Each MIA Encore show will gather a carefully selected array of 28 international dealers presenting both established contemporary and emerging artists. Works will be composed of contemporary, cutting-edge art of all media including photography, painting, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, installation and video.

In addition to the bevy of contemporary art works onboard, the fair will feature an exciting schedule of events including “ArtAfterHours Cocktail Cruises” Friday and Saturday night from 10pm-12am and a “Art on the Bay” brunch cruise on Sunday from 11am – 1pm. All SeaFair cruise events are by separate ticket which can be purchased on the website. A highlight of the program will be “Appraisal Saturday.” Saturday, April 6th, from 10am-2pm Miller Gaffney from the PBS Series “Market Warriors” will be offering complimentary art appraisals. The event will be followed by a lecture “Contemporary Passions for Art,” presented by Ms. Gaffney from 3pm – 4pm. For further details on “Appraisal Saturday” and a full schedule of events visit www.expoships.com.

April MIA Encore will launch the inaugural Downtown Miami “First Friday” on April 5th from 6-10pm, in collaboration with the arts and culture community of Downtown Miami. This new cultural initiative shines a light on the growing art market in Downtown Miami, bringing together non-profit arts organizations and local galleries for special exhibitions, artists open studios, tours, exclusive openings and artist performances. Admission to MIA Encore will be complimentary for the duration of First Friday hours from 6-10pm. Among the participating organizations are Dimensions Variable, Artisan Lounge, Etra Fine Art/Wine Bar, Nina Torres Gallery, Eleazar Delgado Studio, Giants in the City, McCormick Place, Sculpture in the Park at Bayfront Park, MIA Encore and Art in Public Places.

FAIR HOURS AND INFORMATION:

MIA Encore will be located aboard SeaFair, docked next to the InterContinental Hotel at Bayfront Park, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL. Fair hours are Friday and Saturday, April 5th and 6th, 1 – 10PM, and Sunday, April 7th and 21st, 1 – 7PM. MIA Encore offers convenient valet parking and optional priority boarding. Tickets can be purchased at the door, $15 for a one-day ticket, $20 for a multi-day ticket and $30 for a Priority Boarding ticket. Advance ticketing is available on the fair website. As per United States Coast Guard regulations, all attendees are required to show a photo ID upon entry.

For more information on MIA Encore and First Friday please visit www.expoships.com or call 239.949.5411.

The lecture is free to members of the Foundation and $20 non-members.

Seating is limited so to make reservations please call 561.832.0731.

Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, set a demanding track for Sunday’s jumper derby that featured 20 numbered obstacles, including the derby bank, table bank, open water, devil’s dyke and more. The number of challenging natural obstacles along with the length of the course and the heat of the day tested the stamina of all of the horses and riders competing. With only two clear rounds completed in the faults converted format, speed was key, and the top three riders finished with just three one-hundredths of a second separating them.

Watch an interview with Andrew Bourns, winner of the $50,000 Hermès
Jumper Derby!

Andrew Bourns and Gatsby went third in the order and cleared the course in 138.27 seconds to take the early lead. Two rounds later, Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm, LLC’s Little Emir had the time well in hand in 134.30 seconds, but a rail cost them four faults to eventually finish third in 138.30 seconds. Luis Larrazabal (VEN) and Gustavo Mirabal’s G&C Lepanto were even faster in 131.17 seconds, but had two rails down to finish fourth with a final time of 139.17 seconds. Darragh Kenny took the second place prize with Hays Investment Corporation’s Any Given Sunday. The pair had a total time of 138.29 seconds with time taken after a refusal at the devil’s dyke.

Andrew Bourns and Gatsby. Photo © Sportfot.
Winning horse, Gatsby, is a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion by Simba x Cruise On. Andrew Bourns purchased Gatsby four months ago in Ireland and just recently brought him over to the U.S. This is the pair’s fourth week showing together and they have had consistent results.

“I am very happy for him today,” Bourns stated after the class. “It was a big ask and I think it was a big step up for him and he really answered the call. I was a little worried about the length of the track and the heat. I thought it might take its toll, but he actually held up very well. Coming to the last fence he was pulling me just as hard as he was to the first fence. I was very happy with that.”

“He has never shown on this field before,” Bourns added. “Our relationship is very new, the combination is very new, so we are still trying to figure each other out. There were a few moments on the course where it got a little bit hairy, but he stayed careful and he just kept trying right away to the end.”

Bourns did not think that his time would hold up with the horses and riders that followed in the class, but he knew that he had a great round.

“I thought it was a fantastic round and I was extremely happy with the horse,” he stated. “I was very confident in a top two or three finish. I did not realize it would be as close as it was. When Darragh was coming down the last line I really thought he had me and then he stopped. As the class went on, I realized the track was quite tough and it wasn’t riding as easy as we thought, so I got more and more confident. When you are talking hundredths of seconds, it is very hard to be confident that you are going to win a class right until the very end.”

“I am glad I was as fast everywhere because there was nothing in it,” Bourns reflected. “It was right down to the wire. For even the top four spaces, it was so close. Over a track that length, you have to be a little bit relentless. You have to keep being fast everywhere because it is so long and it is such a large amount of time to stay riding. It was a big ask, but I think a lot of the horse and everything I have done so far he has been very consistent and extremely brave.”

Second place finisher Darragh Kenny was also very happy with his mount, Any Given Sunday. Despite a stop on course the pair still had one of the fastest times.

“My horse was brilliant,” Kenny praised. “He did everything I wanted, even probably faster than I expected. I didn’t even school any of these jumps or test the waters at all, so he was really brave. I was a little bit too fast to the dyke and I probably should have showed it to him first. It shocked him a little bit the first time and I just spun right around. He was fantastic. He is a super horse and he is so easy and brave. It was really simple for him. He stayed really careful at a really fast speed and tried so hard. It makes my life easier.”

Third place finisher Shane Sweetnam has had a lot of success with his experienced mount Little Emir, including the same placing in this class last year. Sweetnam noted that he had a fast time last year as well and ironically had the same jump down, but he was very happy with his horse.

“He was a good boy and he really tried hard,” Sweetnam stated. “My speed was good enough. I thought that I might still have them with one down, but I think I might have gone a bit wider up on the bank than I did last year. I was still very happy with him. He gives you everything when he goes in there, so he doesn’t owe me much. I thought it was a good class and a good crowd.”

Bourns agreed that the class was a real crowd pleaser. “Any time a class goes down to the wire with such a tight margin, it makes it fun for everybody. It was thrilling,” he noted.

“I have to thank the sponsors as well,” Bourns added. “Thank you to Hermès. I think they did a very nice job and I hope they all had a nice time. We put on a good show for them.”

Andrew Bourns and Gatsby in their winning presentation with (left to right) Katherine Bellissimo, Courtney Caverzasi, Senior Manager of Equestrian for Hermès, ringmaster Cliff Haines, Mr. Robert B. Chavez, President and CEO of Hermès USA, Fabrice Crespel, European Equestrian Sales Manager of Hermès, France, and Mark Bellissimo. Photo © Sportfot.
Final Results: $50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby
1. GATSBY ANDREW BOURNS (IRL) ANDREW BOURNS: 138.27
2. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY DARRAGH KENNY (IRL) HAYS INVESTMENT CORP: 138.29
3. LITTLE EMIR SHANE SWEETNAM (IRL) SPY COAST FARM, LLC: 138.30
4. G&C LEPANTO LUIS LARRAZABAL (VEN) GUSTAVO MIRABAL: 139.17
5. WHISTLER BEN MAHER (GBR) JANE CLARK: 139.24
6. FLAMING STAR CHARLES JACOBS (USA) CMJ SPORTHORSE, LLC: 140.85
7. THE MAN TO SEE JAMES NORTH (USA) FAIR PLAY FARM: 144.94
8. UATA BRIANNE GOUTAL (USA) CLOVERLEAF FARM: 152.53
9. FLEXING DARRAGH KERINS (IRL) DUTCH K RANCH: 153.35
10. NIELSON B JEANNE HOBBS (USA) JEANNE HOBBS: 156.09
11. EVENING STAR HEATHER CARISTO WILLIAMS (USA) MR. & MRS. RALPH CARISTO: 164.27
12. SHALIMAR DAVID BLAKE (IRL) PINE HOLLOW FARM: 165.81

Praise and Sheila Motley Win Big Again as World Championship Hunter Week Concludes at the FTI WEF

World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week came to a close Sunday afternoon with the $5,000 Peggy Cone Memorial World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Adult Hunter Classic. Praise and Sheila Motley bested a field of 56 over two rounds of competition during the fiercest week of competition for hunter divisions during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF).

Praise, an eleven-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Garber, and Motley were the pair to beat after a high score of 85 early on in round one and secured their victory with an 87 as the final trip in round two. With an overall score of 172, the pair edged out second place finishers Arriana Boardman and Gatsby by only a quarter of a point.

Praise and Sheila Motley. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Motley returned to the show ring during the 2013 FTI WEF after taking time off to have her son, Collins. Motley is happy to be back in competition, especially aboard a horse as spectacular as Praise. The pair has is currently first in the FTI WEF circuit standings for the La Mundial Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Section B division after taking home an extraordinary four championship titles.

“I have a great horse in Praise. He’s done the derbies with Kelley [Farmer] and Holly [Orlando] for a couple of years, so there’s nothing like having one of those horses under you going into the Adults. I couldn’t be more thankful to Ken and Selma Garber for letting me show him down here all circuit,” Motley stated.

Although Motley and Praise have been unstoppable in the ring every week at the FTI WEF, Sunday’s victory was especially significant. “WCHR week is the most prestigious week for hunters. Missing champion [Saturday] was a little bit of a let-down, so I couldn’t be happier,” Motley commented.

Praise and Motley led the class after round one, but were last in the arena for round two as they chased Boardman and Gatsby’s first place standing. “Arriana is a great rider and [Gatsby] is a wonderful horse, so I knew that she was going to be good. I was maybe little more nervous than I would have been ordinarily. When you have other great riders like that with you, it makes you rise to the occasion,” Motley acknowledged.

Praise and Sheila Motley in their winning presentation with Chuck Mayer of Blue Ribbon Blankets, ringmaster Cliff Haines, Carol Cone, and Selma and Ken Garber.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Not only is Motley managing to juggle motherhood with the demands of showing, she also runs her own event management company in Wellington. She credits the team at Lane Change Farm with enabling her to remain competitive at a high level.

“It’s all about the people you ride with. You have to be able to show up and trust that the horse has been prepared and if you have the right team with you, there’s no need to worry. I hire the right people for my business, and Kelley and Larry [Glefke] do the same,” Motley described.

While Motley’s professional life will continue in high gear, Praise will be enjoying a well-deserved slow down from showing while he continues being marketed to be bred. “Maybe he found some dates today. He’s on the market, he’s dating!” Motley joked.

The $5,000 WCHR Amateur Owner 3’3″ Classic was the final class held in the International Ring on Sunday afternoon. Tina Allen and French Kiss won the class with an overall score of 168.5. French Kiss, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding, was in third place after round one of competition with a score of 82 and came back late in the second round with an 86.5 with Allen in the irons.

Tina Allen and French Kiss.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
“French Kiss felt great, it was his second time in the International Arena this week. He felt comfortable on Friday and again today,” Allen described. “The courses rode nicely, they felt a little ‘handy-ish.’ The turns keep his interest. The ring is beautiful and the fences are all inviting.”

French Kiss and Allen have been showing at the FTI WEF for most of the 2013 circuit, picking up reserve championship honors in the FarmVet Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ 36 and Over division just last week. “He’s been really consistent and I’m really happy with him,” Allen commented.

Like the rest of her fellow competitors, Allen takes extra pleasure in winning during the hunters’ biggest week at the FTI WEF. “It’s special for sure to win this week. I’m really happy to have won today. Everyone loves competing during Hunter Week and it draws a big crowd,” Allen concluded.

Florida Children’s and Pony Classics were the final rounds of WCHR competition during week seven. Francesca Dildabanian and Larkspur earned the top prize for the $2,500 Children’s Hunter 14 and Under Classic with a combined score of 176. Larkspur is a twelve-year-old Oldenberg gelding owned by Ashley Whitner. Gabriella Hurtadorode Dragonfly, an eight-year-old Oldenberg gelding, to a blue ribbon finish in the $2,500 Children’s Hunter 15-17 Classic with an overall score of 165.

The winner of the Large Children’s Pony Hunter was Chatsworth and Emma Kurtz. Chatsworth, a nine-year-old Dutch Riding Pony gelding owned by Victoria Press, jumped to a final score of 168 with Kurtz in the irons. Sophia Marino and her own Posh, a thirteen-year-old Welsh Pony/Connemara cross mare, emerged victorious in the $2,500 Small/Medium Children’s Pony Classic with a combined score of 163.

The $2,500 Large Pony Hunter Classic was topped by Daisy Farish and her own Beau Rivage, a seventeen-year-old Holsteiner/Welsh Pony cross gelding. The pair won the class with a total score of 174. Emma Kurtz collected another first place prize aboard Grand All Over in the $2,500 Medium Pony Hunter Classic. Kurtz rode Grand All Over, a fifteen-year-old Welsh Pony gelding owned by David Gochman, to a winning overall score of 176. Farish also championed the $2,500 Small Pony Hunter Classic aboard Further Lane Farm’s Rolling Stone with a final score of 170. Rolling Stone is a fifteen-year-old Welsh Pony gelding.

Week eight of competition for the FTI WEF, sponsored by G&C Farm, runs February 27-March 3, 2013 at the PBIEC in Wellington, FL. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Final Results: $5,000 Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Classic

1 PRAISE SHEILA MOTLEY 85.00 85.00 85.00
88.00 86.00 87.00 172.00

2 GATSBY ARRIANA BOARDMAN 83.50 86.00 84.75
87.00 87.00 87.00 171.75

3 AS ALWAYS ELIZABETH KNIGHT MORGAN 83.00 80.00 81.50
86.00 83.50 84.75 166.25

4 NEVADA CAROLINE CLARK STONE 80.00 79.50 79.75
85.00 84.00 84.50 164.25

5 REVELSTOKE LOUISE OTTEN 84.00 83.00 83.50
82.00 78.00 80.00 163.50

6 BULL RUN’S KALEO JEANINE CASH 81.00 79.00 80.00
80.00 83.00 81.50 161.50

7 WHITECAP MARY KATHERINE SHAUG 77.00 82.00 79.50
81.00 82.00 81.50 161.00

8 CALERO SUSANNAH ROSE 78.00 78.00 78.00
83.00 81.00 82.00 160.00

9 QUE SERA REILLY COOKINGHAM 76.75 77.05 76.90
79.00 74.00 76.50 153.40

10 APOLLO H VICTORIA GRAUER 77.50 74.50 76.00
66.00 62.00 64.00 140.00

11 ALAVANTA JEAN SHEPTOFF 73.00 67.00 70.00
71.00 65.00 68.00 138.00

12 GRAYSON TINA ALLEN 70.50 72.15 71.32
55.00 55.00 55.00 126.32

Photo Credit: Photos © Sportfot, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, us.sportfot.com, and Anne Gittins Photography, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, www.annegittins.com. These photos may be used only in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Hunter horses and riders have been showcased throughout week seven of the FTI WEF during WCHR competition, featured in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Saturday night’s Hunter Spectacular competition saw the best of the FTI WEF’s Professional, Amateur and Junior riders, who qualified for the class during competition for their respective divisions throughout the week.

Four panels of two judges each were on hand for the class, each stationed at different points around the arena. The judges for the class included: Panel 1 – Danny Robertshaw and Mary Lisa Leffler, Panel 2 – Scott Williamson and Bill Moroney, Panel 3 – Rachel Kennedy and Scott Hofstetter, Panel 4 – Julie Winkel and Patrick Rodes.

The competitors with the top twelve scores from round one advanced to the second round of the class; among them was the 2012 Hunter Spectacular winner, Victoria Colvin (who won last year with Way Cool). Colvin returned this year on another of Dr. Betsee Parker’s mounts, Ovation, and set the bar high for the night’s competition with a score of 91.5 early on. The duo finished with a second round score of 90.37 for a top score of 181.87.

Victoria Colvin and Ovation.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Colvin was elated to win the Hunter Spectacular two years in a row, especially in such good company as Boyd and Serio.

“Winning two years in a row is amazing. It feels really great. There’s amazing riders in this class, including lots of professionals. It’s great to compete against them,” Colvin stated.

“This year, I was on a different horse. I think this was Ovation’s first or second time under the lights, so I didn’t know how he was going to be, but I felt strong going into the second round and was confident that he was going to be good,” Colvin continued.

Victoria Colvin and Ovation with ringmaster Cliff Haines, Michael Morrissey, Whitney Allen, Janet Graham, Dr. Betsee Parker, Scott Stewart, Jose Aranda, Susan Isaacs, Lynn Jayne, and Chuck Mayer.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Colvin did not put any extra pressure on herself or Ovation to repeat last year’s win. “I don’t really get nervous,” the fifteen-year-old phenom simply explained.
“Ovation is pretty straight-forward and very smooth across the ground,” Colvin described of her winning mount, a thirteen-year-old Warmblood gelding.

Brunello, a fifteen-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Janet Peterson and Boyd, was the only horse to compete at the four-foot height and was first on course for round two. The pair made their presence known in no uncertain terms, galloping to an impressive 91.5 right off the bat. While no one caught their score, combined with their first round score of 86.5, their total score of 178 put them in second place.

“It was a little hard to go back to back,” Boyd admitted. “He actually went better the second round. He’s older now and he likes the pressure. I just went in I said, ‘We’re going for it, buddy.’ We were sitting in eighth and both of us just weren’t quite as pumped up the first round, and you have to get that way with him. You kind of have to give him blood and get him excited.”

Liza Boyd and Brunello. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Boyd was incredibly impressed by course designer Steve Stephens’ ingenious approach to the night’s courses. “You had to be a rider. It wasn’t just your typical outside, diagonal hunter course and I like to see that these days. I think that the hunters are going that direction and it makes them jump crisper and higher and it’s fun. It makes us better riders in the long run. I think Steve has helped that in a very good way,” Boyd stated.

Boyd likened tonight’s competition to the World Cup Finals of the hunter world, emphasizing the importance of showcasing hunter competition. “It’s a really big deal for us to have this show. It’s nice for us to get highlighted,” Boyd explained.

“All three of us wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our owners. We have great owners that believe in our program and we wouldn’t be here without them. They’re horses of a lifetime and we’re just really lucky to have them in our lives,” Boyd emphasized.

The only pair to beat Colvin and Ovation in round one were veteran competitors Louise Serio and Castle Rock, a fourteen-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Bryan Baldwin. Castle Rock and Serio also received a score of 91.5, but had a higher score from the tie-breaker judge’s panel. Serio and Castle Rock couldn’t catch Colvin and Ovation during round two, scoring an 86.18 for a total score of 177.6.

“Castle Rock was more relaxed the second round. I was a lot more nervous,” Serio admitted. “It’s hard [going last] when you’re in that hot seat. He’s just a wonderful horse and he just gives you confidence and always tries so hard.”

Louise Serio and Castle Rock.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Serio had equally high praise as Boyd did for Stephens’ course design. “I think what’s really fantastic is that he’s done the Olympics and put as much time and thought into this for us as he did for that, or at least it feels like it,” Serio stated.

“I think that course made the class. I think our horses rose to the occasion. They weren’t taxed too much, but they were taxed enough to jump really well. The lines rode beautifully and he’s just an amazing course designer,” Serio continued.

Serio was equally complimentary of the WCHR showcase throughout week seven of the FTI WEF. “I think it’s really amazing how important it is as a rider to get into this class. I’ve been doing this a long time and I stress every year about getting into this class,” Serio emphasized. “You see everybody gearing up and working for it and trying to get in it. It’s really fun to see that and I think it’s really great to see the class go so well.”

The WCHR Calcutta, hosted in the International Club immediately prior to the class’ start, raised $28,500. Proceeds will benefit the USHJA Foundation.

The Peter Wetherill Cup was awarded to Lynn Rice, owner of Gramercy Park. The Peter Wetherill Cup was established in October of 2011 to honor the life and legacy of well-known equestrian, Peter Wetherill, and to recognize the WCHR “Hunter of the Year.” Rice was joined for the presentation by Gramercy Park’s professional rider and trainer, Tom Brennan and Tony Workman.

Several other special awards recognized the night’s top competitors following round one of competition. The Charlie Weaver Memorial award, which recognizes the conformation horse with the highest average score during round one, was awarded to Taken, ridden by Kelley Farmer and owned by Jessica Sttit.

Empire, ridden by Peter Pletcher and owned by David Gochman, was recognized as the Best Conditioned Horse of round one with the Mark Gregory Memorial Award. Empire is groomed by Gustavo Hernandez.

Final Results: $50,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

1 OVATION VICTORIA COLVIN
92.00 90.00 92.00 92.00 91.50
92.00 94.00 86.50 89.00 90.37 181.87

2 BRUNELLO ELIZABETH BOYD
87.00 84.50 86.50 88.00 86.50
93.00 93.00 90.00 90.00 91.50 178.00

3 CASTLE ROCK LOUISE SERIO
95.00 92.00 89.00 90.00 91.50
84.00 86.50 87.50 86.75 86.18 177.68

4 MADISON LILLIE KEENAN
90.00 88.00 85.00 87.00 87.50
85.00 92.00 88.00 86.50 87.87 175.37

5 QUATRAIN ELIZABETH BOYD
88.00 86.00 86.00 86.50 86.62
87.00 90.00 87.00 87.00 87.75 174.37

6 GIA PETER PLETCHER
86.50 85.00 87.00 84.00 85.62
88.00 88.00 86.00 84.00 86.50 172.12

7 QUOTABLE HOLLY ORLANDO
83.00 83.00 82.00 85.00 83.25
86.00 87.00 85.00 86.00 86.00 169.25

8 LAPIS HOLLY ORLANDO
82.50 83.50 82.50 81.00 82.37
82.00 86.00 82.00 85.00 83.75 166.12

9 PARKLAND LILLIE KEENAN
85.00 84.00 79.00 86.00 83.50
75.00 79.00 81.00 82.00 79.25 162.75

10 EMPIRE PETER PLETCHER
88.50 89.00 93.00 89.00 89.87
55.00 65.00 60.00 65.00 61.25 151.12

11 MYTHICAL KELLEY FARMER
93.00 91.00 88.00 82.00 88.50
45.00 47.00 45.00 45.00 45.50 134.00

12 TAKEN KELLEY FARMER
89.00 87.00 87.50 86.75 87.56
40.0 40.00 36.00 38.00 38.50 126.06

Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunter Division Champions

Amateur-Owner and Junior riders had qualified for the evening’s class only a few hours prior, with divisions awarding championship honors earlier on Saturday. The Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division saw championship honors go to Lexi Maounis and her eleven-year-old Hanoverian mare Sienna. Sienna and Maounis were first and sixth over fences during day one and secured the championship title with a first place finish in Saturday’s stake round. Reserve champion was Humor Me and Stephanie Danhakl, who were fifth and first over fences.

Maounis was thrilled to secure a spot in Saturday night’s prestigious Hunter Spectacular class. “It’s so special to win during Hunter Week. She’s been champion the past few weeks here [at WEF] and I’m just so happy we could do it again.”

Lexi Maounis and Sienna.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.

Maounis’s always dependable mare was unfazed by the wide open spaces of the International Arena. “She was perfect in the International Ring. The handy was just really fun, especially getting to do the tight turns with her,” Maounis commented.

Rock Steady and Katie Robinson triumphed in the Hunt Limited Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunter division. Robinson and her thirteen-year-old Warmblood gelding were first and second over fences during day one of competition and finished second over fences and third under saddle on day two. Reserve champion was Gia, ridden by Katie Gibson.

The pair was first and third over fences and seventh under saddle.
Robinson described Rock Steady as her perfect match, and credited their success to his love of the show ring. “He’s got just the right amount of sass. He gets to the jumps and has fun with it. He just enjoys showing,” stated Robinson.

Katie Robinson and Rock Steady.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
This week is the highlight for many hunter competitors at the FTI WEF, and Robinson welcomes the extra attention it brings to hunter riders and horses. “Hunter Week really is a special week. It’s so nice to be showcased and to get out in the big ring. It’s nice to feel special and it’s so much fun,” Robinson described.

Junior rider divisions also competed throughout the day on Saturday for a spot in the night class, beginning with the Antares Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Tori Colvin and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Inclusive were champions of the division after placing fifth under saddle and sweeping the over fences classes. Reserve champion was Kyle Owens’ Cinema, ridden by Kirklen Peterson. The pair was fourth and second over fences.

Colvin also emerged victorious with Ovation in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Ovation won the under saddle class and placed second, first and third over fences. Reserve champion of the division was Whatever, owned and ridden by Vivian Yowan. Yowan and Whatever were fifth under saddle and third, second and first over fences.

Victoria Colvin and Ovation.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Colvin is already a veteran competitor in the Hunter Spectacular despite only being fifteen, and was especially pleased to have two of her mounts qualify. “Every win is significant to me, but it’s really special to win during Hunter Week. WCHR is the biggest show of WEF, and it’s an honor to win at WEF in general,” Colvin stated.
Colvin described her mounts – Inclusive, a ten-year-old Warmblood gelding, and Ovation, a thirteen-year-old Warmblood gelding – as an exceptionally talented pair.

“[Ovation] is an amazing mover, and he just sweeps across the ground. He may not jump as well as Inclusive, but he creates such a pretty picture that the judges always love him,” Colvin described.

“Inclusive just has an unreal jump,” Colvin continued. “He was great today and is an amazing horse. He’s very easy to ride, you can just let go and let him do his job. He gets up to the jump and just snaps his legs up perfectly.”

Victoria Colvin and Inclusive.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
The older Junior divisions wrapped up the qualifying rounds for the Hunter Spectacular. Garfield and Alexandra Crown triumphed in the Antarés Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division after the pair jumped to first, second, and second place finishes over fences and fourth place under saddle. Reserve champion was Chansonette Farm, LLC’s Madison, ridden by Lillie Keenan. Keenan and Madison were second, second and third over fences and third under saddle.

Alex Crown and Garfield. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Crown and Garfield have accumulated an array of championship titles at the FTI WEF, but edging out the competition at Hunter Week was especially meaningful for Crown.
“A lot of people wait to come [to the FTI WEF] this week just to show during Hunter Week. The judging is a little harder, the courses are harder, but Garfield was on it today. He’s always perfect though,” Crown grinned.

Keenan and Jennifer Gates’ Parkland, another duo intimately familiar with the FTI WEF championship circle, unsurprisingly won the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division. Parkland, a nine-year-old KWPN gelding, and Keenan clinched this week’s title with three blue ribbon finishes and one third place round over fences in addition to another first place prize under saddle. Reserve champion of the Small Junior 16-17 division was Good Humor, owned and ridden by Madeleine Thatcher.

Lillie Keenan and Parkland.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
“This horse makes me feel pretty confident all the time,” Keenan admitted. “He was a lot of fun in the International Ring today. He has a huge stride, so to be able to go in a big ring like this and gallop around is a lot of fun for both of us.”

Cian O’Connor and Walk Tall II Win $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

Week seven of the 2013 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued on Saturday afternoon with the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic featured on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC. Richard Jeffery, of Bournemouth, England, is the course designer on the derby field for the week. On Saturday afternoon, Jeffery set the track for 31 entries in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Only three entries cleared the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and two cleared the short course. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor and Darragh Kenny finished first and second.

Young American rider Blythe Marano was the first rider to jump-off aboard Riverview Farm, LLC’s Urban and finished with eight faults in 48.83 seconds to place third. Darragh Kenny and Cavallo Farms, LLC’s Twister jumped next and cleared the jump-off course in 45.22 seconds to finish second. Last to go, Cian O’Connor and Ronnoco Jump Ltd.’s Walk Tall II took the win with their time of 43.53 seconds.

Cian O’Connor and Walk Tall II. Photo © Sportfot.
Both of the top horse and rider combinations in Saturday’s class came in strong with wins earlier in the week. Kenny and Twister won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class on Wednesday and O’Connor and Walk Tall II topped Friday’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge. Saturday’s course on the grass tested many of the competitors on the roster, but they both mastered the track.

A new horse for Olympian Cian O’Connor, Walk Tall II is an eleven-year-old Anglo European gelding by Kannan x Farhaan. Walk Tall previously showed with Irish rider Keith Doyle and won last year’s Queen’s Cup in Hickstead. O’Connor got the horse just before Christmas but did a lot of traveling before coming to Florida, so this was their first show together.

“He is a really talented horse,” O’Connor stated after the class. “He has had good results before. He won a big class in Hickstead last year, so he likes the big open space and I think the field suited him well today.”

“He has been ridden by the same rider since he was four, so I am a different rider and it takes time to adjust,” O’Connor noted. “I just feel that we are getting to know each other a little bit better today after just a few classes. In our second week jumping he won a 1.40m yesterday and a 1.50m today, so I can’t really ask for much better than that. If I can train him to listen to me and understand me and really get all of the gears, I think I can jump any course. He is so careful and so brave.”

The rider described Walk Tall further, explaining the details that they are working out as they get to know each other. “He has a very big stride,” O’Connor said. “Ideally, you’d want a horse to have a big stride and a short stride, but he has not learned the short bit yet, so that can present problems sometimes if you are not extremely on the ball yourself when riding. You have to adjust quite quickly when landing if the distance is quiet, but he is very willing and honest and he is super careful. He is by Kannan, which is French, out of an Irish mother. He has a lot of blood. When you warm up outside he is not that impressive, and then when you go into the ring he is really careful, so it is a good attribute. He saves energy for the class.”

Last to go in the jump-off, O’Connor was warming up when the other two riders jumped, but he asked U.S. rider Kent Farrington to watch their rounds and report.

“It was a great advantage going last,” O’Connor acknowledged. “I had asked Kent to keep an eye on proceedings for me. Sometimes it is quite hard to concentrate when you are warming up. I watched Darragh Kenny go out of the corner of my eye. I thought he was neat because he did an inside turn inside the water to the double of verticals. I said to Kent, ‘I won’t beat him because I don’t want to take that turn yet’, and Kent said that I could be quicker if I kept the rhythm up and went around, so it was great to have Kent there for that bit of advice.”

O’Connor is done showing now for week seven and will be gearing up for week eight’s CSIO competition and $75,000 FEI Furusiyya Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm. He hopes to help the Irish team to victory.

“We are happy with our week and we have a big week next week for the Nations Cup,” O’Connor stated. “I hope to be jumping Splendor on the team and hopefully we have a good result there. The Nations Cup is important here. We have so many Irish riders based here in Wellington and they have great sponsors and supporters, so it would be really nice to give them all something to cheer about.”

The Irish team will be named next week.

Cian O’Connor and Walk Tall II in their winning presentation with ringmaster Cliff Haines and Equestrian Sport Productions’ Whitney Stahl. Photo © Sportfot.

Week seven of the FTI WEF will conclude on Sunday with the highlight $50,000Hermès Jumper Derby featured on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC at 3 p.m. WCHR competition will conclude in the International Arena featuring the Peggy Cone Adult Amateur Hunter Classic. The Children’s and Pony Hunter divisions will also complete their competition for the week. full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Final Results: $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic
1. WALK TALL II CIAN O’CONNOR RONNOCO JUMP LTD: 0/0/43.534
2. TWISTER DARRAGH KENNY CAVALLO FARMS, LLC: 0/0/45.229
3. URBAN BLYTHE MARANO RIVERVIEW FARM, LLC: 0/8/48.836
4. OSIRIS GEMMA PATERNOSTER GEMMA PATERNOSTER & JULIA HARRISON LEE: 1/80.734
5. TACKERAY LAUREN HOUGH NORDIC LIGHTS FARM, LLC: 3/82.897
6. LARGO RAMIRO QUINTANA MAVERICK VENTURES, LLC: 4/76.347
7. ULTIMO HECTOR FLORENTINO STRANSKY’S MISSION FARMS, LLC: 4/77.627
8. OLYMPIC DE CHAMANT JOHNATHON CORRIGAN SAGAMORE FARMS: 4/77.707
9. COLORADO JONATHAN MCCREA CANDY TRIBBLE: 5/80.197
10. CHIRON S PAIGE JOHNSON SALAMANDERFARM: 6/81.110
11. ZINNIA ANDREW WELLES ANDREW WELLES: 8/78.881
12. BOTTOM LINE KAREN POLLE KAREN POLLE: 8/78.946
Photo Credit: Photos © Anne Gittins Photography, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, www.annegittins.com, and Sportfot, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, us.sportfot.com. These photos may be used only in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Those arriving at the PBIEC who need health certificates can either call Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) at 561-793-1599 to receive a current health certificate or can get one from the PBEC veterinarian on the grounds.

ESP is asking all equestrians, especially those stabling off PBIEC property, to enact biosecurity protocols and be proactive and responsible for their horses, including daily temperature charts. Please do not bring any horses that come from Ocala onto PBIEC property.

ESP management has contacted all major shippers to inform them of the situation and for them to increase their biosecurity as well. There is currently no restriction on horses leaving the property.

An integral part of a showing environment includes healthy horses. Exhibitors, especially those traveling long distances, can contribute to that healthy environment by following some basic recommendations listed below. Please monitor our web site at www.equestriansport.com for any additional and possibly mandatory requirements.

1) A current negative coggins test. Please renew before it expires, and not just before it is necessary to leave the state. It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days. Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you use.

2) A health certificate within 48 hours is required for all horses shipping onto the property. All horses should be able to produce proof of vaccine, preferably labeled on these health certificates. Those who need health certificates when they arrive can contact Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599 or contact PBEC vets on the show grounds.

3) You should be able to document your horses normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately.

4) Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable, is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbors’ horses’ health.

5) Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP, LLC Management. It is always better to err on the side safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.

6) Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and express its importance to your groom in everyday care.

For more information on Equestrian Sport Productions biosecurity protocols, please call 561-793-5867.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Week seven of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival runs February 20-24, 2013. The week will feature World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition in the International Arena at PBIEC all week.

The highlight USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular will be featured as the “Saturday Night Lights” main event. Also on Saturday is the Special Olympics Palm Beach County Equestrian Games.

Additional show jumping competition, including the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic (Saturday, 1 p.m.) and the $50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby (Sunday, 3 p.m.) will also be held on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC.

Richard Jeffery, of Bournemouth, England, is the course designer on the derby field for the week. On Thursday afternoon, Jeffery set the track for 44 entries in the seventh edition of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series. Five jumped the first round course without fault to advance to the jump-off, and Kirsten Coe and Baronez were the only pair to also clear the short course. Their faultless jump-off round in 43.303 seconds was the winning round.

Kirsten Coe and Baronez. Photo © Sportfot.
Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday finished second with their four-fault round in 40.469 seconds. Meagan Nusz and Dynamo had four faults in 41.658 seconds to place third. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Spy Coast Farm, LLC’s Diktator van de Boslandhoeve had one rail down in 43.648 seconds to finish fourth. Mario Gamboa (COL) placed fifth aboard Stansky’s Mission Farms, Inc.’s Unico with four faults in 44.963 seconds.

In addition to winning $9,000 in prize money for her win in Thursday’s class, Kirsten Coe was also awarded an impressive $18,000 in extra bonus money for the SSG “Go Clean for the Green” promotion. A $3,000 bonus is offered each week if the winning rider of the Challenge Cup class is wearing the SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible. The bonus went unclaimed for five weeks straight until Thursday, when Coe was presented with six-$3,000 checks following her win. The rider, originally from California but now a Florida resident, had not originally planned to show this week but definitely made the ride worth it.

She was very pleased with the performance of Baronez, a twelve-year-old chestnut Belgian Warmblood mare by Heartbreaker, who she has had for two years.

“She was great today,” Coe smiled. “It wasn’t my original plan to show this week, but last week she was great in the WEF and then she jumped her first night class and I thought she was a little nervous and tense. She didn’t really jump that great, so I decided to change my plan and jump again today and it worked out well.”

“I knew she is really good on the grass; that’s why it kind of benefitted me,” Coe continued. “She jumps really well at Spruce Meadows and any of the venues with grass, so I knew it would be fine for her to walk right out here and show. She is really happy on the grass and I think it is a nice change of venue. The field is wonderful and it is nice that they use it; they should use it more.”

Describing Baronez, Coe stated, “She is very sensitive for such a big mare. She is your typical chestnut mare. She is quite opinionated, she tries to kick you, but she is a real fighter and she is really talented.”

Nusz, Gamboa and Kenny went before Coe in the jump-off and all had rails down, so the strategy was obviously to jump clear, but she knew that Sweetnam was last to go and time was still a factor.

“I knew Meagan’s horse is fast,” Coe detailed. “It has a very big stride and I have seen it show a lot at Spruce, so when I went in and I saw Darragh have one rail before me, I thought, ‘Just be prompt and clean.’ At least if I went clean or Shane went clean, I was first or second.”

On the question of where this win ranks in her career, she smiled, “It’s a good one. It was a nice win and the bonus was nice. I think the promotion is amazing and I think I was lucky that no one has won it in the last six weeks.”

Kirsten Coe and Baronez in their winning presentation with ringmaster Cliff Haines, Lynda James of SSG Gloves and Jennifer Ward representing SSG Gloves awarding six-$3,000 bonus checks. Photo © Sportfot.
Also showing on Thursday, Paul Halpern and Hermine 44, owned by Kamine and Fisher Families, LLC, won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper Classic in the DeNemethy Arena at PBIEC.

Final Results $30,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7
1. BARONEZ KIRSTEN COE ILAN FERDER: 0/0/43.303
2. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY DARRAGH KENNY HAYS INVESTMENT CORP: 0/4/40.469
3. DYNAMO MEAGAN NUSZ AMALAYA INVESTMENTS: 0/4/41.658
4. DIKTATOR VAN DE BOSLANDHOEVE SHANE SWEETNAM SPY COAST FARM, LLC: 0/4/43.648
5. UNICO MARIO GAMBOA STRANSKY’S MISSION FARMS, INC: 0/4/44.963
6. FLAMING STAR CHARLES JACOBS CMJ SPORTHORSE, LLC: 4/81.087
7. OLYMPIC DE CHAMANT JOHNATHON CORRIGAN SAGAMORE FARMS: 4/82.158
8. G & C SONNY RODRIGO PESSOA GUSTAVO MIRABAL: 4/82.250
9. TACKERAY LAUREN HOUGH NORDIC LIGHTS FARM, LLC: 4/84.519
10. SPLENDOR CIAN O’CONNOR ADMED TOLBA: 4/85.062
11. VANCOUVER D.M.L. CONOR SWAIL CLOVERLEAF FARM: 4/85.678
12. DERLY CHIN DE MUZE SHARN WORDLEY ASHLAND STABLES: 4/85.764

Fierce Competition Kicks Off World Championship Hunter Rider Week at the FTI WEF

The hunters have officially taken over the International Arena during week seven of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Week seven showcases hunter competition at its finest as riders and horses go head-to-head as they battle to qualify for Saturday night’s USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.

Holly Orlando and Kelley Farmer took home an astounding majority of championship titles awarded for the first half of the week. Three of the four titles among them were mounts from Larry Glefke’s Lane Change Farm. Not surprisingly, the unstoppable pairing of Quotable and Holly Orlando took home tricolor honors in both Regular Conformation and Green Conformation Hunter divisions, which are sponsored by the Sanctuary.

Quotable and Holly Orlando.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Orlando and Quotable, a seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Glefke and Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Garber, were first and second over fences and first under saddle to earn Sanctuary Regular Conformation Hunter division championship honors. Reserve champion went to another Lane Change Farm pairing, Kelley Farmer and Jessica Stitt’s Taken. Farmer and Taken were second, first and first over fences and fifth under saddle.

Quotable and Orlando won every over fences round in the Sanctuary Green Conformation Hunter division before placing second under saddle. Green Conformation reserve champion was Bacardi and Havens Schatt, who placed fourth under saddle in addition to two second place finishes and a fourth place over fences.

Quotable and Orlando are no stranger to the winner’s circle at the FTI WEF, but Orlando described this week’s victory as especially significant. “It’s always nice to know you didn’t peak too early. When World Hunter Rider week comes around, you want to know you’ve still got it,” Orlando stated.

“Quotable is so consistent and we’re thrilled with him,” Orlando continued. “I get in trouble daily for spoiling him with treats, but he deserves it! He tries to win every time he goes in the ring, and it’s so nice to have a horse like that.”

Quotable’s winning presentation with ringmaster Cliff Haines, Whitney Allen of USHJA and owners Ken and Selma Garber. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Orlando also expressed excitement for Farmer’s success aboard several other Lane Change Farm horses. “Kelley and I are not competitive with each other; we’re a team,” Orlando emphasized.

Farmer, an integral part of the Lane Change team, brought home two championship titles of her own in addition to the reserve with Taken. Farmer took the Equine Tack & Nutritionals First Year Green Hunter division with Mythical, also owned by Glefke and the Garbers. Farmer and the nine-year-old Warmblood gelding were fourth, second and first over fences. Reserve champion honors went to Danielle Baran’s Say When, ridden by Christopher Payne. The pair was fifth and first over fences.

Mythical and Kelley Farmer.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
“Mythical is easily one of my favorite horses,” Glefke stated. “He jumps in perfect style. He’s got a wonderful attitude about life. He stays on one rhythm and he has a brilliant jump.”

Farmer also had nothing but praise for Mythical. “He’s not afraid of anything. The bigger, the harder, the scarier the course, the better he is. He just wants to win. He’s a fantastic animal and he was perfect today,” Farmer commented.

Mythical’s winning presentation.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
“This is a big, prestigious week. To be on a First Year champion this week means a lot. You have to not only have a good horse, but all the chips have to fall into place. Everything has to work,” Farmer continued.

Farmer’s victory on Mythical was her third horse to qualify for Saturday’s Hunter Spectacular competition, leaving her with the tough decision of which horse to leave in the barn Saturday night. Ultimately, she decided on her veteran ride, Taken, and Mythical.

“It’s a great class and it’s an honor to qualify. It’s a hard decision to make, but I’m lucky enough to make it. There’s a barn full of animals that we are lucky to have,” Farmer explained.

Farmer chose Taken based on his experience under the lights during previous years competing in Hunter Spectacular classes. When asked what stood out about Mythical, Farmer deadpanned: “Everything. He’s a special horse and he deserves to be in it.”

Selma Garber, part owner of both Quotable and Mythical, declared the 2013 FTI WEF the “circuit of a lifetime” thanks to her wildly successful geldings. “It’s a dream come true to have them both qualified for Saturday night. I’ve got quite a team that worked with these animals-riders, trainers, grooms, and of the course the animals themselves. It’s a very lucky formula,” Garber continued.

“Seldom does a plan come together quite like this,” Glefke echoed. “At the beginning of the week, I told [Orlando and Farmer], ‘Girls if you could get Quotable, Taken and Mythical in there [on Saturday night], it would make my week.”

Farmer’s second championship ride was with At One’s Word in the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green Hunter division. Farmer and the eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Woodland Way, Inc., were first and fourth over fences and third under saddle for the division. Reserve championship honors went to Lapis, also ridden by Orlando and owned by Missy Luczak-Smith. Lapis and Orlando were fourth under saddle and second in two over fences rounds.

At One’s Word and Kelley Farmer.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
At One’s Word is another Lane Change Farm alumni, and Farmer is pleased to be able to continue to ride such a competitive horse. “I’ve gotten the pleasure of still getting to ride him since he was sold. He’s lovely. He’s got a big stride, he’s scopey, and he’s a brave horse. He’s not spooky at all. He walked right into the International Ring and won his first class,” Farmer stated.

Scott Stewart also enjoyed a championship victory aboard Dedication in the Gold Coast Feeds High Performance Working Hunter division. The eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, was first, sixth and second place over fences in addition to winning the under saddle class with Stewart in the irons. Liza Boyd and her own Brunello were reserve champions for the division, finishing fourth, first and first over fences.

Stewart describes Dedication as one of his most talented rides. “He’s an amazing jumper. He’s probably one of the best hunters I’ve ever had. He’s one of the few horses that is a beautiful mover and really athletic. He’s the most athletic hunter I’ve seen in a long time,” Stewart commented.

Scott Stewart and Dedication.
Photo © Anne Gittins Photography.
Parker echoed Stewart’s sentiments about Dedication in addition to describing Stewart as the horse’s perfect match. “You can feel that Scott genuinely loves this horse from the bottom of his heart. Dedication is as much of a perfectionist and an athlete as Scott, and we all know Scott is the consummate perfectionist,” Parker stated.

Thursday’s competition concluded with the Performance Hunter divisions, which will be included in tomorrow’s press release.

WCHR Week at the FTI WEF will continue on Friday in the International Arena with the FarmVet Amateur-Owner 3’3″ divisions. Both age groups, 18-35 and Over 35, will be seen in the International Arena. The $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge will be featured in the DeNemethy Arena at PBIEC. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Photo Credit: Photos © Sportfot, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, us.sportfot.com, and Anne Gittins Photography, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, www.annegittins.com. These photos may be used only in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Enemies, A Love Story
Based on the novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer
Music by Ben Moore
Libretto by Nahma Sandrow

“Enemies, a Love Story” is a new opera which is not only dramatically gripping but also contains music which is truly melodic and memorable. Set in New York City in 1948, it tells the story of Herman Broder, a man who finds himself married to three women at once. The Singer novel was made into a successful feature film in 1989 starring Ron Silver, Lena Olin and Angelica Houston. Both comedic and dramatic, the work brilliantly combines hilarious farcical elements with a moving examination of the legacy of the Holocaust.

Friday, February 22, 2013 at 7:30 PM // Harriet Himmel Theater, CityPlace, West Palm Beach

FREE Admission, No ticket needed (Yep! It’s true!)

Encore Performance!
Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 7:00 PM // Lighthouse ArtCenter, Tequestsa
More information and tickets…

What is One Opera in One Hour?

Experience the magic of opera with one hour abridged versions of operatic works featuring musical highlights with piano accompaniment. Watch as Palm Beach Opera’s talented Young Artists deliver superb singing and intense drama in the intimate Harriet Himmel Theater. It is the perfect addition to a great night out at CityPlace!

Do you have questions about One Opera in One Hour? Give our friendly Box Office staff a call and we will gladly help you!

561.833.7888 // tickets@pbopera.org

The Hermès Jumper Derby, an elegant class, encourages a dynamic spirit of competition in keeping with the sporting values of the House. As the creator of unique and exceptional Equestrian products for the horse, for the rider and for the stable; Hermès is delighted to support Equestrian sports at leading events around the world.

Presenting the prize to the winning rider will be Mr. Robert B. Chavez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hermès of Paris, Inc. Mr. Chavez will be joined by Mr. Fabrice Crespel, European Equestrian Sales Manager, Hermès, France.

About Hermès

Since 1837, when Hermès opened in Paris as a maker of harnesses and saddles, six generations of enterprising artisans have perpetuated the cult of beautiful materials crafted with excellence, the love of beautiful objects made to last and the spirit of innovation. The company is headed by CEO Patrick Thomas. The artistic direction is led by Pierre-Alexis Dumas, a member of the 6th generation of the family.

www.hermes.com

5 – 7 pm / Music
Michael Moses on percussion and Richard Brookens on Asian flutes. / The Atrium

5:30 pm / Tour
The Animals of Chinese New Year by Laurie Barnes, Elizabeth B. McGraw of Chinese Art./ Meet in the Lobby

6 – 8 pm / Sketchbook Thursday
Led by Malissa Reese in Chinese galleries / Nessel 2

6:30 pm / Tour
Annie Leibovitz / Meet in Lobby

7– 9 pm / Film
Academy Award-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

All evening / Lounge
The Atrium After Dark / bar / café style seating / music

Beverages
The Atrium bar

Art After Dark Chinese New Year Prix-Fixe Dinner / 5-8:30pm

Three-courses with wine — $45
Four-courses with wine — $55
Additional $10 for upgraded wine
Members receive 10% off
Reservations are highly recommended. Please call (561) 832-5196 x 1191 or Email artafterdark@lyonandlyon.com.

This program is made possible in part through the generosity of The Addison Hines Charitable Trust.

Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL, set the speed track for the 1.45m jumpers in the DeNemethy Arena at PBIEC. Fifteen entries showed and nine jumped the course without fault. Darragh Kenny and Twister completed the fastest round in 63.749 seconds for the win.

Chris Sorensen and the Jolly Group’s Wriomf finished second in 64.392 seconds. Ramiro Quintana and Maverick Ventures, LLC’s Largo were third in 65.266 seconds, and Conor Swail and Cloverleaf Farm’s Vancouver D.M.L. placed fourth in 67.421 seconds.

Darragh Kenny and Twister. Photo © Sportfot.
Twister, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Orlando x Beach Boy, is owned by young rider Caroline Spogli and trained by Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms. Darragh Kenny started riding Twister this winter, the first week of FTI WEF competition, and will continue to show him throughout the circuit.

“I just ride it for Ken and Emily at the moment, keeping it jumping at a bigger level, and I think it is a really nice horse,” Kenny stated. “It has lots of scope and it is really careful. It has been really good in the 1.45m and the 1.50m classes so far this circuit.”

Commenting on the morning’s class, Kenny noted, “It was a really nice course. It was pretty straight forward and he was great. I could go a little bit faster because he was being very good, so that is a plus. It is easy when you have very good horses. He is fast and careful and he looks where he is going, so he makes it very easy.”

Kenny has been busy with many new horses this winter and has had a great circuit so far. He is grateful to the owners that have given him the opportunity to ride.

“It has been really successful,” he acknowledged. “I have a lot of different horses and they all seem to be going great; it is just keeping them at the level and keeping them happy. I am very lucky. I have a lot of great people involved in what I am doing and helping me a lot, so it makes a huge difference.”

Also showing on Wednesday in the DeNemethy Arena, Donald Cheska and Windswept Farm’s Imprimis won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class and Jack Hardin Towell guided Jennifer Gates’ Man In Black to victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40 jump-off class.

Week seven of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Hermès, runs February 20-24, 2013. The week will feature World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition in the International Arena at the PBIEC all week.

The highlight WCHR Peter Wetherhill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular will be featured as the “Saturday Night Lights” main event. Also on Saturday is the Special Olympics Palm Beach County Equestrian Games.

International jumper competition highlight classes, the $30,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 (Thursday, 1 p.m.), the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic (Saturday, 1 p.m.), and the $50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby (Sunday, 3 p.m.) will be held at The Stadium at PBIEC on the grass derby field. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

ATTENTION JUNIOR FANS OF U.S. SHOWJUMPING!

As Nations Cup Night draws near, the United States is calling on all Junior fans to show their support. This weekend, Saturday, February 23, and Sunday, February 24, Junior and pony riders are invited to create and submit a poster for the “Team USA Poster Contest.” Two poster contest divisions will be offered 1.) Team USA Spirit and 2.) Current United States Team Horses. Winners will receive special TEAM USA prizes!

Poster supplies will be available in the Pony Pavilion covered seating area located near pony rings #11 & #12 from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM.

All contestants and their families are invited to the Nations Cup Reception on Friday, March 1, 6-7 PM held in the USA section of the Special Events Pavilion and will receive an official Team USA /USET Foundation baseball cap where the posters will be displayed and winners will be announced! Bring your team spirit and wear your Red, White and Blue!

Seating for the USA Cheering Section will also be available on the night of the Nations Cup on a first come, first serve basis starting at 6 PM in the USA section of the Special Events Pavilion.

Final Results $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper Speed
1. TWISTER DARRAGH KENNY CAVALLO FARMS, LLC: 0/63.749
2. WRIOMF CHRIS SORENSEN JOLLY GROUP: 0/64.392
3. LARGO RAMIRO QUINTANA MAVERICK VENTURES, LLC: 0/65.266
4. VANCOUVER D.M.L. CONOR SWAIL CLOVERLEAF FARM: 0/67.421
5. ZONNEGLANS GEMMA PATERNOSTER GEMMA PATERNOSTER: 0/67.599
6. CROSSING JORDAN NICOLAS PIZARRO NICOLAS PIZARRO: 0/67.805
7. DAKOTA PAIGE JOHNSON SALAMANDER FARM: 0/68.490
8. CARLA ILAN BLUMAN ILAN BLUMAN: 0/70.756
9. SKYLUBET RICARDO NIZRI RICARDO NIZRI: 0/71.046
10. SWAGGER DEBORAH STEPHENS CENTENNIAL FARM: 4/64.110
11. HHS CHEIRO VANESSA MANNIX VANESSA MANNIX: 4/69.262
12. BALOU DU REVENTON LJUBOV KOCHETOVA LJUBOV KOCHETOVA: 7/80.829

Photo Credit: Photos © Sportfot, An Official Photographer of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, us.sportfot.com. These photos may be used only in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.