Winter 2009
May 9-10 at the Canterbury May Day Qualifier (USDF recognized) in
Newberry, Florida a special award will be given to the high score
dressage test completed by a pony. Any breed pony is allowed. Any
level is accepted from Training through FEI.
Manager, Wendy Low says she wants to encourage pony participation in
the dressage world. The award is sponsored by Bestever Blueberries of
Archer, Florida. A gift basket of all things equine worth 200.00 and
a free stall to the following year's show will be awarded. So dust
off your boots and get that pony in the ring. All information on this
show which also offers a youth award and the $1000.00 Freestyle
Challenge is online at www.canterburyshowplace.com/MDQ09.pdf . You
can also call Wendy at the office 352-472-6758 for more info.
Equine Photographer's Winter Workshops in Ocala, Florida, March 2009
 Equine Photographers Network is excited to announce that internationally recognized photographer Gabriele Boiselle will return to lead two workshops at some of Ocala, Florida's premiere equestrian facilities in March, 2009.
A prolific photographer well known for her books and calendars of horses and other wildlife, Boiselle's style is easily recognized with her dramatic photos that capture the essence and the spirit of the horse. On location she will share with workshop participants the knowledge, passion and even some of the secrets that have caused her photos to be showcased in publications for the past 25 years.
Boiselle's paramount mission in her work is to capture the soul and essence of the horse, whether it is in equestrian competitions or in its natural habitat. From the exacting disciplines of the Olympics to the wild horses of the Namibian desert, she has been able to show the spirit and fire of our equestrian friends. She has trekked to the plains of Argentina to photograph the Criollo horses of the Argentinean Gauchos, and made stunning images of the Basuto pony of Lesotho and the Zumba pony of Indonesia. We welcome her to the US after her successful photo workshops in Russia, Portugal, Morocco and Poland.
"Horse photography is something for crazy enthusiasts and horse lovers close to madness," said Boiselle. "If you are not burning inside to make good pictures, if you are not willing to cross rivers and get up in the middle of the night and prepare horses for a shoot, you will never achieve the satisfaction in making very special images. I am eager to share all my insights and experience with you during the workshop. And I promise you, you will be dreaming in the night of horses. We will think, love and photograph horses." Read more>
Intermediate Group: March 13 - 15
Advanced Group: March 17- 19
View some video clips from last year's locations: http://www.boiselleusa.com/Previews.html.
Complete workshop details available at: http://events.equinephotographers.net/flw09/.
Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I Sets the Stage for Florida Winter Season
West Palm Beach - Many of the best horses and riders from throughout North America descended on the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center Jan. 9-11, 2009 for the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I and they made it clear that the 2009 Florida winter dressage season will be highly competitive.
FEI-level classes, in particular, were filled to capacity during the three days of competition and as a result, classes were split at the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire and Grand Prix levels. "The turnout has really been quite amazing," said John Flanagan, managing partner of Wellington Classic Dressage. "And from what Noreen and I see so far in entries for the upcoming shows, it looks to be a very successful season" ...
... A clear leader in Young Rider competition at the Challenge I was Mary Cameron Rollins with her 11-year-old Oldenburg mare Rose Noir. The pair earned blue ribbons in both the Young Rider Team and Individual tests. Rollins is hoping that their performance at the Wellington Classic Dressage show has set the tone for the rest of 2009. The 20-year-old Florida native has owned Rose Noir for two years and the first year battled to come back from injury and last year battled some training issues . Read more>
2009 Jacksonville Winter Circuit Series Week Three - Samantha Pyle Wins Elements Jumper Classic & Aaron Vale Takes Grand Prix
Photo Credit: Samantha Pyle & Pia; Aaron Vale & Sinatra IV ©Flashpoint Photography
 Green Cove Springs, FL – January 24, 2009 - Kicking off a weekend dedicated to jumpers, Samantha Pyle of Street, MD and partner Pia took top honors in the $5,000 Children’s-Adult Jumper Classic presented by Elements on Friday evening.
Despite tackling a field of 22, plus a tough course by Allen Rheinheimer, Pyle’s biggest test was “working out the kinks” according to trainer Christine Kear. Friday’s classes are typically a “practice day” in preparation of classics on Sunday explained Kear, “she [Samantha] had other horses to ride, other classes to do, but thank heaven we had all day to work it all out before the classic.”
...
Final results found Hayley Waters and Rocky in 2nd place with a clear 37.047 seconds, 3rd went to owner-rider Dr. Juan Gamboa with Partizan going faultless in 37.432; 4th place to Rachel Herman with partner Levaro in a clean 37.667 and completing the top 5 was Nicole Deschler  riding the Claire Lee owned Linus with a clear time of 37.727.
Jumping thrills continued in Saturday evening’s featured event, the $25,000 Marco Family Grand Prix to benefit The Donna Foundation, which cares for women living with breast cancer. However, prior to 32 equine warriors taking the field an assembly of 5 special fighters commandeered the arena to lift spirits and inspire hope. The Ride for Life Drill team, comprised of Patty Kelbert, Donna Grasso, Michelle Valasco, Debbie McNally, and Mary Giftos gave a performance of musical Dressage to honor all women currently living with or survivors of breast cancer. To date the foundation has raised over a million dollars to aid those in need.
And then the tone rang out signaling the competitors of the main event were ready to do battle against course, time, and fellow equestrians. He may have started second in the order of go, but Ocala, FL based Aaron Vale ended an exciting night of show jumping as number one. Vale had two mounts in contention, bringing back week one’s victor Platinum, owned by ABC 4 Horses, and tonight’s main man Sinatra IV, co-owned by Vale and Donald Stewart.
Read more>
2009 Jacksonville Winter Circuit
 January 21, 2009 - Today marks the start of the third week of the 2009 Jacksonville Winter Circuit, the Jacksonville Mid-Winter, running from January 21-25. It features the $25,000 Marco Family Grand Prix to benefit the Donna (Hicken) Foundation on Saturday at 7:00pm.  Starting at 5:00pm, there will be a Carrabbas catered dinner where tables and seats are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Donna Foundation. A fashion show will take place during dinner featuring items donated by participating Winter Series Vendors and modeled by Winter Series Exhibitors. Come enjoy a fabulous meal to benefit a worthy cause while you brush up on the latest equestrian fashions! Please contact Sue Rindal 904.655.5497 to purchase tickets. If you are worried about what to do with your four legged friend(s) while you enjoy dinner and the Grand Prix, the onsite Pooch Paddock will be more than happy to keep them safe, warm and happy. Hourly rates are available. Visit http://www.poochpaddock.com for more information. Mid-day Sunday features the annual $5,000 ELEMENTS Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, which is sure to entertain. Come support your favorite Child or Adult Jumper Rider!
January 28 – February 1 marks the annual Jacksonville A to Z, to benefit the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens. Sunday will feature the Outback Catered Lunch. Tickets are available for purchase with all proceeds benefitting the Jacksonville Zoo. This year tickets are a little different, with the usual adult and children rates, but also offering a discounted ticket for a family of four. Please contact Sue Rindal 904.655.5497 to purchase tickets. As always, there will be a Silent Auction, with many “horsey” and “non-horsey” items available for bid at greatly discounted prices. Zoo animals will be on-site in addition to a Children’s Carnival, Radio Disney and Barn Tours to learn a little more about what all horse showing entails. Arthur Crofton will host the lunch and moderate the bidding on your favorite team of local celebrities for the Celebrity Ride! The highlight of Friday evening will be the $500 Equitation Classic. It will begin at 6:00pm with the Winner’s Trainer of Record taking all! The $5,000 Bruning Foundation High Point Hunter and the $10,000 Reynolds, Smith & Hills High Point Grand Prix Rider will also be named Week IV.
 As always, admission to watch is always free, with a $5 donation for parking, which benefits the Clay County 4-H. Full concessions are available for snacks, drinks or dinner.
2497 SR 16W
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
www.nfhja.com
www.classiccompany.com
904.284.1579
agamel@comcast.net
Rodrigo Pessoa & Let's Fly Land the $100,000 Green Cove Springs CSI3*-W Qualifier
 Green Cove Springs, FL - January 17, 2009 - 3 time World Cup Champion, Individual Gold Medalist of the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympic team Bronze medalist, and conqueror of the World Equestrian Games in 1998 are a mere handful of the accolades Rodrigo Pessoa has garnered and tonight partnered with Let's Fly he added one more. The dynamic duo were victorious in the $100,000 Green Cove Springs CSI3*-W Grand Prix presented by Hodges Boulevard Development Group, Inc.
An American icon kicked off the festivities, the world famous Budweiser  Clydesdales entered the arena in full regalia to a near capacity filled stadium and roaring cheers. Spectators were treated to a virtual who's who with 33 of the world's best equine athletes competing right before their eyes. Truly an international event, riders representing 9 countries came to take on the technical challenge presented by course designer Dave Ballard in the hope of moving one step closer to the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas this April. Read more>
Wordley and Vale Launch the 2009 Jacksonville Winter Series with Big Triumphs
 Green Cove Springs, FL - The opening week of the 2009 Jacksonville Winter Series began the new season with international flair as New Zealand native and 2008 Olympic rider Sharn Wordley claimed the first victory at Thursday's Lucky Sevens Welcome Jumper Stake presented by new sponsor Arlington Toyota.
Wordley said the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding Zorro and he are starting their new year off "quite nicely". Owned by Filip Amram, Zorro is no stranger to winning having scored victories in Europe prior to moving to the US. "He won some seriously big grand pries over there. He's one of Filip's main guys," Wordley complimented Zorro. Taking on a field of 18 world-class athletes, Wordley was one of only 3 riders to make the final jump off round and brought all three mounts with him. Joining him was German born Wilhelm Genn and Florida based Megan Edrick. Read more>
Photo Credit: Aaron Vale and Platinum by © Flashpoint Photography
Jacksonville National, Week One - Classic Company
Today we finished the first week of four in Jacksonville. We were all very pleased with the turn out and the excellent weather. Hospitality always is the best during this winter circuit and this year has started without exception. The circuit has FREE dinners each week for exhibitors and you don't find that too often during series of shows. The second week is the International Show with the $100 K CSI3* -W Grand Prix. Providing stabling and a schooling area for an overwhelming number of the world's top horses and riders has caused us to change the schedule. See www.classiccompany.com to view or download the new schedule or pick one up in the office on Tuesday. For complete results go to www.horseshowsonline.com.
Highlights: Welcome Class - Winner - Zorro, Owned by Filip Abram and shown by Sharn Wordley, $25,000 Grand Prix - Winner - Platinum, Owned by ABC 4 Horses, show by Aaron Vale. Read more>
Mario Deslauriers Wins Speed Derby at FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Jimmy Torano Takes Six-Bar
 WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 11 -- Canada's Mario Deslauriers aboard Lutopia won the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed Speed Derby at the first headline event of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Sunday. Jimmy Torano on Heechhiem's Tampa won the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed Six-Bar Competition.
Deslauriers, who been riding Lutopia, owned by Jane F. Clark, since August last year, was fault-free in 104.276 secs. to beat out 19 other riders for the top prize of $7,500.
Leslie Howard of Westport, Conn. was also fault-free, on Lennox Lewis 2, 2.088 secs. further back to place second. Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. on Prima rounded out the top three to take home $5,5000. Read more>
Photo: Canada's Mario Deslauriers aboard Lutopia won the $25,000 Gold Coast Feed Speed Derby at the first headline event of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Sunday. © 2008 Roxane Theidel - ESP
Margie Engle & Hidden Creek's Tosca Win $25k Equestrian Properties Grand Prix at PBIEC
 WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 4 -- Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Tosca won the $25,000 Equestrian Properties Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Sunday.
The victory by the Wellington rider was the finale event at the Equestrian Sport Productions' A-T Children's Benefit just four days before the start of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Read more>
Photo: Karen Connelly of Equestrian Properties with Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Tosca who won the $25,000 Equestrian Properties Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Sunday. Photo: Ken Braddick - HorseSport USA
 Martha's Story - the Perfect Percheron cross, big with a beautiful head and thick neck!
Martha Adams (my friend and co-worker at Dogwood Farm in Jacksonville) had been asking me to keep an eye out for a horse and I've been looking for about two years. I know the type she likes - big with a beautiful head and thick neck! Percheron cross was what I was looking for.
I found one, a black bay mare that was at a farm near where we live. We learned about her through my sister's friend. I sent Martha pictures and she was very interested, Molly was just her type. Martha didn't make a decision and about a month later, the mare had a foal! No one knew she was pregnant! Read more>
ASPCA Maclay Regional Qualifiers Award Six Winners
September 24, 2008 ... The youngest Regional qualifier winner was in Region 3. Riding as a thirteen-year-old, Hasbrouck Donovan of Gainesville, FL, piloted Levity to the win. She trains with Don Stewart Stables. Donovan rode well in both phases to ensure that a work-off was not necessary.
"I was really nervous," Donovan revealed. "The course was hard; it was definitely a little bit of a challenge. We had to do rollbacks to gates, and I thought I did that pretty well." This will be Donovan's first time showing in the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. She remarked, "I'm excited that I made it and that I get to go to Syracuse. I would like to get a ribbon there hopefully. I felt very good and that all of my work paid off." Read more>
If you arrive at this site looking for North Florida Horse Rescue, they have merged with Habitat for Horses as their SE region division. Contact Margaret for assistance. |
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