Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) officially launched the 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover today, announcing a projected $100,000 in cash and prizes to the top placed horses in ten equestrian disciplines. Contestant guidelines and entry forms were posted this morning at retiredracehorseproject.org.

Professional, amateur, and junior trainers can enter any horse with a Jockey Club tattoo, as long as it raced or trained to race in the last two years and has not begun second career training. It is expected that during the coming weeks upwards of one hundred horses will be purchased for the competition and commence training at farms throughout the United Sates and Canada. Entries close on June 1.

After five to nine months of training for a second career the horses will perform at the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium on October 23-25 at the Kentucky Horse Park. The weekend includes seminars, demonstrations, a sponsor fair, a marketplace of the Makeover horses, and special activities presented by a host committee of Thoroughbred industry leaders.

One eager trainer is Rosie Napravnik, who announced her retirement as a jockey at Breeders’ Cup last fall and is expecting her first child in June. “I wouldn’t miss this event for the world,” said Rosie who is serving on the organizing committee. “Throughout my career I’ve seen and ridden some really nice horses that I’d love to get my hands on, and I’m so excited to finally have the opportunity to transition one into a second career myself!”

RRP President and three-day-eventer Steuart Pittman suspects that Rosie is not alone in her excitement. “My friends who ride and train Thoroughbreds outside of racing have been eagerly awaiting the launch of this Makeover for months,” he says. “We expect a frenzy of horse shopping in the coming weeks and a flood of entries from some of the biggest and some of the smallest players on the equestrian scene.”

RRP is encouraging trainers to use its online Resource Directory, its Horse Listings, and its Direct From Racing sources, including CANTER USA affiliates, to find eligible horses for the competition. Each trainer will be given a web page to report progress, and the one who attracts the largest following will win the Thoroughbred Ambassador Award.

The first meeting to plan the weekend’s activities attracted representatives of central Kentucky’s top breeding farms, veterinary clinics, academics, aftercare organizations, and Thoroughbred sale companies. “It’s no surprise that the racing industry is embracing this event,” said organizing committee member and president of Thoroughbred Charities of America Dan Rosenberg. “It is a brilliant way to restore demand for Thoroughbreds, and restoring demand is the most effective strategy for securing the futures of our horses.”

Pittman adds, “We are thrilled to be showcasing the talent and trainability of these animals in the state where so many are bred. Doing it on the weekend before Keeneland hosts Breeders’ Cup spreads the message worldwide. It is the right event at the right time in the right place.”

Photos and Article by: Lindsay Y. McCall

Wellington, FL- January 14, 2015 – Following the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* select U.S. Para-Dressage athletes and coaches had an opportunity to attend the USEF High Performance Southeast Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium. This symposium took place January 12-13, 2014, at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds in Wellington, Florida. Over two days U.S. High Performance and developing Para-Dressage coaches and riders were immersed in the international equestrian discipline of Para-Dressage. Topics included Para-Dressage theory, scales of training, para-dressage test riding, quality of horse, freestyles, preparation for international competition, and much more. Demonstrations were given from international athletes in each of the five para-dressage grades. Attendees were given a deeper understanding of requirements and challenges that occur in international competitions such as the Paralympics and World Equestrian Games. Riders and coaches took part in lectures and demonstrations from international Para-Equestrian Dressage judge and trainer Kjell Myhre. Coaches participated in collaborative coaching working together to bring out the best in their Para-Dressage athlete. Day One of the Symposium was formatted as private sessions with Kjell Myhre helping riders to improve challenging movements of each grade level FEI test. U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Kai Handt simultaneously offered training feedback to Para-Dressage coaches in order to help prepare high performance athletes for International Level Para-Dressage Competition. Day Two of the symposium included demonstration rides, test review and more collaborative coaching opportunities.

Kjell Myhre talks to riders at the 2015 USEF High Performance Southeast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium in Wellington, FL, January 12-13. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Participants included 2014 WEG U.S. athlete Sydney Collier and her own Wentworth, 2014 WEG U.S. athlete Roxie Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer (owned by Julia Handt), U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins and Gracias Juan, Debbie Stanitski and Biara G., Ellie Brimmer and London Swing, 2014 WEG U.S. athlete Annie Peavy and Ozzy Cooper, Pam Hardin and NTEC Roulette (owned by Kai Handt), 2010 WEG U.S. athlete Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 (owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center), and two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012), two-time World Equestrian Games athlete (2010, 2014), six -time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion Rebecca Hart with Schroeter’s Romani (owned by Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolos, and Will and Sandy Kimmel), and 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve Champion Margaret McIntosh and DeLorean MF (owned by Sierra Keasler).

Margaret McIntosh who rides her own Rio Rio participated in the symposium on Sierra Keasler’s horse DeLorean MF. DeLorean MF was bred by Marydell Farms and is a 6 year-old son of Don Principe. McIntosh appreciated getting to know this horse and working on many technical aspects that she can take home to her horse Rio Rio. She commented, “Caroline Roffman and I went to school together and this fall we went to the equestrian hall of fame. I knew I couldn’t bring Rio Rio to Florida and e-mailed Caroline about borrowing a horse for the symposium.

DeLorean MF and Margaret McIntosh at the 2015 USEF High Performance Southeast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium in Wellington, FL, January 12-13.. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

She was enthusiastic about the whole thing and her working student Sierra Keasler jumped in with both feet right away. I am so thankful to Sierra, Andrea and Shawn Keasler and Caroline Roffman of Lionshare Dressage for making this horse available for me to ride in the symposium. He’s a fantastic ride and has a super walk. I enjoyed the symposium and thought Kjell was so nice and positive. I really wanted to work on the halt. My trainer Missy (Ransehousen) says to not over analyze it. I tend to over think the halt not only on this horse but on Rio Rio. We really nailed the halt with Kjell when he said just sit down in the saddle. I also practiced my 5 meter serpentines including the preparation for them. I really enjoyed this symposium.”

International Dressage Judge Kjell Myhre also enjoyed conducting the symposium. He noted, “I was asked to come to this symposium and talk about how to prepare for international dressage competitions and goals for training. I started working with the riders on the theoretical part and talked about scales of training. As a trainer, judge, or rider it is important to know basic 3 stages of riding including rhythm, suppleness, and contact. Then you have too look at each gait. In a test if there’s good contact, is supple, and the rider and horse are physically and mentally ready then the rider will get at least a 6 or 7. Then you look at the pace and the technical execution. IS the circle too big, small, crooked? If you are precise and accurate then the rider will go up to an 8. I am not a para-dressage coach, I am a para-dressage judge. I am not used to telling the riders what they should do but I can say you need more activity, bend, or flexion. That is when Kai (Handt) came in and worked with the riders to figure out what they can try to get those items I mentioned.”

Kjell Myhre at the 2015 USEF High Performance Southeast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium in Wellington, FL, January 12-13.. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

He continued, “I have enjoyed judging these riders this weekend, “I think they have really nice quality horses and they fit the riders. What I see is they need more fine
tuning. Some have new combinations and they need the time to get to know each other. They have a lot to gain on practicing the test, being aware of what we look for, and learning how to prepare for each movement. Riders lose points because they are not accurate and do not prepare. We worked on the serpentine, how to prepare the serpentine, how to prepare a turn on the haunches, and even in the freestyle the halt should be on centerline. I suggested to the riders that they should read more about each movement. For example, what is a run on the haunches, what is a halt, why do we do that movement? A halt is not stoping. You should be ready for the next step. In the bigger classes you go from a halt to a canter or piouffe.”

Myhre concluded, “It’s great to be here. It’s a lovely location and great show. I hope they manage to keep this para-dressage competition and I hope there will be more participants. This is the first time I stayed behind after the show and it’s nice to get to know the riders a little better because you never get to talk to them, you only see them from a distance.”

About Kjell Myhre: Kjell has a BA Hons Degree in Business Studies from University of Stirling, Scotland, UK. He started his career working for the City Council of Oslo, Department of Education. In 1998 he was offered a position as consultant for training and education at the Norwegian Equestrian Federation, and from 2000 to 2010 he had the position as Secretary General at the Federation. In 2011 he stepped down as Secretary General, and left the federation.

After three years working for a small NGO called Hest og Helse (Horses and Health), Kjell Is now back in the equestrian federation working as development consultant, mainly dealing with the riding clubs and their ability to contribute to the main objectives of the federation – Equestrian sport for everyone!

Kjell started riding at the age of 12 and has competed nationally up to Intermediate I. He has been a dressage judge since 1990, and became a 4 * FEI judge in 2007. In addition to being a FEI dressage judge, Kjell is a 5* FEI Para-dressage judge, and has judged the last 4 Paralympics. Some of his highlights as a 4* FEI judge have been to judge two World Cup qualifiers, as well as the US Championships for junior and young riders in 2011, and the European Championships for junior and young riders in 2013.

About U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt

Kai Handt was the individual coach for one or more riders at the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships earning
2011 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Champion, 2012 USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve Champion.He was an individual coach at numerous CPEDI3* from 2009-2014 for multiple riders earning multiple grade championships, overall championships, and as part of the U.S. Team, several Team Championships. Handt was also an individual coach and sponsor at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. Served as Chef d’Equipe at 2012 CEPDI3* in Wellington for the Japanese Team, coaching their rider to their first Paralympic Equestrian qualifying score. Served as Chef d’Equipe at 2011 CPEDI3* in Mexico City, flying to the location prior to the competition to select horses for the U.S. Team. Held daily strategy meetings with riders and their coaches, and offered coaching assistance as needed resulting in a U.S. Team Nation’s Cup win, overall individual reserve champion, and individual Grade 1a and Grade Ib champions. Individual coach and sponsor at 2012 Paralympics to the highest placing U.S. equestrian overall at the Paralympics and Olympics. Handt also assisted riders and their coaches with equipment and horse training as requested by the rider and coach at the 2012 Paralympic training camp in Gladstone and in London at the Paralympics. In 2013, Handt became the individual coach for Derrick Perkins; the first Para-Dressage rider from the United States Veteran’s Assistance Program. Handt provided individual training sessions in 2013 with new Para Dressage riders Benjamin Harper, Roxanne Trunnell, and Ashleigh Flores-Simmons; at North Texas Equestrian Center Also in 2013, Handt was the individual coach for Para-Dressage riders Benjamin Harper, Roxanne Trunnell, and Derrick Perkins; as well as selector of appropriate horses for each individual at each show. All individuals achieved top scores ranging from 63.478%-73.478% during that show season. Most Recently, Handt served as USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe at the 2014 World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France.

U.S. Chef D'Equipe Kai Handt talks to the riders about preparing the turn at the 2015 USEF High Performance Southeast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium in Wellington, FL, January 12-13. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

For more information about the symposium please contact Laureen Johnson, High Performance Director, Para Equestrian & Vaulting, United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. Phone: (908) 326-1155 Email: lkjohnson@usef.org.

About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage Para-Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF).

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Gaithersburg, MD—Our readers have spoken, and Beverly Davidson of Vanzant, Missouri, has been named the grand-prize winner in EQUUS Magazine’s 2014 “Best Friends” Photo Contest.

Created to celebrate the special relationship between horses and dogs, the contest invited readers to share original photos and essays describing the bond between their equine and canine “best friends.”

Vanzant’s entry captured the good-natured mischief a dog named Buster engages in with her horses. In her words, “Buster thinks that the horses are here for him to play tag with. He likes for them to chase him through the pasture. If they do not chase him, Buster will jump up behind one of them and hang from its tail until it will turn to chase him, and off they go!” Vanzant’s submission, one of 155 unique entries, received the greatest number of votes from readers.

As the grand-prize winner, Davidson will receive a package from Blue Seal, Doc’s Products, HorseTech and Merck Animal Health valued at more than $600. Prizes include toys, health products, feed bowls, treats, polo shirts, hats and gloves.

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About EQUUS Magazine
Established in 1977, EQUUS magazine, published by the Active Interest Media (AIM) Equine Network, is a monthly publication based in Gaithersburg, Md. Although focused primarily on horse health, care and training, EQUUS explores a broad range of topics related to horses and equestrian sports, including in-depth articles about the causes of racetrack breakdowns and the history of horse breeds.

About Active Interest Media
One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media publishes leading consumer magazines such as Yoga Journal, Backpacker, SKI, Skiing, Vegetarian Times, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Black Belt, American Cowboy, Spin to Win Rodeo, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Country’s Best Cabins and more. The company’s five divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group and Outdoor Group—reach more than 40 million people in 85 countries. We also operate websites, B2B businesses, a state-of-the-art video unit, and Warren Miller Entertainment, the most successful outdoor film production company in history. Each of our divisions also runs consumer and trade events, including the world’s largest boat shows and yoga conferences. Active Interest Media’s customers are smart, engaged and loyal, and they look to our brands for trustworthy information and services that will inspire and enable them to enjoy their passions.

Lindsay Porter, EquiSearch Content Manager
717-303-3790 x1006
lporter@aimmedia.com

Tony Coppola (left) and Lou Cuthbertson of The Tackeria prepare to present a cooler to winners of The Tackeria Stabling Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (January 14, 2015) — For the past forty years, The Tackeria, a complete equestrian shop with a unique history in Wellington, has been supporting the local equestrian community. This year, The Tackeria will also sponsor the much-anticipated 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival— the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit— held across the street from their store in Wellington, Florida.

The Tackeria has become known as Wellington’s number-one tack shop, but for horse owners and equestrians it has become much more — it is a central meeting place and a landmark destination in the international center for equestrian sports. A warehouse-sized inventory displayed in a boutique fashion, along with highly personalized customer service, makes The Tackeria one of a kind — and the go-to store for all disciplines and horse owners. Naturally, The Tackeria has become a favorite place for Adequan Global Dressage Festival attendees from all over the world to find tack and horse care supplies.

In celebration of the business’s 40th anniversary year, The Tackeria is bringing something new to the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival: the “Tackeria Stabling Award”. The award will be presented throughout the ten-week competition, running from January 8, 2015 to March 29, 2015. The Tackeria Stabling Award winners will be equestrians who have the most attractive and efficient stabling set-up on the show grounds. As is obvious after a stroll through the Tackeria, having quality equipment presented in a neat, effective way is important to the tack shop. The business is eager to recognize show competitors for their efforts to have eye-catching and practical stabling set ups at the show.

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit, featuring 8 CDIs (including five CDI-Ws, one 4*, and one 5*), the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and weekly U.S. National events. Each CDI Weekend features the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights on Friday evenings— offering a unique international and festive atmosphere for riders, owners, and spectators alike. In 2015, competition prize money over the entire circuit will offer more than $650,000.00, making the Adequan Global Dressage Festival the richest dressage circuit in the world.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival 2015 attendees looking to spruce up their stabling set-up will find an incredible selection of quality tack items, as well as equestrian-themed gifts, at The Tackeria. The business is located at 13501 South Shore Boulevard (Suite 107). The tack shop carries a complete selection of equestrian equipment; importing goods from all over Europe, the Far East, and South America. Visiting The Tackeria is an experience in itself — after all, if you haven’t been to The Tackeria, then you haven’t been to Wellington!

To learn more about The Tackeria, visit www.tackeria.com or call
(561)793-2012. For information about the Adeguan Global Dressage Festival, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Jessica Miller and Nimrod (Photo Credit:Sharon Packer)

January 14, 2015

We are announcing a shift in the focus of our business! As a result, we are offering a huge 40% discount on all products except Packages!
The sale runs from today through February 2nd.

After February 2nd, the website will be closed. Live moves on, and it is time for Horse Sports Photography and me to move with it!

We are very excited about returning to fine art photography and the printing process. Please come visit us at gallery and art shows! In addition, we will have an extensive offering of editorial and commercial dressage show and other equestrian themed photos.

The code to use for your 40% discount is “big40” without the italics.

If you have questions about your order, would like background changes or replacements, or are having trouble placing your order, please call or email.

828-692-9676 or sharonpacker@mac.com

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Sharon Packer
Editor-in-Chief, World Dressage News

Click here to go to the Galleries!

Wellington, FL (January 14, 2015) — The richest dressage circuit in the world and the therapy platform widely praised as the “best money ever spent” for treatment and prevention of injury has united during the fourth annual 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The dressage competition series, running from January 8- March 29 in Wellington, Florida, welcomes TheraPlate Revolution as a show sponsor. To celebrate ideal soundness, fitness, performance, and strength in horse-and-rider teams, TheraPlate will present its inaugural TheraPlate Award throughout the event.

The TheraPlate Award is a beautiful commemorative plate that will serve as a lasting reminder of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival experience for deserving equestrian pairs. TheraPlate Revolution, based in Weatherford, Texas, will present the award to horse-and-rider teams who exemplify and demonstrate TheraPlate’s core priorities of soundness, fitness, performance, and strength. TheraPlate is devoted to helping horses and people reach the health and body condition needed to deliver peak performances, and is happy to have the opportunity to congratulate the winners who have demonstrated this level of excellence.

TheraPlate will also be encouraging soundness and fitness at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival. The TheraPlate Team will be among the special presenters for the Lunch and Learn Series hosted weekly during the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, which takes place from January 7 – March 29, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

On March 26, during Week 12 of the Winter Equestrian Festival, TheraPlate will lead a Lunch & Learn discussion called “Sound Year-Round: 10 Tips Your Veterinarian May Have Forgotten to Tell You to Help Maintain Year-Round Soundness in Performance Horses.” A working TheraPlate therapy platform will be on-site to demonstrate the technology, and provide a personal experience for the professional trainers and riders in attendance. The TheraPlate therapy platforms have been successfully used to promote healing across a spectrum of issues, from suspensory and flexor tendons and stifle injuries to founder.

TheraPlate will also supply the Lunch & Learn grand prize raffle with a TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platform. Each week of Lunch & Learn, one grand prize will be given away. The lucky winner of the TheraPlate grand prize will have acquired an important tool to improve their program by helping to reduce injuries and improve the sports conditioning of their horses— simply by allowing the horses to stand on the therapy platform.

Top professionals have witnessed their horses’ rapid healing and conditioning while using TheraPlate products, including U.S. Nations Cup Team Gold Medalist Caroline Roffman. Roffman explains, “To compete at the international Grand Prix level, you have to use the best and most cutting-edge equipment— like TheraPlate— to give your horses that edge.’”

TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms provides that “edge.” TheraPlate helps to manage a wide variety of injury, soundness and pain issues. Through consistent use over time, benefits include increased circulation, increased bone density, increased muscle mass, reduced swelling and inflammation, rapid healing, and reduced pain. TheraPlate is effective on horses, humans, and other animals.

TheraPlate Revolution is proud to be a part of recognizing and rewarding ideal soundness, fitness, performance, and strength— and helping educate equestrians on how to achieve those conditions. The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival and 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival warmly welcome TheraPlate and its amazing products. For more information on the revolutionizing therapy platforms, visit www.theraplate.com or call (800) 920-3685.

Photo: TheraPlate Revolution’s TheraPlate Award will be presented during the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festiva

Lottie Fry and Z Flamenco

January 13, 2015

By British Dressage

Three British riders made a solid start to 2015 after travelling across to the Netherlands for the first European CDI of the year, Drachten CDI3* (9 – 11 January 2015).

After a successful junior career, 18-year-old Charlotte Fry made her debut as a young rider at the Dutch venue over the weekend. Equipped with Rosemary Shewen’s 11-year-old Flemmingh gelding, Z Flemmenco (pictured), Charlotte showed great potential at the higher level, scoring 66.97% in the young rider team test to place eighth. Although there were a few mistakes in their individual test, which saw them score 62.28% for 13th place, the quality of the rest of their work bodes well for the future. Definitely one to keep your eye on!

Speaking from her Facebook page, Charlotte exclaimed her delight: “Had a great time at Drachten CDI, in the team test [Z Flemmenco] was really good with just a few mistakes in the changes, we finished 8th on 66.97% and then in the individual it was the first time we’d both done the test so had quite a few mistakes which left us out of the placings. So pleased with him, and there’s plenty to improve on for next time!”

Putting their tough start in the pony team test behind them, 14-year-old pony rider, Lara Kuropatwa and Samantha Brown’s eight year old British-bred stallion, Le Chiffre impressed judges and spectators alike in the individual test, scoring 68.41% for seventh place.

Representing Great Britain at big tour was senior rider, Nikki Crisp and her long-term partner, 18-year-old KWPN mare, Pasoa. The pair was awarded seventh place with a mark of 68.80% in the grand prix and 66.00% in the grand prix special to place seventh once more.

For full results, click here.

Young rider team test

8th – Charlotte Fry with Z Flemmenco (GBR), 66.97%

Grand prix

7th – Nikki Crisp with Pasoa (GBR), 68.80%

Pony individual test

7th – Lara Kuropatwa with Le Chiffre (GBR), 68.41%

Young rider individual test

13th – Charlotte Fry with Z Flemmenco (GBR), 62.28%

Grand prix special

7th – Nikki Crisp with Pasoa (GBR), 66.00%

Pony freestyle test

10th – Lara Kuropatwa with Le Chiffre, 58.00%