Nations Cup: USA HEADS THE START-LIST FOR ROUND THREE AT ST GALLEN - by Louise Parkes

Pictured during the draw for the third leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup™ series at St Gallen, Switzerland today were : L to R - Peter Stossel, President CSIO St Gallen, John Roche, FEI Jumping Director and Henk Nooren, Chef d'Equipe for the French team.  Photo:  FEI/Katja Stuppia.

FEI NATIONS CUP™ 2011 - Draw Report, Round 3
St Gallen (SUI), 2 June 2011

FEI TV: enjoy LIVE programming, highlights, interviews and archive footage at www.feitv.org. (click on viewer on sidebar to view FEI TV LIVE)

The American team will be first into the ring for tomorrow's third leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup™ at St Gallen, Switzerland.  A total of nine nations will compete, as the Swiss, who were relegated at the end of last season, join the eight Top League countries for a guest appearance on their home ground.

And the host nation looks strong, with Steve Guerdat (Jalisca Solier), Werner Muff (Kiamon), Jannike Sprunger (Uptown Boy) and Pius Schwizer (Carlina) ready to show that their country is still a force to be reckoned with.  The teams will start the first round of the competition in the following order:  1, USA; 2, Denmark; 3, Germany; 4, The Netherlands; 5, Ireland; 6, Belgium; 7, France; 8, Switzerland; 9, Great Britain.

BIG ATMOSPHERE
The generous dimensions of the St Gallen arena helps create a big atmosphere and tremendous competition at this popular annual fixture, and, as Dutch Chef d'Equipe, Rob Ehrens, said last week after leading his team to victory in Rome (ITA) "it will be great to be back jumping on grass again at St Gallen.  When the footing is good on grass, then there's nothing better!".

He has already named his side of Piet Raymakers Jr (Van Schijndel's Rascin), Leon Thijssen (Tyson) and father-and-son Eric and Maikel van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Utascha SFN and VDL Groep Verdi) who go into battle lying third on the leaderboard.

The French, defending series champions and winners at St Gallen in 2010, have had a surprisingly poor start this year, but Chef d'Equipe Henk Nooren's confidence should be bolstered by the knowledge that Kevin Staut's great horse, Kraque Boom, will be back in action tomorrow.  The remainder of the his team are Penelope Leprevost, Olivier Guillon and Simon Delestre.

TOUGH CHALLENGE
Denmark will be hoping to make some progress from the bottom of the league table, so it will be another tough challenge for newcomers Torben Frandsen, Charlotte Lund, Emilie Martinsen, Thomas Sandgaard and Andreas Schou, but the Americans will also be inspired to put in a big effort.  They are lying third-last, with just six points on the board after two rounds, so George Morris will be applying plenty of pressure on the four he selects from Ashlee Bond, Rich Fellers, Charlie Jayne, Christine McCrea and the on-form Margie Engle.  The USA last won the Nations Cup at St Gallen in 2009.

Great Britain's Rob Hoekstra has a massive amount of experience to rely on in the shape of Nick Skelton, Robert Smith and Tim Stockdale along with Ben Maher and Scott Brash.  The British are lying mid-field on the leaderboard, just one point behind Germany whose team for tomorrow will emerge from Eva Bitter, Jorg Oppermannn, Heiko Schmidt, Jan Sprehe and Holger Wulschner.

TRAILING THE IRISH
At the top end of the table, the Belgians are trailing the Irish by just two points, and tomorrow's competition could turn into a real tussle between these two sides.  The Belgians have really hit the ground running on their return to the Top League this season, and with two World Champions - Phiippe Le Jeune and Jos Lansink - lining out again alongside Dirk Demeersman and Rik Hemeryck they may well find themselves in pole position by tomorrow evening.

Irish team manager, Robert Splaine, has some less-experienced partnerships included in his squad.  For 23 year old Alexander Butler and his horse Will Wimble this will be a big step-up in class if selected, but Butler is one of the many talented young riders continuing to emerge from the vibrant national circuit in Ireland, and with a Grand Prix win at Lummen already under his belt he can be relied upon to give a good account of himself.  Splaine was still undecided about his final four earlier today - he also has American-based Jennifer Crooks and Shane Sweetnam to choose from along with Cameron Hanley and Jessica Kuerten.

It is the Swiss that Splaine is tipping for top-spot tomorrow.  "I'm very proud of my own team this season and I'm hoping for another good day tomorrow but it's always good when the home team wins and I think the Swiss will do well" he pointed out.  FEI Jumping Director, John Roche, agreed.  "I'm sure we will see a spirited and determined performance from the Swiss tomorrow in front of their home crowd" he pointed out, " and I'm sure we can look forward to another tremendous day of top sport and great horsemanship" he added.

The action gets underway at 13.30 local time and you can watch it all, LIVE on FEI TV

For further information on the third leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup™ series in St Gallen (SUI) go to website www.csio.ch or contact Press Officer Peter Wyrsch, Email peter.wyrsch@sportinformation.ch, Tel +41 794065207.

FEI Nations Cup 2011 - Standings after Round 2 in Rome (ITA);
1.    Ireland            -    16.0
2.    Belgium            -    14.0
3.    Netherlands        -    13.5
4.    Germany            -    10.0
5.    Great Britain        -      9.0
6.    France            -      6.0
7.    USA                -      5.5
8.    Denmark            -      2.0

The FEI Nations Cup™ is a five-star competition in which official teams representing nations compare their merit. At each event the teams gain points according to their placing. At the end of the 2011 season the team with the highest points wins the FEI Nations Cup™ and the two teams with the lowest points will be relegated to the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League. The highest placed team from the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final and the highest placed Team on the FEI European Nations Cup Promotional League standings immediately prior to the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final will join the FEI Nations Cup™ Top League for 2012.

FEI Nations Cup™ 2011 Calendar:
La Baule (FRA), Friday 13 May; Rome (ITA), Friday 27 May; St Gallen (SUI), Friday 3 June; Falsterbo (SWE), Friday 8 July; Aachen (GER), Thursday 14 July; Hickstead (GBR), Friday 29 July; Dublin (IRL); Friday 5 August.; Rotterdam (NED), Friday 26 August.

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IN MEMORIAM: HENRI CHAMMARTIN (SUI), 1918-2011

Henri Chammartin (SUI) and Woermann during their winning test at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 2 June 2010

Olympic and European Dressage champion Henri Chammartin (SUI) passed away this week at the age of 92. A legend in the Dressage world, he competed in five consecutive editions of the Olympic Games – Helsinki 1952, Stockholm 1956, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, and Mexico 1968 – winning a total of five medals.

During his first Olympic participation in 1952, Chammartin was a member of the Swiss team that claimed team silver. He received his second Olympic medal – a team bronze – in 1956.

Henri Chammartin became Olympic champion in 1964 and also won his second team silver that year. He rode the 13-year-old Swedish-bred Woermann which had travelled to Tokyo only as a reserve horse to his stablemate and reigning European champion Wolfdietrich, which was unfortunately lame.

Tokyo 1964 was the first Olympic Games to which horses were flown by aircraft. The Swiss team departed from Amsterdam on 28 September at noon and arrived, with a stop-over in Anchorage, Alaska, on 29 September at 3pm.

Henri Chammartin won his final Olympic medal – a team bronze – in 1968 when he finished ninth individually. That year, he and fellow equestrian Gustav Fischer both became only the second Swiss athletes to have competed at five Olympic Games. Chammartin retired from international competition after the Mexico Olympic Games.

As a young man Chammartin loved music and played the violin. Always the artist, he placed more importance on the expression of the horse’s movements, preferring it to technical precision.

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Henri Chammartin and to the Swiss equestrian community.

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Weekly USEF International Disciplines Wrap Up

This Week in International Disciplines:
From the USEF Communications Department
 
Dressage
Dressage preparations for the Pan American Games continued as Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I competition took place at CDIs across the country. Jan Ebeling swept the small tour at CDI Flintridge with Rosenzauber 8, scoring 70.263% in the Prix St Georges, 70.702% in the Intermediaire I and 70.292% in the Freestyle.

For complete results please visit www.cornerstonedressage.com/results/2011_7.pdf.

At the CDI Lexington, Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU dominated the Small Tour. They scored 71.008% in the Prix St. Georges and 76.624% in the Intermediaire I. Claire Darnell won the Intermediaire I Freestyle with a score 73.458%.

For more information, please visit: http://www.kentuckydressageassociation.org/

In the small tour at CDI Allentown in New Jersey, Canadian Ashley Holzer took the top spot in the Prix St. Georges, but Cesar Parra, the 2010 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Champion, was second on Grandioso with a score of 70.395%. Holzer continued her winning ways in the Intermediaire I, where Endel Ots took second with Toscano on a score of 69.430%. Parra then went on to win the Freestyle with a score of 72.417% Holzer also won the Grand Prix on her veteran Pop Art, local rider Lauren Sammis was second with Sagacious HF with a score of 67.851%. They repeated the one-two placings in the Grand Prix Freestyle.  Melissa Taylor was third behind Sammis in the Grand Prix but led the victory celebration in the Grand Prix Special with Schumacker Solyst on a score of 65.792%.

Please visit: http://www.esdcta.org/Results/Results/Show_Results/2011/2011_results.html for complete results.

Eventing

Julian Stiller rode Chapel Amble to a place third finish in the CIC3*at the Subaru Houghton International Horse Trials in England. The Vermont native is now based in the UK. She added one rail in the show jumping and 4.8 time faults to her dressage score of 50.8. Australian Paul Tapner won with Stormhill Michael and Dirk Schrade was second on Hop and Skip for Germany. Information is available here:  http://www.houghtoninternational.co.uk/

Jumping

The FEI Nations Cup Series stopped in Italy this week and the U.S picked up ribbons at CSIO5* Rome. Ashlee Bond got the week rolling for the U.S. by placing second with Cadett 7 in the Trofeo Impresa Roma, less than a second off Rodrigo Pessoa's winning pace. Rich Fellers followed that up with a sixth place effort of his own in the Trofeo Mercedes Benz Roma on McGuinness. Both classes were on Thursday. The U.S. then put forth a seventh place effort in the Nations Cup on Friday, Margie Engle led the way with just one rail in the second round on Indigo.

On Saturday, Bond was fifth in the Trofeo Unicredit - a 1.40m Speed and Handiness competition with Chivas Z, Engle was also fifth in the Bis Unire, a Young Horse competition, with Starnato. This pair was 10th in another young horse class on Sunday and Engle rounded out the week with an eighth place effort on Indigo in the featured Grand Prix: G.P. Loro Piana Città di Roma.

Results and more information is available here: http://www.piazzadisiena.org/concorso_cavalieri_risultati.html

The next stop for the Nations Cup Series is in St. Gallen, Switzerland, June 2-5.

At the CSIYO Reims in France the Young Riders and Junior Riders represented the U.S. in winning fashion. Thursday was an extremely successful day for the U.S. riders in preparation for the Nations Cup. Catherine Pasmore won convincingly on Van David in CSIO YR PX Conseil General de la Marne over her two teammates, Karen Polle on With Wings, who was second, and Jessica Springsteen on Cincinatti La Silla who was third. Reed Kessler and Onisha finished seventh, Richard Neal on Transmission was ninth and Pasmore was 10th on her second horse My Boy. In the CSIO Juniors 1.25m Meg O'Mara was third with Smeagle.

The Young Riders were then second in Nations Cup, Catherine Pasmore led off the U.S. team, rebounding from a 13-fault first round on My Boy to improve to eight faults in round two. Karen Polle rode With Wings in the second position to a six-fault effort in the first round but only picked up one time fault in round two. Reed Kessler had the best result, jumping two double clear rounds on Onisha which kept the momentum going and then Jessica Springsteen picked up a time fault in each round - but also added a rail in the second round on Vornado van den Hoendrik. The 16-fault effort left the team second behind the Netherlands who finished on nine faults.

Kessler was fourth in Sunday's Young Rider Grand Prix on Onisha and Meg O'Mara ended the week in France on the highest of notes - not only did she place fourth in the Junior Grand Prix with Sinatra IV, she won the overall Leading Junior Rider Award for her performances throughout the week.

Read Catherine Pasmore's blog: http://www.catherineusa2011.blogspot.com/

Cody Auer had three top 10 placings in Belgium at CSI2* Neeroeteren riding Timo. He was eighth in the 1.40m qualifier for the Grand Prix, tenth in another 1.40 m class (out of 68 starters) and then 10th with in the Grand Prix on Sunday with a four fault effort. Results are available here:  http://www.dewarre.be/_ln/internationaal.php?deel=archief&id=51

Laura Kraut and Lauren Hough represented the U.S. at CSI3* Norten Hardenberg in Germany and Kraut kicked off the week with a ninth place finish on Dina Evita in the Preis des Göttinger Tageblattes Int. Springprüfung. Hough was then sixth with Arizona Pie in the Preis des Göttinger Tageblattes Int. Springprüfung  the following morning. Hough and her veteran mare Casadora finished third in the Preis der Hardenberg-Wilthen AG Int. Springprüfung mit Siegerrunde, also on Friday. On Saturday, Kraut had the second fastest four-fault effort in the 1.50m Speed Class to finish fifth on Teirra in the Gothaer Trophy Int. Springprüfung mit Siegerrunde and Hough rounded out the weekend with a ninth place finish on Sunday in the Finale im Tag der Südniedersächsischen Wirtschaft Int. Gruppen-Springprüfung mit Siegerrunde on Arizona Pie.

Bliss Heers was seventh in the European Youngster Cup with La Jolie with a clear effort in Thursday's class for Under 25 riders. 

More information is available here: http://www.escon-marketing.de/

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Jumping: FEI: Rolex Rankings: ERIC LAMAZE CELEBRATES ELEVATION TO ROLEX RANKINGS NUMBER ONE SLOT

Eric Lamaze (CAN) elevated to number one in Rolex Rankings.

 Watch Eric Lamaze's FEI interview on the FEI TV Viewer on the WEG Central right sidebar.


FEI PRESS RELEASE

Lausanne (SUI), 1 June 2011

ERIC LAMAZE CELEBRATES ELEVATION TO ROLEX RANKINGS NUMBER ONE SLOT

Olympic champion Eric Lamaze (CAN), 43, is celebrating after securing the world number one slot in the Rolex Rankings for the third time in his career.

The Canadian’s back-to-back Grand Prix wins at La Baule (FRA) and Rome (ITA) on his super-stallion Hickstead have put him 111 points ahead of 31-year-old Kevin Staut (FRA), who had topped the Rolex Rankings since 1 August 2010.

Lamaze first shot to the top of the Rolex Rankings on 1 January 2009 and stayed there for three months. He was back in the number one slot for a second time in July 2010, the month in which he famously won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen with a broken foot.

Lamaze, who took individual gold and team silver with Hickstead at the Beijing 2008 Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong, has represented Canada at five consecutive FEI World Equestrian Games™ - 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 where he earned individual bronze with Hickstead - and at three Pan American Games, at which he earned team bronze in 1999 and team silver and individual bronze in 2007.

European Champion Kevin Staut is now in second place ahead of Billy Twomey (IRE), with Hong Kong individual silver medallist Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) in fourth and Twomey’s compatriot Denis Lynch in fifth.

View complete Rolex Rankings here

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FEI Awards: HOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR MICHAEL DOUGLAS SUPPORTS FEI AWARDS

FEI PRESS RELEASE

1 June 2011

Multiple award-winning actor and producer and United Nations Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas has lent his support to the FEI Awards 2011 by highlighting their significance and calling on the worldwide equestrian community to make nominations.

Commenting on the FEI awards, which reward the horses, men, women and youngsters who have contributed to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport, Douglas said:

“The FEI Awards provide a platform for the global community to applaud riders and organisations for their outstanding achievements. I am delighted to offer my support and urge you to submit your nominations for the 2011 FEI Awards. At the end of the year, in Rio de Janeiro, we will pay tribute to equestrians who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and in doing so, celebrate the very best of equestrian sport.”

Over his hugely successful career, Douglas has walked the red carpet numerous times to receive prestigious awards. These include two Oscars (Best Picture for his production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1979) – a film that scooped Oscars in five categories – and Best Actor for his role in Wall Street (1987). 

Among the many other major box-office hits Douglas has starred are: The China Syndrome (1979), Romancing the Stone (1984), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Fatal Attraction (1987), Basic Instinct (1992), Falling Down (1993), The American President (1995) and Traffic (2001).

Douglas received the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award at a tribute gala in Los Angles in 2009.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be the venue of the glittering FEI Awards ceremony, where this year’s equestrian heroes will be rewarded and applauded.

Nominations for the five-category FEI Awards (Reem Acra Best Athlete, HSBC Rising Star, Against All Odds, Development and Best Groom) are open until 31 July at www.feiawards.org.

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Hunters/Jumpers: Saugerties: HITS-on-the-Hudson Week I in Review

© ESI Photography.
McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole on course in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

HITS-on-the-Hudson I in Review: McLain Ward takes first step to defending his crown, Ellen Toon wins her second Devoucoux Hunter Prix, Exhibitors Party at Puttin’ Plus and a look ahead to HITS-on-the-Hudson II

                  
SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (June 1, 2011) — Perfect weather and strong entries highlighted the first week of show jumping at HITS Saugerties as HITS-on-the-Hudson I drew rave reviews from exhibitors competing in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

Leading the way for High-Performance riders was the reigning Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward. Picking up where he left off last year, the Brewster, New York native rode his own Oh' D Eole to the blue ribbon in Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, as he took his first step to reclaiming his crown as champion of the Pfizer Million this fall.

Finishing in Sunday’s top three alongside Ward were Olympian Peter Leone of Greenwich, Connecticut in second and Germaine Edelmann of Rexford, New York in third. Edelmann had a strong season at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and came to Saugerties with six of the eight Grand Prix needed to become eligible for the Pfizer Million. Edelmann was able to pick up two more Grand Prix as well as some great prize money and now enters the Pfizer Million Top 40 in the number 16 spot in the current Rider Rankings.

© ESI Photography.
Danielle Torano and Katina cruise to a victory in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

Earlier in the week, Danielle Torano of SW Ranches, Florida made her first step on the road to the Pfizer Million when she captured the win in Friday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard her own Katina.

“It’d be great to qualify for the Pfizer Million,” said Torano, after her win on Friday. “This was only my second Grand Prix ever on Katina and this was a great victory for us!"

Currently, HITS Thermal High-Performance rider Rich Fellers (Willsonville, Oregon) leads the way aboard Harry and Molly Chapman’s Flexible in the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix Rider Rankings. Teenage sensation Lucy Davis (Los Angeles, California) and Old Oak Farm’s Nemo 119 stands second, and the third spot belongs to HITS Ocala’s Tracy Magness (Baltimore, Maryland) and Mr. and Mrs. John Bartko’s Tarco Van Ter Moude. However, with four crucial qualifiers remaining at HITS Saugerties this spring, the entire landscape could change before the HITS Saugerties Summer Series of horse shows comes rolling into town.

© ESI Photography.
HITS' Lisa Engel and Marshall & Sterling Insurance's Joey Norick congratulate Brianne Link after winning the $10,000 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic aboard her own Black Diamond.

The professional riders weren’t the only group of riders to excel in the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium at HITS-on-the-Hudson I. Brianne Link (South Salem, New York) got the best of 56 starters in the $10,000 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic when she rode JT Farm’s Black Diamond to the triumph.

Tooning In! Ellen Toon leads the way for Hunters
As the top Grand Prix Riders from all over the world fight it out for a place in the starting field for the Pfizer Million, action in the hunter ring is becoming just as intense. With all eyes on the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, the stakes for hunters have never been higher, anywhere!

© ESI Photography.
Ellen Toon and Invincible on course in Saturday's $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

Amateur rider Ellen Toon of South Salem, New York is on the right track for becoming a part of the richest hunter class in the history of the sport thanks to an exciting win aboard her own Invincible in Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix, where she beat out 64 other starters to take home the blue.

“We decided to come to these three weeks of shows with our entire barn,” said Toon. “This was my third [Devoucoux] Hunter Prix, so I should have my five classes by the end of the spring shows."

Toon and Invincible finished the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit strong with a second-place finish in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix during Week IV, followed by an exciting victory in the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix during Week V when they beat out 70 other horse-and-rider combinations to take home the blue. Toon now has three of the five classes needed to qualify for the colossal Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final during Pfizer Million Weekend at HITS-on-the-Hudson. Currently, Mary Lisa Leffler and Zivago lead the way in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final Rider Rankings with Jane Gaston and her own Lumiere and Nick Haness and Carolyn Mittler’s Havana sitting second and third, respectively.

In other hunter action, Albany’s Stepping Stone Farm led the way during HITS-on-the-Hudson I. In the Low Hunter Division, professional rider Amy Momrow took the top prize aboard Hannah Patten’s Wolfgang as well as Reserve Champion honors in the irons of Jessica Pletka’s Blue Monday. In the Baby Green Hunters, fellow professional Shaine Brooks kept the winning streak alive for Stepping Stone Farm when she took Champion honors aboard Jerry Bilinski’s Close Encounter. Students Caroline Renker (USEF Medal), Mary Abbruzzese (USEF Talent Search Medal) and Tess Renker (Adult Equitation) each scored major triumphs in equitation action for the Albany, New York barn, as well.

Party Time!
Hundreds of people flocked to the first exhibitor party of the season at Puttin’ Plus and were treated to free go-kart rides, miniature golf, batting cages and laser tag! HITS-on-the-Hudson is sure to keep exhibitors quite busy as the social calendar is packed with plenty of out-of-the-ring fun! This Thursday evening, the HITS Sip and Sail will take place on The Teal, as exhibitors have a chance to watch the sunset aboard HITS’ Official Charter Yacht on the Hudson River. Then on Saturday, the annual Taste of HITS restaurant showcase will take place at the horse show from noon to 2pm in the Pavilion. This popular event is sure to be a crowd pleaser as area eateries will come to the show grounds with samples from their menus.

What’s on Tap?
Show jumping will continue this week with HITS-on-the-Hudson II, as High-Performance riders will have two more opportunities to qualify for the Pfizer Million with the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which will serve as a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Friday, June 3. Then on Sunday, June 5 the stakes get even higher with the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Hunters will have their next opportunity to qualify for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final on Saturday afternoon with the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

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FLAIR® Strips Latest Contest!

Ever wanted to try a FLAIR Equine Nasal Strip on your horse?  FLAIR Strips is holding a contest!  They are giving away FIVE FLAIR Strips and a microfiber Strip Rag that cleans your horse's nose prior to applying the strip. For more information, visit FLAIR'S Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FLAIRSTRIPS  and upload your favorite FLAIR Strip competition photo (you must own the rights to the photo).  For rules and more information, visit http://www.flairstrips.com/category/FLAIR-Contests/

From FLAIR:  We want to see your best FLAIR pictures! Post your competition shots on the FLAIR Facebook page. The image with the most “Likes” will receive 5 FREE strips and a FLAIR rag! Your photo will also be the FEATURE PHOTO on the FLAIR home page. Entries due by June 9 at 5pm (CT). Kick off the summer competition schedule by protecting your horse with FLAIR! Visit flairstrips.com for full rules and details.

Good Luck!

WEG Central® - For the latest news in equestrian sport!

The Boyd Martin Recovery Fund and Denny Emmerson's Generosity

Denny Emmerson has generously offered to donate 50% of the profits of his book How Good Riders Get Good to the Boyd Martin Recovery Fund, until December.   WEG Central is  trotting out our affiliate link to the publisher to make it easier to purchase Denny's book directly from them. WEG Central will make a cash donation of the affiliate fees generated by your purchases throughout the month of June through this link. Won't you join the us in supporting these members of the Equestrian community? After all, regardless of your discipline, it's a great read and a great cause.

Click on the box below to go directly to the appropriate page on the publisher's site. ~ ed

Eventing: Boyd Martin Fire: Boyd Martin True Prospect Recovery Fund

West Grove, PA - May 31, 2011 - This morning's barn fire has affected the lives of so many people at Boyd Martin's barn and True Prospect Farm. From horses tragically lost, to the loss of equipment and personal belongings, as well as one of True Prospect's barns and living quarters for the wonderful people who work there. Everyone at True Prospect Farm was heroic in their efforts to save the lives of horses and recover as much equipment as they could.

The Professional Riders Organization would like to thank everyone for their generous offers of assistance on behalf of Boyd, his staff and everyone at True Prospect Farm. There are several options available for people who would like to make donations to support Boyd, Lillian Heard, Caitlin Silliman, Ryan Wood, Abie Golden, and True Prospect Farm. Donations can be made online at:

The True Prospect Fire Recovery Fund -
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/True-Prospect-Fire-Recovery-Fund/212567392108821

OR  http://www.phillipdutton.com/donatenow.php

The Tax Deductible Relief Fund has been set up through Southern California Equestrian Sports (SCES) - http://boydandsilvamartin.blogspot.com/

In addition, the Professional Riders Organization (PRO) will be sponsoring an online silent auction with all proceeds to benefit the affected individuals. More details will follow soon.

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Eventing: Barn Fire at Boyd Martin's Barn

Via Mythic Landing Events:
 
West Grove, PA - May 31, 2011 -At 12:30am this morning, a barn fire of unknown cause tragically destroyed Boyd Martin's barn at True Prospect Farm.  Eleven horses were in the barn at the time.  Lillian Heard, Caitlin Silliman and Ryan Wood were able to evacuate five horses. Four horses are currently in treatment at The University of Pennsylvania-New Bolten Center; they are: Neville Bardos, Otis Barbotiere, Catch a Star and Ambassador's Rose.  Lillian, Caitlin and Ryan were treated and released from Jennersville Hospital.  Tragically six horses perished in the fire.  The PRO wishes to extend our deepest condolences to all those connected to Call Me Ollie, Charla, Ariel, Phantom Pursuit, Cagney Herself, and Summer Breeze.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Boyd and his team at this time.  All other horses have been relocated to area barns.  Further information on how you can help Boyd will be released shortly.

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Jumping: Saugerties: McLain Ward and Oh’ D Eole win the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Saugerties

© ESI Photography.
McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole on course in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (May 30, 2011) — Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward is on the road to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix after a big win aboard his own Oh’ D Eole in Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to highlight HITS-on-the-Hudson I. Ward, of Brewster, New York, won the inaugural Pfizer Million last year and has his sights set on this year’s event on Sunday, September 11.

“This was a good class,” said Ward, moments after his victory gallop on Sunday afternoon. “It was difficult enough with a lot of technical questions, but it was intelligent and rode nicely. I think the weather was great and a little on the warm side, which can make a big difference.”

The course for Sunday’s $50,000 Grand Prix was designed by Jose “Pepe” Gamarra of Ellenton, Florida, who made his debut this week at HITS-on-the-Hudson. “I think the footing in this ring [Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium] is the best footing I’ve ever seen anywhere,” said Gamarra. “The horses have improved all week long and the footing has played a big part in that.”

Gamarra accomplished exactly what he planned for the class. “I expect between six to eight in the jump-off,” he said prior to the start of the class, which eventually saw seven riders return after the first round. “There were a lot of young horses here so, with that in mind, it was a fair course.”

Ward was the first to return in the jump-off and right away set the Great American Time to Beat at 33.760 seconds, which would go untouched. “This mare [Oh’ D Eole] is still a bit young but she’s been doing really well lately, winning two out of her last three Grand Prix,” said Ward. “I didn’t want to do anything insane going first in the jump-off, I just wanted to put up a good fast time and I knew she could do that, she’s a very fast horse.”

Fellow U.S. Olympian Peter Leone of Greenwich, Connecticut, aboard Select, owned by Lionshare Farm and Ger Poels, posted a clear effort two trips later in 35.270 seconds, which earned him a second-place finish in the end. Germaine Edelmann of Rexford, New York was next to show and produced the last clear effort in 41.645 seconds aboard Carotino, owned by Blue River Farm Sales, which earned her third place. The duo got their start together this past winter at HITS Ocala, earning a second-place victory in the Week IV $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, as well as numerous ribbons throughout the circuit.

© ESI Photography.
Lisa Engel and Tony Hitchcock of HITS present the awards to McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole after their victory in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

Ward made it clear that he plans on qualifying once again for the richest jumper class in the world, the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. “Winning the Pfizer Million last year was very special to me,” said Ward. “It’ll always be something that will stand out in my career and I’m excited to compete in it again this year. Today was a great day to get started on earning some prize money in order to get qualified.”

Rounding out the top five in the class were Kate Levy aboard her own Starlight in fourth, and Alexa Lowe aboard Windsor Farm Sales’ Amicello in fifth. Ward also finished eighth and ninth in Sunday’s class aboard Seth Vallhonrat and Anne Hamilton’s Coco 135 and Blue Chip Bloodstock’s Domino, respectively.

Show jumping will continue this week with HITS-on-the-Hudson II, as High-Performance riders will have two more opportunities to qualify for the Pfizer Million with the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which will serve as a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Friday, June 3. Then on Sunday, June 5 the stakes get even higher with the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Jumping: Saugerties: HITS: McLain Ward and Oh’ D Eole win the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix

© ESI Photography.
McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole on course in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (May 30, 2011) — Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward is on the road to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix after a big win aboard his own Oh’ D Eole in Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to highlight HITS-on-the-Hudson I. Ward, of Brewster, New York, won the inaugural Pfizer Million last year and has his sights set on this year’s event on Sunday, September 11.

“This was a good class,” said Ward, moments after his victory gallop on Sunday afternoon. “It was difficult enough with a lot of technical questions, but it was intelligent and rode nicely. I think the weather was great and a little on the warm side, which can make a big difference.”

The course for Sunday’s $50,000 Grand Prix was designed by Jose “Pepe” Gamarra of Ellenton, Florida, who made his debut this week at HITS-on-the-Hudson. “I think the footing in this ring [Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium] is the best footing I’ve ever seen anywhere,” said Gamarra. “The horses have improved all week long and the footing has played a big part in that.”

Gamarra accomplished exactly what he planned for the class. “I expect between six to eight in the jump-off,” he said prior to the start of the class, which eventually saw seven riders return after the first round. “There were a lot of young horses here so, with that in mind, it was a fair course.”

Ward was the first to return in the jump-off and right away set the Great American Time to Beat at 33.760 seconds, which would go untouched. “This mare [Oh’ D Eole] is still a bit young but she’s been doing really well lately, winning two out of her last three Grand Prix,” said Ward. “I didn’t want to do anything insane going first in the jump-off, I just wanted to put up a good fast time and I knew she could do that, she’s a very fast horse.”

Fellow U.S. Olympian Peter Leone of Greenwich, Connecticut, aboard Select, owned by Lionshare Farm and Ger Poels, posted a clear effort two trips later in 35.270 seconds, which earned him a second-place finish in the end. Germaine Edelmann of Rexford, New York was next to show and produced the last clear effort in 41.645 seconds aboard Carotino, owned by Blue River Farm Sales, which earned her third place. The duo got their start together this past winter at HITS Ocala, earning a second-place victory in the Week IV $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, as well as numerous ribbons throughout the circuit.

© ESI Photography.
Lisa Engel and Tony Hitchcock of HITS present the awards to McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole after their victory in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

Ward made it clear that he plans on qualifying once again for the richest jumper class in the world, the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. “Winning the Pfizer Million last year was very special to me,” said Ward. “It’ll always be something that will stand out in my career and I’m excited to compete in it again this year. Today was a great day to get started on earning some prize money in order to get qualified.”

Rounding out the top five in the class were Kate Levy aboard her own Starlight in fourth, and Alexa Lowe aboard Windsor Farm Sales’ Amicello in fifth. Ward also finished eighth and ninth in Sunday’s class aboard Seth Vallhonrat and Anne Hamilton’s Coco 135 and Blue Chip Bloodstock’s Domino, respectively.


Show jumping will continue this week with HITS-on-the-Hudson II, as High-Performance riders will have two more opportunities to qualify for the Pfizer Million with the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which will serve as a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Friday, June 3. Then on Sunday, June 5 the stakes get even higher with the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

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Eventing: Australia's Olympic legend Bill Roycroft passes away aged 96

Australian Olympic legend Bill Roycroft passed away early yesterday morning at age 96 at Camperdown in Victoria.

A legend of Equestrian sport in Australia, James William George Roycroft OBE, known as “Bill”, was one of Australia’s greatest Olympians and one of only five Australians to have competed in five consecutive Olympic Games. He represented Australia in Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 and became Australia’s oldest medallist and oldest competitor at 61 years and 31 days.  He was Australia’s oldest living Olympian.

It was at the 1960 Olympic Games that Roycroft together with his team mates won Australia’s first-ever Equestrian medal, a gold medal in Eventing.

Equestrian Australia’s Chairman, Paul Cargill, said Roycroft was a pioneer in the sport and paved the way for Australia’s Equestrian athletes.

“The Equestrian community is deeply saddened by the loss of Bill, a true legend of our sport.

“Our thoughts at this time are with Bill’s family and friends, especially Wayne, Barry and Clarke,” said Mr Cargill.

“Not only have we lost one of our most celebrated Olympians, but we’ve lost a man who was truly passionate about Equestrian and together with his family has given so much to our sport.

“His performance as part of the 1960 Rome team is legendary and inspired the next generation of Equestrian athletes.

“Their performance catapulted Australia’s reputation as one of the best Eventing teams in the world and his legacy will continue to be felt right throughout our sport for many years,” he said.

The story of 1960 Rome Team was one the captured the hearts of a nation. A team of outback horseman won two gold and one silver medal. Roycroft secured the team gold by defying doctor’s orders and leaving his hospital bed to ride in the show jumping phase. With the use of just with one arm he rode a perfect round to claim gold for Australia.

Lifetime friend and 1960 Olympic team mate Neale Lavis said, “Bill was just a great mate, he always stood beside you no matter what was happening.

“As a horseman he was second to none.  Bill was a character and life was never dull where he was.

“As a competitor he always kept you on your toes, and let you know it too,” added Neale.

Memorial details will be made available by the family in the coming days.



Biography
James William George “Bill” Roycroft OBE
1915-2011
Olympic Record:        
1960 Rome                               Gold Medal
1964 Tokyo                              
1968 Mexico City                       Bronze Medal (Australian Team Flag bearer)
1972 Munich                           
1976 Montreal                           Bronze Medal
                                 
Other achievements:
Roycroft became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1969 for his service to sport, and was awarded an Order of Merit by the Australian Olympic Committee in 1978 for his outstanding achievement in sport. He helped carry the official Olympic flag into the stadium at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games along with seven other Australian Olympians.

Bill, patriarch of a legendary riding family, competed at Olympic Games alongside each of his sons, Barry, Wayne and Clarke.

In May 2011, Bill was inducted in Equestrian Australia’s inaugural Hall of Fame.

Harry Gordon, AOC historian tells the story of the infamous 1960 Rome Team.

On the last day of the Three-Day Event, Australia faced a grim predicament. Two riders, Laurie Morgan and Neale Lavis, were doing well, however Brian Crago’s horse was out of the competition due to injury, and the fourth member of the team, Bill Roycroft, was in hospital - concussed, sedated, with extensive bruising and muscle damage. Doctors refused to sanction his release from hospital. The problem was that, if Australia was to win the team event, it needed three finishers. Roycroft had fallen during the cross-country the previous day after his horse, Our Solo, somersaulted over and landed on him. He had climbed groggily back, finished the course, then been given oxygen (and whisky) and flown by helicopter to a hospital outside Rome.

Next morning, with the final phase, the show jumping, due to start soon, Roycroft insisted on signing himself out of hospital. The doctors said no, and refused to give him his clothes; he then threatened to leave in his underpants. Finally, he signed a document taking responsibility for his safety, and was allowed to go. He was 45, laced heavily with pain killers, unable to bend, and his comrades had to dress him for the last ride. He was virtually folded onto Our Solo, and the reins were placed in his hands. Stiffly yet flawlessly, he completed the round, ensuring team gold for Australia.

U.S. Second in Young Rider Nations Cup at CSIOY Reims

From the USEF Communications Department
Reims, France - The USEF European Young Rider Tour continued its successful trip through Europe with another second-place finish in the Nations Cup at CSIOY Reims. Runners-up in Belgium the previous weekend, the Young Riders continued their successful European effort.

Catherine Pasmore led off the U.S. team, rebounding from a 13-fault first round on My Boy to improve to eight faults in round two. Karen Polle rode With Wings in the second position to a six-fault effort in the first round but only picked up one time fault in round two. Reed Kessler had the best result, jumping two double clear rounds on Onisha which kept the momentum going and then Jessica Springsteen picked up a time fault in each round - but also added a rail in the second round on Vornado van den Hoendrik. The 16-fault effort left the team second behind the Netherlands who finished on nine faults.

Katie Prudent served as Chef d'Equipe.

Thursday was an extremely successful day for the U.S. riders in preparation for the Nations Cup. Catherine Pasmore won convincingly on Van David in CSIO YR PX Conseil General de la Marne over her two teammates, Karen Polle on With Wings, who was second, and Jessica Springsteen on Cincinatti La Silla who was third. Reed Kessler and Onisha finished seventh, Richard Neal on Transmission was ninth and Pasmore was 10th on her second horse My Boy.

In the CSIO Juniors 1.25m Meg O'Mara was third with Smeagle.

Jumping continues throughout the weekend.

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USEF Accepting Bids to Host the 2012 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Selection Trials - By USEF Dressage Department

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is accepting bids to host the 2012 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Selection Trials.

The Young Horse Selection Trials historically have taken place in May and June in three different regions of the country. These trials -- for 5- and 6-year-olds -- are an opportunity for horse and rider to qualify for the FEI World Breeding Championships. They also serve as an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships.

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program promotes the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses in the United States, and encourages participation of breeders, riders and trainers of young horses in dressage competition. The purposes of this program are to encourage the properly structured development of young dressage prospects through the training scale, to identify and recognize outstanding talent and the training of international-caliber horses, and to prepare these horses for future careers at the FEI level and participation on U.S. High Performance teams.

If you are interested in bidding on one of the Selection Trials, please submit your letter of intent to USEF no later than June 17, 2011. Send bids to Jeannie Blancq, USEF Director of National Dressage, at jblancq@usef.org or by fax to (859) 231-6662.

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KHP Cross-Country Schooling Days are Back!

Cross Country Schooling days have returned to the Kentucky Horse Park.  Schooling Days, a fundraiser of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, are a fantastic opportunity to school horses on the KHP course. Included in this opportunity are basic to advanced obstacles and "will attempt to mimic problem combinations  that occur regularly in competition."

Each session is $35 per horse and rider, with $20 of the fee considered a charitable donation.  Stabling is available, but not guaranteed, for all schooling sessions.  A $20/day trailer fee or a $75 seasonal trailer pass must be purchased at registration.

Trailer pass applications and advance registration may be downloaded at www.khpfoundation.org. Or you may register on-site.  For weather information visit the www.mseda.org website.

The schedule is as follows for the remaining season:

Wednesday May 15:  Session 1             8am -12 noon
                                   Session 2            12 noon - 4pm

Wednesday June 1:    Session 1            12 noon - 4pm
                                   Session 2            4pm - 8pm

Wednesday June 29:  Session 1            12 noon - 4pm
                                   Session 2            4pm - 8pm

Saturday August 13:  Session 1            8am - 12 noon
                                   Session 2            12noon - 4pm

Saturday September 10:  Session 1       8am - 12 noon
                                        Session 2       12 noon - 4pm

For stabling infomation call 859-259-4219
Seasonal passes may be purchased by calling 859-259-4225
Golf carts must purchase a $50 seasonal or $25 event golf cart license at registration. You may call 859-259-4225.

On-site registration is available

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Dressage: British Equestrian Asks - Just what do the Dressage public really want?

British Dressage is going places…medals galore, a vibrant membership from grass roots to the elite, loyal support, strong sponsor relations, world-class competitions, breeding programmes and a genuine feel-good factor. But who are our audience and what do they think of us?  Are we getting things right?  Could we do more?  Do we offer value for money in these difficult economic times?  How can we reach more grass roots competitors?  So many questions…but the Great British Dressage Survey 2011 will help find the answers.

Sport England’s Active People survey tells us in excess of 35,000 in Britain compete in Dressage.  Our 13,000 paid members equate to 37% of them but who are the remaining riders, why aren’t they members and how to reach them?   British Dressage launched a free Associate membership in  March 2010 and already there are now just under 13,000 members.   This will be one of the target areas for the survey as they have a strong interest in dressage but don’t compete in affiliated competition.  BD aims to find out what all these groups want from membership, competitions and training so that changes can be made.

British Dressage Chief Executive Amanda Bond commented; “Our associate membership has proved a popular initiative but we now need to learn more about them and what their needs are.  The management team at BD are currently reviewing all our membership packages and this Survey will help answer so many questions so that we then come up with suitable products.  We want dressage to be every rider’s first choice so it’s important to listen and provide what our audience needs.”

Win over £1250 worth of goodies with British Dressage

The Great British Dressage Survey is now live online and anyone with an interest in the sport is welcome to take part.  Supporters Dressage Deluxe and Cavallo have joined with British Dressage to provide a fantastic ‘Great British Kit Out’ prize for those who respond – a top-to-toe competition outfit, a year’s BD horse and rider membership and a VIP day out at the Dressage Deluxe National Championships in September.  The package is worth over £1250 so it’s well worth taking a few moments out to complete the survey.

British Dressage would love to hear from you – member or unaffiliated, owner or judge, sponsor or groom, volunteer or follower – visit http://surveys.customersmatter.co.uk/BD/bd2011.htm to take part today!

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Momentous Milestone for Horse Research

From the British Equestrian Federation:

The country’s first free source of research summaries available for the public to use has reached its first milestone, having just passed its 2,000th research upload.

Whilst research might sound like a dry subject, people within the horse world may often have asked themselves whether anyone has ever looked into how much exercise a horse needs to reduce the risks of laminitis, or the effects of rein tension on the bit position in a horse’s mouth. Within the 2,000 research summaries (abstracts) on the British Equestrian Federation’s Researching Equines Database (BEFRED, www.befred.org), you can find the indicators.

The research featured on BEFRED ranges from work carried out by undergraduates to full-blown PhDs and the status attained by each research project (in terms of whether it has been reviewed by independent authorities or not) is always made clear.

Whether your interest lies in horse anatomy, health, breeding, tack or nutrition, you will almost certainly find some related research on BEFRED. This could steer you in your next direction when you are looking to gather information on pretty much anything to do with the horse world.
The British Equestrian Federation (www.bef.co.uk) is the National Governing Body for horse sports in the UK. BEF has funded the development of BEFRED (www.befred.org) from its inception as the former World Undergraduate Equine Research Database in 1999 by Prof Graham Suggett and Arne Suggett, with the strong support of Prof Pat Harris.

BEFRED’s continued development is managed by the BEF and overseen by the BEF’s Research Consultant Dr Georgina Crossman.

Research abstracts have been uploaded by over 45 research establishments and journals and the number currently sits at 2,053. The full research papers supporting the abstracts can be obtained, often at no charge, by following the links on BEFRED.

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Eventing Mandatory Outing Information for 2011 Pan American Games By - Joanie Morris

May 23, 2011

Lexington, KY - The USEF has announced that the Mandatory Outing for Eventing for the 2011 Pan American Games will be held at the Richland Park Horse Trials in Richland, Michigan, August 25-28, 2011.

The event will run a separate division for the USEF Short Listed riders.  Their division will include the FEI CCI2* dressage test and the Advanced Cross Country and Jumping tracks. The USEF will name a partial Short List for the Games after the Bromont CCI, which will be held June 9-12, 2011. The Event at Rebecca Farm (July 21-24) is the last selection trial designated in the Selection Procedures, after which the final and complete Short List will be named.

Short Listed horse/rider combinations must compete in the Mandatory Outing, unless excused for veterinary, medical or exceptional circumstances.

The Pan American Games will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico this fall and eventing will be run at the CCI2* level. The eventing competition will take place from October 20-23, 2011.

Richland Park features Horse Trials from Novice to Advanced, a CIC3* and a CIC2* as well Young Horse Divisions.

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Eventing: Saumur: Australian Eventers dominate in France

Australian riders finished first and second at the Saumur CCI3*, France, over the weekend.
Clayton Fredericks and Bendigo led the field of 56 competitors (from 11 countries) from start to finish, whilst compatriot Bill Levett finished second on One too Many NJ.
“It is a great result for Australia,” commented Prue Barrett, Eventing National Performance Director. “It is particularly good to see that these two accomplished riders have highly talented up-and-coming horses.”
12-year-old Bendigo, a German bred gelding by Contender is owned by Peta and Edwin McAuley, who are also the owners of Clayton’s 2008 Olympic mount Ben Along Time.  The McAuley’s live in Hong Kong and this was the first time they had been able to make a trip to watch Bendigo compete.
Fredericks and Bendigo scored 41.4 penalties in the Dressage to take the lead. Frenchman Aurélien Kahn was in second place on 44.00.  However, 5.2 time faults on the cross-country and 8 show jump faults dropped Kahn to 7th overall, the highest placed of the French riders.

Bendigo and Fredericks retained their lead with a clear cross-country round (adding 4.8 time penalties) followed by a faultless show jump round thus winning the title.

This is Fredericks’ second Saumur victory; he also won the event in 2006 on Ben Along Time.
Fredericks and Bendigo have a strong three-day event performance record.  In 2009 they won the Barroca d'Alva  CCI1* (in Alcochete, Portugal) and the Lignière CCI2* (FRA).  In 2011 they have been in excellent form, with a win in the Vale Sabroso CIC2* (POR) followed by 2nd  place in the Barroca d'Alva  CIC3*.

Fellow Australian, Bill Levett and One too Many NJ were in third place following the Dressage. A clear and quick cross-country round (adding just 2.2 time faults) moved them into 2nd  place.  The pair also jumped a clear show jump round – to retain their position.  One too Many NJ, owned by Gerry and Mary Kemp (GBR), is a 9-year-old bay Irish bred gelding by Chacoa. Levett and One too Many NJ have consistently placed in CIC3*classes, most recently placing 4th  at Burnham Market CIC3* (GBR) in April.

Great Britain’s Piggy French finished third riding DHI Topper.

Other Australian’s taking part in the competition were Brook Staples, who finished 14th on the 11-year-old Tover, Sam Griffiths finished 18th on Danaan Prince, Clayton Fredericks also rode Brookleigh – placing 10th after Dressage but they had some trouble on cross-country and Brookleigh was withdrawn before the show jumping.  Matt Ryan had two horses in the class, one of which he retired on course and the other was eliminated.

For full results please see http://www.saumur.org/cci/actualites-listes-et-resultats-cci3-gb.html

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