FEI/HorUs

The FEI has received formal Expressions of Interest from Great Britain, the USA and Canada to host the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018, after re-opening the bidding process on July 1, 2013.
The USA has identified two potential host cities – Wellington (Florida) and Lexington (Kentucky) – and Great Britain will have to confirm the proposed host city with the FEI before the November 15, 2013 deadline for receipt of Bid Applicant Questionnaires.
Canada confirmed its initial bid to host the 2018 Games in Bromont/Montreal. The FEI Bureau opted not to allocate the Games to Canada at its July meeting after the Canadian delegation was unable to provide the full public sector financial support required. As a result, the Bureau re-opened the bidding process for 2018, but expressed the hope that Canada would confirm its decision to continue in the bidding process. The Bureau made it clear at the time that any follow-up bid from Canada would be evaluated in the same way as other applicants.
The Bid Applicant Questionnaires will be reviewed by the FEI Evaluation Commission at FEI Headquarters before the host city candidates are announced on December 2, 2013.
In the final stage of the bidding process, the Candidates will formerly present their bids to the FEI Bureau at its spring 2014 meeting, after which the host city for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 will be announced.
“The FEI World Equestrian Games is our flagship event, appealing to huge global audiences of equestrian enthusiasts and sports fans, and these expressions of interest by Great Britain and the USA alongside Canada are testament to the power of these Games,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar de Vos said.
“We are now looking forward to receiving the Bid Applicant Questionnaires next month, to naming the candidates in December and ultimately of course to announcing the host city for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 next year”.

Lexington, KY (October 4, 2013) – The United States Dressage Federation
(USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate i …

The 2nd annual gathering of the 2014 Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA), will be held on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16 2014 at the Jim Brandon Center in Wellington (West Palm Beach) Florida presenting on stage demonstrations, lectures, discussion interactions between clinicians, audience members and panels consisting of some of the world’s most regognized dressage experts and educators, in a two day extensive program featuring 10 of the world’s foremost international dressage trainers, 4 dressage expert lecturers and 2 panels consisting of some of the world’s internationally regognized trainers and judges plus shopping, connecting and lots of fun in the Florida SUN.

The stars leading the 2nd annual GDFNA 2014 are Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist former U.S.Olympic team coach Klaus Balkenhol with Volker Brommann, international rider Jan Brink, Sweden’s super star Tinne Vilhelmson-Silven with Sweden’s Olympic Coach Bo Jena, world renowned German dressage teacher Conrad Schumacher, dressage seat and balance and seat expert Eckart Meyners with Christoph Hess, Canada’s super star 6 time Olympian Christilot Boylen with Germany’s foremost dressage trainer Udo Lange.

The Lecturers are: author of multiple books on correct riding Susanne von Dietz, Freestyle expert Terri Ciotti Gallo, equine expert Jochen Schleese and one of the most admired experts for centered riding Sue Leffler.

The Panelists debating on stage with clinicians and lecturers are U.S. international rider and judge Charlotte Bredahl, international Judge Stephen Clarke, U.S. international trainers Kathy Connelly, Pam Goodrich, Anne Gribbons, Mette Rosencrantz, Betsy Steiner, George Williams, three time Olympian from Canada Leslie Reid along with the international ambassador for dressage education Arthur Kottas.

One of the highlights of the GDFNA 2014 is the Life Time Dressage Achievement Award which is being awarded to FEI Dressage Judge General Stephen Clarke and this award will be presented to Mr. Clarke by U.S.D.F. President Mr. George Williams.

The Global Dressage Forum North America 2014 is presenting the highest profile educational gathering ever to be held in North America encouraging every dressage rider from accros the U.S. and Canada to come and participate in this educational gathering representing Dressage Education in its highest form. Buy your tickets now as seating is limited and Early Bird tickets are now on sale.

Early Bird Tickets are now available until October 10, 2013 with huge savings of 25% off regular priced tickets by using the coupon code EARLYBIRD.

Yellow Horse Marketing. Photo: Jennifer M. Keeler.

From New York to California, excitement swept the nation this weekend as the first round of Great American/USDF Regional Championship dressage competitions were held in five regions across the country, giving horses and riders the opportunity to qualify for the inaugural US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, a national head-to-head competition showcasing adult amateur and open riders from Training Level to Grand Prix.  These Finals will be held November 7 – 10, 2013 in Lexington, KY. 
So far, more than 1,200 declarations have been received from riders seeking to qualify for what may be the chance of a lifetime to compete on the national stage and win fantastic prizes, bragging rights, and more than $50,000 in prize money.  As Regional Championships are underway, riders are now seeking to earn qualifying scores and, if successful, take the next step in pursuit of their dreams by nominating their horses for an invitation to compete at the Finals.  One of those competitors now preparing to nominate for the Finals is adult amateur rider Melissa Mulchahey of Livermore, CA, who enjoyed a successful weekend at the Region 7 Championships in Rancho Murieta, CA by claiming the Region 7 First Level Freestyle Championship with her own Westfalen pony “Outrageous”.  “Going to the Finals wasn’t really on my radar screen until I received an e-mail reminder from USDF about declaring, and I thought ‘what do I have to lose?’,” Mulchahey explained.  “So I declared and now after winning this weekend at Regionals, my trainer and my friends are encouraging me to go!  I have to consider the travel logistics involved but I’m excited about the opportunity.”

Mulchahey admitted that as she prepared to trot down centerline for her freestyle at Region 7, the Finals were on her mind well before the music started.  “I did feel a little pressure to get it perfect because I knew there was a lot on the line, but I tried not to think too much about it too much,” she said  “My pony went really well for me, and I was thrilled.  So now we’ll see about going to Kentucky.”

The US Dressage Finals will be held at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park, home of the 2010 Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games.  For the first time in history, riders like Mulchahey from across the country at all levels of performance will be invited to compete over the same hallowed ground where international champions have been crowned.   “The Kentucky Horse Park is one of the finest equestrian facilities in the world,” notes George Williams, President of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF).  “And I couldn’t be more thrilled that our mission to provide a national spotlight for riders at all levels, especially adult amateurs, will now be realized there.  This will be their moment to shine.”

Riders in USDF Regions 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 completed their Regional Championships this weekend and now have the opportunity to take the next step towards the US Dressage Finals by nominating* themselves and their horses with which they earned qualifying scores.  Regions 3 and 4 will be next, held over the weekend of October 11 – 13, with qualifying concluding on October 17 – 20 for Regions 1 and 9.

The 2nd annual gathering of the 2014 Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA), will be held on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16 2014 at the Jim Brandon Center in Wellington (West Palm Beach) Florida presenting on stage demonstrations, lectures, discussion interactions between clinicians, audience members and panels consisting of some of the world’s most regognized dressage experts and educators, in a two day extensive program featuring 10 of the world’s foremost international dressage trainers, 4 dressage expert lecturers and 2 panels consisting of some of the world’s internationally regognized trainers and judges plus shopping, connecting and lots of fun in the Florida SUN.

The stars leading the 2nd annual GDFNA 2014 are Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist former U.S.Olympic team coach Klaus Balkenhol with Volker Brommann, international rider Jan Brink, Sweden’s super star Tinne Vilhelmson-Silven with Sweden’s Olympic Coach Bo Jena, world renowned German dressage teacher Conrad Schumacher, dressage seat and balance and seat expert Eckart Meyners with Christoph Hess, Canada’s super star 6 time Olympian Christilot Boylen with Germany’s foremost dressage trainer Udo Lange.

The Lecturers are: author of multiple books on correct riding Susanne von Dietz, Freestyle expert Terri Ciotti Gallo, equine expert Jochen Schleese and one of the most admired experts for centered riding Sue Leffler.

The Panelists debating on stage with clinicians and lecturers are U.S. international rider and judge Charlotte Bredahl, international Judge Stephen Clarke, U.S. international trainers Kathy Connelly, Pam Goodrich, Anne Gribbons, Mette Rosencrantz, Betsy Steiner, George Williams, three time Olympian from Canada Leslie Reid along with the international ambassador for dressage education Arthur Kottas.

One of the highlights of the GDFNA 2014 is the Life Time Dressage Achievement Award which is being awarded to FEI Dressage Judge General Stephen Clarke and this award will be presented to Mr. Clarke by U.S.D.F. President Mr. George Williams.

The Global Dressage Forum North America 2014 is presenting the highest profile educational gathering ever to be held in North America encouraging every dressage rider from accros the U.S. and Canada to come and participate in this educational gathering representing Dressage Education in its highest form. Buy your tickets now as seating is limited and Early Bird tickets are now on sale.

Early Bird Tickets are now available until October 10, 2013 with huge savings of 25% off regular priced tickets by using the coupon code EARLYBIRD.

Devon, PA – Dressage at Devon wrapped up on Sunday with winning performances of young and seasoned riders, interspersed with entertainment from crowd-pleaser Tommie Turvey and his team of horses.
 
FEI Grand Prix Special Open

Ashley Holzer claimed yet another first place this week riding Jewel’s Adelante, a Swedish Warmblood, in the FEI Grand Prix Special. Thrilled with the ride she said, “It’s amazing how well he did.” She added that he is a straight-forward horse to ride and if you ride well, he will perform.
Tommie Turvey
 
Tommie Turvey, horseman extraordinaire and Hollywood stuntman, entertained the crowds at Dressage at Devon during the Performance Division with his horses, Joker’s Wild and Ace in the Hole. He kept spectators riveted as he stood astride, one foot on each of the two horses’ backs, riding them around the Dixon Oval at a breathtaking gallop. He also performed other acts that made the horses look like putty in his hands. “He knows how to spotlight their beauty, power, and freedom with an exciting show,” said Lori Kaminski, President and CEO of Dressage at Devon. Tommie says training horses to this level takes three ingredients—trust, respect, and a strong bond.
 
Tommie should know. As the son a Californian rodeo cowboy, he has spent his life pursuing his passion for learning about and working with horses. He started his career mucking stalls for Medieval Times, where they gave him the opportunity to learn their acts. He continued to build his knowledge at Arabian Nights and Euro Disney in Paris, France, where he performed stunts. In 1997 he bought horses and trained for his own show, and in 2000 they were ready to entertain. He now performs for audiences at a variety of venues and also is available with his team for the movie and entertainment industry. His career includes, for example, performing a stunt in Batman Dark Knight and appearing and training the Clydesdales in the 2013 Budweiser Super Bowl commercial.
 
Photographers at Devon
 
Susan Stickle has been coming to Dressage at Devon to enjoy the show since 1990. Five years ago, as a professional photographer, she decided to bring her camera with her and it’s been with her every year since. “Devon is one of the most beautiful places to photograph…especially when it’s not raining,” she said with a smile. Because the venue is infused with tradition and history, photographs have a distinctive character. “When you take a picture at Devon, everyone knows it is Devon,” Sickle adds.
 
Other Show Highlights
 
Jane Hannigan took the blue ribbon in the USEF Fourth Level Test 3 on Largo Di Molto, a 13-year old Oldenburg gelding (Laroni x Taktik) owned by Suzanne Southhall from Newton, Massachusetts.
 
Tanya Strasser-Shostak and Action Tyme came in first in the FEI Young Rider Freestyle. Action Tyme is a 16.3 Oldenburg gelding owned by Evi Strasser from Canada. 
 
Barbara (Bebe) Davis riding Rotano brought home the blue in the FEI Junior Freestyle. Twelve year-old Rotano is a 16.2 dark bay Hanoverian gelding owned by Michael and Sarah Davis of Jupiter, Florida.
 

The 2nd annual gathering of the 2014 Global Dressage Forum North America (GDFNA), will be held on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16 2014 at the Jim Brandon Center in Wellington (West Palm Beach) Florida presenting on stage demonstrations, lectures, discussion interactions between clinicians, audience members and panels consisting of some of the world’s most regognized dressage experts and educators, in a two day extensive program featuring 10 of the world’s foremost international dressage trainers, 4 dressage expert lecturers and 2 panels consisting of some of the world’s internationally regognized trainers and judges plus shopping, connecting and lots of fun in the Florida SUN.

The stars leading the 2nd annual GDFNA 2014 are Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist former U.S.Olympic team coach Klaus Balkenhol with Volker Brommann, international rider Jan Brink, Sweden’s super star Tinne Vilhelmson-Silven with Sweden’s Olympic Coach Bo Jena, world renowned German dressage teacher Conrad Schumacher, dressage seat and balance and seat expert Eckart Meyners with Christoph Hess, Canada’s super star 6 time Olympian Christilot Boylen with Germany’s foremost dressage trainer Udo Lange.

The Lecturers are: author of multiple books on correct riding Susanne von Dietz, Freestyle expert Terri Ciotti Gallo, equine expert Jochen Schleese and one of the most admired experts for centered riding Sue Leffler.

The Panelists debating on stage with clinicians and lecturers are U.S. international rider and judge Charlotte Bredahl, international Judge Stephen Clarke, U.S. international trainers Kathy Connelly, Pam Goodrich, Anne Gribbons, Mette Rosencrantz, Betsy Steiner, George Williams, three time Olympian from Canada Leslie Reid along with the international ambassador for dressage education Arthur Kottas.

One of the highlights of the GDFNA 2014 is the Life Time Dressage Achievement Award which is being awarded to FEI Dressage Judge General Stephen Clarke and this award will be presented to Mr. Clarke by U.S.D.F. President Mr. George Williams.

The Global Dressage Forum North America 2014 is presenting the highest profile educational gathering ever to be held in North America encouraging every dressage rider from accros the U.S. and Canada to come and participate in this educational gathering representing Dressage Education in its highest form. Buy your tickets now as seating is limited and Early Bird tickets are now on sale.

Early Bird Tickets are now available until October 10, 2013 with huge savings of 25% off regular priced tickets by using the coupon code EARLYBIRD.