Rodriguez, now of Wellington, Florida, was one of 37 competitors to navigate the course designed by International Course Designer Martin Otto of Munster, Germany.

Reigning Pfizer Million champion Andre Thieme of Plau Am See, Germany and his own Quonschbob were first to show and posted a beautiful round leaving all the fences intact. Unfortunately, they suffered one time fault to the crowd’s disappointment, which kept them from advancing to the jump-off.

Sunday’s difficulty was far greater than Thursday’s course, which saw 17 clear rounds. On Sunday, Otto challenged the riders significantly harder in the final stretches of the course, designing a test of endurance which many riders failed to conquer. At the end of the first round, a well rounded eight horse-and-rider teams advanced to the jump-off.

A couple of trips in, Patty Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania aboard her own Carigor Z and Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas aboard MTM Farm’s MTM Timon,got things rolling when they each posted back-to-back clear rounds to ensure a jump-off.

At the end of the first round, Sharn Wordley of Ocala, Florida aboard his own Corino; Hector Florentino of Wellington, Florida aboard Stransky’s Mission Farm LTD’s Ultimo; Katherine Frame Dewar aboard her own Spitfire-W; Jordan Coyne of New Port Richey, Florida aboard her own Lazaro; and Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida aboard Wodka L, owned by Thinkslikeahorse set the stage for an exciting second round.

Stovel and Carigor Z were the first to show in the jump-off and easily set the Great American Time to Beat at 46.139 seconds with no faults. The duo ultimately finished in third place.

The lead quickly changed hands as Fenney and MTM Timon shaved two seconds off the clock in 44.967 seconds with no faults. Fenney and MTM Timon have had a tremendous season thus far with a win and several top-place finishes, week after week.

Wordley and Corino were next to show and finished with four faults in 46.261 seconds after they dropped a rail on the second effort of the 10B-C combination.

Florentino and Ultimo also had four jumping faults, in 44.997 seconds.

The jump-off proved its difficulty as Dewar and Spitfire-10 had 16 faults of their own on the field. Coyne and Lazaro followed and had an unintentional dismount at the in-and-out.

Rodriguez and Caballito were second to last to show and went clear in 43.344 seconds to take the lead from Fenney.

“Tracy was in front of me and I knew Aaron was behind me,” said Rodriguez. “Tracy is so fast and I knew Aaron was another fast one. Even though my time was better than Tracy’s, I knew Aaron could get the job done, so I really didn’t know I won it until the last horse left the ring.”

Vale and Wodka L. had the coveted last to show opportunity and blazed through the jump-off, eager to catch lead time. Their time was impressive; however, the very last fence came down in 43.621 seconds in a heartbreaking finale. As the fastest of the four faulters, the team finished the day in fourth place.

Thanks to Rodriguez’s impressive performance this week he has banked $22,500 in prize money and now has two qualifying Grand Prix for the Pfizer Million, which he hopes to be a part of this September.

“I will be back this season for the $100,000 [Sullivan GMC Truck] Grand Prix, [presented by Great American Insurance Group], and the Pfizer Million – I really want to qualify. I have only watched it online and it looks so beautiful. I think I have some really good horses for that class.”

Rodriguez added. “I really wanted to thank my owner [Cervalez] and he is my best friend. We went and bought horses last summer and this horse came along after we already bought all the others but I really liked this one. I kept saying, ‘this is the one!’ I really want to thank him for having that trust in me.  And I’d also like to thank my groom Danielle Burns. She is so hard working and way too many times I have to kick her out of the stables. She doesn’t leave the barn and she works so hard and takes such great care of the horses, she deserves a lot of credit.”

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit continues this week with the Ocala Masters, as the competition continues to grow in numbers and excitement. High-Performance riders will highlight the action in the Grand Prix field on Thursday with the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, and the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, both qualifiers for the Pfizer Million. HITS Ocala is one of the premiere locations on the road towards HITS Championship Weekend, which will take place September 7-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York and will present the Diamond Mills $500,000 3’3” Hunter Prix Final, the $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final and the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix.

© ESI Photography.
Andres Rodriguez and Caballito captured their second Grand Prix of the week at HITS Ocala when they beat out 37 starters in Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

© ESI Photography.
HITS’ Lisa Engel and Caitlin Howley present the awards to Andres Rodriguez and Caballito after they won Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Ocala. Flowers presented to Andres Rodriguez compliments of Lilli’s Flowers & Gifts, HITS Ocala’s Official Florist.

About HITS, Inc.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. In 2011, HITS hosted the richest weekend in show jumping with the return of the Pfizer Million and the introduction of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. In 2012, the historic weekend will get even sweeter with the addition of the $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final September 8-9.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.

High-Performance riders were out in full force yesterday as International Course Designer Martin Otto of Munster, Germany made his debut designing courses in the Grand Prix field at HITS Ocala.

Rodriguez, originally of Venezuela and now residing in Wellington, Florida, was one of 16 to make it to the jump-off from the original 39 horse-and-rider combinations.

“The course was friendly,” he said. “Everyone wants to see a jump off with people going as fast as they can and I’m glad there was a jump off that the crowd could get into, because that’s what makes this sport exciting”.

Third to go in the first round, Daniel Damen of Ocala, Florida and Fox Meadow Farm’s Cosmo started off the chain reaction of clear rounds. At the end of the first round, Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Little Glen’s Valentino, owned by Penelope Straight and Jenna Hoy; Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas and MTM Farm’s MTM Timon; Isabelle LaPierre of Breakeyville, Quebec and La Chaudiere Farm’s Vicki Vale; Sharn Wordley of Ocala, Florida and his own Corino; Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida and Wodka L., owned by Thinkslikeahorse; Denise Wilson of Dousman, Wisconsin and Witchfire, owned by Blue Gate Farm, LLC; Brandie Holloway of Topeka, Kansas and Any Given Sunday, owned by Hays Investment Corp.;  Damen aboard his second mount All Star, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters; Hector Florentino of Wellington, Florida aboard Stransky’s Mission’s Ultimo; Derek Petersen of Archer, Florida and his own Vio Dolorosa; Fenney aboard her second mount, MTM Farm’s MTM Centano; Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado aboard Augustin Walch’s Calypso W; Bryn Sadler of Sante Fe, New Mexico and Bon Giorno, owned by Showcase 81, LLC; and Hugh Graham of Reddick, Florida aboard King Ridge Stables’ Distant Star 3E all returned for the jump-off.

In the jump-off, Damen and Cosmo quickly set the Great American Time to Beat at 35.48 seconds. They would be the first of five to go double clear out of the substantial jump-off roster.

Two trips later, Fenney and MTM Timon returned and quickly took the lead away from Damen in a blazing fast 31.44 seconds. So far, Fenney has had an impressive circuit capturing both the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, and the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, two weeks ago at the Ocala Premiere.

In Thursday’s feature class, Fenney’s time would hold up for only so long, as six trips later the lead went to Rodriguez when he and Caballito blazed through the track and crossed the timers in 31.41 seconds, just a hair faster than Fenney.

“I saw her [Fenney] round and she was so fast,” said Rodriguez. “I knew I could get second, but I really wanted to win it! I watched Tracy go and [in regard to the final fence]—I knew there was not enough space to get straight to that last jump, so I just did the turn and hit the distance.  Sometimes you need a little luck.”

With seven more trips left in the jump-off the crowd eagerly waited to see if any of the remaining challengers would top the new pace set by Rodriguez.

A few failed attempts later, Petersen was the next rider to put up a clean round and it looked as though he was on pace to catch Rodriguez, but when he crossed the timers in 31.55 seconds the moan of the crowd told him that he didn’t quite have it.

Looking to take back the lead, Fenney entered the ring next on her second mount, MTM Centano and they had the pace beat, but at the second-to-last-fence they dropped a rail and finished with four jumping faults in 30.75 seconds. In the end, Fenney finished second aboard MTM Timon and sixth aboard MTM Centano, while Petersen held onto third place.

Out of the 16 pairs that advanced to the jump-off, LaPierre and Vicki Vale were the only others to go double clear. They finished fifth with a time of 36.74 seconds behind Damen and Cosmo.

Rodriguez and 10 year-old Caballito are now officially on the road to the Pfizer Million. “I hope to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix with him and will be sure to be back for Sunday’s Grand Prix, and the $100,000 [Sullivan GMC Truck] Grand Prix, [presented by Great American Insurance Group] week VII.”

High-Performance action continues this weekend at HITS Ocala with Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which is one of nine more qualifiers for the Pfizer Million remaining on the schedule. To make an appearance in the famed event, riders will need to bank eight qualifying classes to become eligible, and then the top 40 riders, based on money won on their leading horse, will earn their spot in the line-up during HITS Championship Weekend, scheduled for September 9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

©ESI Photography
Andres Rodriguez and Caballito edged out Tracy Fenney by a split second to win Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Ocala.

©ESI Photography
Caitlin Howley and Lisa Engel of HITS present the awards to Andres Rodriguez and Caballito after they finished first in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome
High-Performance action kicked-off on Wednesday with the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome. Erin Haas of Ocala, Florida and North Face Farm’s As di Chupito captured the first place honors, as Aaron Vale and Honeylands Douglason, owned by Doug’s Crew and Silvio Mazzoni of Leesburg, Virginia and Remonta Habano finished in second and third place, respectively.

©ESI Photography
Erin Haas of Ocala, Florida rides North Face Farm’s As di Chupito to the blue in Wednesday’s $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome at HITS Ocala.
About SmartPak

SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications for horses. The SmartPak system has been embraced by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including many Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, they offer a broad line of horse health, show apparel, tack, dog supplies and equine and canine pharmacy items. For more information on SmartPak, please visit SmartPak.com.

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health
About HITS, Inc.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. In 2011, HITS hosted the richest weekend in show jumping with the return of the Pfizer Million and the introduction of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. In 2012, the historic weekend will get even sweeter with the addition of the $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final September 8-9.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.

Victoria Colvin and Way Cool in their championship presentation

The pair edged out last year’s winners, Louise Serio and Bryan Baldwin’s Castle Rock, who finished second. Colvin also took home third place honors riding Inclusive, owned by Scott Stewart. Elizabeth Boyd and Brunello finished fourth after a win in the first round.

Week six of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Equine Couture/Tuff Rider will run through February 19. The $50,000 G&C Farm Jumper Derby is the highlight event on Sunday at The Stadium at 3 p.m. The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1, 2012, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit.

Thirty-two horse and rider combinations qualified to compete in tonight’s class after showing throughout the week in the junior, amateur and professional hunter divisions. Skip Bailey set the course for the two rounds of competition. The judges included Scott Fitton, Scott Williamson, Bill Moroney, Jim Clapperton, Mary Lisa Leffler, Patrick Rhodes, Karen Healey, and Dee Thomas.

Victoria Colvin and Way Cool finished the class with an impressive two round total of 180.06 for the victory. The pair scored an 88.56 in round one with individual scores of 89, 91, 89, and 85.25 from the four judging panels. In round two, high scores of 93, 93, 90.5 and 89.5 averaged out to a 90.25 score to put the duo in first place.

Louise Serio and Castle Rock finished with a two round total of 178.37 for second place. The pair finished the first round with an 88.12 total with scores of 87, 90, 86.5 and 89, then moved up with a 90.25 average in round two with scores of 92, 92, 89.5 and 87.5.

Colvin and her other mount Inclusive finished with a two round total of 177.25 for third place with a round one average of 88.25 and an 89 point total in round two. Elizabeth Boyd and Brunello, owned by Boyd and Janet Peterson, led the first round with an 89.37 total and finished the second round with an 87.75 for a 177.12 total to finish in fourth place overall.

Other special awards were presented following the first round of competition. Costar, owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, was presented with the Mark Gregory Memorial Award as the best conditioned horse in round one. Casallo, owned by Erin McGuire and ridden by Elizabeth Boyd, earned the Charlie Weaver Memorial Award as the highest scoring conformation horse in the first round with an 87.87.

Class winner Way Cool is a ten-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Embassy. Way Cool and Colvin qualified for tonight’s class after earning the reserve championship in the Antares Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division earlier in the day. Colvin was champion in the division with Inclusive.

Colvin, of Loxahatchee, FL, trains with four-time WCHR Professional Champion Scott Stewart. Although she went last in the second round and had to put in a good round to come out on top, Colvin says she did not feel any nerves. “I don’t get nervous,” she stated. “I didn’t feel any pressure. My mom is the one who gets nervous and I think Scott gets a bit nervous. I thought it was good. I knew I had to pick up his feet. I thought I was going to have a rail because he was very tired, but he was perfect.”

Just 14 years old, Colvin is one of the youngest riders to ever win this class. Commenting on beating out her own trainer and other top professionals, Colvin smiled, “It’s a lot of fun. It was really cool.”
Colvin and Way Cool have been showing together all circuit, but this was their first time in the International Arena at night under the bright lights. “He was a bit more aware and jumped higher and nicer,” Colvin noted. “He really rises to the occasion; he is amazing. He jumps so well, and has such a nice canter.”

Colvin enjoyed the courses tonight. “They were open and nice, and they really made for a flowing ride,” she said.

Louise Serio and Castle Rock

Second place finisher Louise Serio commented on the course as well, explaining, “When we walked it, it looked very simple, but it rode differently. It really did have a flow to it, especially in the second round.”

Serio explained that Castle Rock felt great in both rounds. “He is so reliable and just knows his job. I was confident going into my rounds that he was going to be sharp. He is unbelievable to ride, and he walks into the ring and wants to win. It is an amazing feeling to have a horse like that,” she smiled.

“Castle Rock only shows in Florida and then he returns home to Tampa and turns out. That lifestyle works so well for him and he lives such a happy, healthy life,” she added.

Fourth place finisher Elizabeth Boyd also won this class as a junior. She was happy with her rounds aboard Brunello.

Elizabeth Boyd and Brunello

“He felt amazing. He really shines under the lights,” she declared. “He was definitely a bit tired for the second round. He made such a hard effort and jumped every jump out in the first round. ”

Concluding WCHR competition for week six, the $5,000 Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Classic will be held in the International Arena Sunday morning, followed by the $5,000 WCHR Amateur Owner 3’3 Classic. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Final Results: WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

Pl Number Horse Rider Owner
J1 J2 J3 J4 Average

J1 J2 J3 J4 Average Final

1 WAY COOL VICTORIA COLVIN DR BETSEE PARKER
89 91 89 85.25 88.56

93 93 90.5 89.5 91.50 180.06

2 CASTLE ROCK LOUISE SERIO BRYAN BALDWIN
87 90 86.5 89 88.12

92 92 89.5 87.5 90.25 178.37

3 INCLUSIVE VICTORIA COLVIN SCOTT STEWART
88 87 90 88 88.25

86.5 89 91 89.5 89.00 177.25

4 BRUNELLO ELIZABETH BOYD ELIZABETH BOYD & JANET PETERSON
91 89 89.5 88 89.37

86 86 90 89 87.75 177.12

5 COME MONDAY CHRISTA ENDICOTT DAVLYN FARMS
86.5 86.5 89.5 88.5 87.75

89 90 87 90 89.00 176.75

6 CASALLO ELIZABETH BOYD ERIN MCGUIRE
87.5 88 88.5 87.5 87.87

87 88 88.5 88 87.87 175.74

7 ENJOY SCOTT STEWART BECKY GOCHMAN
90 85 88 87 87.50

86.75 91 84 88.5 87.56 175.06

8 GOOD HUMOR JOHN FRENCH MERIDIAN FARM
84.5 87.5 87 85 86.00

85.5 84 89 86 86.12 172.12

9 TAKEN KELLEY FARMER NANCY AMLING
87.25 85.5 88.75 87 87.12

85 77 88 87 84.25 171.37

10 ROCK STEADY KATIE ROBINSON KJ ROBINSON LLC
85 80.5 86.5 85.5 84.37

85.75 85.5 85.5 87 85.93 170.30

11 WINTER PLACE SCHAEFER RAPOSA CAITLIN ZIEGLER
80 86 85.5 86 84.37

83 85 86 84 84.50 168.87

12 SIENNA PATRICIA GRIFFITH LEXI MAOUNIS
84 83 83 85 83.75

82 84.5 85 86.5 84.50 168.25

Photo Credit: Photos © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, www.sportfot.com. This photo may be used only in relation to this press release.

Feb 20th: Upcoming Events for FTI WEF Week 7 – What You Can Attend at PBIEC

Feb 18th: Victoria Colvin and Way Cool Jump to the Top of the $50,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

Feb 17: Reed Kessler Dominates $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6

Feb 16th: Competitive Hunters Emerge Victorious During World Champion Hunter Rider Week

Who was the founder of the AI, and what did his friends & family call him?

In what year did the AI first appear in the Tampa Bay Stadium?

What rider/s has the most wins in the history of the AI?

Thanks to JEM Contributor Kendralee Corbett for the Trivia Questions.

You know the rules, first person to comment correctly with all the answers in one comment, wins!

1. Approximately _______% of lameness problems in horses are related to osteoarthritis

a) 20

b) 40

c) 60

d) 80

2. True or False: Collagen and Silica are included in join supplements to support the tissue

3. Which of the following herb is NOT used fight inflammation

a) Boswellia

b) Yucca

c) Fenugreek

d) Devil’s Claw

4. Which of these can be another name for arthritis

a) Ringbone

b) Bone Spavin

c) Navicular

d) All of the above

5. True or False: Young and/ or healthy horses don’t need joint supplements

6. Which of the following is NOT a common joint supplement ingredient?

a) Glucosamine

b) Biotin

c) Hyaluronic Acid

d) Chondroitin Sulfate

7. Which joint is most frequently affected by degenerative joint disease (DJD)?

a) Hock

b) Hip

c) Fetlock

d) Elbow

8. True or False: There is no research showing that oral joint supplements are beneficial

9. True or False: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate do the same thing.

10. True or False: If you have your horses hocks injected, he doesn’t need a joint supplement

Edrick and Cadence have a short, yet special history together. In the summer of 2010, Edrick won her first Grand Prix ever – the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson, aboard the 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding that Emil Spadone had found for her in Europe not long before. With more than $46,000 and several top finishes together, the duo qualified for and competed in the 2010 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, finishing just out of the ribbons in 21st place. In 2011, they took some time off, but have come back strong to win five Grand Prix together in the last four months.

“She’s not really the bragging type, so I’ll tell you that she was terrific this week,” said Don Stewart of Don Stewart Stables in Ocala, Florida and Edrick’s employer for the past five years. “They finished second in Thursday’s Grand Prix and that horse hasn’t dropped a rail all week. I told Megan this was a perfect engagement present to herself!”

Portugal’s Bernardo Cabral set a challenging course for Sunday’s feature class. Edrick and Cadence were seventh in the order and the first to post a fault-free round.

Two trips later, Ragan Roberts of Little Rock, Arkansas rode Quipit Group’s Quipit L.F. to a clean round and joined Edrick for the jump-off. Cabral’s 6a-b combination and triple combination at fence 9 seemed to be the source of trouble for several riders, but in addition to Edrick and Roberts, six others rose to the challenge and advanced to the jump-off.

“In the triple combination in the first round – the one coming in rode nice, but the two got kind of tight,” said Edrick. “The stick to the two to the one was definitely the most challenging. The course was comfortable and the last line, a four stride away from the in-gate, was surprisingly nice. Actually, the whole course was really smooth and rode like an equitation course, which is a good thing since that’s our focus at Don Stewart Stables.”

Edrick was up first in the jump-off and wasted no time. She and Cadence maneuvered the track with ease and set the Great American Time to Beat at 45.44 seconds. The only other rider to go double clear was Derek Petersen of Archer, Florida aboard his own Via Dolorosa. Petersen and his ride finished three-tenths of a second behind Edrick in 45.77 seconds to capture the red ribbon.

After the class Edrick was beaming. “It was a great week for me. I got engaged and won my first GP of the year here. I don’t think I can top that! I can’t thank my support team enough. Emil Spadone and Don Stewart are so amazing. I’m lucky to have their support and couldn’t have done this without them,” she said. “I’ll be here for the rest of the circuit, and with their help my goal is qualify again for the Pfizer Million.”

Edrick and Wexler, who met at HITS Culpeper, have yet to set the date for their big day but hope to do so soon. “My mother is coming in this week, so hopefully we can pick a date soon.”

Rounding out the top five in the class were Callan Solem of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Horseshoe Trail Farm, Inc.’s Magic Cruise in third place, Patty Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania and her own Carigor Z in fourth and Roberts and Quipit L.F. in fifth.

Show jumping continues this week at HITS Ocala with two more Grand Prix qualifiers for the Pfizer Million in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix and Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, both presented by Pfizer Animal Health. In all, High-Performance riders have 10 more opportunities to qualify and plenty of cash left up for grabs at HITS Ocala this year, including the season finale $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, on Sunday, March 18.

About Chartis
Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 40 million clients in over 160 countries and jurisdictions. With a 90-year history, one of the industry’s most extensive ranges of products and services, deep claims expertise and excellent financial strength, Chartis enables its commercial and personal insurance clients alike to manage virtually any risk with confidence.

Chartis’ Private Client Group provides property and liability insurance to successful individuals and their families. Innovative products are designed to enhance protection of, and minimize threats to, personal wealth and safety. Clients look to Chartis for sound financial protection, resources to lessen the chance of property damage, and claims service with unparalleled support and flexibility. For more information, visit: ChartisPrivateClient.com/equine.

© ESI Photography.
Megan Edrick and Cadence on course in Sunday’s $50,000 Chartis Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Ocala.

© ESI Photography.
Julie Roddenberry, Heather Sugg and Bill Sugg of Chartis join HITS’ Lisa Engel and Caitlin Howley to present the awards to Megan Edrick and Cadence for their victory in Sunday’s $50,000 Chartis Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Flowers presented to Megan Edrick compliments of Lilli’s Flowers & Gifts, HITS Ocala’s Official Florist.

Riders of all ages and abilities from around the
world are invited to submit a video of a recent round – either from any live show or from a training
session at a rider’s home facility – and receive direct feedback from nationally acclaimed USEF “R” judge,
Beth Nielsen. In addition, competitors attending the Horse Show Ventures live show on March 3-4,
2012 at the Georgia International Horse Park may choose to have a video taken of their rounds and
enter online after the show to receive incredible post-competition feedback and be eligible for
additional prizes.
Competitors have a variety of entry options to choose from, with classes ranging from walk-trot to
hunter over fences and equitation for 3-foot courses and up. After the first online show’s closing date
on March 15 all rounds will be reviewed by Neilsen, and each rider will receive a detailed evaluation of
their round via e-mail with training tips from the judge to help improve their performance at future
shows. Additionally, the top two performers from each class will be rewarded with $350 and $150 gift
certificates from Dover Saddlery.
Proceeds from this unique online show series will benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF), an
organization which provides financial assistance to equestrians and horsemen suffering from lifethreatening
illnesses and catastrophic injuries. HorseShow.com will donate $1 from every entry
received in the Winter Warm-Up Show to the EAF, which helps qualified grant recipients with medical,
rehabilitation and other essential expenses, such as food and housing, throughout their time of need.
Through its revolutionary online video competition format, HorseShow.com offers riders a way to assess
their readiness for competition, receive expert feedback, further educate themselves, and improve their
riding skills. HorseShow.com’s online competitions offer classes for a variety of disciplines which are
judged by renowned USEF and FEI officials. “Aligning with a well known show series like Horse Show
Ventures will truly bring our online shows to life, and we are pleased to work with Horse Show Ventures
for this unique hunter showcase,” said Gil Merrick, Director of Online Shows. “In addition to benefitting
the EAF, we are offering equestrians a tremendously rewarding competitive experience and great prizes.
HorseShow.com has also partnered with Horse Show Ventures show series as a sponsor of the Pony
Division. We are thrilled to support our junior riders and look forward to an exciting 2012!”
A primary goal for Horse Show Ventures founder, Morgan Taylor, is to find ways to offer new
experiences for exhibitors and sponsors. “We are thrilled to partner with Horseshow.com to offer these
online shows as companions to our live shows,” noted Taylor. “This is a great opportunity for
equestrians of all disciplines to participate in an online forum and receive valuable feedback from a very
reputable and well-respected judge. Both HorseShow.com and Horse Show Ventures partner with EAF
so not only is the show benefiting a great cause, it makes for a perfect match in our goal to make a
difference in the equestrian world!”

To learn more about HorseShow.com’s online features, please visit www.horseshow.com, and to enter
the HorseShow.com & Horse Show Ventures Winter Warm-Up Show, visit
http://www.horseshow.com/shows/#!/horse-show-ventures-winter-warm-up. For more information
about Horse Show Ventures, please visit www.hsvshownews.com or e-mail Morgan Taylor at
horseshowventure@aol.com.
HorseShow.com is an online horse show site designed for equestrians to compete and network with a
global audience. Offering a revolutionary way to assess a horse and rider’s readiness for
competition, HorseShow.com gives members the ability to upload their riding videos, enter shows, and
receive expert feedback from renowned officials – all from the convenience of one’s own facility. In this
unique online video format, judges provide each entrant with a detailed scorecard, including a complete
analysis with feedback, personalized comments and suggestions. Horseshow.com welcomes all breeds,
disciplines and experience levels to take part in both judged competitions and fun popularity shows, and
in addition to valuable learning experiences and gaining a competitive advantage, members
of HorseShow.com can collect ribbons, trophies, and cash prizes all from the comfort of their home.

In 2011, the Trust’s board was pleased to grant nearly $200,000 to ten applicants. Past recipients of grants include those doing equine health research, land conservation, and educational programs. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based and means-tested worthy equine projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.

Funding available for grants includes approximately $70,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.

Among the Trust’s 2011 grant recipients was the Morris Animal Foundation, which received a grant of $10,000 for researchers at the University of Massachusetts who are focusing on ways to treat equine laminitis. The grant was used to help develop more targeted therapeutic drugs that could slow and/or prevent laminar tissue damage in horses. Morris Animal Foundation CEO/President Dr. David Haworth had this to say after receiving a Trust grant. “Morris Animal Foundation is thankful for the continued support from USA Equestrian Trust. It’s partnerships like this that help us work to give horses longer, healthier lives.”

Old Field Farm, Ltd., in Suffolk County, N.Y., received a grant of $22,000. With prudent spending and the assistance of numerous volunteers, the organization is using the funding to help preserve the Smythe Main Barn, an historic landmark used to enhance educational and cultural activities. “We are deeply grateful for this award and recognition as we expand and grow our programs while we preserve this historic equestrian Old Field Farm County Parkland,” commented Sally A. Lynch, Ph.D., President of Old Field Farm, Ltd.

For the past two years, the United States Equestrian Federation has been granted $5,000 for its Youth Career Workshop held during the organization’s annual convention. The workshop brings together youth from various breeds and gives them exposure to committees, governance and career opportunities. “These grants have been a tremendous aid in funding a positive program for the youth who are the future of this sport,” commented Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF’s Director of National Affiliates.

It is grants like these that are the heart and soul of what the USA Equestrian Trust is all about, and it is the vision of the organization to continue to give to as many worthy projects as possible.

“The board of USA Equestrian Trust felt it was crucial during this continued time of economic instability to expand our grants program to assist the many worthy equine non-profits in need of assistance. And while no charity can make grants to every deserving group, the Trust has significantly increased its giving since 2009 and hopes to continue to do so,” commented USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch.

The Trust has an easy online application process, which includes a review page on which non-profits can both proof and edit their applications before submitting. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects as word processing documents. Applications cannot be submitted without one. If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail grants@trusthorses.org.

All grant applications MUST be submitted online or postmarked no later than May 7 and October 8. No late applications will be considered.  To learn more about USA Equestrian Trust and/or its grant program for equine non-profits, visit the web site at http://www.trusthorses.org.

About the USA Equestrian Trust

USA Equestrian Trust is a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation whose mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America.

Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports, and the corporation is a 501(c)(3) organization pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

The Trust is a Sustaining Affiliate of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1. Old Field Farm’s Richard Haviland Smythe Main Barn is undergoing a renovation of its roof to preserve the historic structure that is the site of many equine educational and cultural activities. Also pictured here is a lecture on horse care by the Meadowbrook Hounds Pony Club during a Pony Club summer camp. Photos courtesy Old Field Farm, Ltd.

2. Sascha Mills receiving the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award from USEF President David O’Connor. Photo courtesy USEF Archive/Geoff Bugbee. Also shown are the youth career workshop attendees taking an educational tour of the Old Friends Retirement Farm. Photo courtesy USEF staff.

            McLain Ward, who won show jumping team gold medals at both the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Hong Kong Games, suffered a broken kneecap on Jan. 14 during the Winter Equestrian Festival and, sidelined for 10 weeks, will miss the Selection Trials held in March in Wellington, Fla.

Under the selection criteria for the Olympics, however, team chef d’equipe George Morris has the power to allow Ward to skip the Selection Trials based upon his record.

“With McLain’s record, two gold medals and countless Nations Cup wins, he certainly deserves a bye,” said Morris. “That’s why we have discretionary power.”

However, Ward would have to show in at least two Observation Events to prove he and his mounts are in top form.

His gold medal mount, Sapphire, was out for a year with an injury but had started showing in Wellington prior to Ward’s injury, and he has two others, Rothchild and Antares that he has shown successfully in Nations Cup classes.

Ward, who says he will start riding again on April 1, is taking Sapphire and Antares to compete at Devon.

The first class that will be an Observation Event is the Grand Prix at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31, and the second is the Idle Dice Stakes, which is normally the last class Saturday evening, but this year will be held on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

All of the competitions at the London Olympics will be held in the daytime, so the USET wants the Observation Events also to be held during the day to be as close as possible to the same conditions, so, while the Grand Prix is at its usual evening hour of 8 p.m., the second Event is to be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 2.

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The Events are to be held under FEI rules over a course set at 1.60 meters. Michel Vaillencourt is the course designer at Devon.

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair benefits the Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated over $14 million.

Junior weekend opens the show on Thursday, May 24 with pony, hunter, equitation and jumper classes.

The Carriage Pleasure Drive opens a week of adult competition in show jumping, hunter, side saddle, hunter breeding, three- and five-gaited Saddlehorse, hackney, fine harness and four-in-hand driving along with exhibitions.

The Country Fair offers fine dining, boutique shopping, rides and games.

The ticket office opens April 9 at 10 a.m.

For ticket information call 610-688-2554. The ticket office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon.

For additional information visit www.devonhorseshow.org.