2010 Radio Show Episode 34 - Post Rolex Party:

For the first time, all four Horse Radio Network hosts are together in the same room. We all attended the Rolex Three Day Event and we got together for a cheese and wine party to reminisce about the wonderful weekend at Rolex. Join us for a good time and learn how the new stadium worked out at the Kentucky Horse Park. Listen in... 2010 Radio Show Episode 34 - Post Rolex Party:

• Thank you to Chris Stafford (Eventing Radio Show), Helena B. (Stable Scoop Radio Show), Samantha Clark (Special Correspondent) and Glenn the Geek (All Three Shows) for joining in this special episode of the 2010 Radio Show
• See the Rolex Wrap Up video done by www.useventing.com.
• Review the Eventing Radio Show "Cover it Live" coverage of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day event.
• See all of Chris's video interviews from Rolex at Equestrian Life.

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Listen Now, Download or Subscribe:

Eventing Radio Show Episode 21 - Post Rolex Party:

For the first time, all four Horse Radio Network hosts are together in the same room. We all attended the Rolex Three Day Event and we got together for a cheese and wine party to reminisce about the wonderful weekend at Rolex. Join us for a good time and learn how the new stadium worked out at the Kentucky Horse Park. Listen in... Eventing Radio Show Episode 21 - Post Rolex Party:

• Thank you to Chris Stafford (Eventing Radio Show), Helena B. (Stable Scoop Radio Show), Samantha Clark (Special Correspondent) and Glenn the Geek (All Three Shows) for joining in this special episode of the Eventing Radio Show.

• See the Rolex Wrap Up video done by www.useventing.com.
• Review the Eventing Radio Show "Cover it Live" coverage of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day event.

See all of Chris's video interviews from Rolex at Equestrian Life.

_________________________________________

Listen Now, Download or Subscribe:

Glenn the Geek

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum Riding Shutterfly Wins Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final III

Riding Shutterfly, Meredith had two immaculate clear rounds ahead of 2nd placed McLain Ward (USA) on Sapphire and 3rd placed Albert ZOER (NED), on Oki Doki.

Photo: Meredith Michaels Beerbaum followed in the footsteps of Ian Millar, Jos Lansink and Rodrigo Pessoa, winning the final by a clean sweep. (Photo: Kit Houghton)

McLain Ward, second placed after two tough rounds of competition, had to wait and see if his former compatriot from California would copy his perfect final round. Meredith Michaels Beerbaum, who stated earlier this week that she is known for doing things differently, did not copy McLains strategy to stay clear. In the final round, she was the only one to make her horse do five strides towards the double combination, in stead of four. Read more>

Tracy Magness & Tarco Van Ter Moude Win the $30k EMO Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper

CULPEPER, VA (April 21, 2009) - The opening week of the 2009 series of horse shows at HITS Culpeper kicked off last Wednesday with five days of hunter/jumper competition. Tracy Magness, one of the super stars this winter in HITS Ocala, was back to her winning ways riding Mr. and Mrs. John Bartko's Tarco Van Ter Moude to the blue in the $30,000 EMO Grand Prix on Sunday to conclude the Commonwealth National at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia. Read more>

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More slideshows of a bunch of pictures from the WEF & Tampa shows by Rob Bowman, www.oneguyandacamera.com

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Wilhelm Genn Hits a Lucky Seven at the Gulf Coast Finale

GULFPORT, MS - MAR 15, 2009 - "Great start to ending a great series!" Bob Bell the Co-Chairman of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics put it simply. Kicking off an exciting conclusion to the six-week Winter Series on a high note, Thursday afternoon's $25,000 Gulf Coast Sunshine Jumper Classic was awarded to Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio.

Genn has, to put it mildly, had a stellar series sweep going here on the Coast having won 6 straight grand prix now. He has also led the pack for the $10,000 Budweiser Grand Prix rider bonus to be awarded on Sunday. "Just amazing." was all a breathless Genn could say following the duo's victory gallop. The pair conquered a field of 26 horses and bested the 91 second 12 obstacle layout created by 2008 Olympic course designer Steve Stephens. Only 6 returned for the nine jump [10 effort] 57-second course that conjured images of a barrel race with its tight rolling turns. In the end it became a match race between Genn and Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado with partner Mad Season. Both horses jumped clean and a mere .981 of a second's difference determined the victor. Happy Z clocked in at 44.816 and Mad Season stopped the timer at 45.797.

Beezie Madden Posts First 2009 WEF Win aboard Onlight to Win WEF Challenge X

Cazenovia , N.Y. and Onlight, owned by Team Onlight, were the only double clear round from the initial 49 entries for the class in the DeNemethy arena. Only four combinations made it to the jump off on the course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. The time by Madden and Onlight was 54.36 secs.

Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa and Let's Fly, owned by the Double H Farm, placed second with four faults and a time of 44.64 secs. with Ireland's Kevin Babington and Caracas 49 in third place with four faults and a time of 49.76 secs. in the jump-off.

"I was very pleased with my horse," Pessoa said of his jump-off ride. "I added a stride to the vertical and it was really tight. Not going last you want to leave as little room possible for those behind you, but today the plan didn't work."

Madden, who was not planning to go fast in the jump-off said, "I was just trying to make it under the time allowed and have a nice round, but it proved to be a difficult jump-off to go clear." Read more>

Click here for a slideshow of the WEF Challenge X by Rob Bowman

Liza Towell-Boyd Wins 40k AHJA Hunter Classic Spectacular on Fiyero

WELLINGTON, Fla., February 29, 2008 - James Taylor songs and a gift of a bridle from a competitor and friend were lucky omens for Carolina rider Elizabeth Towell-Boyd and Fiyero to become repeat winners of the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular at the CN Winter Equestrian Festival.

Twenty nine combinations qualified to start in the WCHR Spectacular that is in its 12th year, with the eight top pairs returning for the second round and to win a slice of the prize money of more than $40,000.

Boyd, 28, of Camden, S.C. and Fiyero, an 11-year-old Regular Conformation gelding owned by Molly Gardner of Charlotte, N.C. and trained by father Jack and brother Hardin Towell, were the last to go before a large crowd in the newly refurbished International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Read more>

Valentine's Day to Show a Lot of Heart for AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular - Diana De Rosa

Wellington , FL - January 14, 2009 - On February 14, the top hunter riders will be hoping that they will be the lucky Valentine's Day winner.  On that evening, The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation will host its 13th annual AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular at the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

The riders may be thinking hearts and roses but when they enter the arena after qualifying for this no entry fee event, the top national amateur, junior and professional show hunter competitors will show their true heart to the judges under the lights in the beautiful all-weather footing International Arena.  Watching from the International Club will be those taking part in the AHJF's major fundraising dinner. Read more>

See a great slideshow of the AHJF Hunter Classic show by Rob Bowman

Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge
Leading Horse/Rider Combination Award
As of WEF V, 2009
Prize: a two-year lease on a BMW 323i Convertible to the Horse/Rider combination with the greatest number of points from WEF Challenge Rounds I-XI

Click here for riders & horse rankings

Happy Days on the Gulf Coast - Winter Classics Open Big

Gulfport, MS - February 7, 2009 - Mother Nature seems to be rolling out the red carpet this first week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics with primarily blue skies, lots of sunshine and no rain. The days here have been horse show worthy and future forecast indicate near perfect conditions are just around the corner.

Thursday afternoon saw a sample of the talent competing here with the Lucky Sevens Open Jumper Welcome Stakes, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Classic Company. Wilhelm Genn and partner Happy Z, the coming 11-year old chestnut fireball mare he owns and trains, blazed past four jump-off contenders with a clear go in the 8 obstacle final round that tested riders with zig zag turns and a speedy pace. Their finishing time was a fast 33.803 - well below the allotted 40 seconds. Read more>

Peter Wylde and Esplanade 7 Post First Grand Prix Win of 2009 FTI WEF

WELLINGTON , Fla., Feb. 5 -- Canada's Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze captured his second weekly $30,000 Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge Grand Prix aboard Take Off Thursday, the fifth round of the series at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Seventy-three combinations braved the unreasonably chilly weather with 23 going clear on the course designed by Germany's Olaf Petersen. However, 17 returned for the jump off. Read more>

See a great slideshow by Rob Bowman for Jan. 18, 2009 here.

And another slideshow for the $50,000 CSI2 Grand Prix on Jan 25, 2009 here.

Photos copyright Rob Bowman, www.oneguyandacamera.com

Jacksonville Winter Finale Covers It All from A to Z

Green Cove Springs, FL - Feb. 1, 2009 - From show jumping Action to furry Zoo friends and lots more in between, show management offered a little something for everyone at the A to Z finale week of the Jacksonville Winter Series.

Aaron Vale, who's based out of Ocala, FL, piloted three rides in the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse A to Z Grand Prix class, held on Super Bowl Sunday in the covered Grand Prix arena of the Clay County Agricultural Center. Close on his hooves was friend and competitor Wilhelm Genn who brought all three mounts clear from the initial round, including Thursday's victor the brilliant mare Happy Z with fast time of 76.810.  "A pretty solid group of horses and riders," was the description Vale used when discussing the starting field of 23 that had two Olympic veterans, 3 Pan Am Games medalist, and 5 top international competitors.

After a week of observation, course designer Buddy Brown of Livermore, CA took all he learned and applied it to a side winding 13 obstacle/16 effort test with a time allowance of 83 seconds for the A to Z Grand Prix. "Not a bad day!" chuckled Aaron Vale after doing a double victory lap for the prix win and the extra $10,000 bonus. "Fun course!" - a very appropriate comment from the rider known for his jaw dropping maneuvers at break neck speeds

Presenting awards were President of the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association, Tony Weight, and board member Glen Becker. Official results for the event were, in second place Wilhelm Genn and Chantal finishing clear in 40.357; third went to Tony Font aboard Gardenio for owners YZ Partners, LLC with a time of 44.262 and 3 faults; fourth spot was Roberto Teran with Distant Star 3E for owner Kingridge Stables with 4 faults in 37.364, and the fifth position went to owner-rider Wilhelm Genn on Happy Z with 4 faults in 38.632. A portion of today's proceeds will be donated to the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens.

Following the Grand Prix presentations the highly sought $5,000 Bruning Foundation High Point Hunter Award for 2009 was given to Mary Eufemia of Palm Harbor, FL. Mary rode Unbelievable for owner Paula Pell, winning the Green Conformation division throughout the Jacksonville Winter circuit. Read more>

2009 Jacksonville Winter Circuit Series Week Three - Samantha Pyle Wins Elements Jumper Classic & Aaron Vale Takes Grand Prix

Photo Credit: Samantha Pyle & Pia; Aaron Vale & Sinatra IV ©Flashpoint Photography

Green Cove Springs, FL – January 24, 2009 - Kicking off a weekend dedicated to jumpers, Samantha Pyle of Street, MD and partner Pia took top honors in the $5,000 Children’s-Adult Jumper Classic presented by Elements on Friday evening.

Despite tackling a field of 22, plus a tough course by Allen Rheinheimer, Pyle’s biggest test was “working out the kinks” according to trainer Christine Kear. Friday’s classes are typically a “practice day” in preparation of classics on Sunday explained Kear, “she [Samantha] had other horses to ride, other classes to do, but thank heaven we had all day to work it all out before the classic.” ...

Final results found Hayley Waters and Rocky in 2nd place with a clear 37.047 seconds, 3rd went to owner-rider Dr. Juan Gamboa with Partizan going faultless in 37.432; 4th place to Rachel Herman with partner Levaro in a clean 37.667 and completing the top 5 was Nicole Deschler riding the Claire Lee owned Linus with a clear time of 37.727.

Jumping thrills continued in Saturday evening’s featured event, the $25,000 Marco Family Grand Prix to benefit The Donna Foundation, which cares for women living with breast cancer.  However, prior to 32 equine warriors taking the field an assembly of 5 special fighters commandeered the arena to lift spirits and inspire hope. The Ride for Life Drill team, comprised of Patty Kelbert, Donna Grasso, Michelle Valasco, Debbie McNally, and Mary Giftos gave a performance of musical Dressage to honor all women currently living with or survivors of breast cancer. To date the foundation has raised over a million dollars to aid those in need.

2009 Jacksonville Winter Circuit

January 21, 2009 - Today marks the start of the third week of the 2009 Jacksonville Winter Circuit, the Jacksonville Mid-Winter, running from January 21-25.  It features the $25,000 Marco Family Grand Prix to benefit the Donna (Hicken) Foundation on Saturday at 7:00pm.  Starting at 5:00pm, there will be a Carrabbas catered dinner where tables and seats are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Donna Foundation.  A fashion show will take place during dinner featuring items donated by participating Winter Series Vendors and modeled by Winter Series Exhibitors.  Come enjoy a fabulous meal to benefit a worthy cause while you brush up on the latest equestrian fashions! Please contact Sue Rindal 904.655.5497 to purchase tickets.  If you are worried about what to do with your four legged friend(s) while you enjoy dinner and the Grand Prix, the onsite Pooch Paddock will be more than happy to keep them safe, warm and happy.  Hourly rates are available.  Visit http://www.poochpaddock.com for more information.  Mid-day Sunday features the annual $5,000 ELEMENTS Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, which is sure to entertain.  Come support your favorite Child or Adult Jumper Rider!

January 28 – February 1 marks the annual Jacksonville A to Z, to benefit the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens.  Sunday will feature the Outback Catered Lunch.  Tickets are available for purchase with all proceeds benefitting the Jacksonville Zoo.  This year tickets are a little different, with the usual adult and children rates, but also offering a discounted ticket for a family of four.  Please contact Sue Rindal 904.655.5497 to purchase tickets.  As always, there will be a Silent Auction, with many “horsey” and “non-horsey” items available for bid at greatly discounted prices.  Zoo animals will be on-site in addition to a Children’s Carnival, Radio Disney and Barn Tours to learn a little more about what all horse showing entails.  Arthur Crofton will host the lunch and moderate the bidding on your favorite team of local celebrities for the Celebrity Ride!  The highlight of Friday evening will be the $500 Equitation Classic.  It will begin at 6:00pm with the Winner’s Trainer of Record taking all!  The $5,000 Bruning Foundation High Point Hunter and the $10,000 Reynolds, Smith & Hills High Point Grand Prix Rider will also be named Week IV.

As always, admission to watch is always free, with a $5 donation for parking, which benefits the Clay County 4-H.  Full concessions are available for snacks, drinks or dinner.

2497 SR 16W
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
www.nfhja.com
www.classiccompany.com
904.284.1579
agamel@comcast.net

Rodrigo Pessoa & Let's Fly Land the $100,000 Green Cove Springs CSI3*-W Qualifier

Green Cove Springs, FL - January 17, 2009 - 3 time World Cup Champion, Individual Gold Medalist of the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympic team Bronze medalist, and conqueror of the World Equestrian Games in 1998 are a mere handful of the accolades Rodrigo Pessoa has garnered and tonight partnered with Let's Fly he added one more. The dynamic duo were victorious in the $100,000 Green Cove Springs CSI3*-W Grand Prix presented by Hodges Boulevard Development Group, Inc.

Wordley and Vale Launch the 2009 Jacksonville Winter Series with Big Triumphs

Green Cove Springs, FL - The opening week of the 2009 Jacksonville Winter Series began the new season with international flair as New Zealand native and 2008 Olympic rider Sharn Wordley claimed the first victory at Thursday's Lucky Sevens Welcome Jumper Stake presented by new sponsor Arlington Toyota.

Wordley said the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding Zorro and he are starting their new year off "quite nicely". Owned by Filip Amram, Zorro is no stranger to winning having scored victories in Europe prior to moving to the US. "He won some seriously big grand pries over there. He's one of Filip's main guys," Wordley complimented Zorro.  Taking on a field of 18 world-class athletes, Wordley was one of only 3 riders to make the final jump off round and brought all three mounts with him. Joining him was German born Wilhelm Genn and Florida based Megan Edrick. Read more>

Photo Credit: Aaron Vale and Platinum by © Flashpoint Photography

Jacksonville National, Week One - Classic Company

Today we finished the first week of four in Jacksonville.  We were all very pleased with the turn out and the excellent weather.  Hospitality always is the best during this winter circuit and this year has started without exception. The circuit has FREE dinners each week for exhibitors and you don't find that too often during series of shows. The second week is the International Show with the $100 K CSI3* -W Grand Prix.  Providing stabling and a schooling area for an overwhelming number of the world's top horses and riders has caused us to change the schedule. See www.classiccompany.com to view or download the new schedule or pick one up in the office on Tuesday. For complete results go to www.horseshowsonline.com.

Highlights: Welcome Class - Winner - Zorro, Owned by Filip Abram and shown by Sharn Wordley, $25,000 Grand Prix - Winner - Platinum, Owned by ABC 4 Horses, show by Aaron Vale. Read more>

Mario Deslauriers Wins Speed Derby at FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Jimmy Torano Takes Six-Bar

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 11 -- Canada's Mario Deslauriers aboard Lutopia won the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed Speed Derby at the first headline event of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Sunday. Jimmy Torano on Heechhiem's Tampa won the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed Six-Bar Competition.

Deslauriers, who been riding Lutopia, owned by Jane F. Clark, since August last year, was fault-free in 104.276 secs. to beat out 19 other riders for the top prize of $7,500.

Leslie Howard of Westport, Conn. was also fault-free, on Lennox Lewis 2, 2.088 secs. further back to place second. Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. on Prima rounded out the top three to take home $5,5000. Read more>

Photo: Canada's Mario Deslauriers aboard Lutopia won the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed Speed Derby at the first headline event of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Sunday. © 2008 Roxane Theidel - ESP

Margie Engle & Hidden Creek's Tosca Win $25k Equestrian Properties Grand Prix at PBIEC

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 4 -- Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Tosca won the $25,000 Equestrian Properties Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Sunday.

The victory by the Wellington rider was the finale event at the Equestrian Sport Productions' A-T Children's Benefit just four days before the start of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Read more>

Photo: Karen Connelly of Equestrian Properties with Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Tosca who won the $25,000 Equestrian Properties Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Sunday. Photo: Ken Braddick - HorseSport USA

Hayley Waters Tops the Country in the Pony Hunters and Children's Jumpers

(Sparr, Florida, December 29, 2008) Hayley Waters rode Top Of The Morning to the National Championship in the Large Green Pony Hunter division, a major accomplishment for an 11 year old.  But, the awards didn't stop there.  She finished 1st and 2nd in the NAL Children's Jumper National standings for the year with her two jumpers, Rocky and Houston. Other year end awards included: The Quiet Hill Trophy for the overall equitation rider (11 and under) in North Florida, The Raymond P. Wadsworth Memorial Trophy for the highest scoring Equitation rider in Central Florida. 

All of the above was the culmination of a year filled with hard work, lots of jumps and lots of fun. "A thousand jumps a week" according to coach and dad Chuck Waters."  Read more>

Photo by © Flashpoint Photography

No Braiding for Un-Rated Hunter Divisions. Major Winter Circuits Come Together to Agree 'No Braiding for Un-Rated Hunter Divisions' in Response to Recent Economic Conditions

December 8, 2008 - In recognition of the current economic climate, promoters of all the major winter circuits are examining ways to help exhibitors minimize ancillary expenses in an effort to maximize their opportunities to show and enjoy their winter circuit experiences.  While USEF rules do not mandate braiding, the winter circuit managers from Gulfport, HITS, Jacksonville and the Winter Equestrian Festival have decided to go on record advising all judges that exhibitors who opt not to braid for un-rated classes should not be penalized. Read more>

Photo © Teri Rehkopf, HorsesintheSouth.com

2009 $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series Named Affiliate Organization of USHJA. Middleburg, VA - December 9, 2008 - Fox Chase Farm, based in Middleburg, VA, is pleased to announce that the 2009 $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series is now an affiliate of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). The USHJA is the national affiliate for hunters and jumpers, providing many programs and educational materials for equestrians to grow within the industry. The Fox Chase Farm is the first non-rated horse shows series to be affiliated with the organization. Read more>

Margie Engle Receives Fritz Cup from the USET Foundation. USET Foundation Awards Fritz Cup to Margie Engle at Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship

December 8, 2008 - The USET Foundation awards many prestigious trophies throughout the year to various equestrian disciplines. One of the most coveted is the Fritz Cup, which is given to the national champion in show jumping every year. In 2008, the award was given to Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, for her win in the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach. Read more>

Engle Wins 2008 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship. Farrington Takes $60,000 Holiday & Horses FEI World Cup Qualifier

WELLINGTON, Fla., Dec. 7 -- The second and final leg of the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach showcased some of the country's best horses and riders. Todd Minikus won the first leg on Friday night with Pavarotti but Sunday brought a whole new challenge.

Thirty-five riders went to task in Sunday's $60,000 Holiday & Horses FEI World Cup Qualifier which included riders from six nations and featured the final USEF National Championship of 2008. Veteran rider Margie Engle put in the most consistent performance over the two rounds to end up on top. Despite placing eighth overall on Sunday - their third place from the first leg propelled them into the winner's spot. Riding Hidden Creek's Quervo Gold on Sunday (and Hidden Creek's Pamina L on Friday) she ended up on 44 points, beating out Kirsten Coe and Starlight for the coveted Rolex watch. Read more>

RED-CAL