Dressage Training through Trust and Partnership with Mette Larsen

Posted on May 23, 2015 by admin1

May 23, 2015

Photo courtesy of Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL (May 21, 2015) – Mette Larsen has recently moved to professional status in the sport of dressage. After finding success in the amateur arena and being the owner and founder of the popular equestrian company Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery, sharing her passion for training horses is the perfect next step. Larsen has enjoyed great achievements on several horses she has purchased as three-year-olds and trained herself. The most notable, Ulivi, is a gelding she purchased with twenty rides on him, has shown up through Intermediare-1, and is currently training Grand Prix. The pair has earned multiple local and national titles over the years, including being the National KWPN-NA Adult Amateur PSG and Intermediare-1 Champion.

When it comes to the equestrian industry, Larsen has gained just as much knowledge out of the saddle as she has in it. Her company, Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery is the North American distributor of multiple top quality brands, including Neue Schule Bits, Photonic Lasers, Tail RX hair care restoration products, Kathy Connelly Performance Products, and Metlar luxury bridles and belts. This line of products has helped her develop an extraordinary in-depth understanding of horses and what they need.

Larsen became involved with Neue Schule because it is a company that designs bits using scientific research and development, and believes that horse welfare comes first. As Larsen has advanced her study of equine physiology and how bit technology impacts riding, her knowledge of what really happens when we pick up the reins has deepened. “It has made me even more focused on how I want to develop horses through trust and partnership,” says Larsen.

“It is a natural progression for me to go back to teaching and training,” she adds. “By working closely with horses, trainers, and riders, discussing better bitting options, and seeing how increased knowledge has helped both horses and riders, I have been reconnected with how much I love training and developing horses.”

For Larsen, training horses is the heart of her dedication to the industry. “Training is what makes me feel fulfilled and it is when I am happiest. I feel drawn back to training after all these years and I am very excited to be here.”

Those key elements, trust and partnership, have become the cornerstones of Larsen’s training philosophy. “What I have found over the years is that I can successfully train happy performance horses when doing it from a foundation of partnership and relationship,” she explains. “I want each horse to be a part of the process. I want them to understand their jobs and what I am asking, and to leave training sessions having learned something and wanting to come back and learn more.”

To create trust and partnership, Larsen focuses on four dimensions of development: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. In Larsen’s eyes, those are the key ingredients to equine development and top performance. “These are not new, just overlooked at times,” Larsen says. “Each dimension plays a role in becoming a better athlete, performer, coach, trainer, student, and owner. They are as important in my training of the horse as they are in my own development as a better athlete, coach, and trainer.” Larsen focuses on each of these aspects in order to help her horses reach their maximum potential of happiness and performance. When each area is successfully addressed, the horse is physically fit, is able to have fun and feel safe emotionally, is connected and calm so as to mentally understand his job, and the result naturally becomes the ultimate partnership with your horse.

Larsen will be offering her professional training services in New York and Florida through Metlar Dressage. She is excited to help horses and riders benefit through her efforts. “I love horses down to my soul. It is my mission in life to transform how horses are trained by training them through trust and partnership. I want to make this world a better place for them and the best way for me to do that is to get back in the game, share my knowledge and experience, and teach others how to develop their performance horses through trust and partnership.”

For more information about professional rider and trainer Mette Larsen, call 516-695-1731 or emailmette@metlardressage.com.

Contact: Mette Larsen
Metlar Dressage
mette@metlardressage.com
516-695-1731

FEI and IMG Sign Five-Year Production Partnership

Posted on May 23, 2015 by admin1

May 23, 2015

FEI’s new partnership with IMG will enhance equestrian sport viewing experience for broadcasters and viewers around the world for major events, including the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final pictured here, which took place in Las Vegas (USA) on 15-19 April at the Thomas & Mack Center. (Photo: Arnd Bronkhorst/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 22 May 2015 – The FEI has appointed IMG, the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming, as its production partner.

The new five-year partnership, which starts on 1 July 2015 and runs until 30 June 2020, covers post production services for the FEI’s entire portfolio of broadcast products across the FEI-named series and championships. The partnership also includes a wide range of programming for the FEI’s global broadcast partners as well as for the FEI’s digital platforms such as FEI TV, FEI TV on the Go and the FEI YouTube channel.

As part of its new role, IMG will also be in charge of the overall coordination and liaison with the FEI’s host broadcasters on the production of live broadcast signals as well as providing the FEI with strategic consultancy in the broadcast production area.

IMG will also partner with the FEI on its magazine programming, including FEI Equestrian World, the FEI’s flagship monthly magazine show which captures the spirit of equestrian sport and lifestyle for mainstream audiences, as well as the annual FEI Awards, event trailers and previews, and associated content including video news releases.

The move follows the decision last December to renew long-standing broadcast distribution partnerships with IMG and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to the end of 2022 in agreements that will generate markedly increased coverage of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events.

Graham Fry, Global Head of Production for IMG, said: “IMG is delighted to be appointed as the FEI’s production partner and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship across the sport. We believe our creativity and production expertise will enhance the viewing experience for broadcasters and viewers around the world. The FEI run events across the globe and its diverse equestrian disciplines provide a challenging and exciting opportunity for the IMG production teams.”

“IMG has the wide expertise we need to grow uptake of our equestrian content globally, and the recent renewal of our distribution partnership with IMG now provides a deep synergy that will deliver enhanced services to the FEI’s broadcast clients,” said Christian Osterode, FEI Head of Broadcasting and Media Rights.

“It is vital that the FEI demonstrates the strengths of equestrian sport against the Olympic backdrop and as our sport grows globally. Working closely with IMG, the FEI will be delivering compelling, cutting-edge content for broadcast, from traditional television to the new digital platforms in online and mobile.”

As part of an extensive tender process, the FEI received bids from 12 industry leading companies, including MBP-TV, which has been the FEI’s production partner for almost 20 years.

“MBP-TV has played a vital role in helping the FEI to develop its equestrian broadcast coverage, and we owe the talented team at MBP-TV a huge debt of thanks,” Osterode said. “Our demands have grown so dramatically that we now need to partner with a globally networked organisation.”

About FEI

The FEI, founded in 1921 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is the world governing body for Jumping, Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving & Para-Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

The FEI also became one of the first International Federations to govern and regulate international para sport, alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines, when Para-Equestrian Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para-Equestrian Dressage, which has been a regular fixture at the Paralympic Games since 1996 and joined the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2010, and Para-Driving.

www.fei.org

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion and media operating in more than 25 countries around the world. IMG’s businesses include Events & Media, College, Golf, Tennis, Performance and IMG Academy, Fashion, Models, Clients, Consulting, Licensing, Joint Ventures, and creative management agency Art + Commerce. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment and media agency. Together, the companies offer an unparalleled client roster; strategic partnerships with sponsors and brands; and marquee assets across sports, entertainment, events, music and fashion.

www.img.com

FEI Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

IMG:

Gary Double
Vice President, Corporate Communications, EMEA
+44 208 233 7425/+44 77 68 825 114
gary.double@img.com

D.C.’s “Cutest Sport” Is on the Road to the Washington International Horse Show

Posted on May 23, 2015 by admin1

By Jennifer Wood

WASHINGTON – May 20, 2015 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce the wildly popular WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, will be off and running again in 2015. The entertaining event features pint-sized jockeys in colorful silks racing the cutest, fluffiest Shetland Ponies to the cheers of spectators of all ages.

The first stop in the series will be the historic Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, Pa., May 24 and May 25, and it will conclude with the finals at WIHS in October at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Introduced in 2013 and expanded last year, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races, dubbed “D.C.’s newest — and cutest — sport” by Gillian Brockell of the Washington Post, are run like professional racing events with a bugler, race caller and photo finish, but in miniature — the jockeys are youngsters from seven to 14 mounted on traditional Shetland Ponies racing over a course of mini-hurdles.

For those unable to attend in person, the Devon races will be streamed live by EQSportsNet (eqsports.net) and archived on WIHS.org.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response to the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series,” said WIHS Executive Director Bridget Love Meehan. “It’s been so much fun to create and build a fresh, fun and exciting event for spectators of all ages. Pony racing is also a great way for kids to get into equestrian sports. Not too many people know that Kent Farrington, one of the world’s top-ranked show jumpers and a frequent competitor at Washington, used to race ponies!”

Well-established in the United Kingdom, pony racing is growing in popularity in the U.S., thanks in part to Maryland-based U.S. Pony Racing, LLC (USPR), organizer of the WIHS exhibition series, which runs flat and jumping pony races at events throughout the region, including at Pimlico.

Before entering the USPR program, ponies are evaluated for their suitability and every child is fully prepared for race day. “We don’t want [the ponies] to be little race horses, we want them to be good ponies that kids can ride,” said Regina Welsh, USPR founder and director. “We want well-rounded kids and well-rounded ponies.”

Ongoing sponsor Charles Owen is no newcomer to pony racing. The Wrexham-based helmet maker has been a significant supporter of pony racing in the U.K. since 2005.

“Charles Owen is delighted to continue its support of the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series,” said Roy Burek, Managing Director of Charles Owen. “With our long association with pony racing in the U.K., we’re especially excited to be a part of its growth in the U.S. Devon and Washington offer an ideal showcase for this sport and we encourage equestrians and non-equestrians alike to come out to experience and enjoy it.”

The 57th annual Washington International Horse Show will be held October 20-25, 2015, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit WIHS.org.

About the Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org)

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts more than 26,000 spectators to the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the international governing body for horse sports.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

ShopChic EQ Revolutionizes Equestrian Peer-to-Peer Shopping

Posted on May 23, 2015 by admin1

Wellington, FL (May 22, 2015)— Thanks to the fashion-forward thinking of ShowChic’s Michele Hundt and Mary Cameron Rollins, equestrians have a new way to buy and sell used tack, apparel, and accessories through the brand new online consignment store, ShopChic EQ. This innovative peer-to-peer shopping site comes to equestrians right in the comfort of their own homes or barns— through the website www.ShopChicEQ.com and the free Apple mobile app.

Rollins, a Grand Prix dressage rider and North American Young Rider Championships Individual Gold Medalist, came up with the idea for Shop Chic EQ when she looked through her trailer one day and saw how many rarely-used tack items she had accumulated. Rollins considered taking the items to a traditional consignment shop, but she was hesitant because of the cost to consign items and the fact that potential buyers are limited to a specific geographical market.

That was when the idea of ShopChic EQ was born. “I thought about how great it would be to have an app right on my phone, where all equestrians from every discipline can be connected to buy and sell new and used tack and apparel. How much easier would it be to grab a smartphone, snap a couple of pictures, and post it yourself instead of finding a consignment shop?” explains Rollins. With ShopChic EQ, users can post their items for sale in their own virtual “tack rooms” and reach a nationwide network of potential buyers.

When Rollins approached Michele Hundt, owner of the successful business ShowChic in Wellington, Florida, about her revolutionary idea that would raise the bar for second-hand tack stores, it didn’t take long for Hundt to agree to the new business endeavor. Hundt, already a seasoned business professional, found the perfect partner in Rollins, a seasoned equestrian competitor. Now, after nearly a year in development, the duo is proud to announce the launch of the brand-new equestrian marketplace, dedicated to online consignments for riders of all disciplines – perfect for selling any equipment, apparel, and accessories.

“It’s an alternative to the eBay Marketplace, and it’s just for equestrians,” Hundt explains. “We put it together very simply, so it’s not very time consuming to post any item. You can also actually write comments to the people who are posting items – so it’s interactive like Facebook. It’s a social marketplace for equestrians.”

ShopChic EQ is an easy way for riders to connect to other riders of all different disciplines and backgrounds and find just what items they’re looking for— for much less the cost. With the click of a button, riders can browse other users’ virtual tack rooms whenever they like. Likewise, sellers can easily upload their consignment items to their own virtual tack room. The store is a great way to cut down on unused equipment, and put money in your pocket to spend money on the equipment you really need.

The user-friendly design enables equestrians to choose from several categories and browse a wide selection of sizes, styles, and designs from the very best equestrian brands all over the world. Riders can also enjoy social functions such as commenting on and “favoriting” the items for sale – which helps to establish a transparent, trustworthy community of riders.

ShopChic EQ is designed by equestrians, for equestrians. “We really want people from all over the country, across every discipline, to be able to use it,” said Rollins. To take full advantage of this new marketplace, users should join the community now. “As a special gift to you, we’re waiving our service fee until July 30. All you have to pay is a small three-percent credit card processing fee on any product you list,” says Hundt. Even after July 30, it will always be free to sign up for ShopChic EQ. The new online store can be accessed at www.ShopChicEQ.com or through the free Apple mobile app.

For more information about ShopChic EQ visit www.ShopChicEQ.com or call 561-319-2121.

Photo: Home page for ShopChic EQ www.ShopChicEQ.com, the newest way to buy and sell used equipment, apparel and accessories, is now open for business.

USEF Names Team and Alternates for the 2015 U.S. Pan American Eventing Team

Posted on May 21, 2015 by admin1

From the USEF Communications Department

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named

the Team and Alternates for the U.S. Pan American Eventing Team for the

2015 Pan American Games.

Watch David O’Connor Announce the U.S. Team and Alternates

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will compose the U.S.

Team (in alphabetical order):

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) and Thomas Tierney and

Simon Roosevelt’s Fernhill Cubalawn, a 2003 Holsteiner gelding,

or Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive, a 2005 Irish

Sport Horse gelding

Lauren Kieffer (Ocala, FL) and Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s

Scarlett, a 2007 Thoroughbred Cross mare

Marilyn Little (Frederick, MD) and Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe

and Michael Manders’ RF Scandalous, a 2005 Oldenburg mare

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA) and the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho

Villa, a 2003 Selle Francais gelding

The following athlete-and-horse combinations have been named as

alternates to the U.S. Team (in alphabetical order):

Jennie Brannigan (Kennett Square, PA) and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda,

a 2002 Thoroughbred Cross gelding

Matt Brown (Petaluma, CA) and Blossom Creek Foundation’s BCF Belicoso,

a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Will Faudree (Southern Pines, NC) and Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver

Stables’ Pfun, a 2007 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Lauren Kieffer (Ocala, FL) and Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus, a 2007

Anglo-Arabian gelding

Michael Pollard (Dalton, GA) and Carl, Nicolas and Stanislas Bouckaert’s

Cyrano Z, a 2001 Zangersheide gelding

Tamra Smith (Murrieta, CA) and Alexandra Ahearn’s Mai Baum, a 2006

German Sport Horse gelding

The 2015 U.S. Pan American Eventing Team is subject to approval by

the United States Olympic Committee.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously

supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members.

Meet Ramos Sport…..Be Inspired!

Posted on May 21, 2015 by admin1

The journey began 15 years ago when Pernille Hogg started the company Catago P/L, importing premier equestrian wear from Europe to Australia. Ms. Hogg appreciates the need for basic products that maintain the elegant look defined by the sport of dressage.

Being a dressage rider herself, she appreciates the desire for simple, classic, high quality and comfortable fit in equestrian clothing.

Clothing should allow you to perform to the best of your ability yet provide high fashion to transition between the time you are at the stables and back out into everyday life.

She has risen to the occasion in designing clothes with style and elegance that have a practical edge. Her designs flow effortlessly from city to farm and back again.From her ideas about practical and classic fashion, Ms. Hogg created Ramos Sport. Ramos is the name of her Danish Warmblood. He embodies the spirit of the brand: sleek, confident, athletic, bold, elegant and graceful.

Ramos Sport now offers a stunning line of shirts, a v-neck knit jumper, a knit vest and cap. An exciting new addition is a knee-length grooming gown. What a classy way to keep your riding clothing pristine enough to go from barn chores to wine with friends!