North Carolina Hunter Jumper Show in Raleigh

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.

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

(Oklahoma, Ok.) - The unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport, Equine Motorcoach, is on display this weekend at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, today through the October 11, 2008, in Oklahoma City.

A registered Morgan is the result of breeding two registered Morgan horses. All Morgans today trace to the stallion Justin Morgan, foaled in 1789, who was originally known by the name "Figure". The registry for Morgans was founded in 1909. Prior to that time, Morgans identified by Colonel Joseph Battell as descendants of Justin Morgan were considered Morgan horses.

The breed was formed from European horses brought in with colonists, and the Morgans set themselves apart with unique characteristics from their ancestors. Justin Morgan was, in fact, a genetic "sport" in that he did not resemble his sire or dam in obvious ways. He passed these characteristics on to his offspring, forming a distinct type or breed of horse unique to America. Justin Morgan sired many foals, but the most important ones are his three sons, Sherman, Bulrush, & Woodbury. Every Morgan today traces back to him through one of these stallions.

As of August 20, 2007, there were approximately 107,950 living registered Morgans. Morgans excel in virtually all disciplines. They are one of the premier carriage horses in the world, and are used for combined driving, competitive trail, and endurance riding, eventing, working western events, dressage, all show ring disciplines, and as an excellent friend and companion whether in the backyard or on the trail.

Billed as "The New Breed Of Luxury", Equine Motorcoach is designated as the official horse transport vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation. The horse transport area accommodates up to six horses comfortably, while providing an air-ride to ensure that the horses are ready to compete as soon as they arrive at a horse show.

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

Everywhere we went, people told us we needed to be at the Reichert Celebration. So it should come as no surprise that we are already there. The event runs through August 17.

Bob Wiegand who sells the Coach is such an all around guy that he drives the Coach (sometimes with his family), polishes it up and shows it like no one else can. He knows every nook and cranny of that Coach.

Every time we ask him, "how's it going?", he tells us people start coming to the Coach even before he can get it set up. Today, I asked him where he was at the event so I could direct the media to it, and he said "just ask anyone on the grounds." He had gotten there the day before and already had attracted at crowd.

The Reichert Celebration is an extraganza of horses: paint horses, barrel horses, quarter horses, halter horses and more than we can list. So click here to download the schedule: Reichert schedule.

It Was Reining in Oklahoma City!

Our first trip to the world of reining was over the top! As a presenting sponsor of the Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championships, we were given a first-rate welcome by all of the competitors, trainers, owners and NRHA staff and Board. We met so many people and they were very enthusiast about the Equine Motorcoach.

Congratulations to Craig C. Schmersal and Mr. Duel Ray on being crowned the USEF Open Reining Champion. He and his wife, Ginger, treated me to a private tour of their stabling area. I got to meet the horses and more importantly, their fabulous children.

The News Story

The Adequan®/USEF National Reining Championship (FEI CRI 4 Star) presented by Equine Motor Coach determined Team USA for the 2008 FEI Reining World Championship in Manerbio, Italy, September 11-14. Some of the top reiners in the country competed for $25,000 added money Friday, June 27, at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK, as part of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) 2008 Derby. Craig Schmersal guided Mr Dual Rey (Mister Dual Pep x Robin Red Rae) owned by Holly Casey, Mansfield, GA, to win the class and earn a $7,000 paycheck.

Placing second was Jordan Larson riding Lena Gallo (Gallo Del Cielo x Heavenly Doc) owned by Lapke Quarter Horses, Logan, IA with a score of 223.5. They earned $5,500 for their efforts.

Rounding out the team of four were Pete Kyle on A Poco Bueno Dunit (Hollywood Dun It x Champs Poco Girl) and Tom McCutcheon on Ruf Hearted Jac (Lil Ruf Peppy x Miss Jac Of Hearts), both with scores of 222 for a third-place tie. A Poco Bueno Dunit is owned by Sandi Holt of Aubrey, TX. Ruf Hearted Jac is owned by Sarah Willeman of Gloucester, MA. Each team earned $4,125 for the tie.

Adequan® continued their sponsorship of this event and was on-hand to watch the thrilling evening of reining unfold. “We are excited to continue our support of the Adequan®/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motor Coach,” said Allyn Mann, Senior Manager of the Animal Health Division at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “As the sport continues to expand its presence globally, this championship will play a vital role in qualifying the top horses and riders in the U.S. for International competitions. Who knows, one day it could be the stepping stone to the Olympics.” Equine Motor Coach is the presenting sponsor of this event.

We're in Oklahoma, City!

Oklahoma, OK – Billed as “The New Breed Of Luxury” and designated as the official horse transport vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the new Equine Motorcoach™ is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The all-in-one RV and horse transport is on display at the 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby at the Oklahoma State Fair Park.

The NRHA Derby is the host competition USEF Reining Championships, which include the Open, USEF National CRI* Reining Championship, and the USEF National Youth Reining Championships. The Derby will showcase the nation’s best reiners at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 23-28, 2008.

“It is our first time to participate with the reining world,” said Bob Wiegand, event and sales director for Equine Motorcoach. “We are very excited to be a part of this prestigious event and cannot wait to see what the response is from this very active and mobile part of the horse competition world. “

CDI Raleigh Visit!

Pictured above are Bill & Belinda Wertman, who stopped by to visit the Coach at the recent CDI in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Wertman's own INSPO and Belinda rides some of the top dressage horses. Some of her horses are Watch Me and Watch Me's sire Sir Sinclair. Belinda has trained Equine Motorcoach principal, Julie Calzone, in the past as well as has imported top Dutch horses for her. Bill, besides being a blast to be around, has arranged most of the sire matches for Julie's horse breeding program.

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

Wellington, FL - The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is playing host to the the USEF Selection Trials for Show Jumping sponsored by Equine Motorcoach and Hong Kong Tourism as part of the $100,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier and Zada Enterprises LLC Masters Cup.

For complete news go to: www.equinemotorcoach.com/

Why Should You Buy An Equine Motorcoach?

For anyone who has shown horses in Europe, the answer to this question is a no-brainer. Europeans transport their horses in very comfortable motorized vehicles. They've been doing it for decades. Called horse boxes, this transport gets everyone to the show grounds easily and efficiently.

The last decade has seen the evolution of more luxurious people accommodations along with the horse box. The similarity to an RVing in the U.S. is immediately apparent. It's like a "toy-box" only you can transport your horses. Well, it's more than a toy-box. The cargo can be upwards of 9,000 pounds and it's live and moves.

That's why it's important to have a really, good manufacturer and an excellent truck. The American horsemen/women get excited when they see the European version. They get even more excited when they learn it's being built on a Volvo truck.

This Coach is everything RVing is and more. It's the comfort, security and flexibility you can have at the horse show. No more trusting your horses' care to someone else. No more commercial haulers. No more bringing 2-3 horse trailers and a motorhome so you can stay on grounds.

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

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)

Custom Italian Bedding Adorns Equine Motorcoach

(Clarksville, Ind.) – Bella Casa Linens, importers of custom bedding and linens, is dressing the Equine Motorcoach for its American debut. Bella Casa Linens owner Debra Howard’s daughter competes and rides horses with Coach principal, Julie Calzone. Howard is a top interior designer and represents some of the finest bedding and linen manufacturers from Europe.

“I’ve watched Julie and her partners, Tom and Carolyn Stinnett, bring this beautiful horse transport and motorcoach to fruition for America,” said Howard. “I knew that I could add the final touches to the interior with the fine, high-quality European designers I work with in my business. When I presented my ideas to them, they were enthusiastically received. I am honored that they chose my company to outfit this first Coach.”

The interior coloring of the demo Equine Motorcoach is cream and black. The yacht-like interior finishes are upscale and unlike most American motorcoaches and RVs. The queen bed has a chocolate terrace sateen quilt and euro shams with standard 300-thread count sateen in Laguna color with chain stitch embroidery in chocolate. The Italian designer and manufacturer, N. C. Souther, furnished the bedding through Howard.

N. C. Souther Fine Linens entered the U.S. market in 1997. Its parent company Bagni Volpi Noemi is located in the rolling hills outside of Florence, and has been adorning gracious homes since 1926. Using fresh new designs combined with the traditional style, this line is produced in Italy with the utmost care, precision and eye for style. Only the finest cottons and linens are tapped and all items are cut to each order placed. Because of this, Equine Motorcoach, through Howard can customize the product to the customer’s needs.

While the line can have a more contemporary feel, the embroidery has become a key ingredient in the structure of the design. These embroideries are hand guided by machine, a Tuscan tradition. Customers can choose from more traditional embroidery to a bolder style, select the color of their choice and apply it to any of the solid fabrics we have available.

Howard chose a Bella silk aqua throw by Fino Lino on the second bed to accompany N.C. Souther. She brought the color of aqua to the ivory quilted bed to carry that color throughout the Coach. The second bed has a coverlet and euro shams in Avorio Cortina Design Euros by N. C. Souther. Two silk aqua euros by Fino Lino with the Lerici pattern complete the bed.

As presenting sponsor of the 2007 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship CSI*** in Wellington, Florida, Equine Motorcoach developers plan to debut the American version of the popular European rig December 5-9 at the National Horse show as part of their official horse transport vehicle status with the United States Equestrian Federation.