Prix Carlos Boy after he retired on Castlewalk, on whom he had been in second place after the first round.
A record 66 combinations started the first round of the final under lights in the showcase International Arena before a crowd estimated at 3,000 that was broadcast live over the Internet and will be broadcast in high definition on WHDT in South Florida on Sunday at 9 p.m.
The class was preceded by the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions in which the circuit champions paraded in the International Arena for photos for posterity.
The riders in the derby complimented the course by designer Bobby Murphy of Lexington, Ky. for presentng challenges with a rock field with geese at the start of a course that laid out the different elements of the derby.
Alfano said of her round: "Jersey Boy is coming into his own. He is only seven years old and is starting to step up.
*There were a lot of challenges tonight. My horse is looky at things on the ground, like the rock field. Those things are more difficult than the jumping..."
Farmer said: *I knew I had to be bold."
She praised her horse as "amazing" who was "great under the lights and has proved himself."
Randy Mullins, a member of the judging panel, said it *so special to judge this class, it brings out the beauty, scope and elegance of the sport."

Ken Braddick - Director of Communications
Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-214-2672
kbraddick@equestriansport.com

2009-03-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Champions
Parade of Champions Saturday Night, Mar. 28

WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 27--The 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Parade of Champions will be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday night, Mar. 28.
The parade will be broadcast live on the Internet at www.equestriansport.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern US time (2230 GMT) before the ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby final round.

Ken Braddick - Director of Communications
Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-214-2672
kbraddick@equestriansport.com

2009-03-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Photos: McLain Ward and Sapphire, Nick Skelton and Nemo 119, Todd Minikus and FTI Rider Challenge winners McLain Ward, Beezie Madden and Charlie Jayne with Dennis Shaughnessy, FTI Chief Executive Officer. All photos" © 2009 Ken Braddick

McLain Ward & Sapphire Win $400,000 FTI Finale Grand Prix CSI 5*
Todd Minikus Takes $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge at Palm Beach

WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 21--Olympic double gold medalist McLain Ward and Sapphire won the biggest purse in his career Saturday night by capturing the $400,000 FTI Consulting Finale CSI 5* Grand Prix Saturday night at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Todd Minikus of Wellington won the $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge in a double header event that made the total purse the largest pay day in U.S. jumping history.
The finale grand prix of the 12 weeks of the FTI Winter Equestrian at PBIEC that has undergone a multimillion dollar makeover was a dramatic highlight of the world's longest and largest horse show with prize money approaching $6 million in jumpers, hunters and dressage.
Lauren Hough of Wellington, Fla. who had dominated the circuit-long FTI Rider Challenge withdrew her horse, Quick Study, only hours before the competition due to a slight strain in the high suspensory on the left hind leg, an ailment that veterinarians said could have allowed her to ride. She withdrew "for the sake of the horse," an action that drew unanimous praise.
Despite heavy rain throughout much of the day that stopped just as the first of 35 horse and rider combinations went on the course designed by Guillherme Jorge of Brazil, about 5,000 spectators turned out for the event under lights.
Eight pairs made it to the jump off.
Ward of Brewster, N.Y. and the 14-yeard-old Belgian warmblood mare, owned by Ward and Tom Grossman's Blue Chip Bloodstock, were the fastest in the jump off, posting a time of 41.56 secs., earning them $120,000.
The win was the third in a row for Ward and Sapphire, earning the pair $320,000 at this winter circuit.
Great Britain's Nick Skelton and Nemo 119, owned by Beverly Widdowson, cleared the course in 42.55 secs., earning them second place and $88,000. Venezuela's Pablo Barrios and Lagran, owned by Pablo Barrios and Andres Olivares, rounded out the top three with a time of 43.64 secs., earning them $52,000.
The Finale Grand Prix was the concluding event of the $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge.
After Hough's withdrawal was announced, Ward said: "Lauren made a hard call today. A lesser horseman would have gone. By taking herself out tonight, she took herself out of the bonus."
The fifth place finish tonight by Pavarotti, owned by Todd Minikus LTD., the Wellington resident captured the top spot on the Rider Challenge rankings and $100,000.
Ward was second in the Challenge taking home another $50,000. Third place and $30,000 went to Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y., the 2008 winner, while fourth place and $20,000 went to Charlie Jayne of Elgin, Ill.
Minikus said of the Challenge: "There's no question you think about it. Tonight was a huge class. It's a high pressure situation."
"My stomach started to turn yesterday. It's a familiar feeling. I was excited for tonight and giddy this afternoon," Ward said of Saturday's class which he ranked as one of the top three victories of his career that includes gold medals on Sapphire at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
Skelton, one of the most celebrated riders in show jumping history, said: "I knew McLain was going to take a bit to beat. I think it was a lack of experience on the horse and a trip up by the in-gate. I was going as fast as I could."
Dennis Shaughnessy, Chairman of FTI Consulting, the New York Stock Exchange company that sponsored both the grand prix and the challenge, described his company's involvement:
"At FTI we fix tough problems and people have to trust us.
"I have never seen a sport where you have to have that trust between the horse and rider. That's why this sport is such a good parallel to what we are trying to do."
Minikus said his jump off round was "not smooth enough" but that winning the FTI Rider Challenge is "outstanding."
Ward said the goal for Sapphire is the World Cup Final in Las Vegas April 15-19.
Meantime, he said, he has bought a new farm and home in Wellington for which Saturday night's winnings help to meet the mortgage.

Ken Braddick - Director of Communications
Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-214-2672
kbraddick@equestriansport.com

2009-03-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

Media Information
Media inquiries, credentials and interviews
Ken Braddick

Tel: 561.793.3684

kbraddick@equestriansport.com
--MEDIA ADVISORY--

FTI WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL SATURDAY NIGHT $600,000 FTI FINALE PAY OUTS

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER
SATURDAY NIGHT, MAR. 21

$400,000 FTI FINALE GRAND PRIX
$200,000 FTI RIDER CHALLENGE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

OPENING CEREMONIES - SALUTE TO 2008 OLYMPIANS

7:00 p.m. - Pipe Band Marches Around International Arena

7:10 p.m. - 2008 Olympic team gold medal riders, Canadian team silver medal riders, and riders from Great Britain, Russia and Venezuela who participated in the 2008 Games driven around International Arena in four convertible autos in Salute to 2008 Olympians

7:13 p.m. - Winner of Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge Cup Series presented with keys to BMW 323i Convertible

7:26 p.m. - Rodeo queen with Stars and Stripes leads parade of cars, stilt walkers and clowns in International Arena

7:28 p.m. - National Anthem

7:30 p.m. - First horse on course

9:30 p.m. (approx.) - Awards:

$400,000 FTI Finale Grand Prix
$200,000 FTI Rider Challenge

Media parking passes are available at the PBIEC media center

For more information, please call Ken Braddick 561.214.2672 or email kbraddick@equestriansport.com

DIRECTIONS: From the Florida Turnpike south, take Exit #93, Lake Worth Blvd., and travel west, crossing over US 441. Travel five miles to South Shore Blvd., turn right on South Shore and proceed one mile to Pierson Road, then turn left at the light. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.

From Interstate I-95, take Exit #49. Travel west on Forest Hills Blvd. 11 miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn left on

Top Show Jumpers Vie for $600,000 at FTI Winter Equestrian Festival FTI Finale Grand Prix CSI5*

2009-03-20T05:38:00.001-07:00

WELLINGTON, Fla., Mar. 19--Forty of the world's top riders, including 17 Olympians, will jump for $600,000 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday night, Mar. 21.
FTI Consulting is sponsoring the $400,000 Finale Grand Prix CSI 5* at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival which is also the final event of the $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge.
The Grand Prix is the richest ever held in Wellington and, combined with the Rider Challenge, will make it the richest pay day in USA jumping. Guillherme Jorge of Brazil, the course designer for the 2005 and 2007 FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vagas, has designed the Finale course.
There will be a Salute to 2008 Olympians, a parade of convertible autos to carry around the International Arena three riders from the USA's gold medal team, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward and Laura Kraut, three from the Canadian silver medal team, Eric Lamaze, Ian Millar and Mac Cone, two from Great Britain, Nick Skelton and Ben Maher, plus individual riders Ljubov Kochetova of Russia and Pablo Barrios of Venezuela.
A family festival with face painters, bounce house, street performers and a pipe and drum band will begin an hour before the first horse is scheduled to enter the ring at 7:30 p.m.
The event is a highlight of 12 weeks of WEF that ends on Sunday, March 29.
Riders from 11 nations have earned points at each week's grand prix events to qualify to be one of the 40 starting combinations.
The winner will earn $120,000, $88,000 for second, $52,000 for third with payment down to 12th place of $8,000.
Those same grand prix plus 11 weeks of the WEF Challenge Cup have been used to earn points for the FTI Rider Challenge in which $100,000 is awarded to the winner, $50,000 for second place, $30,000 for third place and $20,000 for fourth.
Sydney 2000 Olympian Lauren Hough of Wellington finished at the top of the qualifying list and is also at the top of the latest FTI Rider Challenge standings with two competitions to go. In second place in both standings is Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, the 2004 individual Olympic gold medalist, while 2004 and 2008 Olympic team gold medal winner Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. is in third place in the rider challenge. She won the title in 2008.
The Finale Grand Prix will be broadcast live on the Internet at www.equestriansport.com for $19.95.
It will also be televised on Sunday on WHDT Channel 44 throughout the counties of Palm Beach, Broward and Dade and also available on DirecTV Channel 44 and Comcast Cable Channel 438 in Palm Beach and ATT Channel 1044 in Dade, and WHDN Channel 26 and ATT Channel 26 in the Boston area.
For more information and VIP seating reservations telephone 561.793.5867 or go to www.equestriansport.com.
The official poster of the FTI Finale Grand Prix
Ken Braddick - Director of Communications
Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-214-2672
kbraddick@equestriansport.com

2009-02-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

We're still at the Winter Equestrian Festival right behind the International Arena. We are getting a terrific response at this annual Wellington, Florida event. Seems like the a huge part of the horse world is here!

2009-01-31T05:21:00.000-08:00

Dressage Up Close.

What a view! We could see the Masters warming up through our Coach window. In less than 30 seconds we were a few feet away from watching these top riders warm up their horses. Another minute later we were ringside watching them compete. Equestrian Sport is doing an amazing job producing the show right along their hunter/jumper series.

We watched a huge grand prix jumper class on Thursday night from the new Tiki Hut. It's a two-story party place and is creating a real entertainment venture for horse shows. WEF is the place to be for entertainment. If all of the horse shows were like this, we would have more fans than we knew what to do with at our events.

2009-01-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

The view from the Equine Motorcoach is fabulous. We're here at the Winter Equestrian Festival all season long - thanks to Mark Bellissimo and his team. This week we are just in awe of the top international dressage competitors who have traveled here for the World Dressage Masters. Many of them have stopped by to the see the Coach and it has been a thrill to meet these superstars of the dressage world. WEF feels like home and there's no place like home.

Come See Us in Wellington for the World Dressage Masters.

2009-01-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Jan. 29 - Saturday, Jan. 31
$135,000 Prizemoney
Spectacular Palm Beach
International Equestrian Center
Under Lights Friday Night
Anky van Grunsven Clinic
Under Lights Saturday Night
Grand Prix Musical Freestyle

* Anky Van Grunsven NED * * Steffen Peters USA * * Ashley Holzer CAN* * Edward Gal NED * * Hans-Peter Mindehoud NED *
* Anne van Holst DEN * * Stefan van Ingelgem BEL * * Lars Petersen DEN * * Michael Barisone USA * * Tosca Visser NED *
* Jan Ebeling USA * * Mikala Gundersen DEN * * Jacqueline Brooks CAN * * Jane Hannigan USA * * Joe Sandven USA *
* Tara Stegen USA * * Marco Bernal COL * * Arlene Page USA *

Friday and Saturday will present two days of unprecedented dressage festivities in the United States with the entire International Arena including the International Club catered by Equestrian Club by Tavern on the Green, VIP boxes and general admission seating available for reservations.

On Friday, van Grunsven will host a clinic with a group of selected riders in the International Arena under lights, an environment that is similar to the 2008 Olympic equestrian venue in which van Grunsven won her third straight Olympic individual gold medal.

The riders in the clinic include young riders, small tour competitors and Grand Prix combinations.

Saturday will be the WDM highlight with the * €30,000 ($40,000) Grand Prix Special and, €60,000 ($80,000) Grand Prix Freestyle.

Equine Motorcoach at Wellington

2009-01-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

Six US Dressage Riders take World to Task at Inaugural Exquis World Dressage Masters in Wellington, FL
Release: January 09 2009
By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – Six of the most promising US dressage riders will take on some of the world’s best when the Exquis World Dressage Masters heads to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Club January 28-31. This brand new series will travel from Wellington, FL to Salzburg, Austria and Munchen, Germany in May, then to Hickstead, UK in June. The series of competitions is bringing riders from across the globe together for a brand new initiative. Twenty starters will compete in the first Grand Prix and then twelve of those horses will go on to compete in the Grand Prix Special. The remaining eight horses will move on to compete in the Grand Prix Freestyle under lights on Saturday evening in the newly renovated International Arena.

Led by Steffen Peters, who with Aikiko Yamazaki’s Ravel was undefeated in the 2008 build up to the Olympic Games (where they were fourth individually), the US squad is a mixture of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Peters and Ravel will travel from San Diego, CA to take on some of the world’s best again. They swept the USEF Selection Trials for Dressage in June.

One of the three riders who finished ahead of Peters in Hong Kong, has become a dressage legend. Dutch rider Anky van Grunsven, who won her third Individual Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, will be performing for the dressage fans on US soil for the first time since the 2007 World Cup Final in Las Vegas. She will ride Painted Black in Wellington.

Another US Olympian will be having a crack at a share of more than $144,000 in total prize money. Michael Barisone (from Califon, NJ), who was an essential part of the US Olympic squad as the travelling reserve with Jane Suwalsky’s Neruda, will get his time in the ring in Florida.

Jan Ebeling and Rafalca are also making the cross country trek to Florida from their Moorpark, CA base. Ebeling, another veteran rider, was most recently third at the Del Mar CDI-W in November with the 12-year-old mare owned by his wife Amy and Anne Romney.

Jane Hannigan last represented the US at the World Cup Final last year in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands with her own Maksymillian. Hannigan, from Harvard, MA, and ‘Maks’ were then fourth in the Freestyle at Dressage at Devon in September.

The final two US riders are both representing the US for the very first time at the Grand Prix level. Joe Sandven (on Rachmaninoff) and Tara Stegen (with New Tango) are both rising stars in the US dressage program. Sandven and Rachmaninoff had their most recent success at the MSEDA Dressage at the Kentucky Horse Park where they won two Grand Prix events. Stegen and New tango are based in Wellington, FL year round and have had consistent success in the Sunshine State.

Tickets are still available for this battle of the nations, don’t miss a chance to see some of the world’s best go head-to-head. For tickets and more information please see: www.equestriansport.com.

2008-12-22T14:44:00.001-08:00

2008-12-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Margie Engle as the 2008 USEF Show Jumping Champion.

2008-12-08T05:10:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-06T05:02:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-05T05:14:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-05T04:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Looks like we will be wintering in Florida for the remainder of 2008 and through March 2009. We're very excited that home-base will be at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington. We plan to go to Ocala, Tampa and other horse shows in Florida as well.

Holiday and Horses.

2008-11-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

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).

AQHA World Show, Oklahoma City

2008-11-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Springsteen Rocks Syracuse

2008-11-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

The whole Springsteen family cheered on Jessica to multiple championships, including the ASPCA Macclay.

2008-10-31T07:09:00.001-07:00

Syracuse Invitational in the Snow.

2008-10-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Turn a Lead into $5,000 for You or Your Organization With the Sale of an Equine Motorcoach

2008-10-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-18T06:56:00.001-07:00

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.

On Display At Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show

2008-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

(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.

Jodie Kelly and Wencenza Leave a Hurricane and Get Back in the 5-Year-Old Final by Winning the Consolation Class

2008-09-14T07:37:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-09-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

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).

On Display At Kentucky Horse Park

2008-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

(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.

Olympic Equestrians on Oprah on September 8

2008-09-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

Reichert and back home to Louisville.

2008-08-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-08-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

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

Team USA Olympic Gold!

2008-08-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Inside Olympic Show Jumping.

2008-08-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

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!

Olympic Dressage

2008-08-14T04:22:00.001-07:00

Watch Live!

2008-08-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

We made the news in Tulsa!

We're at the Reichert Celebration in Tulsa, OK.

2008-08-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-08-04T19:44:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-07-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-07-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Air Ride. No Other Transport Can Match It.

2008-07-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Colorado Bound for North American Young Riders Championships

2008-07-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

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!

It Was Reining in Oklahoma City!

2008-06-30T07:46:00.001-07:00

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.

We're in Oklahoma, City!

2008-06-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

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. “

2008-06-20T09:18:00.001-07:00

Here's a video of Big Ben easily fitting into the Equine Motorcoach.

We're Off To Oklahoma for the USEF Reining Championship.

2008-06-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

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.

CDI Raleigh Visit!

2008-06-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

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.

First Horse in the Coach Appropriately Named Big Ben.

2008-05-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

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!

Kentucky Horse Shows

2008-05-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

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.

One Qualifier Left for 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach

2008-05-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

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.

What's in it for the horse?

2008-04-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Volvo and Equine Motorcoach to the U.S.

2008-03-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui Wins $150,000 CN U.S. Open Jumping Championship

2008-03-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

(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.

Equine Motorcoach Sponsors U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Selection Trials

2008-03-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

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/

Dates Finalized for 2008 World Reining Championships

2008-01-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Why Should You Buy An Equine Motorcoach?

2008-01-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Reception Set Up.

2008-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

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.

More pictures.

2007-12-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

More pictures of the Equine Motorcoach

2007-12-27T09:42:00.001-08:00

We've taken lots of pictures of the European version of the Equine Motorcoach that debuted at the National Horse Show. Check back here for those photos and hopefully an informal video tour.

We are grateful for the tremendous response we are getting for the Equine Motorcoach and know that our new customers are going to love being on the road with their new coaches.

Dancing With the Equestrian Stars Photo Album

2007-12-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

Well over 500 people attended the "Dancing with the Equestrian Stars" after party at the National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida on December 7, 2007. The event was hosted by Equine Motorcoach, Lehel Coach Builders, Cummins Onan Generators, Volvo Trucks North America and Kentuckiana's Premier Truck Center.

Photos of the event are available at http://www.kanephotography.net/equine/Welcome.html.

KANE Photography generously donated their time so we could bring the event to you. For more about them go to www.kanephotography.net. Thanks Gary and Carrie!

Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui Win Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championships Presented by Equine Motorcoach

2007-12-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Photo by Randi Must, MustPhoto, Inc.
Story By Joanie Morris

Wellington, FL – The only clear round in the second leg of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach wasn’t enough to wrestle the title away from the consistently impressive combination of Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui. They were the fastest of the four faulters on Sunday, but their stellar performance in the first round on Friday compounded into the best score over the two days. Last year’s winner, McLain Ward, riding the stylish 9-year-old Dutch mare Phillipa, was relegated to second place by one point. Ward won the $100,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier (which served as leg two) but the new Rolex watch and the national championship title belong to Farrington.

An incredibly consistent duo, Farrington and the diminutive Up Chiqui (owned by Alex Boone, James McNerney and Craig Dobbs), looked like they were going to force a jump off with Ward after easily negotiating nearly all of Pierre Jolicoeur's challenging course. Up Chiqui thought very quickly through the difficult related line from fence 11 to the triple combination at 12, and the pair was clear through there but got to a long distance at the penultimate fence. Up Chiqui reached as far as he could but it wasn't quite enough to make the back rail of the oxer, leaving them with four faults at the end of the second round. That meant they lay fourth in Sunday's portion of the championship but beat Ward by one point overall.

“My horse tried his heart out,” said Farrington who hails from Chicago, IL. “He really wanted to win today. I'm thrilled with my horse but disappointed in myself. I was coming around the corner and thinking about the time, I went to move up and he was a split second behind my leg and had it down. It's great to have a national championship but I really wanted to win today.”
Up Chiqui, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood, and Farrington have been very successful this year picking up Grand Prix wins in Florida, Kentucky and Massachusetts. It was a fitting end to the season for them to be crowned the 2007 Rolex/USEF National Champions.

“He's been incredible all year,” said Farrington, 26. “He's incredibly consistent. I've still yet to see what he can and can't do so I look forward to next year. He'd be more geared toward the World Cup Final than the Olympic Trials but it's a long way off so we'll see. He tries really hard.”

Ward lay seventh after the first round, but with Sunday afternoon's class counting for double points, Ward's clear round proved valuable. Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Quervo Gold were third overall after jumping clear but added one time fault for finishing one-tenth of a second over the time allowed.

“I knew I dodged a bullet when Margie had a time fault,” said Ward about avoiding the jump-off. “It's not very often to win big class without a jump-off. This course was considerably more difficult than Friday's. It was more technical and considerably bigger. Today was real grand prix jumping and the good combinations rose to the top.

Phillipa, owned by Sagamore Farm, has only been competing at this level since May and adds another valuable weapon to Ward’s arsenal supplementing his very experienced Olympic veteran, Sapphire.

“She’s not very experienced but she has phenomenal talent,” said Ward. “It’s kind of exciting because obviously Sapphire is still ready for the Olympics this year and to have this horse coming along gives me a great one-two punch.”

Ward, who celebrated his three week wedding anniversary along with his win, heads to Maui on Monday morning for his honeymoon.

Hillary Dobbs Wins $15,000 National Horse Show Speed Classic

2007-12-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

Hillary Dobbs pictured clearing the Equine Motorcoach jump.
Photo by Palm Beach Post
Copyright © 2007, The Palm Beach Post. All rights reserved.

The $15,000 National Horse Show Speed Classic was held Thursday afternoon at the 124th National Horse Show at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. The winner was Hillary Dobbs riding Marengo, owned by The Dobbs Group. (Bruce R. Bennett/Post Staff)