07.31.09
Posted in Disciplines, Vaulting at 9:39 pm by Thomas
Lexington, Ky., July 31 — Kenny Geisler and Megan Benjamin, the most successful American vaulters competing today, solidified the Mt. Eden Vaulters’ domination of the Kentucky Cup Vaulting today. Geisler, 28, is leading the CVI2* men’s division (6.979) at the competition’s halfway point, and Benjamin, 21, is leading the CVI2* women’s division (7.933).
The Kentucky Cup is the vaulting test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, on Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010.
Benjamin, the 2006 World Champion, won the freestyle decisively today, scoring 7.993 to best runner-up Mary McCormick, 26, of Woodside, Calif. (7.527), who won the compulsory phase yesterday. Benjamin is now the overall leader (7.887), with McCormick second (7.527). Annalise VanVranken, 27, of Mays Landing, N.J., stands third overall (7.520).
“This was the first time everything seemed to go really well in a long time,” said Benjamin, of Saratoga, Calif. Although she was a member of the silver-medal U.S. team at the 2008 World Championships, she said that “for the last year I’ve been doing a lot more studying than vaulting.” She now has her sights set on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
McCormick said that she had some trouble getting used to Lanson 16, who isn’t her usual mount. “I was a little disappointed in the way it went. It felt like we were out of sync with each other,” she said.
Vanvranken was pleased with her score, considering that “I kind of fell out of one of my moves.”
Geisler, an international competitor for more than a decade, won today’s freestyle by .3 points to widen the lead he took in Thursday’s compulsory round. His two-day total of 6.979 has put him comfortably ahead of Kristian Roberts, 16, of Moss Beach, Calif. (6.700). Mikkel Vandrup of Denmark has moved into third place (6.404).
“I just concentrated on trying to do my best today, and that’s how it worked out,” said Geisler, of Sunnyvale, Calif.
Vandrup performed some of the day’s most daring moves, including dismounting with a forward arial cartwheel over the longe line to land next to the horse’s head. But he couldn’t hold the landing and somersaulted once across the ground, coming right back up on his feet.
“I wanted to do my thing—to go out there and entertain, and I hope the people watching had some fun,” said Vandrup, Denmark’s most accomplished male vaulter.
Rachel Bublitz, 16, of Parker, Colo., was the only woman in the CVI1* division to achieve an average score above 7.0 today. With a score of 7.387, she’s now taken a commanding lead (6.844) over Kathryn Jaggers, 15, of Portola Valley, Calif. (6.488). First day leader Kyra McCarty, 17, of San Mateo, Calif., placed third in the freestyle to fall to third overall (6.420).
Rachel Bublitz displays her strong suit, jumps!
“I was really shocked by my scores today, but I’m pleased because I know I could do even better,” said Bublitz. “The jumps are kind of my strong suit, and I did them well.”
McCarty knows that anything could happen in the next two phases. “Sure, I could have done better today, but you can’t complain if you’re in the top three,” she said.
McCarty’s Mt. Eden teammate Joey Gadd held on to the top spot in the men’s CVI1*, winning the freestyle by almost .8 points to take a commanding overall lead (5.832). Gadd was the only one of the three male competitors to not receive a major deduction for falling from the horse’s back.
“It was the best freestyle I’ve ever done,” said Gadd, 14, of Saratoga, Calif. He said he’s suffered a series of minor injuries this year and had missed training. “I thought I did it well this time and that I accomplished my goals,” he added.
Shawn Ricci stands second (5.391), and Clay Thomas stands third (5.363).
The Mt. Eden Eclipse one-star team held its lead in the team competition, despite several mistakes that included one member falling off their horse Sir James. The Woodside team actually won today’s freestyle (5.687 to Mt. Eden’s 5.220), but Mt. Eden’s lead from the compulsory phase has kept them .15 points in front. The Mt. Eden vaulters said they hoped that today’s performance had shaken out their nerves before Saturday’s decisive second freestyle.
But the Woodside two-star team turned the tide on the Mt. Eden Sun team in their division. This Woodside squad also decisively won today’s freestyle—and by enough to take the overall lead. Woodside’s two-day total is 6.569, while Mt. Eden’s is 6.186.
The CVI1* divisions conclude on Saturday with a second compulsory and a second freestyle round. The CVI2* divisions will give a special evening performance to start the second rund. They’ll conclude their competition on Sunday with their second freestyle.
To see photos of the Kentucky Cup Vaulting, go to http://www.americanvaulting.org/kvc/pr/media.htm
About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com
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07.30.09
Posted in Disciplines, Vaulting at 8:16 pm by Thomas
Lexington, KY – The Mt. Eden Vaulters, of Saratoga, Calif., dominated the first day of the Kentucky Cup Vaulting at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Kentucky Cup is the vaulting test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games next September.
Vaulters representing the Mt. Eden team, of Saratoga, Calif., are leading the all four individual divisions and both of the team competitions.
In today’s individual competitions, each vaulter performed exactly the same one-minute routine of seven exercises, while in the team competition each of the seven members performed twice, performing a total of four exercises each. Judges from Germany, Italy and the United States evaluated them.
Mt. Eden vaulters are standing first and second in the women’s CVI 2*, from a field of 20 starters. Mary McCormick, 26, of Woodside, Calif., nipped Megan Benjamin, 21, of Saratoga, Calif., by 7.826 to 7.781. Benjamin is the reigning World Champion, and McCormick is an accomplished international competitor.
Shannyn Poer, 23, of Venice Beach, Calif., claimed third, scoring 7.463.
“I’m, obviously, very excited to be on top, and being here for this test event makes me feel a lot more prepared for the 2010 WEG,” said McCormick.
Seasoned international competitor Kenny Geisler, 28, of Sunnyvale, Calif., established a sizeable lead in the men’s 2* division, scoring 6.644. Kristian Roberts, 16, of Moss Beach Calif., earned 6.400 to grab second from Erik Martonovich of Las Vegas, Nev. (6.244). Martonovich has returned to competition while continuing his career training horses for and performing with them in stage shows.
“This was one of the best sets I’ve been able to perform in years,” said Geisler.
With a smile, Geisler attributed Mt. Eden’s sweep of the day to “a great organization. We have a lot of people helping us out, but the most credit goes to our coaches, Emma Seely and Jessica Ballenger. They’re always on the prowl for new and better horses and new ideas,” he said.
In the 2* team event, the Mt. Eden Sun Team turned in a clean, smooth and professional performance on Sampson, a horse they’d never vaulted with before. The horse they’d planned to use became sore yesterday. Their performance put them more than 1 point ahead of the Woodside Vaulters.
Kyra McCarty, 17, of San Mateo, Calif., started the Mt. Eden sweep by claiming the narrowest of leads in the CVI 1*. Both she and Rachel Bublitz, 16, of Parker, Colo., earned an average score of 6.300, but McCarty placed first because she scored higher in the tie-breaking exercise. Karly Frankel-Newman, 14, of Menlo Park, Calif., is just behind in third, scoring 6.289. A total of 33 women started the 1* division.
“We all had really clear rounds today,” said McCarty, who’s looking ahead to he decisive freestyle round. “I’m concentrating on being really there mentally for the freestyle. I want to make sure my freestyle is really clean too.”
All the leading vaulters had high praise for the new indoor arena. Benjamin, who won the gold medal at the 2006 WEG in Aachen, Germany, declared, “This arena is already better than Aachen-and I love Aachen. But this is a real indoor arena, not just an arena with a cover over it, so you don’t get wet when it rains. You don’t even hear the rain drops!”
“The arena is organized really well,” said Frankel-Newman. “My horse, Cheval, is normally not a fan of indoor arenas, but he went really well today.”
Joey Gadd, 14, also a member of the Mt. Eden team, said that his horse, Lanson 16, liked the arena too. “It’s very open. It doesn’t seem like a horse-eating cavern to them,” he said.
Gadd said that his horse’s performance was the main reason he took a narrow lead in the men’s CVI 1*, scoring 5.878 to edge Shawn Ricci, 31, of Shawsville, Va. (5.874). Clay Thomas, 14, Newtown, Va., claimed third (5.626) in the three-man field.
“I was a little bit nervous today, but I think I did pretty well in my first international competition,” said Gadd.
“I can’t complain about my performance,” said Ricci, who’s a professional ballet dancer when he’s not vaulting
Thomas said that he “had some mental blocks that kept me back.”
The Mt. Eden Eclipse Team, which includes McCarty and Benjamin, suffered no mental or performance blocks as they took a decisive compulsory lead from the Woodside Vaulters. The seven-member Mt. Eden team scored an average of 6.252, while Woodside scored 5.477.
The Mt. Eden Eclipse Team showed impressively crisp timing as each member vaulted on and off their horse Giovanni, and each team member demonstrated stronger, more assured poses than their rivals.
McCarty said she prefers the team competition to the individual. “If something goes wrong [for me] in the team competition, I get a lot more upset because I’ve let six other people down. I put a lot more fight into the team,” she said.
Almost all the vaulters praised the Ottosport footing that the organizing committee placed over the dirt arena floor for this event. This is the indoor version of the Ottosport footing that’s used in the outdoor arenas at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“It’s the best vaulting footing in the world,” said Benjamin.
“This footing is much more supportive than what we usually vault on. I like it very much,” said Geisler.
About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com
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07.27.09
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Vaulting at 8:21 pm by Thomas
Eight countries will go head to head at the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in Kentucky Cup Vaulting, the official test event of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
The CVI 1* and 2* events will feature vaulters from Canada, Denmark, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, China and the United States. The vaulters will compete individually and in teams and will complete compulsory and freestyle rounds. Many of the athletes participating in the test event have also competed in previous World Equestrian Games as well as National and World Championships. Notables include:
· Ali Davita: 2008/2009 US National Champion –USA
· Megan Benjamin: 2006 WEG Gold Medalist—USA
· Mary McCormick: 2007 US National Champion –USA
· Annalise VanVranken: 2006 WEG Team Silver Medalist, 2008 World Championships Team Bronze Medalist—USA
· Kenny Geisler and Eric Martonovitch: US National Men’s Individual Team Members –USA
· Colin Schmidt—CAN
· Mikkel Vandrup –DEN
· Ling Yang – CHN
The Kentucky Cup Vaulting test event will be held July 30 through August 2 in the new indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Competition will begin daily at 8 a.m. and will resume in the afternoon at 1 p.m. Admission is free to the public, and parking is $3 during the day and $5 after 5 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to competition.
About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit
www.alltechfeigames.com
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07.24.09
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining at 8:40 pm by Thomas
Canada and Mexico Share Podium in Debut Event for Kentucky Horse Park’s New Indoor Arena
LEXINGTON, KY-Team USA rider Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, TX, won the individual final in Kentucky Cup Reining, the first test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Held in the Kentucky Horse Park’s new indoor arena, Kentucky Cup Reining, a CRIO4* competition officially sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), featured 12 riders, four each from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. McCutcheon’s win added to a win earlier in the week by Team USA in the team competition.
“There’s nothing that means as much to me as wearing the USA colors and winning for our country,” said McCutcheon, winner of team Gold and individual Silver Medals at the 2002 WEG. McCutcheon received a score of 222.5 from the five-judge panel for his ride on Darlins Not Painted, a 7-year-old, American Paint Horse mare owned by Randy Paul of Scottsdale, AZ, with whom he has been paired for just 10 days. “I love the team concept and I love riding for our country.”
Following McCutcheon in the standings was Canada’s Lisa Coulter, who finished second with a score of 219.5 on Hollywood Aces. Dell Hendricks of Tioga, TX, scored 218.0 on Starbucks Sidekick, a 9-year-old, Quarter Horse stallion, as did Mexico’s Jose Vazquez on Juiced Up Doc, to put the two riders in a tie for third.
“I felt that I got everything out of my horse tonight that I possibly could have gotten,” said an elated Coulter, the only woman rider among the 12 in the field, “but Tom’s mare was just perfect for him. He clearly deserved tonight’s win.”
McCutcheon explained that he was in need of a horse for the Test Event and the decision to ride Darlins Not Painted, a horse with non-pro experience, came after a suggestion from his wife. “She thought it would work. We got her about three weeks ago but I didn’t ride her until last week. I guess I’d have to say I’m happy the way it turned out.”
All four riders praised the organization of the Test Event as well as the new indoor arena. “It was a real thrill to ride here,” said Vazquez. “Everything was perfect and I am honored to have been part of this.”
Hendricks, a team Gold Medalist at the 2006 WEG, added, “This is absolutely the best arena I have ever shown a horse in. There are going to be a lot of great moments in this building!”
About Reining
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Huge crowds for the Reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of Reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the US, as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are well under way to feature Reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
Further information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, including full results of Kentucky Cup Reining, is available on line at www.alltechfeigames.com.
Permalink
07.21.09
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Kentucky Horse Park, Reining, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:17 pm by Thomas
World Games 2010 Foundation Testing All Operations
LEXINGTON, KY- The first test event in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games kicked off with spirited competition and rave reviews for the Kentucky Horse Park’s new indoor arena that opened with the Kentucky Cup Reining competition.
Team USA’s Aaron Ralston made history as the first athlete to compete in the arena.
“After my ride, it really started to sink in. It is so special to be a part of something as big as these preparations for the 2010 Games,” he said. “To be on this team with these athletes-it’s all bigger than just me.”
The competition ran smoothly and the facility preparation received high scores from the teams.
Team USA chef d’equipe Jeff Petska commended the Games’ organizing committee and event management for their outstanding job in putting on the event. “The organizing committee did a fantastic job,” he said. “It’s a great arena and the footing was very, very good. We are very excited for the opportunity to come back here for the 2010 Games.”
Petska also thanked sponsors such as Alltech, Ariat, John Deere, Rolex, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, the American Farriers Association, UK Healthcare, Fortune Realty and Pieratts, for their commitment to reining.
Just as organizers are testing their preparations at Kentucky Cup events, participating countries are testing their best against teams they may see in 2010.
“We certainly have our work cut out for us to beat Team USA and others-such as Germany and Italy who are not here today,” said Team Canada Chef d’Equipe Wendy Dyer. “We will plan as best we can to field the best horses and riders.”
Team Mexico Chef d’Equipe Alberto Hawa noted, “I am very pleased to be here and it is an honor to be part of this first event. I think the arena is very good, and everyone’s teams were very good. We are trying to be better every time and we are learning from the big guys. We are excited to see what will happen between now and next year.”
As reining grows in popularity, organizers and teams know that fans around the world will be looking toward the Kentucky Horse Park and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with great anticipation.
Kentucky Cup Reining will conclude Thursday evening with the individual finals at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event are free to the public. Evening parking at the Kentucky Horse Park is $5.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
Permalink
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Kentucky Horse Park, Reining at 4:12 pm by Thomas
Kentucky Cup Reining Initiates Kentucky Horse Park’s New Indoor Arena
LEXINGTON, KY-With a great sense of anticipation, Team USA’s Aaron Ralston made history as he entered the ring as the first athlete ever to compete in the Kentucky Horse Park’s new indoor arena in Kentucky Cup Reining, the first test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“I really didn’t realize it was happening until afterwards, and then it opened my eyes and it really started to sink in. To be involved in something so big and special as these test events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and to be on the team with these athletes is so special. It’s all bigger than just me. It’s a great honor and it’s very humbling,” said Ralston, 32, of Silt, CO, winner of team Gold and individual Bronze Medals at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.
Kentucky Cup Reining, a CRI4* competition officially sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), featured teams from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The U.S. finished first with a team score of 659.50, followed by Canada with 641.00 and Mexico with 631.50. The Individual Final will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
For the test event, Team USA fielded a seasoned team featuring four WEG Gold Medalists. They were led to the win by Shawn Flarida, 40, of Springfield, OH, double Gold Medalist in reining’s WEG debut in 2002. Flarida received a score of 370.00 from the five-judge panel for his ride on Smart Spook, an 8-year-old, AQHA Sorrel stallion owned by Rosanne Sternberg of Aubrey, TX.
Also turning in stellar performances for the winning U.S. team were Ralston, who scored 354.00 on Double My Whiskey, a 6-year-old, Quarter Horse stallion owned by Waggoner Estate of Vernon, TX; his 2006 WEG Gold Medal teammate Dell Hendricks of Tioga, TX, who scored 367.00 on Starbucks Sidekick, a 9-year-old, Quarter Horse, stallion owned by Adair Reiners, LLC; and Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, TX, winner of team Gold and individual Silver Medals at the 2002 WEG, who scored 362.50 on Darlins Not Painted, a 7-year-old, American Paint Horse mare owned by Randy Paul of Scottsdale, AZ.
While pleased with his team’s performance, Team USA chef d’equipe Jeff Petska pointed out that the team selected for next year’s Games will face a formidable challenge. “Getting ready for a World Equestrian Games is a very involved process and the teams get better every year. It is a sport that began and grew here, but now that advantage is dwindling as the sport is becoming more international. We’re talking to riders and looking for horses because everyone wants to field the best athletes they can. As the sport grows the level of athleticism required for both horses and riders continues to get higher and higher.”
About Reining
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Huge crowds for the Reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of Reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the US, as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are well under way to feature Reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
Further information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, including full results of Kentucky Cup Reining, is available on line at www.alltechfeigames.com.
Permalink
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Kentucky Horse Park, Reining at 10:18 am by Thomas
KENTUCKY CUP REINING STARTS TODAY
LEXINGTON, KY-The first test event of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begins today as Kentucky Cup Reining slides in the new indoor arena of the Kentucky Horse Park. Kentucky Cup Reining will be the first competition held in the park’s new arena.
Kentucky Cup Reining is a CRI4* competition, officially sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), featuring teams from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Nations’ Cup team competition will be held July 21 at 10:00 a.m., and the Individual Final will be held Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled to bring such a spirited rivalry to the Kentucky Horse Park for the first test event,” said Brad Ettleman, reining discipline manager for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “As the fastest growing equestrian sport, reining is a discipline I am confident spectators will enjoy as they get this sneak peak of 2010 competition.”
The Kentucky Cup Reining competition is also an opportunity for organizers of the 2010 Games to test planning and preparations well in advance of next year’s world championships.
“The test events will give us a detailed account of our preparations in many operational areas,” said Foundation CEO Jamie Link. “These opportunities are critical to ensure that we are prepared to successfully host an event of this magnitude and importance in 2010.”
Many 2010 Games sponsors are assisting with Kentucky Cup Reining, including Alltech, John Deere, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, the American Farriers Association, UK Healthcare, Fortune Realty and Pieratts.
About Reining
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Huge crowds for the Reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of Reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the US, as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are well under way to feature Reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com
Permalink
06.18.09
Posted in Disciplines, Vaulting at 7:47 am by Thomas
“Introduction to Equestrian Vaulting” Day Camps this July
Designed to Grow Sport in the Greater Kentucky Region
Goal is to Start 20 New Vaulting Programs at Equestrian Centers Nationwide
LEXINGTON, KY, June 16, 2009 — As part of a key initiative to bring equestrian vaulting to the home of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the American Vaulting Association (AVA) will host a series of “Introduction to Vaulting” summer day camps and clinics in the greater Kentucky area throughout July. The top U.S. coaches and equestrian vaulters will teach participants dance and gymnastics routines on a moving horse.
“Our goal is to introduce this exciting and growing sport to Kentucky and surrounding states this summer, and to give riding instructors and equestrian facilities the tools to start 20 new vaulting programs throughout the region within the next year,” said Sheri Benjamin, AVA president.
The camps will be held July 13-15 at the Meadow Lake Equestrian Center in Lancaster, and July 20-22 at the Kentucky Equestrian Center in Winchester. The cost for both instructors and athletes is $150 for the three-day session. The on-site clinics may be scheduled by request.
During each three-day camp, the AVA will run dual tracks: a “train the trainer” program designed to teach riding instructors how to coach vaulting, and an “Introduction to Vaulting” camp for riders and athletes who want to learn the sport.
“It’s an ideal way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with your equine partner,” said Benjamin. “If you love horses, gymnastics, dance and fun, you’re a perfect candidate for vaulting!”
Vaulting is an excellent equestrian activity to help riders develop a better seat, posture and communication with the horse. For non-equestrian athletes, including gymnasts and dancers, vaulting helps improve overall balance, flexibility and core strength.
For those who prefer a custom session, the AVA is offering on-site half-day clinics throughout July, designed to bring vaulting directly to equestrian facilities in the greater Kentucky area, including the surrounding states. The AVA will provide coaches, vaulting horses and all equipment necessary for these sessions.
To register for the camps or to get more information on the on-site clinics, click on the “Kentucky Camps and Clinics” button on the American Vaulting Association website (www.americanvaulting.org) for an on-line brochure, or call the AVA National Office at 323-654-0800.
About Vaulting
Vaulting is both a recreational activity and a competitive discipline where both gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a walking, trotting or cantering horse. It requires a harmonious relationship with the horse and outstanding physical condition from the vaulter.
An FEI recognized discipline since 1983, vaulting competitions are held regionally, nationally and worldwide and individuals, pairs and teams all compete in separate events. This variety creates an engaging experience for spectators as they watch athletes of all ages perform breathtaking routines that include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter, and kneeling and standing exercises.
Vaulting is a unique and growing sport with a rich heritage traced back to the ancient Minoans and later to Roman soldiers. It was featured in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp as Artistic Riding and has since evolved into the sport it is today. Vaulting is a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse; it is used around the globe as an introduction to the equestrian world and is recognized as a technique for developing strong riders in all disciplines.
About the American Vaulting Association
The American Vaulting Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to growing vaulting in the United States through educational programs, activities and competitions. This year the AVA celebrated its 40th anniversary; it has hundreds of vaulting clubs around the nation, and hosts dozens of activities and competitions annually.
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05.31.07
Posted in Combined Driving, Discussion, Georgetown, Kentucky, Thoroughbred Racing, Updates at 10:16 pm by Thomas
Its the end of May and wanted to give a quick update.
In Kentucky April really kicks off the horse season with the Kentucky Rolex 3-Day Event at the end of the month and then things kick in to overdrive in May with the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in the month. Of course we should say congratulations to Street Sense and his whole crew and to Curlin for running a great race in the Preakness. Hopefully we will get to see these two again in the Breeders Cup Classic.
As most people have probably realized by now, I am an all around horse person. If it involves horses I have an interest in it, which makes this time of year very busy.
On Preakness day I was actually out watching a Combined Driving Event at the Gala Driving Center in Georgetown, Kentucky. There are not a lot of Combined Driving Centers in the U.S. unlike Europe and the Gala Driving Center is certainly amongst the top.
As for the funding for the Kentucky Horse Park we have taken a wait and see attitude as we wait to see if the Governor calls a Special Session in June. We continue to promote the Games by talking to people where ever we meet them and the response has been largely positive. The real concern always comes back to the money that is going to be spent for the Games as most know if Government tells you one number it is always going to cost more. Our primary goal then has to be to make the Games more successful then what people are expecting so that the State reaps benefits in 2010 and beyond.
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