A large crowd of local, national, and international media were in attendance to kick off the 12-week winter circuit. The FTI WEF circuit will host thousands of the world’s best horses and riders competing in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines starting January 8 and running through March 30. The AGDF features the best of dressage through 12 weeks of competition on January 9 through March 30.

Tuesday’s press conference panel included Equestrian Sport Productions’ CEO Mark Bellissimo and President Michael Stone, Show Jumping Olympians Eric Lamaze, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Rodrigo Pessoa, Dressage Olympian David Marcus, and WCHR Leading Hunter Rider Havens Schatt, along with Thomas Baur, Sport Director of Dressage for AGDF, and Gérard Manzinali, President of Jumping Chantilly.

Mark Bellissimo welcomed everyone and spoke about the exciting growth and expanding support of both shows. “This is going to be an exciting year for us in 2014,” Mark Bellissimo stated. “We have gone through some major transitions over the last couple of years, and I think that this venue and this event has become one of the top in the world. It came with a considerable investment and a considerable commitment from the families involved, and I think we have an infrastructure now that can support a truly world-class show.”

“FTI Consulting has been very supportive with the Winter Equestrian Festival,” Bellissimo acknowledged. “We now have a new relationship with Rolex that is going to take us to a different level. Adequan has been phenomenal for the Global Dressage Festival. We think both of these circuits will really establish themselves in a fantastic way over the next couple of years. All in all we are very excited about where we are, and the future. I think that is a real testament to the energy and the passion for horse sport and the strong team that we have assembled here to really energize the sport. I think we will see equal growth in dressage.”

“This is going to be a spectacular year,” Bellissimo stated. “Thank you to Rolex for their unbelievable faith in us. I think this will be a turning point in Wellington across all of the disciplines that we have here. We will continue to work hard and invest in those things that will make us better as an operation, and we look forward to a great season.”

The AGDF has a new and improved schedule this year as well, with 12 weeks of competition at The Stadium at PBIEC. Canadian Olympian David Marcus spoke about how important the competition has been to the sport of dressage.

“I think for us to see the growth has been really exciting,” David Marcus said. “We didn’t really have a real, world-class venue to be able to compare with what has been done over here with the jumpers and now to have that has been a real asset in our preparation. Combined with the streamlined CDI schedule that we have this year, especially in a championship year, it has been imperative for our horses to have that to be able to peak at the right moments. For us, it has been really exciting to have this venue where we know we can rely on the best footing in the world, the best stabling in the world, and real world-class venues that make us do the best job that we can do.”

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival begins Thursday, January 9.

Beginning with the 2014 competition season, Western dressage will have its own chapter in the USEF Rule Book.Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) has its own competitions and championship and design four different levels with four tests each: Introductory Level Tests 1-4, Basic Level Tests 1-4, Level One Tests 1-4, Level Two Tests 1-4.

When most equestrians think of “dressage”, they envision the graceful harmony of beautiful horses with riders clad in top hats and tails, dancing together through musical freestyles in an Olympic stadium. But now,
“Western Dressage” may be the hottest new discipline in equestrian sport, but it’s based on concepts which are centuries old. Commonly translated from a French term meaning “training” of horses, some principles of classical dressage date back to ancient Greece. Today, in addition to modern dressage competition, these principles continue to be widely applauded as a foundation of training for horses competing in almost every sport; some disciplines such as combined driving and eventing even include dressage as part of their multi-phase competitions.

Now these dressage principles are finding a new niche in the Western horse world, combined with influences from western horsemanship masters such as Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, and Spanish vaqueros.  “Obviously, the sport of dressage isn’t new, but Western Dressage presents it in a new way that works for western riders,” explained AnnMarie Brockhouse, a long-time amateur western competitor who now is an enthusiastic Western Dressage fan and cofounder of a Minnesota Western Dressage rider group.  She noted that just as eventing and driving have adapted dressage tests to reflect the needs of those individual disciplines, Western Dressage is made to order for western-type horses.  “Compared to horses competing in modern dressage, our western mounts aren’t built the same, don’t move the same, and don’t have the same purpose,” Brockhouse continued.  “Our goal isn’t Grand Prix dressage at the Olympics – it’s a western horse performing as well as he can in his own arena.”

Despite the obvious differences in dress and saddlery, the worlds of modern dressage and Western Dressage are not as far apart as they may seem at first.  “There are probably more similarities than differences, as many of the concepts are the same: progressive, correct, systematic training, with one step building onto the next, building the horse physically and mentally for a performance goal,” noted Brockhouse.  “We’re looking for all the same qualities: we want our horses to be supple, have self-carriage, be light in the bridle, and happy in their work, all while recognizing that our horses will have a different purpose, whether it be out on the trail, working cattle, running barrels, or performing in a show ring.” WDAA founding member Cliff Swanson agreed.  “We add a western spin to it, focusing more on what a western horse would be expected to do,” he said.  “The biggest difference is that we’re looking for softer contacts and less forward gaits.  For instance, we use ‘jog’ instead of ‘trot’ – you still have impulsion, but it’s just not as forward.  The movements produce qualities that are useful for a stock horse.”

In response to growing interest in the idea of Western Dressage, the Western Dressage Association of America, or WDAA, was founded in July of 2010, and registered as a non-profit organization five months later. Brockhouse came on board as a staff member, working tirelessly with an impressive lineup of industry experts comprising the all-volunteer WDAA Board of Directors. In just a few short years, the WDAA has grown from a simple concept born of discussions among trainers to encompass nearly two thousand members (a number which increases daily), a growing network of state and international partners, and a new affiliation with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

Above all, the WDAA is dedicated to educating horsemen about Western Dressage, and Brockhouse believes this search for knowledge is fueling the growing excitement among riders. “I think riders, like me, are more open now to new ideas than in the past and are seeking to educate themselves about correct training,” she said. “There’s a growing movement that there should be more to our sport than just 30, 60, or 90 days of training and then go in the show ring with a ‘finished product’. Riders want to do better by their horses, so I think that’s a big part of the appeal of Western Dressage: it’s a very logical progression of training that’s going to help develop my relationship with my horse and also enable him to be a better athlete. Western Dressage applies to all horses and everyone from grassroots riders to professional trainers and is a proven training platform regardless of what the ultimate goal for a horse may be.”

These sentiments about Western Dressage are summarized in WDAA’s slogan: It’s About the Journey. “Working with horses is a lifetime of growth and learning,” noted Brockhouse. “With Western Dressage concepts, fans appreciate the progression their horses make physically, their mental growth, the maturity that develops, and the relationship that blossoms between horse and rider. Once horsemen realize the benefits, they want that ride, that special partnership, and to share that experience along the way, all while preserving a wonderful western heritage.”

RELEASE: January 7, 2014
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to release the schedules for the 2014 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions and 2014 USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions. Both the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program and USEF Youth Dressage Program are vital in creating a pipeline for future U.S. combinations to compete on the international stage.

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions are open to all young horses between the ages of four and six. The goal of the training and observation sessions is for USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler to work with the maximum number of up-and-coming talented young horses throughout the U.S. These clinics are open to all riders and applications can be found on the USEF website here.

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions begin on February 15th in Ocala, Fla.

For a full schedule of Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions please visit https://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/2014YoungHorseCoachSchedule.pdf.

Three USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions will be held throughout the U.S. in 2014 with USEF Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg. In addition to coaching at the selected competitions, Steinberg will be holding Youth Rider Meetings for all Pony Riders, Juniors, and Young Riders with the goal to educate and direct as many U.S. youth dressage riders as possible.

For a full schedule of USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions please visit https://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/JeremySteinberg2014YouthCoachSchedule.pdf.

For further information regarding these programs please contact Hallye Griffin by email at hgriffin@usef.org

By Jenny Evans

LEXINGTON, Ky., (Jan. 7, 2014) – Martin Nielsen, an equine parasitologist, veterinarian and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, has launched the first research crowdfunding project at UK and possibly the first such effort in the field of veterinary science.

Crowdfunding is a relatively new term that describes reaching out to the general public, usually through the Internet, to reach a fundraising goal. Success in reaching the goal often depends on many individuals making smaller donations through a website.

Nielsen’s crowdfunding campaign, called “Let the germs get the worms: Testing a novel probiotic compound for treatment of equine parasites,” is hosted at the website http://equineparasitology.ca.uky.edu/ and has a goal of raising $30,000 before March 10.

Nielsen’s research team is devoted to providing solutions for worm control in horses. Horse parasites, such as small strongyles and large roundworm, are developing increased levels of resistance to all available dewormers. No new drugs are being developed for use in horses, so the equine industry needs new reliable treatment alternatives. Horses on pasture are constantly exposed to different parasite types. These can cause disease symptoms such as colic, diarrhea and weight loss. Foals are particularly vulnerable to parasite infection and need special attention in parasite control programs.

“It is our experience that horse owners are very interested in updated information about parasite control and have great concerns about drug resistance,” Nielsen said. “We therefore felt that crowdfunding would be very appropriate for raising funding for research in this area. The crowdfunding platform allows direct interaction with the end users of our research, which is very valuable to us. A good question can inspire us to set up the next research project.”

Researchers at the University of California have identified a naturally-occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces a crystal protein capable of killing intestinal worms without harming the animal. UK’s study aims to evaluate the effect of this bacterial protein against important horse parasites under laboratory conditions. Parasites will be collected from horses in a research herd and tested in the laboratory.

“We will test for the presence of receptors for the bacterial protein, and test the effect against different horse parasites under laboratory conditions,” Nielsen said. “We expect to use the results to apply for a larger grant to finally allow us to test the probiotic in horses.”

“We are proud of this innovative approach to fundraising which gives the donors a chance to participate in the research program and research findings,” said Nancy Cox, dean of the UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station director. “We are pleased that Dr. Nielsen’s crowdfunding project is the very first one to be implemented at UK.”

Guests can sign up for more information on the project and make online donations at http://equineparasitology.ca.uky.edu/, where they can also access videos and educational information. As a special feature, the site is set up with an exclusive questions forum where visitors can ask Nielsen about parasite control.

The mission of the Gluck Center, a UK Ag Equine program, is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the health and well-being of horses. The Gluck Center faculty conducts equine research in six targeted areas: genetics and genomics, infectious diseases and immunology, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology/toxicology and reproductive health.

For more information on the Gluck Center, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck.

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Writer: Jenny Evans, 859-218-1089

Jog On Over: ShowChic CDI Jog Parties and Turn Out Awards

Wellington, FL (January 7, 2014) - Toasting the most dapper turn-outs during CDI jogs at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival is becoming tradition at the Global Dressage Festival thanks to ShowChic Dressage, who is now sponsoring the Turn Out Award and hosting jog parties for the second consecutive year.  While presenting its Best Turnout Award to the most stylishly presented horse and rider team, during the jogs the ShowChic mobile unit will be very generously hosting parties open to everyone – riders, trainers and spectators – attending the world-renowned Florida dressage series, which opens January 8 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington and continues through March 30.  ShowChic will be working in tandem with co-sponsors like Equiline, 2kGrey, and Back on Track to present prizes to the Turnout Award winners, from saddlepads to riding pants.  Equiline will sponsor the first jog, on January 8^th, 2013 at 3pm.

“The ShowChic Best Turn Out Award recognize handlers dressed to the nines, who are as well groomed as their horse,” says Michele Hundt of ShowChic Dressage. “We’re looking for those who incorporate fashion sense, flair, coordination and uniqueness in their look, in addition to turning their horse out to the highest level.”

As prior Best Turn Out Award winner, Kristy Trubenbach-Lund, said during one of last year’s celebrations: “I feel the jog should be a special event.  When I started ten years ago, people dressed for the jog.”  From that shared sense of tradition sprang the ShowChic Best Turnout Awards, the brainchild of ShowChic owners, Michele and Doug Hundt.

SPIRIT OF THE HORSE IS PRAISED AS SUPERB EQUINE THEATER IN 2013

(Photo Credit:Cindy Evans). Maple Park, IL—January 6, 2014—With the New Year already underway, the writer, producer and cast of THE SPIRIT OF THE HORSE are anticipating an expanded and promising future for the production in 2014.

The show tells a magical holiday-themed story on horseback with orphans and villains, reining, dressage and liberty work, all in an hour-long production that has delighted audiences of all ages.

In November 2013, the company took SPIRIT to Lexington, KY for a two-night performance at the Alltech Arena in the spectacular Kentucky Horse Park.  Over 3000 people—including families from the region and as far away as Canada, Michigan and Indiana, as well as the Governor and First Lady of Kentucky—came to watch the equine extravaganza and overwhelmingly applauded it as a unique and charming holiday tradition and a “must see” for the entire family.

That sentiment was expressed over and over by the good people of Kentucky.  “We drove up from Nashville last Saturday to attend the Spirit of the Horse show,” said Carolyn Flajnik. “We were enchanted and totally enjoyed every minute of the production…Thank you very much for offering this holiday event. I sincerely hope you will host the show again next year. 

Capturing all the elements of an impressive Broadway musical, the SPIRIT OF THE HORSE has one component rarely if ever seen on a Broadway stage—18 high-level Dressage/Performance horses ridden by championship riders at the highest level in their sport.  Among them is Yvonne Barteau, a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist and an FEI Trainer and Rider who has trained a dozen horses to the Grand Prix level.  Her mount is GP Raymeister, three-time USEF HOY.

Yvonne’s husband and business partner Kim Barteau displays his enormous talents as a “Liberty” trainer with his equine partner and huge crowd-pleaser GP Boater.  They have shown across the country to rave reviews and appear in SPIRIT as the Master of the House and his stallion.

Also appearing in the show was Dan James, the well-known Australian of Double Dan Horsemanship who played the “villain” in a way no other equine performer could manage.  Fire and frenzy highlighted his extraordinary riding style.

“What makes our show unique are the multi-talented horses that give audiences a spectacular performance every time, be it in a show like SPIRIT or in a Dressage arena,” says Yvonne Barteau, the author of the script.  “It’s rare that you find horses like the ones you see in this production—horses that give their hearts in every step they take. These are the true stars of THE SPIRIT OF THE HORSE. It is they who inspired me from the outset to write this story.”

In addition to THE SPIRIT OF THE HORSE, the production company is busy preparing new shows in 2014 including ALL THE KING’S HORSEMEN also written by Yvonne Barteau. Plans are to expand its lineup each year with new and memorable equine theater for audiences all across the country.  •   •   •

The Barteaus have been featured as the Finale for the Mane Event at USA’s Equitana in Louisville KY, have performed at Madison Square Gardens, The TODAY Show, Equine Affair’s Pfizer Fantasia and many other locations.

KYB has performed bridle less Grand Prix Exhibitions, Liberty performances with two of Walter Farley’s Black Stallions, Quadrilles and Pas de Deux’s. Both Kim and Yvonne were trainers and featured performers for years at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre in Orlando Florida.

In an interview with Sharon Packer,  Yvonne Barteau shared:

“Each Theater type production I want to bring to life in the future will be based on a short story that I have written and these will eventually become a series. I have the Spirit of the Horse already as a soft cover book.  The director of the Horse Park, John Nichols said he had never had such a good program for any event there and they loved the show. I fell in love with all of the Walter Farley books when I was a kid, and they were the reason I became a horse trainer in the first place.  I want to get this new generation of children young and old interested in the magic that proper equine theater can bring and also even non-horse people to be entertained in a quality style as well.  With the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater where Kim worked for ten years as the Head trainer and I worked for over five as the Principle Trainer and Director of Entertainment Operations closing its doors, I am more enthusiastic than ever about bringing these stories to life.”

(Photo Credit: Fire and Earth)

Please enjoy these photos from their performance at Dressage at Devon 2009.  (Photo Credit: Sharon Packer)

CONTACT:  Ginna Frantz

gfrantz@grandprixequestrian.com

312-593-4466

(Photo Credit: Sharon Packer). Swiss officials have enacted a law prohibiting the use of hyperflexion (also known as rollkur) in that country.

The law applies to competitive events as well as training sessions.

Originally proposed in 2008, the ban was approved in October 2013 and took effect on Jan. 1. Article 21 of the Ordonnance sur la Protection des The new law prohibits “requiring the horse to maintain its head and neck in hyperflexion (rollkur).”

The country’s refers to a description of rollkur provided by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in the FSVO’s explanatory statement for the law. The FEI describes the practice as “a dressage method compromising the animal’s welfare,” the statement read.

Not all cases which appear to be over-flexion will be pursued.   Some horses, especially stallions with shorter necks, put themselves temporarily in positions that appear to be over-flexion. The new law specifically will address severe cases.

Addressing severe cases is consistent with the FEI’s decision four years ago that distinguished between “low, deep, and round” (LDR) and “rollkur.” In LDR, head and neck position are achieved without force, but “aggressive force” is used to achieve rollkur, according to a Feb. 8, 2010 statement by the FEI following a round-table discussion with industry experts.

While the FEI and several national federations prohibit rollkur in competition horses, leading to sanctions within the federation, the new Swiss law makes the practice a crime of animal abuse at the government level. Penalties have not yet been reported.