Dressage: USEF: Steffen Peters Named 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year

Steffen Peters, 2011 Equestrian of the Year, at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Steffen Peters, 2011 Equestrian of the Year, at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

From the USEF Communications Department

Cincinnati, OH - To cap off a record-setting year, dressage superstar Steffen Peters added one more record to his résumé on Saturday night at the United States Equestrian Federation's Pegasus Awards dinner. He became the first person to score the USEF's Equestrian of the Year title three times. Peters (San Diego, CA) won the top honor in 2008 and 2009 based largely on his accomplishments with Akiko Yamazaki's phenom Ravel - but in 2011, Ravel had some help. Peters capitalized on his first trip to the Pan American Games and scored Team and Individual Gold in a tremendous effort with Jen and Bruce Hlavacek's Weltino's Magic. From California to Aachen, Germany Peters was undefeated in 2011 with the now 9-year-old Westphalian gelding. Both Ravel and 'Magic' scored at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, NJ in September sweeping the Grand Prix and Intermediaire I divisions respectively. Peters won all six classes in the effort and secured his Pan Am spot with Magic in the process. The trip to Mexico proved worth the miles as Peters and Magic dominated at the Guadalajara Country Club. The competition was hard fought for Individual honors but Peters led an American sweep. Heather Blitz and Paragon won Silver while Marisa Festerling and Big Tyme secured Bronze. Peters also won the William C. Steinkraus Trophy , awarded to an equestrian in an Olympic discipline, for the third time. As a result, he was one of six equestrians in the running for the USEF's top honor. Listen to a portion of Steffen Peters acceptance: Steffen Peters Accepts 2011 Equestrian of the Year Award The following awards were presented on January 14, 2012, at the Cincinnati Netherland Plaza: The Becky Grand Hart Trophy was presented to Four-In-Hand Driver Chester Weber. The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes. Weber had a banner year with his team, winning four CDEs in the in the United States. He took his team to Europe and won at CAIO Veces, CAI Altenfelden and CAIO Riesenbeck. He was the Reserve USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Champion. Chester also spent a significant amount of time serving as a chef d'equipe. He commandeered a Bronze-medal winning performance at the 2011 FEI World Pony Team Championships and a 10th-place U.S. Team finish at the FEI World Pair Championship. Karen Waldron (Shawsville, VA) was awarded the Bill Robinson Trophy for her diversity of success with Saddlebreds, Hackneys and Friesians. The Bill Robinson Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing with horses or ponies across all the breeds in harness or for driving performance in non-international competitions. She won World Championships in two breeds - including titles in the Amateur Ladies Harness and Hackney Pony World Championships at the prestigious Kentucky State Fair's World's Championship Horse Show. She also scored with World and Grand National Championships in several divisions at the 2011 IFSHA Friesian World and Grand National Championships. Scott Stewart (Flemington, NJ) picked up his fourth Emerson Burr Trophy for his success in the Hunter Ring. The Emerson Burr Trophy is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences. He won Leading Hunter Rider titles at the Devon Horse Show and Alltech National Horse Show in 2011 and other top honors across the country. He consistently produces and trains the best horses in the country and is renowned for recognizing quality within his discipline. For the first time, Debbie Foley's name will be added to the list of equestrians to win the C.J. "June" Cronan Trophy. The C.J. "June" Cronan Trophy is presented to those excelling in under saddle show breeds. Foley's name has been synonymous with the breed she loves for more than 30 years. Foley (Louisville, KY) trained and showed Callaway's Annabel Allison to the Five-Gaited Mare World Champion title. Under Foley's expertise, Callaway's The Best and Brightest earned the Ladies Five-Gaited Mare World Championship and Just Plain George won the World's Championship Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Stallion/Gelding class - all in 2011. The Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy was awarded to Janice Giles (Pleasureville, KY). This trophy is presented to an equestrian showing in a non-reining Western discipline. She made huge strides for the Friesian breed in 2011 with Friesian Victor FC. He was crowned the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) National Champion Western Pleasure Open, National Champion Junior Western Pleasure, and World Champion Open Western Pleasure. Steven Stiller (Elkhorn, WI) won the Norman K. Dunn Trophy, presented to an equestrian competing at halter or in-hand. A consistent showman, his results from the 2011 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship were record-setting. Over just two days he won five World Champion, two National Champion, six Reserve World Champion, two Reserve National Champion, and 10 Top Five Champion titles. The Vaughn Smith Trophy was awarded to Danielle Barrasso (Chicopee, MA) for her success with Arabians and Friesians in 2011. The Vaughan Smith Trophy is presented to the best rider of any horse or pony breed shown in hunter pleasure, show hack, hunter hack, dressage hack, costume, side saddle, or Western dressage. Barrasso won impressively with Klaas fan Synadea, Steffen S, Renaissance and Hilbrand fan Fjildisah in 2011. She scored eight World Championship titles and a National championship. It was a banner year for these eight equestrians across the USEF breeds and disciplines. The USEF membership, board of directors and designated equestrian media voted to decide the winner. James C. Wofford (Upperville, VA) collected Lifetime Achievement accolades in front of legions of his fans. A lifelong servant and student of the sport he was a multiple medal-winning eventing rider, coach, trainer, author, AHSA president, administrator, broadcaster...and legend. Learn more about Wofford by watching this video about his life: 2011 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award Video Remembrance Listen to his acceptance speech: James C. Wofford Lifetime Achievement Award Acceptance Jacob Arnold (Snow Camp, NC) picked up his laurels for Junior Equestrian of the Year. One of the few young drivers in his sport, he has caught the attention of many in his discipline for his ability and poise.  Learn more about Jacob by watching this video: 2011 Junior Equestrian of the Year Read more about Wofford and Arnold here:  http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7921/2011/12/16/usef_announces_wofford_arnold_to_r.aspx The USEF Youth Sportsman's Award was presented to Morgan enthusiast and competitor Sascha Mills for her style and contributions both in and out of the competition arena. She was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association.  More information about Mills is available here:  http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7895/2011/12/4/sascha_mills_wins_2011_usef_youth_s.aspx Raymond Francis, Nancy Nathanson and Marvin McCabe received Pegasus Medals of Honor. The McDevitt Award of Merit is awarded posthumously to people who have passed away during the preceding competition year. In 2011 Johann Senn, Cornelia Serpell and Art Gayan were honored. Sportsmanship Award and Walter B Devereux Trophy was given to Georgine Winslett in 2011. The Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy is given, at the discretion of USEF President David O'Connor, to honor distinguished service in equestrian sport. The winner of this award is known only to the president until it is presented and in 2011, O'Connor chose Howard Simpson. USEF Equus Foundation Humanitarian Award was awarded to Molly Sweeney.  Read more about her life and volunteer work here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7931/2011/12/19/molly_sweeney_named_recipient_of_th.aspx Charles Dennehy, Elizabeth Searle and Edward Teater were added to Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials for their service to equestrian competition. Marty Simensen Memorial Trophy was awarded to Morgan Silver for her work with the Florida Horse Protection Association. Joan Hamilton, an acclaimed Saddlebred breeder at Kalarama Farm, was honored with the Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Trophy. Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award was bestowed to Dr. Margaret "Meg" Sleeper for topping the USEF Endurance Rider Ranking List in 2011. The reception before the Pegasus Dinner was made possible by Publishers Press, and the Pegasus Dinner was sponsored by the USA Equestrian Trust. Makes sure to check out all of the Annual Meeting Sponsors here: http://www.usef.org/convention/2012/sponsors.aspx On demand video from the Pegsus awards will be available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012

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REINING: ARIAT KENTUCKY REINING CUP RETURNS

Don't miss the excitement - Reining returns! The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in April 2012 after its fantastic debut during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event last year! Action begins on Friday night with the only CRI3* in the world, riders will guide their horses through prescribed turns, sliding stops and flying lead changes in pursuit of $100,000 prize money. On Saturday evening, riders will dazzle you with the crowd favorite, Reining World Freestyle Championship, as they compete for $25,000 in prize money. Last year spectators cheered for Eventing favorites David O’Connor, Gina Miles, Karen O’Connor as they joined Reining veterans, Shawn Farida and Tom McCutcheon. You never know who will try their hand at Reining...Don't miss your chance to be a part of this electrifying event, reserve your seats today! Click here to buy your tickets today!

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WEF: Wellington: Allyson Blais and Camden Yards Top Horseware Products Adult Amateur 3'3" Hunters at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

Allyson Blais and Camden Yards Top Horseware Products Adult Amateur 3'3" Hunters at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival  Ward Scores Again in Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers with Espalanade 7 For Immediate Release Lauren Fisher and Jennifer Wood for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. Wellington, FL - January 13, 2012 - Week one of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, today with more exceptional hunter competition. Showing in the Eugene R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring, the Horseware Products Adult Amateur Hunter 3'3" division presented championship honors. Twenty-three-year-old Allyson Blais, of Delray Beach, FL, guided her nine-year-old Warmblood gelding Camden Yards to the championship tricolor with 38 totals points to top the division. Horseware Products is the Official Horse Blanket/Clothing of the FTI WEF. The first week of the FTI WEF runs through Sunday, January 15, and is sponsored by Surpass. The 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1, 2012, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class in week one is the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix on Saturday, January 14, at 7 p.m. Blais and Camden Yards won both classes over fences on Thursday and returned to place first and third over fences and third under saddle today. The reserve championship was awarded to Margaret O'Meara and Coin Toss, owned by Woodland Way, Inc. The pair placed second, fifth, second and fourth over fences and also finished second under saddle for a total of 21 points. Allyson Blais and Camden Yards Blais rides in Wellington year-round and trains with Alan Korotkin at Castlewood Farm. She has owned Camden Yards for about two years. "He has been awesome," she smiled. "He is not the easiest horse to ride. He can be a little quirky sometimes, but he tries so hard and he jumps unreal." The rider joked that she calls Camden Yards 'Beavis' or 'Butthead' in the barn, depending on his mood that day. "He has a lot of personality; he is really funny," she said. "He comes out and it has to be his way, but he is a really good boy."   Watch Allyson and Camden Yards in a winning round! Videos by Shownet - View 2012 FTI WEF Videos at www.shownet.biz Blais explained that she usually shows Camden Yards in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, but just started a new job and has not had a lot of time to ride. "This division just happened to work in with my schedule," she stated. "Yesterday I showed and then went right to work." When Blais is too busy to show, rider Shawn Casady steps in to compete Camden Yards in the Junior Hunters. The gelding is for sale, so Blais hopes to keep him showing throughout circuit to focus on finding him a great new owner. Even though Blais shows in Wellington all year, she admits that it is very different showing at the PBIEC once the FTI WEF circuit begins. "Sometimes I get a little nervous. I call it 'WEFitis,' but I think that since I show here all the time it calms my nerves a little bit. It is so exciting to see everything finished and to have all of the rings going and all of the people here. I have to step up my game once everyone else gets here. No more slacking and no more chipping," she laughed. Hunter competition at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue on Saturday when the Marley Goodman Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division will conclude its classes and present championship honors for week one. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.  Ward Wins Again, Dobbs Returns to the Winner's Circle  McLain Ward (USA) made it two wins in a row today, this time with Louisburg Farm's Esplanade 7 in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers. He guided Esplanade 7 to victory in a jump-off time of 38.883 seconds over 60 other entries in the class. Second place went to Darragh Kenny (IRL) on Obelix, owned by Missy Clark and North Run, who finished in 40.464 seconds. Hillary Dobbs (USA) and The Dobbs Group's Udento VDL were third in 40.516 seconds.  You can see McLain and Esplanade's winning jump-off ride here! Videos by Shownet - View 2012 FTI WEF Videos at www.shownet.biz "I was thrilled with her. She's coming back off an injury and she was out for a year," Ward said. "They (Louisburg Farm) did a beautiful job rehabbing her. We cruised around on Wednesday and today opened her up a little bit. She's a very fast horse, it's not like you really have to put the pedal to the metal, and she's experienced. But she felt really good. It's nice to start her circuit off with a win, and we hope she can win a lot of other classes this year." Although they went early in the class, Ward felt confident going into the immediate jump-off. "I know her well and where she can make up time. She can turn quite tight. She's just a very efficient horse. I didn't feel like I had to press her hard anywhere. It was just kind of neat. You know what to expect with her," he said.    McLain Ward and Esplanade 7 Hillary Dobbs has returned to her winning ways as she and Marengo, owned by The Dobbs Group, took the top prize in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge. Dobbs and the well-known speedster Marengo took the win in 60.343 seconds over Nicolas Paillot and Olympic de Chamant, who finished in 62.428 seconds. Luis Larrazabal (VEN) and G&C Lepanto were third. Earlier in the day, the $1,500 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper class was held. Sydney Shulman and Fit 3 took first place. In the $2,500 High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Samantha Senft and Early Morning finished in the top spot. The winner of the $1,500 Adequan 7 Year Old Young Jumper qualifier was Ammy V, ridden by Marilyn Little-Meredith. Laura Chapot and Zealous won the $1,500 Adequan 8 Year Old Young Jumper qualifier. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of hunter and jumper competition. The highlight class of the week, the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix, will start at 7 p.m.  Final Results: $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Time First Jump-off   1 ESPLANADE 7, MCLAIN WARD: 0/0/38.883 2 OBELIX, DARRAGH KENNY: 0/0/40.464 3 UDENTO VDL, HILLARY DOBBS: 0/0/40.516 4 UMBERTO, LAURA CHAPOT: 0/0/40.568 5 SIRI, SHANE SWEETNAM: 0/0/42.062 6 SYRAH, MOLLY ASHE-CAWLEY: 0/0/42.154 7 FERRERO K, AMY MILLAR: 0/0/42.380 8 WANNAHAVE, DARRAGH KENNY: 0/0/42.506 9 ALLIGATOR ALLEY, CIAN O'CONNOR: 0/0/43.730 10 LANSDOWNE, YANN CANDELE: 0/0/45.407 11 URICO, MARIO DESLAURIERS: 0/0/46.927 12 COSTA RICA Z, AMY MILLAR: 0/4/40.178  Final Results: $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge   1 MARENGO, HILLARY DOBBS: 0/60.343 2 OLYMPIC DE CHAMANT, NICOLAS PAILLOT: 0/62.428 3 G & C LEPANTO, LUIS LARRAZABAL: 0/63.594 4 QUARTERLETTO, DARRAGH KENNY: 0/67.808 5 QUINLAN, SCHUYLER RILEY: 0/69.292 6 DANCER, LAUREN CROOKS: 0/72.693 7 OCEANE DE NANTUEL, MARIE HECART: 2/78.194 8 BRADBERRY, LAURA CHAPOT: 4/61.869 9 TORNADO, ANDREW WELLES: 4/70.786 10 S & L WHAT NOU, DARRAGH KERINS: 4/74.493 11 WAUW, JUAN ORTIZ: 4/74.818 12 PLAY ON, VICTORIA BIRDSALL: 4/75.398  For full results please visit www.showgroundslive.com. Photo Credit: Alyson Blais and Camden Yards, McLain Ward and Esplanade 7 at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, www.sportfot.com. This photo may be used only in relation to this press release.

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USEF: Neville Bardos and Sjoerd Named 2011 Horses of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation - From the USEF Communications Department

Horse of the Year Neville Bardos (Photo Courtesy of USEA) From the USEF Communications Department

Cincinnati, OH - For the first time ever, the USEF crowned two horses with its highest honor, one from an International Discipline and one from a National Discipline. Neville Bardos and Sjoerd were named 2011 Horses of the Year at tonight's USEF annual Horse of the Year celebration. Honored for their accomplishments in 2011 their roads through the last 12 months, while both exceptional, have been very different. Videos of all of the Horses of Honor are available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012 Neville Bardos - Eventing He shouldn't have lived. But he did. He shouldn't have returned to his life as an event horse. But he returned better than ever. Trapped in a burning barn for 45 minutes, Neville Bardos made a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a fire that claimed the lives of six other horses at his rider Boyd Martin's barn in West Grove, PA. The now 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding won the USEF National CCI3* championship in 2009 and was 10th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - leading the U.S. effort. But his life changed dramatically in the early hours of Memorial Day in 2011. Martin pulled him out of the burning barn to safety. Neville Bardos was left with horrific injuries due to massive amounts of smoke inhalation and the subsequent damage to his throat. Neville, who is owned by 10 members of a syndicate bearing his name, never seemed to feel as badly as he should have and he began making a miraculous recovery. Through the help of his vet (Dr. Kevin Keane), his groom (Lindsey Taylor) and the Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center (where he visited the Hyperbaric Chamber) Neville defied the odds and made a miracle trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England in September. He rocketed around the cross-country course clean and fast and finished seventh at the world's toughest CCI4*. Braver than brave, Neville Bardos' courage saw him through more than just a difficult cross country course it helped see Martin through the rebuilding of his own life. Shortly after the fire, Martin lost his father in a bicycling accident in Australia. Shortly after that Martin's wife Silva lost her father to cancer. It was a nightmare summer for the Martin's and Neville's success helped them find their way through it. In 2011, he was also second at the Red Hills Horse Trials in the CIC3*(in March), fourth in the Advanced at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August. If Neville Bardos had lived the rest of his life in the field this story would have had a no less incredible and happy ending. But Neville was looking to make a miracle and tonight was the next chapter in that mission. Hear the reaction to Neville Bardos's win here:  http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/187/boyd_martin_on_neville_bardos_win.aspx  Horse of the Year Sjoerd (Rick Osteen Photo) Sjoerd - Friesian Horse of the Year Sjoerd (Rick Osteen Photo) Not to be outdone by a tearjerker Sjoerd's year on the National circuit was one of insurmountable success. Xena Vimercati's stallion won and won and won. He transcended divisions, riders and classes. Anyone lining up against the striking jet black Friesian knew that to try to beat him they better bring their A game. He was honored for his confirmation and presence in the ring and with his panache and personality he garnered fans everywhere he went. He was undefeated in 2011 in the Halter division. Sjoerd was named World or Grand National Champion 14 times in 2011. He also added four World/Grand National Reserve Champion titles to his list. At just six years of age, Sjoerd is beginning to build a dynasty. He won back-to-back Shakespeare Perpetual Hi-Point Friesian Trophies and Jeff Wonnell Memorial Versatility Silver Belt Buckles continuing a streak that began in 2010. He also scored the Robin ut de Warren Memorial Perpetual Trophy, World Champion Saddle Seat Open, 19 Regional titles and 5 Reserve Championships. He won with 10 different people in 2011, demonstrating his versatility and trust. He won across the country, picking up championships in California, Colorado and Virginia. He won with multiple riders across divisions at the same show, exemplifying his ability to adapt to different styles of riding in the different classes he contested. He won Equitation, Dressage, Liberty, Walk/Trot, English Pleasure, Trail, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Saddle Seat, Western Pleasure, Junior and Amateur Classes. As a sire, he is already beginning to prove his mettle. He is the sire of TDR Zivah the Diva who was the 2011 USEF Grand National Champion Part-bred Friesian. In 2010 and 2011 she was the Grand National Part-bred Halter Champion. Sjoerd's foals, although only yearlings and weanlings, are consistently winning top honors in the show ring. They carry his looks and his talent with them. Hear the reaction to Sjoerd's win here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/186/sjoerd_wins_2011_national_horse_of.aspx The other four Horses of Honor are: Starr Llight - Arabian Starr Llight is frequently referred to as both Dynamic and a Diva. Every time the now 16-year-old Arabian mare enters the ring she rises to the occasion. With her young owner Leah Beth Boyd in the stirrups, Starr Llight ended up winning a spectacular ride-off for the coveted Open Purebred English Pleasure title at the 2011 Arabian National Championships. With that victory, Starr Llight became the winningest Purebred English Pleasure mare of all time and is only the second mare since 1988 to win the title.She is also the oldest mare, and second oldest horse overall, ever to garner the coveted prize. Purchased by her young owner in 1999 from a dispersal sale, this mare has now won 11 National or Reserve Championship titles. Boyd and Starr Llight are the only Arabian horse/rider team to win a National Championship in the Junior exhibitor, the Amateur exhibitor, and the Open division. CHThe Daily Lottery - Saddlebred When it comes to the Five-Gaited division for Saddlebreds, High Hickory Farm's CHThe Daily Lottery put together an undefeated record in amateur competition in 2011. CHThe Daily Lottery scored Grand Champion titles at the UPHA/American Royal, Kentucky Fall Classic, Midwest Charity Horse Show, Bonnie Blue National, and the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show and dominated every time he set foot in the ring. The now 8-year-old is no stranger to success with his rider Gabe Deknatel and his consistency and big motion are impossible to ignore. Trained by John and Tammie Conatser, CHThe Daily Lottery is handsome, fast and seemingly invincible. Coral Reef Via Volo - Jumping Though small in stature (15.3h) and nicknamed "Shrimp," Coral Reef Via Volo is a giant when it comes to jumping. With one of the world's best riders, Beezie Madden, aboard she topped the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List for much of the 2011 competition year and went on to impress the world at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She led Team USA's Gold-medal effort, which also secured 2012 Olympic qualification. She added only one time fault through five rounds of jumping and won Individual Silver to back up the Team Gold. In 2011, Coral Reef Ranch's Via Volo and Madden racked up numerous wins across the globe. They were on the winning team in the Nations Cup at the CSIO4* Wellington. They won the D-LINE Cup 1.60m Spruce Meadows and the Longines International Grand Prix of Rotterdam (CHIO). A recent partnership, having won their first competition together just over a year ago, the future for Coral Reef Via Volo is bright. Weltino's Magic - Dressage Bruce and Jen Hlavacek's Weltino's Magic was undefeated in 2011, winning with Steffen Peters at the Intermediaire I level at the Festival of the Horse CDI and the Del Mar National CDI in California before heading to CHIO Aachen and taking on the best small tour horses in the world. Together they continued their unbeaten streak in Aachen, Germany, and then returned home to sweep all three tests in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in September to earn their spot on the U.S. Team for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. They continued to set a remarkably high standard at the Pan American Games and brought home Team and Individual Gold medals. 'Magic's' character comes through in his performance and he has evolved into a top contender since he was started by Peters' wife, Shannon. With Shannon he was Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division. Dozens of champions were honored across the USEF's 28 Breeds and Disciplines tonight. From jumpers to hackneys, vaulting horses to parade horses, the evening recognized the best horses from 2011. The reception and the HOTY dinner were made possible by Adequan, a steadfast supporter of the USEF. For more information about our other Annual Meeting Sponsors please visit: http://www.usef.org/convention/2012/sponsors.aspx. More information about the Horses of the Year and the 2012 Annual Meeting is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012

The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation® is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its human and equine athletes.

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Jumping: Hong Kong: Childrens Classics: VASCONCELLOS SCOOPS DOUBLE-GOLD FOR BRAZIL by Louise Parkes

Venezuela's Sarah Vasconcellos claimed Team and Individual gold riding Cornwall Chief at the FEI Children's International Classics Final 2011 in Hong Kong.  Photo: FEI/Kenneth Chan.

FEI CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS FINAL 2011
Hong Kong (CHN), 14 January 2012

Brazil's Sarah Vasconcellos clinched her second gold medal of the Championships when taking the Individual title on the final day of the FEI Children's International Classics Final in Hong Kong today.  Silver went to the host nation's Arianna Ladd, while South Africa's Cameron Dawson was the well-deserved recipient of the bronze.  Vasconcellos also helped the Happy Diamonds side to gold in the Team competition, ably supported by Russia's Nikita Pomogalova, Venezuela's Victoria Karm and Hong Kong's Michelle Li.

The youthful enthusiasm and sporting spirit of the competitors, all aged between 12 and 14 years, permeated the event which took place at the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Beas River Country Club - venue for the eventing discipline during the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.  The 20 competitors representing 15 National Federations - Brazil, Hong Kong, South Africa, France, Germany, Ecuador, Paraguay, Venezuela, China, Syria, New Zealand, Guatemala, Russia, Mexico and Canada - rode horses belonging to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, many of which are leased to individuals who generously permitted their mounts to take part in this important challenge.

DISCUSSIONS 
Competitions for children riding horses initially emerged from discussions that took place during the FEI General Assembly in London in 1986, and the first international event was held in Cali, Colombia in 1988.  Between 1993 and 1997, Alfonso Romo and his company (Pulsar) organised the Intercontinental Youth Championships at the Club Hipico La Silla in Mexico, including classes for Children, Juniors and Young Riders.  The Children's International Jumping Championship was introduced by the Children's Committee in 1995 and has moved around the globe in subsequent years.  It was last held in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in 2009 when Syria's Mohammed Jabri came out on top in the battle for the Individual title.

Initially divided into two sections - Category A for experienced riders and Category B for children with less experience - the concept was further developed with the introduction of a third category in 2011.  Riders now compete at Gold, Silver and Bronze level, and the FEI Children's International Classics Final staged over the last five days in Hong Kong was open to Gold Tour competitors only.

ACTION 
Course designer was Iran's Hossein Shafiee, and the action got underway with a warm-up class on Wednesday during which riders got the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their mounts.  Thursday's first competition was won by South Africa's Cameron Dawson riding Golden Goblet who recorded the quickest time around the track to pip Syria's Fares Al Khouli and Call Me Handsome by a margin of almost two seconds.  Vasconcellos showed early promise when slotting Cornwall Chief into third ahead of South Africa's Taryn Rault and Gagnant in fourth.  Impressively, 12 of the 20 starters jumped clear in their opening effort.

The second competition on Friday decided the team medals, and it was a close-fought affair with the top three teams all finishing on a four-fault total, but Pomogalova (Noble Boss), Karam (Magical Lot), Li (Phoenix Fortune) and Casconcellos (Cornwall Chief) clinched gold with fastest combined time.  The Happy Sport foursome of Camille Conde-Ferreira (Spare a Dime) from France, Joao Victor Lima (Fame and Fortune) from Brazil, South Africa's Cameron Dawson (Golden Goblet) and Hong Kong's Arianna Ladd (Mountain Treasure) finished just over two seconds in arrears to clinch silver while Team Chopardissimo's Lily Tootill (Wafer King) from New Zealand, Ashley Keary (Hot Pot) from Canada, South Africa's Taryn Rault (Gagnant) and Ecuador's Simon Fernandez-Salvador Fallet (Tennessee) were almost 18 seconds further adrift when taking the bronze.

Individually, Dawson came out on top once again, and the South Africans were dominant when Taryn Rault and Gagnant slotted into second ahead of Kiwi rider Tootill who steered Wafer King into third. Vasconcellos was stalking the leaders yet again however when claiming fourth, and it was her turn to shine on the final day.

PRESSURE INCREASED
With the fences raised to 1.10m the pressure was increased, and when Vasconcellos produced one of just two first-round clears this morning - the other delighting the home-side supporters when coming from Hong Kong's Arianna Ladd - then these two went into a 10-way jump-off to decide the fate of the Individual gold medal.  It seemed South Africa might well be in line for the main honours, but although Rault had the quickest time when breaking the beam in 47.60 seconds he left two on the floor while Dawson's Golden Goblet picked up four faults in the fast time of 47.89 seconds.

Ladd thrilled the Hong Kong supporters club when bringing Mountain Treasure home clear once again, but her time of 53.11 seconds was cautious and when Vasconcellos galloped through the finish in 48.47 seconds she sealed the result.

The Brazilian rider is about to start her Secondary School education in the USA and has four horses in her string.  Vasconcellos earned her place at the final when winning her home qualfier with a seven-year-old mare she bought from Holland last July.  "I prepared for the Children's Final by riding my four horses which are all very different - that was good experience for me" Vasconcellos explained today.  She admitted that she was "not completely at home" with her allocated ride, Cornwall Chief, on the first day, "but it got better and better and I was told my riding style was similar to the horse's own rider so people were confident we would get along and do well" she explained.

NERVOUS
"I was nervous going into the jump-off today, but after the first jump I knew my horse was in good form and that I had a chance!" she pointed out.  By sheer coincidence she met Cornwall Chief's owner while on a trip to Germany last summer, and everyone concerned was delighted with the end result.  Very much in keeping with the spirit of these Championships, Vasconcellos said her trip to Hong Kong was a great all-round experience.  "It's been awesome making so many new friends and connections - I've already teamed up with the South Africans and we have become great friends!" she said.

Hong Kong's Arianna Ladd took the prize for Most Stylish rider, while Ecuador's Simon Fernandez-Salvador Fallet took the Sportsmanship Award which was also presented by sponsors, Chopard.  FEI Jumping Director, John Roche, said, "The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation did an amazing job in organising this event, and I would like to say a special thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for providing us with a great venue, and tremendous sport".

Results:

Individual: GOLD – Cornwall Chief (Sarah Vasconcellos) BRA; SILVER - Mountain Treasure (Arianna Ladd) HKG; BRONZE - Golden Goblet (Cameron Dawson) RSA.

Team: GOLD - Team Happy Diamonds - Noble Boss (Nikita Pomogalova) RUS, Magical Lot (Victoria Karam) VEN, Phoenix Fortune (Michele Li) HKG, Cornwall Chief (Sarah Vasconcellos) BRA; SILVER - Team Happy Sport - Spare a Dime (Camille Conde-Ferreira) FRA, Fame and Fortune (Joao Victor Lima) BRA, Golden Goblet (Cameron Dawson) RSA, Mountain Treasure (Arianna Ladd) HKG; BRONZE - Team Chopardissimo - Wafer King (Lily Tootill) NZL, Hot Pot (Ashley Keary) CAN, Gagnant (Taryn Rault) RSA, Tennessee (Simon Fernandez-Salvador Fallet) ECU.

  

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Driving: Mechelen: FOURTH-IN-A-ROW WIN FOR BOYD EXELL by Cindy Timmer

FEI WORLD CUP™ DRIVING 2011/2012

Mechelen (BEL), 31 December 2011

FOURTH-IN-A-ROW WIN FOR BOYD EXELL by Cindy Timmer

Boyd Exell proved to be of a different class again in the sixth leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Mechelen, Belgium. Exell remained untouched throughout the competition and stayed far ahead of his rivals Tomas Eriksson (SWE) and IJsbrand Chardon (NED). Mechelen is Boyd’s fourth consecutive win of the season after his victories at Stockholm, Budapest and Geneva. With only the Final in Bordeaux left for the triple FEI World Cup winner, Boyd can relax and enjoy his well-deserved holiday in his home country Australia for the next few weeks.

Exciting until the last moment

It was one of the best FEI World Cup™ Driving competitions ever in the Nekkerhal, which remained exciting until the very last moment. No less than eight drivers battled for a place on the podium. Second starter Georg von Stein drove a fast clear round, which more experienced indoor drivers like Koos de Ronde and Jozsef Dobrovitz were unable to beat. Tomas Eriksson was the first to beat Von Stein’s time and secured his place for the winning round. IJsbrand Chardon caused even more excitement by knocking a ball off the first obstacle, but finished only 0.48 seconds behind Eriksson and also qualified for the winning round. Boyd Exell finished the job without any hesitation and took the lead.

Winning Round

In the winning round, Chardon gave Eriksson some more air by knocking three balls down. The Swedish top driver however knocked two balls down himself but was a little quicker and took over the lead. Last starter Exell drove his team of horses without any faults through the much-praised course, designed by Dutch O-course designer Johan Jacobs and secured his fourth consecutive win of this season.

Bill is back

Boyd used ‘good old’ Bill in the Nekkerhal for the first time this season in the right lead position again. The 19-year-old gelding was part of Boyd’s winning team at the FEI World Cup Finals in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Exell spared his best horse in order to be able to use him for the Final in Bordeaux and he used Mechelen as a ‘warm up’ competition to get Bill back into his rhythm. “I had to concentrate to keep up with Bill,” said Boyd. “Bill is very instinctive and he feels where I want to go. He allows me to gather speed easily without a lot of risk.

Fighting for a place in the Final

The goal of Tomas Eriksson, who won the FEI World Cup™ Driving event in Mechelen in 2007, was to gain as many points as possible to secure his starting ticket for the Final. Tomas is currently in fifth position in the standings after Mechelen. The double World Champion has to put down another top performance in Leipzig in three weeks to be able to compete at the Final in Bordeaux, which is open to the top six drivers in the standings after Leipzig.

Unusual knockdowns

IJsbrand Chardon had an unlucky knock down in the first round. The four-time World Champion then gave everything he had in the second round, but went too fast and knocked three balls down, which is unusual for IJsbrand.

Tips and tricks
Georg von Stein had received some tips and tricks from Exell and Eriksson the night before the World Cup competition, which paid off when he drove an excellent clear round and secured fourth place. Jozsef Dobrovitz and wild card driver Koos de Ronde did not get into their usual speedy rhythm and finished fifth and sixth.

In the footsteps of his grandfather
Twenty-two year old wild card competitor Glenn Geerts followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, former international Belgian four-in-hand driver Achille Snoeys and competed in the Nekkerhal for the first time with his team of Dutch warm blood geldings. Snoeys received the wild card in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Ten times Belgian Champion Gert Schrijvers competed in the FEI World Cup Driving™ competition in Mechelen for the tenth time this year but a lack of indoor routine made the third wild card driver end the competition in eighth place.

Quotes
Boyd Exell (AUS): “Boyd Exell (AUS): “In the winning round we said we would go clean and clear and when the rhythm was good, we would let them fly. We took the first obstacle very tight and fast, my navigator Michelle told me in the second obstacle that we did not need to go that fast, so I steadied up a little bit.” “The course was good for the public, they were sitting very close to the arena which allowed them to feel the horses. And when the spectators started to make noise with their feet, I could feel the horses go from V8 to V12.”

Tomas Eriksson (SWE): “This was the best course in Mechelen that I have seen for years. Johan Jacobs has done a very good job. My goal was to make it to the winning round so I am happy that I made it. I still have to go for it in Leipzig as I am not certain of a place for the Final.”

IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “I went all or nothing in the winning round but I made too many mistakes. I am happy though that I have tried it. The horses went fast and turned well and I am pleased that I finished in the top three.”

Results CAI-W Mechelen 2011:

1. Boyd Exell (AUS) 194,51
2. Tomas Eriksson (SWE) 211,13
3. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 215,03
4. Georg von Stein (GER) 106,02
5. Jozsef Dobrovitz (HUN) 108,97
6. Koos de Ronde (NED) 116,47 wild card
7. Glenn Geerts (BEL) 127,33 wild card
8. Gert Schrijvers (BEL) 136,93 wild card

Official results: warm-up competition/ world cup competition 

Standings after 6 of 7 events:

1      Boyd EXELL                       AUS         30

2      IJsbrand CHARDON           NED         24

        Koos DE RONDE                NED         24

4      Jozsef DOBROVITZ            HUN        15

5      Tomas ERIKSSON              SWE        12

6      Zoltan LÁZÁR                     HUN        11

7      Theo TIMMERMAN             NED         7

8      Werner ULRICH                SUI         6

        Georg VON STEIN              GER         6

10    Rainer DUEN                     GER         5

The 2011/2012 FEI World Cup™ Driving series now moves on to Leipzig, Germany on Sunday, 22 January. For information on the next leg go to www.partner-pferd.de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, +49 4307 827970.

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FEI: Olympics: London 2012: FEI SIGNS OFF IMPROVED FOOTING FOR LONDON 2012 EQUESTRIAN EVENTS

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Lausanne (SUI), 10 January 2012

  

The FEI has today given final sign-off on the footing that will be used for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events at Greenwich Park.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) conducted footing tests at a site near Preston in the north of England on 20 and 21 December 2011. The mix for the footing is now composed of non-waxed sand, felt and fibre.

Testing of the new footing concluded on 21 December when international riders Geoff Billington (Jumping) and Richard Davison (Dressage) rode on the surface, which had been laid on the platform structure that will be used at Greenwich Park next year.

Leopoldo Palacios, technical advisor to LOCOG, FEI Technical Delegate Frank Rothenberger, footing expert Bart Poels and FEI Director Jumping John Roche attended the test on 21 December. The technical experts produced detailed reports that were submitted to the FEI Executive Board for further evaluation prior to sign-off.

The test was also attended by International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) representative John Whitaker, Jumping riders Peter Murphy and David McPherson, who attended as observers, two representatives from the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) and Peter Hart, LOCOG Modern Pentathlon Competition Manager.

“The riders gave some very positive feedback on the footing and this was backed up by the technical reports we received from the officials that attended the test in December”, FEI Secretary General Ingmar de Vos said. “The FEI Executive Board has now signed off on the footing and, together with LOCOG, we are delighted that the process is now in place to deliver the best possible footing for the 2012 Games. We are looking forward to excellent Olympic and Paralympic sport at the wonderful Greenwich Park venue next summer.”

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WEF: Wellington: 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Hosts Opening Press Conference

For Immediate Release Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. Wellington, FL - January 10, 2012 - The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) hosted its opening press conference on Tuesday afternoon at the White Horse Tavern in Wellington, FL. A large crowd of local, national, and international media were in attendance to hear the latest news on the 12-week competition, which begins tomorrow. The FTI WEF will host thousands of the world's best horses and riders on January 11-April 1 at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in what has become the world's largest and longest running horse show. Local, national, and international media attended the opening press conference  This afternoon's press conference was hosted by Equestrian Sport Productions' (ESP) CEO Mark Bellissimo and President Michael Stone, with additional commentary from top hunter rider and trainer Louise Serio, Pan American Games Show Jumping Individual and U.S. Team Gold Medalist Christine McCrea, Wellington Equestrian Partner Hunter Harrison, and Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medalist Rodrigo Pessoa.    Highlighted topics included the continuous growth of the show, the addition of many new sponsors, the upcoming USEF Olympic Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team, and the broader expansion of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival to reach horse lovers of all disciplines. Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone began the press conference by welcoming everyone and expressing his excitement for the season to come. Stone emphasized the progress of the show grounds, the increased prize money, and the increased caliber of classes that will be held during this year's competition. "Over the years we have been talking a lot about construction and development, and for the first time the show grounds are ready to go," Stone stated. "Prize money is up significantly. The last six events will have five ROLEX FEI world ranking classes, which make it by far the biggest international horse show in the United States. For the first time the Olympic Trials will be in line with the USEF National Championships. We have moved on to such an extent now, that people are realizing that this is the place to come. Many foreign riders are coming to use this as Olympic preparation and we are expecting huge numbers from California, Central and South America and from Europe." ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo spoke next, commenting on the transformation of the horse show. "We are very excited about this year," Bellissimo smiled. "This is going to be by far our biggest year. If you look across every element of our revenue base, from stabling to entries to sponsorship to hospitality, we are up at least 10 to 15% in every one of those categories in a very difficult time. I think that is a testament to a tremendous investment by our partnership. We have a group of people who are not only committed to this festival, which has increased in both size and stature, but are very committed to this community and really trying to make it the centerpiece of the world for winter equestrian competition."  Bellissimo explained that his goal is to develop an "equestrian lifestyle destination", unifying the many equestrian disciplines and bringing horse lovers of all kinds together. "The unifying theme here is the horse, not hunter, jumper, polo, or anything else. For people who love the horse, we want to make it accessible everyone - to the Olympic caliber riders, to someone who just got his first western horse, and to people who just want to be a part of the lifestyle. I think that we are going to see a tremendous amount of growth in that area and I think that we are going to see a much broader group in Wellington in the future." The panel at the opening press conference, held at the White Horse Tavern  "We are hopeful that this will be our greatest year in terms of spectatorship," Bellissimo continued. "We believe that the next transition for the sport is to get it even more spectator friendly and family friendly." Also speaking during the press conference, Hunter Harrison represented Wellington Equestrian Partners. Harrison spoke about the growth of the show and the importance of sponsors. "It is very pleasing for me, having been here for about 15 years now, to see the progress that this venue has made in all aspects in a relatively short period of time," Harrison said. "We owe a great deal of thanks to Mark Bellissimo for the leadership that he has shown and some of the battles that he has fought to see that this show is a success and meets the standards that we have set for ourselves, which are pretty high. As a former large sponsor of the show, I know that you cannot run a horse show of this magnitude without sponsors. There is an exciting list of new sponsors this year and some that have been with us for years and years that we could not do without." Questions for Christine McCrea followed with a conversation about what it means for the U.S Show Jumping Team to have their Olympic Selection Trials at the FTI WEF this year. The winner of the selection trials will be named the national champion, as winner of the U.S. National Show Jumping Championship. McCrea stated, "It is really exciting as an American jumper rider. We are so fortunate to come down here and show and to have everything wrapped into one, especially in one week, is going to be really cool. I thank Mark for putting that all together and working with our federation to make that happen. Everybody is excited; it is at the front of everybody's mind." Louise Serio, the winner of last year's $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, spoke about the exciting opportunities for hunters at this year's WEF. Serio noted, "The hunters are looking forward to going back on Saturday night during week six. That is our big week when we get to go in the International Arena and have a Saturday night class. We hope everybody will come and watch. It is really quite exciting for all of the riders. The professionals, juniors and amateurs all show against each other. Then the derby is the last week down here, the $50,000 class, which is our biggest money derby all year (outside of the Finals). Everybody is excited; there are a lot of people with a lot of horses, so we are looking forward to a good year." Finally, Rodrigo Pessoa spoke from the point of view of the international show jumper, noting the advantages of competing in Wellington during the winter. "I think that, competition wise, this is as hard as anywhere in the world because America is obviously a very strong country with a lot of good horses and riders," Pessoa said. "It is tough to win here; the competition is very hard. It is a privilege to be here for so many weeks at a great facility like this one. With the weather like this, it makes you enjoy your time very much. Of course the management has been working really hard to make this facility look world-class and it is really getting there. The changes the last couple of years have been incredible and the prize money is great thanks to all of the sponsors."    Michael Stone, Mark Bellissimo, Louise Serio, Christine McCrea, Rodrigo Pessoa, and Hunter Harrison  Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to a fantastic season as the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival kicks off on Wednesday, January 11. For more information and for a full schedule of events, please visit www.equestriansport.com. Photo credit: The panel of Michael Stone, Mark Bellissimo, Louise Serio, Christine McCrea, Rodrigo Pessoa and Hunter Harrison spoke about the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival at the opening press conference. Photo © ManciniPhotos. These photos may only be used in relation to this press release. About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 11 through April 1. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are "AA" rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $6 million in prize money will be awarded.  About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 23 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.4 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2010. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.         Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

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Hunter/Jumper: USEF: 2012 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session Concludes After Five Informative Days

Riders from the 2012 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session. (Photo Courtesy of Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore)

January 10, 2012 From the USEF Communications Department Wellington, FL- The sixth annual  George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session presented by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and Adequan concluded Saturday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Held January 3-7, participants honed their riding skills and learned valuable lessons in overall horsemanship. Learn more about the riders     Due to a severe cold, Morris, the legendary horseman and U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe, was unable to teach the training session sponsored by The Dutta Corporation, Farnam, Practical Horseman, and Equestrian Sport Productions. However, Morris' protégés Anne Kursinski, Kent Farrington, McLain Ward and Beezie Madden stepped in to conduct the morning mounted sessions.     The culmination of the training session was Saturday's mock Nations Cup. It was a unique opportunity for riders to practice jumping in the Nations Cup format, and the group was split into four different teams. The Gold medal-winning team from the 2011 Pan American Games (Farrington, Madden, Ward and Christine McCrea) served as Chefs d'Equipe as riders jumped two rounds over Anthony D'Ambrosio's challenging course.  "I think we're working with a great group of riders," said Farrington. "Being a clinic, if you're able to walk away with anything, even if it's just one thing new that you learned, it's more than worth its while."  In the afternoons, riders and auditors attended informative sessions on an array of topics including veterinary and farrier care, horse selection, the importance of fundamentals in horse management and course design. On Friday evening a forum was held for participants and the public to learn more about the Artisan Farms Young Rider Under -25 Series, the 2012 European Junior and Young Rider Tour, FEI Medication Rules as well as Mr. Morris' legendary Principles, Policies and Procedures for International riders presented by John Madden. Jacob Pope jumps Anthony D'Ambriosio's course. Photo from Amy Serridge/USEF Archive Jacob Pope took part in the Training Session for the first time and was sorry that Morris was unable to teach but nonetheless learned valuable lessons in horsemastership. "It was disappointing and too bad that Mr. Morris wasn't able to train us, but USEF staff, Lizzy (Chesson) and Amy (Serridge), managed to put together a fantastic set of clinicians - Anne, Kent, McLain and Beezie were great!" said Pope. "Where else could you get all that at once, as well as great clinics from a vet and farrier, and advice from Katie (Prudent) on how to select a horse, Adequan on joint care, and Pancho Lopez on horse care and barn management?  And all of this with a group of top notch riders from across the nation; the personal connections will hopefully last a lifetime. The knowledge and wisdom that was shared with us was priceless." On the final day, the USET Foundation hosted a luncheon.  Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director of the USET Foundation congratulated all of the riders on a successful week.  "The USET Foundation is proud to be part of this week and continuing our mission of supporting athletes, promoting international excellence and building for the future." Read more about the USET's luncheon The George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session would not have been possible without the generosity of the clinicians who donated their time: Anthony D'Ambrosio, Kent Farrington, Anne Kursinski, Pancho Lopez, Beezie and John Madden, Allyn Mann, Christine McCrea, Dr. Tim Ober, Dean Pearson, Katie Prudent and McLain Ward. The USEFNetwork.com presented by Smartpak hosted wall-to-wall coverage over the five days of the training session. Video on demand is available for all the morning riding sessions and many of the educational afternoon sessions. All video, photos from the week and information about the participants and clinicians can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/GeorgeMorris2012/.

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Jumping: Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) becomes first Swede to lead the Rolex Rankings.Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) becomes first Swede to lead the Rolex Rankings.FEI: World Cup: ROLF-GORAN BENGTSSON IN HISTORIC ROLEX RANKINGS LEAD

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) becomes first Swede to lead the Rolex Rankings. (FEI Photo)

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Lausanne (SUI), 6 January 2012

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) is celebrating after securing the world number one slot in the Rolex Rankings for the first time in his career. 

The Hong Kong individual silver medallist has also made history by becoming the first Swedish world number in an Olympic discipline. 

In the latest Rolex Rankings, published today, Bengtsson is 81 points ahead of Eric Lamaze (CAN), the reigning Olympic champion who had topped the Rolex Rankings since 1 June 2011.

Bengtsson, who turns 50 this year, will be celebrating his promotion to world number one at the Swedish National Federation’s annual awards ceremony in Stockholm this weekend, when the Swedes will be looking back on a successful 2011 season.

Rolf-Goran BENGTSSON (SWE) riding Ninja La Silla the leading rider in the Rolex Rankings, January 2012. (FEI Photo) 

Bengtsson and the brilliant Ninja la Silla added European gold to their 2008 Olympic silver medal when sweeping to victory in the closing stages of the individual title-decider at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2011 in Madrid (SPA). 

In the updated Rolex Rankings Eric Lamaze has dropped to second place ahead of McLain Ward (USA), with Pius Schwizer (SUI) in fourth and Ludger Beerbaum (GER) in fifth.

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FEI: Olympics: London 2012: TWO HUNDRED DAYS TO GO TO LONDON 2012

We're back!  We apologize for our absence. We've been away too long but were're updating things at WEG Central.  In the meantime, we've begun the countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Lausanne (SUI), 9 January 2012

Twenty one nations are celebrating their Olympic qualification today, 9 January, which marks the 200-day countdown to London 2012 and 100 years of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement.

Eleven countries have now secured the opportunity to join the nine nations already qualified at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky and hosts Great Britain at London 2012 through a series of nail-biting qualifiers held around the world for their Olympic Group.

Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA and Ukraine will join hosts Great Britain in team Jumping.

Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the USA have qualified to compete in team Dressage.

Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and the USA have also secured their opportunity to compete in team Eventing.

The total number of teams competing at the 2012 Olympic Games will be confirmed on 1 March when additional composite teams in Dressage and Eventing made up of three individuals from the same nation are finalised through the FEI Olympic Riders Ranking.

Nations qualifying to send individual riders will also be confirmed on 1 March and riders then have until 17 June to achieve the necessary minimum eligibility criteria to compete at London 2012.

“We have had the most exciting build-up during the qualification period, with Canada, Germany, Sweden and the USA qualifying for team places alongside host nation Great Britain in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines,” explained Catrin Norinder, Olympic Director at the FEI.

“There are still composite team places for two disciplines to secure and of course it's all to play for with the individual riders. We're building up to a thrilling 100-year anniversary for equestrian sport in the Olympics, when 200 riders and horses will compete for individual and team gold, silver and bronze medals in Eventing, Dressage and Jumping.”

The Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXX Olympiad on 27 July will be followed by 12 days of equestrian competition and, for the first time in Olympic history, the final equestrian event will be the Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle to Music held on 9 August.

Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm (SWE) and the FEI is working closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and LOCOG to maximise coverage of the competition in Greenwich Park.

For more technical information regarding the 2012 games, please follow this link>>

And, to watch coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Equestrian competitions, sign up for FEI TV to catch all the action!

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Dressage: Olympics: Australian Dressage Team aims for Olympic qualification this week

The Australian Dressage Team’s bid for Olympic qualification got underway on Friday 28 October at the Australian Dressage Championships, Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

The Grand Prix CDI-W class served as the first leg of the Dressage Regional Olympic qualifier. Due to quarantine restrictions, the qualifier will be held in two parts, one in each hemisphere, as riders and horses are based in both Australasia and Europe. The Sydney competition was the first leg whilst the second leg will be in Ermelo (NED) on 2 November.

The qualifier is open to teams from the FEI Olympic Groups F (Africa and Middle East) and G (South East Asia and Oceania). Three nations – Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa – are seeking Olympic qualification. The two best placed teams overall will join Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the USA, which have already qualified.

The same Ground Jury will judge at the two events. The panel consists of FEI 5* judges Stephen Clarke (GBR), who will also be the President of the Ground Jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Gotthilf Riexinger (GER) and Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), plus FEI 4* judges Mariëtte Sanders-van Gansewinkel (NED) and Raphaël Saleh (FRA).

On Friday Australia was represented by Rachael Sanna on Jaybee Alabaster and Chantal Wigan on Ferero, with the remaining two Australian team members (Mary Hanna on Sancette and Lyndal Oatley on Potifar) to compete in the Ermelo event on Wednesday. The full South African team will also compete in Ermelo.

Sanna was the best performed rider winning the class on 69.11%. Wigan finished the class in 11th position overall scoring 62.47%.

New Zealand fielded their full team in Sydney. The New Zealand Team finished with a total score of 194.77. Louisa Hill and Bates Antonello posted the highest percentage for the Kiwis (66.13%) followed by Vanessa Way on KH Arvan (65.51%) then Nicky Pope on Fabarchie (63.13%). The discard score was Shiwon Green on Gosh (61.36%).

“We were really really happy with our performance,” commented New Zealand’s Louisa Hill following their team performance in Sydney.

“It is now up to the riders in Ermelo,” said Equestrian Australia High Performance Manager Brett Mace. “We managed a solid result in Sydney so it depends on the performance of our second two riders and of course the South African team.”

A notable absence from the Australian Team was Brett Parbery and Victory Salute. Parbery was not available for selection due to an injury sidelining Victory Salute for the remainder of the year.

Results will be posted in the Equestrian Australia web site following the competition.

Results for the Grand Prix CDI-W Sydney 28 October can be found here

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