By British Dressage

July 01, 2015 14:47

Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Asad impressed with a comfortable grand prix victory at Hickstead Premier League Show, West Sussex (23 – 27 June 2015).

The pair (pictured last September) earned a grand prix personal best of 72.12% to finish at the top of a large field of 31 entries, ahead of runner-up Jacky Stolper with Der Schufro and third-placed Gareth Hughes aboard Classic Briolinca.

Earlier this year, Lara and Rubin Al Asad (Rubin Royal x Wanderbursch II), an attractive bay gelding owned by Wilfried Bechtolsheimer, cemented their partnership with a hugely successful spell overseas in the sunshine state of Florida, where they secured their first international win in the grand prix special at Wellington CDI4*.

Lara (26), assistant rider to Laura Tomlinson, has been selected with ‘Rufus’ for the British team at Hagen CDIO next month. She is a member of the World Class Development Programme, as is Olivia Oakeley who also made an impression at the show in the small tour divisions.

Olivia rode Anne Keen’s talent Don Carissimo to a thrilling double by winning a prix st georges and the intermediate I. The budding partnership earned 71.58% for their PSG performance and 74.39% for the inter I. Olivia expressed her delight on her Facebook page: “Absolutely over the moon with Darcy today, won the inter I with a new personal best of 74.39%! He was a star and really starting to see the improvements we are making at home, in the tests.”

Another rider to make his mark was Matt Frost, partnered by Dedi Leech’s towering son of Dr Doolittle, AMD Don Rosso II. Matt and ‘Donald’ not only enjoyed a decisive prix st georges victory with 75.35%, they were also hot on the heels of Olivia in Friday’s inter I with an outstanding score of 74.21%. Thursday’s inter I was won in fine style by seasoned international competitor, Emile Faurie, and Ramses XII. Ramses is a grey, 11-year-old Estonian stallion, recently acquired by Emile. The pair’s performance was awarded with 72.28%.

On the final day of the five-day show, it was the youngsters who took to the stage. The superstar pony SL Lucci, superbly ridden as ever by 16-year-old Phoebe Peters, ran away with the Pony team test. The pair scored 79.44%, more the seven percent ahead of the rest of the field. Phoebe also went on to head the Junior team test riding Denford Surprise, a 16-year-old gelding owned by Debbie Brookes. Her performance on the lofty son of Concord showed all the signs of her making a seamless transition to Juniors in 2016.

Hickstead Dressage Masters

The Hickstead Dressage Masters grows in popularity each year, and this year was no exception. Pioneered by Dane Rawlins, the series provides a competitive league for riders of all levels, with the championship final taking place each year at this show. Suzanne Lavandera and Keystone Daganay were on top form to win not one, but two titles – the Dressage Masters Elementary and the Dressage Masters Medium scoring 76.38% and 75.43% respectively. Suzanne and Keystone Daganay, a sporty seven-year-old stallion by Dimaggio, produced two powerful tests to take both by a considerable margin.

Winners
Tuesday 23 June
Hickstead Dressage Masters Preliminary
Tara Hayes and Bantis Holy Joe, 70.96%

Hickstead Dressage Masters Novice
Brendon Tegg and Polo’s Picasso, 70.93%

Hickstead Dressage Masters Elementary
Suzanne Lavandera and Keystone Daganay, 76.38%

Hickstead Dressage Masters Medium
Suzanna Lavandera and Keystone Daganay, 75.43%

Wednesday 24 June
Hickstead Dressage Masters Advanced Medium
Mette Assouline and Ad-Ratino, 74.85%

Prix St Georges
Mette Assouline and Royal Tea, 69.65%

Intermediate I
Maria Griffin and D-J, 73.29%

5YO National British Young Dressage Horse qualifier
Sarah Millis and Bodleian, 82.20%

5YO FEI British Young Dressage Horse qualifier
Sean Burgess and Keystone Cando, 83.60%

Thursday 25 June
Intermediate I
Emile Faurie and Ramses XII, 72.28%

Prix St Georges
Matt Frost and AMD Don Rosso II, 75.35%

Prix St Georges
Olivia Oakeley and Don Carissimo, 71.58%

Intermediate II
Laura Tomlinson and Unique VIII, 70.35%

6YO National British Young Dressage Horse qualifier
Tatiana Mountbatten and Sir Soleil, 79.60%

6YO FEI British Young Dressage Horse qualifier
Vicki Thompson and Bolero, 80.20%

Friday 26 June
Intermediate A
Susanna Hyypia and Avemmo, 66.18%

Prix St Georges
Victoria Appleyard and Sir Willy, 72.72%

Intermediate I
Olivia Oakeley and Don Carissimo, 74.39%

Grand Prix
Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Asad, 72.12%

Saturday 27 June
Young Rider Team Test
Victoria Appleyard and Sir Willy, 71.12%

Junior Team Test
Phoebe Peters and Denford Surprise, 70.14%

Pony Team Test
Phoebe Peters and SL Lucci, 79.44%

Dressage Masters Small Tour (PSG Freestyle)
Claire Abel and Rowan Magic, 69.46%

Dressage Masters Big Tour (GP Freestyle)
Alex Hardwick and Donauwein, 75.50%

Grand Prix Special
Denise Hallion and Werverlwind, 63.82%

Intermediate B
Alex Hardwick and Royal Chester, 67.98%

For full results see the show website

July 3, 2015 – The Veronica Holt Dressage Technical Delegate Fund is being established in memory of Veronica, who was a dedicated Technical Delegate (TD) and FEI Steward, providing training and mentorship for many Dressage TDs and apprentice Dressage TDs.  This new Fund, proposed by Veronica’s friends and colleagues in unison with the United States Dressage Federation, will be a fitting tribute to her memory, as well as a continuation of her presence within the dressage community.

Once the Fund is seeded with initial donations, one grant will be awarded annually to a USEF Dressage Technical Delegate who has been approved by the USEF License Official Committee to gain promotion from ‘r’ (Recorded) to ‘R’ (Registered).  The grant will initially be $500, to be used by the recipient to pay for costs associated with completing apprenticeship requirements at competitions.  As the fund balance grows, the amount and number of grants awarded may increase.

The grant application will be available on The Dressage Foundation’s website early in 2016, with a deadline of July 1^st of each year.  The grant announcement will be made at the USDF Annual Convention.

Gifts of any amount are welcome to help establish TDF’s Veronica Holt Dressage Technical Delegate Fund.  Donations by check can be mailed to TDF’s office at 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508.  Donations can be made by credit card online at www.dressagefoundation.org or by calling TDF’s office at (402) 434-8585.

For more information about this Fund, visit www.dressagefoundation.org or contact Jenny Johnson at (402)434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.

The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to educating, supporting, and advancing the sport of dressage.  The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants and scholarships to dressage riders, judges, instructors, breeders, high performance teams, and nonprofit equestrian organizations.  For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

Lausanne (SUI), 3 July 2015

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body of equestrian sport, has today launched the FEI Awards 2015 to celebrate the world’s exceptional equestrians.

The annual salute to excellence, courage, commitment and dedication starts today with nominations open at www.feiawards.org.

“Our sport is unique and extraordinary”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our athletes and everyone working in the equestrian community have amazing track records of success, incredible personalities and fascinating back stories. Time and time again as spectators and on television we see sensational victories, but there is so much more to our sport than meets the eye.

“These awards honour everyone who makes our sport happen, highlighting the true value of horse sport and its contribution to our global society. HRH Princess Haya created these important awards and I am proud to continue this tradition, which is now part of our community.”

FEI Awards 2015 – five hotly-contested categories

The Longines Rising Star Award – won last year by Lambert Leclezio, who at just 17 became the first athlete to represent Mauritius at a World Championship when he stepped into the Vaulting arena at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 – is for equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment.

The Reem Acra Best Athlete – awarded to Dutch jumping legend Jeroen Dubbeldam, who scored individual and team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 and helped the Netherlands clinch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final just weeks later – celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level.

The Against All Odds Award acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances. Last year this award went to Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey. Collier, also named 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation, has relentlessly pursued her dreams while dealing with the rare Wyburn Mason syndrome and is now aiming to represent the USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The Best Groom Award – won last year by Jackie Potts (GBR) who has spent over 20 years as groom and right-hand woman in the stables of world Eventing number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR) – is dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members who work 24/7 to ensure their horses get the best possible care and attention.

The FEI Solidarity Award – which went to equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN) last year – will be presented to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, or an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding equestrian sport.

Nominations for the FEI Awards 2015 will close at midnight on 28 August 2015.

Glamorous Gala

The winners of the awards will be flown to the glittering FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan, where over 350 guests from the global equestrian community, including representatives from the FEI’s National Federations around the world, will celebrate their triumphs.

Follow the FEI Awards 2015 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #feiawards

Photo Caption: Equestrian heroes celebrated at the FEI Awards 2014, in association with Longines and with international fashion designer Reem Acra (left to right): Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Melissa Tan (SIN) chairman of equine therapy centre Equal Ark, Jackie Potts (GBR), Lambert Leclezio (MRI) with (centre) Sydney Collier (USA) and her service dog Journey. (FEI/Liz Gregg)

Wellington, FL (June 30, 2015)— HORSE GYM USA^® founders Henrik and Mikala Gundersen knew they’d come “home” on their first visit to the horse-centered community of Wellington, Florida. Extremely successful dressage rider Mikala and show jumper Henrik, with their line of advanced equine fitness treadmills, seemed to fit perfectly into Wellington. Ten years later, the couple has become well-known for their riding talent in Wellington’s international venues of the Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival, their love for and dedication to equestrian sports, and their effective HORSE GYM USA^® equine treadmills and equipment.

Even after a decade of success, the Gundersens still clearly remember how it all began. “We were on vacation and went through Wellington to visit a friend, and immediately fell in love with the town,” recalls Mikala Gundersen. “Because of the flat country and small paddocks, we figured there would be a need for our treadmills here.”

Henrik Gundersen adds, “It was very slow in the beginning. Many riders thought their horses couldn’t learn to go on a treadmill. Or they thought it looked dangerous. Horse treadmills had been common in Europe for many years, so our first clients were mostly jumper riders who competed in Europe and recognized the treadmills from there.”

Just like they do when building relationships with their Grand Prix mounts, Henrik and Mikala were patient in building a relationship with their horse community. They let their own horses’ high levels of fitness and performance do the talking for them. “We were— and are— both international competitors and trainers. We use all the HORSE GYM USA^® products in our daily programs,” explains Henrik. “I think it gave the treadmills credibility when we could show how we utilized them in training our own horses. People saw how well we did and how fit our horses looked.” Recently showing off the effects of HORSE GYM USA^® treadmills was Mikala Gundersen as she finished the prestigious 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival show series as the top money-earning rider of the entire season.

Actively demonstrating the benefits of HORSE GYM USA^® in the show ring certainly seemed to work. Since the Gundersens’ company took off in Wellington ten years ago, they have gained a large customer base that includes riders of all levels and disciplines, as well as veterinary and rehabilitative facilities.

“We started out with a WALK treadmill for horses, and now we have the SPA, the WATER, and the RELAX as well. Initially, we worked primarily with riders and a few veterinarians, but now we are working with more veterinary clinics and equine rehabilitation centers because we can offer a line of beneficial rehabilitation equipment. It’s a win-win. Horse care professionals, like a rehab center, benefit from having all their products come from one reliable manufacturer, while we have proven ourselves as the leading supplier in the industry,” says Henrik.

“Ten years ago, a treadmill was a unique addition,” Mikala adds. “Now, it is an accepted standard in therapeutic and rehabilitative care.”

The HORSE GYM USA^® | RELAX is a warm up, cool out, and zero impact conditioning tool with a floor that moves in a three-dimensional motion to keep a horse standing square while facilitating the effects of the vibrating element. The dry treadmill model, HORSE GYM USA® | WALK, has recently upgraded its design to included controls at the horse’s head, more cushion in the floor, higher sides, and a longer belt. The all-in-one HORSE GYM USA | WATER treadmill, like those used by respected Florida equine veterinarians Dr. Fernando Cardenas and Dr. Brendan Furlong, can fill from a few inches of water up to a horse’s shoulder, and can also be used dry with an incline. The new HORSE GYM USA | SPA is a stainless steel therapeutic cold saltwater spa for soaking, icing, and bandaging legs.

“We have used the HORSE GYM USA^® for so many years that we don’t need to prove anything,” smiles Henrik. “Just take a look at our results and our horses, and try a HORSE GYM USA^® for yourself.”

For more information on HORSE GYM USA^® and founders Henrik and Mikala Gundersen, visit www.horsegym.com or check out the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/horsegym.

Photo 1: Henrik Gundersen (left) and Mikala Gundersen (right), founders of HORSE GYM USA^® (Photo courtesy of Claudia Gundersen)

Photo 2: HORSE GYM USA® founder and talented jumper Henrik Gundersen (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)

Photo 3: HORSE GYM USA® founder and leading dressage rider Mikala Gundersen on My Lady (Photo courtesy of Mikala Gundersen)

July 1, 2015

Kathleen Landwehr

Oklahoma City, Okla. – Rising stars in reining came to the 2015 USEF Youth Reining National Championships on June 27 with the goal of claiming a national title. Held in conjunction with the NRHA Derby at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Okla., Emmy-Lu Marsh earned the USEF 14-18 Youth Reining National title and James Belden, Jr. was the USEF 13 & Under Youth Reining National Champion.

Emmy-Lu Marsh and Who Whiz Porter (Waltenberry)

Fourteen-year-old Marsh (Tallulah, La.) was the 2014 13 & Under Champion and was still in top form a year later as she claimed the USEF 14-18 Youth Reining National Champion title. Riding her own four-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Who Whiz Porter, Marsh guided her young mount to an excellent score of 143.5 from the judging panel of Doug Milholland and Brenda Brown.

“It was amazing, I was so proud of him,” Marsh said of her ride with Who Whiz Porter. Stepping up from the 13 & Under division, she added, “It was crazy to be competing against the big kids and receive such a big score; it was great.”

The USEF 14-18 Youth Reining Reserve National Champion title went to 16-year-old Annabeth Payne (Tallahassee, Fla.) after she piloted Chexamillion, her own nine-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, to a score of 136.0.

Belden, Jr., a 13-year-old resident of Wellington, Fla., scored top honors in the USEF 13 & Under Youth Reining National Championship. He and TR Chic Magnet, his father James Belden’s 13-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, laid down a solid run, scoring 136.0, and claiming the title.

James Belden, Jr. and TR Chic Magnet (Waltenberry)

“It is a surprise and an honor to win a National Championship,” said Belden, Jr. “Pattern eight was well suited to my horse’s skill set and we had a good ride despite a small penalty for a late lead change. TR Chic Magnet’s performance in the sliding stops and rollbacks was exemplary and I was very happy with his circles and spins. I hope to continue to improve my performance with this great horse under the guidance of Dave Moore my trainer and coach.”

Twelve-year-old Bo Van Duys (Parkland, Fla.) and Wimpys Lucky Girl, her mother Holly Van Duys’ six-year-old Quarter Horse mare, received a score of 134.5 to earn the USEF 13 & Under Youth Reining Reserve National Champion title.

Find more information on the NRHA Derby.

Learn more about the USEF Youth Reining Program.

July 1, 2015
Cat Allen for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Andrew Kocher and Casino Royal (c) Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO – June 30, 2015 - Colorado Horse Park’s (CHP) Mid-Summer Show concluded this past weekend in Parker, CO. It was an exciting week of competition, which included the $75,000 Holiday Inn of Parker Grand Prix and a $20,000 Open Welcome Stake sponsored by Ariat.

The $75,000 Holiday Inn of Parker Grand Prix had 20 participants, eight of which laid down clear rounds, which made for an exciting jump-off for spectators and riders alike. Taking home the victory was Andrew Kocher aboard his co-owned mount, Casino Royal, with an impressive double clear in the winning time of 37.86 seconds.

Bjorn Ikast finished second, guiding Bovee Limited Liabily Partnership’s Colorado through the timers in 40.48 seconds. Kocher also took third place honors aboard Ora Del Te Di La San Giorgio with a clear jump-off round in 40.75 seconds.

Kocher, originally from Pennsylvania, spoke about his winning mount, stating, “[Casino Royal] is an eight-year-old Dutch mare and is only 15.2 hands, and I am six feet tall. It was her first grand prix win.”

“I really liked the course because you saw a lot of [competitors] have clear rounds and advance to the jump-off,” he said of Jason Shelley’s track. “I really had to go for it, and it ultimately came down to who was going to go the fastest. I had four horses in the class, and all of them went clear in the first round, so I felt I could take some chances. There was one inside turn [that was possible] but very tough, and I ended up taking it and won by almost 2.5 seconds.”

Kocher plans to take more horses on the road and head to Kentucky in the hopes of chasing more Grand Prix wins. He owns the majority of the horses he rides, and took second place in last week’s $50,000 Griffis Residential Grand Prix at Summer in the Rockies III aboard his own Le Conte.

“I like competing [at Colorado Horse Park] because the weather is a lot cooler than most places, the footing and the jumps are nice, and the prize money is also good,” he noted.

“I would like to thank all the owners and partners that I have, in particular, Paul Mcteer, who is part-owner of Casino Royal. I would also like to thank Aaron Vale, who is a good friend, and of course, Dennis Murphy, for teaching me how to go fast!” Kocher added candidly.

As part of the brand new grooms initiative, which has been put into effect at shows operated at Tryon International Equestrian Center (N.C), Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (F.L.), Colorado Horse Park, and The Trump Invitational at Mar-a-Lago (F.L.), Andrew Kocher’s Groom, Hannah Patterman, will receive a $500 reward in order to better recognize the hard work of the grooms behind the scenes.

“[The award] means a lot to me. It is really awesome that Andy won. It is good for him that he finally gets a win right before we leave!” said Patterman (pictured in the red hat). To learn more about the new initiative to reward “the unsung heroes of the sport”, please click here.

$75,000 Holiday Inn of Parker Grand Prix Results:

1.     317 – CASINO ROYAL – OWNED BY ANDREW KOCHER – ANDREW KOCHER 0/0/37.861
2.     115 – COLORADO – OWNED BY BOVEE LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP – BJORN IKAST 0/0/40.485
3.     318 – ORA DEL TE DI LA SAN GIORGIO – OWNED BY ORA DEL TE LLC – ANDREW KOCHER 0/0/40.758
4.     889 – SOUTHERN PRIDE – OWNED BY BLAIR CUDMORE – KAREN CUDMORE 0/0/40.892
5.     299 – SUPER BAD – OWNED BY BLAIR CUDMORE – KAREN CUDMORE 0/0/41.868
6.     320 – BOLOGNA – OWNED BY SHALANNO FARMS LLC – ANDREW KOCHER 0/4/39.553
7.     313 – LE CONTE – OWNED BY ANDREW KOCHER – ANDREW KOCHER 0/8/40.321
8.     600 – CEONTO – OWNED BY CLAIR CUDMORE – KAREN CUDMORE 0/N/A
9.     303 – CANDY MAN – OWNED BY BRENDA BOTTUM – BJORN IKAST 1/83.386
10.  883 – WALLENBERG – OWNED BY SERENITY EQUESTRIAN VENTURES – KELLI CRUCIOTTI 4/80.019
11.  1175 – ACITA – OWNED BY NAYEL NASSAR – NAYEL NASSAR 4/80.132
12.  1302 – LOCHINVAR – OWNED BY MATT CYPHERT – MATT CYPHERT 4/80.784

The $20,000 Open Welcome Stake, sponsored by Ariat, took place on Thursday, June 25, and saw 22 competitors battle for victory. Only five competitors made it to the jump-off, and for the second week in a row, it was Andrew Kocher piloting Ora Del Te LLC’s Ora Del Te Di Can San Giorgio to claim victory with a time of 35.72 seconds. In second place was Nayel Nassar aboard his own Acita, with a time of 38.01 seconds. Third place was claimed by Chenoa McElvain aboard Guy McElvain’s Coco Colette.

$20,000 Ariat Open Welcome Stake Results:

1.     318 – ORA DEL TE DI CA SAN GIORGIO – OWNED BY ORA DE TE LLC – ANDREW KOCHER 1/0/35.72
2.     1175 – ACITA – OWNED BY NAYEL NASSAR – NAYEL NASSAR 2/0/38.016
3.     1014 – COCO COLETTE – OWNED BY GUY MCELVAIN – CHENOA MCELVAIN 0/0/38.304
4.     299 – SUPER BAD – OWNED BY BLAIR CUDMORE – KAREN CUDMORE 0/0/38.564
5.     1003 – BON GIORNO – OWNED BY SHOWCASE 81 LLC – BRYN SADLER 1/8/37.992
6.     116 – CHESTINA Z – OWNED BY BJORN IKAST – BJORN IKAST 3/78.595
7.     1302 – LOCHINVAR – OWNED BY MATT CYPHERT – MATT CYPHERT 4/79.015
8.     317 – CASINO ROYAL – OWNED BY ANDREW KOCHER – ANDREW KOCHER 4/72.928
9.     1182 – LAFTER – OWNED BY ELIZABETH KILHAM – DANIELLE URBAN 5/76.596
10.  1173 – NAKICH DOUBLE DUTCH – OWNED BY MADELEINE LOUISE WILSON – NAYEL NASSAR 5/76.69
11.  486 – CHIANTO – OWNED BY FOREST VIEW FARM – JOHN PEARCE 5/76.764
12.  488 – CHANTICO – OWNED BY KAREN BALL – JOHN PEARCE 6/77.549

Hunter & Equitation Highlights

In the Adult Amateur Hunter Division, sponsored by Wells Bridge Farm, Lindsay Ryan and Karen Stone aboard Lindsay Ryan’s Keystone took home the championship ribbon. The reserve championship was claimed by Jennifer Singer and her own mount, Benchmark.

Jennifer Rhodes rode to championship honors on her mount, Q, in the Baby Green Hunter Division. Claiming reserve honors was Stephanie Gershon piloting Theresia Flanagan’s Laurelhighland Duke II.

The Junior Hunter 3’3 Division saw Hannah Wiggins and her own Ceto II ride to the championship. Reserve honors went to Marigny Strauss aboard her mount, Unwritten.

Erin Bownds and Izzy Hill’s Cabalito’s Rose rode to the championship in the Non-Thoroughbred Hunter Division. Claiming the reserve championship was Paige Perla and her own For The Good Times.

In the Pony Equitation Division, Kate Stauffer and Rebekah Swan’s Priceless claimed the championship spot. In reserve was Angela Guzman aboard Dru Cederberg’s Timber Tommy.

Daniel Cyphert of Woodhill Farm was the Savoy Stables Sportsmanship Award winner this week.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies series continues with Summer in the Rockies IV, taking place July 1 – 5, 2015 in Parker, CO. For more information and full results, please visit
www.showgroundslive.com.