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The Equiworld Ezine - News of the Week

Breed of the Week : The Welsh Pony and Cob


News Headlines 13th September 2003

Double Win for British Champions
British champions, Hampshire North (Jade Taylor, Craig Tordoff, Charlene Smith, Shayla McNulty and Gemma Green) and Sussex (Christian Jones, Alex Jones, Felicity Hotson Jones, Gemma Hawes and Andrew Gleadow), reigned supreme at the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain`s Home International competition, held at Carlisle Racecourse.
Five teams competed in each section - British champions, England North, England South, Scotland and Wales, at junior (under 17) and open level in the two-day competition.
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Novice Nations Cup Team Takes Fifth In Podebrady
WITH only one member a previous Nations Cup competitor, the Irish team competing in the Czech Nations Cup at Podebrady today (Friday) finished a very creditable fifth of 12 teams competing.
Though not a part of the Samsung Super League series, the fixture at Podebrady nevertheless proved a valuable testing ground for young Irish riders, several of whom have had minimal international experience, and with only Carl Hanley having competed at this level before.

Chef d'Equipe Lt. Col. Gerry Mullins said afterwards: <We have every reason to be proud of this result today, with what was very much a novice Nations Cup team. It has become increasingly obvious that the best way to prepare for the seasons ahead is to give the younger riders a taste of these elite competitions, and I think they acquitted themselves extremely well today. It certainly augurs well for the future that we can come out here and produce such a result.>
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Pan American Endurance Championship Opens
Trout Lake, WA – Riders and their horses from nine countries paraded before an enthusiastic group of fans and spectators Thursday as the Pan American Endurance Championship officially opened. The 91 riders and their support crews have been arriving since last week, preparing for Saturday’s 100-mile race on trails winding through the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest.
Many of the world’s top international endurance officials are overseeing the race, which occurs every two years at different locations. The head of international endurance at the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), Ian Williams, noted endurance riding is one of the fastest growing international equestrian disciplines. He said he was very impressed with the site, the surroundings and the trail. "I think the whole of the organization and setup is conducive to what I believe will be an extremely good competition," he observed. He said that the recent cooler weather in the area could be conducive to a 60% completion rate.
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The British Horse Society Officer from Metropolitan Police Mounted Division to give talk at local British Horse Society AGM
Mark Waller of the Metropolitan Police Mounted Division will give a talk following The British Horse Society's North & West Kent County Committee AGM, to be held on Wednesday 8 October at The Spitfire Public House, Kings Hill, West Malling in Kent.
All BHS members in the area are invited to attend the AGM which will start at 8.00 p.m. and then the meeting will be thrown open to members of the public for Mark's talk on his work, a subject that should be full of interest, whether you are an ardent horse fan or not.
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$50,000 Fidelity Investments AGA Grand Prix To Be Televised October 4th on CN8
South Hamilton, MA--September 12, 2003--The 2003 $50,000 Fidelity Investments AGA Grand Prix, which was held September 7th at the Myopia Schooling Fields in South Hamilton, Mass., will be televised exclusively on CN8, The Comcast Network, Saturday, October 4th, from 12:30-1:30 PM/ET.
CN8, The Comcast Network, reaches 6.2 million homes in eight states from Maine to Maryland. The coverage area includes viewers in Boston, Providence, Springfield, Hartford/New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Baltimore.
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Show Jumping Results: CSI* Pinerola Italy 12-14 September 2003
Class No. 3 Premio Ativa
1) Jan Vinckier; Orka (BEL)
2) Andre Sakakini; Lady Orion (EGY)
3) Jamie Wingrave; Nightlife (GBR)
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12th September 2003

A Mini Guide To Horse Of The Year Show 2003
NEC Arena, Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st September
Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), which started at Haringay Arena in 1949, and moved to Wembley ten years later, found a new home at the NEC last year in a move that was heralded a 'triumph'. Record crowds of 55,000 converged on the NEC Arena and adjoining exhibition halls to enjoy one of the country's most traditional sporting occasions.
On the eve of this year's event, the organisers of Britain's largest indoor equestrian show announced the future plans. Grandstand Media Limited, who took up the reins of running Horse of the Year Show in 1997, have confirmed that they have signed a new three year contract with the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, which means that the event will take place at the venue until at least 2006.
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Belfast Horse Show Attracts Industry Support
In just under 12 weeks the Odyssey Arena will play host to Northern Ireland's first ever five-star show jumping event when The Belfast Indoor International Horse Show, opens its doors on November 27 for a four day international extravaganza.
Proving itself to be an attractive investment for a host of commercial houses, Belfast Indoor International Horse Show has been overwhelmed by the support that both local and national companies have given.
Envirocare, part of the Cavan-based Kingspan Group of companies, sees the event as an attractive multi-branding opportunity and has captured this opportunity whole-heartedly by becoming Title Sponsor of the show.
Four Dee NI Ltd, specialists in controlled laser cutting, plasma cutting and folding of mild steel stainless steel and aluminum, has also been announced as a major sponsor, with the investment of a six-figure sum into the 2003 event.
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The British Horse Society British Horse Society issues advice over Strangles outbreak
The British Horse Society is receiving several confirmed reports of an outbreak of Strangles in Wales. Cases have been confirmed in Ceredigion and other parts of Wales.
Strangles is an infection of the equine lymph glands. The swollen glands can restrict the airways, hence the name 'strangles'. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus Equi and is highly infectious and contagious. The disease is more prevalent and more serious than many horse owners appreciate.
Whilst Strangles is not a notifiable disease, it is strongly advised that owners and carers should be responsible and inform other horse owners of any suspected or confirmed cases as a matter of courtesy to help prevent further spread of this disease. The incubation period is usually about a week but may take as long as two weeks before any clinical signs are shown.
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Zilco's tough and funky bridles - for the happy hacker!
Zilco's fantastically hard-wearing bridles are not just for the serious competitor - they are ideal for anyone who hacks or treks and needs a bridle that will still look good after a full day's riding. Zilco's unique SFL synthetic material is extremely light and tough, and is designed and manufactured to withstand the most exacting of conditions. Made from woven polyester webbing coated with a high-tech co-polymer, the result is a super-lightweight material that looks surprisingly similar to leather, yet is resistant to tears and cracks. It also maintains its flexibility in hot, cold, dusty or wet conditions, making it more comfortable for both horse and rider whatever the terrain. It only takes a wipe with a damp cloth at the end of the day and the bridle is as clean as new. Headcollar/bridle combinations come in a range of funky new colours including the exciting new 2003 colours of Royal blue, silver, gold and lime green. The new colour options provide much improved visibility for hazardous on-road conditions - and really make Zilco gear stand out from the rest!
Zilco really can provide you with more style, strength, comfort and convenience than other synthetic or conventional materials.
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The British Horse Society Over 1500 competitors to descend on Lincolnshire Showground for British Riding Club Championships
Over 1500 competitors will descend on Lincolnshire Showground this weekend (13-14 September) to take part in the British Riding Clubs' National Championships, the largest of their kind to be held in the UK. Classes include Novice and Open Show Jumping, Novice and Open Dressage, Pairs Dressage, Rural Riders, with teams of six riders in the arena at the same time, Equitation Jumping and the NAF Evergreen Veteran Championship.
With sixteen dressage arenas and four jumping rings, there is no shortage of competition to keep even the most discerning spectator entertained. Saturday will see the Senior Championships take place with the Junior Championships and the Evergreen Class on Sunday.
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BHS Somerset County Committee Annual Meeting
Followed by Equine Question Time
7.30pm MONDAY, 13th October 2003, Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall
A Panel of 5 Experts in their field will answer your questions
• Paul Dunning RSS - Farrier Specialising in remedial shoeing / holistic approach
• Andrew Walker BVM & S - Vet Western Counties Equine Clinic
• Lizzie Drury BSc(Hons) - Nutritionist with Saracen Feeds
• Kate Jones BSc(Hons) - Nutritionist with Natural Animal Feeds (supplements & additives)
• Sandra Reeves EAA - Alternative Equine Therapist Complementary Treatments for Horse & Rider
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Should I Buy Or Lease The Stable?
You just heard that the stable down the street is for sale. You've owned a horse for years that you've boarded out and are thinking that it's time you got into the "provider" end of the business. Or perhaps you've been teaching or training at a facility that is now on the market. You call the current stable owner to ask questions about the property and discover that the property is for sale, but might also be available to lease. Now you're wondering: Should I buy or lease the stable?
This is a long-term decision will have a major impact on your life, so you'll want to do a lot of homework before you make a decision. Begin by investigating into the business that operated at that facility previously. What was the reputation? Will you have to overcome the bad impression that poor management created, or are you walking into a well-run, well-thought of establishment? A bad reputation can be turned around, but it takes time. And time is money. So make your financial projections accordingly. If you're changing the entire focus of market niche, the reputation will take less time to turn around. If the stable has a good reputation, find out what created that and be prepared to keep those qualities in place if you plan on keeping current clients.

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USA Equestrian
Deadline For Pony Finals Bids Extended
USA Equestrian has extended the Pony Finals Bid Submission deadline to September 30. If you would like a bid request or have any questions please contact Whitney Neidert, Assistant Director, Hunter/Jumper, at 859-225-6967 or wneidert@equestrian.org
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11th September 2003
The Facts!
Belfast's Indoor International Horse Show
· The cost of staging Belfast Indoor International Horse Show is estimated £1 million!
· Total Prize Fund £250,000 - the largest for any equestrian event in Northern Ireland!
· It is estimated the event will use 15 tonnes of hay & haylage, 14 tonnes of bedding & 5 tonnes of feed over 4 days! ... Producing over 20 tonnes of horse manure!
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United States Equestrian Team Eventing Riders Win US-UK Challenge Match
Gladstone, NJ—September 9, 2003—United States Equestrian Team (USET) eventing riders defeated British eventing riders in the first-ever US-UK Challenge Match, Sponsored by Mountain Horse, at the Burghley Masterfoods Horse Trials CCI**** in England.
Modeled after golf’s Ryder Cup, the Challenge Match pitted seven individuals from each country head-to-head against each other. The U.S. won four of the matches to the UK’s three.
Leading the U.S. to victory was John Williams who finished fourth overall in the CCI**** with a score of 53.0 penalties on Carrick. Williams defeated Mary King on King Solomon III who withdrew prior to show jumping.
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Retirement farm: Elysian Fields spares lives of Morgan horses
reprinted with the approval of the News Tribune
Web Posted Saturday, September 06, 2003 HTTP://www.newstrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=207&ArticleID=10729
By: Brock Cooper
Valiant Tony emerges from the barn at Top-T Morgan horse farm in rural Cedar Point. He holds his head high and sports a majestic trot marred only by a front leg dragging across the ground when he walks.
Tony, a 12-time world champion Morgan horse, broke his leg in 1992 and may have been sent to slaughter if not for the efforts of Elysian Fields, a nonprofit community for retired Morgan horses.
"He's one of the most well-known horses in the Morgan world, anyone that has been in Morgans for a while knows the name Valiant Tony," board president and Top-T owner Jann Currie said. "All these guys (horses) are here so they don't go to the glue factory.."
The Morgan is a breed descended from a horse named Figure owned by Justin Morgan. The horse has a short, muscular body, with a thick, arched neck and wide, chiseled head. The breed is considered the first American breed of horse and is today bred all across the nation.
At Elysian Fields, Currie takes care of seven Morgan horses. Top-T Farm is the flagship for a movement to offer alternatives for elderly Morgan horses.
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2nd Annual Dressage At The National Features Top Prize Money And New Classes
WELLINGTON, FL–September 10, 2003–The 2nd Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC Dressage at the National will again be held in conjunction with the National Horse Show during Thanksgiving Weekend at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida. Produced by Stadium Jumping, Inc., the event showcases dressage riders November 28-30 along with nationally ranked hunters and jumpers competing November 26-30 in the 120th National Horse Show Outdoor. The combination of dressage and show jumping competitions at the park-like 120-acre, eight-ring Palm Beach show grounds was a resounding success last year, drawing more than 50,000 riders and spectators to a unique holiday event.
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Canadian Ainsley Vince Captures $50,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix
South Hamilton, MA--September 10, 2003--On a perfect day for show jumping with the sun shining and a great crowd in attendance Canadian Rider Ainsley Vince rode off with the top check in the $50,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix. The class was the climax of the 14th Annual Fidelity Jumper Classic, which took place September 3-7 at the Myopia Schooling Fields in South Hamilton, Mass.
Aboard her longtime partner, Catch 22, Vince was one of eleven riders out of a starting field of 41 to clear Designer Richard Jeffery’s challenging first round course. Vince returned sixth in the jump off order and with five riders still to go knew what she had to do to win. “It came down to a little bit of strategy,” she explained. “I knew there were a lot of fast riders after me so I had to go for it and then hope my time would hold up.”
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USET Announces Vaulting Grants
Gladstone, NJ—September 10, 2003—In addition to $20,000 that the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Vaulting High Performance Committee previously allocated for a series of Training Camps, the USET is awarding $10,000 in grants in support of the vaulting discipline.
Three competition management grants are being awarded to promote 2003 USA Equestrian and FEI competitions in the U.S. to assist competition managers with the expenses associated with this type of competition.
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10th September 2003
A Show Is Born!
Belfast's indoor horse spectacular attracts world-famous stars
Why should Ireland not have its very own, indoor international horse show? Why not indeed, said Equestrian Sports Promotions and the Belfast Indoor International Horse Show was born, complete with a home at the Odyssey Arena.
"It was a long labour - about two years," said Theresa McKenna, Event director, "but the infant is now doing well and making a lot of noise."
The Belfast Indoor International Horse Show will open its doors for the first time on November 27 and be a step towards putting Ireland back in the commanding position it used to hold, monopolising the show jumping scene and home of some of the world's top horse shows.
Some of the great names of international and Irish show jumping have said they want to be there - former European champions Jessica Kurten, Peter Charles, Kevin Babington and current champion Dermott Lennon, while support has come from Cian O'Connor, Conor Swail and British greats John and Michael Whitaker together with Nick Skelton.
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Promoting Racehorse Retraining
Trainers Fred and Rowena Cook are keen to raise awareness of the capabilities of horses that have been in training of participating in other equestrian pursuits. To this end they have begun to sponsor certain classes at shows to encourage the involvement of retrained racehorses. This promotion is being run in association with Oberon Equestrian and Niagara Equissage, everyone concerned owning horses that have previously raced.
The aim is to gradually expand such sponsorship over the coming months for various disciplines, not just dressage, so with this in mind classes run in support of ex-racehorses will come under the umbrella of "Promoting Racehorse Retraining"
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It is guaranteed, winter will be coming ………
Whilst it is certainly not cold as yet, temperatures have already dropped significantly since August and soon enough you will hear Michael Fish talking about ground frost.
“Chill Masters” and “ Chill Buster” riding boots
are All Weather Proof and protect the wearer against the wet and cold in all weather conditions. The unique Climate Control System will ensure that you remain comfortable in the cold as well as when it is warm.
But they do so much more. The Easy Rider balance system ensures that you have more control over your horse whilst in the saddle and for those who suffer from backache, it eases back stress.The Hoof Proof toe protection system ensures that feet are best protected in most circumstances.
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Trick or Treat—Win $1,000 at Colorado Horse Park
Parker, CO, August 14, 2003— With a little creativity and the consent of your fun-loving horse or pony, you could win $1,000 at the fourth annual Halloween with Horses costume contest at the Colorado Horse Park at High Prairie Farms.
A box of Crayola Crayons. A mummy. A skeleton horse and rider. These are just a few of the creative costumes from years past at Halloween with Horses. This year on Saturday, October 25, judges will be looking for the costumed horse and rider that show the most originality and flair. The grand prize is $1,000.
The top placings from each age category (12 and under, 13 and older) also receive cold, hard cash for their efforts. First place in each category is awarded $100, second place earns $75 and third place receives $50. Entry fee is $30 for pre-entry or $40 on the day of the event.
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The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
9 September 2003

FEI EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING : The Executive Board met on 8 September 2003 in Warendorf (GER).
SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE : Barcelona CSIO will host the final event of the Samsung Super League Nations Cup which will take place on 21 September at the Real Club de Polo.
PIPPA FUNNEL (GBR) WINS BURGHLEY CCI 4* AND THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING : Pippa Funnell of Great Britain became the first rider in history to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing when she rode Primmore's Pride to victory at the Burghley Masterfoods Horse Trials which took place last week-end in Great Britain.

FEI EVENTING WORLD CUP: Piia Pantsu (FIN) wins last qualifier before the Final
GERMANY WINS SPRUCE MEADOWS NATIONS CUP : A record Saturday crowd of 57,210 watched the BMO Financial Group Nations Cup of Spruce Meadows, part of the Samsung Nations Cup Series, designed by Olympic Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios.
JACK'S CORNER : WORLD DRIVING PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP
JARDY (FRA) 17 to 21 September 2003. Twenty-three Nations and 64 drivers have announced their participation to the World Driving Pairs Championship which will be held in Jardy from 17 to 21 September 2003.

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A Great Day Out for all the Family
Sunday 14th September promises to be a great day out for all the family at a horse recovery and rehabilitation centre at Peel, near Blackpool.
The gates open at 11 am and entry is free to this year's Open Day at ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) Penny Farm.

Visitors can meet ILPH Penny, now one of the gun carriage horses with the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Penny came into Penny Farm a couple of years ago as an unhandled 4 year old, covered in lice and suffering from general neglect. She was nursed back to fitness which involved lots of handling and tlc and found a loan with the Kings Troop. Penny, or Hallmark as she is now known, will be one of the six horses in the gun carriage team who will be giving a gun salute display at the Show. Please click here for further details
The FEI

Piia Pantsu won the last World Cup Qualifier before the Final
The 18th and last FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier was held in Sweden in the framework of the Malmö City International Horse Trials from 28 through 31 August.
The city of Malmö is located in southern Sweden and the show ground known as Ribersborg is a well-established sea-side recreation area.
Piia Pantsu of Finland won the CIC 3 stars on Ypäjä Karuso with a total of 45.0 penalties. The couple had created the surprise at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez (ESP), by winning the bronze medal. The 32 years old Finnish rider earned her qualification to the first World Cup Eventing Final to be held in Pau (FRA) from 22 to 26 October 2003.

Piia Pantsu finished in third position after the Dressage with 70.00% (45.0 penalty), and cleared the Jumping course without faults, to find herself second before the cross country test, just behind Beeke Kaak from Germany. However, the latter gad a disastrous cross country test, with 20 obstacles faults and 8.8 time penalties in the cross country, to drop down to 16th place.
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Halloween, Horses and Ghosts in Ireland
Forget Six Feet Under, starting October 30th, Cross Country International offers riders a chance to get close to 50 ghosts. This unique four-day package offers riders a combination of riding through ancient forests, and the River Shannon and reveling at Leap Castle, Ireland's most haunted castle full of active ghosts.
"The ride to Leap Castle, said to be the most haunted castle in Ireland with fifty ghosts, is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Karen Lancaster, President of Cross Country International Equestrian Vacations. At Leap Castle, guests will have a Halloween banquet and will be entertained by Sean Ryan, Ireland's famous Tin Whistle player," said Lancaster.
Leap Castle is home to many secrets of a dark and mysterious past. Over 400 years ago in what is now known as the "Bloody Chapel" a shocking murder occurred between one brother and his priest brother during high mass. Another source of evil at Leap Castle is a hidden ubliet (a dungeon) located off the bloody chapel. Here, their Irish employers murdered over 50 Scottish mercenaries to avoid payment.
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USET Offers Free Admission to the BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search Final - East
Gladstone, NJ—September 8, 2003—The United States Equestrian Team (USET) will offer free admission to the 2003 BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search Final-East, October 4-5, at the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone, NJ.
The nation’s top equitation riders under the age of 21, who have qualified through their placement in regional BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search classes throughout the qualifying year, will gather in Gladstone to compete in one of the nation’s most prestigious equitation finals.
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9th September 2003

Funnell Completes Sweep of Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing
British Rider Makes History With Win at Burghley

LEXINGTON, KY—September 8, 2003—Pippa Funnell of Great Britain became the first rider in history to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing when she rode Primmore’s Pride to victory at the Burghley Masterfoods Horse Trials in England.
Following back-to-back wins in the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event last April and the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May, Funnell completed the sweep of the three CCI**** events at Burghley to win $250,000 and a Pink Gold 18-carat Datejust Rolex watch. The payoff was the largest in eventing history.

“I never want to go through such an emotionally-draining experience again,” said Funnell who received her award from Great Britain’s Royal Highness, the Princess Royal. “After cross country I felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders and then I just felt that what was meant to be would be.”
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UK Horse Transporters to Aid Slaughter Horse
ARB Equine today announces a new initiative in raising funds and awareness for the ILPH’s Transportation Campaign.
For a six month period, they will donate 1% of all their transport revenue to the ILPH. Furthermore ILPH Transportation Campaign leaflets will be distributed by hand to all yards visited.
ARB Equine’s Carolyn Paul says: “We wanted to do something to raise awareness with our customers, with the general public, and within the transport business, of the awful plight of live horses being transported long distances for slaughter. Using our own horse transport revenue to help with the ILPH’s fundraising seemed an obvious route”
Jo White, ILPH Campaigns Manager, says: “We are very grateful to ARB Equine for their promise of a donation towards our campaign to stop the long distance transport of horses for slaughter. Without the help of businesses such as ARB Equine and the generosity of the general public we would not be able to continue our fight to stop this horrific traffic.”
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The Laurels At Landhope International Combined Driving Event Completes Most Successful Year Ever
West Grove, PA—September 8, 2003—World-class drivers brought their horses and ponies from all across the United States and Canada to compete for championship honors in the United States’ most prestigious combined driving event, The Laurels at Landhope CDE, held at Landhope Farm in West Grove, PA.
Championship titles at stake included the USA Equestrian National Combined Driving Pony Championship, presented by Driving Essentials. The winner of the Advanced Single Pony Division and this honor was Betsy Cowperthwaithe of Aiken, SC who won with an overall score of 121.23 penalties.
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Lynn Seidemann Wins Freestyle Silver at I.P.E.C. Dressage World Championships for Riders With Disabilities
Rebecca Hart and Barbara Grassmyer Finish One-Two in “Small” Final

Gladstone, New Jersey—September 8, 2003— Lynn Seidemann of Coppell, TX added a second individual medal when she won the individual Silver in the Freestyle at the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (I.P.E.C.) Dressage World Championships in Moorsele, Belgium.
Seidemann, who won the individual Gold for the Grade I-B division, added the Silver in the Freestyle which was held as a separate competition. A member of the U.S. team at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Seidemann, riding Phoenix B, received a score of 73.19% in the freestyle to trail only the 77.75 turned in by 2000 Sydney Paralympic Gold Medalist Lee Pearson of Great Britain. The Bronze Medal went to Jens Dokkan of Norway who had a score of 71.00.

In the Grade III Freestyle “Small” Final, Rebecca Hart of Erie, PA finished first with a score of 67.68%. She also competed on Phoenix B. Barbara Grassmyer of Placerville, CA finished second with a score of 67.30 on Polonius Millesine. Jennifer McKenzie of Canada was third with a score of 65.72.
The U.S. team was selected by the National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) and fielded by the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET). The U.S. finished sixth in the team competition and earned a place in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
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PERA
PERA News
Just a reminder that a general rider meeting is due to be held at Blenheim on Tuesday 9th September between 6-7pm in the rider canteen. Please bring your ideas and items for discussion, in particular your views on the influence the Olympic format will have on the current CCI competition format, and items you would like raised at the FEI meeting due to be held in Punchestown.
Finally, many congratulations to Pippa Funnell on her hat trick, g & t's all round...!
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Champions Crowned At The Laurels At Landhope International Combined Driving Event
West Grove, PA—September 7, 2003— The champions have been named the Laurels at Landhope Combined Driving Event at Landhope Farm in West Grove, PA, on Sunday.
World-class drivers and horses from the United States and Canada, competed in one of the most prestigious combined driving events in the country for several championship titles that included the USA Equestrian National Combined Driving Pony Championship, presented by Driving Essentials. The winner of the Advanced Single Pony Division was Betsy Cowperthwaithe of Aiken, SC who won with a combined score of 121.23 penalties.
“I was thrilled to win,” said Cowperthwaithe. “I was a little worried after I dropped a ball in the cones, but fortunately it did not make a difference.”
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Hilton Flight (ISH) wins $75,000 BP Cup at Spruce Meadows CSIO 5*
Irish Sport Horse Hilton Flight, ridden by Richard Spooner (USA) won last Saturdays $75,000 BP Cup class at the Spruce Meadows, Canada
CSIO 5* (September 3rd-7th). Also competing at this show and coming third in the BP Cup class was McGuinness (ISH) ridden by Rich Fellers (USA). Hilton Flight (ISH) also took joint third, with fellow Irish Sport Horse Carling King ridden by Kevin Babington (IRL), in Fridays $40,000 Atco Electric Circuit 6 Bars
class.
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8th September 2003

Show Jumping - Kerrygold Grand Prix League - Fearon Takes First National GP
THOUGH a successful competitor in Europe, Neal Fearon came home today (Sunday) to take his first ever national Grand Prix at Claremorris on Samuel McQuade's <Drumagoland Flight>, in the penultimate battle of the 2003 Kerrygold Grand Prix season.
And though local hero Gabriel Slattery slotted two horses into the Top Six, it was the by now almost predictable appearance of 33 yr old Peter Smyth from Tyrone that sealed the final outcome of the contest for the League winner's laurels.
With a fifth place, the Strabane man and his former trotter mare <Zara's Pride>, did just enough to make his position at the top unassailable, and subject to official confirmation, the battle taking place at the Kerrygold Final to be held in Punchestown later this month will be about places rather than league winners. It also seems certain that Smyth will pick up the Leading Horse trophy for the remarkable <Zara's Pride>.
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U.S. Rider Lynn Seidemann Wins Gold at I.P.E.C. Dressage World Championships for Riders With Disabilities
U.S. Finishes Sixth in Team Competition

Gladstone, New Jersey—September 6, 2003— Lynn Seidemann of Coppell, TX won the individual Gold Medal in the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (I.P.E.C.) Dressage World Championships in Moorsele, Belgium.
Competing in the Grade I-B division, Seidemann, a member of the U.S. team at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, received a score of 73.89% in the individual final. Her final score was more than a full point better than the 72.63 turned in by Silver Medalist Jens Dokkan of Norway. Birgit Dreiszis of Germany won the Bronze Medal with a score of 72.11. In the first day’s opening round, Seidemann scored 67.47%.

In the team competition, the U.S. finished sixth out of 22 teams. The U.S. team included Seidemann, who competed in Grade I-B on Phoenix B; Robin Brueckmann of Summerfield, NC who competed in Grade IV on Richmond; Barbara Grassmyer of Placerville, CA who competed in Grade III on Polonius Millesine; and Rebecca Hart of Erie, PA who competed in Grade III also on Phoenix B. They received a team score of 396.89. Great Britain won the team Gold with a score of 436.25. Germany won the Silver with 428.12 and Norway won the Bronze with 413.47.
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Q4 2003 events at The College EC
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Thousands Attend Marathon Day Of The Laurels At Landhope International Combined Driving Event
West Grove, PA—September 6, 2003— Thousands of spectators were on hand at the Laurels at Landhope Combined Driving Event to watch the exciting Marathon phase at Landhope Farm in West Grove, PA, on Saturday.
World-class drivers and horses from the United States and Canada negotiated a challenging course designed by World Championship course designer Harry Buurman of the Netherlands. The obstacles looked and sounded pleasant with names like Loch Laurel, Gaebel Steeplechase and Garnet Garden, but they presented a true test with tight turns, water, hills and bridges that affected the standings for some, but most were able to keep their lead.
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7th September 2003
The Ranchero Stock Horse
The horse that won a Nation ..... and a Nation forgot ...
The Ranchero Stock horse is a breed as old as time itself. They developed in the Iberian Peninsula during the last year of the Moorish invasion, when Columbus discovered the Caribbean and an Italian named Americus discovered the New World. As horses in Spain and Portugal began to deplete in alarming numbers - America now had the horses of Spain. They were originally 14.2-15 hands tall, with broad backs and wide chests. Their courage and athletic ability was that of legend. By the mid 1800's most of these horses were either bred out or degenerated. The US government made several attempts to breed out this horse. To make the Natives into farmers most were shot and killed during the "Indian war" and some mares were saved to breed to Percheron stallions. During the re-mount program of the last World War free TB stallions were offered to place on "native" mares. Breeders in modern western stock horse registries made their fame and fortune on this cross: Hank Weiscamp, Coke Roberds, and Peavy just to name a few; gave credit to the Spanish blood in their herds.
Time passed, fewer and fewer of the true old world Iberian horses still remained. Some men tried to gather what they could find and named them "Spanish Mustang" "Spanish Barb" etc. It didn't matter much as the true breed type that had flourished and added to every North American breed of horse had changed. They now were small, standing an average of 13 hands. Their body type had changed drastically as well.
A unique trait of the Ranchero Stock horse is that he resembles the mule. His pasterns are straight, yet his gait is not short or choppy. His ears long with a "smart bone". He has 5 vertebra like the Ass and the Zebra. He is occasionally gaited. His eyes are placed in his head to see all four feet, as are the mules and are also slanted. The mane and tail hairs appear crimped as the mules tend to be. They appear to hang strait and soft, but a closer examination will show each strand crimped. The hoof is convex, hoof wall hard. Every trait of the mule or "Iberian Factor" is present. Food and water are also stored in the neck like the ass and mule. The Ranchero Stock Horse also has a bit of cartilage in his chest like that of a sheep or a mule that potrudes forward and can be felt in palpation but rarely seen with the eye. This appears in second generation and on to one degree or another.

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USA Equestrian

USA Equestrian Membership Surpasses Record Set Last Year
As of September 1, the membership of USA Equestrian numbered 83,624, exceeding the record total of 2002 membership. Total membership for 2002 numbered 82,867, up from 80,760 in 2001 and 77,441 in 2000.
“We are excited to see continued growth in equestrian sports. USA Equestrian staff is dedicated to continuing to service our growing membership and assisting them in their equestrian endeavors” said Mary Henson, Director of Membership.
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Show Jumping Results: CSI*** Den Haag September 5 - 7, 2003
AUDI PRIJS - 2nd Qualifier Open Benelux Champ.
International Jumping Compet. Table A 1.50m with Jump-Off
1) NORIT JOINT VENTURE; Peter GEERINK (NED)
2) STAPP'S AEROBIC; Wil SCHELLEKENS (NED)
3) MINKA'S DIAMOND; Emile TACKEN (NED)
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