https://pressroom.rolex.com/en/sports-and-culture/partnership-activities/rolex-and-equestrianism/rolex-and-equestrianism.html

Hickstead, West Sussex, UK (July 31, 2015)— When top-scoring American dressage rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler returned to her native United Kingdom this summer, she was ready to take on international competition with her partner Alcazar— a ten-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango X Polin, Ferro) owned by Jane Forbes Clark. Having just stepped Alcazar up to the international level at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival earlier this year (where the pair enjoyed a spectacular Grand Prix winning streak), Bateson-Chandler brought him to Europe for the summer with the intention of giving him more international exposure. The pair recently competed at the Dressage at Hickstead CDIO 3*, where they demonstrated impressive teamwork and showed that Alcazar is quickly gaining confidence in the international arena.

Recently Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar took on prestigious competition in the Hickstead CDIO 3* in the CDIO Nations Cup Grand Prix, placing in the top ten with a score of 67.520 percent. This qualified them to compete in the CDIO Grand Prix Freestyle.

“We ended up competing our new freestyle at Hickstead, which was a surprise,” laughed Batseon-Chandler. “I had planned on doing the Grand Prix special, but the format at Hickstead was different, and I ended up qualifying to do the freestyle instead after my Grand Prix result. In a panic, I had a friend grab my envelopes with my new music, which I hadn’t even opened yet! I hadn’t even listened to the new music or gone over the choreography because I had thought I had lots of time to work on it.”

The internationally successful rider and trainer said that she was nervous about how Lonzie — as he is known around the barn — would handle the freestyle, especially after their experience at the 2015 CDI Windsor. “Our last freestyle, which was a hand-me-down, and was Lonzie’s first attempt, had made him a bit terrified as the speakers had been way too loud,” she explained. “I was a bit unnerved by that experience, as was he!”

But Lonzie handled the unexpected routine with the maturity of a much more experienced mount, and the pair rounded off a solid performance, resulting in an impressive score of 71.350 percent. “I have to say he handled Hickstead better than I ever expected, and I was so very proud of my boy!” said Bateson-Chandler. “He showed himself off so well and trusted me.”

Born in the U.K., Bateson-Chandler moved to the U.S. in 1986 to be Robert Dover’s groom and assistant trainer. She began riding Alcazar in 2012 when Jane Forbes Clark purchased the horse. In 2014, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar received the esteemed Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Award for the Intermediate II level with their year’s mean score of 71.941 percent.

“He is a horse with a fantastic hind leg in all his work,” said Bateson-Chandler of Alcazar. “He has no real weakness, and his piaffe and passage are very special. He hasn’t quite been able to show it off to the full extent in the arena, but when he does, look out!”

Next up for this dynamic duo are more competitions in Europe, where they are currently training with Olympian Carl Hester. Bateson-Chandler shared that she has applied for the CDI Perl at Gestüt Peterhof, Germany (September 9-13) and the CDI Saumur, France (September 24-27), and she may show Alcazar at one of these if qualified.

Bateson-Chandler owns KBC Dressage in Wellington, where she offers exceptional training, coaching, lessons, and clinics for horses and riders from the United States and Europe. She also offers scouting and prospect selection for clients seeking exceptional horses. Her experience at the international Grand Prix level offers riders a competitive edge— whether through coaching as an eye on the ground, bringing young horses up the levels, or campaigning seasoned FEI competitors. Learn more at www.kbcdressage.com.

Photo: Top-scoring American rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar took on prestigious competition in the Hickstead CDIO 3* at the Nations Cup Grand Prix (Photo courtesy of Risto Aaltonen)

The FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 are going to be big. Very big: 30 nations, 475 athletes and more than 1,654 sport and show horses. These are just some of the figures that the organisers presented at a press conference at Aachen’s Town Hall one week before the European Championships kick off.

Carl Meulenbergh, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e. V. (ALRV), organisers of the event, can’t wait for the Championships to begin: “Everyone is extremely looking forward to it. I am convinced that the ALRV and the city will offer the visitors a magnificent Championships event.” 13 gold medals will be awarded in the disciplines jumping, dressage, driving, vaulting and reining from August 11^th-23^rd. Two riders, for whom this dream could become reality, are the show-jumper Daniel Deußer and the dressage rider, Matthias Alexander Rath. They revealed which targets they have set themselves for Aachen. Deußer, who is currently number two in the world rankings, has set himself big goals in Aachen. Not without good reason: The last time a German team won in Aachen was in 2008, the European Championships are to change this. “Our aim is to win the gold medal here in our own country. However, I think many teams share the role of the favourites, for example the Dutch, Belgian and British teams. It is going to be exciting.” And his personal form? “I was and still am in very good form. A further advantage is that my horse Cornet d’Amour simply feels at home in Aachen. So, I think my chances of a top placement are very good,” was his optimistic appraisal.

Matthias Alexander Rath, who wants to celebrate a comeback in Aachen with Totilas, has the same hopes. In the big stadium in front of the huge crowd. “The German team is the defending titleholder, what’s more in his own country. So, of course, one’s own expectations are high.” Team gold doesn’t have to be just a dream – and individual gold? “Here, we will have to first of all keep our eyes on Charlotte Dujardin, she is the best rider in the world at the moment. Kristina Sprehe and Desperados are also in world-class form,” stated Rath.

“For many nations, the European Championships are a further qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio,” explained Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the ALRV, which further enhances the sporting significance of the event.

It is definitely going to be exciting. In the city centre too, where, parallel to the FEI European Championships, a diversified supporting programme including a wine festival, music, talks, entertainment, a big wheel, medal award ceremonies and public viewing will take place. “The whole of Aachen will celebrate the European Championships on the stages on Münsterplatz, the market square and Katschhof. The market stage builds a direct bridge to the Soers,” the Lord Mayor, Marcel Philipp, announced.

Tickets are still left for all days and disciplines, but they are running short for some of the events. “Only a few tickets remain for the Opening Ceremony and for the final days of the jumping and dressage,” stated Frank Kemperman. The media interest in the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 is unabated. Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, announced that over 800 journalists will be on-site – incidentally from all over the world, not just from Europe. 30 hours of sport will be broadcast on ARD, WDR and ZDF, most of which will be live.

The digital offer has also been further expanded. Whether in the form of a virtual camera flight, multimedia graphics or short videos on the social media channels – the European Championships are thus also going to be a virtual experience. The centrepiece is the Aachen2015 app, which is available as a free download from the stores. Tickets can be ordered at www.aachen2015.de or from the ticket hotline (+49(0)-241-917-1111).

www.aachen2015.de

FEI European Championships Aachen 2015: 13 gold medals, strong riders, fantastic mood

The FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 are going to be big. Very big: 30 nations, 475 athletes and more than 1,654 sport and show horses. These are just some of the figures that the organisers presented at a press conference at Aachen’s Town Hall one week before the European Championships kick off.

Carl Meulenbergh, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e. V. (ALRV), organisers of the event, can’t wait for the Championships to begin: “Everyone is extremely looking forward to it. I am convinced that the ALRV and the city will offer the visitors a magnificent Championships event.” 13 gold medals will be awarded in the disciplines jumping, dressage, driving, vaulting and reining from August 11^th-23^rd. Two riders, for whom this dream could become reality, are the show-jumper Daniel Deußer and the dressage rider, Matthias Alexander Rath. They revealed which targets they have set themselves for Aachen. Deußer, who is currently number two in the world rankings, has set himself big goals in Aachen. Not without good reason: The last time a German team won in Aachen was in 2008, the European Championships are to change this. “Our aim is to win the gold medal here in our own country. However, I think many teams share the role of the favourites, for example the Dutch, Belgian and British teams. It is going to be exciting.” And his personal form? “I was and still am in very good form. A further advantage is that my horse Cornet d’Amour simply feels at home in Aachen. So, I think my chances of a top placement are very good,” was his optimistic appraisal.

Matthias Alexander Rath, who wants to celebrate a comeback in Aachen with Totilas, has the same hopes. In the big stadium in front of the huge crowd. “The German team is the defending titleholder, what’s more in his own country. So, of course, one’s own expectations are high.” Team gold doesn’t have to be just a dream – and individual gold? “Here, we will have to first of all keep our eyes on Charlotte Dujardin, she is the best rider in the world at the moment. Kristina Sprehe and Desperados are also in world-class form,” stated Rath.

“For many nations, the European Championships are a further qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio,” explained Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the ALRV, which further enhances the sporting significance of the event.

It is definitely going to be exciting. In the city centre too, where, parallel to the FEI European Championships, a diversified supporting programme including a wine festival, music, talks, entertainment, a big wheel, medal award ceremonies and public viewing will take place. “The whole of Aachen will celebrate the European Championships on the stages on Münsterplatz, the market square and Katschhof. The market stage builds a direct bridge to the Soers,” the Lord Mayor, Marcel Philipp, announced.

Tickets are still left for all days and disciplines, but they are running short for some of the events. “Only a few tickets remain for the Opening Ceremony and for the final days of the jumping and dressage,” stated Frank Kemperman. The media interest in the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 is unabated. Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, announced that over 800 journalists will be on-site – incidentally from all over the world, not just from Europe. 30 hours of sport will be broadcast on ARD, WDR and ZDF, most of which will be live.

The digital offer has also been further expanded. Whether in the form of a virtual camera flight, multimedia graphics or short videos on the social media channels – the European Championships are thus also going to be a virtual experience. The centrepiece is the Aachen2015 app, which is available as a free download from the stores. Tickets can be ordered at www.aachen2015.de or from the ticket hotline (+49(0)-241-917-1111).

www.aachen2015.de

Lexington, KY (July 29, 2015)— Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier took the North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) by the reins this month, claiming the Individual Gold medal in the first-ever Para-Dressage phase aboard her horse, Wentworth. Collier earned scores of 67.65 percent and 67.112 percent for an impressive cumulative of 134.76 points. She was also awarded the Captain Andrew B. de Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy for her professional integrity and good sportsmanship throughout the competition. With the help and support from her sponsor TheraPlate, Collier continues to exceed all expectations with a smile always on her face. TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms help people and horses achieve pain relief, healing, and fitness simply by standing on the platform.

At age 7, Collier was diagnosed with Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, a rare congenital birth defect. Even after multiple surgeries and a stroke that left her blind in her right eye and three quarters blind in her left eye, Collier continues to exhibit dedication and hard work. One of her more recent accolades was earning the title of 2014 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year. Collier praises TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms for contributing to her ability to compete, saying that TheraPlate has been a fundamental part of the success of her and her horse. “Many days my horse Wentworth and I spend our time together on the TheraPlate. We could not have had the success we have had in the ring without TheraPlate on our team,” says Collier.

Collier was awarded the Captain Andrew B. de Szinay Memorial Sportsman Trophy presented by the United States Equestrian Federation at the 2015 North American Junior Young Rider Championships, which she describes as a highlight of her week. “There were so many disciplines with so many great sportsmen that I really am so incredibly honored to receive this award. It was extremely cool to see how supportive every single discipline was of adding Para-Dressage to the North American Junior Young Rider Championships,” Collier adds.

In addition to her individual success, Collier and her teammates earned a Team Gold medal for the U.S., with 393.02 points against Canada’s 380.191 points for the Silver. “Overall I was extremely happy with how NAJYRC went for our entire team and for myself and Wentworth as an Individual,” says Collier. She was most proud of her horse Wentworth’s performance over the course of the competition, especially when considering that the pair had taken almost a year off before competing together again throughout the past seven months. “TheraPlate was integral in helping Wentworth return to the show ring after a particularly vigorous frolic in the paddock one afternoon,” Collier smiles. “I saw his overall health and comfort improve daily during his recovery process. His return to work was quicker and more consistent due to his TheraPlate treatment, and I firmly believe TheraPlate is a reason for his success in the show ring.”

TheraPlate produces therapy platforms that aid in injury recovery, creating and maintaining soundness, and pain relief. The platforms stimulate countless benefits, including increased circulation, bone density, and muscle mass. TheraPlate has helped Collier counteract poor circulation and muscle spasms which she experiences daily. After ten to fifteen minutes using her TheraPlate, Collier says she notices the heat and color return to her typically cold, pale fingers. TheraPlate also helped her horse Wentworth rehabilitate and return to the show ring after a chipped coffin bone and mild high suspensory tear.

Collier is particularly grateful for the help of the late Jonathon Wentz, who she says the NAJYR Para-Dressage Championships wouldn’t have been possible without. Collier rode down centerline wearing not only her American flag, but also her “Jonathan Rides On” patch. “The inclusion of Para-Dressage at the Championships was a dream of Jonathan’s, and to be a part of the debut Team that fulfilled this dream that will now honor him every year makes me smile a mile wide. I know he was watching over us this weekend and that makes our Team Gold even more special,” Collier proudly states. “I am so honored to be a part of history as we know it. I am looking forward to many more years of participating in the NAJYRC.”

TheraPlate could not be more proud of Collier’s successes throughout her ‘Paraquest’ and the NAJYR Para Dressage Championships. TheraPlate is grateful to sponsor such a pioneering athlete, and is pleased to support her as she makes her bid for the 2016 Rio Paralympics. For more information on the revolutionizing therapy platforms that have helped Collier throughout her journey, visit www.theraplate.com or call (800) 920-3685.

TheraPlate Brand Ambassador Sydney Collier and Wentworth win the Para-Dressage Individual Gold medal at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) (Photo courtesy of Sydney Collier)

Gladstone, NJ – July 29, 2015 - The United States Equestrian Team Foundationis pleased to announce a new fundraising effort, the “Elizabeth B. Juliano &Havensafe Farm Human Sport Science and Medicine Challenge,” to help preparethe United States Equestrian Team for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.   Juliano will match contributions, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 with the goal to raise $200,000 to implement the program. Gift commitments of $10,000 or more made by November 30, 2015 are eligible for the challenge and may be paid over a two-year period (2015 and 2016). All donations are tax deductible.   Juliano is an accomplished dressage rider, high performance dressage horse owner, USET Foundation Trustee and Chair of the Development Committee, all of which reflect her leadership and extraordinary commitment to this country’s United States Equestrian Teams.   Elizabeth B. Juliano of Havensafe Farm   The money raised will support the United States Equestrian Federation’s pilot program for Human Sports Science and Medicine (HSSM), which is vitally important in preparing riders for the upcoming Olympic Games where every detail of the preparation will be critical to success. The Equine Sports Science Medicine (ESSM) and HSSM personnel will be working together in a conjoined approach which will allow riders to improve their preparation for and performance at Rio 2016 as well as other Championships by working on their imbalances and injury prevention. The program will interact with riders’ trainers and SSM personnel so all support provided is coordinated with a focus on performance. Further information on the Program will be released to athletes and other key stakeholders by the USEF once the final details are in place.   For more information on the USET Foundation and the Elizabeth Juliano and Havensafe Farm Human Sport Science and Medicine Challenge, contact Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director, at (908) 234-1251.   The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

From Phelps Media Group