Wellington, FL (March 2, 2015)— United States dressage rider Kimberly Herslow, based out of Stockton, New Jersey, was recognized for putting her “best foot forward” during the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Despite a chilly Florida day in the Van Kampen covered arena, Herslow’s pride in her horse, Rosmarin, beamed bright. “He rode really well today in a very different atmosphere,” Herslow explained. “He stayed with me and tried hard today. I’m happy— very happy— no matter what his score is. I’m super thrilled with him.”

Herslow’s dedication to her sport and her horse were noticed by Becky Shipps of Draper Therapies, an equine health product company. Shipps admired Herslow’s positive attitude from the sidelines of the competition ring, and then presented Herslow with the Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award. The award is given to competitors who exhibit a love of dressage and influence others to have a wonderful experience in competition, as well.

“It’s important to put your ‘best foot forward’ in competition because you are creating a partnership with your horse, and that is what always comes first in the ring,” says Herslow. She and Rosmarin— a ten-year-old German Hanoverian gelding by Rosentanz and Hauptstutbuch Wolkentaenzerin— competed in the FEI Prix St. Georges, the FEI Intermediate I, and the Intermediate I Freestyle during the week of winning the Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award. Focusing on creating an ideal partnership between horse and rider obviously worked well for Herslow— she rode out as winner of all three tests, averaging a 72.4 percent in the Prix St. Georges, a 73.7 percent in the Intermediate I, and a 75.5 percent in Intermediate I Freestyle.

Herslow and Rosmarin next plan to work towards the Pan American Games, which will take place later this year. Herslow, who trains with Olympian Debbie MacDonald, currently owns three horses: a Grand Prix mount; a five-year-old; and Rosmarin, who is a Small Tour horse coming up into the Grand Prix. Herslow feels she has a talent for finding horses that are “special” and hold a great amount of potential. She believes that Rosmarin is certainly one of these special horses— and the bond that the pair demonstrated so evidently in the show ring made Shipps agree.

“It was an amazing ride,” Shipps congratulated as she presented Herslow with her award. “I look forward to seeing you ride again in the future!”

Herslow received a Draper Therapies saddle pad, a pair of polo wraps, socks, and a therapeutic eye pillow in celebration of her strong equestrian spirit. Draper Therapies specializes in healthcare products for humans, horses, and dogs. The products include therapeutic horse blankets, wraps, saddle pads, dog beds, clothing, and accessories. Draper Therapies products are made with Celliant, the innovatively advanced fiber material created from extruded minerals for the purpose of easing pain and poor health symptoms in the body by improving the body’s natural systems and increasing blood flow to affected areas.

Learn more about the products Draper Therapies has to offer and the company’s support of the equestrian communities at www.drapertherapies.com, or call 781-828-0029.

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Photo 1: Becky Shipps (right) of Draper Therapies presents Kimberly Herslow, on Rosmarin, with the Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Photo 2: Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award winner Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin win the Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, and Intermediate I Freestyle during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (March 2, 2015)– Dressage riders from all over the map have come to Wellington, Florida to showcase their skills in the ring, and one rider in particular caught the attention of EquiSafeUS fencing. Luis Reteguiz-Denizard of Puerto Rico was presented with the EquiSafeUS International Dressage Achievement Award after a successful ride on Royal Affair, a Hannovarian gelding owned by Charles Schnieder, during the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

The EquiSafeUS International Dressage Achievement Award was developed by the premier fencing company EquiSafeUS to recognize riders from countries outside of the United States who show tremendous skill and have a successful ride. Reteguiz-Denizard explains that while Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, it competes separately in the dressage world. “It’s not necessarily an independent country, but it has independence to represent itself in competition,” said Reteguiz-Denizard.

Reteguiz-Denizard competed in Florida over the summer and is planning on continuing to do so throughout the rest of the winter competitive season. The months ahead hold a lot of promise for Retequiz-Denizard and Royal Affair, as they have qualified for the Pan American Games at the Small Tour level. “I’m in pursuit of trying to move him up to the Grand Prix level at the Pan Ams in order to qualify for the Rio,” said Retequiz-Denizard. The amount of diversity in regard to the number of international riders at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival excites Reteguiz-Denizard. “It’s always fun in season to get to ride in the international ring and get to have all that attention drawn to the sport,” he commented.

As a Europe-based company, EquiSafe is also excited about the large representation of international riders at the festival. The EquiSafeUS International Dressage Achievement Award was developed as part of EquiSafeUS’s sponsorship of the Wellington show series. The fencing company is making the move to improve awareness of its brand in the United States, while holding on to its international roots by reaching out to riders who have made the trip from outside America to compete at the festival.

EquiSafeUS fencing is made with safe, durable materials and features a LED lighting system that blends into the fence design to create a sleek-looking fencing unit. EquiSafeUS fences are made from high-density polyethylene, a durable material that has shape memory to limit deformities. EquiSafeUS’s three rail fencing system was recently recognized as a top horse product in Europe with the presentation of the MTP Gold Medal at the Poznań International Fair in Poland. EquiSafeUS holds the position of one of the most trusted fencing brands in Europe, as the top choice for fencing along racetracks and paddocks. The Van Kampen Arena at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival is lined with an attractive black EquiSafeUS fence, so it is fitting that this is where Retequiz-Denizard and Royal Affair impressed EquiSafeUS representatives in the FEI Prix St. Georges class. For additional information, call EquiSafeUS at 561-225-4998, email Info@EquiSafeUS.com, visit www.EquiSafeUS.com, or check out the EquiSafeUS Facebook page.

Photo: Luis Reteguiz-Denizard (left) of Puerto Rico wins the EquiSafeUS International Dressage Achievement Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Gothenburg (SWE), 28 February 2015

Photo Caption: Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB made it a back-to-back double when, for the second year running, they came out on top at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ qualifier in Gothenburg, Sweden today. (FEI/Roland Thunholm)

by Louise Parkes

For the second year in a row, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB reigned supreme at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Western European League qualifier in Gothenburg, Sweden today. In 2014 the pair scored 81.350 to pin the host nation’s Patrik Kittel and Toy Story into runner-up spot. But in today’s second-last leg of the 2014/2015 series, Kittel had to settle for fourth behind The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Voice, while Germany ruled the roost with Isabell Werth filling second spot with El Santo behind her fellow-countrywoman in pole position.

Her score of 81.650 was not von Bredow-Werndl’s personal best this season, but she was more than happy with it. Gothenburg’s Scandinavium Arena has never been for the faint-hearted as it is a tight fit to get the Dressage arena inside it, and the acoustics create a wall of sound. Many of the riders were much happier with how their horses went today compared to yesterday’s Grand Prix in which von Bredow-Werndl also came out on top.

Halfway point

Following some late withdrawals, a total of 11 horse-and-rider combinations lined out at this Reem Acra qualifier and it was Jennie Larsson and the 11-year-old Zircoon Spring Flower who led the way at the halfway point with a mark of 72.600. Denmark’s Lone Bang Larsen was her nearest rival when posting 72.525 with the 16-year-old Fitou whose ears were happily pricked throughout his test.

The final five however really raised the game, led by Kittel and Toy Story who demonstrated clockwork piaffe and passage and a floating extended trot to earn 77.050 to take the lead. Isabell Werth and El Santo swept that aside however with a brilliant performance. The horse she calls “Ernie” was in flying form as he swung to his musical score, and few other riders could have contained the energy and enthusiasm this gelding showed today. Werth always throws her heart and soul into every test, and Ernie responded by giving her his all for a new leading mark of 79.900.

Gal’s Glock’s Voice showed some lovely work but found it hard to settle, and when this pair posted a mark of 78.100 it seemed very possible that Werth might come out on top. But, when Sweden’s Paulinda Friberg and di Lapponia T posted 76.925, von Bredow-Werndl sealed it when forging ahead with the biggest mark of the day.

Complete agreement

The judges were in complete agreement about the performance of the elegant 14-year-old son of Gribaldi who has enjoyed a superb run of form over the winter months. A win at Kaposvar in Hungary, where they scored a hat-trick in the Grand Prix, Special and Freestyle, kick-started their march, and that was followed by runner-up spot on home ground at Stuttgart and third-place finishes at both Olympia in London (GBR) and in Amsterdam (NED).

“It’s super, I’m so happy, it’s hard to find the words, I want to go out and do it again!” said 29-year-old von Bredow-Werndl afterwards. “There were many good competitors here, and in the Grand Prix and Freestyle a lot depends on your communication with your horse and your daily relationship. My horse was completely with me. This was my best ride, we were really consistent, and when your horse is like that you can ask for a little more. He always wants to do a good job, and I’m also excited because I feel we have some more potential to improve!” she added.

Werth was also more than pleased with her result. “My horse was full of power today but we also had good collection and no mistakes. It was much better than yesterday, and now I feel really ready for Las Vegas!”

It seems she is on the way to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final as she lies third on the Western European league leaderboard, and German strength is clearly evident as her colleague, Fabienne Lutkemeier, lies one place ahead of her while von Bredow-Werndl has a big lead with just one last leg left to run.

Reservations

Asked if she had any reservations about taking Unee BB to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final in Las Vegas in six weeks’ time, von Bredow-Werndl replied, “No, definitely not! I want to take him, he’s never flown before but he’s a very cool boy!” And as for her plans over the coming weeks she explained, “he’s done enough for now, we will do a clinic for the national team, that will be a good warm-up for him because he likes to go somewhere once a month. He’s very eager to drive somewhere and he’s not happy when he’s left at home for long!” she explained.

Apparently Unee BB is an intrepid traveller. “He’s pretty unusual I suppose” she said with a laugh, “travelling actually relaxes him! After Amsterdam (in January) he went in the lorry and didn’t get home until 2.30 in the morning, but he was so fresh when we arrived back that I could have ridden him all over again!” she said. “I’ve never been to Las Vegas, so I’m really excited and I know BB will like it because he’s a real showman!” she concluded.

For further information on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 qualifier at Gothenburg, Sweden, check out website www.gothenburghorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Mayvor Thorin, Email mayvor-thorin@gotevent.se, Tel +46705 828420.

The ninth and last qualifying leg of the Western European League will take place at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands on Saturday 14 March 2015. For details of the Dutch fixture visit website or contact Press Officer Denise van der Net, Email denisene@xs4all.net, Tel +31 627 031 674.

Result: 1, Unee BB (Jessica von Bredow-Werndl) GER 81.650; 2, El Santo (Isabell Werth) GER 79.900; 3, Glock’s Voice (Edward Gal) NED 78.100; 4, Toy Story (Patrik Kittel) SWE 77.050; 5, di Lapponia T (Paulinda Friberg) SWE 76.925; 6, Zircoon Spring Flower (Jennie Larsson) SWE 72.600; 7, Fitou L (Lone Bang Larsen) DEN 72.525; 8, Fleetwood (Malin Hamilton) SWE 72.025; 9, Goerklintgaards Fanero (Lena Leschly Aamann) DEN 71.250; 10, Ferdi (Maria van Essen) SWE 71.075; 11, Paridon Magi (Caroline Darcourt) SWE 69.950.

Detailed result here

Facts and Figures:

The Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden played host to the second-last leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League.

11 horse-and-rider combinations from four countries – Denmark, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands – lined out.

The winner was Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with Unee BB, and it was a back-to-back double for the pair who also won the Reem Acra qualifier at this fixture 12 months ago.

The result has further boosted von Bredow-Werndl’s lead on the Western European League leaderboard. Following today’s competition, she has racked up a total of 74 points, leaving her a full 10 points clear of her nearest rival and fellow-countrywoman Fabienne Lutkemeier while Germany’s Isabell Werth, who was runner-up today with El Santo, lies third on the league table.

The Ground Jury for today’s competition consisted of: At E, Maria Schwennesen AUS; At H, Isobel Wessels GBR; At C, Annette Fransen Iacobaeus SWE; At M, Katrina Wuest GER; At B, Magnus Ringmark SWE.

The last qualifier of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League will take place in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands on Saturday 14 March.

The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final will be held in Las Vegas, USA from 15 to 19 April.

Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 – Standings after round 8 at Gothenburg SWE:

1. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl GER – 74
2. Fabienne Lutkemeier GER – 64
3. Isabell Werth GER – 62
4. Danielle Heijkoop NED – 60
5. Edward Gal NED – 55
5. Hans Peter Minderhoud NED – 55
7. Agnete Kirk Thinggaard DEN – 49
8. Ulla Salzbeger GER – 48
9. Sonke Rothenberger GER – 47
10. Adelinde Cornelissen NED – 37
10. Morgan Barbancon Mestre ESP – 37
12. Malin Hamilton SWE – 36
12. Patrik Kittel SWE – 36
12. Terhi Stegars FIN – 36
12. Paulinda Friberg SWE – 36

Full standings here

Reem Acra FEI Hub gives access to extensive information about the series.

FEI World Cup™ Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, is now in its 29th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup™ Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to Music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

The complete rules, calendar, updated ranking and results are available HERE

American Horse Publications (AHP) has launched its third Equine Industry Survey to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and better understand issues pertaining to horse health.
Urging all horse owners to take 2015 survey
The AHP 2015 Equine Industry

Those eligible to participate in the survey are men and women, 18 years of age and older, who currently own or manage at least one horse and live in the United States. This study is anonymous; this means that no one – not even members of the research team – will be able to associate information that is given with respondents. When the survey results are tallied, only aggregated results will be presented.

To take the 2015 AHP Equine Industry Survey, go to www.ahphorsesurvey.com

Wellington, FL (March 1, 2015)— Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder of Lusitano horses in the world, has returned to South Florida and established their presence with an outstanding start to their winter show season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The iconic breeder sent three horses from their farm in Itapira, Brazil, to prepare them for future international competition and they will be in Wellington, Florida, for the remainder of the show season.

Baldor Interagro, a 9-year-old Lusitano stallion, and Pia Aragão dominated the FEI Prix St Georges at the Global Dressage Festival National show Feb 22, earning a 71.447 percent and a nod from the judges for first place. Baldor Interagro (Ofensor-Quinata Interagro, Xique-Xique) and Aragão topped the list by nearly four percentage points against the other contenders in the class. With impeccable bloodlines and a winning personality, the stallion was a showstopper and Aragão was pleased with his performance.

“That was his second Prix St. Georges and he had not done a show since October,” she said. “He has never traveled any long distance like this and never been on a plane and I think he dealt with the environment fantastically. He even surprised me how cool he was and how in tune he was to respond to me in the ring. It was a real pleasure to sit on him.”

Aragão also rode Zepelim Interagro in the FEI Grand Prix that same day to place second in the class. Zepelim Interagro is an 11-year-old stallion (Quinárius Interagro-Ordenada Interagro, Yacht) whose sire is by the famous Xique-Xique, a Gold Medal Champion in Portugal, and whose dam is by Yacht, the son of the foundation stallion of the Andrade line.

Another Interagro horse, Vade-Mecum Interagro, also made the journey from Brazil. The 13-year-old gelding is from the Xique-Xique and Yacht lines as well (Noblissimo Interagro-Pecunia Interagro, Yacht). Most recently, Vade-Mecum Interagro placed first in the Grand Prix Freestyle and second in the Grand Prix at the Expo Lusitano CDI3* in São Paulo, Brazil, in October. Aragão and Vade-Mecum have enjoyed many victories at the Grand Prix level since 2013.

Like the three Lusitanos who have come to the U.S., Interagro Lusitanos show talent and versatility across the divisions. Interagro is one of the most accessible and recognized breeders in the world and Lusitano fans welcome their return to South Florida.

The Interagro horse epitomizes the modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in the traditional equestrian disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and its own bloodlines include some of the most respected of the breed: Faraó (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).

The breeder is well-known for holding the popular Lusitano Collection® International Horse Auction in South Florida, which has been recognized as one of the premier events of the season. The event traditionally raises funds for charities during the gala dinner while the guests enjoy watching riding exhibitions on Lusitano horses. The evening’s showcase is the auction of world-class Lusitano horses. Interagro currently offers a unique Destination Lusitano program where Interagro hosts interested clients at the farm and immerses guests in the Lusitano breed and culture. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, and watching training sessions to meeting the living pedigree of generations of Lusitano horses, Destination Lusitano is an opportunity to purchase the horse of your dreams while enjoying the journey of a lifetime.

About Interagro Lusitanos

Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the breed, Interagro Lusitanos is the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal; to date more than 450 horses populate the 1200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations.

To learn more about Baldor Interagro, click here: http://lusitano-interagro.com/baldor.htm. Please click here, http://lusitano-interagro.com/Zepelim2010.htm, to see Zepelim Interagro’s bloodlines and show record. Please go to http://lusitano-interagro.com/Vade_Mecum2010.htm, to see Vade-Mecum Interagro’s impressive show record and lineage.

To learn more, email interagro@interagro.com, or please visit www.interagro.com.br.

Photo: Baldor Interagro and Pia Aragão of Interagro Lusitanos earn first place in the FEI Prix St Georges

March 1, 2015

Bent Jensen, Photo Credit: Sharon Packer

Nanette Sexton befriended and hired Bent Jensen in 1986. The two met at a stallion parade in Denmark that Fall. Jensen moved to Dover, MA, where Sexton owned a farm with her then husband, Richard Bailey. Not only was Jensen trainer for Sexton’s horses, he became part of the family. He traveled with the family to equine events, and also to distant places for concerts and occasions in the art world.

According to Benson, “Personally, she was interested in everything. She was very knowledgeable in the arts, knew many people, and was a lot of fun.”

Anne Gribbons introduced both Jensen and Sexton to South Florida and its haven for superior dressage. Sexton first purchased the property that is directly across from the present Southfields Farm on Hanover Circle in Loxahatchee, Fl.

Bensen accepted the horse “Ariston” into training. When Ariston became available for sale, Sexton purchased him. Benson and Ariston qualified to represent the Danish team in the 1992 Olympics. It was at the same time that Carol Lavell and Gifted qualified for team USA in the Olympics, according to Bensen. He and Sexton were there during the “good old days” in Loxahatchee. This was the beginning, the golden days of the birth of international level dressage competition at White Fences.

Bensen and Sexton were a team, traveling to dressage competitions all over the world. Though Bensen began his own business in 1993, he and Sexton remained close. Of their adventures in international dressage events, Bensen stated, “Nan loved all of it.”

We thank you, Nan Sexton, for your contribution to Palm Beach County becoming the winter international dressage show capitol of the world.

By Sharon Packer

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board yesterday stamped its approval on a change of venue for the Tokyo 2020 equestrian events.

The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee presented the change to the IOC Executive Board at its meeting in Rio (BRA) as part of the Tokyo 2020 venue master plan following the FEI’s approval of the switch last month.

The main equestrian site will now be at Baji Koen, the Japan Racing Authority owned facility that hosted the Tokyo 1964 Olympic equestrian events. Baji Koen will host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Dressage and Jumping disciplines, as well as the Eventing Dressage and Jumping phases.

The Eventing Cross Country phase remains at Sea Forest, also known as Umi no Mori, in Tokyo Bay. Olympic rowing, canoe sprint and mountain biking will also be staged at Sea Forest.

Under the Organising Committee’s original plans, the main equestrian venue was at Dream Island on Tokyo Bay. The switch to Baji Koen puts equestrian sport right back in the centre of the Olympic cluster and the use of an existing facility is also in line with the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations on both costs and sustainability.

In Tokyo’s original bid, 33 per cent of the venues were using pre-existing facilities, but the changes announced yesterday have increased that to 50 percent, less than three months after the Agenda 2020 recommendations were unanimously approved by the IOC in Monaco last December.

According to the IOC, the combined savings resulting from venue changes to equestrian, basketball and canoe slalom will slash USD 1 billion from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee’s construction budget.

“The FEI has been working very closely with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, visiting all venues and carefully considering all options, and we are very impressed with both the Baji Koen and Sea Forest sites,” FEI Director Games & Championships Tim Hadaway said.

“We were more than happy to agree to a venue change that helps Tokyo stay in line with the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said, “and especially as Baji Koen is a beautiful public park that will make a spectacular venue for the 2020 Olympic equestrian events and keeps our sport right at the heart of the Games.

“We celebrated 100 years in the Olympic movement in London 2012 and with Tokyo 2020 in our sights, our focus is firmly on providing a strong legacy for equestrian sport in Japan. We are looking forward to putting the spotlight on our sport in Tokyo.”