2015 Weekly Wire - Winter Equestrian Festival

WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
EDITOR: JENNIFER WOOD
Todd Minikus and Cordonos Win
$30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix
Men and Women Tie After
Fierce Competition in $75,000
Battle of the Sexes
For the first time in WEF Battle of the Sexes history, the men’s and women’s teams
ended in a tie. © Sportfot
Todd Minikus and Cordonos took the first grand prix win of the 2015 WEF season.
© Sportfot
Week one of the 2015 Winter
Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded on
Sunday with the $30,000 WEF 1 Grand
Prix held at the Palm Beach International
Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. In
a 22-horse jump-off with some of the
fastest riders in the world, USA’s Todd
Minikus came out on top aboard Carl
Brem’s Cordonos. Ireland’s Conor Swail
and Grafton finished second and USA’s
Mclain Ward and HH Ashley were third.
Course designer Eric Hasbrouck’s
final track for week one competition
yielded 22 out of 55 entries in the
$30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix. In the jumpoff, nine entries were able to clear the
short course without fault in a race
against the clock.
Marie Hecart (FRA) and Rogelio
Pellerano’s Quatour de B Neville set the
pace, first to jump clear over the short
course in 35.83 seconds, to eventually
finish seventh. Liza Finzness (USA) and
Shiver took the eighth place honors
in 36.94 seconds. Alise Oken (USA)
and Hi Hopes Farm LLC’s Teirra upped
the pace next to finish fourth in 33.75
seconds. Daniel Zetterman (SWE) and
Gyllebo Farm LLC’s Zhivago were clear
in 34.82 seconds to finish sixth.
Conor Swail and Ariel and Susan
Grange’s Grafton followed to take
the lead in 32.67 seconds, but were
soon pushed into second place. Eirin
Bruheim (NOR) and Nordic Lights Farm
LLC’s NLF Favorite also jumped clear
and finished ninth in 43.57 seconds.
The winning round followed with Todd
Minikus and Cordonos blazing through
the timers in 32.22 seconds. McLain
Ward and Double H Farm’s HH Ashley
jumped into third place in the next clear
round with a time of 33.04 seconds.
The final clear came from Ireland’s
Shane Sweetnam and Bijzonder, owned
by Sweet Oak Farm and Paul Tracy, with
the fifth place time of 34.30 seconds.
Todd Minikus first rode class winner,
Please turn to page 8
Nearly 4,000 spectators packed the house at the Palm Beach International
Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Saturday night to watch the men and women
duel for bragging rights as the winners of this year’s edition of the $75,000 Battle
of the Sexes at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival. The women had won the
competition for six consecutive years up to this point, but settled for a tie in the
end after several demanding rounds of competition and a lot of exciting action
Eric Hasbrouck is the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for
week one competition and set the tracks for Saturday’s classes. In the highlight
$75,000 Battle of the Sexes, the three-phase contest included speed rounds,
match races, and a six-bar competition.
The women’s team was captained by Candice King and also included riders
Erynn Ballard, Nicole Bellissimo, Amanda Derbyshire, Margie Engle, Abigail
McArdle, Catherine Pasmore, Alison Robitaille, Debbie Stephens, and Kelsey
Thatcher.
Charlie Jayne led the men’s team, which included riders David Beisel, David
Blake, Daniel Bluman, Mark Bluman, Alex Granato, Angel Karolyi, Darragh Kenny,
Samuel Parot, and Andrew Ramsay.
The first round of competition was the speed round, with a six to four win for
the men. The match races followed, with the men and women competing side by
side over identical courses and the faster rider winning a point for their team. The
men were victorious again with a win, 6 points to 4, bringing the total to 12 to 8.
The final six-bar competition was the deciding factor of the evening. Four
men and four women returned from each team with the opportunity to earn two
points per clear round. The competition started at 1.60m (5’3”) in height with
two clear rounds for the women and three clear rounds for the men, taking the
tally up to 12 and 18. A second round was held with the final jump at 1.70m,
where the women’s Alison Robitaille was the only rider to jump a clear round,
taking her team’s score up to 14 versus the men’s 18.
Robitaille and her mount Cassinja then went on to jump two more clear rounds
to help their team earn additional points. The pair easily cleared a four bar set
up to 1.75m (5’7”) and then jumped one more clear round with the final fence
Please turn to page 9
at 1.80m (5’9”) to tie it up, 18-18.
WEF 2 Sponsors: Wellington
Equestrian Realty – The Horse
Farm Experts
561.779.9992
WWW.WELLINGTONEQUESTRIANREALTY.COM
There is
NO GENERIC ADEQUAN
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i.m.
Get the facts at www.adequan.com
Adequan® i.m is now available through your veterinarian.
Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only product approved by the FDA for the intramuscular treatment of noninfectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.
To learn more, visit www.adequan.com
There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Adequan® i.m. brand Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan in horses. Studies have not
been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Each 5 mL contains 500 mg Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. Brief Summary Indications: For the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.
SEE PRODUCT PACKAGE INSERT AT WWW.ADEQUAN.COM FOR FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION.
Adequan® is a registered trademark of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ©LUITPOLD PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., Animal Health Division, 2014
Shirley, NY 11967. AHD072, Iss. 10/2014
Rob and Chris Desino, Craig Martin
and Matt Varney of Wellington Equestrian
Realty have become a valuable ally for
buyers and sellers to help navigate
the new real estate reality. Wellington
Equestrian Realty always brings their “A”
game, whether it’s a $400,000 property
or one for $50 million. Matt Varney states,
“All of us at WER live and breathe this
lifestyle and understand it on a deep level,
helping buyers, especially if they are in
Wellington for the first time.”
Wellington Equestrian Realty has
also stepped into supporting the Winter
Equestrian Festival (WEF) at a major level.
They are the weekly sponsor of WEF 2,
which features the $50,000 Wellington
Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on
Saturday, January 17. They were The First
Founding Sponsors of the Adequan®
Global Dressage Festival. This cohesive
relationship has been a productive
one, and Wellington Equestrian Realty
has become the one to contact for top
Wellington properties.
The perfect Wellington property
is not only a home for you and your
horses, but also a major investment.
With backgrounds in the equestrian
sport as well as business and property
development, Wellington Equestrian
Realty brings a unique ability to
understand their clients’ needs and goals.
“We will do anything we can to close
a deal that’s going to make our seller
or our buyer happy, no matter what the
obstacles are,” states Varney. That’s
where their relationship with lenders and
the Village of Wellington are important,
as well as understanding contractual
nuances, especially when it comes to
local and international buyers.
And for Wellington Equestrian Realty,
they don’t just talk the horse farm talk,
they walk the walk, investing themselves
in Wellington equestrian properties.
Varney observes, “It builds the confidence
in a consumer that what we’re telling
them is not just rhetoric. They feel a lot
more confident when we show them
what we’ve invested in our sponsorship,
our company, office space, and our own
projects here in Wellington.”
That investment also extends to
marketing, where Wellington Equestrian
Realty spends an enormous amount on
exposing their properties around the
world, giving sellers every opportunity for
their property to be seen. The entire team
at Wellington Equestrian Realty is simply
known as being world-class business
professionals.
Wellington Equestrian Realty invites
everyone to visit them at their office
between the Welli Deli and Tackeria.
“Walk in and say hi and ask us questions,”
says Craig. “We make ourselves
extremely accessible even if you just
want information on Wellington. We love
talking real estate and horses and the
investment side more than ever.”
For more information: www.
wellingtonequestrianrealty.com, 561779-9992, 13501 South Shore Blvd.,
Suite 108, Wellington FL.
launch
relocate
expand
develop
in the perfect business climate
It’s time you considered moving your business
to Palm Beach County, one of the most globally
competitive business climates: Low taxes,
affordable commercial and residential real
estate, easy access to three international
airports, in a state with no personal income tax.
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach
County can help with the services, resources,
knowledge, and connections you need. Visit www.
BDB.org or call [561] 835.1008 to learn more.
WEF 2 Upcoming Events:
$50,000 Wellington Equestrian
Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* The
second grand prix of the 2015 Winter
Equestrian Festival will be featured on
Saturday, January 17, under the lights of
the International Arena at PBIEC. The
$50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty
Grand Prix CSI 2* begins with the first
horse on course at 7 p.m. Gates open
at 6 p.m. Ireland’s Ronan McGuigan
and Capall Zidane were last year’s
victors. Who will top the class in 2015?
$10,000 Artisan Farms Under 25
Welcome and $25,000 Artisan
Farms Under 25 Grand Prix The
Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix
Series kicks off during week two of
WEF competition with its first two
events of the circuit. The $10,000
Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix
Welcome will be held on Saturday,
January 17. The $25,000 Artisan Farms
Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by
Equine Couture/Tuff Rider, will be held
on Sunday, January 18. Both classes
will be featured in the International
Arena on the main showgrounds at
PBIEC. The Series, which will award
a total of $170,000 in prize money
this year in seven events, gives young
riders a valuable stepping stone from
the junior and amateur ranks to the
grand prix level.
Artisan Farms Under 25 Meeting
and Jog
Riders will have a mandatory meeting
on Wednesday, January 14, at 3 p.m.
in The Wellington Club. The jog is on
Friday, January 16, at 4 p.m. in FEI
Stabling.
Lunch & Learn
On Thursday, January 15, the Lunch
& Learn Series begins for the 2015
season. Held every Thursday from
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Wellington
Club, this informational and educational
series has a variety of subjects for
horsemen and women to learn more
for their horses. Admission is free for
riders, trainers, and owners, all others
are $25. Register at the door for a
chance to win exciting prizes. The
season finale door prize includes a
custom trunk provided by Clever Jumps
& Trunks and TheraPlate. The subject
for WEF 2 is “Growing the Performance
Horse,” sponsored by Nutrena and
Progressive Nutrition Supplements.
Contact Laura Bostwick at 561-7841130 or laura@equestriansport.com
for more information.
Ride & Learn, presented by Palm
Beach Riding Academy
The 2015 Ride & Learn Series will take
place each Tuesday during WEF. Each
week will feature a mounted riding
clinic instructed by highly esteemed
industry professionals and will be
held in various venues and arenas in
the PBIEC. During WEF 3 on January
20, Bill Schaub will present the “Road
to Pony Finals.” Bill Schaub is closely
associated with some of the top ponies,
hunters, juniors, and amateurs in recent
history. He has been a professional for
almost thirty years and has proven that
the most important qualities of a rider
are dedication, a positive attitude,
and a true love of horses. He is now
known as a top consignor at the Pony
Finals Auction and in 2008, his clients
and their mounts win consistently
at the biggest shows in the country.
Participation is $100.00 per horse/
rider per clinic, maximum 12 riders.
Auditing is Free. Every Tuesday from
2:00-4:00pm. For more information
please contact Sean Jones, General
Manager, Palm Beach Riding Academy
(561) 784-4275 or sean@
equestriansport.com
The Suites at Palm Beach
International Equestrian Center
We are pleased to announce that we
now offer The Suites located in the
Special Events Pavilion available during
several weeks of the WEF Saturday
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
HOUSE CALLS.
BARN CALLS.
WHEREVER-YOU-ARE CALLS.
Preferred Patient Packages are now available to the
Equestrian Community for the winter equestrian season
which include our Concussion Management Program.
Need a doctor NOW?
HollisMed also offers Acute Care Services.
Call 844-drhollis (374-6554).
The HollisMed Concussion Management Program includes:
1. Pre-Injury Baseline Testing & Education
2. Post-Injury Testing & Treatment Plan
3. Determination of Safe Return-to-Activity
Licensed in both VA and FL, Dr. Michele Hollis
brings her patients 20 years of experience in emergency medicine.
For more information about our Preferred Patient Packages
or for Acute Care, contact Dr. Hollis at 844-drhollis.
Or email us at info@hollismed.com.
p: 844-drhollis
e: info@hollismed.com
GROWING THE PERFORMANCE HORSE
Sponsored by Nutrena
and Progressive Nutrition Products
Bill Schaub is closely associated with some of the top ponies, hunters,
juniors, and amateurs in recent history. He has been a professional for
almost 30 years and has proven that the most important qualities of a rider
are dedication, a positive attitude, and a true love of horses. He is now known
as a top consignor at the Pony Finals Auction and his clients and their mounts
consistently win at the top shows in the country.
For more information please contact (561) 793-5867.
Admission is free for riders, trainers, and owners.
For more information please contact (561) 784-4275.
Participation is $100.00 per horse/rider per clinic, maximum 12 riders.
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Page 2
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
www.hollismed.com
11:30am to 1:00pm in the Wellington Club.
ROAD TO PONY FINALS
BILL SCHAUB
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NIGHTS OF s sss
3/21/2015 - Find your favorite way to
enjoy the PBIEC! Can’t Fill a Suite? You
are still able to book a table of (6) in
common areas at the same price per
person as noted above. For additional
information and reservations, please
contact Patti Miele at 561-784-1125 or
pmiele@whitehorsetavernflorida.com
Thursday, January 15, 2015
2:00-4:00
Presented by
Night Lights Series. We offer prime
viewing of world-renowned equestrian
competition, full buffet and premium bar
options in a semi-private suite catered
by White Horse Tavern Catering. Each
suite accommodates up to 22 persons
with a minimum of 14 persons. $200 per
person includes buffet and premium bar.
$125 per person includes buffet and
cash bar. Suite availability is based on
a first come first served basis, so book
your suite today before they’re all gone!
The Suites are available for the Saturday
Page 3
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
“Battle of the Sexes” Photo Gallery – © Lindsay Brock/Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
See the whole Battle of the Sexes photo gallery on the WEF Facebook page!
Page 4
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
Page 5
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series Returns
Bigger and Better for 2015
The fifth annual Artisan Farms Under
25 Grand Prix Series, presented by The
Dutta Corp. in association with Guido
Klatte, has expanded for 2015 to include
more classes, increased prize money,
and new ‘Under 25’ sanctioning. Formerly
the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand
Prix Series, the new name denotes the
recognition of the Series as an ‘Under 25’
event sanctioned by the United States
Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the
International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
Open to competitors of all nationalities
aged 25 and under, the Series gives up
and coming riders the opportunity to
compete under FEI rules.
ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo noted, “I
would like to thank Carlene and Andy
Ziegler of Artisan Farms for working
with us on this important initiative. We
collaboratively identified this opportunity
five years ago, and I believe it has been
a great series in support of developing
emerging riders and their horses. We
are confident we can expand it further
in the future.”
In 2014, the Series was comprised of
four events and offered $95,000 in prize
money. This year, the expanded Artisan
Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series will
award $170,000 in prize money over the
course of the following seven events:
WEF 2: $10,000 ARTISAN FARMS
UNDER 25 WELCOME
Saturday, January 17, 2015 - PBIEC
International Arena
WEF 2: $25,000 ARTISAN FARMS
UNDER 25 GRAND PRIX, PRESENTED
BY EQUINE COUTURE/TUFF RIDER
Sunday, January 18, 2015 - PBIEC
International Arena
Hunters Have a Strong Start to
2015 WEF
WEF 4: $25,000 ARTISAN FARMS
UNDER 25 TEAM EVENT, PRESENTED
BY THE McNERNEY FAMILY
Friday, January 30, 2015 - AGDF
International Arena
WEF 6: $10,000 ARTISAN FARMS
UNDER 25 WELCOME, PRESENTED
BY ENTRUST CAPITAL
Saturday, February 14, 2015 - AGDF
International Arena
WEF 6: $25,000 ARTISAN FARMS
UNDER 25 SPEED CLASSIC,
PRESENTED BY ENTRUST CAPITAL
Sunday, February 15, 2015 - Stadium
Derby Field
WEF 9: $25,000 ARTISAN FARMS
UNDER 25 SEMI-FINAL - TOP 40
RIDERS
Friday, March 6, 2015 - PBIEC
International Arena, under lights
WEF 11: $50,000 CSI-U25 ARTISAN
FARMS UNDER 25 FINAL (FEIsanctioned) - TOP 30 RIDERS
Sunday, March 22, 2015 - Stadium Derby
Field
The Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand
Prix Series was developed as a bridge
to the international level of grand prix
competition, allowing up and coming
riders the opportunity to gain experience
competing against their peers. Riders
have the opportunity to compete at a
height of 1.45m on grass, all-weather
footing, under the lights at night, and
in team competition; all important
elements that competitors will face as
their international careers progress.
The overall winning rider will receive
a Bruno Delgrange saddle valued at
The top six riders from the 2014 Series. © Sportfot
$6,000 and will be invited to compete
at the CSI2* Chantilly Horse Show, part
of the Global Champions Tour, to be
held fromJuly 16-19, 2015, in France. In
addition to their entry, the winner also
receives two tickets to the Chantilly VIP
lounge, transportation for one horse
generously provided by The Dutta Corp.
in association with Guido Klatte, and
layover at Artisan Farms in Vrasene,
Belgium.
Victoria Colvin, the overall winner of
the 2014 Artisan Farms Series, competed
at the CSI2* Chantilly Horse Show in
July, marking her first-ever competition
outside of the United States where she
took home two wins and top placings.
Other past winners of the Series include
2012 U.S. Olympian Reed Kessler, World
Cup Finalist Nayel Nasser of Egypt, and
Chloe D. Reid, who represented the
United States in European competition
this past summer.
Photos
© Lindsay Brock/
Jennifer Wood
Media, Inc.
Page 6
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
“Artisan Farms is proud to sponsor
this Series, and to watch its growth and
evolution,” said Carlene Ziegler. “It has
become an important stepping stone
from the junior and amateur ranks toward
the international Grand Prix ring, and it
has been incredibly gratifying to see the
participants in the Series emerging on
the world stage. The enhanced schedule
and substantially increased prize money
for 2015 reflect our enthusiasm and
commitment to the Series.”
Leading by example, Artisan Farms is
committed to the continued improvement
and promotion of competitive show
jumping. Based in Wellington, FL, and
Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home
to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young
professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic
Champion Eric Lamaze, and Canadian
Olympian Tiffany Foster.
Lauren Fisher
Elizabeth Boyd and Ghostwriter
topped both classes on Thursday in the
Equine Tack and Nutritionals First Year
Green Hunters to claim the section A
championship. Ghostwriter, owned by
Madeline Thatcher and Pony Lane Farm
of Bluffdale, Utah, also finished first on
Wednesday in the handy hunter round.
The Section B champion was Kelley
Farmer riding David Glefke and Kensel,
LLC’s Mindset. Farmer and Mindset
finished third in both classes Thursday
and won the under saddle and an over
fences class Wednesday.
With two second place finishes
Thursday, Amy Guth’s Bossa Nova,
ridden by Louise Serio, ended up as
reserve champion of section A. La
Bonita, ridden by Scott Stewart and
owned by David Gochman, was the
reserve champion of section B. The pair
finished first and fourth over fences and
took home second in the under saddle.
Ghostwriter, an eight-year-old
gelding, is a new mount for Boyd after
being purchased four days ago from Lane
Change Farm. Not only is Ghostwriter
new to Boyd, but new to the United
States. Having only been here for a little
over a month, this was only his second
show and he is already off to a great start.
While it’s far from Brooke Banks’
maiden season in Wellington, she is
jumping her first fences as an amateur
rider this week. When the clock struck 12
on New Year’s Eve, she shed her junior
status and set her sights once again on
the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, this
time as an amateur. Not letting her new
title faze her, however, Banks jumped her
own eight-year-old Mecklenburg gelding
Brodeur to the championship in Section
A of the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter
division.
Banks and Brodeur boasted two
third-place performances over fences on
Thursday and returned Friday to win both
the Under Saddle and the first of two
final jumping tests. Trainer Ron Esposito
admits that watching the always quiet
and regal Brodeur take home the bragworthy flat win was no surprise.
Posting consistent top performances,
Lexey Hall collected Reserve Champion
aboard her own Lacoste. The pair was
first and second over fences yesterday
and returned to collect third today, as
well as fourth under saddle.
Despite little practice time together,
Ali Tritschler, from South Port, CT, was
able to guide Exclusive to the top of the
pack. Friday was the pair’s first time in
the ring together, and Tritschler was still
getting used to the new mount. With
one day behind them, the new pair was
able to rise to the top. “Today he was
unbelievable!” Tritschler smiled.
Exclusive, a nine-year-old Dutch
Warmblood owned by Glenwillow Farm,
won the stake and the under saddle along
with a second in the first over fences class
to take home the championship in the
EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunters 16-17.
The reserve champion was Victoria
Press, riding her own horse Akinda. Press
won the handy round on Friday and was
second over fences and in the under
saddle on Saturday.
On the final day of week one hunter
competition Adele Norton, of Falls
Church, VA, and her horse Pitch Perfect
took home championship honors in the
Bainbridge Companies Amateur-Owner
18-35. Norton and Pitch Perfect won the
handy hunter round on Saturday and
finished first and second over fences
Sunday. Chablis, owned by Libertas Farm
and ridden by Kelly Tropin, finished the
day as reserve champion. Tropin guided
Chablis to a first and third over fences,
paired with a win in the under saddle.
Norton had always wanted a hunter and
in June, trainer Kimberly Prince found her
the perfect one. “He [Pitch Perfect] was
my 21st birthday present, best present
yet!” Norton said smiling.
Jane Ebelhare: 1923 - 2015
Jane Ebelhare was born to Harry
Ward Smith and Mary Wilson Smith
on December 9, 1923 in Oxford,
Pennsylvania.
Jane’s father was a professional
horseman so she became a rider at an
early age. Horses and the horse sports
remained constants in her life as she
received an education, married and raised
a family. She attended Moravian College
for Women in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,
graduating with a degree in Microbiology.
She was one of the first women to be
accepted into the Masters program
at Lehigh University and received a
Masters degree in microbiology with a
focus on bacteriology from Lehigh. After
graduating from Lehigh she became a
research scientist for Smith, Kline &
French laboratories. She recalled that
there were so few female scientists that
“there wasn’t even a ladies room!”
Meanwhile, Jane never stopped riding
and showing horses. She was a soughtafter professional rider of American
Saddlebred horses in her teenage years
and early adulthood. She was also a horse
show judge. After meeting and marrying
avid fox hunter and rider, George Andrew
“Andy” Ebelhare, Jr., in 1951, she focused
on the riding and training of hunters and
jumpers.
In 1965, both Jane and Andy both
were offered jobs in Florida. Jane became
Maddy Stover
Adele Norton, who rides for the University of South Carolina Gamecock Equestrian
team, was the Bainbridge Companies Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter champion in the
first week of WEF. © Sportfot
Page 7
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
a research scientist at Florida Atlantic
University in Boca Raton. Meanwhile, she
and Andy had become the managers of
Woodfield Farm in Boca Raton, Florida.
Without a horse focused research
project, Jane decided to return to the
horse business. She trained and taught
at Woodfield until it was sold in 1979.
In the summer of 1979, Jane became
the manager of the show horse stable at
Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in what
is now Wellington, Florida. Eventually the
polo club became host to several horse
shows in the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Jane continued to manage the show
stable in addition to helping to design
and supervise construction of the new
show complex for the Winter Equestrian
Festival and went on to manage it fulltime. She managed the facility until her
retirement.
After retiring, Jane and Andy moved to
Fort Collins in 1996 to live closer to their
children. She continued to work in the
winter months at the horse show complex
in Florida until she was 84 years old. She
will always be known in the equestrian
world for her professionalism, attention
to detail, fairness and, above all else, her
love of the horses.
Memorial contributions may be
made to the New Vocations Racehorse
Adoption Program at their website www.
horseadoption.com or by mail at 3293
Wright Road, Laura, OH 45337.
Todd Minikus and Cordonos Win $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix
Cordonos, for the first time a couple of
days before competing in the Trump
Invitational Grand Prix, presented by
Rolex, one week ago. The 14-year-old
Oldenburg gelding (Lordanos x Tin
Rocco) had just arrived in Florida and
jumped quite well, then went on to a nice
four fault round in Thursday’s Ruby et
Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 1
to begin the WEF circuit. Although they
are just getting to know each other, the
pair was perfectly in sync for Sunday’s
winning jump-off round.
“Today we knew each other a little
better, and it all worked out,” Minikus
declared following his win. “It ended up
being an extremely fast class. Conor is
obviously blistering fast. I didn’t see him
go, but I knew what to expect. I didn’t
really know how to manage the jumpoff. I was stuck right in the middle of 22
horses. I kind of tapped him with my stick
behind my leg and he jumped into the
bridle a little bit. I thought, ‘Ok, seems
like he’s ready.’ I hate trying to ride for
fourth place anyway.”
Minikus has big plans for the season
as the current leader in the North
American East Coast League for the FEI
World Cup Finals. He also has his sights
set on the Pan American Games later in
WEF Week 1
Standings and Awards
Continued from Page 1
the year. He has some top horses to show
this winter, including superstar mount
Quality Girl, and looks forward to what
may come with Cordonos as well.
For second place finisher, Conor
Swail, Sunday’s class was a great start
to the circuit for his mount Grafton, a
nine-year-old Selle Francais stallion
(Calvaro x Vondeen). Swail previously
owned the horse himself in partnership
with Barry O’Connor, and then Ariel and
Susan Grange purchased the horse so
that he could continue to show it.“I’m
sort of building him up as one of my
better horses in the near future,” Swail
continued. “Today he jumped a nice
round. He’s hard to get underneath
the time allowed in the first round. He
jumps quite high and hangs in the air a
bit. In the jump-off, I started off in a good
rhythm and I got a great shot back to the
vertical. When I came out, I knew it was
going to be very close. For me, I knew I
had nothing left apart from one less step
across the gallop. It was one of those
jump-offs where you couldn’t touch the
reins. Every time you saw anything, you
just took it. It was great; I’m delighted
with the horse.”
Lauren Fisher
Leading Lady Jumper Rider, sponsored by
Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties
(after 2 qualifying events)
1
2
3
4
5
115
107
105
99
92
Special Award Winners for WEF Week One
Champion Equine Insurance Hunter Style Award, presented by
Laura Fetterman: Show Off, ridden by Christopher Payne
Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award, presented by
Laura Fetterman: C. Jack Sparrow Z, ridden by Emanuel Andrade
SSG ‘Go Clean for the Green’ winners: Eric Lamaze and Kelsey Thatcher
The Hermès Talented Young Rider Award standings begin this week!
Check next week’s Weekly Wire to follow the standings.
Final Results: $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix
1. Cordonos
Todd Minikus
Carl Brems: 0/0/ 32.220
2. Grafton
Conor Swail
Ariel And Susan Grange:
0/0/32.677
3. HH Ashley
Mclain Ward
Double H Farm: 0/0/33.045
4. Teirra
Alise Oken
Hi Hopes Farm Llc: 0/0/33.753
5. Bijzonder
Shane Sweetnam
Sweet Oak Farm & Paul Tracy:
0/0/34.303
6. Zhivago
Daniel Zetterman
Gyllebo Farm Llc: 0/0/34.823
7. Quatour De B Neville
Marie Hecart
Rogelio Pellerano: 0/0/35.830
8. Shiver
Liza Finsness
Liza Finsness: 0/0/36.942
9. Nlf Favorite
Eirin Bruheim
Nordic Lights Farm LLC:
0/0/43.571
10. Martha Louise
Conor Swail
Ariel And Susan Grange:
0/4/32.386
11. D Elia Van Het Molenhof
Darragh Kerins
Jan Van Tricht: 0/4/32.494
12. Contiki
Nicholas Dello Joio
Coker Farm Inc: 0/4/33.581
Eric Lamaze, pictured, claimed the first bonus of the year offered in the innovative SSG
Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion, now in its fifth year at the 2015 WEF. The
2008 Canadian Olympic Champion was awarded a $3,000 bonus from Jennifer Ward for
wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves on his way to victory in the $25,000 Ruby et Violette
WEF Challenge Cup Round I riding Rosana du Park, owned by Artisan Farms LLC in
partnership with Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable. “It’s fantastic!” said Lamaze of the SSG
“Go Clean for the Green” promotion. “It’s a bonus to the riders, and every little bit helps.
These classes have good prize money to begin with, and this makes it even more exciting.
And on top of it, I enjoy wearing the gloves, so that makes it even better. I think somebody
has to be crazy not to be wearing them when there is that bonus!”
Kelsey Thatcher was awarded a $1,000 bonus in recognition of her loyalty to the SSG
Gloves brand after winning the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.
The 22-year-old from Bluffdale, Utah, rode Everything to the win and also took second
place with Athena.
Each week, bonus money is offered to the winner of the Ruby et Violette WEF
Challenge Cup, the High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, and the Sleepy P Ranch
High Junior Jumper Classic for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style riding gloves on their way to
victory. A total of $60,000 in bonus money is on offer from SSG Gloves at the 2015
Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot.
Page 8
WEEK 2
Marie Hecart (FRA)
Eirin Bruheim (NOR)
Leslie Howard (USA)
Schuyler Riley (USA)
Alise Oken (USA)
January 14 - 18, 2015
Battle of the Sexes
A final tie-breaking round was held
with one man and one woman from each
team returning to jump the four bar one
more time with the final jump set at a
staggering 1.85m (6’). Alex Granato went
first for the men riding Mullaghdrin Rado
and Candice King returned for her team
aboard Bugatti VDL, but both pairs had
the top rail down at the final jump. The
team captains conferred, and decided
to remain tied and save their horses for
another day.
Although both teams wanted to
win, the riders were happy with their
horses in the evening and agreed that
the competition was a lot of fun. Alison
Robitaille was competing in the class for
the first time with her horse Cassinja and
never thought she would end up jumping
so many rounds for her team.
“I am really happy with my horse,”
Robitaille stated. “She is my grand prix
horse, but I don’t think that she has ever
jumped that high. She has jumped one or
two 1.60m rounds. She is just turning ten
and she did a couple of bigger classes
down here last year and then I broke my
shoulder, so she had an easy rest of the
year. I got her back in a couple of grand
prix classes at the end of the year, but
nothing of this caliber.”
“I was definitely not expecting to jump
that many rounds. I thought we would
do maybe two or three rounds and see
how things went, but she felt great and
she was jumping so well,” Robitaille said.
“My competitiveness took over when it
was just down to one more round to tie
everything up.” Commenting on the end
result, Robitaille remarked, “It ended in
a tie, but that is much better than losing.
Continued from Page 1
We will take a tie over a loss any day. This
was my first year, and it was really fun. It
is a nice class and a great way to get the
crowd into it. It was a nice way for things
to go and will hopefully bring people back
for the following weeks.”
Along with jumping the final round for
the men’s team with Mullagdhrin Rado,
Alex Granato had a great evening aboard
Zenith Dance, with the fastest round in
the speed phase and an equally blazing
time in the match races.
“Zenith Dance is a super horse. He is
a fun speed horse,” Granato said of his
speedy mount. “I ride for the owners, and
they have been good supporters. I did
that horse about a year and a half ago in
some grand prixs as an up-and-coming
horse and then he spent last year doing
the junior jumpers with Maddy Darst on
lease. Now we have him for sale and we
just got him back, so this is my first week
showing him again. He had only done
regular speed classes and I don’t think
he has ever been under the lights in a
venue like this, but he was game. You can
always count on him to be fast and he
is very careful, so he is a fun one to do.”
Granato jumped in this class two years
ago, but only did the first two phases,
and he enjoyed taking part in the whole
competition this year.
“I think it is a lot of fun,” he
acknowledged. “It is great to get the
teams together. It maybe got a little
heated coming down to a tie this year,
but it is a fun venue and it is fun to have
the crowd that involved. I think it is a good
way to start the circuit with the crowd
coming out.”
Lauren Fisher
Jumper Highlights – Wednesday through Sunday
The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival
(WEF) kicked off with its first day of
competition at the Palm Beach International
Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington,
FL, on Wednesday and a win for Olympic
gold medalist Eric Lamaze in the first class
of the day. Lamaze and the nine-year-old
Zangersheide gelding Check Picobello Z
(Cardento x Orlando) jumped to victory in
the morning’s $8,000 1.45m speed class
over Adrienne Sternlicht and S&L Slingback.
Also competing in the International
Arena on Wednesday, Heather Caristo
Williams and M/M Ralph Caristo’s
Balou’s Fly High earned a win in the
$6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40 speed class
with the fastest of 16 clear rounds out
of 74 entries. Laura Chapot and Mary
Chapot’s Zealous finished second.
Ali Wolff and John C. Wolff’s Brianda
jumped to victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast
Farm 1.40m jump-off competition. With
65 entries, 20 advanced to the immediate
jump-off, where 13 went double clear.
Tiffany Foster and Artisan Farms LLC’s
Brighton finished second.
It was a second win of the circuit for
Canadian Olympic gold medalist Eric
Lamaze on Thursday. Lamaze topped
Thursday’s $25,000 Ruby et Violette WEF
Challenge Cup Round 1 aboard Artisan
Farms LLC’s Rosana du Park. Darragh
Kerins (IRL) and Jan Van Tricht’s D Elia
van het Molenhof finished second in
38.47 seconds. Ian Millar (CAN) and The
Baranus Group’s Baranus placed third in
39.13 seconds, and Denise Wilson (USA)
and Blue Gate Farm LLC’s Quidam’s Hero
finished fourth in 43.39 seconds. Leslie
Howard and The Utah Group’s Utah had
the fastest time in 37.91 seconds, but
dropped a rail at the second to last fence
to finish fifth.
Also competing in the International
Arena on Thursday, Ireland’s Conor
Swail won the $8,000 1.45m jump-off
class aboard Simba de la Roque, owned
by Sarl Ecurie Sens O Riel. The class saw
33 rounds with 16 in the jump-off and
eight double clear rounds. Swail finished in
38.01 seconds, just ahead of Laura Chapot
and Mary Chapot’s ISHD Dual Star, who
placed second in 38.62 seconds.
The High Amateur-Owner Jumpers also
got a chance to jump in the International
Arena in the afternoon with a win in their
first speed class for Emanuel Andrade and
Anker. Kelsey Thatcher and Pony Lane
Farm’s Athena finished second.
The $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m
jump-off and Speed Challenge classes
were held on Friday in the International
Arena. The jump-off class went first with
a win for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny aboard
Windbreaker. The Speed Challenge saw
a win for Laura Chapot (USA) and
Shooting Star.
The $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m
Championship Jumper Classic was held on
Saturday afternoon with 14 entries and a
two-horse jump-off. Ben Maher and Jane
Clark’s Sarena jumped first and cleared
the short course in 35.47 seconds to take
reserve honors. Fernando Cardenas and
Quincy Car jumped next and took the
leading time in 34.80 seconds. The rider
explained that every win is special with the
11-year-old Oldenburg stallion, Quincy Car
(Galiani Car x Amour Parfait), who is home
bred by his father, Fernando Cardenas Sr.
All of their home bred horses have the last
name Car for the family name.
WEF 1 JUMPER CLASSIC WINNERS:
$15,000 High Amateur-Owner Jumpers – Kelsey Thatcher and Everything
LEO CONROY: 1956 - 2015
Leo Conroy, one of the country’s
most popular horseman, has passed
away following a months-long battle
after a stroke suffered while Conroy
was attending the Hampton Classic
Horse Show.
Conroy’s career extended over four
decades. As a highly successful trainer,
Conroy trained champions at almost
every major competition in the nation,
including Devon, Harrisburg, Washington
International, Hampton Classic, the Winter
Equestrian Festival and The National Horse
Show. His roster of hunters included The
Winning Edge, Overdressed, Calling Card
and many others.
As one of the most requested judges,
Conroy officiated at almost every major
horse show in the United States and
even branched out to judge at the Dublin
Horse Show in Ireland. He also judged a
number of the year-end equitation finals.
In addition to serving on a host of
various USEF Committees, most recently,
he served as Vice President of the
$10,000 Sleepy P Ranch SJHOF High Junior Jumpers – McKayla Langmeier and
Promised Land
$10,000 Animo USA Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers – Emanuel Andrade and C.
Jack Sparrow
$10,000 Martha Jolicoeur, Illustrated Properties Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers – (CA
Split) - Emanuel Andrade and Black Pearl, Vanessa Mannix and Nirvana de Terlong
$10,000 Charles Owen Adult Jumpers 18-35 – Alison Randall and Red White & Blue
$10,000 Classical South Florida Adult Jumpers 36-49 – Alissa Kinsey and Cardino
$10,000 Horseware Ireland Don Little Masters – Lea Allen and Komedie de Montsec
$10,000 Maria Mendelsohn, Illustrated Properties Low Junior Jumpers – Sheer
Levitin and Nabuco
$10,000 Hollow Creek Farm Medium Junior Jumpers – Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S.
Brilliant Disguise
WEF 1 JUMPER CHAMPIONS:
Children’s Jumper 14 & Under – Lindsey Greenhill and Oceane Delleville
Rosenbaum Mollengarden, PLLC Children’s Jumper 15-17 – Skyllar Beckel and
Charmeur van de Begijnakker
FarmVet Adult Modified Jumpers – Anna-Rose Klingenstein and Just Like Me
National Horse Show. He was named the
1997 Chronicle of the Horse Horseman
of the Year. Conroy was just awarded
the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award
Conroy leaves behind three
children.
Page 9
WEEK 2
Griffis Residential Children’s Modified Jumpers – Taegan Long and
Pollux de Shalimar
Equiline Low Adult Jumper 18-35 – Isabel Jolicoeur and Double Pegasus
Pegasus Builders Low Adult Jumper 36 & Over – Marie Studd and Laroni
Crown Family Low Children’s Jumper – Sophie Gochman and Sundance, Mimi
Gochman and Windelinde
January 14 - 18, 2015
WEF Sport Horse Auction Returns Featuring VDL Stud and New
Westphalian Dressage Horses
The fourth annual WEF Sport Horse
Auction will take place at 7:00 p.m. on
Thursday, February 26, at The Stadium at
the Palm Beach International Equestrian
Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.
Held during week eight of the 12week WEF circuit, the WEF Sport Horse
Auction will feature the next generation
of premium sport horses. This year, in
addition to selling some of the finest
progeny of VDL Stud bloodlines from
The Netherlands, the auction will also
present two ‘select’ dressage horses
sponsored by the Westphalian Studbook
e.V. in Germany. Presented in an exciting
auction, it is a rare opportunity to view
such an array of talent in one setting.
For the fourth year, Equestrian Sport
Productions is thrilled to present horses
from VDL Stud, 2009 KWPN Breeder of
the Year and home to some of the most
talented show jumpers around the world.
VDL Stud has produced a long list of
champions winning at the highest levels
including the Olympic Games, World Cup
Finals, and World Equestrian Games.
The Preferent stallion Nimmerdor is the
founder from the VDL Stud.
The VDL Stud is active in 3 divisions:
the Stallion Stud, with more than 50
approved stallions who are stationed
all over the world; the Breeding Farm
- the VDL stud has a breeding facility
with approximately 70 breeding mares;
and Sporthorses: The VDL Stud has a
modern facility to train young horses and
sport horses from starter level until Grand
Prix level. With this, the VDL Stud is one
of the few in the world who combine
all of these activities in one farm. The
main goal of VDL Stud is breeding top
sport horses for the highest level. The
subgoals are to give the best advice to
client breeders for breeding top horses,
to match a horse with a rider to get the
best possible combination (at all levels),
and improving the equestrian world by
providing sport horses for every level.
Along with the incredible horses of
VDL Stud, the WEF Sport Horse Auction
will be presenting two talented and
classically trained dressage horses from
a member of the Westphalian Studbook
this year. The Westphalian Studbook e.V.
has been producing outstanding German
bloodstock for over 100 years, breeding
champions for the international dressage
and show jumping arenas around the
world. With over 3,000 foals bred each
year, the Westphalian Studbook is one
of the largest breeding associations in
Germany. These horses have been handselected for this event and are well-suited
for the U.S. market with superb talent
and temperaments ideal for international
competition success.
Based in the Westphalian Studbook
U.S. office, Mrs. White will be overseeing
client testing of the horses and will be
happy to answer any and all questions.
Each horse will have a complete set
of 36 x-rays and a full clinical report
provided by Wellington Veterinarians
B&W Furlong & Associates, which are
available on request to be emailed to
interested parties. You will be able to
see the VDL jumping prospects and
Westphalian Dressage horses in action,
test ride them, and choose your favorite
prior to the auction.
For those who can’t make it to
Wellington, Tuesday’s presentation and
Thursday’s auction will be live streamed
at www.shownet.biz for free.
The fine VDL horses will be available
for viewing at Ossian Ventures on
February 16-25 from noon to 6 pm.
The dressage horses will be available
for viewing at The Stadium at PBIEC
during the same time. The Veterinary
Repository is available to veterinarians
who would like to inspect the radiographs
and exam information on behalf of their
clients. Please contact Melanie Peterson
at 561-870-6587 for access.
On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 4
pm, there will be a presentation of the
VDL horses under saddle and jumping,
561.758.1605
mariamendelsohn.com
in the International Arena on the main
grounds of PBIEC (WEF show grounds)
with a reception in The Wellington Club.
On Friday, February 20, the dressage
horses will be presented during the CDI
at The Stadium at PBIEC. Refreshments
and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by
Jarvis Insurance Agency.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2015,
from 9 am- 5pm, the VDL horses will
be available for trials by appointment
at Ossian Ventures. Please contact Mr.
Janko van de Lageweg at 561-3240256 or +01131651815225 to set up
an appointment. The dressage horses
are also available for trial by contacting
Mrs. Rhegan White at 912-257-0064 or
white@westfalenpferde.de.
The live auction will be held at
The Stadium at 7 pm on Thursday,
February 26, 2015. Gates open at 6 pm.
Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be
provided by Ramard, Inc.
To register as a bidder for the auction,
please contact Melanie Peterson at 561870-6587 or melanie@horsemls.com.
Equestrian Sport Productions invites
you to this unique opportunity to view
and acquire the next generation of
champions. Please join in an exciting
evening that is sure to raise the bar on
sport horse auctions in North America.
Horse photos, videos, and the
registration information can be found at
www.wefsporthorseauction.com.
Lauren Fisher
tNPLTIBZPHBTUVEJPDPN
Page 10
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015
VENDOR VIEWS
VENDOR VILLAGE
2TheBarn
Alessandro Albanese
Anne Gittins Photography
Ann K. Hubbards Tack Shop
Beval Saddlery
Bomber Bits
Cavalleria Toscana
Charles Ancona NY
CM Hadfields Saddlery
CWD Custom Saddlery
Der Dau Custom Boots
Equine Tack & Nutritional
F.LLI. Fabbri Inc.
Horseware Ireland Equestrian
James Leslie Parker
Photography
Jods Equestrian Fashion
Kocher Tack Shop
Life Pulse LLC
MJR American
Equestrian Fashion
OnTyte Stirrups & Footwear
Parlanti Custom Boots
Personalized Products
PowerJam
Rumor Has It
Running Fox
Sergio Grasso Boots
Skiffington Boutique
Sofie Belgium Boutique
Tack ’n’ Rider
The Silver Shoppe
Turner & Co.
Vibershield
Voltaire Design Fine Saddlery
WEF Official Boutique
BARNS 3 & 4
Dandy Products
Farmvet Inc.
RC Saddle Fitting & Repair
RING 6
Amberway Equine Solutions
Collierville Saddlery
Horse Gym USA
RING 7
Fox Run Saddlery – Prestige
Page 11
WEEK 2
RING 9 & 10
Antarès Custom Saddlery
Devoucoux Custom Saddlery
Equifit
McGuinn Tack Trunks
Sportfot Photography
INTERNATIONAL RING
WARM UP
Animo USA
Bruno Delgrange
Custom Saddles
Equestrian Services
International
HUNTER HILL
C Jones - Silver Housewares
Columbian Fine Jewelry
Equisafe LLC
Fabulous Finds –
Fashion & Accessories
Just FUR Fun –
Goodies for Dogs
Natures Well – Skin Care
Olive & Bette’s – Fashion
Pinell Custom Leather Inc.
Pony Pals – Toys
January 14 - 18, 2015
BRIDGE DECKS
KingsLand Equestrian Fashion
BIBA of NY
B+ B Positive Jewlery
WEF Boutique
INTERNATIONAL SHOPPES
Lugano Diamonds
Forré Fine Art Gallery
Hunt LTD
Equiline Equestrian Fashion
Karina Brez Jewelry
Katharine Page Sandals
American Gator
Handmade Goods
Ariat
Engel & Völkers Realty
Eva Jewlery
Eyes of Wellington
Ghurka Fine Leather Goods
Hermès
La Mundial Boots
Michelle Farmer - Fashion
Open Daily at 4:00PM
Wellington Green Shopping Center
10140 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 170
Wellington, Fl 33414 – 561-793-9394
www.jordanssteakbistro.com - Reservations
Preferred Realtor of WEF 2
DON’T LET ANOTHER
SEASON PASS YOU BY.
Call the business minded professionals today to find your dream farm!
matt varney,
broker / associate
561.779.9992
13501 Southshore Blvd – Next to Tackeria
W W W . W E L L I N G T O N E Q U E S T R I A N R E A LT Y . C O M
Page 12
WEEK 2
January 14 - 18, 2015