Congratulations to our $300 Western States Horse Expo
Shopping Spree winner:
Margaret Thomas of San Marcos!
posted August 31, 2010
Celsius and Jaime Azcarraga Top a Field of 60 in the
$40,000 Showpark Summer Classic Grand Prix
Press release provided by Blenheim EquiSports
Sixty horse and rider couples were eager to gallop onto the grass for the final outdoor grand prix of the season, the $40,000 Showpark Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by California Horsetrader on August 28th at Del Mar Horse Park. A diverse group of fourteen duos returned for the jump off and the top six ribbon winners jumped double clean. However the speedy pair of Jaime Azcarraga and Celsius bested the rest of the field for the win.
German course designer, Olaf Peterson Jr. created a challenging track consisting of sixteen efforts. With a large field of rookies and veterans alike, Peterson Jr. wanted to design an inviting course to suit the variety of entrants. "It was a difficult field to set for," he noted. "There were young horses, young riders, and also experienced couples; they all had to be considered."
Marking the halfway point in the lineup of sixty horses, Azcarraga and Celsius were the thirtieth to attempt the course, and the ninth team to advance to the jump-off round. "This course by Olaf was nice but also difficult," the triumphant Azcarraga said. "I think the 14 clean says something about the quality of competitors coming to this show. [Showpark] is a beautiful place to bring the horses and compete."
Jaime Azcarraga and Celcius pictured with Lily Wilson (front), Case Wilson and California Horsetrader founder Carolyn Read (2nd row), California Horsetrader publisher Warren Wilson, Blenheim EquiSports Marketing Director Melissa Braunstein and President Robert Ridland. Photo ©CapturedMomentPhoto.com
First in, first clean and first to return, John McConnell and Katie Riddle (Rancho Corazon LLC, owner) navigated the jump-off route with four faults for an eighth place finish. Eduardo Menezes stepped up to the second round challenge next and laid down the fastest of the four fault rides on his own Avargo Mercedes Benz for seventh. Finishing sixth and jumping double clear in a time of 37.75 was Australian Lane Clarke with his mount McLord's First John (Mickey Hayden, owner). Clarke also rode Bay Rose's Nikko (Bay Rose LLC, owner) to a tenth place finish, pulling just one rail on the shortened course. Fault-free in both rounds and crossing the timers in 37.00 in the jump-off was the gifted eight-year-old horse Bristol (Grey Fox Farm, owner) and his rider Rusty Stewart for fifth place.
Seventeen-year-old Lucy Davis qualified two mounts for the second round but was eliminated on her first ride, Nemo 911. The young hot shot from Los Angeles redeemed herself and finished fourth by turning in a double clear ride in 36.32 aboard Old Oak Farm's Hannah. Rounding out the top three was the scopey grey Chello Z with his partner Josephina Nor-Lantzman of Del Mar at the reins for a clean performance in 35.32. Less than a second away from the winner's circle was Joie Gatlin who piloted Camaron Hills Quick Dollar (Camaron Hills Farm, owner) to a second place finish in a time of 35.32. Gatlin also secured another spot in the top ten, finishing ninth on Fred Bauer's Zico 13.
While there were many vying for the top position, it was the 10-year-old German bred Celsius and Azcarraga's well thought out trip that secured the win. "With 14 in the jump-off, I really had to go for it," Azcarraga said. "I took the five strides to the combination and I think that paid off."
Designer Peterson Jr. had a feeling Azcarraga would give his competitors a run for their money and was happy with the winning ride. "The jump-off was difficult because of the turns, but Jaime was the best and his horse was super careful," he remarked. "This is a newer horse for Jaime. It was nice to see him win."
The World Cup qualifying season commences in California with the $50,000 Grand Prix of Showpark on Saturday September 4th at 7:30pm when Blenheim EquiSports moves the grand prix events indoors to the covered arena at the Del Mar Horse Park. The event is part of the Showpark All Seasons Summer Tournament which begins on September 1st and continues through September 5th. Competition returns to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano on September 15th for the Blenheim Fall Tournament.
RESULTS
$40,000 Showpark Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by California Horsetrader
1. Celcius – Jaime Azcarraga (Jaime Azcarraga) 0/0/34.44
2. Camaron Hills Quick Dollar – Joie Gatlin (Camaron Hills Farm) 0/0/35.23
3. Chello Z – Josephina Nor-Lantzman (Josephina Nor Stables) 0/0/35.32
4. Hannah – Lucy Davis (Old Oak Farm) 0/0/36.32
5. Bristol – Rusty Stewart (Grey Fox Farms) 0/0/37.00
6. McLord's First John – Lane Clarke (Mickey Hayden) 0/0/37.75
7. Avargo Mercedes Benz – Eduardo Menezes (Eduardo Menezes) 0/4/33.70
8. Katie Riddle – John McConnell (Rancho Corazon LLC) 0/4/34.91
9. Zico 13 – Joie Gatlin (Fred Bauer) 0/4/37.11
10. Bay Rose's Nikko – Lane Clarke (Bay Rose LLC) 0/4/37.29
11. Pegasus – Ali Nilforushan (Ali Nilforushan) 0/8/35.64
12. Corrye Sanders – Jamie Taylor (Jamie Taylor) 0/8/40.70
posted August 31, 2010
Horse Rescue & Sanctuary Needs Help With Winter Hay Supply
Shire horses are one of the largest of the draft breeds. Similar to a Clydesdale, they often have 4 tall socks and lots of feathers! We are taking care of a rescued Shire mare and her colt right now, they are big.... and they eat a lot!
Mousakka is growing up beautiful. His pregnant mother, Tanya, arrived here March 6, 2010. He was born just 4 weeks later, early on Easter morning. His poor mom was very thin, having gone through a harsh North Dakota winter. She was at a former PMU ranch that had asked our help placing over 400 horses. We placed a lot of them, but Tanya had not gotten a home by the time the deadline came around.
 
Fortunately Tanya was sponsored to come to The Animali Farm. Here she is safe and receiving the care and food that she and her baby need.
Mousakka's "co-mom" is Kiowa. She babysits him when Tanya needs a break. Kiowa and Mousakka play together. Kiowa is not tame yet, but Mousakka is showing her that people are good. Both mares arrived thin and have been free fed hay since arriving.
Feeding this little horse family is a huge expense, they eat like 6 horses! Your donations go to making it possible for us to save horses like this from slaughter. We greatly appreciate your help.
You are welcome to visit Mousakka at the farm, and see all of the horses. They have a safe place, where people work hard to take care of them and find them great homes!
Click here to donate now. All donations are tax deductible
posted August 31, 2010
Monty Roberts, New York Times Bestselling Author, Pens First Novel for Children
Monty's Celebrated American Mustang Narrates His Own Story
Monty Roberts’ seventh book enlightens and entertains children while helping them better understand the hearts and minds of horses. This first novel from Monty was inspired by requests from little girls the world over to tell the story from the mustang’s perspective. Like Black Beauty, the story is told in the voice and from the perspective of the horse.
Monty’s says: “This book is especially gratifying because it answers the requests of hundreds of children; it allows Shy Boy to tell his own story.”
Monty interprets the life of an American mustang being raised in the Western United States. Drawing upon his real-life adoption of a three-year-old Bureau of Land Management mustang, Monty includes their experience of the British Broadcast Company (BBC) filming while he achieved Join-Up® with the mustang on 12,000 acres of open range. It was then that Monty named the mustang Shy Boy.
An excerpt:
“As the evening sun cooled, we would resume a search for water. My mother knew how to seek out the low-lying areas where underground water might be close to the earth’s surface. She seemed to be keenly aware of every location where water might be found. When we arrived at one of these spots, she would walk to the center of it and then scrape the ground with her front feet. If she continued for more than a minute or so, then other mares would join in and soon the whole family group was digging away in search of water.
I wasn’t much help as my feet were still quite small, but I tried the best I could. If it was a good spot, the earth would become moist after a few scrapes and then I would see tiny pools of water at the bottom of the hole I was digging. My mother and the other mares were much faster than me, and as soon as I could see them drinking, then I would run to my mother’s side and request a drink from her dug out area. My father was very good at this digging; he would often make a very large hole and after getting his fill of water, he would lie down in the pool and roll in the mud. It seemed like fun, so I would copy him. It was great to feel my skin becoming wet and cool after a long hot day. The life of the family group depended upon my mother’s skill at finding both food and water. I came to appreciate her very much and continued to be drawn close to her in times of need. To this day, I enjoy a good roll in a muddy water hole, even when somebody is riding me.”
posted August 28, 2010
Judge Denies BLM Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit to Preserve World Famous Wild Horse Herd -
Court Declares Challenge to BLM Mismanagement to be “Ripe for Review”
On August 25th United States District Judge, James S. Gwin, granted a legal request by The Cloud Foundation, Front Range Equine Rescue and photographer/author Carol Walker, to file a Second Amended Complaint against the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) actions in the mismanagement of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horses. The ruling allows addition of the United States Forest Service (USFS) to the suit. The Custer National Forest is presently moving forward with building a restrictive boundary fence to prevent the wild horses from accessing crucial current and historical summer grazing lands. Judge Gwin ruled that the Plaintiffs’ claim against the fence is not moot as the fence could be removed or further fence building activities stopped should subsequent legal decisions rule in the Plaintiffs’ favor. Judge Gwin ordered the BLM and USFS to answer the Second Amended Complaint within 30 days.
“BLM’s tactic of completing removals of wild horses and burros from the range in whirlwind fashion and avoiding legal challenges to its underlying management of these animals did not work in this case,” explained Valerie J. Stanley. Attorneys Valerie J. Stanley and Bruce A. Wagman represent the Plaintiffs in this action.
In his decision, Judge Gwin wrote that “[the] government is also incorrect that the Plaintiffs’ claim challenging the 1987 Custer National Forest Plan is time-barred” and found the Cloud Foundation’s legal challenge to BLM’s use of a Categorical Exclusion that BLM uses to avoid analyzing the environmental impacts of the processing of wild horses and burros removed from the range to be “ripe for review because it is a purely legal question fit for judicial review.”
The ruling represents a significant step forward in the Cloud Foundation, Front Range Equine Rescue and Carol Walker’s legal attempts to protect the beloved and historically significant Pryor wild horses. Commonly known as “Cloud’s herd”, the horses are descendents of the horses of the Spanish Conquistadors, the Lewis and Clark expedition and Crow War Ponies.
“We will never give up fighting to preserve this unique herd,” explains Cloud Foundation Director and Emmy award-winning producer, Ginger Kathrens, who has been documenting the Pryor Wild Horses for over 16 years. “They have a right to live free on lands we know they have continuously roamed for centuries.
Attempting to fence them out of their home is unconscionable.”
Kathrens journey with the wild stallion she named Cloud began when he was just hours old. It represents the only on-going documentation of a wild animal from birth in our hemisphere.
posted August 26, 2010
USEF Youth Sportsman's Award Nominations
Due October 1, 2010
by USEF Communications
Applications for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, are to be submitted to the applicable USEF Recognized Associations or International Discipline Associations by October 1, 2010.
Maxi Gumprecht, far right, won the 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations. Photo by Geoff Oliver Bugbee/USEF Archives.
Focused on developing leaders in equestrian sport, this award recognizes young equestrians who are members of both USEF and a USEF Recognized Association or International Discipline Association, who exhibit exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to equestrian sport.
To be considered for the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, applicants must:
- Have a current membership in good standing with the USEF;
- Have a current membership in good standing with a USEF Recognized Association or
International Discipline Association; (for affiliate youth contacts, visit:
http://www.usef.org/documents/Youth/AffiliateContactInfo.pdf);
- Be 17 years of age or under, as of December 1, 2009;
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport;
- Serve as a positive role model for peers;
- Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional or national events; and
- Exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.
Applications are available online or through the youth's USEF Recognized Association or International Discipline Association. The required materials are to be submitted directly to the applicant's respective USEF Recognized Association or International Discipline Association and must be received by October 1, 2010. Each USEF Recognized Association and International Discipline Association will select a National Winner, who will be considered for the overall award.
All National Winners will be invited to attend meetings and activities to be held in conjunction with the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY. They will be offered an educational experience regarding equestrian career opportunities and will be honored for their nominations during one of the awards sessions. In addition, the overall winner of the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award will receive a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship payable to the educational program of choice, and a USEF Life Membership valued at $2,500. The winner will also be considered as a nominee for the 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award.
For additional information regarding the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, via e-mail at jmellenkamp@usef.org or call (859) 225-6955.
posted August 26, 2010
More Chances to Win WEG Tickets from Kentucky Equine Research
One month before the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the ticket giveaway offered by Kentucky Equine Research (KER) continues.
KER is giving away tickets through weekly drawings to those who sign up for its electronic newsletters, The Weekly Feed and Equine Review, between now and September 24.
To enter on ker.com, go to the contest page and sign up for the KER newsletters. Current newsletter subscribers can enter the contest by selecting the newsletter they already receive.
A new winner will be announced every week. Each week's winner will have a choice of which event to attend from the remaining available tickets. Previous winners have selected tickets to eventing, driving, and vaulting, but many sessions remain available.
Winners will be notified via e-mail and posted on KER's Facebook profile.
Tickets must be used for the winner and a guest (not to be given away or resold), and must be picked up from the KER booth (400-502) at the International Equestrian Festival in downtown Lexington at least one day prior to the event. Read the full terms and conditions.
The Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010. This is the first time the Games have been held in the United States.
KER is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving both the horse owner and the feed industry. Its goal is to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology and apply this knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses.
posted August 23, 2010
Hannah Selleck and Tosca Dominate in the $35,000 Summer Classic II Grand Prix
Press release provided by Blenheim EquiSports
Thirty-three horse and rider duos stepped up to the challenge of the Leopoldo Palacios designed course in the $35,000 Summer Classic II Grand Prix, presented by Equ Lifestyle Magazine on August 21st in San Juan Capistrano. Out of all who had aspirations of going clean, only the first two on course, Lane Clarke aboard Bay Rose's Nikko and Hannah Selleck riding the fiery mare Tosca of Descanso Farm, were able to do so. After a battle of the sexes in the jump-off, it was twenty-one-year-old Selleck who came out on top with a stellar double clear ride for the win.
Master course designer Palacios presented competitors in Saturday's event with a difficult course. The track was technical and demanded a careful, yet gutsy ride. A total of 17 obstacles, including three combinations and a water jump in a keep-up-the-pace time allowed of 87 seconds. "This was a very tough national grand prix. I tried to challenge the group as much as possible," commented Palacios.
The first two horse and rider teams made fault-free rides appear possible. First to gallop onto the grass, Clarke jumped Bay Rose's Nikko around the course just under the time allowed in 86.72 seconds. Next in the ring, Selleck brilliantly answered Clarke's call and forced the jump-off, laying down a clean and aggressive first round ride in 79.98 aboard her chestnut mount Tosca.
Hannah Selleck and Descanso Farm's Tosca. Photo © CapturedMomentPhoto.com
"The track suited Tosca," said Selleck of her 14-year-old Belgium Warmblood. "The opening and shortening between fences is exactly what she likes." Selleck appreciated the course too. "Leopoldo's designs are great because they make me think about the track, which helps me ride better."
As the rest of the thirty-three competitors took to the course, Palacios' challenge was evident. All remaining exhibitors picked up faults of some kinds - rails fell, time allowed was exceeded, hooves landed in the water, and refusals, run-outs and accidental dismounts also occurred.
"Leopoldo's courses are hard, technical and have a tight time allowed," explained second place rider, Clarke. "He does a great job of getting rails in different places, plus the horses and the riders always learn something."
As the first to take on the shortened track, Clarke knew his ride had to be strong.
"Hannah is a rocket and I knew I had to put the pressure on her," Clarke explained. Clarke and Bay Rose's Nikko navigated the shortened track in a time of 48.98 seconds and picked up eight faults towards the end. "I am really happy with my horse," said Clark of Bay Rose's Nikko. "He is green at the grand prix level and is coming along fantastically."
Having the advantage of following Clarke in the jump-off, Selleck and Tosca galloped onto the International Field with an air of determination. "In the jump-off, the pressure was on. I just had to go out there and stick to my plan," Selleck noted.
Selleck presented the crowd with a masterful ride and triumphantly crossed the timers without fault in 45.15 seconds to surpass Clarke and clinch her first win in the grand prix arena.
Hannah Selleck and Descanso Farm's Tosca pictured with Blenheim EquiSports CEO R.J. Brandes, Marketing Director Melissa Braunstein, President Robert Ridland, Awards Coordinator Bobby Drennan and Patricio Pasquel. Photo © CapturedMomentPhoto.com
Although close but not clean in round one, some of the remaining prizewinners deserve mention. The fastest four-fault ride was Mexico City's Jaime Azcarraga aboard his grey partner Selsius, who had just one unlucky rail at the second element of the 5A-B combination in 82.52, for third place honors. Slightly over half a second behind Azcarraga, Susan Hutchison and El Dorado 29's Cantano picked up the fourth place prize, with four faults at 13A, the tall black and white striped vertical, the first element in a combination that caused trouble for many. Fifth through seventh went to four fault rides from Mexican riders Eduardo Menezes and his horse Utopia, last week's winner Otavio Penedo aboard Carando Equisearch and Eduardo Menezes riding Avargo Mercedes Benz.
Earning the eighth spot, Michelle Parker and Socrates De Midos (Cross Creek Farms Inc., owner) thrilled the crowd when they miraculously cleared fence six from a near standstill. It looked as though the duo was going to go clean until, like so many others before them, they lowered the height of the first element in the one stride at 13A for four faults. In addition to finishing second in the competition, Clarke also finished in the money aboard his second mount, Mickey Hayden's McLord's First John, stopping the clock just over the time allowed for one time fault in addition to eight jumping faults. Winner Selleck rode Descanso Farm's Bauer to an eleventh place finish as the fastest of the twelve fault rides.
Blenheim EquiSports returns to the Del Mar Horse Park to host the Showpark Summer Classic beginning August 25th and continuing through August 29th. The Showpark All Seasons Summer Tournament follows and will commence on September 1st. The $40,000 Grand Prix of Showpark is next and is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th.
RESULTS
$35,000 Summer Classic II Grand Prix, presented by Equ Lifestyle Magazine
1. Tosca – Hannah Selleck (Descanso Farm) 0/0/45.15
2. Bay Rose’s Nikko – Lane Clarke (Bay Rose LLC) 0/8/48.98
3. Selcius – Jaime Azcarraga (Jaime Azcarraga) 4/82.52
4. Cantano – Susan Hutchison (El Dorado 29) 4/83.14
5. Utopia - John Perez (John Perez) 4/83.94
6. Carando Equisearch – Otavio Penedo (Otavio Penedo) 4/85.42
7. Avargo Mercedes Benz – Eduardo Menezes (Eduardo Menezes) 4/85.97
8. Socrates De Midos – Michelle Parker (Cross Creek Farms, Inc.) 4/86.92
9. Percynality Mercedes Benz – Eduardo Menezes (Eduardo Menezes) 8/85.10
10. McLord’s First John – Lane Clarke (Mickey Hayden) 9/87.62
11. Bauer – Hannah Selleck (Descanso Farm) 12/79.69
12. Green Sleeps Vioco – Mark Watring (Horseworks Etc.) 12/83.72
posted August 18, 2010
Brumfield Hay & Grain Now Carries MORINDAcare™ Equine Products
Morinda Agricultural Products announced that they have partnered with the prestigious Brumfield Hay & Grain Company to offer their quality MORINDAcare™ products to all equine specialists. Brumfield has always been dedicated to top of the line products, and so they decided to offer the products for one specific reason – peak performance. The noni difference is what gives MORINDAcare™ Equine Products their competitive edge.
The noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) works at the most basic level, by strengthening the immune systems of humans, animals, and plants. Stronger immune systems then support the ability to fight the effects of environmental and physiological stress. Horses are better prepared for training, performing, transporting, dealing with digestive and respiratory challenges, and more. Noni also supports more balanced behavior, better coats, and helps with faster recovery. Because noni is a gift from Mother Nature, you get all the benefits without the downsides that accompany artificial, chemical-laden, or hormone-enhanced ingredients. MORINDAcare products are natural, completely safe, and incredibly effective.
“I have been using Equine Perform on the horses in my racing stable for the last six months,” stated trainer Greg Fox, DVM. “The key benefit I associate with this product is the immune system enhancement of the noni plant base, which makes it totally unique in the marketplace. The effectiveness, palatability and value of equine Perform have made it the foundation of my supplement program.”
MORINDAcare products can now be found at all Brumfield stores.
posted August 17, 2010
Malcolm Rossoll Emergency Fund
Fellow horseman Malcolm Rossoll is in dire financial straits. At age 91 his home is in foreclosure and he is without electricity for non payment. Although he is still healthy and sharp, he is forced to work. He has been a part of the horse community for 50 years and desperately needs our help.
A small group of his friends have started an emergency fund. The goal of the fund is to get him into a retirement community in Lancaster, CA. Any donation large or small would be appreciated. Please make checks out to: Malcolm Rossoll Fund, c/o Mike Edrick and send to: c/o Mike Edrick, 2848 Triunfo Canyon Rd., Agoura, CA 91301.
Thank you for any help you can give.
posted August 17, 2010
Five Lucky Riders to Win Free Saddles - Custom Saddlery To Kick-off The All American Saddle Fit Challenge
Custom Saddlery, whose list of riders include; Steffen Peters, Sue Blinks, Hilda Gurney, Leslie Reid, and Heather Blitz, among many others, has announced they will give away five Custom Saddlery dressage saddles as part of the All American Saddle Fit Challenge. The program is designed to bring awareness to the fact that all saddles need to fit both the horse and rider properly. The company’s Dressage line includes Wolfgang™ brand saddles as well as the extremely unique Icon™ line of monoflap dressage saddles.
“We are excited to start the All American Saddle Fit Challenge, and want to encourage all riders, no matter what discipline, to make sure their saddle fits their horse properly,” said Cary Wallace, President and Master Saddle Fitter at Custom Saddlery. “As part of our Saddle Fit Challenge, five lucky people will win one of our custom made dressage saddles.”
Custom Saddlery has announced they will give away five Custom Saddlery
Dressage Saddles during the next year. The saddle giveaway is part of
Custom
Saddlery’s Saddle Fit Challenge, a program designed to bring awareness to the fact that
all saddles need to fit properly to horse and rider. (Photo courtesy of Custom Saddlery)
Wallace, head of design and research at Custom Saddlery, has introduced some of the best dressage saddles on the market and has also gained the confidence and endorsement of some of the finest riders in the world. “We believe every saddle should fit both horse and rider. All of our saddles are anatomically designed for this purpose and hand-crafted from the finest leathers. Our saddles are made with the idea that people want more out of their saddles and we do everything in our power to accommodate them. A lot of saddles are ‘flocked’ for the horse, but at Custom Saddlery, we build the trees and focus on the fit and shape of the tree to that of the horse. We don’t have tree sizes on our custom fitted saddles. We fit them to the horse so there is no size. Whatever the horse’s build is dictates the tree size.”
There is no purchase required to enter the All American Saddle Fit Challenge and winner’s names will be drawn at random. Riders wishing to enter the contest can visit the USDF Member’s Lounge and fill out an entry form during the 2010 AllTech FEI World Equestrian Games. “We expect Steffen Peters and possibly one other of our sponsored riders to be competing at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this year, so it seemed like the perfect place to officially kick-off the All America Saddle Fit Challenge,” said Wallace.
Riders can also fill out a questionnaire online or fill out an entry at any show where our fitters or booth are set up,” Cary said. “Another way to enter is to have a Custom Saddlery fitter come out to your barn or stalls for an evaluation. That will automatically enter you into the contest.”
More information about the All American Saddle Fit Challenge will be available at each GAIG/USDF REGIONAL Championship this year and at the USDF Annual Convention in Jacksonville, Florida in December. According to Wallace, the company will award the first Custom Saddle prize at the USDF Convention this December.
For more information on Custom Saddlery and the All American Saddle Fit Challenge, visit their website at www.mysaddle.com.
posted August 13, 2010
Nicole Shahinian-Simpson’s Road to the World Equestrian Games Cut Short
In a disappointing chain of events, we have learned that Nicole Shahinian-Simpson lost her ride on Tristan as she prepared for the World Equestrian Games next month.
Shahinian-Simpson has been campaigning the 10-year-old Belgian gelding owned by Tal Milstein and Ilan Ferder, since May 2009. The pair won the U.S. Equestrian Federation selection trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games earlier this year. She also rode Tristan on the winning U.S. team Meydan Nations Cup Rotterdam, and third at Aachen. After riding in the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Chantilly, France, on July 25th she learned from the shipping agent that Tristan wouldn’t be returning to the United States with her other horse. When she called the owners they assured her the horse was going to the United States. On Aug. 6, Shahinian-Simpson received a call from a fellow rider that Tristan was showing in a two-star show in Belgium with New Zealand rider Samantha McIntosh. Finally, with a need to know if the horse was going to be available for the WEG, Milstein and Ferder confirmed Tristan was no longer going back to the U.S.
Shahinian-Simpson obviously is very disappointed about this decision and had a excellent chance of making the final team for the United States at next month’s WEG in Kentucky.
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