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The equiworld.net magazine - News of the Week

Breed of the Week :
The Knapstrupper

Featured Article:
Finding The Right Riding Instructor



31st January 2004

£2,500 Donation To Sussex-Based Disabled Riding Unit
American Express funds horse purchase for riding therapy
A £2,500 donation from one of the county's leading employers means that a Sussex charity offering riding therapy to disabled people can purchase a much-needed additional horse.
The funding, from Brighton-based American Express, will allow the Riding Therapy Unit at Ferring Country Centre, near Worthing, to add to its 11-strong stable of horses - those with the build, strength and temperament suitable for use on the riding therapy programme cost between £2,500 and £3,500.
Ferring Country Centre fundraiser Gaye Baker said the donation will enable them to offer riding therapy to even more people.
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Get One Jump Ahead For Burghley
Good news for those of you who want to keep up-to-date with news in the build up to this year’s favourite Autumn equine extravaganza, Burghley Horse Trials (2nd-5th September 2004), the Event is starting its own e-newsletter, which will bring you news every month, plus competitions, from April to 1st September, and then a daily round-up throughout the event.
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NAYRC Team Gold Medalist Michael Shondel Successfully Moves into the Adult Ranks with a 70.667% at I-1
Wellington, Florida—The move from the Young Rider ranks to the adult ring is usually a tough one, but Michael Shondel, team gold medalist at the 2003 North American Young Riders Championships, has been making it look easy. With his reliable partner Wallaby, Michael scored a 70.667% to win the CDI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle at the 2004 Gold Coast Opener CDI January 23-25.
While Michael enjoyed his time as a Young Rider, he has been looking forward to the next step in his riding career. “I was very excited to show this season,” Michael said. “It’s fun to just get out there and compete. There’s no pressure to make a team; I can focus on continuing to improve my riding.” In addition to his commitment to dressage, Michael is in the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Training Program. After he finishes college he hopes to ride for the U.S. Marines. “Nothing would make me prouder than to canter down centerline in my military uniform,” he explained.
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Kanavy Wins 50 & 100-Mile Arabian Horse Endurance Championships
Valerie Kanavy couldn't have mapped out a better weekend. On Thursday, October 23, 2003, she captured the 100-mile Arabian Horse Association National Championship Endurance Ride in Henryville, Indiana with Shahdon, last year's reserve champion and picked up a $6,250 payout from Breeders Sweepstakes. Two days later she won the 50-mile ride with Emphatic. Both horses took best condition awards.
Behind the scenes, things didn't go quite so smoothly for Kanavy. In September Emphatic, who is long listed for the U.S. Endurance Team after placing eight in the World Cup in Dubai last March, trotted out lame at the second gate of the Pan American Games. "He didn't stay lame long enough for us to figure out went wrong," says Kanavy, of Fort Valley, Virginia. "So my goal was to ride him hard enough to either antagonize the problem so we could get it diagnosed, or make him tougher."
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McLain Ward And Cinderella Win NAL Acorn Hill Speed Challenge
Samantha Conroy And Southern Lights Win Second Year Green Working Hunter Championship
WELLINGTON, FL - January 30, 2004 - Last to go proved to be best as McLain Ward aboard Cinderella, the final duo in a field of 80 starters, won the $5,000 North American League Acorn Hill Farm Speed Challenge at the Winter Equestrian Festival today. The 1.40-meter course was a Time First Round, Table II, Sec. 1 class held in the Internationale Arena of the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds. Four faults were added to the rider's time for each knockdown over the 13-effort track, giving victory to the duo with the fastest clean trip. The class is part of the North American League Open Speed Series, and awards points toward the NAL year-end final. The 2004 WEF runs from January 28 through March 21 in Wellington, and March 24 through April 3 in Tampa, Florida.
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Hobby Horse Tours, Inc. is offering an exciting tour of German horse farms in September 2004!
This is a unique opportunity to visit horse farms and state studs in Germany under the knowledgeable guidance of an English speaking tour manager. Participants will be traveling in the comfort of a modern 30 seat coach. During this 8 day/7 night tour, nights will be spent in 3- star hotels. Most meals are provided! Included are also guided city tours of Hamburg, Berlin and Dresden!
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Black Watch, Crab Orchard Reach Final Of Ylvisaker Cup At International Polo Club Palm Beach
WELLINGTON, Florida – Facundo Pieres scored the final three goals, including a 20-yard neck shot 26 seconds into overtime, to lift Black Watch over San Saba 13-12 in the semifinals of the 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup Thursday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Black Watch plays Crab Orchard, which defeated Pony Express 11-9 in the second semifinal.
Black Watch trailed 8-3 after two chukkers, but rallied in the final chukker to force overtime. Pieres led Black Watch (3-1) with seven goals while Nacho Figueras scored four goals and Nacho Astrada added two goals.
Agustin Merlos led San Saba (1-2) with six goals while Hector Galindo scored three goals and Tommy Lee Jones added two goals.
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Winter Equestrian Festival Results Day 3, Fri. Jan. 30, 2004
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Show Jumping Results: CSI5* Zurich 29 January - 1 February 2004
Credit Suisse Grand-Prix, International Jumping Competition
1) FOR PLEASURE; Marcus EHNING (GER), 2) COSTER; Christian AHLMANN (GER), 3) QUIBELL; Jessica KüRTEN (IRL
Bucheler Unternehmungen + Stamm & Co. (Speed Class), International Jumping Competition
1) LARISSA X; Steve GUERDAT (SUI), 2) VDL GROEP ESCAPE; Leopold VAN ASTEN (NED), 3) COCO CABANA; Celine STAUFFER (SUI)
Mercedes Swiss Master, International Jumping Competition
1
) GOLDFEVER 3; Ludger BEERBAUM (GER), 2) COESTER; Christian AHLMANN (GER), 3) NOBEL SAVAGE H; Marcus EHNING (GER)
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U.S. Equestrian Approves Sliding Scale For Horse Recording
Beginning March 1, owners and breeders will be able to Life record horses with U.S. Equestrian at reduced rates as low as $35! The change to Article 812 offers the following discounts:
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AHA Dates and Deadlines for 2004
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30th January 2004

The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
FEI World Cup Dressage News - All to play for in Amsterdam
With just three qualifiers to go before the final (Dusseldorf April 1-4th), the high quality competition that has been a feature from the start of this 2003/4 FEI World Cup Dressage season is set to continue in Amsterdam this weekend.
Standings leader Heike Kemmer, way ahead on 72 points, is out to cement her lead with her experienced campaigner Albano. Dutch diva Anky van Grunsven, in third place on 37 points after her resounding victory in Maastricht, brings Gestion Salinero to the Amsterdam party, while Sven Rothenberger, in fourth place on 36, again campaigns Barclay, a full brother to World Cup winner Brentina.
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Shetland Ponies Help Great Ormond Street
The ever-popular Shetland Pony Grand National, which runs throughout the year at 6 shows from Royal Windsor to Three Counties and culminates in the exciting finals, sponsored by Osborne Refrigerators, at the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships, raised £6,500 in 2003 for its chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital.
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Jump for a Just World’ Sees Top Riders Support a Worthy Cause
Wellington, Florida – JustWorld International kicked off its first fundraising event by organizing a ‘Jump for a Just World’ Training Show on Saturday, January 24, 2004, in Wellington, FL.
Hosted by Belle Herbe Farm, the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Training Show saw some of show jumping’s biggest names take advantage of the opportunity to ride on the grass grand prix field, designed by Olympic course designer Robert Jolicoeur, in support of JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to prepare and empower students to become visionary leaders and work for social justice.
During the day, riders including Alison Firestone, Candice King, Laura Kraut and McLain Ward, as well as Eric Navet and Yann Candele of France, and Eric Lamaze and Keean White of Canada, trained a total of 150 horses in the three divisions offered. Following the day’s jumping action, over 250 guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner as well as both a silent and live auction. By day’s end, over $97,000 had been raised in support of JustWorld International.
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Stallion Meets Stars at The Young Black Stallion Film Debut
WG Priority One (Pharoah Marekh x Ruala Fay Haliya) is a country horse that lives outdoors at Stone Image Arabians in Canajoharie, New York. But on December 7, 2003, he turned into a city horse, walking calmly beside his owner Joan Stone down the crowded streets of Broadway to a premiere showing of The Young Black Stallion at Lowes Theatre in New York City. Under the marquee outside the theatre, he hobnobbed with film producer Fred Roos, Roos' long-time friend and collaborator Francis Ford Coppola, director Simon Wincer and star Biana Tamini.
A prequel to the 1979 original classic, The Black Stallion, the film features dozens of Arabian horses, including the star, Thee Cyclone (Thee Desperado x The Minuet). The film opened in select IMAX theatres nationwide last December 25 after Walt Disney Pictures, in co-promotion with the Arabian Horse Association, represented the movie at the AHA Community booth at the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian National Championship Show on October 16-25, 2003.
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Strongid™-P Confirmed as Market Leader
Strongid™-P, has confirmed its position as the nation’s favourite wormer following the publication of the latest market data reporting Strongid-P as the number one brand in the highly competitive area of equine wormers. (NOAH Q3 MAT 2003).
A highly experienced and well informed sales force combined with a comprehensive programme of sponsorship, advertising, promotions and public relations, all centred on the message of rotational worming, have ensured that Strongid-P has once again become the brand of choice for horse owners.
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The British Horse Society British Horse Society's Royal President to visit Islington educational project at Lee Valley Riding Centre
The British Horse Society's (BHS) Royal President, HRH The Princess Royal, will be visiting a unique equine educational project, initiated by the BHS, at Lee Valley Riding Centre based at Leyton, London, on Wednesday 4 February.
The project is in line with the Government's scheme to encourage Year 10 and 11 pupils to study for a vocational qualification in a work environment and that of the BHS in its commitment to the Sporting Equals Racial Equality Charter. At Lee Valley a pilot project has been set up by the BHS, in conjunction with Lee Valley Riding Centre manager, Irena Grint, and CEA@Islington, to enable a group of Year 10 pupils from local schools to attend the riding centre one day a week for two academic years and work towards a recognised BHS qualification; either Stage One or NVQ Level One
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Access To The Countryside - Dedicated Land Offers New Opportunities
The Government's programme to improve public access to the countryside took a step forward today, as Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael launched guidance for land managers on how to dedicate land voluntarily.
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the public will enjoy a new right of access on foot to England's 'open country' including mountain, moor, heath, downland and registered common land by the end of 2005.
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Laura Boynton King 'Peak Performance Clinic' Scheduled For February 23, 2004, In Wellington
WELLINGTON, FL - January 28, 2004 - Right on time for the winter horse show circuits, certified hypnotist and sports hypnotist Laura Boynton King has scheduled an all-new "Keys To Winning Equestrian Peak Performance Clinic" to be held on Monday, February 23, 2004, in Wellington, Florida. Hosting the cutting-edge clinic is Crossroads Farm in the Mallet Hill community, which borders the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival. The clinic is scheduled from noon to 3:00 pm. There is no charge to attend the clinic and a complimentary luncheon will be served. A combination of lectures and demonstrations will be featured, but the clinic is not a riding lesson.
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Day 2 Winter Equestrian Festival Results
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McLain Ward Aboard Goldika Wins Nutrena/Western Hay $25,000 WEF Challenge Cup
Shachine Belle And In Disguise Win Regular Conformation Hunter Championship
WELLINGTON, FL - January 29, 2004 - The first winner in the nine-event WEF Challenge Cup Series and the first Hunter Championship winner picked up their blue ribbons today at the 32nd annual Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. The 2004 WEF runs from January 28 through March 21 in Wellington, and March 24 through April 3 in Tampa, Florida.

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Trail Ride Along France’s Brittany Sea Coast With Cross Country International
Millbrook, NY—January 29, 2004—For anyone who has ever dreamed of galloping a beautiful horse along the beaches of France’s Coastline, your dream has come true.
Cross Country International has announced that they are now accepting reservations for exciting new vacations featuring trail rides along the Brittany Coastline in France. These new horseback riding vacations start on April 5, 2004.
The Brittany Sea Coast Trail Rides offer vacationers the chance to ride over some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Riding along the coastline fringed with a succession of rocks, beaches, creeks, headlands and cliffs battered by the ocean’s swell exposes riders to some of nature’s most beautiful sights. Riders can immerse themselves in the rich French culture as they view architecture that is full of local Brittany heritage.
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Arabian Horse Association Crowns National Competitive Trail Champions
Take a tropical sun, crank the heat up to 85 degrees and turn the humidity knob to sweltering. Then ask your horse to trot 80 miles in two days through sections of foot-deep sand and finish "fit to continue." Of the 15 horses that competed over this punishing course during the Arabian Horse Association National Championship Competitive Trail Ride on October 31-November 2, 2003, only eight met the ride's stringent pulse, metabolic and soundness criteria to finish in the top ten.
The Arabian division champion, Donna Shoaf of Altoona, Florida, lives three miles from the Ocala National Forest trails and attributes her win on Silko Desert Rain to "the home court advantage." Despite this edge, Shoaf came close to not competing when her original entry, a Half-Arabian mare, was off at the vet check-in.
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29th January 2004

Search For A Star Finalists To Finalists To Take Centre Stage At HOYS
Judging commentary is a bonus for audiences, say organisers
The South Essex Insurance Brokers "Search for a Star" competition, which gives amateur riders and owners the opportunity to compete nationally, is this year to take centre stage at the Horse of the Year Show.
Judging for the competition's Supreme Champion title will be held in the main arena on Friday (October 8). "This is the supreme accolade," said South Essex Insurance Brokers managing director Barry Fehler. "We started this search for amateur talent in 1996, and in eight years the competition has achieved recognition throughout the horse world and our winners have gone on to make their marks in prestigious open classes countrywide."
One of the most popular elements of "Search for a Star" is that at selection days competitors can discuss their horses with the judges after each class and at the Birmingham final, judges Robert Oliver and Anne Pritchard use radio microphones to give a commentary on their thoughts and opinions of the horses and ponies forward for judging.
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Let Your Customers Drive You Mad
If you have been considering supplying equipment to the expanding driving market there really is no better time to get involved. Especially now that there is a competitively priced range of products available ideal for the new and novice driver which can help.
From an extensive collection - a brand respected the equine-world over - renowned for its quality and value comes an economical driving harness that is light-weight and extremely tough. It is also extremely user-friendly as it can be easily adjusted in all weathers and from both sides of the horse. It is also soft and flexible to handle and all parts can be machine washed to ensure that it always looks as good as the day it was bought.
Harnesses aside, there are plenty of other products to stock that are guaranteed to be top driving sellers. For instance, harness waffle liners - the removable liners that save the harness itself from becoming tarnished by sweat and dirt - are always in demand amongst fans of driving.
With the dual virtues of being easily cleaned and extremely useful, the harness waffle liner is also ideal for 'new to work' horses which are prone to be more vulnerable to rubs; during this time of year this doubly beneficial as it prevents the patchy look to the coat of the horse which is caused by rubbing directly under the wear points of the harness.
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Breeding and Producing for Market Requirements
The Irish Horse Board is running two seminars on the theme “Breeding and Producing for Market Requirements” on Thursday 12th February 8pm at Haydens Hotel, Ballinasloe and on Friday 13th February 8pm at Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny. Speakers at the seminars will include experts in the field of showjumping, eventing and dressage.
Comdt John Ledingham, ex international showjumper and Chairman of both the EFI Coaching and High Performance Committees will speak on the requirements for breeding and producing showjumping horses for the national and international markets. During his career with the Army Equitation School, Comdt Ledingham represented Ireland on 63 Nations Cups teams, including five Aga Khan Cup wins, and he also won the Hickstead Derby on three occasions.
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McLain Ward And Quickstar Win 1.45 Meter Jeffery Welles Aboard Ursa Major Wins 1.40 Meter
WELLINGTON, FL - January 28, 2004 - The 32nd annual Winter Equestrian Festival opened today at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds in Wellington, Florida, with the five-day Nutrena/Western Hay Wellington Classic CSI***. The 2004 WEF runs from January 28 through March 21 in Wellington, and March 24 through April 3 in Tampa, Florida.
Highlighting today's 32 competitions in eight rings were two heavily contested jumper classes in the Internationale Arena. In the morning class, McLain Ward riding Quickstar II Z won the $7,500 1.45m, Time First Jump-Off Table II, Sec 2(b) class, besting 44 entries. In the afternoon, Jeffery Welles aboard Ursa Major won the $5,000 1.40m, Faults Converted Into Seconds, Table III class, topping a whopping roster of 120 entries. Course designer for the week is Javier Fernandez.
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WEF Contenders Ready To Ride
WELLINGTON, FL - January 27, 2004 - With the 32nd annual Winter Equestrian Festival set to kick off tomorrow, topnotch riders representing hunters, jumpers and dressage, along with Eugene R. Mische, president of Stadium Jumping, Inc., met with the press for a luncheon conference. On the dais were show jumpers Beezie Madden, Chris Kappler, Jimmy Torano, and Danielle Torano, along with dressage riders George Williams, Susan Dutta, and Arlene 'Tuny' Page. The Winter Equestrian Festival runs from January 28 through March 21 in Wellington, and March 24 through April 3 in Tampa, FL.
Mr. Mische pointed out the significance of this year's Nations' Cup, which will be held on March 12. With eight teams entered, he believes it is a record number for the US. He also pointed out that WEF has expanded the classes for five-, six-, and seven-year old horses from one class per week to a division each week. "That's a major factor for our riders to develop young horses," said Mr. Mische, adding that some of these talented horses can then move on to become Nations' Cup horses. "Hopefully we have given them the format to do that and that they will take advantage of it. That's a very big plus for our circuit." Mr. Mische added that riders from nine to 70 years of age are participating in the 2004 WEF. "For the first show, the entries are up about 10%."
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AHA Presents Dressage Rider and USDF All-Breed Awards
Every year the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) recognizes outstanding dressage riders and horses in two different programs. The Dressage Rider Award Program recognizes AHA members who have received two scores of 60 percent or better from two different judges in two different rides. Riders receive certificates, starting with Training Level, and certificates and lapel pins, for First through Fourth Level
In cooperation with the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), AHA also recognizes the nation's top scoring Arabian and Half/Anglo Arabian dressage horses with the USDF All-Breed Awards. To be eligible for these awards, AHA members must also be members of USDF. AHA would like to congratulate the following Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian winners of the 2003 USDF All-Breed Awards:
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Record Sports Council Funding For Equestrian Sector
THE Irish Sports Council today (Wednesday) announced a dramatic increase in High Performance funding for equestrian sport when it allocated 350,000 euro for 2004, an increase of 98,000 euro on the 2003 figure.
Coupled with the Sports Council's core grant of 470,950 euro announced last week, this brings the 2004 total to a record 820,950 euro.
EFI President Avril Doyle, MEP said: <<We are very gratified at the increased level of support our sector is receiving from the Irish Sports Council. With the Olympics looming large in everyone's minds, this generous contribution in High Performance funding for 2004 will greatly assist our show jumpers, eventers , and dressage riders in their preparation for, and participation in, the Athens Olympics, and will considerably ease the burden of fundraising.
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Jason Andrew Clark and SD Dartanian+++// Win AHA High-Point Awards
Jason Andrew Clark and the Half-Arabian, SD Dartanian+++//, owned by his mother Patricia Clark, earned Amateur Achievement Award and Horse Achievement Award High-Point honors in 2003 with 509 and 460 points respectively. The 310 points Clark accumulated and the 280 points SD Dartanian+++// collected from Sport Horse Nationals alone helped the pair clinch the top spots in the programs. SD Dartanian+++// earned more points this year than any previous High-Point horse in the program’s four-year history.
As the 2003 MD Barns High-Point Amateur, Clark will receive a $5,000 gift certificate for MD Barns product. SD Dartanian+++// will receive a $1,000 gift certificate to Libertyville Saddle Shop and an embroidered cooler as the Achievement Award High-Point champion. Their success in 2003 can be credited to a strong partnership between two individuals that seem ideally suited for sport horse disciplines and the support of family and trainer.
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Ford Sponsors $150,000 Grand Prix at Indio Desert Circuit for Fifth Consecutive Year
SAUGERTIES, NY (January 27, 2004)—Horse Shows In The Sun (HITS) is pleased to welcome Ford Motor Company back to Indio as the Official Vehicle for the 2004 Indio Desert Circuit, and the title sponsor of the $150,000 Ford Grand Prix for the fifth consecutive year.
Thanks to Ford's generous sponsorship over the past five years, the $150,000 Ford Grand Prix has grown in prestige to become one of the most highly anticipated Grand Prix events of the year. On Sunday, March 14th at 2pm, the top Grand Prix riders in the country will compete for the largest single purse awarded over the six weeks of competition at the Indio Desert Circuit.
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U.S. Equestrian Expands Member Benefits
To further enhance U.S. Equestrian member benefits, USEF has formed an alliance with NTRA Purchasing, a subsidiary of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, to bring significant discounts to the membership of the Federation.
U.S. Equestrian Purchasing offers substantial cost savings on products and services from John Deere, Dodge, FedEx, Nextel, Sherwin-Williams Paints, Boise Office Solutions, Presort Services and more.
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28th January 2004

Royal Donation Helps With Horse Charity's Vet's Bills
£3,500 will cover veterinary costs for six months 'barring major problems'
A generous donation from a member of the exiled Yugoslavian royal family will enable a racehorse charity to meet its veterinary bills for six months.
Crown Princess Katarina, daughter of the late Prince Tomislav of Yugoslavia, presented a cheque for £3,500 to Graham Oldfield, chief executive of Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre which is based in West Sussex.
Moorcroft, which takes in ex-racehorses to assess and re-school with the ultimate aim of re-homing them, has annual running costs of over £220,000 year and relies almost exclusively on fundraising events and private donations.
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Top Riders Turn To teque-style
From showjumpers to dressage riders, eventers and showing experts, the teque-style Grand Prix Performer riding shirt is proving a huge hit.
More and more top riders are choosing the revolutionary Performer made from Hypropore, a high quality modern fabric that draws moisture away from the skin and dries very quickly.
teque-style support many well known riders including Tim Stockdale, Tiny Clapham, Di Lampard, Pippa Funnell, Pammy Hutton, Lynn Russell, Tamsyn Hutchins, Robert Smith and Austin O'Connor who all wear the shirt.
Tried and tested in extreme sports, the Performer keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Developed by Nikki Smart, it has a wind-resistant Polycotton front and is crease resistant.
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National Disability Sports Alliance to Host Forum on Judging Dressage Riders With Physical Disabilities
Kingston, RI—January 26, 2004—The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA), in association with US Equestrian, will host a forum on judging dressage riders with physical disabilities at Brookside Equestrian Center in Walnut, CA, March 26-28, 2004.
The forum is designed to provide judges with an in-depth review of judging dressage for riders with disabilities. It will include lecture, discussion, and demonstration, as well as practical judging of riders with disabilities.

Open to all US Equestrian or foreign dressage judges and “l” graduates, the forum will allow for a maximum of 30 participants accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Judges with a dressage “R” rating or above will be given priority and may attend the course free of charge. There is a fee of $50.00 per person for judges at the lower levels, foreign judges and for observers.
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HITS Announces Indio Desert Circuit 2004
SAUGERTIES, NY (January 27, 2004)—For the thirteenth consecutive year, Horse Shows In The Sun presents the Indio Desert Circuit in Indio, California. This six-week hunter/jumper circuit will run from January 28 through March 14, 2004. Each week will feature approximately 250 classes including a Grand Prix every Friday and Sunday. Four of the Grand Prix competitions are qualifiers for the 2004 World Cup Finals. More than $1,000,000 in prize money will be awarded. The Grand Finale of the circuit is the $150,000 Ford Grand Prix of the Desert, one of the richest show jumping events in America. With 3,000 stalls available, the HITS Desert Horse Park can comfortably accommodate more than 2,000 horses and 6,000 horsemen each week. Exhibitors from Canada, Mexico, Europe and all regions of the U.S. will travel to Indio for the 2004 Indio Desert Circuit.
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Wellington High School Band To Play At WEF And Hold Fundraiser February 8
WELLINGTON, FL - January 26, 2004 - S
S
pectators at the 32nd annual Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida, will enjoy 30 minutes of topnotch musical performances as well as two spectacular renditions of the National Anthem prior to the Grand Prix events on February 1 and 8 when members of the Wellington High School Band perform. The 20-member Pep Band will execute their special repertoire on February 1 prior to the $35,000 Farr XTN Grand Prix of Palm Beach, presented by Western Hay, CSI**. On February 8, the 23-member Jazz Band will play for a half-hour prior to the $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup, CSI***.
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Irish Participation In International Equestrian Events
CSI-W BORDEAUX FRANCE 6-8 FEBRUARY 2004
CSI3* NEUMUNSTER GERMANY 19-22 FEBRUARY 2004
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27th January 2004

The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
FEI World Cup Jumping News - Marcus and For Pleasure Get it Right in Leipzig….
In what was probably the toughest leg of the 2003/2004 FEI World Cup series to date, Germany’s Marcus Ehning and For Pleasure claimed pole position and collected the 21,250 Euro first prize in Leipzig today.
The massive course designed by Frank Rothenberger proved too great a challenge for all but seven of the 38 starters and Lars Nieberg led the way against the clock with Adlantus As FRH but left the door open with one fence down in 38.60 seconds.
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly were almost one second quicker but also left a pole on the floor, so it was the careful clear round produced by the French partnership of Jean-Marc Nicolas and JPC Modesto which provided the target for the remaining four runners.
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Norfolk Man Sentenced for Pony Cruelty
Today, Monday 26 January, at Thetford Magistrates Court in Norfolk, Clonus Jones was sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to a yearling piebald colt in his possession.
Jones, of Shelfanger Road, Diss was sentenced to 150 hours community service, ordered to pay £2,000 costs and banned from keeping horses for 1 year.
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Father/Daughter Millar Team Sweep 1-2 At First HITS Ocala Grand Prix Of The Season
Ocala, FL (January 26, 2004)—Seven-time Olympic veteran Ian Millar and his daughter Amy placed first and second respectively in Sunday's $25,000 Grand Prix during the opening week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. The duo from Perth, Ontario, lead the Canadian charge, followed by Erynn Ballard of Hornby, Ontario, who took both third and fourth place honors in the competition.
Ian Millar and In Style, owned by Susan Grange & Lothlorien Farm took home the blue ribbon. Amy Millar was a split second behind for second place aboard Valentino, owned by her family's Millar Boorke Farm. Erynn Ballard rode Exprit D'Amour, owned by Augustin Walch to third place, and Robin Van Roosendael, owned by her family's Looking Back Farm to fourth place. Aaron Vale, holder of the record for the most Grand Prix wins in a single year, finished in fifth place with one of his barn's up-and-coming horses, Liatos, owned by Town Creek Investment.
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Nutrena And Western Hay Sponsor Week 1 At Winter Equestrian Festival
WELLINGTON, FL - January 26, 2004 - The first week of the 32nd annual Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida, is titled the Nutrena/Western Hay Wellington Classic CSI***, which runs from January 28 through February 1. The five-day show is co-sponsored by two well-known suppliers of quality equine feed products - Nutrena and Western Hay - and culminates on Sunday, February 1 with the $35,000 Farr XTN Grand Prix of Palm Beach, presented by Western Hay, CSI**. This is the fourth consecutive year for the Nutrena and Western Hay partnership as title sponsors.
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International Polo Club Palm Beach
WELLINGTON, Florida - High-goal polo continued to flex its global sense of panache at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on and off the field during action at the 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup.
A crowd of 1,367 enjoyed a clear, sunny day honoring one of polo's pioneers. The on-field festivities began with Maggie Boyle leading the parade of polo players, including her father, Tommy, to midfield. Dr. Sheila Johnson, Chairman of the Washington International Horse Show and a guiding force of The National Horse Show and Winter Equestrian Festival, gave a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Village of Wellington councilwoman Laurie Cohen handled the pre-game coin toss near midfield.
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Colorado Horse Park Expands Calendar to 35 Events With Nearly $600,000 in Prize Money
Parker, CO, January 26, 2004— The Colorado Horse Park has expanded its 2004 events calendar and will offer more prize money than ever before. Opening with a hunter/jumper schooling show in February, the Colorado Horse Park is pleased to include several nationally recognized competitions with almost $600,000 in prize money. Highlights for the 2004 season include:
The High Prairie Three Day Event ** , Dressage at High Prairie with USET Qualifier, · The third annual High Prairie Roundup Barrel Race, High Prairie Summer Circuit, Dressage in the Rockies,
· The Colorado Horse Park CDE National Singles Driving Championship Halloween with Horses – This spectacular family fall festival provides a unique and safe environment for Halloween lovers of all ages. Crowd favorites include the horse costume contest with $1000 grand prize.
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National Disability Sports Alliance Announces Advanced International and Advanced National Rider Lists
Kingston, RI—January 26, 2004—The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) has announced its 2004 Advanced International and Advanced National Rider Lists for equestrian sport and will be considering applications for the 2004 NDSA Developing Rider List.
Those on the 2004 NDSA Advanced Riders International List qualify for consideration for participation in the 2004 NDSA Championship, to the 2004 Paralympic Team Dressage squad, and other major international competitions and NDSA-sponsored training opportunities. These athletes are eligible to receive the highest level of NDSA scholarship funding (as available) to support their competition and training efforts at specific NDSA-sanctioned and -sponsored events.
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Everglades Defeats Black Watch 7-6 Monday At International Polo Club Palm Beach
WELLINGTON, Florida – Everglades was held scoreless over the final two chukkers but held on to defeat Black Watch 7-6 in a 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup polo match Monday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Despite the loss, Black Watch clinched a spot in Thursday’s semifinals against San Saba. Catamount plays Crab Orchard in the other semifinal. Game times are 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Owen Rinehart and Tomas Llorente led Everglades with three goals apiece while Skeeter Johnston scored one goal.
Facundo Pieres and Nacho Figueres scored two goals each to lead Black Watch while Neil Hirsch and Nachi Astrada scored one goal apiece.
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26th January 2004

New Agents For Sue Carson Saddles
sue carson saddles, manufacturers of an exclusive collections of bespoke saddles and top quality range of bridlework and accessories based at Brassington, Derbyshire, has announced the appointment of two Midlands-based qualified fitters and agents to join the nationwide team.
Both are former customers who say they were so impressed by the product, that they jumped at the chance to join this innovative company.
Stephanie Gaunt, 28, who is based at her own yard in Yoxall, Staffs, joins the company this month from Matchmakers International, where she was Area Sales Manager, having previously worked as a sales executive with Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd for four years..
Stephanie, a former team member of the Atherstone branch of the Pony Club, has enjoyed success in show jumping, eventing and dressage, currently having three horses competing in affiliated dressage from novice to advanced medium.
"It's exciting to be joining a growing saddlery company, which prides itself on excellent customer service and ensures product satisfaction," says Steph, who is also training as an equine shiatsu practitioner and British Dressage judge.
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The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
FEI Driving News - Exciting carriage driving sport in Leipzig
The international horse show Partner Pferd in Leipzig, Germany, hosted the fourth leg of the FEI World Cup Driving on Sunday, 25 January 2004. Supported by some 7500 spectators, seven drivers performed at their best in the arena of the Leipziger Messe. Amongst them double World Cup Champion Michael Freund, who had received a wild card from the organization and was therefore not eligible to win World Cup points. German course designer Wolfgang Asendorf had designed a challenging course with both technical and speed aspects, which was much appreciated by the drivers. The level of the driving sport in Leipzig was extremely high, which resulted in exciting sport.
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Josh Lyons Returns To Ithaka Bridge Farm As Featured Guest Trainer
Riding Clinic To Provide Training Techniques for All - From Basic Training to Advanced Reining
Josh Lyons will return to New Hampshire as the featured trainer for a three day riding clinic hosted by Ithaka Bridge Farm's Beverly Barney. The clinic will be held at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH beginning July 31 through August 2, 9 AM to 4 PM each day. The focus of the clinic will be on training techniques that will benefit all levels of riders and horses, from basic training to advanced reining. Participants will work on any or all of the following: softness, shoulder control, haunches in, direct rein, indirect rein, stops, circles, speed control, lead changes, canter departures, counter cantering and patterns.
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Kurten Takes Fifth In Leipzig World Cup Class
IRELAND'S Jessica Kurten pulled out all the stops in Leipzig, Germany, tonight (Sunday) to take a commendable fifth place in the World Cup Grand Prix on her 10 yr-old mare <Quibell>.
In a field studded with international equestrian stars, Kurten was one of only seven to go through to the jump-off, and had just one pole down in the second round, but it was enough to secure her fifth, and a prize purse of 8,000 euro.
Germany's Marcus Ehning won the Grand Prix on his veteran German-bred <For Pleasure>, with a classic double clear round.
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C Spear Defeats Brigadoon 13-7 In Ylvisaker Cup Action Sunday At International Polo Club Palm Beach
WELLINGTON, Florida – C Spear scored five unanswered goals in a five-minute span en route to a 13-7 victory over Brigadoon in a 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup polo action Sunday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Leading 7-6, C Spear put the game away with its onslaught. Paco de Narvaez made it 8-6 on a breakaway with 2:20 remaining in the fourth chukker and patron Tommy Boyle tapped home another breakaway with eight seconds remaining.
C Spear didn’t slow down in the fifth chukker, getting two goals from de Narvaez and one from Chris Gannon in the two-minute span to take a 12-6 lead with 3:50 remaining. Boyle put the finishing touches on the game, scoring with 14 seconds left.
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