What's Happenin'

Caroline Roffman and Pie during the victory gallop during the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup CDI. Photo by by Al Guden

Wellington, FL (April 18, 2012) – Caroline Roffman has a stellar beginning to 2012, with wins across the small tour and developing horse divisions at prestigious shows on the Florida dressage circuit and most recently a gold medal at the Nations Cup CDI.  At the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup, TeamUSA took the gold, and Roffman’s score of 70.050% on her own Pie put her in second and was a strong contribution towards the medal.  Team Europe took the silver, while TeamUSA 2 took the bronze.  Pie and Roffman also swept the Prix St Georges classes at the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup.

Roffman recently opened her own training and sales center, Lionshare Dressage, and has partnered with 2012 Pan Am Games alternate Endel Ots to bring the best dressage prospects and training to Wellington.  In the second half of 2012, Roffman has her sights set on multiple championships, including Gladstone and Lamplight, as she looks to the future with her competition horses.

Roffman kicked off her 2012 success in the small tour with Pie, a Hanoverian by Worldly, sweeping the small tour classes at the $50,000 Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W at the Global Dressage Festival.   Roffman also debuted a new mare, Her Highness, during the circuit to great success.  Her Highness, a 9 year old by Hohenstein out of a Weltmeyer mare, is owned collectively by Roffman and Wolkentanzer Farm out ofCalifornia.  The stunning mare with floating gaits easily took top placings at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, winning the FEI Test of Choice with a 68.421% and the USEF Developing Horse Prix St Georges with a 67.868%.  Her Highness was also in the top placings during the GDF Nations Cup National Show, where they scored a 70% and 69% in the Prix St Georges.  Roffman is aiming Her Highness for the Developing Horse Championships, where Roffman and Pie were Reserve Champion in 2011.

Roffman has plans to compete at 2012 National Young Horse Championships with her own Bon Chance, the 2010 Five-Year-Old Champion and 2011 Six-Year-Old Reserve Champion, who will be headed for the Developing Horse divisions as well.   Caroline is also sure to be defending her title as 2011 Brentina Cup Champion.

For more information on Caroline Roffman and Lionshare Dressage, please visit http://www.lionsharedressage.com/.

DEVON, Pa.—The Black Tie and Boots Ball, featuring cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction, will be held Saturday, May 5 at Bryn Clovis, Brushwood Farm in Malvern.

            The Ball benefits the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, and limited tickets are available.

The evening will begin with cocktails and appetizers, including a specialty cocktail to toast Cinco de Mayo, which can be enjoyed on the lawn under centuries old oak trees, overlooking the rolling hills and paddocks filled with thoroughbreds owned by Betty Moran’s Brushwood Stable.

Guests can then move into the tent for dinner and dancing, during which the live auction will be called by Samuel T. Freeman & Co.

Eight fabulous items will be auctioned this year, beginning with a cruise for two onHollandAmerica.

A 10-day, overnight stay at the Top Ranch Riding Camp in the Poconos will appeal to the equestrian guests at the Ball.

A VIP suite at theWellsFargoCenterinPhiladelphia, including a ride on the Zamboni and a signed jersey will appeal to the hockey fans.

For the fashion conscious, there’s a limited edition Hermes bag and scarf.

For those who love Devon but can’t get enough of it, there’s the Devon Insider Package, which includes two passes and parking for the entire 11-day show, two grandstand seats for the Grand Prix on Thursday, May 31, a VIP suite party for 12 on Sunday, May 27 to watch the Carriage Pleasure Drive judged in the Dixon Oval, two seats on one of the four-in-hand coaches during an evening performance and two tickets for First Night at Devon on Wednesday, May 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., a reception and cocktails with art available for sale.

Another goody for the fashion conscious is a shopping spree at PerLei Boutique in Media.

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Brandywine Radio has donated two half-hour segments, hosted by one of the radio’s announcers, during which the purchaser can promote his business or any other item of his choosing.

For the intrepid traveler, there are two unrestricted business class tickets on Lufthansa to any of its world-wide destinations.

Entertainment for this year’s ball will be Sugarfoot Farm, featuring musicians George “GT” Corrigan and Jim Unger playing classic, danceable rock-and-roll.

Catering is provided by Jimmy Duffy Catering, and tent entry décor is courtesy of Sunshine Landscapes.

Bryn Clovis is the thoroughbred breeding farm owned by Betty Moran, who has campaigned such champion race horses as Belmont Stakes winner Crème Fraiche, Aintree Grand National winner Papillon and I’m Sweets.

In  2004, Brushwood Stable bred Hard Spun, who, in the colors of Rick Porter of Wilmington, Del., went on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby, third in the Preakness and fourth in the Belmont Stakes.

The Black Tie & Boots Ball is sponsored by Pepsi Beverage Company with Wells Fargo as the presenting sponsor.

Special thanks go to 1800 Tequila & Familia Camarena Tequila, SKYY Vodka and Tableleaf Wines.

For additional information, call the Country Fair office at 610-525-2533 or visit the website at www.devonhorseshow.org.

Pony Power ©Flashpoint Photography

April 15, 2012-St Johns Island, SC- Still undecided on summer plans? Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, would like to tempt you, “Our summer events are bursting at the seams with great offerings! We’ve taken exhibitors’ horse show wish list and made them a reality!”

The Atlanta Summer Classics, held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA, is a USEF AA rated two week event beginning June 13 through June 24. This year’s event will play host to the inaugural $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic. “This will be the first of two $25,000 Pony events for the summer. We have some of the country’s best talent in our pony sections and I think it’s time they get rewarded for their efforts.”Bell said. The second Pony Hunter Classic will be held in July at the Charleston Summer Classic.

Both events will be open to all ponies, even non members; however they will need a valid USEF measurement card. “Each Pony Derby Classic will be held as a two round event. The first round will be judged numerically and the top 20 will return for a second round. The course will be made up of 12 jumps with heights being adjusted for each section. Small ponies will show at 2’3, Mediums at 2’6, and the Larges at 3’.” Bellsaid.  Both Derby Classics will be run under the specifications of USEF rule HU 146 and the entry fee for each is $250.00. The prize money will be distributed through 12^th place.

Pony riders aren’t the only ones getting a spotlight in Atlanta this summer, the first week of the series has been designated a World Championship Hunter Rider event, featuring the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. “For those riders looking towards the Derby Finals this is a great opportunity to prep. OurDerbycourses in the former Olympic arena provide both the rider and horse the chance to compete on a huge field over some challenging obstacles.”Bellsaid.  Also during the WCHR week will be the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, the Atlanta Cup Equitation for Ponies, and the popular Grand Puba Junior Hunter Championship.  Jumper riders aren’t forgotten either, with a $35,000 Grand Prix to close the week.

There’s plenty to keep exhibitors attention between the show weeks too. The USHJA Zone 4 Hunter and Jumper Committees are sponsoring two special clinics; on Monday, the USHJA Riders Clinic with Jimmy Torano and Tuesday, the USHJA Water Jumping Clinic with Wilhelm Genn. These clinics are free of charge and while both have filled, auditors are welcomed. Please contact Jill Mills for additional information at 404-731-3643.

Week two of the Atlanta Summer Classics will host an array of exciting events, such as the Emerson Burr Program for Pony riders and one of the most popular annual social happenings returns to the Grand Prix arena- the 15^th Annual Outback Steakhouse Charity Dinner! “Each year this dinner sells out and local charities win big! It’s a delicious way to give back to a community that welcomed our horse shows to their area even before the Olympic fanfare. I’m proud of the good works our charity dinner has and continues to do.”Bell said.  The 140 foot party tent along the grand prix arena will offer the VIP tables great views of all the action.

During the Outback Steakhouse dinner the crowd will be entertained with a special class, the $3,500 Ride and Run. “This is a fun class for jumper riders and their grooms! Without giving too much away- the rider does a special course while the groom, equipped with a wheel barrel of hay, grain, and water makes their way across the arena, both competitors trying to have the best time.”Bellshared.

There will also be a Zone 4 Forum hosted by the committee members and back by demand, Just Ask the Judges, sponsored by Practical Horseman magazine, with guest Jimmy Clapperton and Thom Brede on hand to answer exhibitors’ questions.

Highlighting the second week will be the debut of the $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic in the Grand Prix arena and to close the series another $35,000 show jumping Gran Prix.

“It’s going to be a great classic summer!  We’re expecting to put up three tents so I hope folks will get their entries in early- they don’t want to miss this series!Bell concluded.

The Classic Company is a USHJA Members Choice Award winner, known for producing quality, exhibitor friendly, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows throughout theSoutheast US. For additional information on any of the 2012 events please call the office at 843-768-5503 or visit them on the web at www.classiccompany.com and for great hotel or condo rates contact www.equestriantravel.com

Horse Sports by the Bay Inc., is pleased to announce that English Riding Supply is returning this year as a Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival Platinum Sponsor and as the sponsor of the Ovation Leading Rider Awards.

The Ovation Leading Rider Awards Program has been part of the Hunter/Jumper awards program at Horse Shows by the Bay since 2007.  The circuit awards are given to the top winning rider in each of the 12 categories recognized – from Pony Hunter to Open Jumper.  Riders who accumulate the most points at the end of the four week circuit win a $500 gift certificate to redeem from the comprehensive English Riding Supply catalog. Winners will receive their awards during Horse Shows by the Bay Series IV.

Says Alex Rheinheimer, Horse Sports by the Bay Inc., owner and show manager, “The Ovation Leading Rider Awards are among the highlights for our participants each year.  For them, choosing from such noted brands like Ovation, Pessoa, Centaur, and Veredus guarantees that they’ll find something of value and that is useful.  For me, I especially like this type of award as it rewards consistency.  I can’t thank English Riding Supply enough for their continued support of our horse show and of this wonderful awards program”.

English Riding Supply’s Centaur is also the show’s Official Horse Clothier and will dress the show’s Grand Hunter Champions in style with Centaur Wool Coolers plus provide beautiful Turbo Dry Show Sheets for the Hunter and Jumper Classic winners.  Series II and Series IV Champions will also receive an embroidered Centaur Dress Scrim Sheet for their accomplishments.

English Riding Supply’s Peggy Murray will be onsite during Horse Shows by the Bay and will be providing additional prizes and gift certificates.

Says Murray, “We have worked with Alex Rheinheimer and her staff since the show’s beginning.  We’ve been so pleased that each year we’ve increased our level of sponsorship and as such we are now Platinum Sponsors.”

“English Riding Supply’s premier brands of Pessoa, Veredus, Centaur and Ovation are really in the spotlight at this show.  They do a great job at promotion and based on the response we receive from the participants they clearly like receiving our products.  The show itself is terrific – the facility is one of the loveliest in theUnited States and is located in such a great part of the country,” addedMurray.

The Ovation brand represents the finest in all types of rider apparel, including an extensive lineup of helmets suitable for show and schooling.

For more information on English Riding Supply and to view their complete list of helmets, brands and an online catalog, please visit www.englishridingsupply.com.

Kicking off events at this year’s Horse Shows by the Bay Festival will be Dressage by the Bay Series I and II, June 22-24, which are two back-to-back USDF Level 3-rated dressage competitions. The shows will include a variety of qualifying and special classes.

One week later, on July 4, begins four consecutive USEF AA-Hunter/Level 4 Jumper shows known as Horse Shows by the Bay Series I-IV.

Entries for the Hunter/Jumper shows are currently being accepted on a first come first served basis until capacity is met or June 1, whichever comes first.  The Dressage by the Bay Prize List will be available shortly.

More information on the exciting 2012 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival, including links to our Blue Ribbon Lodging and Transportation Partners, can be found on our website: www.horseshowsbythebay.com.

Katy, TX – April 4, 2012 – The horses and riders at Nordic Lights Farm had another stellar performance at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center during the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show. Eirin Bruheim piloted NLF Transatlantic to a victory in the $5,000 Spring Gathering Classic, while her sister Lene Bruheim took home the blue in the High Children’s Jumpers with Jessika. After earning the High Performance Working Hunter Reserve Championship, Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm were presented with the Houston Spring Series Circuit Championship.

Eirin Bruheim has been working steadily to bring NLF Transatlantic back to top form after a seven-month break from the show ring, and during the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show they were ready to win. The duo completed an excellent double clear effort during the $5,000 Spring Gathering Classic, stopping the clock at a speedy 29.90 seconds during the jump-off. Eirin then competed in the $10,000 Spring Gathering Welcome Stake, placing second aboard Cicero 75 after leaving all the rails in tact during the jump-off in a very quick time. She also claimed the eighth place honors with Anyway, after the pair completed a four-fault first round effort.

“The Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show was really good,” said Eirin. “My horses were a little tired, but preformed really nicely. Cicero 75 jumped his heart out during the Welcome Stake, and Anyway was really good too. NLF Transatlantic is really stepping up and was great in the Classic. Overall, my horses tried their best these last few months and now deserve some time to rest and recover.”

Lene Bruheim had her victory during the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show, winning a class in the High Children’s Jumpers aboard her newest mount Jessika. The pair also took home third, fifth, and eighth place ribbons to eventually earn the High Children’s Jumper Championship. Lene also had success with her veteran mount NLF Valhall, placing second, third, and seventh in the High Children’s Jumpers.

“Spring Gathering was so much fun,” said Lene. “Jessika and I are really starting to get to know one another, and NLF Valhall is in his usual tip-top form! I couldn’t ask for better horses and I am really looking forward to this summer.”

Professional rider Peter Pletcher has had great success with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm during the last three weeks, already earning two High Performance Working Hunter Championships. During the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show they took home the division’s reserve championship after earning a first place ribbon, two second place ribbons, and two third place ribbons. Their efforts over the last three weeks were honored with the Houston Spring Series High Performance Working Hunter Circuit Championship.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm was really good,” said Pletcher. “It’s really nice to win this award here because we’ve all put a lot of work into the circuit. This horse has always tried really hard, but now he knows he’s a show horse and it’s becoming really easy for him.”

Nordic Lights Farm will show in Tyler, TX in April and May before heading east to compete during the prestigious Devon Horse Show in Devon, PA.

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, that was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 19-year-old Eirin Bruheim and 17-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

Photo Credit: Eirin Bruheim and NLF Transatlantic won the $5,000 Spring Gathering Classic at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show. Photo By: Shawn McMillen. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

Photo Credit: Lene Bruheim and Jessika won the High Children's Jumper Championship at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show. Photo By: Shawn McMillen. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

DEVON, Pa.—The ticket office for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair opens April 9, and with top Olympic hopefuls competing in two Observation Events at this year’s show, getting reservations early is very important.

At least three of the eight top riders on the long list of candidates for the London Olympics show jumping team have said they will compete in the Observation classes at Devon, May 24 to June 3.
Mclain Ward on Sapphire and Antares F were given a bye for the first selection trials held in Wellington, Fla., March 21-24 after Ward fractured his knee in a fall early in the season in Wellington.
But as a late March Ward was already back riding on the flat and expects to be ready for competition by Devon.He will have to use the two Devon classes to convince selectors that he and his mounts, Sapphire and Antares F are fit and able to compete in London.

The first is the Grand Prix at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31 and the second is the Idle Dice Stakes, which will be held Saturday, June 2 at 4 p.m.

Ward, with two Olympic team gold medals in his resume, is certainly a rider everyone wants to see on the team.

Laura Kraut was also given a bye on her Hong Kong team gold medal mount, Cedric, but rode Teirra in the trials to qualify her second mount in the top 12.

Margie Engle, an Olympic veteran and World Championship team silver medalist, tied for first in the trials on Indigo, and she said she planned to use Devon as one of the two Observation sites riders must use to continue their quest to make the Olympic squad.

Chef d’equipe George Morris, Chris Kappler of Pittstown, N.J., Mark Leone of Franklin Lakes, N.J., and Californian Susie Hutchison are the selection committee that will be observing the top candidates.
Devon Horse Show and Country Fair benefits the Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated over $14 million.

The ticket office opens April 9, and to be sure of a seat for these two exciting jumper
classes, order early, as both are expected to be a sell out. Two years ago, Devon redid the footing in the Dixon Oval,, which received rave reviews, and last year the same footing was installed in the Gold Ring. This year, the entire schooling area will also receive new, state of the art footing.

Along with the two Observation Events for the Games, there are junior jumpers over Junior Weekend, May 24-26, and young jumpers and open and speed classes are contested every day and evening throughout the rest of the week.Saddle horses, four-in-hand driving, hackneys, harness horses and roadsters add variety to the week, and a number of exhibitions, from Western riding to carriage racing to the Wells Fargo stagecoach are also scheduled.

The Country Fair includes foods for every palate, custom boutique shopping and rides and games.
Tickets are available over the phone, 610-688-2554, or on the internet, www.devonhorseshow.org.
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Reserved grandstand tickets are available ranging from $12 to $55 depending on the performance.

If you haven’t been tracking the progress of the second annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas,” May 3-6, 2012, then it’s time you take notice. Why? Because some of the most talented Eventing riders and trainers are doing just that. They think so highly of this event that is focused on amateur riders and training-level horses that they are donating their time. They will serve as clinicians to the first event that will showcase all three of the lower levels (Beginner Novice, Novice and Training) as recognized three-day events.  In the past Training has been recognized at the three-day level but it was only this past February that BN and N were added into the fold by the U.S. Eventing Association.

What makes Southern 8ths Farm, Chesterfield, SC, so special is that this 300-acre paradise is like a mini-Rolex in that it has some of the best facilities in the nation, which are often only reserved for the upper lever riders. Here you have 45 permanent stalls, regulation size arenas, over three miles of manicured Roads & Tracks, a huge airy indoor arena and so much more.

The event will have social functions, contests and prizes for first place winners from both Nikon and Breyer.  Best of all on the “getting ready” day where clinicians work with the riders, that’s when some of the nation’s finest will be there to help out.  These include Pan American Games veteran Holly Hudspeth; Susan Beebee, who has competed at Rolex; J. Michael (Charlie) Plumb, winner of the 1990 Fair Hill CCI**; Olympic veteran Robert Costello; Pan American Games Gold Medalist and Olympic alternate Will Faudree; World Equestrian Games (WEG) veteran Rebecca Howard; Show Jumping Course Designer Marc Donovan, Dressage Judge Sue Smithson and FEI “I” Cross-Country Course Designer Tremaine Cooper.

The clinicians are thrilled to be a part of this event and offered their insight.

Holly Hudspeth noted that she is a level IV certified instructor, competitor, and new mommy. “I have been lucky to compete multiple horses at the top level of this sport, and was short listed for both the 2010 WEG and 2004 Olympics. In 2009, I had my dream come true of representing the USA at the Pan American Games. Being a huge fan of the Long Format, I was honored to be asked to help at the 2012 So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event. I will be lending my thoughts and ideas with the ‘trot up’ and ‘Roads and Tracks’ phase of the Long Format. What an amazing opportunity for all of us to take part in!”

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master, WEG 2010

Rebecca Howard, who is the Equestrian Director of The Fork Stables in North Carolina, commented, “I will be helping out with the Horse Inspection on the first day as well as have some students there that have made it their season goal to compete in the competition. I am excited to be involved in the event at Southern 8ths Farm as it is such a quality facility and I am expecting a very enthusiastic fun group of people to work with. Southern 8ths is really just down the road form me at the Fork Stables. It is great to have this facility so close.”

Pan American Games Gold Medalist Will Faudree joined the other clinicians in his praise for the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event noting, “I am very excited to be a part of this educational experience for riders.  The Long Format gives people more of an opportunity to feel what is happening underneath you, and the demand of horsemanship.  I am looking forward to being a part of this program.”

Will Faudree and Pawlow, Rolex 2010

One of the most exciting comments came from event Organizer Foy Barksdale who remarked, “On opening day for entries, March 20, we were halfway filled from the electronic entries alone!  I feel confident that we will not only fill but have a waiting list.  I think offering a $75 discount was key to getting entries in early which really helps with bookkeeping and planning for supplies, etc.  Once we receive the mailed entries that are postmarked by the opening date as well as the cross-entries, we can then start additional infrastructural planning such as how many porta-potties to order and things such as that.”

She continued, “The clinicians that we have lined up are excellent and will be covering everything from how to jog your horse in the inspections to what studs are best for what conditions, what the Dressage judges are looking for, how to figure times for phases A & C and so much more. The competitors will come away never forgetting this experience and much closer to their horse just as their horse will feel much more bonded to their rider.  I can’t wait to see the smiles on everyone’s face!”

Boo Major, Blythewood, SC, who is the head coach of the University of South Carolina’s equestrian team, will be the Technical Delegate (TC) for the event.  “I am really looking forward to seeing the progression of the Long Format at Southern 8′s this year,” she said. “I helped Bobby Stevenson last year with TD duties and was very impressed with the whole operation.  There was a great deal of camaraderie amongst the competitors and staff.  There was so much attention to detail the entire week and throughout the competition.  It was a very positive experience for all involved.  I think adding Beginner Novice and Novice to the mix as recognized three-days will only enhance the uniqueness of this competition.  It will expose a lot of new comers to the fun of doing a Long Format event.”

Charlie Plumb comes from a long line of equestrians and is happy to share his expertise. Charlie said, “I own/train out of a semi-private Eventing facility in Southern Pines, NC. I have been competing at the upper levels of Eventing for a number of years and currently have four horses of my own and seven client horses in training, including Ard Denzil, an ISH owned by Dianne Lucas who is quite special. As a son of two Olympians, I am completely passionate about being the best I can be in the sport of Eventing. My goal in teaching in this clinic is to encourage and educate others who are as passionate about Eventing as I am.”

Becky Brown at Southern 8ths, 2011

If you’d like to get a sense of what this year’s event will be all about, go to So8ths YouTube page and take a video tour of last year’s event: http://www.youtube.com/user/So8ths or check out the wide selection of photos showing every facet of the event here: www.tinyurl.com/presslink-so8ths. And make sure to visit the recently revealed new web site: www.so8ths.com and “like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/so8ths. And of course, mark May 3-6 on your calendar and come as a competitor, volunteer, spectator, or media to Southern 8ths Farm, a place that will welcome you with open arms.

HOUSTON, Texas  – Lia Chafee, a senior majoring in international communications and media at Texas A&M University, won the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show’s 2nd Annual Collegiate Charity Invitational equestrian event, sponsored by Superior Energy Services, on March 24th at Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road, Katy, Texas.  Chafee was one of eight competitors.  Taking second place was Holly Eisbernd, a senior from Granada Hills, Calif., majoring in sociology at California Fresno State.

Four of the top 12 2012 Pin Oak Collegiate Invitational teams  –Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, and California Fresno State – which were selected for the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (to be held next month in Waco, Texas) were represented at Pin Oak.  For more information and competitor bios, see pages 116-117 in the 2012 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Program at www.pinoak.org and www.varsityequestrian.com.

Lia Chaffee of LSU takes 1st Place in the 2nd Annual Pin Oak Charity Collegiate Invitational. Great athletes from strong equestrian programs. Photo by Shawn McMillen

More about the collegiate invitational event

The Dragon, a jumper owned by Rita Herzog of Memorial Park Hunters, was named Best Horse of the competition. Other horses in the event included Dare to Imagine (owner/trainer Kim Cox of  Tally Ho Farm), and horses from Woodhill Farm  and Kings Bridge Farm.

The Pin Oak Champion Collegiate Rider was determined by a head to head format in which the riders compete over fences on the same horse. The riders only had a few minutes to warm up on a randomly drawn horse before competing. Horse owners and trainers generously donated the use of their horses for this event, which judged the riders’ form and ability rather than that of the horse.

Teams included Baylor University (Kara Fergusson, a senior from Hillsboro, Ore.), Delaware State University (Alyssa Berfield, a junior from Fredericksburg, Va. who ranked seventh), California Fresno State University (Elsbernd, who ranked second), Louisiana State University (Gabrielle LeBoeuf, a sophomore from Prairieville, La., who ranked sixth), Rice University (Dana Gross, a senior from Houston,, who ranked eighth), South Dakota State University (Jordan Goodall from Centennial, Colo., who ranked fourth), Southern Methodist University (Emma Roberts, a freshman from Houston, who ranked fifth), and Texas A&M University (Chafee, the champion).

Emily Gardener from SMU was the champion for the 2011 Pin Oak Collegiate Invitational event.

Tracy Fenney Wins Sunday Grand Prix

 MTM Centano ridden by Tracy Fenney from the Dallas suburb of Flower Mound, Texas, won the Looke Family $30,000 Grand Prix, presented by Energy XXI, on Sunday at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.

Centano gets some love from the crowd. Photo ©Alan McMillan. 

The top six competitors of the 25 who entered the Grand Prix are listed as follows:

1. MTM Centano, ridden by Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas, and owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound;

2. Triomff, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Ala., and owned by Sarah Patterson from Omaha, Neb.;

3. MTM Genau, ridden by Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas, and owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound;

4. L’Etoile, ridden by Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio, and owned by The L’Etoile Group LLC of Lebanon;

5. Cicero 75, ridden by Erin Bruheim of Houston, Texas, and owned by Nordic Lights Farm LLC of Houston; and,

6. River of Dreams, ridden by Christian Heineking of Dallas and owned by Caroline Jahr of Dallas.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show opened March 21 and runs through April 1 at Great Southwest Equestrian Center located at 2501 South Mason Road in Katy, Texas.  The show, which started in 1945 and is one of the leading horse shows in the nation, has raised more than $5 million for children’s charities. Most events are free and open to the public. See www.pinoak.org for more information.

 Training is about connection with our horse with love, harmony and respect. The more we understand the ways of the horse, the more we understand our own feelings. As a result we can live in more harmony – not only with our horse – but with ourselves. ~ Jenny Rolfe

U.K. riding instructor Jenny Rolfe teaches innovative techniques of core breathing to connect with the horse and help the rider to find harmony in body, mind and spirit. Now these techniques are available in progressive and well-organized detail on the DVD Ride from the Heart.

Rolfe’s principles are based in dressage, but applicable to all forms of riding.  She demonstrates with her Iberian stallions using liberty work, not only as a training aid, but also as a warm-up, re-establishing connection on the ground prior to riding. The object is calm, assertive leadership, and total empathy between horse and handler.

The DVD includes common training tips such as not pulling on a horse’s head when leading. There are also excellent demonstrations of Rolfe’s exercise system to improve the rider’s body awareness. Exercises, loosely based on Tai Chi, are done in standing positions. The rider is then soft and relaxed when mounted, and thus the horse is as well. Most athletes already use such techniques prior to competition, but not much has been offered on DVD for the equestrian.

Instructors will value this DVD as a teaching tool for all levels, but it additionally offers fresh perspectives on position and groundwork. It is really for anyone who wants to help their horse become a more confident athlete and simply create a better ride.

Jenny Rolfe’s clients come from all over the world and include those professionally involved with horses, among them BHS trainers, physiotherapists and natural horsemanship instructors. She is also an artist and author of the book Ride from the Heart and her upcoming 2012 release Breathe Life Into Your Riding.

Ride from the Heart DVD

The Art of Communication

By Jenny Rolfe

Cracking Media

50 minutes – $37.00

To purchase online, go to: http://www.spanishdressagehorses.com

Also available on Amazon