California Riding Magazine • August, 2009

Winner's Circle

Dr. Markell is congratulated by Derek Lewis,
the father of Michael Lewis for which the award was named.

Dr. Richard Markell, DVM, Receives Award

The Michael Lewis Friends of the Disabled Award was presented by the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center of San Juan Capistrano to longtime supporters Richard Markell, DVM, and Dave and Renee Ritchie. The award is given each year in the name of the organization’s first rider, Michael Lewis, to individuals who set an outstanding example of community support, volunteerism and philanthropy. The award was presented at the Center’s annual black tie gala.

While caring for horses slated for the Olympic Games, World Cup, or any number of international competitions, Markell, based in Encinitas at his Ranch & Coast Equine Practice, has faithfully cared for The Shea Center’s horses every Wednesday afternoon for 10 years for free. His care of Shea Center horses has ensured that they are comfortable and able to do their work as therapy horses for the Center’s 525 annual clients.

Rubinio Qualifies for FEI World Breeding Championships in Verden

The black Westphalian stallion Rubinio (Rubin Royal x Farina by Florestan I), owned by Jennifer Hoffman of Encinitas, will represent the United States in the 6-year-old division at the FEI World Breeding Championships in Verden, Germany August 5-9.

Rubinio, bred in Germany by Jürgen Bunge, represented the U.S. as a 5-year-old at Verden, placing fifth out of 39 horses in the small final with a score of 8.06. Rubinio was the only horse to meet the short list criteria of earning an overall score of 8.2 or better at one of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Selection Trials or an international competition. Rubinio qualified by winning the Bundeschampionate class with a score of 8.2 in Haftenkamp, Germany in mid-May.

Ocean Cat Wins $10,000 Woodside Jumper Classic

Helen McNaught and Ocean Cat, owned by Doug and Julie White, led the pack at the $10,000 Woodside Jumper Classic held during the Woodside Circuit Opener in late June. Danny Foster’s course resulted in seven clear rounds and McNaught flew around the jump-off in a time of 42.556, more than two seconds ahead of second place finisher Macella O’Neill and Incandescent, owned by Melanie Rapp.

Mr. Whoopy Wins in Woodside

Mr. Whoopy, Simone Coxe’s flamboyant bay stallion, is as recognized for his antics in the ring as he is for his brilliant jumping style. However, during the $20,000 Bayfest Grand Prix June 27 in Woodside, he got down to business. With nine horses returning for the jump off over Jamie Alder’s challenging track, scope and speed were paramount, and Mr. Whoopy showed that he had plenty of both. Helen McNaught tried to dislodge Duncan McFarlane and Mr. Whoopy from their lead, but, aboard Lancer Farms’ Condor, she finished just tenths of a second behind the winning team.

Drivers and Horses for 2009 World Driving Championships

The United States Equestrian Federation has named the following California-based drivers and horses to represent the United States at the 2009 World Driving Championships. The Pair World Driving Championships will be held in Kecskemet, Hungary Aug. 20-23 and Fritz Grupe of Stockton is the second alternate. The Pony World Driving Championships will be held in Greven, Germany August 13-16 and Phyllis Grupe of Stockton is the second alternate. Leslie Berndl of Newcastle is the third alternate.