Wellington, FL – January 21, 2015 – Two acts of very different types rose to the top Tuesday night at The Grille Fashion Cuisine during auditions for American Equestrians Got Talent. Singer Teaghan James and breakdancer Roberto Gallardo were neck-and-neck throughout the competition, and it took two rounds of performances and a tiebreak by the judges to determine James as the winner.

Six contestants – James and Gallardo as well as ballroom dancers Heidi Degele and Eric Ocando and singers Nicky Greed, Jackie Boudria and Taylor Hughes – came out to compete for the $500 PSdressage.com-sponsored prize and a spot in the March 15 final. A $5,000 grand prize sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams, is up for grabs at the final.

This was the third of nine opportunities to audition, and each week thus far has featured a greater variety of performers and a larger crowd of spectators. Ayden Uhlir and Ki-Juan Minors, who have already secured their places in the final, returned to kick off the evening with new songs before turning over the stage to the contestants.

Teaghan James won the third round of AEGT auditions

The judges this week were Debbie McDonald, Olympic medalist and World Cup Final champion; Margaret Duprey, whose Cherry Knoll Farm owns top show jumpers, dressage horses and para-equestrian horses as well as Angus cattle; and Chip McKenney, CEO of Phelps Media Group and founder of the Gay Polo League.

Each singer put in a strong performance, and James’ rendition of (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman brought the judges and the crowd to their feet.

Judges and spectators then headed outside to a larger stage set up for the dancers. Dressage trainer Degele showed off her ballroom skills with Ocando, who owns Dance All Night in Wellington. Finally, Gallardo took the stage and wowed the crowd with his incredible breakdancing moves.

James, Gallardo and Greed were the crowd’s top choices and returned to battle it out for the win. Greed’s self-produced reggae songs were a hit, but James’ performance of “Lady Marmalade” and Gallardo’s breakdancing skills earned the most applause.

“You are phenomenal,” McKenney told James. “You need to do a duet with Ki-Juan and rock the house!”

Roberto Gallardo

The audience showed so much support for both James and Gallardo that it was impossible to determine which competitor was the crowd’s choice. The judges were called on to break the tie and settled on James as the winner, admitting it was a tough decision to make and hoping Gallardo would still have the chance to move on to the final.

“You’ve got to promise us you’ll be back!” McDonald said to Gallardo.

Nicky Greed

James competed in Equestrian Idol several years ago and has sung at polo games as well as at the Winter Equestrian Festival. She was representing the sport of show jumping and said that Minors, last week’s winner, had encouraged her to audition.

“I have been friends with Ki for a long time, and he is my makeshift vocal coach,” James said. “We sing together and collaborate a bit. We have been in a couple of super amateur cover bands together. Last week, I came to watch Ki. He was just killing it, and he said, “You’re in this!’”

A groom and exercise rider for Tiffany Foster, James hones her vocal talents by singing to the horses.

“I love to play with horses, and this is something fun to do on the side,” she said. “I sing all day at the farm, so the whole crowd from my farm was here, and they were so supportive.”

Auditions return to Wednesdays every week through March 4. Sign up to audition by contacting Robert Dover (rdover2@aol.com).

Several sponsors, led by Robert Ross, Kim and Fred Boyer, Equestrian Sport Productions,Tuny and David Page, and PSdressage.com, are supporting this exciting event. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Sara Ike (908-234-1251 or sara.ike@uset.org.) or Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com).

American Equestrians Got Talent Fast Facts

Spearheaded by U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover, American Equestrians Got Talent is the third annual East Coast fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Dressage programs through the USET Foundation.

Contestants audition to earn their place in the season finale. Celebrity judges will be on hand at each audition to critique the performances, and the audience’s applause will determine who moves forward to the finale and who goes back to the barn.

Judges Debbie McDonald, Chip McKenney, and Margaret Duprey

Auditions

When: Every Wednesday evening from Jan. 7 through March 4, 2015. The Jan. 21 audition was moved to Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Where: The Grille Fashion Cuisine, 12300 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, Florida

Prize: PSdressage.com is sponsoring prizes of $500 to be awarded to the top performer at each audition.

Participants: Auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and others involved in any discipline from dressage and hunter/jumpers to polo and Western. Please sign up in advance by contacting Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com). Walk-ins accepted if space is available.

Season Finale

When: March 15, 2015

Where: The Stadium at PBIEC (Global Dressage Festival show grounds), 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, Florida

Prize: The winner, who will be named America’s Most Talented Equestrian, will receive a grand prize of $5,000 sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams.

Contacts
Sponsorship:
Sara Ike (908-234-1251 or
sara.ike@uset.org) or Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com)

Media:
Phelps Media Group

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge (561-753-3389 or mab@phelpsmediagroup.com)

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – January 21, 2015 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is set to host the largest week in competition history as Week 3 of CDI competition runs January 22-25 at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The FEI Grand Prix class sponsored by the U.S. P.R.E. Association, is the highlight of Thursday’s competition, followed by the largest FEI Prix St. Georges class AGDF has hosted in its four years, sponsored by Chesapeake Dressage Institute. With a 61% increase in international rider combinations and a 12% increase in national competition entries from AGDF 1, AGDF 3 will be the largest week of competition ever at AGDF.

Due to the large number of entries received for AGDF 3, the FEI Prix St. Georges class will run over two days, January 22 and 23, with the top 30 competitors moving forward to the FEI Intermediaire 1 class, also sponsored by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, to be held on Saturday January 24. A similar format will be used for the large FEI Grand Prix class, with 15 entries moving forward to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle and 15 pairs earning spots in the FEI Grand Prix Special, both classes sponsored by U.S. P.R.E. Association. The “Friday Night Stars” Freestyle class will begin at 6:45pm on Friday, January 23, to accommodate the increased number of competitors.

Paula Matute

“This is the largest CDI competition that we have had in the four-year history of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, management company of the AGDF. “We are thrilled to see the immense support that this circuit has received from dressage riders, owners, trainers, and fans, and we will work to keep providing an incredible experience for them here at PBIEC.”

With more than 200 entries received for AGDF 3, the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is on pace to have its biggest year yet. Equestrian Sport Productions and the team behind AGDF are proud to continue expanding this incredible event and hope to see its growth, both national and international, continue in the coming weeks of the circuit.

As the AGDF season continues to push forward, AGDF 5, on February 5-8, is also expected to break previous show records, as the venue will play host to both a CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms, a CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty (both Large Tours), as well as a Small Tour CDI 1* sponsored by Mission Control. Numerous other FEI and National classes will be offered during AGDF 5 competition, continuing to strengthen the schedule of the circuit and attract the most talented riders in the world.

The Large Tour CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms, which includes FEI Grand Prix, FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, and FEI Grand Prix Special classes, is now the richest CDI 5* in the world with more than $200,000 being awarded to competitors in those three classes alone. Other international competitions, such as Doha CDI 5* and Aachen CDI 5*, also offer substantial prize money for competitors and athletes, but the CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms at AGDF will now top both in terms of available prize money.

“We are excited with the way AGDF has continued to grow each season and are only expecting that growth to continue,” stated Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. “The prize money we now offer in the CDI 5* is something that we are proud to present. The size and stature of this competition only continues to increase each year, and it offers a special opportunity for riders, owners, and trainers, whether national or international, to feel rewarded for their hard work and dedication to this sport.”

For more information, ride times, and schedule, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Photos copyright Elena Lusenti

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Fairfield, CT (January 21, 2015) America’s longest standing partnership between college riding and reining continues in 2015 as the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Western Semi Finals again welcome the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) as official sponsor. The 2015 IHSA Western Semi Finals, sponsored by NRHA, will be hosted March 21-22 by Florida State University and held at The Grand Oaks in Lady Lake (judges Stephanie Lynn and Lynn Palm); hosted by Ohio State University and held at Eden Park Equestrian Center in Sunbury (judges Allen Mitchels, Kim Myers); and hosted by Redlands Community College at Redlands Royse Ranch in El Reno, Oklahoma, under judges Jeff Hill and Debbie Kail. IHSA Regions will send their Regional Champion Western team, plus top two individuals in each division, to one of the three National Semi Final sites. IHSA Alumni competitors will be distributed between Florida and Ohio Semi Finals.

IHSA Western Semi Finals sponsored by NRHA are a qualifying step to the 42nd annual IHSA National Championships April 30-May 3 at the Eastern States Expo, West Springfield, MA.

Qualifying for IHSA Western Semi Finals sponsored by NRHA

Each Region sends its top two individuals from each class, including Alumni, and Regional Champion team, for approximately 16 riders per Individual class and eight riders per Team class at Semis. Regional High Point Riders go directly to Nationals and do not compete at Semis. Semi Finals are held over two days, with two qualifying judges both days. All riders in each class ride a pattern on their rail horse after the rail portion of their class is completed and judges may ask for additional testing, including changing horses, after patterns are run.

After IHSA Western Semi Finals sponsored by NRHA, the top four Individuals and top three Teams advance, for a maximum of 12 riders per Individual class and nine per Team class at IHSA Nationals (High Point Rider class excepted).

The IHSA National Horse Show, America’s oldest and largest competition of its kind, will host more than 450 riders and 25 teams. In addition to four days of hunter seat, western and reining competition for USEF Cacchione Cup, Collegiate Cup, NRHA Open, and AQHA High Point titles, there is a tented Vendors Row, College Presidents Day, Kentucky Derby Day and Salute to Graduates. Johnson and Wales University (RI) coach, Dirk Fogg, joins Connecticut College/U.S. Coast Guard Academy coach, Richard Luckhardt, as organizers for the first collegiate equestrian national championships in Massachusetts since 2007.

IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional and national levels, based on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. Learn more about its teams and scholarships at www.ihsainc.com.

Contact LA Pomeroy
PomeroyLA@aol.com
(413) 586-6121
IHSAinc.com

Road to the Horse judges are selected from every facet of the equine industry. Combined they create the ultimate judging panel to determine who will win the title, prestige and honor of being named the Road to the Horse 2015 World Champion at the biggest and richest Colt Starting Competition in history.

The Road to the Horse judges include Jack Brainard, Dr. Jim Heird, Mike Kevil , Cody Lambert and Sam Rose. Joining this elite team of judges will be Dr. Glenn Blodgett (6666 Ranch) and a Nutrena Nutrition Expert, who will both assist in the Body Condition judging portion of the Ram Trucks 2015 Wild Card Competition. Assisting the judges at Road to the Horse 2015 will be Judges Steward, Stormy Mullins.

Jack Brainard: Trainer, Breeder, Judge, Leader, Teacher, Author, Mentor and Friend are all accurate labels of Jack Brainard of Tioga, Texas, long known for his contributions to the equine industry and his lifelong commitment to horses and the people who enjoy them. Jack Brainard has bred and trained horses for over 53 years and judged for a variety of national horse associations for over 40 years.

Dr. Jim Heird: Dr. Jim Heird is Executive Professor and Coordinator of the Equine Initiative and holder of the Glenn Blodgett Equine Chair at Texas A&M University. Dr. Heird has an international reputation in the field of equine sciences. He has lectured on numerous topics both nationally and internationally. He has been a successful judging team coach, teacher, researcher and extension specialist.

Mike Kevil: Mike is the noted author of “Starting Colts, a Western Horseman Book” and its DVD counterparts, “Starting Colts” volumes one and two available through Western Horseman. For 40 years Mike has developed his own training practices that include patience, consistency and understanding the horse. Mike is a master of the art of horses.

Cody Lambert: Cody Lambert, a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and 9 time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding and saddle bronc riding, Cody has a long and storied history in the world of horses. Cody is the Livestock Director for the Professional Bull Riders and served as Vice President of the PBR Board of Directors.

Sam Rose: Sam is a veteran horse trainer, competitor and judge. Sam resides in Pilot Point, Texas with wife Pam and daughter Kristen. Sam has judged the NCHA World Show, Super Stakes, Derby and Futurity. Sam has also judged the NRCHA Futurity, World Show, Derby and Stakes, along with all of the AQHA World Shows. Not only is Sam an accomplished judge, he has shown and trained multiple AQHA World Champions and Honor Roll Horses. Sam is a National AQHA Board of Director and Chairman of the AQHA Judges Committee.

Road to the Horse 2015 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on March 26 – 29, 2015. Road to the Horse 2015 tickets are now available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.
Follow the journey of the 2015 Wild Cards and competitors on Road to the Horse Facebook.

###

About Road to the Horse (March 26-29, 2015 – Lexington, Kentucky):
A competition untouched by others, Road to the Horse dares elite horse trainers to create a trusting partnership with an untouched 3-year-old American Quarter Horse. The test begins with the selection, choosing a horse from the Remuda from the 6666 Ranch; competitors have just three days to build a working relationship. With disruptive sounds, exhilarating sights and adrenaline-pumping time constraints each competitor must face the final trial, an obstacle course. Only one can walk away with the World Championship of Colt Starting title.

Road to the Horse 2015 is grateful for the support of corporate partners such as Western Horseman, Platinum Performance, 6666 Ranch, Cinch, W-W Livestock Systems, Martin Saddlery, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Mounted Shooters of America, Red Brush Trailers, CSI Saddle Pads, Gist Silversmiths, Twisted X Boots, ABI Equine, Barrel Horse News, Quarter Horse News, Brooks Mayberry Equine Insurance, Horse Radio Network, Suncoast Shavings, PFHA, East Fork Stables, Western Horse Company, Theraplate, Speedys T’s, Nutrena, Western Horse & Gun Magazine, EspanaSILK Grooming Products, ThinLine, US Rider, Spalding Fly Predators, Pioneer Trail Reserve, Saddle Up Magazine and RevitaVet Therapy Systems, along with many more valued industry products and services. Contact Tammy Sronce to discuss sponsorship opportunities available in 2015 at tammy@roadtothehorse.com or call 940-859-6512 for details

Michael Poulin and Graf George (Photo Credit:Gwen Poulin)

North Carolina has been awarded a free clinic from Michael Poulin for having raised the most new donations for The Dressage Foundation (TDF) in 2014. The fundraising efforts from grant recipients, State Representatives, leaders of North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association, and other dressage enthusiasts in North Carolina helped the state secure the lead to win the clinic.

Olympian Michael Poulin, Vice Chairman of The Dressage Foundation’s Board of Directors, generously donated a 2-day clinic, voiding his teaching expenses, to the state of North Carolina. “I have been involved with The Dressage Foundation for many years,” said Michael Poulin, “and I wanted to support and encourage all the donors who have made our work possible. I look forward to working with the riders from the winning state!”

Poulin has reached the highest levels of dressage in each facet of the sport – as a competitor, instructor, trainer, and judge. He is a member of the Bronze Medal winning United States Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and boasts multiple national and international championships, as well as being an FEI “I” rated judge. He was instrumental in the founding of the USDF Instructor Certification Program and, through TDF, originated the “Advanced Young Rider International Dream Program.” In addition to serving on TDF’s Board of Directors, Michael has also been a long-time member of the Board of Directors and Dressage Committee of the USEF. Michael heads the Poulin School of Dressage at the Dressage Center, Inc. in DeLeon Springs, FL and also trains and teaches out of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME.

As a thank you for the fundraising efforts of those in other states, each USDF Group Member Organization, dressage club, or TDF State Representative who participated in fundraising for TDF during 2014 will receive a new, released in 2014, educational dressage DVD.

The Dressage Foundation 1314 O St. Suite 305 Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone (402) 434-8585 Fax (402) 436-3053 E-mail info@dressagefoundation.org

HORSE SPORT
BY: EQUESTRIAN SPORT PRODUCTIONS

Ian Millar and Dixson won the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2*. Photo by Sportfot

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded its second week of competition on Sunday with a win for Ireland’s Conor Swail and Martha Louise, owned by Canadians Susan and Ariel Grange, in the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

Following a successful year with several wins at Spruce Meadows, Martha Louise had a long break and came back fresh and in top form last week after not jumping since September. Martha Louise is known for her speed and put it to the test with an excellent round on Sunday.

“We started her off last week, and she jumped very well,” Swail said after the class. “She probably should have been second in the grand prix last week, but I made a little mistake on her. Then she jumped a good first half of the WEF (Challenge Cup) on Thursday. It was a little bit disappointing in the second half of it, but then you go away and you think about what could be better. I think I rode her a little better and gave her a little more confidence and today she was totally amazing. I thought she was great.”

Swail was especially happy to earn the win on Sunday to cap off an excellent week for owners Susan and Ariel Grange. Their horse, Dixson, was second in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday and stepped up to win Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* with Canada’s Ian Millar.

Millar and Dixson topped a five-horse jump-off in the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, by two one-hundredths of a second over Brianne Goutal (US) and Remarkable Farms LP’s Zernike K.

Millar explained that Dixson never missed a beat coming back into competition after a short rest at the end of the season. “He had been off since the third week of September, and I didn’t start him until December again because he lives with Mrs. Grange,” Millar noted. “He had a nice break and when I got going with him, his conditioning came right back because they use a treadmill with him. Even though he’s let down, his fitness is taken care of.”

The pair was second in Thursday’s $30,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round II, to fellow Canadian Eric Lamaze, aboard Rosana du Park. Lamaze and Rosana du Park finished in 39.78 seconds, which Millar and Dixson had a time of 40.75 seconds.

On Friday, Lamaze scored another win aboard Artisan Farms LLC’s Fine Lady 5 over teammate Tiffany Foster and Artisan Farms’ Melody des Hayettes Z, in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge.

Things got off to a great start for Lamaze at WEF with a win in the very first class of the WEF circuit, an $8,000 1.45m speed competition, with Check Picobello Z, followed by the back-to-back WEF Challenge Cup classes in weeks one and two aboard Rosana du Park.

Following the speed challenge, Lamaze praised Fine Lady 5. “She felt great today. She [will compete in] the WEF [Challenge Cup] and the grand prix [next week], and I am away on Wednesday, so this was her last class before I put her in the WEF. Normally in a show, I would always do a speed class the first day and then a big class, so this was kind of her speed class prior to that. Normally I wouldn’t necessarily run her in a class like this, but because I am missing Wednesday, I thought this would be a good opportunity for her. She likes going fast, and it is good for her to go fast before jumping a bigger class.”

Results

$34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper
1. MARTHA LOUISE: 2004 Swedish Warmblood mare by Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang
CONOR SWAIL (IRL), Ariel and Susan Grange: 0/0/37.23
2. WIRMA: 2003 KWPN mare by Hors La Loi III x Lux
BRIANNE GOUTAL (USA), Remarkable Farms LP: 0/0/38.49
3. EVERYTHING: 2004 BWP gelding by Toulon x Mast vd Vrombautshoeve
KELSEY THATCHER (USA), Pony Lane Farm: 0/0/39.26
4. COCO BONGO: 2005 Rheinlander stallion by Caretino x Calido
ERIC LAMAZE (CAN), Artisan Farms LLC: 0/0/39.47
5. ZZ TOP VH SCHAARBROEK Z: 2001 Zangersheide gelding by Zandor Z x Latus IEMANUEL ANDRADE (VEN), Emanuel Andrade: 0/4/39.15
6. MARK Q: 2002 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Obos Quality 004 x Positively
KEVIN BABINGTON (IRL), Kevin Babington: 0/4/41.45
7. HERACROSS: 2000 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ramiro B x Clover Hill
PARIS SELLON (USA) Paris Sellon: 4/76.31
8. ESPRIT: 2004 BWP gelding by Querlybet Hero x Nabab de Reve
SLOANE COLES (USA), The Springledge Group: 4/76.35
9. WINN WINN: 2003 AES mare by Chin Chin x Wagenaar
ANDREW RAMSAY (USA), Andrew Ramsay: 4/76.76
10. ECKHAM VAN HET STEENTJE: 2004 BWP gelding by Berlin x Kannan
MARGIE ENGLE (USA), Elm Rock LLC: 4/77.33
11. WINTER: 2001 Warmblood gelding by Unknown
DENISE WILSON (USA), Blue Gate Farm LLC: 4/77.48
12. CHECK PICOBELLO Z: 2006 Zangersheide gelding by Cardento x Orlando
ERIC LAMAZE (CAN), Artisan Farms LLC & Torrey Pines Stable: 4/78.60

$50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2*

1. DIXSON: 2003 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Vigo d’Arsouilles x Olisco
IAN MILLAR (CAN), Ariel and Susan Grange: 0/0/40.10
2. ZERNIKE K: 2004 KWPN gelding by Sam R 60 x H Topas
BRIANNE GOUTAL (USA), Remarkable Farms LP: 0/0/40.12
3. QUIDAM’S CHERIE: 2005 Oldenburg mare by Quidam’s Rubin x Lifestyle
CIAN O’CONNOR (IRL), Adena Springs: 0/0/40.27
4. DAKOTA: 2003 Belgian Warmblood mare by Calvados Ex Sable Rose x Cash
PAIGE JOHNSON (USA), Salamander Farm: 0/0/40.99
5. VEYRON: 2006 Oldenburg stallion by Conterno Grande x Heartbreaker
LJUBOV KOCHETOVA (RUS), Ljubov Kochetova: 0/42.40
6. ATLANTA 541: 2005 KWPN mare by For Pleasure x Libero H
MEREDITH MICHAELS-BEERBAUM (GER), Michaels & Beerbaum gmbH: 1/77.37
7. WAOMI: 2003 KWPN mare by Lupicor x Boreas
KENT FARRINGTON (USA), Amalaya Investments: 4/71.45
8. ROSANA DU PARK: 2005 Selle Francais mare by Kannan
ERIC LAMAZE (CAN), Artisan Farms LLC: 4/72.23
9. CONTIKI: 2006 Swedish Warmblood gelding by Contendro x Calido I
NICHOLAS DELLO JOIO (USA), Coker Farm Inc: 4/72.71
10. BIG SMILE: 2006 Westphalian mare by Cartano x Hors de La Loi II
CARLY ANTHONY (USA), Artisan Farms LLC: 4/73.16
11. PALOUBET: 2001 Selle Francais gelding by Baloubet Du Rouet x Voltaire
WILTON PORTER (USA), Sleepy P Ranch LLC: 4/73.34
12. NAVALO DE POHETON: 2001 Selle Francais gelding by Cumano x Double Espoir
SCHUYLER RILEY (USA), Wolfstone Stables: 4/74.36

$6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge

1 122 FINE LADY 5 ERIC LAMAZE ARTISAN FARMS LLC: 0/62.646
2 108 MELODY DES HAYETTES Z TIFFANY FOSTER ARTISAN FARMS LLC: 0/64.868
3 3898 NOKIA DE BREKKA EMANUEL ANDRADE EMANUEL ANDRADE: 0/66.364
4 813 TWAN JULIE WELLES MISSY CLARK & STEPHEX STABLES: 0/66.717
5 1492 CICOMEIN VDL DARRAGH KENNY EVA CASTEGREN: 0/67.880
6 88 CARINA RICHIE MOLONEY EQUINIMITY LLC: 0/70.554
7 2930 SHOOTING STAR LAURA CHAPOT MARY CHAPOT: 0/72.130
8 5261 SOMBRERO BRIMBEL LES KEEAN WHITE ANGELSTONE PARTNERS: 0/72.769
9 545 Q ROYAL PALM Z RODRIGO PESSOA STEPHEX STABLES: 0/72.793
10 2116 WELCOME COR WILHELM GENN ANN ANASTASIO: 0/75.710
11 5538 COMANCHE 28 MEREDITH MICHAELS-BEERBAUM ARTEMIS EQUESTRIAN FARM LLC: 0/75.838
12 3180 ROSEAU DE SAIRE AIDAN KILLEEN S WEBER LLC: 0/76.538

From PBEIC!

In this weekly newsletter, you’ll find a variety of information, horse show updates, competition wrap-ups, sponsor offers, and more!

The third week of WEF runs January 21-25 and is sponsored by Adequan®. The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that conclude on March 29, 2015, and awards more than $8 million in prize money through the circuit.

Ride & Learn, presented by Palm Beach Riding Academy – WEF 3

The 2015 Ride & Learn Series will take place each Tuesday during WEF. Each week will feature a mounted riding clinic instructed by highly esteemed industry professionals and will be held in various venues and arenas in the PBIEC. During WEF 3 on January 20, Bill Schaub will present the “Road to Pony Finals.” Bill Schaub is closely associated with some of the top ponies, hunters, juniors, and amateurs in recent history. He has been a professional for almost thirty years and has proven that the most important qualities of a rider are dedication, a positive attitude, and a true love of horses. His clients and their mounts have won at the top shows in the country. Participation is $100.00 per horse/rider per clinic, maximum 12 riders. Auditing is Free. Every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00pm. For more information please contact Sean Jones, General Manager, Palm Beach Riding Academy (561) 784-4275 or sean@equestriansport.com.

Lunch & Learn

The 2015 Lunch & Learn weekly educational series will take place each Thursday during WEF from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Wellington Club at PBIEC. During WEF 3 on Thursday, January 22, Wendy Vaala, VMD, dipACVIM, will present on the Equine Influenza and Herpes Viruses: Current information about clinical signs, detection, prevention and recovery, sponsored by Merck Animal Health Equine. Admission is free for riders, trainers, and owners and $25 for all others. Register at the door for a chance to win exciting prizes. Season finale door prizes to include a custom trunk provided by Clever Jumps & Trunks and a TheraPlate. For more information please contact Laura Bostwick, Sponsorship Events Coordinator 561-784-1130 or laura@equestriansport.com.

“Friday Night Stars” at AGDF

Week three at theAdequan® Global Dressage Festival features large tour CDI-W competition, sponsored by the United States P.R.E. Association, and small tour competition sponsored by Chesapeake Dressage Institute. The “Friday Night Stars” series showcasessome of the world’s best dressage riders as they perform freestyles at the top level of competition. Friday, January 23, will feature FEI World Cup qualifying grand prix musical freestyle competition at The Stadium at PBIEC beginning at 6:45 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.

$127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3*
The $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3* will be the feature event of week three, held under the lights of the International Arena at PBIEC on Saturday, January 24. Come out to see some of the best horses and riders in the world compete for great prize money. Gates open at 6 p.m. and first horse is at 7 p.m.

The Suites at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

We are pleased to announce that we now offer The Suites located in the Special Events Pavilion available during several weeks of the WEF Saturday Night Lights Series. We offer prime viewing of world-renowned equestrian competition, full buffet and premium bar options in a semi-private suite catered by White Horse Tavern Catering. Each suite accommodates up to 22 persons with a minimum of 14 persons. $200 per person includes buffet and premium bar. $125 per person includes buffet and cash bar. Suite availability is based on a first come first served basis, so book your suite today before they’re all gone! The Suites must be booked 48 hours in advance of the reservation date. The Suites are available for the Saturday nights of: 1/24/2015 * 1/31/2015 2/21/2015 * 3/7/2015 * 3/14/2015 * 3/21/2015 Find your favorite way to enjoy the PBIEC! Can’t Fill a Suite? You are still able to book a table of (6) in common areas at the same price per person as noted above. For additional information and reservations, please contact Patti Miele at 561-784-1125 or pmiele@whitehorsetavernflorida.com

Ride & Learn, presented by Palm Beach Riding Academy – WEF 4

The 2015 Ride & Learn Series will take place each Tuesday during WEF. Each week will feature a mounted riding clinic instructed by highly esteemed industry professionals and will be held in various venues and arenas in the PBIEC. WEF 4 will feature show jumper Candice King on Tuesday, January 27, teaching on The Efficient Jumper Ride, sponsored by Der Dau.Participation is $100.00 per horse/rider per clinic, maximum 12 riders. Auditing is Free. Every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00pm. For more information please contact Sean Jones, General Manager, Palm Beach Riding Academy (561) 784-4275 or sean@equestriansport.com

$50,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Asheville Regional Airport

The $50,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Asheville Regional Airport, will feature some of eventing’s top horses and riders competing for phenomenal prize money in the winter equestrian capital of the world on Friday and Saturday, January 30-31, at The Stadium at PBIEC. The Wellington Eventing Showcase will be a special invitational for top U.S. and Canadian High Performance Riders as well as international riders. The competition is presented by Asheville Regional Airport with additional sponsors Rolex, Land Rover and Adequan®. Dressage begins at 9:30 am on Friday in the AGDF International Ring. Show Jumping starts at 10:30 am in the AGDF International Ring, followed by Cross-Country at 1:30 pm on the grass derby field and adjacent polo field. The Global Pavillion at The Stadium offers VIP seating with tables of six for $1,500. Buffet lunch and full bar is included with outstanding views of the dressage on Friday and the show jumping and cross-country on Saturday. VIP Parking is also included. For bookings, please email Kathleen Lamour at kathleen@equestriansport.com or call 561-784-1106. General Admission and Parking are free.

SAVE THE DATE! Sixth Annual Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®
Heading into its sixth annual event, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), returns to WEF on Saturday, February 7. The pro-am team competition has distributed more than $6.2 million to over 100 nonprofits in Palm Beach County over the last five years. This year the event has a goal of raising at least $1.5 million to add to its already incredible fundraising amount. The theme for this year’s event: Superheroes! There is free General Admission and will be held under the bright lights of the International Arena at PBIEC. For more information, including a list of the participating charities and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.
WEF Week 2 Wrap-Up

Ian Millar and Dixson Win $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2*

Canada’s Ian Millar was the proud winner of Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* aboard Ariel and Susan Grange’s Dixson during week two of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). In a five-horse jump-off, Millar and Dixson topped the class by two one-hundredths of a second over Brianne Goutal (USA) and Remarkable Farms LP’s Zernike K.

Course designer Luc Musette (BEL) set a challenging track for the 45 starters in Saturday night’s class under the lights of the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Only five entries were able to advance to the jump-off, but all went on to clear the short course. The top four were separated by just fractions of a second.

Paige Johnson (USA) and Salamander Farm’s Dakota set the pace in the jump-off at 40.99 seconds to finish fourth. Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Adena Spring’s Quidam’s Cherie upped the time in 40.27 seconds to place third. Millar and Dixson followed with the winning round in 40.10 seconds. Ljubov Kochetova (RUS) and Veyron jumped into fifth place in 42.40 seconds, and Goutal wrapped up the night with a time of 40.12 seconds aboard Zernike K.

A ten-time Olympic veteran for Canada and one of the sport’s most illustrious stars, Ian Millar had a fantastic 2014 season with Dixson, including a big win in the $1.5 Million CP International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows and a trip to France for the Canadian show jumping team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Millar explained that the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Olisco) never missed a beat coming back into competition after a short rest at the end of the season.

“He had been off since the third week of September, and I didn’t start him until December again because he lives with Mrs. Grange,” Millar noted. “He had a nice break and when I got going with him, his conditioning came right back because they use a treadmill with him. Even though he’s let down, his fitness is taken care of.”

Following the class, Millar spoke about the course, stating, “Luc is one of my favorites because he is so subtle. He takes course design to an art form. That first course was extremely interesting. A course designer like that will find weaknesses in a horse and rider. There’s no way around it – a rider’s flaws are going to come out and a horse’s flaws are going to come out.”

Although the time to catch was very fast, Brianne Goutal was just off the winning mark for her second place finish with Zernike K and was very happy with her mount’s performance.

“He’s amazing,” she smiled. “He is just a really classical little guy with great style. He tries really hard. He has been a little up and down. He was a little bit inconsistent last year, but all summer long and fall up until now, he has been very consistent. He is wonderful, and he really gives it his best shot each time. I felt he was super smooth tonight. He did everything I was asking, going and coming back really nicely, which is what I was having trouble with before. I am thrilled with how he went.”

Cian O’Connor also had a great night with his mount, Quidam’s Cherie, and was happy take home the third place prize.

“She is a nice mare. She placed third in the grand prix of Nations Cup week last year. She jumped really well. I only gave her one 1.40m class the first week and she jumped the WEF (Challenge Cup) well this week and went double clear tonight, so I was very pleased with her,” O’Connor stated. “It wasn’t even one fifth of a second between the top three. It was a very competitive class.”

The top riders all thanked sponsors Wellington Equestrian Realty for their support of the week’s competition. Wellington Equestrian Realty representatives Craig Martin and Matt Varney both spoke to the fantastic competition of the night and their continued support.

“It was truly an honor to watch Ian go,” Martin stated. “I have grown up watching him. He is a complete technician when it comes to this sport. I thought Brianne was nearly going to catch him at the end there, but it was a great class.”

“We have been involved in some exciting grand prixs since we have been in town, which has been five years now,” Varney added. “For a legend like Ian to win our grand prix is an honor, and we really do mean that. It is so much fun to have three riders like this at the top of their game early in the season and good luck to them in the weeks to come.”

Goutal spoke to the great turnout for this year’s competition and the wonderful crowd that was at PBIEC to cheer the riders on Saturday night.

“It is amazing the crowd that is drawn here. It makes a big difference for us. It keeps the atmosphere up and the energy high. Three years ago, forget five years ago, we didn’t have anybody in the stands and now it is packed full on Saturday nights. It is amazing. Everything is a steady growth of only good things, I feel,” she said.

For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.
WEF Week 2 Wrap-Up

Hunter Highlights – Thursday through Sunday

For the second week in a row Dr. Betsee Parker’s A Million Reasons, ridden by Scott Stewart, has taken home championship honors in the Wrenwood Farms High Performance Working Hunters. This was A Million Reasons second show in the High Performance Working Hunters, having done the Second Year Green Hunters last year. “She [A Million Reasons] is a really good jumper, a great mover, beautiful, big stride. She’s like the perfect hunter,” Stewart said.

The pair turned in only top performances over the two days of competition. A Million Reasons won the handy round and the stake, along with two seconds over fences and a second in the under saddle.

Fifty Shades, owned by Meredith Lipke and shown by Sandra Ferrell, ended the day as reserve champion. Staying consistent over both days, the pair had two thirds and a first over fences and won the under saddle.

Traveling from Toronto, Canada, Danielle Baran and her horse Say When were the WEF 2 Triple Crown Blankets Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 champions. Baran rode Say When to four over fences victories over the two days of competition.

Reserve Champion honors went to Ashley Whitner and her own Larkspur. The combination was second in three of the four over fences classes.

Baran bought Say When as he was turning four years old, after trainer Chris Sorensen felt it would be a good fit. “We [Baran and Sorensen] brought him [Say When] along from scratch and he’s been really great because we have put all the miles on him ourselves, and I’ve been able to get used to him over time” Baran explained.

The time Baran and Sorensen put into Say When has paid off. Earning championship honors in the Adult Amateur Hunters for the second week in a row, Say When is proving he was worth the wait. Say When has also had success in professional divisions. In 2014, Say When competed in the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular and was the Canadian Hunter Derby Champion.

On the second day of competition in the FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 36 and Over, Fredrick, owned by David Gochman and shown by Becky Gochman, claimed both over fences victories. Paired with a second in the handy round and first in the under saddle, Gochman and Fredrick ended up as champions of the FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 36 and over.

Elizabeth Faraci rode her own horse Adore to reserve champion honors. Adore earned a first, second and third over fences as well as a second place finish in the under saddle.

Gochman has had Fredrick less than a year and has focused on getting to know him over the past several months. Not wanting to rush Fredrick, trainer Scott Stewart and Gochman took the fall season off, waiting to return to the show ring this winter. “He [Fredrick] is a bigger horse than I’m used to, but slowly we are adapting to each other and he is becoming a fast favorite,” Gochman explained.

Ellie Ferrigno guided Kristi C Siam’s horse, Boneparte Z, to three firsts and a second over fences to finish the final day of hunter competition as the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″ champion. Only working together for a month, Ferrigno and Boneparte Z looked like seasoned partners. “He’s [Boneparte Z] a really sweet horse. We match really well, and he’s really fun!” Ferrigno exclaimed.

The reserve champion was awarded to Molly Zisook and her horse C’est Si Bon. Over the two days of competition the pair finished first and fourth over fences and second in the under saddle.