Silva Martin (left) accepts the Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award with her trainer Debbie McDonald (right) at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (February 16, 2015)- When watching Grand Prix rider Silva Martin in the show ring, it’s clear that she’s where she’s meant to be— but it’s also nothing short of a miracle that she’s able to be there. Nearly a year ago, Martin suffered from an unexpected accident with her horse. She suffered a seizure and bleeding in the brain after her horse tripped and she fell, and equestrians from all over the world feared it would be the end of Martin’s career. Now Martin is back in the show ring, and is an inspiration to everyone and a joy to watch compete. Draper Therapies— a company that offers effective health products for horses, canines, and humans— recognizes the upbeat attitude Martin has maintained even while working to overcome adversities.

After several months of rehabilitation, Martin is back in action and is happy as ever to be competing at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Recently, Martin’s positive attitude and amazing recovery earned her the Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award, which is given to competitors who demonstrate unbridled passion for the sport and who inspire others to enjoy it as much as they do. As recipient of the award, Martin was presented with a Draper Therapies saddle pad, polo wraps, socks, and a scented eye pillow.

When asked how Martin manages to always put her best foot forward, her answer was simple. “You’ve got to keep going,” she explained. “I have to say this was the hardest year for me ever. I know there are people who have a lot harder of lives than I do, but it was hard.” All the while, Martin never considered giving up on her dream of getting back on a horse. “I mean, what else do you do? I’m really only good at riding, so I’ve got to ride!” She joked.

Martin says she’s pleased with her performances so far aboard Aesthete, owned by Faye Woolf, and Rosa Cha W, owned by the Rosa Cha W syndicate. While she is looking forward to further improving her tests, Martin smiles and says, “today I was happy.”

Martin’s trainer, Olympian Debbie McDonald, shares in Martin’s enthusiasm. “I’m excited to have her back,” she said. “We were all a bit worried about her. She’s such an inspiration to everyone, putting her ‘best foot forward’. She certainly holds that record in my heart. I thought she rode beautifully today and, like she said, it’s the first time in a while— and the first CDI for Aesthete. I thought there were certainly some magnificent, world-class moments in that ride. It just needs to get cleaned up a little bit, but I think it’s top-notch.”

Martin will continue to put her best foot forward this season in Wellington, Florida as she works with McDonald to bring her horses through the ranks. Beyond that, Martin plans to just enjoy the ride — no matter where life takes her.

The team at Draper Therapies is excited to watch as Martin continues to progress and amaze everyone around her. And as Draper is a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, there will be plenty of opportunity to watch Martin in action.

When the Draper Therapies team isn’t busy rewarding inspirational riders like Martin, you can find them creating innovative products such as scientifically-backed therapeutic horse blankets, boots, wraps, and saddle pads as well as dog beds, mats, and a variety of clothing and human products.

Draper Therapies products are made with Celliant, which is a blend of minerals extruded into a polyester fiber. Celliant eases pain and poor health symptoms by improving the body’s natural systems and increasing blood flow to the affected areas.

To learn more about Draper Therapies, visit www.drapertherapies.com or call 781-828-0029.

Ulla Salzgeber and Herzruf’s Erbe won the seventh leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League at Neumünster, Germany today where host-nation riders filled the top three places. (FEI/Karl Heinz Freiler)

Neumünster (GER), 15 February 2015
Salzgeber leads German charge at Neumünster

by Louise Parkes

Ulla Salzgeber and Herzruf’s Erbe led another German whitewash at the seventh leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 series on home soil in Neumünster today. At Stuttgart (GER) last November, host country riders claimed the top four finishing spots led by Fabienne Lutkemeier and D’Agostino. Today however, 25-year-old Lutkemeier had to settle for runner-up spot behind the veteran Salzgeber who has made a great comeback with the horse with which she finished third at the Reem Acra Final in Leipzig (GER) four years ago.

Standing third in today’s line-up was Isabell Werth who was more than pleased with the improving performances of El Santo NRW, but it was a tough day at the office for Hans Peter Minderhoud from The Netherlands. A breakdown in the sound system meant he had to halt his performance while his musical score was restored to working order. However, last to go in the 15-strong line-up, he demonstrated his consummate professionalism by resuming from where he left off to finish a close fourth with Glock’s Flirt.

Battle for places

With only two further qualifying opportunities remaining, the battle for places at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in Las Vegas in April is in full swing. And for German riders the fight is even tougher because so many of them are well-placed to make the cut, but there is an entry limit of just three from each country.

As today’s competition evolved, Finland’s Terhi Stegars was the one to beat in the early stages, having posted a strong score of 77.600 with her popular stallion Axis TSF. This pair are always a big hit wherever they go, but they need points to be in with a chance of making it to the Final. Finishing 11th in yesterday’s Grand Prix things weren’t looking too optimistic, but they threw down a super performance today in front of a crowd who know them very well.

“I live now in Luxembourg, but it feels like coming home!” said 40-year-old Stegars who had no fears about competing in the intense atmosphere of the Neumünster ring.

“My Axis doesn’t mind it at all” she said. “I rode him here for the first time when he was three, that was 13 years ago, and his first show ever. I did my professional riders degree here, so people around here know me since I was young. I’ve been gone for a number of years, so it’s nice to come back and show what we have learned together!” she said.

Surpassed

It came down to the final five before her score was surpassed by yesterday’s Grand Prix winners, Lutkemeier and D’Agostino, who posted the first mark over 80 per cent, at the end of an elegant and balanced test that put 80.775 on the scoreboard. Fellow-countrywoman, Isabell Werth, followed with her usual flourish to slot in behind that with 79.850 with El Santo NRW and then Salzgeber set sail to raise the bar even higher.

Herzruf’s Erbe’s career has been interrupted more than once by injury, and he spent 11 months on field-rest before returning to the competition ring at the end of 2013. But this indoor season, the chestnut horse has rallied brilliantly, finishing third and then fourth at the Reem Acra qualifiers in Lyon (FRA) and Odense (DEN) last October before winning both the Grand Prix and Freestyle in Frankfurt (GER) in December. “After Frankfurt I was hoping we can win a bit more, and today I would have been very happy to just finish in the top three!Salzgeber said after posting 82.775 which would not be bettered.

There were still two to go however, and the penultimate partnership of Hoennerups Driver and Anna Kasprzak from Denmark made a big impression with a lovely test. His rider put the quality 11-year-old Danish-bred gelding through an uncomplicated floorplan that demonstrated lightness, calmness and natural rhythm along with some glorious extended trot suggesting huge future potential. Their score of 78.300 placed them fourth, but, they dropped one spot to fifth after Dutchman, Minderhoud, brought the competition to a close.

So consistent

Talking about her winning ride, Salzgeber said “his highlight is that he is so consistent, he’s not looking around, he is with me and that gives you control so you can ride every exercise like you want it”. She has decided however, that she will not campaign the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage circuit any further with Herzruf’s Erbe. “At this stage I’m in seventh place on the leaderboard but he is 16 years old now and, for the sake of his welfare, I think it’s best to stop the World Cup qualifiers to be fair to him. The European Championships will be our next target” Salzgeber explained.

Runner-up, Lutkemeier, said of her test today, “there was a little mistake in the flying change after extended canter but my horse was more settled than yesterday and really focused, so I am very pleased with him.”

Isabell Werth was delighted with her third place finish. “I’m really happy and really proud that the first three places went to Germany today, and I’m very happy that I got an improved score from Amsterdam!” she said. Talking about El Santo NRW she continued, “he had a long break of about five months from international competition so I’m really happy that we are on our way back and our scores are close to what they used to be. Today was a good experience, so we will go to Gothenburg now”.

Indeed Gothenburg in Sweden presents the penultimate qualifying opportunity for riders in the Western European League in two weeks’ time, as the pressure for one of the coveted places at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2015 Final nears boiling point.

For further information on the seventh leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 seres at Neumuenster, Germany visit http://reitturnier-neumuenster.de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, Email andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, Tel +49 4307 872 973.

The next leg of the series takes place at Gothenburg, Sweden on Saturday 28 February 2015. For information on the Swedish fixture check out website www.gothenburghorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Mayvor Thorin, Email mayvor-thorin@gotevent.se, Tel +46705 828420.

Result: 1, Herzruf’s Erbe (Ulla Salzgeber) GER 82.775 2, D’Agostino (Fabienne Lutkemeier) GER 80.775; 3, El Santo NRW (Isabell Werth) GER 79.850; 4, Glock’s Flirt (Hans Peter Minderhoud) NED 79.825; 5, Hoennerups Driver (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 78.300; 6, Axis TSF (Terhi Stegars) FIN 77.600; 7, Painted Black (Morgan Barbancon Mestre) ESP 77.075; 8, Di Lapponia T (Paulinda Friberg) SWE 76.600; 9, Girasol 7 (Nadine Capellman) GER 76.275; 10, Deveraux B (Carola Koppelmann) GER 76.125; 11, Uzzo (Patrick van der Meer) NED 75.400; 12, Fleetwood (Malin Hamilton) SWE 72.750; 13, Grosso’s Gentle (Ellen Schulten-Baumer) GER 72.350; 14, After You (Ludovic Henry) FRA 72.175; 15, Vancouver K (Judy Reynolds) IRL 71.575.

FEI 3* Judge Cesar Torrente (Photo courtesy of Cesar Torrente)

Bogota, Colombia (February 13, 2015)— In an effort to help the development of dressage in the Latin American Region, Cesar Torrente recently organized and conducted his second Latin American Webinar. This web-based seminar had participants from several countries including Chile, Puerto Rico, and Mexico and was created for judges, riders, trainers and any other individuals interested in the sport.

Torrente wants to share with Latin American countries the knowledge that he acquired in Europe and the United States in preparation of becoming an FEI Judge. In sharing this knowledge, he hopes to close the existing gap between Latin American dressage riders and those in North America and Europe. “We are still doing our Regional Championships at the Junior Level, but the Pan Am Games will be at the Prix St George Level and soon at the Grand Prix Level,” says Torrente. “This requires not only better horses, but also education and correct training. Therefore, it is necessary that everybody interested in the sport understands the importance of the basics and that we all work towards higher levels of training in our region.”

In this webinar, in addition to the Training Scale, Torrente commented about the figures, the movements on two tracks, and the freestyles. He also showed videos from outstanding 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old horses in the World Championships in Verden, in order to share with the audience the exceptional quality of young horses in Europe.

The core of the presentation was Stephen Clarke´s videos “How to Judge a Test”, that were translated into Spanish by Torrente, in order to share the expertise of one of the best judges of the world. This segment also allowed some discussions among the participants that enlightened the webinar. Additionally,

Torrente was very grateful for the support of the Colombian Equestrian Federation and Chilean FEI Judge Max Piraino who helped to promote the course. “We hope that we can do this webinar at least twice a year and that each time we have more participants from all different Spanish speaking countries,” said Torrente, clearly thrilled with the outcome of the web-based seminar.

This time, the webinar also had welcoming remarks from Peruvian FEI Judge Marian Cunningham that were very charismatic and impressed the audience. “Marian was able to record her remarks from her home in the USA and this shows how versatile this technology can be,” commented Torrente. He also hopes to have, for the next webinar, a 5* Judge from Europe or North America commenting live, as the possibilities are endless with this technology.

Torrente says that webinars are the most cost-effective method of communicating to mass audiences in the business world and its advantages should now be used to further the education of our dressage judges worldwide. It is no secret that the participation of judges, trainers and riders in seminars and clinics is expensive and frequently many of them cannot afford to attend such events due to the cost of airfare and hotels.

Torrente believes this is a first step to open up dressage education worldwide and hopes that this idea may enhance all continuous dressage educational programs around the world.

A native of Colombia, Cesar Torrente is an international dressage judge and an FEI level dressage competitor. He is the first judge to be promoted through the 2013 FEI 3* program. Cesar has had the honor of standing on medal podium to receive the team gold medal two times in the South American Games and the Central American Games.

A corporate lawyer by profession, he travels the globe to judge worldwide, while maintaining the precarious balance between his career and his passion for horses. He’s known in the dressage world as a “rider’s judge,” because he knows what it’s like to be in the judge’s box as well as competing in the arena. He has great compassion for riders and always makes an effort to provide value comments to help them improve their scores and enjoy their journey in the world of competitive dressage.

Wellington, FL – February 12, 2015 – The hottest social event of the winter polo season is less than two months away! VIP tables, tailgate spots, and general admission tickets are selling out just as quickly as Gay Polo Week is approaching!

Don’t wait until the last minute to guarantee your admission the 6th Annual Gay Polo Tournament held at International Polo Club Palm Beach-Isla Carroll Fields on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Tickets are now available online at gaypolo.com.

Photo: Meg McGuire

Each tailgate ticket will include six general admission tickets, a 10×10 tent and one designated parking spot with the invitation to decorate your tailgate however you please – get creative! Tailgate spots are $375.

The table in the VIP tent on tournament day is positioned on the mid-field line. The VIP tent is the perfect alternative to a tailgate. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet, buffet-style lunch by the always delicious, International Polo Club Catering. VIP attendees will also enjoy table-side service, open bar and VIP parking. A table under the VIP Tent on tournament day is $1200 and includes seating for six.

VIP Individual Ticket – $225
With your VIP ticket, enjoy a plethora of gourmet, buffet-style food by the exquisite, International Polo Club Catering, an open bar and VIP parking.

Sunday Brunch – $125 per individual
Watch the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship® while enjoying a glamorous brunch

General Admission Ticket – $25 per individual

VIP Parking – $25 per vehicle
General Parking – $10 per vehicle

Photo: Meg McGuire

About the Gay Polo League:

GPL is a community that shares a love for adventure, fun and the challenging sport of polo. GPL is committed to providing members with an enjoyable, supportive and competitive experience. GPL represents a wide range of ages, backgrounds and skill levels. GPL trains and competes in mainstream matches and events while sharing enthusiasm for the sport, to change perceptions about our community.

For more information about GPL, visit www.gaypolo.com.

The 6th Annual International Gay Polo Week Fast Facts:

When & Where:
Thursday, April 9:
Exclusive private VIP Party

Friday, April 10:
GPL Polotini Party, Poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach

Saturday, April 11:
Finals of the International Gay Polo Tournament at International Polo Club Palm Beach-Isla Carroll East Field and tailgating competition.

Sunday, April 12:
Polo Brunch, Poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach

Tickets:
VIP Tables: $1,200 includes seating for six center field, open bar, gourmet food and tableside service throughout the matches.

Individual VIP Tickets: $225

Tailgate Price: $375, includes tent, six tickets and one field-side parking place

VIP Parking: $25

General Admission: $25 (parking additional)

General Admission Parking: $10

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group International
12102 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 753-3389 phone
(561) 753-3386 fax
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro

Chooses the World’s Largest International Equine Welfare Organization for First Official Charity Partnership

Lexington, KY -February 13, 2015- Double Olympic Gold Medallist and international Dressage superstar Charlotte Dujardin today announced her first official charity partnership. She has become Global Ambassador for equine welfare charity the Brooke and its American branch, Brooke USA in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Brooke, whose President is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, operates in 11 countries around the world helping to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules that support the livelihoods of more than 600 million people globally.

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro
Charlotte, named The Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year in 2014, shared the news with her supporters on social media today:

“Today, I officially become Global Ambassador for the Brooke – an incredible charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the world’s poorest communities. I’m very proud to be associated with a cause that is committed to making a real difference to the lives of animals that are less fortunate than those we have here…. I look forward to sharing more with you soon,” said Charlotte.

Petra Ingram, the Brooke’s Chief Executive, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Charlotte into the Brooke family as our new Global Ambassador. We were so impressed with Charlotte’s enthusiasm for the Brooke and her willingness to help, despite how busy she is. Hopefully together we can raise awareness of the issues these working animals face every day of their difficult lives. We are so grateful to Charlotte for giving up her time to this very worthy cause”.The Brooke began operations in Egypt 80 years ago when its founder, Dorothy Brooke, rescued 5,000 former war horses left behind after the First World War. Last year alone the Brooke reached approximately 1.5 million working equines in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, benefitting several million of the world’s poorest people who depend on them.

www.BrookeUSA.org

Media contacts in the UK:
Tatjana Trposka (The Brooke): Tatjana@thebrooke.org / 07780 689891
Abby Newell (Piaffe): abby@piaffe.co.uk / 07850 542 877

Media contact in the US:
Cindy Rullman (Brooke USA): Cindy.Rullman@BrookeUSA.org / 859-296-0037

The Brooke

The Brooke is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules. The Brooke believes that animal suffering is preventable and that good animal welfare protects human livelihoods. 100 million working equines are the engines that power the developing world, doing the hardest jobs under the toughest conditions to support the livelihoods of 600 million people. That’s 9% of the world’s population. The Brooke works together with local communities to bring about lasting improvements to the lives of their working animals. With 80 years of experience from 11 different countries, the Brooke reaches more working equines than any other organisation. Last year the Brooke reached over 1.5 million working horses, donkeys and mules, and is on target to reach two million working equines each year by 2016.

Brooke USA

Brooke USA, a 501(c)(3) charity located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington,
Kentucky, exists solely to support the overseas work of the Brooke.

Brief History of the Brooke:

On arrival in Egypt in 1930, Dorothy Brooke, the wife of a British cavalry officer, sought out emaciated horses that were used as beasts of burden on the streets of Cairo. These walking skeletons were once gallant war horses serving Britain, Australia and America in the First World War. When the conflict ended in 1918, they were sold into a life of hard labour in Egypt. Her pleas in a letter-to-editor were heard, and with help from the British public, Dorothy raised enough money to buy back 5,000 of the surviving horses. She then went on to set up a free veterinary clinic in Cairo in 1934 – the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital – and the beginning of the Brooke as we now know it.

PhelpsMediaGroup.com
Media Contact:
Susie Webb
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386

The Online Auction to Benefit TDF’s Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund ends Friday, February 13th at midnight (Eastern).

Visit the AUCTION WEBSITE

Available items include:

Stallion breedings to Olivier and Deklan

Lessons with incredible instructors

Official Olympic apparel from Robert Dover

Tack and Equipment

One day of judging for your show
and so much more!

These fabulous items could be yours, or would make a perfect
Valentine’s Day gift for the dressage-lover in your life…and you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time!

Bidding opens at midnight on Friday, February 6th and closes at midnight (Eastern) on Friday, February 13th.

About TDF’s Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund

Established by Renee Isler in 2008, this Fund was originally created to help applicants to the “USDF Junior/Young Rider Clinic Series,” who were in need of financial assistance in order to attend. Renee’s Fund has authorized up to nine annual grants of up to $800 each, one for each Clinic held.

While the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund continues to meet this need, it has also grown in scope and funding available. Funding is available for a variety of uses for young riders and professionals who are dedicated to furthering their dressage education and helping others along the way. To-date, over $40,000 has been awarded to dressage riders. Renee’s Fund is making a big impact on our sport!

For More Information

If you have questions or would like more information about The Dressage Foundation or the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund, please visit our website, www.dressagefoundation.org, or contact Jenny Johnson at (402) 434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.

International dressage rider Laura Graves (left) and Chase Hickok of Neue Schule (right) with a Neue Schule bridle and bit

Wellington, FL (February 11, 2015)– When successful international dressage competitor Laura Graves put a Neue Schule bit into her horse’s mouth, everything clicked into place. “Changing to Neue Schule bits was a changing point in my training,” she shares. Graves first learned of Neue Schule bits from her coach, Olympian Debbie McDonald. McDonald pointed out Graves’s horse’s comfort at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “Debbie made a comment that my horse may not be comfortable in his mouth, and I should try Neue Schule bits. Within days, a box of bits arrived at my farm. I was to try them all and simply send back the ones I didn’t need,” explains Graves. The equestrian noted that improvements in her performances were immediate with the new bits.

Neue Schule’s mission is to produce bits that improve communication between the horse and the rider while providing ultimate comfort to the equine. Now officially a Neue Schule Ambassador, Graves uses Neue Schule bits on all of her horses. “When a new horse arrives, the bits are one of the first things we address,” said Graves, “At this point, every one of my horses goes in Neue Schule.” Neue Schule offers a range of bit models such as Fixed Cheek, Fixed Lever, Loose Lever, Loose Ring, Pelham, and Weymouth. With a wide selection of fits and styles, Graves is able to find a bit for each of her horse’s individual needs. “They don’t just make one basic loose ring snaffle or curb bits with different ports,” she says. “There are many variations and options so the fit is just right. The difference in these bits is that they are so well engineered and effective that everyone— Adult Amateurs, Young Riders, and professionals— can feel the difference.”

“The first thing I loved about Neue Schule bits is the Salox Gold,” said Graves, “Every horse loves it.” Neue Schule bits use the patented metal Salox Gold because it is a soft, warm metal that matches the atmosphere within the horse’s mouth, making its presence less intrusive and providing comfort to the equine. Because the metal adapts its temperature extremely quickly to the inside of the horse’s mouth, distractions are limited and the horse can focus more fully on communication with the rider.

Graves has been celebrating many recent successes in the show ring while using her Neue Schule bits. She and the twelve-year-old KWPN gelding Verdades placed fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2014 Alltech World Equestrian Games with an outstanding score of 82.036 percent. “Prior to that we had a top 10 finish at Aachen, and a reserve championship at the Festival of Champions,” said Graves. With the 2015 year beginning to unfold, Graves has many exciting plans. “This year our focus is on the Pan American Games in Toronto,” she said. Graves is also hoping to make a trip to Las Vegas for the Longines FEI World Cup Finals. “If it works logistically, it would be an amazing experience!”

For more information about Neule Schule and the North America distributer of Neue Schule bits— Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery—visit www.NeueSchuleBitsUS.com or call 631-252-5574.

International dressage rider Laura Graves (left) and Chase Hickok of Neue Schule (right) with a Neue Schule bridle and bit