Category Archives: Dressage News

Premier Equestrian Arenas Featured at the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Las Vegas, NV

Posted on by
Las Vegas, Nevada (April 1, 2015)– As the world’s leading jumpers and dressage riders prepare to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the World Cup, the leader in equestrian arena products — Premier Equestrian — prepares to do the same.  Premier Equestrian is proud to be a sponsor of the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Las Vegas on April 15-19. The dressage arenas and letters in both the main venue and the schooling and warm-up arenas will be provided by this renowned manufacturer, which will also have a booth at the World Cup where samples of its arena products, jumps, and footing options will be on hand.
As a favorite arena company in the United States and beyond, Premier Equestrian has supplied arenas for the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY, as well as for the Pan American Games, Dressage at Devon, Adequan Global Dressage Festival, U.S. Dressage Finals, FEI Young Riders, and various USDF GMO shows. “We are excited to add the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Las Vegas to our list of world-class competitions,” comments Heidi Zorn, president of Premier Equestrian.For Premier Equestrian, being part of international equestrian affairs is common business. The company also offers one of Europe’s most popular and high-quality arena base mat systems as the North American distributor of German company OTTO Sport und Reitplatz GMBH. OTTO Sport’s Perforated Mat System is the ideal base layer for an arena while providing base stability and unparalleled benefits to the horse. Its unique design helps protect equine joints and tendons from damage and pain. The OTTO Sport mat system has been part of The World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky; Aachen, Germany; and Rome, Italy.
For more than a decade, Premier Equestrian has supplied premier dressage arenas, top-of-the-line horse arena footing, revolutionized horse jumps, and accessories to discerning equestrians. The company’s client list reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ in dressage and show jumping— including Steffen Peters, Adrienne Lyle, Bob and Debbie McDonald, and Todd Minikus. “Debbie and Bob have had the OTTO Sport system at River Grove Farm in Idaho for years,” Zorn says. “Peggy and Parry Thomas, who are their sponsors, and for whom the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas has been named, have been amazing supporters of the sport of dressage. Parry will be in Las Vegas at the World Cup for the retirement ceremony for Wizard, Adrienne Lyle’s Olympic horse who is owned by the Thomases.” Parry Thomas will be honored both for his years as an ambassador of dressage and for all he has done for the city of Las Vegas.Premier Equestrian will be showcasing their dressage arenas, flowers boxes, and letters in the warm up and competition arenas at the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Las Vegas.
Premier Equestrian is committed to providing exemplary products for safety and practicality. The company is known for offering the finest footing additives, such as GGT footing and base construction systems. Its top-notch customer service includes education to the consumer about the biomechanics of the horse and how it relates to proper footing, along with arena design advice. Premier Equestrian supplies everything equestrians need for the ideal arena. Learn more about Premier, the revolutionary OTTO Sport Perforated Mat system, GGT footing, and other products by calling (800) 611-6109 or visiting www.premierequestrian.com.Photo: Premier Equestrian provides world-class dressage arenas to prestigious venues like the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Las Vegas (Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian)

Share

Active Dressage Competitor Kassie Barteau Thrilled to Win Vita Flex Victory Pass Award

Posted on by

 

Wellington, FL (April 2, 2015)— When Kassandra “Kassie” Barteau competes, she puts her heart into her rides and gives it her all. That’s why she is the latest recipient of the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award. Although she began the Adequan Global Dressage Festival series a little later in the season, she made up for it by then racking up win after win— and the stalls of the Al-Marah Arabian Horses are plastered with blue and red ribbons.

When Barteau was presented with the award, which included a bucket full of Vita Flex® products and a beautiful neck ribbon, she was excited. “Oh, this is wonderful! I do love Thermaflex®. It’s great and I actually need some right now!”

Barteau has also made a big impression on the judges at recent Adequan Global Dressage Festival shows. She takes full advantage of everything the competitions have to offer and has been rewarded for her efforts. She came out on top aboard Becca-Bella BP, a 7-year-old Arabian/Trakehner mare (Al-Marah Quebec+-Isabella B); Al-Marah Prince John+++, an 8-year-old Arabian gelding (Bremervale Andronicus-M Warrior Princess, AM Power Raid); and AM Chose Othello++, an 8-year-old Arabian gelding (Bremervale Andronicus-Babre Rosemary, Bremerval Destiny); all owned by her employer Mark Miller of Al-Marah Arabian Horses in Clermont, Florida. She also recently placed second in a huge Prix St. Georges class against a tough list of contenders aboard her own 10-year-old KWPN gelding Aramo (Triancacara-Lancet).

Barteau’s goal this show season is to help Al-Marah Arabian Horses be better seen and appreciated in dressage.

“I want to let everyone see what wonderful horses they are,” she said. “I just want to get them out there and qualified for everything they need. And I want to get some exposure for my company in the open dressage market and maybe get a few horses sold.”

On top of that, she has been coaching her student, Keeley Clark, who has also been raking in the ribbons aboard AM Heyyou Star++++//, a 15-year-old Arabian mare owned by Al-Marah Arabian Horses (AM Good Oleboy-AM Dream Playmate, Dreamazon) and her own KWPN gelding, Esperador.

“She’s doing great,” Barteau said of Clark. “She’s constantly improving. She’s 17 and this is her first year in open dressage competition. I couldn’t be happier with her and she’s a wonderful student.”

Like Barteau, Vita Flex is dedicated to turning good into great. The company awarded the Victory Pass in select classes and divisions to riders demonstrating excellent winning performances at both the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival. Vita Flex also supports the equestrian community by sponsoring both the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival. As part of its sponsorship, the company awarded a total of twelve Vita Flex Victory Pass Awards with six presented at each venue.

Vita Flex is a leading manufacturer of high quality supplements for competitive horses. The company’s product line features health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance supplements, topical ointments, vitamins, and minerals. The products are backed by research and loved by top trainers, riders, and owners like Kassie Barteau. For more information about Vita Flex’s line of products, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848-2359.

 

Share

Renato Troiani and Betsy LaBelle Find the Key to Success During Vita Flex’s Contest

Posted on by

 

 

 

 

 

Wellington, FL (March 31, 2015)— Vita Flex celebrated crossing the line between good and great with its Key to Success Contest at the 2015 Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival. The contest drew competitors, owners, and spectators alike, who were all in line for the chance to win a Vita Flex tack trunk packed with Vita Flex® products. The two lucky winners were Renato Troiani at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Betsy LaBelle at the Global Dressage Festival.

Troiani, who rides with Windsor Farm of Upperville, Virginia, was thrilled to have the winning key. Troiani rides young horses for Windsor, including the six-year-old homebred mare Touche Windsor Z, who is having a great circuit this season. He also rode Forgot Me Not Windsor Z to third place at the finals during the Winter Equestrian Festival as a five-year-old last year.

Already a fan of Vita Flex® products, Troiani looks forward to digging into his trunk filled with great supplements. “We have a lot of horses so I’m excited to try these new products,” said Troiani. “I want to thank Vita Flex. Their products are really good and I really like them.”

LaBelle, of Loxahatchee, Florida, is also excited to try the products on her homebred six-year-old mare, Boudicca. “It will be awesome to give it a try and become a Vita Flex fan,” LaBelle exclaimed after her big win.

The Key to Success Contest was a huge hit during Week Ten of the Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival. Two very special horses helped Vita Flex steal the show— but it wasn’t for their impressive piaffes or incredible scope. Frankly, it was because they were so darn cute. The horses’ names are Vita and Flex; miniature horse brand ambassadors — if you will —

 

 

of Vita Flex, a company known for supplements that produce serious results for equestrian athletes.

The two adorable minis stood by proudly as contestants tried their luck in the Key to Success Contest. The winners were delighted to collect their prizes and commented on the quality and appearance of their new tack trunks. Both were grateful for the chance to win so many great Vita Flex® products (and get a chance to pet Vita and Flex)!

Vita Flex helps competitors cross the fine line between good and great with its cutting-edge supplements and horse care products. The company pushes itself to produce high-quality products that help its customers meet their goals. In addition to top-quality performance supplements, Vita Flex produces antioxidants, electrolytes, topical solutions, and vitamins, and minerals to help keep equine competitors in top health. For more information about Vita Flex and its line of products, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848–2359.

For more information about Vita Flex and its line of products, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848 – 2359.

 

Vita Flex is a registered trademark of Farnam Companies, Inc.

 

 

Photo 1: Betsy LaBelle wins a Vita Flex tack trunk packed with Vita Flex® products at the Key to Success Contest at the Global Dressage Festival

 

Photo 2: Renato Troiani wins the Vita Flex Key to Success Contest at the Winter Equestrian Festival

Share

2014 EQUINE CANADA NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by

by: Equine Canada

Mary Anne Laframboise received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Equine Canada National Awards Gala.Mary Anne Laframboise received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Equine Canada National Awards Gala.Equine Canada (EC) was pleased to honour some of Canada’s best and brightest equestrians and supporters at the prestigious EC Annual Awards Gala at the Crowne Plaza Gatineau-Ottawa in Gatineau, Que. on Friday, March 27. Held in conjunction with the EC Annual Convention, March 25-29, the national awards gala celebrates outstanding achievements within the equestrian community.

“We’re delighted to be able to recognize this phenomenal group of individuals, organizations and horses,” said EC President, Al Patterson. “This year’s recipients are true ambassadors of the sport, both here at home and abroad. Congratulations to all of the 2014 winners and thank you for your service and dedication.”

The following award recipients were recognized for their outstanding dedication, talent and enthusiasm in support of equestrianism in Canada.

NATIONAL AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mary Anne Laframboise

Volunteer of the Year – Dr. Mary Bell

Equestrian of the Year – Lauren Barwick

Junior Equestrian of the Year – Natalie Alves

Canadian Breeder of the Year – Charlotte Schickedanz

Canadian Bred Horse of the Year – Intimidate

Boeringer Ingleheim Equine Canada Health and Welfare Award – Galahad-Association Quebecoise de protection des chevaux

For further information on the National Award recipients, click here.

COACHING AWARDS

Equine Canada/NCCP Competitive Coach of the Year – Roberta Byng-Morris

Equine Canada/NCCP Community Coach of the Year – Katelynn Marshall

Equine Canada/NCCP Coach Developer Award for Program Delivery – Danielle Yaghijdan

Equine Canada/NCCP Coach Developer Award for Program Development – Mary-Clare McLaren

For full information on the Coaching Award recipients, click here.

BREED SPORT AWARDS

Welsh Pony of the Year – Barkway Topaz

Morgan Horse of the Year – HSH Smooth Operator

Arabian Horse of the Year – Sur Teddy’s Magna +++//

Half Arabian Horse of the Year – Sweet and Saucy

For full information on the Breed Sport Award recipients, click here.

 

Share

CANADA TAKES SILVER AND BRONZE IN STILLPOINT FARM FEI NATIONS’ CUP CDIO3*

Posted on by

by: Equine Canada

Canada's dressage teams took both silver and bronze in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations' Cup CDIO3* at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla on March 26. Photo by Susan J. Stickle PhotographyCanada’s dressage teams took both silver and bronze in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations’ Cup CDIO3* at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla on March 26. Photo by Susan J. Stickle PhotographyCanadian dressage riders rose to the occasion in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations’ Cup CDIO3* during the final week of the prestigious Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla., March 24-28.

Putting in a tremendous effort over the two days of Nations’ Cup competition, which started March 25, both Canadian teams did the maple leaf proud, with Team Canada 1 bringing home the silver medal, and Team Canada 2 the bronze.

In Nations’ Cup competition, each team is represented by a maximum of four rider/horse combinations, with a mix of Big and Small Tour competitors included. The final standings are determined by the results of the CDIO3* FEI Prix St. Georges and CDIO3* FEI Grand Prix on day one, and the CDIO3* FEI Intermediate I and CDIO3* FEI Grand Prix Special on day two. The top three scores from each day of competition make up the teams’ final tally, with an additional 0.5% added to each Big Tour competitor’s score.

Team Canada 1, comprised of Megan Lane of Loretto, Ont., Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, Ont., Diane Creech of Caistor Centre, Ont., and Chris von Martels, based in Wellington, Fla., finished with a team score of 438.966.

Leading off for Canada 1 was Creech riding Robbie W, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding sired by Rubin Royal and owned by Doug Leatherdale. The pair, competing in the Small Tour, earned a score of 71.868% in the Prix St. Georges on day one, and 72.474% in the Intermediate I on day two. Von Martels with Zilverstar, his 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Rousseau, posted scores of 73.316% and 74.895% in the same classes.

In the Big Tour, Trussell and Anton (Antaeus x Melit), a 15-year-old Sachsen gelding owned by Robyn Eames, earned a 69.980% in the Grand Prix on the first day of competition and 73.433% in the Grand Prix Special on day two. Riding anchor position for Canada 1, was Lane and Caravella (Contango x Riverman), a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare she owns with Cathy Lane, posting scores of 69.940% and 71.588%, respectively.

Team Canada 2, comprised of Jill Irving of Moncton, N.B., Christilot Boylen now residing in North America, Shannon Dueck of Loxahatchee, Fla. and Tina Irwin of Stouffville, Ont., finished with a team score of 424.774.

In the small tour Dueck, aboard Cantaris (Compliment x Eiger I), a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Elizabeth Ferber, led off for Canada 2 with scores of 69.921% in the Prix St. Georges and 71.00% in the Intermediate I. Following her into the ring was Boylen, riding Donatella (De Niro x Canaster I), a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by teammate Jill Irving and Windhaven Farm, and earning scores of 71.132% in the Prix St. Georges and 73.579% in the Intermediate I. Irwin was aboard Fancy That (Donnerschweg x Freiherr), a nine-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Christine Faux with scores of 68.211% and 70.368%.
Rounding out the scores for Canada 2 was Irving, and her horse Degas 12, a 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding, achieving scores of 66.60% in the Grand Prix and 69.431% in the Grand Prix Special.

“It’s been such an exciting competition,” said Dressage Canada’s Chef-in-Training Alison Martin. “Dr. Volker Moritz, the teams’ technical advisor, and I stopped counting the number of personal best scores. Everyone put in amazing performances. I couldn’t be happier with both teams’ results.”

Riders will now advance to the Intermediate I Freestyle and Grand Prix Freestyle to compete for individual medals.

For more information on the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, including full results from the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations’ Cup CDIO3*,

visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

 

Share