The Irish team of Cian O’Connor, Paul O’Shea, Conor Swail, and Shane Sweetnam emerged victorious in Friday night’s $150,000 FEI Nations’ Cup at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL. The team from USA finished second, and Brazil placed third.
Friday’s Nations’ Cup consisted of two rounds shown over a course set by Ken Krome (USA). Teams of four represented the nations of Great Britain, Canada, Ireland, USA, Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela competing in that order, followed by a team of three for El Salvador. After the first round, each team dropped their highest score. In the second round, the top six teams returned in order of highest to lowest total faults. The winner was determined by the lowest total of each team’s top three riders from each round.
Ireland finished round one tied for first place with Brazil on a score of zero. They then completed round two with four faults to take the win. Brazil moved into third place with 16 faults in round two. USA carried five faults from round one, and added eight in round two to secure second place on a 13-point total.
The winning nation was represented by Shane Sweetnam aboard his own and Spy Coast Farm’s Chaqui Z; Paul O’Shea riding Skara Glen, Whipstick, Hurter, and Agnew’s Skara Glen’s Ma-chu Picchu; Conor Swail with Vanessa Mannix’s Rubens LS La Silla; and Cian O’Connor aboard Ronnoco Jump Ltd.’s Seringat, led by Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake.
“I am a very proud Irishman. I am absolutely delighted,” said Blake, who also led the team to victory in Ocala two weeks ago. “We came here to win, and we went to Ocala to win. It is very easy to win with these guys because they are really good. Basically, if you have a
bit of a plan and tell them in time where they are going, they are going to turn up. That is what they did on both occa-sions. People asked why I changed the winning team from Ocala (switching out Kevin Babington and Richie Moloney). I changed because I was looking at Paul and Conor, and I think their form is fantastic. I did not think they were quite ready in time for Ocala, but I knew they would be ready now, and they were fantastic.”
Sweetnam was the team’s first rider in each round on Friday night, ear-ning the drop score of one time fault in round one, and four faults in round two, aboard Chaqui Z. He also rode the 11-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Chacco-Blue x Quinar Z) to victory in Ocala.
Friday night was Sweetnam’s tenth straight year competing on the Irish team in Nations’ Cup at WEF, and he spoke of Blake’s strategy for the team.
“Michael made a good plan and talked to all of the riders that were here in Wellington,” Sweetnam stated. “Obviously Cian and I were lucky enou-gh to be on both teams that won, but Kevin and Richie were also here in the practice ring tonight helping out. The team spirit is fantastic. I have to give it to Michael; it is just amazing.”
O’Shea jumped double clear on Friday night with Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu, a ten-year-old Dutch Warmblo-od gelding (Silverstone x Matterhorn), and was happy with his first time on the team in Wellington.
“Nothing really fazes him, so I was not worried,” O’Shea said of his mount. “He has such a good mind. He is a very straightforward horse, very easy, and very adjustable.”
Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam conclu-ded an exceptional week of CSIO 4* competition at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, with a win aboard Chaqui Z in Sunday’s $216,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4*, presented by Lugano Diamonds.
After winning Thursday’s $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 aboard Cobolt, and Friday’s $150,000 FEI Nations’ Cup riding Chaqui Z for team Ireland, Sweet-nam led the round of honor ahead of teammates Conor Swail and Rubens LS La Silla in Sunday’s feature event. Ali Wolff and Casall placed third af-ter also helping team USA to a silver medal in Friday’s Nations’ Cup.
Course designer Ken Krome (USA) concluded the week with 43 entries in Sunday’s grand prix and a 17-horse jump-off. The large number over the short course set an interesting challenge, as riders raced against the clock, and only seven cleared the tiebreaking course without fault. Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm’s Chaqui Z took the win in 41.79 seconds. Swail and Vanessa Mannix’s Rubens LS La Silla were close behind in 41.82 seconds. Wolff and Blacklick Bend Farm’s Casall clocked in at 43.02 seconds.
USA’s Beezie Madden jumped Abigail Wexner’s Coach to a fourth place finish in 43.11 seconds. Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza and Toy Boy placed fifth in 43.23 seconds.
Sweetnam swept international competition during WEF 8 to be awarded the Niall Grimes “Cheers” Perpetual Trophy as the top Irish rider during CSIO week, an honor he
also received in 2011. His winning mount for Nations’ Cup and grand prix competition was Chaqui Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Chacco-Blue x Quinar Z)
“It was brilliant. Honestly, this is a dream week for me,” Sweetnam acknowledged. “Any week of WEF, if you can win the WEF (Challenge Cup) and the grand prix, it nearly can make a WEF [circuit]. So to win the WEF, the Nations’ Cup, and then the grand prix, it is amazing.”
Remarking on his win on Sunday, Sweetnam stated, “It was a fantastic first round, but then there were 17 in the jump-off, and I was thinking that I had no hope. Chaqui is very good at turns, which he proved, but he is not always the fastest. I was quick, and Chaqui did the turns super. Lucky enough, my time lasted.”
Sweetnam is a fan of Ken Krome’s courses after the success he had throughout the week. The rider no-ted, “I think all week he did a great job. I was impressed with the WEF starting off, because it was not just a speed class. It was a lot of jumping, but you did not have to run your horse off its feet. Friday night, he only had three double clears, which was a great course. Today, okay there were probably more clears than you would want, but then it was a very good jump-off. That is the way the sport seems to be going. It makes it more exciting, and it makes people want to come watch. It just gets faster and faster. There were a lot of good horses, and it made for a very good class.”
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EDITOR: JENNIFER WOOD
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WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
Ireland Wins $150,000 FEI Nations’ Cup for Second Consecutive Year
Page 2 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 3 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
LUNCH & LEARN SERIESOn Thursday, March 9, the Lunch & Learn Series will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Wellington Club. The topic is “Common Lamenesses and Effective Treatments”, spon-sored by Palm Beach Equine Clinic and Dechra, makers of OSPHOS®. This informational and educational series has a variety of subjects for horsemen and women to learn more for their horses and health. Admission is free for riders, trainers, and owners. Register at the door for a chance to win exciting prizes. Contact Kailey Blasius at 561-784-1137 or [email protected] for more information.HOLLOW CREEK FARM UNDER 25 GRAND
PRIX SERIES EDUCATIONAL SESSIONThe second Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series Educational Session will hap-pen on Thursday, March 9, at 3:30 p.m. in The Wellington Club. Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut will be speaking to riders about how to develop young horses and move them up to the Grand Prix level.
GLADIATOR POLO™, PRESENTED BY U.S. POLO ASSN.
The next event of the Gladiator Polo™ series, presented by U.S. Polo Assn., will be held on Friday, March 10, at Equestrian Village – The Stadium at PBIEC. With gates opening at 6 p.m., it is a perfect family-friendly event. There will be free general admission and an Asado for $40/per person and $10 for children under 12. Visit www.gladiatorpolo.com for more infor-mation and to buy Asado tickets.USHJA PONY HUNTER DERBY AND GALAThe USHJA Pony Hunter Derby will be held on Friday, March 10, at 9 a.m. on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds). On Friday evening from 6-9:30 p.m. at The Gallery (main WEF show grounds), join them for a magical evening of dining, dancing, and live entertainment and “Dare to Dream”, an event presented by GumBits to support the USHJA Foundation’s Making a Dream Grant Program. Tables of 10 are $1,500 and Individual
Tickets are $100. For more information, please contact Tara Bieling at 239-200-2230 or email [email protected].
$10,000 USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY
Need to see some beautiful hunters galloping on the grass? Come out to the grass derby field at Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds) on Saturday, March 11, at 8:30 a.m. to see top hunters competing in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. General admission and parking are free.
“SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” The $380,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by The Bainbridge Companies, is the third five-star event of the season on Sat-urday, March 11, and will see the best horses and riders compete for speed under the lights of the International Arena. Gates open at 6 pm. General admission is free, parking is $20/car, and valet is $30.
THE VEUVE CLICQUOT SUITES – AVAILABLE SATURDAY NIGHT!
Located in the Special Events Pavilion, The Veuve Clicquot Suites are available on Satur-day, March 11. Prime viewing, a full buffet, and premium bar options in a semi-private suite catered by White Horse Catering, this is the place to host friends and family or even a cor-porate get-together. Each suite accommodates up to 22 people. Availability is on first-come, first-served basis, so book now before they all fill up! Contact Patti Miele at 561-784-1125 or [email protected] today.
BLUE RIBBON CELEBRATION FOR AUTISM SPEAKS
A Blue Ribbon Celebration for Autism Speaks will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 7 p.m. at The Wellington Club. To support this great cause and for more information, please call 646-385-8547 or email [email protected].
SAVE THE DATE! PBIEC WEEKS 10 & 11 UPCOMING EVENTS
GLADIATOR POLO™, PRESENTED BY U.S. POLO ASSN.
The next event of the Gladiator Polo™ series, presented by U.S. Polo Assn., will be held on Thursday, March 16, at Equestrian Village – The Stadium at PBIEC. With gates opening at 6 p.m. and competition finishing by 8 p.m., it is a perfect family-friendly event. There will be free general admission and an Asado for $40/per person and $10 for children under 12. Visit www.gladiatorpolo.com for more information and to buy Asado tickets.
EMERIL LIVECome see Emeril live at WEF on Saturday, March 18, for a special viewing of his new film during the “Saturday Night Lights” competition. Emeril will also be at International Polo Club on Sunday, March 19, along with a special performance by some singer songwriters. For more details and to make reservations, please visit pbiec.com. This fun weekend is sponsored in part by Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and VISIT FLORIDA.
AMERICAN EQUESTRIANS GOT TALENT FINALE
Let us entertain you at American Equestrians Got Talent (AEGT) Finale, a fun evening of music, dance, and the performance arts on Sunday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at Equestrian Vil-lage (Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds). The popular talent competition is the culmination of nine sold-out weeks of AEGT audition events held during the season. AEGT is the brainchild of Robert Dover, chef d’equipe of the U.S. Dressage Team. The season-long series raises funds for US Equestrian High Per-formance Programs. The AEGT Finale winner will receive a grand prize of $10,000 sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., luxury equestrian real estate agent for Keller Williams. For general admission tickets, VIP tables and VIP tickets, go to AEGTFinale.com.
PBIEC Week 9 Upcoming Events
INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB H A P P E N I N G S
Winter high-goal polo at IPC has surged into the height of the 2017 season with the 26-goal series, the highest level of polo played in this country. The first of the three 26-goal tournaments at IPC, the C.V. Whitney Cup, concluded March 5. The second in the series, the prestigious USPA Gold Cup®, opens Wednesday, March 8.
The 20-goal tournament series concludes this week at IPC with the Iglehart Cup. The semifinals are weekday matches on March 8-9, and the final is Sunday, March 12, at 3 p.m. on Engel & Völkers field.
Round 4 of exciting Gladiator Polo™ takes place Friday, March 10, at the “Coliseum” (otherwise known as Equestrian Village). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the game starts at 7 p.m. There is an optional asado during the event and a lively after-party with tunes spun by DJ Maximus.
This Sunday, March 12, brings a special opportunity beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Coco Polo Lounge at The Pavilion. Come to the Meet & Greet with Nic Roldan and Sunset Polo Players Benefiting Brooke USA. Brooke is the world’s largest international equine welfare charity and works to alleviate the suffering of working equine animals.
The Meet & Greet is a kickoff event for the 2nd Annual Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo and White Party Hosted by Mark and Katherine Bellissimo on March 24th. At the meet & greet you will have photo ops with the world’s best polo players, autograph signings, and mini pony appearances. You can also enjoy a photo exhibition of Brooke USA Ambassador Nic Roldan’s Trip to Guatemala by Enrique Urdandeta-Alamo.
The savory brunch and after party will continue at The Pavilion this Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. Special brunch packages are available to get guests closer to the action. For $25, brunch ticket holders can upgrade their seats to the front row. Beverage package add-ons allow brunch-goers to continue the party with bottles of Veuve Clicquot and Ketel One.
The newly expanded Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden opens at 1 p.m. and is a great spot to socialize and grab a drink before The Pavilion opens. The garden lets guests show off their unique polo style. Every Sunday, fashionistas can be named Sunday’s Most Fashionable on the Field by using the hashtags #ClicquotStyle and #IPCSundayPolo.
To purchase tickets to Sunday polo and brunch at The Pavilion, visit internationalpoloclub.com.
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11199 Polo Club Road I Wellington, Florida I 561.635.6195For the full list of Douglas Elliman locations, please visit Elliman.com/Offices/Florida
Page 4 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 5 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
It was a win for Mexico in Saturday’s $35,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Series Grand Prix at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival, as Eugenio Garza and El Milagro’s Victer Finn DH Z topped a field of 49 starters jumping a course set by Ken Krome (USA).
Seven entries advanced to the jump-off, where only two were able to clear the short course without fault. Garza and Victer Finn DH Z cleared the track in 31.10 seconds. Jennifer Gates (USA) placed second in 33.21 seconds aboard Evergate Stable’s Pumped Up Kicks. Alex Matz (USA) completed the fastest four-fault round in 30.55 seconds to place third riding D.D. Matz’s Cashew CR.
Garza (20) was aboard a special horse in the nine-year-old Zangersheide gel-ding (Va Vite x Stakkato) Victer Finn DH Z, which he purchased from Belgium’s Jos Verlooy in May of 2016.
“He is actually the son of the first grand prix mare I ever had named Seagull,” Garza stated. “That mare was pretty much the one that got me into riding, but she was plagued with injuries. She never really got to do anything, but her son Victer is an amazing horse. He has so much heart and so many good qualities just like his mother. He is a really special horse for us.”
Speaking of his winning ride on Saturday, Garza detailed, “I was fortunate to go the later side of the jump-off. We knew that there had been a fast clear from Jennifer, so we just tried to be efficient in the turns and everything came up really nicely. I almost did one less (stride) than I was supposed to going to the last jump, but thankfully Victer helped me out there. He tried his heart out today, and I could not be happier with him.”
Remarking on her round with the 14-year-old Brandenburg gelding (Levisto x San Juan) Pumped Up Kicks, Gates noted, “I did this week in preparation for the five-star next week with Kix. After the four-star a few weeks ago, he has had a little bit of a break, which is nice.
“Going into the jump-off, I wanted to try to work on my turns,” Gates explain-ed. “I am usually really slow in jump-offs. I was just glad to have a clear round, and I knew somebody would probably catch me. I was really happy; I feel like I worked on what I wanted to in preparation for next week.”
Third place finisher Alex Matz was aboard Cashew CR, a nine-year-old Hols-teiner gelding (Cassini II x Quinar) that he got last summer.
“He is relatively new, and he is just sort of coming into his own right now,” Matz said of his mount. “It has taken a while for us to mesh, but he has tried tremendously every round for me.
He has all the ability in the world, and he has been really a great new horse.” While Matz was competing in only his third Under 25 event, Gates and Garza
each have more experience in the series. For Garza, this is his third year compe-ting in the classes and a great opportunity for both horse and rider.
“We really like the series, and the grand prix is a great class for us,” Garza stated. “Even more so this year now that the grand prix are ranking classes [in the U25 Series]. That is unbelievable. Usually at WEF, you go up against not only amazing riders, but the top, best riders in the world. It is really nice for the under 25 riders to be able to get some ranking points, and it is very generous for the sponsors to put that extra money for us.”
Victer Finn DH Z was also presented the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award for week eight by Laura Fetterman.
The Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series, presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, was developed as a bridge to the inter-national level of grand prix competition. The series gives athletes, both human and equine, an opportunity to compete under a myriad of conditions, including jumping on grass, under the lights at night, and in team competition, all impor-tant elements that competitors will face as their international careers progress. The series concludes with a $50,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Final, which the top 30 riders in the point standings will be invited to contest on Sunday, April 2.
Eugenio Garza Wins $35,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Series Grand Prix
Page 6 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 7 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
Swail put in a faultless first round and dropped one rail in round two with the 11-year-old Mexican Sport Horse stallion Rubens LS La Silla (Rebozo LS La Silla x Cash). He remarked, “The horse jumped very well tonight. He is a new horse to me this year. He is a wonderful horse, and a great prospect for the future, and for the Irish team. Ireland has won here now three times, and thankfully I have been on all three teams. It has been a good record for me. We all mucked in, and dug in the trenches there, and I think we all did a great job tonight.”
O’Connor anchored his team with dou-ble clear rounds for the second Nations’ Cup in a row with Seringat, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Chef Rouge x Guillaume Tell).
“He had a rest since Ocala,” the rider noted. “Obviously it is a very different at-mosphere here. Ocala was very warm, and it was during the day. I found this a little bit harder because the horse was lit up and on his toes, especially coming down the last line. I had to use all my strength to pull him off the combination, but he is very careful. He knows where his legs are, and he knows to get them out of the way, so I am very happy. It is great to win, and it was a fantastic team effort.”
The home squad for USA included Ali Wolff and Blacklick Bend Farm’s Casall, Catherine Tyree aboard Mary Tyree’s Bokai, Chloe Reid riding Team Reid LLC’s Codarco, and anchor rider Georgina Bloomberg with Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s Lilli, led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.
Tyree jumped double clear in her first-ever senior Nations’ Cup appearance for USA and commented on a great night as well.
“I’m thrilled with how my horse went,” she stated. “He has such a great character and such a great mind. I knew once I went in the ring that everything would be okay. I jumped the first jump, and it felt like every other class that I have done so far down here. I could not be happier.”
Third place finishers for Brazil included Yuri Mansur riding his own and Euro Stables’ Babylot-te, Pedro Muylaert aboard Stenio da Silva’s Prince
Royal Z MFS, Luiz Francisco de Azevedo with his own Comic, and Eduardo Menezes riding his own and Gestut Lewitz’s Quintol.
Great Britain placed fourth with 28 faults, Canada placed fifth on 36 faults, and Argentina took sixth place with 43 faults.
Nations’ Cup, Continued from Page 1
Lauren Fisher
Please visit www.adequan.com for Full Prescribing Information.
EQUILINE: What has been the highlight of your WEF season so far? EMILY: The highlight was de�initely going double-clear in the [$380,000 Suncast Grand Prix, which was] my very �irst �ive-star grand prix with Hil�iger van de Olmenhoeve ("Tommy"). I have an awesome team and horse to thank for that.
EQUILINE: Which of your horses are you most excited about this season?
EMILY: I'm very excited about For Sale 6 and Tisele Du Park. For Sale 6 was out for a few months due to a bone bruise, but she's back now jumping better than ever. We recently got Tisele, and she is also turning out to be something special. EQUILINE: What is your favorite Equiline product? EMILY: My favorite product is de�initely the soundproof bonnet. Tommy can be a little sensitive to sound in the warm-up and especially the ring, and I �ind that the soundproof bonnet helps take the edge off.
EquilineAmerica.com
Ali Wolff was awarded the Leading Lady Jumper Rider Award during
WEF 8 from Martha Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
Page 10 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 11 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
For his second place finish, Swail was also aboard his win-ning Nations’ Cup mount with the 11-year-old Mexican Sport Horse stallion (Rebozo LS La Silla x Cash) Rubens LS La Silla. Remarking on his round, Swail stated, “I think I felt a little bit the same as Shane when there were 17 clear. My horse is not the fastest horse. He is a big, rangy, slower type. I was thinking, ‘Okay, if we can get into the top four, I am building on what is becoming a very consistent and promising horse.’ I was lucky with a good draw; I was second to last to go. When I was going into the ring, I felt I could beat Shane. The big key for me was I needed six strides from one to two. Unfortuna-tely, I got a slow shot to number one, and I was not able to get it. I was a little bit chasing after that, but how the horse jumped and how he did, I was so pleased with him.”
Wolff’s mount for CSIO week was Casall, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Casall ASK x Capitol I) that she has been partnered with for five years.
“We have just kind of been bringing him up the ranks,” Wolff detailed. “I bought him as a sales horse to maybe do the Junior/Amateurs on, but he ended up just jumping higher and higher. He still has a bright future ahead of him. He is pretty seasoned now, but he has just been phenomenal for me and my career.”
Describing her jump-off round, Wolff added, “Going early on, it is a little hard because I knew I had about 12 other people behind me, including Shane and Conor. But then I saw Kent go, and he made an error and was a little rushed. I just had to go in knowing that I had to go my own speed. I started off with my pace that I wanted. I was able to finish on the same pace, and everything kind of came up naturally. I got a little bit of a lucky rub on the last fence, but he was really good for me.”
For her success this week, Wolff was also presented the Leading Lady Rider Award for week eight, presented by Mar-tha Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
$216,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4*, presented by Lugano Diamonds,
Continued from Page 1
Sara Cook
VERMONT SUMMER FESTIVALUSEF 4-Star Jumper Rating | USEF Premier Hunter Rating | Equitation Tuesdays Every Week | Over $750,000 in Prize Money
VERMONT SUMMER FESTIVALUSEF 4-Star Jumper Rating | USEF Premier Hunter Rating | Equitation Tuesdays Every Week | Over $750,000 in Prize Money
Ad Design by Jump Media | www.JumpMediaLLC.comPhoto By Andrew Ryback Photography
$50,000 Grand Prix$15,000 3'3" Hunter Derby
Week 6 Features:$30,000 Grand Prix Every Saturday Weeks 1 through 5$10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Every Sunday$5,000 3'3" Hunter Derby Every Thursday Weeks 1 through 5Week 3 is a 2017 WCHR Member Event
Featured Classes:
July 4 – August 13, 2017
1. CHAQUI Z: 2006 Zangersheide stallion by Chacco-Blue x Quinar ZSHANE SWEETNAM (IRL), Spy Coast Farm LLC: 0/0/41.79
2. RUBENS LS LA SILLA: 2006 SLS stallion by Rebozo LS La Silla x CashCONOR SWAIL (IRL), Vanessa Mannix: 0/0/41.82
3. CASALL: 2005 Holsteiner gelding by Casall ASK x Capitol IALI WOLFF (USA), Blacklick Bend Farm: 0/0/43.02
4. COACH: 2008 Holsteiner gelding by Con Air x Corofino IBEEZIE MADDEN (USA), Abigail Wexner: 0/0/43.11
5. TOY BOY: 2008 BCP gelding by Unknown x UnknownJESSICA MENDOZA (GBR), Jessica Mendoza: 0/0/43.23
6. PRINCE ROYAL Z MFS: 2007 Zangersheide stallion by Prince de Revel x Ramiro ZPEDRO MUYLAERT (BRA), Stenio da Silva: 0/0/45.77
7. BARNETTA: 2004 Westphalian gelding by Baloubet du Rouet x PolydorSHARN WORDLEY (NZL), Sky Group: 0/0/46.01
8. GAZELLE: 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare by Kashmir van Schuttershof x IndoctroKENT FARRINGTON (USA), Kent Farrington & Robin Parsky: 0/4/40.87
9. LADRIANO Z: 2008 Zangersheide gelding by Lawito x Baloubet du RouetDANIEL BLUMAN (ISR), Blue Star Investments & Alexa Schwitzer: 0/4/40.90
10. WATERFORD: 2003 KWPN gelding by Coolcorron Cool Diamond x Julio Mariner XXLAUREN HOUGH (USA), Laura and Meredith Mateo: 0/4/41.68
11. BULL RUN’S TESTIFY: 2004 Selle Francais gelding by Dollar du Murier x Oberon du MoulinKRISTEN VANDERVEEN (USA), Bull Run Jumpers Inc: 0/4/42.27
12. SERINGAT: 2006 Selle Francais gelding by Chef Rouge x Guillaume TellCIAN O’CONNOR (IRL), Ronnoco Jump Ltd: 0/4/44.3
Lauren Fisher
Professional hunter riders displayed their mounts’ talents early in the week, while juniors and amateurs excelled over the weekend. Peter Wylde of Lake Worth, FL, and MTM Hands Down, an entry owned by Beechwood Stables, topped the Antares High Performance Working Hunter division. The pair won four out the five classes and placed second in the handy round.
Maegan Murray-Tenuta of Highland Park, IL, cap-tured the reserve title. Murray-Tenuta guided Editorial to a win in the handy, second place finishes in the under saddle, stake, and an over fences class, as well as a third place finish in another over fences class. Editorial is a coming ten-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Acorado and also shows in the Adult Amateur Hunters with his owner, Rebecca Price.
The Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Working Hunter 3’3” & 3’6” division found a champi-on in Peter Pletcher of Magnolia, TX, and Sutherland, owned by Mia Holstead. Pletcher and the 2005 Ol-denburg gelding by Sir Donnerhall swept the division, winning all five classes. The gelding has been either champion or reserve every time he has competed during the winter circuit, winning a total of six tricolor ribbons.
Arly Golombek of Lake Worth, FL, and Christopher Payne of Cincinnati, OH, both secured reserve honors in the division. Each rider earned a total of ten points in the over fences portion. Golombek piloted Namesake, owned by Palm Ponies, LLC, to a second place finish in the stake and a third place finish over fences. Payne rode Holden, a 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding, to a second place ribbon over fences and
third place in the handy round.
Over the weekend, the Gochman sisters dominated the Small Junior Hunters 15 & Under. Mimi Goch-man rode Evermore to win four classes and earn the championship title. Sophie Gochman piloted Mythical to the reserve honors with a win in the stake class, a third place finish under saddle, and third, fourth, and fifth place finishes over fences. Both entries are owned by Gochman Sport Horses, LLC.
Mimi Gochman was also named champion of the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division. Gochman guided Empire, an entry of Gochman Sport Hor-ses, LLC, to two wins and a fourth place finish over fences, as well as second place under saddle. Skyler Fields and Taylor Chevalier’s Rocketeer secured the reserve title with two wins and a second place finish over fences.
The Large Green Pony Hunter division crowned Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA, and Sir William’s Top Knight champion. The pair won the under saddle, the conformation, as well as two over fences classes. Sir William’s Top Knight, owned by Brown Farm, LLC, is a 2009 Welsh Pony gelding by Jla Sir William. Ella Bostwick of Wellington, FL, captured the reserve ribbon. Bostwick rode Dolce Vita to first, second, and third place finishes over fences, in addition to a fourth place ribbon in the conformation class and sixth place under saddle.
Hunter and equitation competition resumes on Wednesday, March 8, for the ninth week of WEF, sponsored by Douglas Elliman.
Animo USABruno Delgrange Custom SaddlesEquisafe LLC
RINGS 9 & 10
Barn SaversBenjamin & Co.Fox Run SaddleryDevoucoux Saddles & TackMcGuinn Farms Inc. Tack Trunks & Stable Equip.Pulse Center EquineSagmoe LLCSportFot USATriple E Equipment
Douglas Elliman Real EstateEquiline Equestrian FashionHunt LTDJulie Keyes Art ConsultingKarina Brez JewelryLugano Diamonds
HUNTER HILL
BJ’s Hunt RoomColorTACKDanny & Ron’s Dog RescueDesigns by Barbara ForbesFab Finds by SarahGloria Moore MassageHingham Square NeedlepointJet Set Candy - JewelryJust FUR Fun - Goodies for DogsJust Jade ChicOlive & Bettie’sPinnell Custom Leather Inc.Rockin J Equine StallsSuperior Equestrian
BRIDGE DECKS
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Jen Black DesignJoe EversonK9 Horse CareOpal ReefPoor Cat DesignsRare Gems of IndiaSafari Royale of South AfricaSean Rush AtelierSkiffingtons BoutiqueStubbs & WoottonThe Quaye ApartmentsTaj et CieZadeh of New York
Page 14 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 15 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
How were the Rio Olympic Games different than other championships you’ve attended?Davis: Well, besides the fact that I’d been dreaming about them since I was five, the most obvious difference is that there were so many other sports and athletes. It’s really about the whole experience; you feel a different energy at the Olympics. You get people there that have never seen riding before, unlike for example, the World Equestrian Games, where all the fans are riding fana-tics. You get a new burst of energy coming into the competition from the fans who haven’t seen riding before, which is an incredible feeling.
What was the atmosphere like in Rio?Davis: It was amazing. We had a particularly lucky situation in Rio. Equestria-nism is a part of the army there and the venue was actually right by the army base, so we got pretty much full crowds even for the qualifiers. For a lot of other sports, that wasn’t the case. I had a great experience, getting to go to the Olympic village, watching some of the other events, and really just being in a place with the best of the best. It was really interesting to see everyone, from how they exercise to how they eat.
What’s your next big goal, both personally and with Barron?Davis: Personally speaking, I’ve graduated from university, took a year to really focus on the Games, and now I’m looking to really build as a business. I’d like to build up some young horses and get some outside support. With Barron, I’m looking towards the World Equestrian Games next year on home turf. The most important thing is to become more well-rounded and established as a professional.
Looking forward, can you talk about any younger mounts that you have high hopes for?Davis: I have an eight-year-old named Caracho that I have very high hopes for. He’s got all the ingredients for a top horse and a pretty good brain. Hopefully, I can manage him properly, keep him healthy, and if the stars align, he’ll be good for the top sport.
Stay tuned and read next week’s WEF Weekly Wire to discover what another 2016 Olympian has been up to since the Games.
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Lucy Davis graduated from Stanford University in 2015 and spent the following year chasing a longtime dream, competing in the Olympics. Davis made her dream come true when she debuted at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de
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Show Jumping Team earn the silver medal. The pair has established their competence against the world’s top riders. Since partnering in late 2011, they
have produced double clear rounds on Nations Cup teams, won five star grand prix events, and represented the U.S. at the Alltech FEI 2014 World Equestrian Games™, where they came home with the team bronze medal. We caught up with Davis to discuss her first Olympic Games and her plans looking forward.
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Seventeen-year-old Lucy Deslauriers (USA) topped a line-up that included Olympians and some of the fastest riders in the world on Saturday, March 4, to win week eight’s $100,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic with Hester at the 2017 Win-ter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
Course designer Ken Krome (USA) set the track for Saturday ni-ght’s 1.50m competition, which featured 49 entries jumping under the lights in the International Arena at PBIEC and yielded a ni-ne-horse jump-off. Seven entries cleared the short course without fault, and it was the youngest of the pack that jumped to victory in the fastest time of 37.06 seconds.
It was the biggest win of a blossoming show jumping career for Deslauriers, who has been extremely successful in Under 25 events throughout North America over the last several seasons. She was aboard Lisa Deslauriers’ Hester, the 12-year-old Belgi-an Warmblood gelding (Wandor van de Mispelaere x Palestro vd Begijnakker) that she has ridden to success for almost five years.
“It was incredible!” Deslauriers beamed following her victory. “Hester definitely felt the atmosphere tonight, and he really thrives on that sort of situation. He feels a crowd. He knows it is under the lights, and he knew it was time to perform.”
Remarking on the group of riders in the jump-off, Deslauriers admitted, “It was pretty intimidating. I knew there were a bunch of really fast combinations behind me and even that went before me. I am lucky my horse is super quick, and he has a huge stride. I just tried to use that to my advantage and not slow down.”
Deslauriers jumped in two 1.50m events in 2016, but it was her first time competing at that level with Hester in a major night class.‘It was definitely a step-up,” she said. “It really just felt like a
grand prix under the lights. I tried to think about my plan, and not really worry about how big it was, and just ride the best that I could.”
Darragh Kenny (IRL) finished second, riding Kerry Anne LLC’s Bolero III through the timers in 37.28 seconds. Kevin Babington (IRL) placed third aboard veteran partner Mark Q in 37.48 seconds, and Alex Granato (USA) guided Page Tredennick’s Carlchen W to fourth place honors in 37.94 seconds.
Lucy Deslauriers and Hester Shine in $100,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic
Page 16 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 17 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
W E F 8 P a r a d e o f C h a m p i o n s USA’s Peter Lutz opened CSIO 4* com-
petition during week eight of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with a win in the $5,000 Lugano Diamonds Welcome riding Cheri de Papignies at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. Alberto Sanchez-Cozar (MEX) finished second riding his own Wupp, and Isabel Roman-Karajan (AUT) guided Elia Roman’s Ratina 193 to third place.
A second session of the $5,000 Lugano Diamonds Welcome was also held in the evening under the lights, with a win for La-ura Chapot (USA) riding her own and Mary Chapot’s Calafornia.
Also competing in the International Arena on Wednesday, the $6,000 Illustrated Properties 1.40m was held in a California Split, with a win for McLain Ward (USA) and Sagamore Farm’s Calvados in Section A, and Laura Chapot (USA) aboard Mary Chapot’s Shooting Star in Section B.
It was an Irish victory on day two of CSIO 4* competition, as Shane Sweetnam and The Blue Buckle Group’s Cobolt captured the win in round eight speed course of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series. The pair edged out Todd Minikus (USA) and Wyndmont’s Valinski S, and reigning World Champions Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) and SFN Zenith, owned by Springpaarden Fonds Nederland and W. van der Ham.
2016 Olympic team silver medalist McLain Ward (USA) returned to the winner’s circle during week eight with a victory aboard vete-ran mount HH Carlos Z in Thursday’s $25,000 Nutrena Jumper Classic. Despite some time off due to an injury sustained in October, the speedy 15-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Chellano Z x Voltaire) was in fine form to top a field of 78 competitors.
Ireland’s Darragh Kenny jumped into second place riding Kerry Anne LLC’s Bolero III. Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya and G&C Durania K finished third. Ward and Double H Farm’s pint-sized gelding soon took over the lead in 39.50 seconds.
Katherine Strauss and All In won the $10,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series Welcome, and Christina Firesto-ne (USA) and Arwen were victorious in the $1,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 1.40m.
Also on Friday, Jimmy Torano (USA) topped the $10,000 Griffis Residential CSIO Speed Stake riding Missy Clark and North Run’s Betagravin. Todd Minikus (USA) and Wyndmont’s Zephyr finished second, while McLain Ward (USA) and Ali Nilforushan’s Balando placed third.
Ward got a win earlier in the day riding Sagamore Farm’s Calvados in the $6,000 Illustrated Properties 1.40m Speed Challen-ge.
Torano and Betagravin also won Satur-day’s $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m Classic over Margie Engle (USA) and Elm Rock LLC’s Böckmanns Lazio and Richie Moloney aboard Equinimity LLC’s Ypaja Yando.
On Saturday, Eve Jobs and Charleville were victorious in the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Engel & Völkers. The Kate Nash Boone Style Award was also presented to Canada’s Ian Millar.
On Sunday, Tracy Williams and Bendoctro won the $10,000 Horseware Ireland Don Little Masters Classic. Lucy Deslauriers and Mario Deslauriers’ Curo won the $10,000 SJ-HOF High Junior Jumper Classic, presented by Sleepy P Ranch.
Week 8 Jumper Highlights
Week 8 Jumper Champions:Equestrian Sotheby’s Children’s Jumper 14 & Under
Mia Albelo and Cassandra DreamsEquis Boutique Children’s Jumper 15-17
Carly Hoft and Available OhioGriffis Residential Modified Children’s Jumpers
Farah Rizvi and ZopalaFarmVet Adult Modified Jumpers
Cesar Camargo and Fred van den DaelKarina Brez Jewelry Low Adult Jumper 18-35
Lucy Huber and KnuffelPegasus Builders Low Adult Jumper 36 & Over
Molly Athey and Cyber SpaceEquo Low Children’s Jumper
Pony hunters will take to the grass derby field at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Friday, March 10, for the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby. The USHJA Pony Hunter Derby is a new USH-JA program modeled after the National Hunter Derby offering year-end awards for pony riders.
Following the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, riders, trainers, friends, and family are welcome to attend the Dare to Dream Gala, presented by GumBits, for an evening of dining, dancing, and live entertainment to support the USHJA
Foundation’s “Making A Dream” Grant Program. The gala will run from 6-9:30pm in The Gallery overlooking the Internatio-nal Arena. Tables of ten are available for $1,500, and individual tickets are $100. For more information about attending the Dare to Dream Gala, contact Tara Bieling at 239-200-2230 or [email protected].
The USHJA Foundation “Making A Dream” Grant Program offers unique opportunities in the hunter/jumper disci-pline to USHJA members who face signifi-cant adversity, such as mental, physical or emotional challenges; resource limitations; or other setbacks. Each experience is custom-designed depending upon the specific interests of the "Making A Dream” grant recipient.
After a devastating barn fire at her fa-mily’s Woodstock, IL, farm, eleven-year-old Alexis Bauman was named the most recent recipient in 2015. As part of her “Making A Dream” grant, Alexis, along with her family, was awarded a trip to Wellington where Alexis trained and showed with Charlie Moorcroft for two weeks at WEF. The opportunity was entirely paid for and co-ordinated by the USHJA Foundation, along with sponsors who provided clothing, tack, and other items to complete the dream.
“Something horrible happened to us, but on the flip side something so beautiful has surfaced,” said Alexis’ mother Amber Bauman. “The love that has been shown to us from complete strangers has been amazing.”
Since 2011, the “Making A Dream” Grant Program has helped six riders achie-ve their dreams in the face of unpredicted challenges. For more information on the USHJA Foundation “Making A Dream” Grant Program, or to nominate a recipient, visit www.ushjafoundation.org.
WEF 9 to Host $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby and Dare to Dream Gala to Support USHJA
“Making A Dream” Grant Program
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WEF WIRE ADs 2017.indd 3 1/18/2017 3:01:11 PM
Page 20 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 21 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
7 2017 WEF Sport Horse Auction
The Veuve Clicquot Suitesat The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 • www.pbiec.com
Experience the excitement of Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix show jumping at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The Veuve Clicquot Suites offer a spectacular new setting to watch the largest Grand Prix class of the week as top equestrian athletes and future Olympians compete for international titles during the
2017 Winter Equestrian Festival season.Included in your ticket is a full buffet and open bar for $150.00 per person
for a regular show and $200.00 per person for a 5* show. Specialty Bottle Pricing Available for Veuve Clicquot.
The Suites are available for the following Saturday Night Lights Events:
March 11th (5*) • March 18th • March 25th (5*) • April 1st
Doors open Saturday Night at 6:00pm and the Grand Prix starts at 7:00pm. For more information and booking please e-mail [email protected]
2017 WEF
1.Daniel Deusser (GER)35 years old
Grew up in Germany, now lives in Belgium. Married to Caroline Wauters, has a daughter Stella. Speaks three languages. He first tried riding at age two and entered his first competition at age nine. He was involved in tennis, cycling, and athletics before deciding to concentrate on riding, beginning his professional career at age 20.His parents, uncle, and grandfather all rode horses. Hobbies: traveling, reading. Idol: John Whitaker (GBR)Has been the number one ranked rider in the world for three months.Major achievements: 2014 FEI World Cup Final winner, 2016 Olympic Ga-mes team bronze medalist, two-time team silver medalist at the European Championships (2013 and 2015).
This week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, four of the world’s top five ranked riders will compete at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Learn more about these top athletes:
4. McLain Ward (USA)41 years old
Grew up and based in New York. Married to Lauren Ward, has a dau-ghter Lilly. Both parents were professional riders. Starting riding at the age of 2 and showing by age 5.Shattered kneecap in 2012, reco-vered to compete in 2012 London Olympic Games.At age 23, was youngest rider to reach $1 million in grand prix prize money.Has been ranked number one in the world.Hobbies: golf, basketball. Major achievements: 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games team gold medalist, 2016 Olympic Games team silver me-dalist, FEI World Equestrian Games team silver (2006) and bronze (2014) medalist, Pan American Games team gold (2011) and individual gold and team bronze medalist (2015).
2. Kent Farrington (USA) 36 years old
Grew up in Chicago, now based out of Wellington, FL. Began riding at the age of eight on city carriage horses, then raced ponies and retrained racehorses.Turned professional at the age of 19 and earned over $1 million in his first three years.Hobbies: architecture, interior design. Idols: Ian Millar, Hugo Simon, Conrad Homfeld. Major achievements: 2016 Olympic Games team silver medalist, 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games team bronze medalist, Pan Am Games team gold (2011) and team bronze (2015) medalist.
5. Eric Lamaze (CAN) 48 years old
Born in Montreal, Quebec, now ba-sed in Wellington, FL, and Brussels, Belgium.First rode at age 12, was later a wor-king student for George Morris.Has been ranked number one in the world several times during his career.Hobbies: golf, boating, property development.Idol: Ian MillarMajor achievements: At the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, he became the most decorated Canadian equestrian athlete by claiming the individual bronze medal to go with the indivi-dual gold and team silver won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is also a four-time Pan American Games medalist (one gold, one silver, two bronze), 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games individual bronze medalist, and winner of the 2016 Rolex Top Ten Final.*Number three ranked rider in the world: Christian Ahlmann (GER)
Page 22 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017 Page 23 WEEK 9 March 8-12, 2017
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME ON MONDAYS?
Lucy Davis: “I’m about to launch an app next week, it’s called the Pony App. Anytime I’m not in the saddle, like on Mondays, I’m working on that.”
Ali Wolff: “On Mondays, my boyfriend and I like to try to get out of Wellington. We do mini day trips to Delray and Ft. Lauderdale. Places that get us out of the house and Wellington.”
Erynn Ballard: “I go to the gym and do Pilates on Mon-day. Sometimes, I go shopping too.”
HORSE SHOW MONDAYS
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Celebrating Over 20 Years of Partnership
WW: WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WEF THIS YEAR?Kusner: I come every year. Joe [Fargis] plays a big role in me coming here. We just make a plan, and I come for two weeks. I’m interested in what everyone is doing today. You know how regulations change and things like that. I really like learning about what all is going on today.
WW: HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE HORSE SHOW INDUSTRY EVOLVE OVER THE YEARS?Kusner: It’s terrific nowadays. It’s much better than it ever was. There are more good horses, more good riders, great courses, and great venues. In the old days it looked like a mud pile, now it’s gorgeous.
WW: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE EQUESTRIAN MEMORY?Kusner: I don’t have a favorite one, there are a lot really. For me though, to go to the Olympic Games was incre-dible. I went three times, and I was so interested because of everything else that happens at the Olympic Games. We stayed at the Olympic Village, and we’d get our work done early in morning. Then, I would be doing other things like following the track team around. In Munich, I got two of the boxers to come out to the stables and meet the horses. They were two guys from Philadelphia that had never even seen a horse and were scared. I had to take their hands and stroke the horses’ muzzles with my hand over their hand while they stood back as far as they could. Things like that were always fun.
WW: CAN YOU TALK ABOUT ONE OF YOUR MANY OTHER INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF HORSES?Kusner: I used to be a runner, but that is sort of over now because I’m 100 years old. I used to run a lot of ma-rathons and ultra marathons. I enjoy running because it’s fun. I’m just a very average runner, but I love exploring and I love identifying the native plants, birds, and reptiles. When running trails in different places, you’re seeing different species and trying to identify them. I’ve got a lot of bird and native plant books.
WW: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN THE EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY?Kusner: Keep doing what you’re doing. My advice is very logical: know as much as you can, do as much as you can, be honest, be available to your clients, and be a nice person.
Kathy Kusner is an equestrian legend. Born in 1940, the Florida native is an innovating show jumper and racing jockey. Kusner was a member of the United States Olympic Show Jumping Team in the 1964 Games in Tokyo, the 1968 Games in Mexico City, and again in the 1972 Games in Munich, where the team won the silver medal. After a successful legal case in 1968, Kusner became the first licensed female jockey and went on to compete in recognized flat and timber races. In
addition to being an accomplished equestrian, Kusner has a long list of other interests including aviation and running. She is a licensed pilot and has completed over 120 marathons. Nowadays, Kusner resides in California, teaches clinics, is a horse
expert witness, and is the founder and chairman of Horses in the Hood, a program that brings minority children to an equine camp. We caught up with Kusner to talk about her equestrian history and learn her perspective on the changing industry.
Faces of WEF: Kathy KusnerHERE’S A CLOSER LOOK AT KATHY KUSNER:
