Structural Changes at the Horse Park
April 22, 2008 by Andrew Ellis

Raeford, NC – The Carolina Horse Park has been a busy place over the last few months. Dressage horses, show jumpers, eventers and driving horses have all utilized the Raeford, NC facility throughout the spring. The growing popularity and use of the Carolina Horse Park have driven some instrumental changes at the 250 acre facility.

The most influential of these changes is the construction of four new barns that has recently gotten underway. The funds for the new barns, which will be located directly behind the existing permanent stabling, were provided by a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Without the support of members of the community like this, growth and evolution of the Carolina Horse Park would not be possible.

The new stabling means that capacity has doubled and that 192 horses can be stabled in state-of-the-art, well-ventilated barns to ensure horses competing at the park are comfortable and happy during competitions. It also will decrease the need for costly temporary stabling, and provide more room for spectator parking and vendors.

In another effort to better serve competitors and all users of the Carolina Horse Park, the staff has been restructured and the office has been moved from downtown Southern Pines to the Horse Park facility itself.

The staff now includes Andrew Ellis, Director of Operations, Dana Diemer, Director of Competitions and Gwen Parkins, Executive Director.

Everyone is welcome to come out to the Park and check out all of the new changes. The full-time staff can be found in the office at the Horse Park during business hours. For more information, please see www.carolinahorsepark.com, email info@carolinahorsepark.com or call (910)875-2074.

Foundation Announces Inaugural Benefit Horse Show
April 22, 2008

The Carolina Horse Park announces the addition of a new hunter-jumper competition May 22nd-25th, 2008 to benefit the Carolina Horse Park Foundation. This year’s event will be held in Raeford, NC, at the “Carolina Horse Park”, located just minutes from the Southern Pines-Pinehurst area. The show was previously produced by Rush Management at the Pinehurst Training Track. John and Pam Rush generously donated their show date to the CHP for its use as an annual benefit horse show.

The competition will be USEF “A” recognized and feature a full compliment of both hunter and jumper classes for every level. The show grounds include two all-weather footing outdoor rings measuring 270 x 150 each, a grass jumper field at 300 x 200, and schooling areas that are ample in size. One hundred new permanent stalls have recently been built in addition to a newly renovated show office complex. Recently hired CHP Director of Operations Andrew Ellis will manage the show. Ellis, whose show management experience includes the North American Young Rider Championships, has over eighteen years experience producing upper level competitions. Randy and Pam Mullins will preside over the hunter divisions, and Leslie Brown will officiate in the jumper divisions.

Available stabling is limited and expected to sell out so early stall reservations are highly recommended. Reservation-entry forms and additional information can be found at www.carolinahorsepark.com Stall reservations can also be placed over the phone with Andrew Ellis at (919)-637-2958 or via email at equitalk@aol.com . Prize lists have been mailed out. If you haven't received one, it can be downloaded from the web site, or email a request for one to info@carolinahorsepark.com .

World Class Clinicians to Lead Eventing Clinic
February 22, 2008

Southern Pines, NC - The Carolina Horse Park is pleased to announce it will be hosting its second annual five-day Eventing Clinic on March 24-28, 2008. Twelve world-class clinicians will train participants over the Carolina Horse Park's six championship-level cross country courses and its outstanding dressage and show jumping arenas.

This session is geared for training level combinations and above. Novice riders ready to move up to training level will also benefit from this week of intensive learning. In addition, daily seminars include course walks, conformation clinics, and discussions on competition preparation.

Clinicians include Jan Byyny, Will Faudree, Holly Hepp, Jim Kofford, Nanci Lindroth, Ashley Macvaugh, David O’Brien, Lauren O’Brien, Beth Perkins, Charlie Plumb, Robert Stevenson, Rebecca Vick, Mark Weissbecker, and John Williams.

To reserve a spot or obtain further information please contact Bobbie Mudge, Session Organizer at bobbiemudge@gmail.com or call the Carolina Horse Park at (910)-246-9808.

Dressage at the Park Attracts Olympic Judge
BY PATRICIA SMITH: EQUESTRIAN CORRESPONDENT, The Pilot Newspaper
November 18, 2007

It is not every day that horse show competitors have an opportunity to be judged by an Olympic-caliber judge in any equestrian discipline. So it was quite a feather in the cap for the organizers of the Dressage at the Park to attract Linda Zang to judge the two-day dressage show held at the Carolina Horse Park Nov. 10-11.

Zang is currently one of only four "O" (which stands for official) FEI dressage judges in the United States who are allowed to judge at the Olympic level. "O" represents the highest level rating granted a dressage judge.

Zang, of Idlewilde Farm in Davidsonville, Md., has represented the United States as a dressage competitor at the 1978 World Championships, the 1979 Pan-American Games and the 1980 Alternate Olympics at Goodwood, England. She has been an FEI judge since 1985 and judged the dressage event at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 2007 Dressage World Cup held in Las Vegas, Nev.

Over 30 competitors riding numerous dressage tests had an opportunity to be judged by Zang. Sue Smithson, show organizer and "R" rated judge, judged some of the lower level tests.

"It's nice to see lower level horses that are ridden forward and not contained," Zang said. "Most of them look like they are going in the right direction in their training. The quality of riding is good and the horses are nice."

Zang awarded local professional Nanci Lindroth two first-place finishes at second level on Saturday.

"Her (Lindroth's) test was nice and forward," Zang said. "She needs a little more uphill collection through her transitions and her tests will improve. It is nice to see her riding."

Lindroth, an AHSA "R" judge in dressage and combined training, was a member of the 1987 Pan-Am Games Eventing gold medal team and was long-listed for the 1980 Olympics.

Lindroth rode Farah Diba F, a 6-year-old Westphalian mare leased from Paula Johnson.

"It was her first show and I didn't know what to expect," Lindroth said. "Other than being a little inattentive, she was a good girl. I've only been riding her a month. My goal is to enjoy her and try to move up the ranks in dressage. She's really good at what she does."

Another local professional, Nina Hatcher, won the Prix St. Georges test both days of the show aboard her 13-year-old Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding Limerick, whose barn name is Riley. Hatcher has been bringing the former event horse up through the dressage ranks. The show marked Hatcher's return to riding after four months off to recuperate from an injury.

"My first ride on Saturday was a little ragged," Hatcher said. "We weren't quiet in sync. The ride on Sunday was much better. We made some mistakes in the tempis. I thought Linda Zang was very fair. We had some bad bits and pieces that we were marked down for, but then when we did very well, she gave us a very good score. Some judges like to stay in the safe range."

At training level, Diana Hoberecht earned two first-place finishes with Dante on Saturday and a second- and third-place finish on Sunday.

"I was terribly intimidated by the fact that I was riding in front of Linda Zang," Hoberecht said. "She is the upper echelon of the dressage community. To have someone of that caliber positively evaluate your horse is tremendous. It makes me sure we're on the right track."

Jeanette Van Mill of Aberdeen continued her winning streak with Z boy, earning numerous ribbons with the 7-year-old Freisan.

Vicki Kelley, Lorie Kinney, Adele Baker, Anne Huberth and Amy Bresky all pulled top ribbons.

Joe Sandven of Fletcher stole the show Saturday and Sunday, riding at the FEI Grand Prix level, the highest level of dressage, on his 18-hand black Hannovarian Rachmaninoff.

The November show date seemed to be a factor in keeping attendance down. The show is scheduled for October in 2008.

"With the date change to mid-October next year, we in the local dressage community have our hopes up that Carolina Horse Park can attract a future dressage championship," Smithson said. "We have a great facility, experienced management and the area infrastructure such as hotels and restaurants to host a big championship. I think the future for Dressage at The Park is very bright."

SATURDAY RESULTS

USDF INTRO A: 1.Rough Cut (67.50%) Anne Huberth USDF INTRO B: 1. Rough Cut (61.5) Anne Huberth 2.Dorset Woods (60.0)Amanda Miller TRAINING 1: Paragon (74.348) Debra Pennucci 2.Dorset Woods (73.478) Amanda Miller 3. Santa Fe (66.087) Vicki Kelley 4.Georgina (55.217) Jean Curtis TRAINING 2: 1.Santa Fe (64.286) Vicki Kelley 2.Paragon (60.714) Debra Pennucci 3.Georgina (53.214) Jean Curtis TRAINING 3 (BLM) 1.Dante (76.4) Diana Hoberecht 2. The Big Easy (72.0) Kris Hamilton 3.Fliegender (68.4) Stacie Briton Myers TRAINING 4 (GAIG-Q): 1.Dante (68.0) Diana Hoberecht 2.The Big Easy (67.6) Kris Hamilton 3. Fliegender (64.4) Stacie Briton Myers 4.Baltic Sunfire (63.6)Amanda Miller FIRST 1: 1. Z Boy (71.0) Jeanette Van Mill 2.Ids v.d. Terpen (69.0) Melanie Davis 3. Carrera (65.667) Lorie Kinney 4.Adabit (64.0) Nina Hatcher 5.McGlade (58.333) Will Faudree 6. Baltic Sunfire (56.0) Amanda Miller FIRST 2: 1.Carrera (65.833) Lorie Kinney 2.Z Boy (64.444) Jeanette Van Mill 3.Ids v.d. Terpen (63.333) Melanie Davis 4.McGlade (61.667) Will Faudree 5.Classico (61.111) Doreen Schlicht 6.Adabit (60.278) Nina Hatcher FIRST 3 (BLM): 1.Gemini (65.714) Anne Hennessey 2.Piko Bello (63.429) Sandra Gitter 3.Dungavin (63.143) Jessica Meckes 4.Classico (60.857) Doreen Schlicht 5. McGlade (60.286) Will Faudree FIRST 4 (GAIG-Q): 1.Dungavin (70.526) Jessica Meckes 2.Gemini (69.211) Anne Hennessey 3.Piko Bello (64.211) Sandra Gitter 4.Destiny (62.632) Charlene Werfel SECOND 1: 1.Rathurtin Gent (64.474) Adele Baker 2.Oak Magic (57.632) Letitia Mastrianni SECOND 2: 1.Rathurtin Gent (64.324) Adele Baker 2.Westmoreland (61.081) Karen Mahaffey SECOND 3 (BLM): 1. Farah Dibah F (61.163) Nanci Lindroth 2.Oak Magic (55.116) Letitia Mastrianni SECOND 4 (GAIG-Q): 1.Farah Dibah F (63.333) Nanci Lindroth 2.Fharoh (61.19) Kris Hamilton 3.Oak Magic (61.19) Letitia Mastrianni 4.Westmoreland (55.952) Karen Mahaffey THIRD 3 (GAIG-Q): 1.Welkin (66.977) Amy Bresky 2.Fharoh (58.837) Kris Hamilton FOURTH 1: Welkin (61.395) Amy Bresky 2.Isabella G (61.163) Martha Hall FEI PRIX ST. GEORGES (BLM, GAIG-Q): 1.Limerick (61.25) Nina Hatcher 2.Just Tex (58.5) Denise Potts FEI INTERMEDIATE I (BLM, GAIG-Q): 1.Jasper Johns (56.5) Tricia Gregory FEI INTERMEDIATE II (BLM, GAIG-Q): 1.Dominanz (59.512) Stacie Briton Myers FEI Grand Prix (TOC: B or Special) (BLM, GAIG-Q): 1.Rachmaninoff (66.458) Joe Sandven TEST OF CHOICE: 1.Destiny (62.5) Charlene Werfel

SUNDAY RESULTS

USDF INTRO A: 1.Vancouver (67.0%)Alexis Allen USDF INTRO B: 1. Dorset Woods (76.5) Amanda Miller 2.Vancouver (56.5) Alexis Allen TRAINING 1: 1.Dorset Woods (75.652) Amanda Miller 2.Santa Fe (73.478) Vicki Kelley 3.Georgina 51.304% Jean Curtis TRAINING 2: 1.Santa Fe (75.357) Vicki Kelley 2.Georgina (52.857) Jean Curtis TRAINING 3 (BLM): 1.Fliegender (78.0) Stacie Briton Myers 2. Dante (74.0) Diana Hoberecht 3.The Big Easy (71.2) Kris Hamilton TRAINING 4 (GAIG-Q): 1.Fliegender (75.2) Stacie Briton Myers 2.The Big Easy (72.8) Kris Hamilton 3.Dante (71.6) Diana Hoberecht 4.Baltic Sunfire (67.2) Amanda Miller FIRST 1:1.Ids v.d. Terpen (65.0) Melanie Davis 2.Cane (62.0) Amanda King 3.Adabit (60.667) Nina Hatcher 4.Baltic Sunfire (60.667) Amanda Miller 5.Donna (56.333) Susan Williams FIRST 2: 1.Ids v.d. Terpen (68.056) Melanie Davis 2.Classico (65.556) Doreen Schlicht 3.Menzel 2 (65.278) Lorie Kinney 4.Adabit (65.278) Nina Hatcher 5.Cane (64.167) Amanda King 6.Donna 61.667% Susan Williams FIRST 3 (BLM): 1.Z Boy (72.0) Jeanette Van Mill 2.Classico (69.714) Doreen Schlicht 3.Piko Bello (64.857) Sandra Gitter FIRST 4 (GAIG-Q): 1.Z Boy (75.526) Jeanette Van Mill 2.Menzel 2 (66.842) Lorie Kinney 3.Piko Bello (66.579) Sandra Gitter SECOND TOC - USDF/DOVER AA Medal: 1. Murano (59.535) Kathleen Gubar 2.Destiny (54.054) Charlene Werfel SECOND 1: 1.Rathurtin Gent (67.368) Adele Baker 2.Dungavin (58.158) Jessica Meckes SECOND 2: 1.Rathurtin Gent (62.973) Adele Baker 2.Dungavin (56.486) Jessica Meckes SECOND 4 (GAIG-Q): 1.Murano (58.333) Kathleen Gubar 2.Destiny (57.619) Charlene Werfel THIRD 3 (GAIG-Q): 1.Fharoh (66.977) Kris Hamilton FOURTH 1: 1.Welkin (69.767) Amy Bresky 2.Isabella G (62.791) Martha Hall FEI PRIX ST. GEORGES (BLM, Q): 1.Limerick (64.25) Nina Hatcher 2.Just Tex (57.0) Denise Potts FEI INTERMEDIATE I (BLM, Q): 1.Jasper Johns (50.25) Tricia Gregory FEI INTERMEDIATE II (BLM, Q): 1.Dominanz (52.683) Stacie Briton Myers TEST OF CHOICE: 1. Rachmaninoff (67.5) Joe Sandven
  
http://www.thepilot.com/stories/20071118/sports/hoofbeats/20071118DRESSAGE.html

56th Running of Stoneybrook Steeplechase at the Carolina Horse Park

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. - March 26, 2007- The Carolina Horse Park announces the 56th running of Stoneybrook Steeplechase, to be held rain or shine, Saturday, April 7, 2007. The event is comprised of four thrilling hurdle races and one fast & furious flat race. Purse money for the day totals $60,000 with a new high purse for Stoneybrook’s showcase race, The Sandhills Cup, at an impressive $25,000. As a warm up to the feature races, the 4th annual Busy Bee Fat Furlong will entertain all as children and their mounts race over a course of hay bale obstacles for glory, ribbons, and prizes!

Since Stoneybrook’s beginning, thousands of spectators have enjoyed this Sandhills rite of spring. The Stoneybrook Steeplechase thrives on tradition and the 56th year will be no different. Tailgate spaces will be filled with race goers of all ages out to enjoy a day filled with horses, food and friends. We are anticipating a great turnout this year and hope that all of the newcomers take our tradition and make it one of their own.

The horses are why people attend, but the chance to see family and friends and be outside under a Carolina blue sky are what keep them coming back each year. Whatever your traditions may be, remember – anything goes at the Stoneybrook Steeplechase. You are just as likely to see a crowd dressed in fancy, feathered hats, sipping champagne at one tailgate and a group relaxing in blue jeans and enjoying Budweiser at the next! Whatever your style, don’t miss the 56th running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase.

“Building on old traditions with new faces and entertainment is a great way to share this exciting sport with others,” said Phoebe Walsh Robertson. “Race day is a lot of fun and there is, of course, great racing.” Robertson is the Stoneybrook co-race director, a position she shares with Toby Edwards, an accomplished racehorse trainer and resident of Camden, SC. Robertson grew up with the old Stoneybrook, and comes from a family steeped in racing tradition. Her grandfather Michael “Mickey” Walsh founded Stoneybrook at the family training stable in the 1940s, and more recently her cousin, Ruby Walsh, won the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup in England. She introduced Stoneybrook to the Carolina Horse Park, and not much has changed about Stoneybrook over the years except the diversity of the groups that Stoneybrook is attracting.

The gates will open to the public at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2007 for the 56th Stoneybrook Steeplechase. A favorite for “children of all ages,” our official course walk will begin at 10:15 a.m. followed by the opening ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. Two of the highlights of the Stoneybrook experience, the Carriage Parade and Tailgate Contest judging will begin at 11:00 a.m. The very popular Hat Contest starts at 11:30 a.m. in the infield. The pony race, also known as the “Busy Bee Fat Furlong,” will run at 11:45 a.m. Horses enter the paddock for the first steeplechase race at 12:30 p.m. with post time at 1:00 p.m.

As always, we are grateful to our returning sponsors: BB&T, Lumbee River EMC, and Embarq.

The Carolina Horse Park relies on many organizations, including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and members of the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office to support Stoneybrook. Volunteers continue to be one of the most important elements of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase, and this year the Carolina Horse Park is proud to partner with a number of civic groups including: the Boy Scouts of America Troop 410, the Hoke County Baseball Team, Hoke County High Soccer Club, Southern Pines Rotary Club, Raeford Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis of the Pines, and Community United Methodist Church. The Carolina Horse Park will make a contribution to each of these organizations as a “thank you” for managing the gates, Will Call, ticket sales, parking, and trash removal.

Each year the Carolina Horse Park (CHP) strives to make improvements to its facility, and this year we are proud to announce that four newly completed barns with a total of 96 stalls will house the steeplechase horses. This long awaited project is a giant forward step in the growth of the facility. One of the primary goals of the Park is to further diversify and expand the use of the Park and favorably increase the economic impact to the surrounding communities. The project also celebrates the long-term partnership between CHP and Lumbee River Electric Cooperative, who have loaned a portion of the construction funds to the Park, and community donors who have helped to make the dream of permanent stabling a reality. Gwen Parkins, CHP Executive Director commented, "Everyone involved in this partnership understands the importance that this project will have on the surrounding area’s economy as well as the future of the horse industry in North Carolina. This project is a wonderful example of the local equestrian community working together for the good of all."

Today the Carolina Horse Park has earned the reputation as a premier equestrian facility with multi-disciplined event capabilities. The Carolina Horse Park hosts both national and international equestrian events, building on the Carolinas’ rich and longstanding equine industry. In turn, the Carolina Horse Park strives to preserve the region’s open space and to protect the use of the land and resources. The Carolina Horse Park is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information including ticket options, the event calendar, event entries, membership enrollment, and a history of the foundation, please visit the Park website, www.carolinahorsepark.com.

The 2006 Wellpride American Eventing Championships will be remembered as a year of records, and a year of firsts and lasts.  A record 496 competitors representing a record 35 states traveled either just up the road or all the way across the country to the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina September 20-24.  Their goal?  To compete in championship divisions from beginner novice to advanced for a chance to earn their share of two more records:  a $52,500 purse, and more than $100,000 in prizes.  

The firsts?  The event, now in its third year, found the perfect fit in title sponsor, Wellpride.  An Omega-3 fish oil supplement for horses, the folks from Wellpride generously made their presence known at the event, providing not only prizes to all of the winners, but also grooming caddies for every competitor, stuffed full of samples and coupons from many of the event's sponsors. 

In addition the Beginner Novice division made its Wellpride AEC debut—a very successful one—with 50 entries and the support of division sponsor, The Fork Stables. 

The last?  After three years at the Carolina Horse Park, the Wellpride AEC will move to Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois (a Chicago suburb) for 2007-2009.  For more information on the new site, visit www.aecatlamplight.org.  The Carolina Horse Park staff and volunteers made their last event a memorable one, with beautifully decorated courses, an event that ran like clockwork, and social activities each evening, including the USEA-sponsored party Friday night, with Tug-of-War (complete with mud pit for the losers) that included rivalries such as pros against amateurs, competitors versus grooms, and guys against girls, led by longtime sponsor John Nunn, owner of Bit of Britain and Nunn Finer.  The Carolina Horse Park held their signature barbecue on Saturday night, sponsored by International Truck and Engine, featuring a rock band, and dunk tank, where for a small donation you could take a shot at your favorite—or not so favorite—official, organizer, or fellow competitor.

Not enough can be said to thank the Carolina Horse Park staff, board of directors, and volunteers for making the AEC a reality.  Without them this event would be just another good idea.  And while the USEA held to the vision that the Championships would move to a new host location every three years, when it comes to the Carolina Horse Park, out of sight is not out of mind.  Who knows where the event might find itself, come 2010!

For all the Wellpride AEC action, including daily reports from the event, photos, audio archive of the cross-country competition, and video footage of cross-country and show jumping, visit the Wellpride AEC page of the USEA website by clicking on the Wellpride AEC logo on the home page.

 
The Wellpride AEC Goes to the Dogs
Contact:  Amy J. Daum, (703) 779-0440 ext. 3017

Go to just about any horse trials in the country and you can expect to see more dogs on the grounds than horses.  The Wellpride AEC is no different, which is why the USEA launched the AEC Dog Show at the 2005 Championships.  After that strictly for-fun dog show became the sleeper hit of the weekend, plans were quickly underway for an even bigger and better sophomore event in 2006.

Thanks to sponsors Saratoga Horseworks, SmartPak Canine, and Merial, the top three finishers in each class at this year’s show took home prizes as well as some well-deserved recognition for talents such as waggiest tail and best vocal performance.  The prizes included:  a cooling vest from Saratoga Horseworks for first, SmartPak Canine gift certificate for second, and stuffed toy and clock from Merial for third.  In addition dog treats from SmartPak Canine were available for all the competitors.

We thank the more than 65 dogs and their owners, representing 14 states, for participating, and our sponsors for their support, and look forward to next year’s Wellpride AEC Dog Show at its new venue, Lamplight Equestrian Center!

Results

Terrific Pet Tricks
1        Molly (mixed breed) / Leslie Chelstrom, Bluemont, VA 2        Chaos (Jack Russell Terrier) / Nancy Bounds, Berlin, MD 3        Max (German Shepherd) /  Shannon Cain, West Chester, PA
Costume Class
1        Annie (Mini Dachshund) / Dawn & Joel Scholz, Knightdale, NC 2        Dillon (Golden Retriever) / Lynn Coates-Holmes , Williston, SC 3T      Brutus, (Puggle) / Terry Lockhart, Bristow, VA 3T      Bella (Samoyed/Boston Terrier/Beagle) / Jessica Moore , Topsfield, MA 3T      Topsy (Irish Jack Russell Terrier) / Anne Wilson, Columbia, SC 3T      Buc (Lab Mix) / Zoe DiGiovianni, Pinehurst, NC
Biggest Dog
1        Lola (Great Dane) / Samantha Barber , Norwood, NC 2        Marty (Gordon Setter)  / Peetie Miller 3        Zack (Bernese Mountain Dog) / Annie Kauffman
Best Vocal Performance
1        Spirit (Corgi) / Morgan Ludlow 2        Pepper Jack (Australian Shepherd) / Julie Ennis, Queenstown, MD 3        Zeena  (Mixed Breed) / Mike Dickhart, Aiken, SC
Waggiest Tail
1        Tucker (American Bulldog) / Kandi Kline, Holly Springs, NC 2        Pepper Jack (Australian Shepherd) / Julia Ennis, Queenstown, MD 3        Dillon (Golden Retriever) / Lynn Coates-Holmes, Bristow, VA
Most Adorable
1        Chance (Mixed) / Eric Kramer, Round Hill, VA 2        Daisy May (Border Collie) /  Rylee Gailey, Covington, GA 3        Frost (Mixed) / Trey Brignac, Raleigh, NC
Smallest Dog
1        Chrissy (Chihuahua) / Pat Belskie 2        Tinkerbell (Mini-Dachshund) /           Dawn & Joel Scholz, Knightdale, NC 3        Sir Reginald Puff n Stuff (Pomeranian) /           Denise Phillips, Ohio
Most Mysterious Heritage
1        Bentley (Bassett Mix/Bull Mastiff) /           Leslie Chelstrom, Bluemont, VA 2        Quigly (Beagle/Dalmatian/Pit bull /           Stafford) / Molly Rosin, Madera, CA 3        Suzie (Bengie/Terrier Mix) /           Louise Quella, Jackson Springs, NC
Best Rescue
1        Jasper (Greyhound) / Holly Johnson, Metamora, MI 2        Crosby (Mix) / Katie Saunders, Falls Church, VA 3        Sophie (Mix) / Daniel Rose, Summersfield, NC

For more information on the Wellpride American Eventing Championships, including complete results of the equine competition, visit the USEA website at www.useventing.com and click on the Wellpride AEC logo. Photos by Robert Winter.

2006 Wellpride American Eventing Championships Wrap-Up
By Amber Heintzberger; September 24, 2006
Contact: Amy J. Daum, (703) 779-0440 ext. 3017

Kristin Bachman almost met her goal of a clear show jumping round today at the 2006 Wellpride American Eventing Championships at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina. But even with one rail down, she and Gryffindor finished on 37.3 penalties, well ahead of Mara Dean on Nicki Henley with 51.60, to win the 2006 Wellpride AEC Advanced division.  Bachman took home practically a trailer full of prizes, including $4,000 in prize money from the USEA, an additional $1,000 Suncoast Bonus from Suncoast Bedding, an Amerigo saddle, a $600 gift certificate and cooler from Saratoga Horseworks, a Mountain Horse jacket, pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, Adequan, $300 Bit of Britain gift certificate, pair of SSG Gloves, jump standards from Hi-Tech Horse Jumps, a grooming tote with Wellpride and Omega Cure from title sponsor Wellpride, an UlcerGard 4-pack, and a pair of Blundstone boots for her groom.  

“There were some big fences out there,” she said. “You had to think about the course and really ride it.”

Bachman, 34, relocated from Redmond, Washington to The Plains, Virginia earlier this year to train with Jan Byyny and Mara Dean. Her win validates her choice and proves that she is making progress in her riding. “This obviously means we’re going in the right direction and putting it all together,” she said. It should give her a big confidence boost as she prepares to compete at the CCI*** at Fair Hill later this fall.

Young Rider Loreen Kay placed third overall and Emma Winter of Newnan, Georgia placed fourth on Mahogany Chief.

It is an ongoing concern in eventing that the lower levels be challenging enough in the jumping phases that it doesn’t become a dressage competition. Marc Donovan’s show jumping course consisted of a lot of related distances and lacked the technical, twisting style of many of today’s courses. It didn’t cause a lot of problems for competitors, but in the end it was influential in the final placings.

In the Open Training division the win came down to a rail, and since the leaders were tied, Susan Wainwright’s clear round really put the pressure on Susan Reynolds to leave all the rails in their cups. In the end Reynolds knocked the front rail off an oxer and Wainwright, from Pike Road, Alabama, was victorious.

Riding a homebred Irish Sport Horse named Hunter, Wainwright finished on her dressage score of 29.2. A former advanced level competitor, she has taken time off from the upper levels to focus on raising her 16-year-old son Sam with her husband, Sam Sr.

Coming into show jumping today, Reynolds commented, “I asked God to just give me peace and let me do my best – now that it’s over, I can’t stop shaking! I am so overwhelmed.” Reynolds said that she couldn’t have done it without the support of her barn manager and husband.

The Training Horse division in particular kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. About a third of the division had rails down, and with all the placings separated by fractions of a point, those rails could be expensive. Kelli Temple and Karen Mahaffey found out just how expensive, in fact, when they each had one rail down, altering their placings.

Local trainer Holly Hepp of Southern Pines benefited from the leaders’ errors and won the Training Horse division riding her own eight-year-old Thoroughbred Ladyslipper, a sale project that she purchased a year ago. An unraced Thoroughbred by Mohiba out of a Babamist mare, Ladyslipper had already won three training level events this year.

“She’s a quirky mare and I’ve figured out how to get the best out of her,” said Hepp. “Now she has a lot of mileage and is ready to go to a good Amateur or Young Rider.”

“This park is fantastic,” said Hepp, who added that she liked the changes to this year’s cross-country course. “The course had skinnies and corners and turning questions,” she explained. “I think the direct lines in show jumping were good practice for the eventers too – it made you come in and sit still.”

Hepp also placed second in the Novice Horse division on Icewine, a horse that also placed second in that division last year with Bobby Stevenson in the irons.

The weather was again quite hot today, but dark clouds hung over the Horse Park. The short downpour held off until the end of the Training Junior/Young Rider division awards ceremony, sending riders back to the barn happily clutching their new ribbons.

In the Training Junior/Young Rider division 15-year-old Brook Harlow of Concord, Massachusetts kept her cool as she piloted Fibber Magee around to finish on their dressage score of 32.6. Thirteen-year-old Retsy Holliday, one of the youngest competitors at the Wellpride AEC, finished second, less than two points behind, while Kaitlin Spurlock moved up from sixth to finish third.

Harlow bought the Fibber Magee from Jessica Moore in February and they have moved up to Preliminary already, which she said gave her a lot of confidence competing at the Training championships.

Harlow’s parents flew down today to watch her compete, but didn’t tell their daughter that they were at the Horse Park because she gets nervous when they watch her compete. They were there to congratulate her when she walked out of the ring.

“My heart was in my throat watching her, but we wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” said her mom, Amy Harlow.

“Brooke’s worked hard and followed the program,” said coach Karen Lorenzo. “She’s had a great season.”


PHOTO CAPTION:  Kristin Bachman and Gryffindor pose with from left to right: Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, co-owner of Wellpride, the AEC’s new title sponsor; USEA Chairman of the Board, Kyra Stuart; Shealagh Costello of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, Event organizer Lefreda Williams; Clark Davis from longtime sponsor, Amerigo Saddles; USEA CEO, Jo Whitehouse; Arete trophy presenter, Colleen Hofstetter; and Dean Hill of Suncoast Bedding.  Photo Credit:  Amber Heintzberger.

Three Phases, Twelve Divisions Run On Day Three of the Wellpride AEC
By Amber Heintzberger; September 22, 2006
Contact:  Amy J. Daum, (703) 779-0440 ext. 3017

California native Molly Rosin made the 3,000 trek worthwhile, jumping around clear aboard Havarah’s Charly to become the 2006 Open Preliminary champions at the Wellpride American Eventing Championships at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina. Finishing on their dressage score of 29.4, the pair dominated the division of 44 entries. Allison Springer and Arthur, who led after dressage, finished in second place overall, followed by Lynn Coates-Holmes on Pistolero.

Past Olympian Karen O’Connor of The Plains, Virginia won the Preliminary Horse Debroke division with Joan Goswell’s Mandiba, followed by Emily Beshear on Baileywick and Caroline Dowd on Raw Deal.

Fourteen-year-old Callie Judy of Columbia, Missouri kept all the rails in their cups to win the Preliminary Junior/Young Rider division riding Kilkenny Castle, an Irish Sport Horse gelding. “Area IV has very flat terrain and I liked the rolling hills here,” Judy said. “Cross-country was very challenging.” She added that she wanted to thank her parents for supporting her, and Cathy Wieschhoff for coaching her during the competition.  Second place went to Laura Sappenfield on Derrik and third place to Kirsten Selwig on Rude de Guerre.