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Cross-Country Day at So8ths/Nikon HOTC Three-Day Event
It was another exciting day at Southern 8ths Farm for the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas,” on Saturday, May 4. Beginner Novice, Novice and Training level riders challenged a course designed by well-known course designer Tremaine Cooper and built by Tyson Rementer.
Leading the way in the Beginner Novice division after combining both their Dressage and Cross-Country scores were Kathy Viele and Matariki with their low score of 33.40. This was Kathy’s first time at Southern 8ths Farm and she was pleased. “This is one of the nicest venues. More people should know about this,” commented Kathy. As a longtime Eventer, Kathy was also pleased with all that she learned from my fellow competitors.
Novice rider Sarah Zimmer and Mardi Gras held onto their lead claimed after the Dressage after negotiating and fault free Cross-Country (30.70). After Sarah came off the course for the second year in a row her beaming smile was evident. “I love the course,” she noted. “This event is so well organized.”
May 22, 2013, 02:34
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HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Superb Nicholson takes pole position at Rolex Kentucky
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| Andrew Nicholson with Quimbo on Cross Country at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), third leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 - now holding onto first and second places. (Photo: StockImageServices.com/FEI). |
By Kate Green
Andrew Nicholson’s Cross Country performance on Quimbo was the stuff of dreams at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), third leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013. The New Zealander is now deservedly holding onto first and second places at the top of a considerably altered scoreboard with a fence in hand over third-placed Buck Davidson (USA).
Nicholson put in an excellent early round on a matured Calico Joe, now in second place, to finish bang on the optimum time, but his performance at the end of the Cross Country on Libby Sellar’s talented 10-year-old was simply breathtaking - a joy to watch and a master class in accurate, sympathetic horsemanship in which horse and rider were as one throughout.
“That was probably my most exciting ride ever,” said an understandably elated Nicholson. “Quimbo is an unbelievable horse. For the first time at this level, that was just an amazing performance. When I got to eight minutes, I said ‘Let’s get serious’ and he amazed me as he went faster and faster at the end.”
May 22, 2013, 02:06
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Christina Kelly Triumphs at the Longwood Farm Classic, Wins Sanctuary’s Peak Performance Award
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| Christina Kelly and Ushuaia Van De Wolfsakker, a 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood by Presidente, win the Sanctuary Peak Performance award during the Longwood Farm Classic in Ocala, FL. (Photo courtesy of Christina Kelly) |
The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award was presented to 20-year-old Christina Kelly after her success at the Longwood Farm Classic Show April 4-7, 2013 in Ocala, FL. Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Center was excited to present Kelly with the award due to her committed efforts to complete equine conditioning and training through the Grand Prix level.
The Sanctuary General Manager, Brenda McDuffee, says, “Our Peak Performance Award recognizes and honors equestrians who are dedicated to our same level of care for their equine athletic partners - before, during and after the shows.”
During the Longwood Farm Classic, Christina Kelly competed with three talented mounts including two of her own. Ushuaia Van De Wolfsakker, a 9 year-old Belgian Warmblood by Presidente, and the talented Camirage, a 12 year-old German Warmblood by Charisma both owned and competed by Christina Kelly. Finally, she also competed Caprice Z, an 11 year-old German Warmblood by Chellano Z, owned by Halcyon Hill LLC of Elizabethtown, KY.
May 14, 2013, 01:47
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Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival back on top of world rankings
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| Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival, pictured here at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage™ Final in Gothenburg (SWE) last weekend, are back at the top of the FEI World Dressage Rankings. (Photo: Roland Thunholm/FEI). |
Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) and Jerich Parzival, the London 2012 Olympic silver medallists, have reclaimed the world number one spot in the FEI World Dressage Rankings.
The pair have a 97-point lead over Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, who have moved up one slot to second place after clinching the 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage title - their first FEI World Cup Final victory - last weekend in Gothenburg (SWE).
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, who became the first British combination to head the FEI World Dressage Rankings in September last year after their double gold medal performances at the London 2012 Olympic Games, are now in third with 2,563 points.
There are no other changes in the Top Ten, with Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH holding on to fourth (2,517 points) and Edward Gal (NED) with Glock’s Undercover in fifth (2,474 points).
May 14, 2013, 01:45
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Parra and Van The Man Dance to the Top of FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3* for United States
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| Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man during the Nations Cup CDI 3*. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com) |
Dr. Cesar Parra, whose bridles have been known to sport red, white and blue brow bands, had patriotism riding high over the April 13-14 weekend during America's only event of its kind, the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO/CDI3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm at The Stadium at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds. On Saturday, Parra clinched the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3* with a 74.375% score on Van The Man from judges Evi Eisenhardt (E), Maribel Alonso (H), Anne Gribbons (C), Linda Zang (M), and Joan Macartney (B).
The former Colombian 2004 Olympic as well as 2002 and 2006 World Equestrian Games veteran, who became an American citizen in 2008 and represented the US on the Gold medal-winning 2011 Pan American Games dressage squad, was also a member of Friday evening's Nations Cup reserve champion Team USA 2.
On the combined strength of their Grand Prix Freestyle and Sunday's FEI Grand Prix Special (72.208%) scores,put Parra in runner-up position in the Individual Rider Standings and top USA Individual rider. Van The Man is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Obelisk x Landjoker) acquired for Parra by sponsors Sarah and Michael Davis in 2011.
May 10, 2013, 01:08
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Davidson Wins Land Rover Evoque For "Land Rover Best Ride Of The Day"
LEXINGTON, KY, - Bruce (Buck) Davidson, Jr. delivered a stellar performance over the cross-country phase of the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover on Saturday, April 27, in Lexington, Kentucky. Davidson was the top U.S. rider to complete the course closest to the optimum time winning the "Land Rover Best Ride of the Day" and was presented a 2013 Range Rover Evoque lease by Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President for Land Rover North America.
May 7, 2013, 08:27
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Madden and Simon Victorious in 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final, U.S. Finishes with Four in Top Twelve
Gothenburg, Sweden - The 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final came to an exciting yet familiar conclusion Sunday in front of a packed house in the Scandinavum Arena. In the first of two rounds Course Designer Uliano Vezzani tested 23 horse and rider combinations over a demanding track composed of 12 obstacles that did not yield a single clear round. The number of competitors was then whittled to 17 for the 11 obstacle second round with two riders producing flawless efforts. But for a second consecutive year, four rounds would not be enough to determine a champion and again an American and Swiss competitor would jump-off.
May 6, 2013, 20:49
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U.S. Qualifies Seven for Final Competition of 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final; Madden Stands Second
Gothenburg, Sweden - Valuable World Cup points were at stake Friday evening in the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final as riders vied for a place
in Sunday's final competition. Uliano Vezzani tested the 38 riders that returned for round two over a flowing 13-obstacle track in the Scandinavium Arena. Riders within the top 26 placings following tonight's round qualified to jump in Sunday's final competition and of those entries seven will be representing the United States.
May 6, 2013, 20:47
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Florianus II Son, For Set, Approved Westfalen Stallion
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| Photo credit: Terri Miller |
Iron Spring Farm's Florianus II is most recognized for his international Grand Prix career, and now his offspring are making a name for him as a sire. His son For Set was recently approved by the Westfalen Verband in Germany, and his daughter Florencia B is winning at Grand Prix CDIs in Europe, and is currently ranked number 82 in the world.
For Set, a 2008 stallion out of the States Premium mare Riwera by Royal of Loh, earned 9s on his interior and constitution, as well as an 8.5 on his riding test during his stallion testing. Florencia B, ridden by Katarzyna Milczarek, the Polish National Grand Prix Champion, won the Grand Prix Special at the 2012 CDI3* in Brno.
"Florianus personifies the modern dressage horse," explained owner Mary Alice Malone. "He has exceptional movement and elasticity, along with a wonderful attitude--qualities he passes on to his offspring." Noteworthy sons and daughters helped Florianus II win the prestigious Get of Sire class for two consecutive years (2011, 2012) at North America's largest breed show, Dressage at Devon.
Feb 18, 2013, 02:14
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Christian Ahlmann holds world number one slot in Longines Rankings
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| Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, pictured here with Codex One at the Gucci Paris Masters 2012, has held onto his world number one spot. Photo: Scoopdyga |
Christian Ahlmann (GER), the 2003 double European gold medallist, has held onto the world number one spot in the FEI World Rider Rankings for Jumping - now called the Longines Rankings.
The 38-year-old German jumped into the top spot in December 2012, and a run of successes in January has kept him out in front on 2,585 points, with a healthy 195-point lead over second-placed Steve Guerdat (SUI) who has 2,390 points. Nick Skelton (GBR) remains in third with 2,333 points.
Edwina Alexander-Tops (AUS) is still the top-ranked female and has jumped two spots to fourth with 2,298 points, while the Swiss have a second rider in the top 10, with Pius Schwizer moving up from seventh to fifth on 2,268 points.
Germany also has two riders in the top 10 of the Longines Rankings, although sixth-placed Marcus Ehning has dropped two places.
Christian Ahlmann took up riding at the age of 11 and made his big break onto the international stage in 2003 when he claimed individual and team gold at the European Championships in Donaueschingen (GER).
He was a member of the German bronze medal team at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and also helped secure team bronze at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Aachen (GER) in 2006.
Feb 18, 2013, 02:11
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WATCH AN ACTION-PACKED BEHIND-THE-SCENES SO8THS/NIKON THREE-DAY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
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| Tremaine Cooper, Susie Beebee, Will Faudree, Charlie Plumb and Natalie Varcoe Cox. Diana De Rosa Photo |
The third annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas” takes place May 2-5 in Chesterfield, SC. Now’s your chance to see what this event is all about by reliving all the action thanks to a creative video produced by nFocus Pictures and visible on Southern 8ths’ YouTube channel.
This video showcases Long Format Eventing at the amateur level but with the aplomb of a professional level event. If you are a horse lover, have a passion for Eventing or are simply curious to peek behind-the-scenes at the 2012 So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event then settle into your seats and fasten your seatbelts for an amazing 4-minute ride by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUBHfKnVc_E.
You’ll get a chance to watch not just the competition but see who is teaching the educational clinics and how up close and personal the competitors are with the clinicians. These clinics are taught by some of the top horsemen in the Eventing community. Well-known riders and trainers Charlie Plumb, Will Faudree, Holly Hudspeth, Rebecca Howard and Susan Beebee are joined by “R” Dressage judge Sue Simpson and FEI course designer Tremaine Cooper educating the competitors on all aspects of the Long Format. FEI veterinarian Dr. Debbie Williamson and local vet Dr. Marsha Severt ensure the horses are fit to compete. Groom Natalie Varcoe Cox covers caring for the horses. Marc Donovan walks his show jumping course with the competitors.
Feb 18, 2013, 02:05
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More Than a Bit of Luck - US Bit Distributor Wins USDF FEI Level Year-End Championship Titles
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| Mette Larsen, Neue Scule US bit distributor, riding Ulivi won the USDF KWPN Adult Amateur at Prix St. George Championship and Reserve Champion at the Intermediare-1 AA. (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle) |
Mette Larsen is an exception to the rule in equestrian sport: an amateur rider experiencing success on a national level. Larsen and Ulivi, a gelding she bought as a three-year-old and has trained herself, won the 2012 United States Dressage Federation KWPN All Breed Adult Amateur at Prix St. George Championship and Reserve Champion at the AA Intermediare-1.
Larsen’s 2012 year end awards come with a bit of a twist. In 2011, at an International Trade Fair for Equestrian Sports (SPOGA) in Germany, Larsen discovered Neue Schule bits. Impressed by the technology behind them, she decided to try them on one of her own horses. The results were so immediate in her horse’s comfort and willingness to work that she switched all her horses to the Neue Schule Bits. She liked the fact that the bits are designed with the latest in engineering and computer aided design (CAD), as well as the unique metal alloy that promotes salivation. In 2012 she took her passion for these bits a step further and became the U.S. Distributor for the Neue Schule Bits. Larsen says, “These bits make sense. These are the only bits in my tack room now.” When Larsen finds something she likes for her horses, she jumps in with both feet, or all four feet in this case.
Jan 14, 2013, 23:42
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Olympian Ben Maher Repeats Title in the Alltech Christmas Puissance
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| Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher and Noctambule Courcelle claim the Alltech Christmas Puissance for a second time on Thursday, Dec. 20, at Olympia, The London International Horse Show. Credit: Kit Houghton |
Under the gaze of an enthusiastic full house at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, British Olympic gold medalist Ben Maher claimed the Alltech Christmas Puissance title for a second time Dec. 20.
After going head-to-head with Britain’s top female rider Laura Renwick in the fourth round, Maher was the only rider to attempt the 7-foot Puissance Wall for a fifth and final time. Renwick decided to bow out of the competition, leaving Maher to claim victory no matter the outcome in the final round.
“My horse has already finished second in a speed class today and he has to jump again tomorrow,” said Renwick. “That was the best I’ve ever felt competing in a Puissance, so I went out on a good note.”
Maher, jumping Noctambule Courcelle, looked as though he was going to complete a clean sheet with his winning partner from two years ago. However, the chestnut gelding tapped one of the very top bricks of the obstacle with his back hooves. The block swayed for a few moments before dropping to the floor.
Dec 31, 2012, 02:23
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Event Riders Association meets FEI to discuss rules changes
Representatives from the Event Riders Association met with Giuseppe Della Chiesa, Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee, and Catrin Norinder, FEI Director Eventing & Olympic in London (GBR) on 6 December 2012 to talk through changes to the FEI Eventing Rules that will be implemented from 1 January 2013.
The meeting was designed as a clarification exercise and as an opportunity to discuss the motivation behind the Eventing rule changes for 2013. Athlete Categorisation and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) were two of the key points of discussion.
The new rules oblige National Federations and trainers to take more responsibility to ensure that their riders are ready to compete internationally, using their own NF qualification system and not relying solely on the MERs.
Dec 29, 2012, 00:41
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Mark Bluman and G&C Blue Blaze to Victory in $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic at Holiday and Horses
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| Mark Bluman and G&C Blue. photos © ManciniPhotos, www.manciniphotos.com. |
Mark Bluman (COL) and Gustavo Mirabal's G&C Blue earned an exciting victory in Friday's $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic at Equestrian Sport Production's Holiday and Horses competition. With their first win in a ROLEX FEI World Ranking Class, the pair beat out Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala with a lightning fast round. G&C Sacramento, owned by Anabel Simon and ridden by Luis Larrazabal (VEN), finished third.
The Holiday and Horses show continues through December 2 and is rated CSI 2*-W, Jumper 5*, and "AA". The highlight event will be the $50,000 Holiday and Horses Grand Prix, a FEI World Cup qualifier, held on Saturday evening. The class will be streamed live on the USEF Network beginning at 5:30 p.m. The feature class on Sunday is the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Held in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic featured 34 horse and rider combinations jumping a speed course set by Anthony D'Ambrosio, of Red Hook NY. Bluman had the fastest of eight clear rounds with G&C Blue in a time of 63.13 seconds.
Dec 13, 2012, 11:17
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Charlie Jacobs Helps USA Win Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires and Claims Speed Derby Victory
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| Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star won the International Speed Derby at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires. Photo By: Haras El Capricho. |
Charlie Jacobs of Deeridge Farm had a very successful return trip to the Buenos Aires' CSIO-W at Haras El Capricho. He piloted Leap of Joy to two clear efforts during the Nations Cup competition to help the United States capture the victory, and then defended his title in the International Speed Derby with Flaming Star. The weekend concluded with Jacobs and Leap of Joy picking up the fifth place award in the World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix after producing a clear first round effort.
On Saturday, November 10, Jacobs was alongside teammates Quentin Judge, Catherine Pasmore, and Alison Robitaille for Nations Cup competition. Chef d'Equipe Norman Dello Joio chose Jacobs as the leadoff rider, with the U.S. drawing the first position in the team jumping order. Jacobs was up to the challenge, producing a faultless effort with Leap of Joy and returning for the second round to post another clear round. Jacobs' teammates were also on point, and the team finished on four faults to earn the team victory, while Canada and Argentina tied for second.
"We talked the night before about the line-up in regards to who Norman wanted to jump and when," explained Jacobs. "When he mentioned that he wanted me to jump first I thought that was very flattering. Being first meant I had an opportunity to walk the course and keep our plan without watching other riders do different numbers. We set our plan in motion and went after it and it paid off."
Nov 14, 2012, 11:41
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USDF President George Williams Expands on New Website and More During ShowChic’s November ShopTalk
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| USDF President George Williams will headline this month’s ShopTalk at ShowChic dressage boutique on November 14. (Photo courtesy of George Williams) |
Staying connected to the dressage community is a very powerful way for equestrians to improve their scores, overall riding and performance. The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is dedicated to helping dressage riders do exactly this, as President George Williams will explain during ShowChic’s November Shop Talk when he discusses USDFScores.com, a new score and competition database for USDF members. Located in Wellington, Florida, ShowChic hosts the monthly ShopTalks, sponsored by Gold Coast Dressage Association, which feature various equine experts, from riders to international trainers, sharing their knowledge with the dressage community. Williams is the USDF President and a famed international dressage trainer. He will be talking about what’s new in the USDF as well as the many benefits of being a connected member of this equestrian community.
“We are excited to invite dressage enthusiasts to spend the evening of November 14th with George Williams!” said Michele Hundt, owner of ShowChic. “ShowChic has everything the dressage fashionista could want, from the latest in apparel and show accessories to jewelry and an unmatched selection, and we are honored to bring George in to contribute his knowledge and wisdom to the dressage community.”
Williams became USDF President in 2009. As a prominent figure in international dressage, his career highlights with Chuck and Joann Smith's mare, Rocher include: unprecedented three-time Dressage at Devon Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle winner; 2005 USEF/Collecting Gaits Farm National Grand Prix Champion; team bronze at CHIO Aachen; fifth at the 2003 World Cup in Sweden; USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year; and The Chronicle of the Horse's Dressage Horse of the Year. Williams currently works with Elizabeth (Betsy) Juliano out of her Havensafe Farm in Middlefield, Ohio and Wellington, Florida.
Nov 13, 2012, 11:13
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MOYA TURNS ON THE MAGIC IN VERONA
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| Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya and Zipper won the fourth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2012/2013 series in a thrilling 12-horse jump-off at Verona, Italy today. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton. |
On an afternoon of pure magic in the jumping stadium at Verona, Italy, today Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya produced a stunning victory in the fourth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2012/2013 Western European League. This competition was special for a number of reasons, not least because the Spaniard was riding a horse that was just eight years old, and because Italy’s Luca Moneta was so proud and yet so humble when filling runner-up spot.
The excitement generated during the 12-horse jump-off was electrifying as horses and riders rose to the occasion to produce a piece of pure theatre that had spectators gripping their seats. As third-place finisher, Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson said afterwards, “the sport was amazing, I haven’t competed in a class as exciting as this in a very, very long time!”.
Today’s result has left Moya well on the road to the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg, Sweden next April. Already at the head of the leaderboard before today’s class began, he has now accumulated a massive 58 points, so has no more worries about qualification.
No Walk in the Park
Rolf Ludi’s first-round track was no walk in the park, with the triple combination at fence seven and the double at fence nine consistently hitting the floor. And the FEI vertical at fence eight proved tricky as many discovered. Approached on a bending line, and on a tidy four-stride distance from the previous triple combination, it came up very quickly indeed for horses that were running on the forehand, and Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander looked like she might try to take it on in three strides with Guccio only to crash through it before retiring.
Nov 13, 2012, 10:53
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Alltech National Horse Show Celebrates Equestrian Excellence in the Horse Capital
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| After a jump-off round Saturday night, McLain Ward and his mount Antares won the Alltech National Horse Show $250,000 Grand Prix. |
Gripping performances from world-class show jumpers, the return of American Saddlebreds to the ring and a series of community festivities have defined the Alltech National Horse Show, Oct. 30-Nov.4, at the Alltech Arena in the Kentucky Horse Park.
Reserved for the year’s top performers in equestrian sport, the week-long show featured the inaugural $50,000 Alltech Puissance, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Championship for junior riders. For the first time since 1999, the show included classes of high-stepping American Saddlebreds. More than 300 riders and 500 horses from 13 countries competed in the classes during the show, which presented more than $600,000 in prize money.
On Friday, Great Britain’s Tim Gredley and his mount Unex Valente brought members of the crowd to their feet when they cleared the 7-foot Puissance Wall to win the first-ever $50,000 Alltech National Horse Show Puissance. The high jump of the equestrian world lured 2,000 to the arena Friday night, a 50 percent increase from show attendance in 2011.
Nov 12, 2012, 00:02
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Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy Claim High Performance Hunter Championship at Alltech National Horse Show
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| Miss Lucy and Jennifer Alfano won the High Performance Hunter Championship at the Alltech National Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG |
After an extended amount of time to recuperate from a busy summer season, Jennifer Alfano and top mounts Miss Lucy and Jersey Boy returned to the ring for the Indoor circuit. SBS Farms recently returned home after a great week of competition at the Washington International Horse Show and the Alltech National Horse Show. Alfano and Miss Lucy put on their game face as the scored top ribbons throughout both shows, earning the High Performance Hunter Championship at the Alltech National Horse Show, 129th edition.
The Alltech National Horse Show took place at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park at the Alltech Arena, the host to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The show ran from October 30-November 4, 2012. The event saw some of the most talented riders in the horse sport vying for the winning honors in their respective hunter divisions, but professional rider Jennifer Alfano rode to the top of the leader board with Helen Lenahan's Miss Lucy.
During the High Performance Hunters, Alfano showed the chestnut mare to two first place ribbons over fences and the third place ribbon in the under saddle. In the stake round, Miss Lucy outshone all her fellow contenders. She was dually awarded the first place finish for the beautifully executed round.
Nov 11, 2012, 00:17
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