ROLEX IN RETROSPECT: 1st of May Thoughts, A Few Cheers & Jeers
Tuesday, May 01 2012
Hello, horse sports fans - Rolex was its usual three-ring, four-star greatest equestrian show on earth. We love being there, in spite of & perhaps because of the marathon-intense dawn to midnight work days, and we’re already planning for next year, but in addition to great cheers, there were some serious disappointments. JEERS to the official videographers of Rolex KY It sucked in places, the video coverage of the XC by the official videographers – such as only two fences shown of Sara Kozumplik and Manolo Blahnik – I mean, what’s wrong with these people? I would mention them by name but don’t care to give them any ink! How many riders did they “cheat” of XC footage? They wasted precious time filming riders who had just come off the course, showed at least one derriere view of trim/slim female rider (lovely but this is not a nightclub, it’s cross-country!), no sound but several seconds of rider being interviewed, and lots more footage of horses being sponged off – gee whiz, get your priorities in order. We want to see the jumping, the action – the cross-country heart of eventing!!! Sara Kozumplik has devoted years to Manolo Blahnik - here they are in Manny's four-star debut at the third last fence on the cross-country, the double offset brushes which demand precision and momentum so late in the course. But the official video shows them at two jumps only - WTH??
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
Rolex Kentucky – 27 Jumped, Fox-Pitt & Parklane Hawk Won 2nd Leg of Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, Allison Springer & Arthur USEF Nat’l…
Sunday, April 29 2012
Sunday – the grand finale of Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, spotlighted 27 horses in the show jumping, which began at 12:45 pm. At this morning’s final veterinary inspection, of the 30 horses presented, one did not receive the ground jury’s nod and two horses, held for re-inspection, withdrew. Before the jog, two horses were withdrawn: RF Rovano Rex, but Marilyn has her second horse RF Demeter (one of the few mares entered in this year’s Rolex) and Saturday night, after cross-country, Sara Kozumplik withdrew Manolo Blahnik, who comported himself great at his first-ever four-star even though he didn’t complete. Kudos to Sara for putting her horse first – she’s a class act rider and trainer all the way. This morning, Sara texted to me: “He was amazing yesterday. I had silly mistake at easy fence. so proud of him.” Manny is fine, by the way.
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
ROLEX KENTUCKY – AM Cross-Country CH-CH-CH-CHANGES!!!
Saturday, April 28 2012
Wowie zowie – what a morning – we’re still reeling from the changes in the leaderboard. Even before the XC began, there were three withdrawals: Buck Davidson pulled out with Absolute Liberty, who would have been first out of the start box this morning, & his Pan Titanium, Jolie Wentworth & Killian O’Connor. Then, only two completed the cross-country out of the first seven horses to start this morning! Two retired on course: Andrew Nicholson (NZL) took out a frangible pin at 9abc – Bridgestone Park Question (coffin combination), picking up 21 penalties, and James Alliston (GBR) and Jumbo’s Jake after they accumulated 20 penalties at 9abc – and 17abcde, the Sunken Road. Three were eliminated – Karen O’Connor had a splash crash at the HSBC Water Park (5abcd) – no injuries to horse or rider, just dampened spirits, but Karen has another chance with Mr. Medicott this afternoon. Becky Holder and Courageous Comet got to #22abc, the HSBC FEI Classic Series Normandy Bank, but parted company and Becky bought a cheap piece of real estate that cost dearly in terms of her goals with her wonderful ex-racehorse
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
Rolex KY 3-Day Event: Early Leaders After 1st Day of Dressage
Friday, April 27 2012
Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone: okay, we’re not surprised at all by the early leaders after day one of dressage – after all, the “brand” for Rolex is that crown of excellence!!! In first place, after being next to last to go on Thursday’s dressage schedule, is Remington XXV and Boyd Martin. We’re very pleased to rely on the press release produced by chief press officer Marty Bauman and his Classic Communications staff, considering the lateness of the hour and encroaching exhaustion… Boyd Martin & Remington XXV - all three judges put this duo into first place after day one of dressage. © Beth Harpham/equidigital.com All three judges placed Boyd and Remington XXV first – on a score of 45.3 penalty points. Boyd, 32, (West Grove, PA) said that Remington XXV, 16, was one of the first horses he competed when he moved from his native Australia seven years ago. The Hanoverian gelding, owned by Henley House Stables, had only foxhunted before Martin began working with him. “He’s a good old horse,” said Boyd, grinning. “He’s taken me all around the world now, and it was wonderful to ride a test on a horse who knows what he’s doing.” Boyd rode on his first U.S
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
THE DRESSAGE FOUNDATION’S RENEE ISLER FUND PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR TWO YOUNG RIDERS
Tuesday, April 24 2012
Katrina Hiller April 24, 2012 – The Dressage Foundation’s Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund recently provided two scholarships to young riders to support their participation in educational clinics. Katrina Hiller (WI) was accepted by the United States Dressage Federation to participate in the Junior/Young Rider Clinic with Jeremy Steinberg on March 17-18, 2012. However, she needed some financial help to make the trip from Wisconsin to Maryland with her horse, Toy Soldier. Katrina received an $800 scholarship from Renee’s Fund, which enabled her to attend the clinic. “The clinic with Jeremy Steinberg was an incredible experience,” said Katrina. “His methods were effective yet respectful to the horse, and overall made Toy much more supple, active, and rideable. I can’t thank The Dressage Foundation enough for giving me the opportunity to ride for Jeremy!” Annie Adamcyzk Renee’s Fund, which also provides support to young riders and professionals who participate in other educational events, awarded a $325 scholarship to Annie Adamczyk (IL). Annie was selected to participate in the Emerging Dressage Athlete Clinic with Lendon Gray. The event will be held April 28-29 at Legacy USA Equestrian inBurr Ridge,IL. “Receiving this scholarship to ride with Lendon Gray is such an honor. I cannot thank Renee Isler and The Dressage Foundation more for giving me this great opportunity. I am so excited to see how well Storm, my new mare owned by Marilyn Black, and I improve because of this clinic,” said Annie. Since 2008, the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund has provided nearly $40,000 in grants/scholarships to support young riders, the USDF Jr/YR Clinic Series, and dressage professionals. For more information about this Fund, go to www.dressagefoundation.org/Renee_Isler_Dressage_Support_Fund.htm or contact Jenny Johnson at (402)434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
The Devon Black Tie and Boots Ball
Wednesday, April 18 2012
DEVON, Pa.— The Black Tie and Boots Ball, featuring cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction, will be held Saturday, May 5 at Bryn Clovis, Brushwood Farm in Malvern. The Ball benefits the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, and limited tickets are available. The evening will begin with cocktails and appetizers, including a specialty cocktail to toast Cinco de Mayo, which can be enjoyed on the lawn under centuries old oak trees, overlooking the rolling hills and paddocks filled with thoroughbreds owned by Betty Moran’s Brushwood Stable. Guests can then move into the tent for dinner and dancing, during which the live auction will be called by Samuel T. Freeman & Co.
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
In Search of Higher Education
Wednesday, April 18 2012
Hi! I’m so excited to be the newest blogger to join Sidelines. I can’t wait to fill these entries with stories, questions, and other musings, and mostly, look forward to hearing from you all! I wanted to begin this first blog with a quote, and there’s one in particular that always sticks out in my head. “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” ~Winston Churchill This quote more or less sums up how I feel about riding, and horses in general. I figure, seeing as you’re here reading this blog, you probably agree with me. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to ride some wonderful horses throughout my lifetime – from my very first pony, Texas, to Lando, my favorite Stanford University team horse, to Palermo, my partner of three years who successfully showed me the ropes in the Young Rider arena, they’ve all taught me something
- Published in General, Higher Education, Z-Blogs