BETA International 16-18 Feb. 2003 - A Host of Innovations
Please note: this is a TRADE show, but following on from BETA International 2003 you will see the
latest fashions and saddlery equipment in your local retailer. Here are some previews:
New For The UK - The Woodfield Coat
"Pariani" Saddlery
The Pro Classic from Veredus
Hooves Pro-Equestrian Products
The unbeatable advantages of synthetic harness.
Nikwax® Equestrian Range
Authentic Australian riding jackets, coats and hats
JUMP OFF, the board game for Horse-lovers
Solid Gold Benefits for Laminitics
Busy BETA International For Comfort Zone Equestrian
Tremendous Turnout For TopSpec Equine At BETA International
Fabulous BETA International For Flexalan

Youp And Leslie Howard Win the $5,000 NAL 1.4 m Americhoice Challenge by 8/10’s of a Second.
Wellington, FL – February 21, 2003 – The NAL Americhoice Challenge is a speed class and Youp with Leslie Howard up won in record time. This was a huge class with 86 entries vying to be the quickest with no faults over a course designed by Olaf Petersen of Germany. Seventeen horses had fault-free rounds but Leslie and Youp were the fastest and were only 8/10th s of a second faster than Joe Fargis riding Diams III for Mary B. Schwab and O.E.J.I. Farm.
The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter and jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals.
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Molly Ashe and King Louie Win 2 Days in a Row!
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2003 – Molly Ashe and King Louie won again today. Yesterday, Molly and King Louie won the $7,500 1.45 m Time First Jump-off and today, they won the $7,500 1.45 m Time First Jump-off again beating a field of 54 horses.
With 47 horses attempting the course today, Millcreek’s Marco Taere won the $25,000 WEF Challenge Cup. Six of the 47 horses qualified for the timed jump-off – four of those horses had clean jump-off performances, 2 horses had 8 faults each. But, Millcreeek’s Marco Taere was 1.38 seconds faster than the second-placed Chardo ridden by Megan Lamaze and 2.36 seconds faster than the third-placed Royal Discovery with Markus Beerbaum riding. Millcreek’s Marco Taere is a Belgium Warmblood gelding by Darco.
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Second Ring and Hall of Fame Class added for 2003 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic
South Hamilton, MA-February 18, 2002-The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic has announced exciting changes for its 2003 edition of what has become a tradition of top show jumping in New England. The 14th annual Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, which will take place September 3-7 at the Myopia Schooling Fields, in South Hamilton, MA, will now run two rings for competition everyday except Grand Prix Sunday.
"What we're trying to do is make the days shorter and the show run smoother without compromising any classes for exhibitors," explained Jumper Classic Manager, Peggy Lynch. "We'll be evenly allotting the classes to both rings because even though our second ring will be excellent, everyone wants to get their chance in the big ring." On Sunday, the big ring will be the focus for the $50,000 Fidelity Investments AGA Grand Prix. "We want to devote everything on Sunday to the featured events of the show, most notably the Grand Prix itself," said Lynch.
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Grand Prix Jumper Rider Candice King: A Lifetime of Equestrian Achievement
Wellington, Florida – February 20, 2003 – Candice King is a well-known fixture on the grand prix jumper circuit and is a regular in the big Sunday classes at The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival, currently going on at The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.
Candice started riding before she could walk. She learned to read by reading horse show prize lists. At 7, she was showing quarter horses in Southern California, and by 15 switched to the English saddle and began competing in the hunter and equitation classes on the East Coast. She completed her high school education via a correspondence course while living in a trailer on East Coast showgrounds with her Mother. Always a master of her own destiny, Candice was determined to make riding a career and to be one of the best.
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Clinics; Self Defense on the Trails
Event Clinic #2 March 8th and 9th Carnation, Wa USA
Learn to use your horse to protect yourself while riding on the trails. Taught by a former Mounted Police Instructor.
Event Clinic #2: What Works With Horses and Why March 22nd and 23rd
Course Description: Emphasis on ground manners, riding, sensory training, horse socialization, and self-defense from horse back. Whether you ride for fun or competition these clinics will help you have a better understanding and relationship with your horse. Learn what works, why it works and how to apply it to your discipline
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Vermont Summer Festival
July 9 - August 10, 2003
The Vermont Summer Festival is New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit. This year’s event includes five USET-recognized $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix to be held on the last day of each show. Each of the five weeks will also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series which determines which junior and amateur/owner riders will qualify to ride at the 2003 National Horse Show.
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Madden and Judgement Take Center Stage at Fourth Week of Winter Equestrian Festival
Wellington, FL—February 17, 2003—The Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular, February 12-16, which was the fourth week of competition at the 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival, held at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL, culminated with the weekend’s highlighted event, the $50,000 Idle Dice Classic. Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, and her 2002 World Equestrian Games mount, Judgement, owned by Iron Spring Farm, topped the field of 29 entries in the first World Cup Qualifier of the Florida season.
Six horses went clear in the first round to qualify for the jump-off, where it was Madden who prevailed with the fastest time of 39.56 seconds. Finishing second with a time of 40.03 seconds was Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, and her mount Hidden Creek’s Jones. Lauren Hough, of Wellington, FL, who has already posted a win and a second place finish in 2003 grand prix events in Wellington, rode her Sydney Olympic mount Clasiko, owned by the Clasiko Group, to a third place finish in a time of 40.15 seconds.
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Zada Enterprises Begins With Molly Ashe & King Louie Win
Wellington, FL – February 19 – Today, The Winter Equestrian Festival began the week called Zada Enterprises, LLC Wellington Masters with another rain-free, warm day. In the Internationale Arena, there was a $7,500 1.45 meter Time First Jump-off Class with 78 horses vying to be the best. King Louie ridden by Molly Ashe was the final winner for Rosewood Glen Ltd. Desilvio with Beezie Madden riding for Abigail S. Wexner was second.
There were 2 Young Jumper Classes today where the young horses that might be future Grand Prix stars begin their career. A $1,500 Young Jumper 5 Year Old Class was won by S & L Costa with Ainsley Vince riding for S & L Farm. Rodrigoo VDL with owner/rider Donald Cheska was second. A $1,500 Young Jumper 6 Year Old Class saw Pia Little win with Amber Mitchell-Peck riding for owner Melissa Hagenbart. Carraciola was second with David Raposa riding for Kara M. Tedeschi. Third place went to Debbie Stephens riding Melinga for Debbie McIntyre.
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Devon Horse Show to Host North American League $2,500 Pony Jumper Class
Annville, PA—February 19 , 2003—For the first time ever, the Devon Horse Show will host a North American League (NAL) pony jumper class. This will mark the first time that ponies will be able to compete in a jumper division at the historic Devon Horse Show in Devon, PA, May 22-31.
The $2,500 NAL Pony Jumper Classic will be one of two NAL classes that the Devon Horse Show will host this year. The Pony Jumper class will be held on Sunday, May 25, as part of the horse show’s prestigious Junior Weekend. Devon will also host a NAL Open Speed Class.
The North American League (NAL) runs season long series in six hunter-jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA in October.
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Equusworld.net Announces Free Web Sites in 2003
Equusworld.net: Local, Regional, National, & International Resources for Equine Professionals and Horse Owners.
Snohomish, WA – February 15, 2003 – Equusworld.net, offering free web sites to equestrian businesses, works locally, regionally, and nationally to link horse owners with professional service providers who can assist horse owners in solving the issues that they face every day. “Our goal is to empower the horse community by creating better access to one another,” said Tod Cunningham, creator of Equusworld.net.
“Each year, thousands of horse lovers buy horses with less preparation and information than they would have if buying a car. The result can be a horse that is unhealthy, unsafe, poorly trained, or a poor value…[and] also result in a potentially dangerous situation.” (Amazon.com)
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The Bainbridge Companies: A Major Sponsor of The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival and A Major Factor in the Development of Wellington
Wellington, Florida -- February 19, 2003 -- On any given day at The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival now being held at The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington through March 9, 2003, one can see Richard Schechter galloping by on his beloved paint horse.
While not a competitor at The Festival per se, Mr. Schechter is part of the support system that makes The Festival possible: his company, The Bainbridge Companies (“Bainbridge”), is a Platinum Level Sponsor of The Festival. Mr. Schechter’s own personal philanthropy contributes to the existence of The United States Equestrian Team, The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, The Wellington Equestrian Alliance and The Hanley-Hazelden Foundation, to name but a few charitable/community organizations.
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Wellington Equus Medal Draws Huge Crowds – Dignelli Big Winner!
Wellington, FL – February 17 –Andre Dignelli showed when the pressure is on – he can perform! Crowned Champion of the Equus Medal, he rode beautifully in a class full of the most talented riders in the nation and the world. All riders had to have represented the United States in a Nations Cup, Pan Am Games or Olympic caliber competition. There were riders from Texas, California, Germany and Paris, France to name a few who traveled to be in this class.
Ringside spectators were elbow-to-elbow and very enthusiastic and well informed. George Morris enlightened the audience by critiquing each ride from the announcer’s booth after each performance. Everyone enjoyed watching these professional Grand Prix riders attempt an equitation class. Many had not performed in equitation in a number of years, but all proved they still had stuff to make it to the top.
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Strike Three For Williams & Strapless In AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular
Valentine’s Day was a day late for Emily Williams and Strapless, who claimed their third victory in a row (2001, 2002, & 2003) on Saturday night, February 15, 2003 in the eighth annual American Hunter-Jumper Foundation Hunter Classic Spectacular held during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.
“I just can’t believe it. I didn’t think I could win it twice and to win it three times,” said Emily. Her eyes and her smile said it all. As many classes as Williams has won with Strapless, you would think she would get used to her victories, but she claims each new win with the same enthusiasm, appreciation and joy as if it were the first time she’d ever won anything.
“The pair seems to rise to the top,” added her trainer, Tom Wright. “I just never thought it could happen again.”
There were 28 riders who qualified to compete in the first of two rounds. Williams was 24th to go when she took over the lead. Then the last competitor, McLain Ward on Monte Christo, matched her score but claimed the lead by a judge’s decision.
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Florida Dressage Classic honors “Equestrian of the Year”
Wellington, FL – February 18, 2003 -- Lauren Walfish was honored as "Equestrian of the Year" by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the awards ceremony at the Florida Dressage Classic, held February 13-16, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian show grounds in Wellington, Florida. Lauren Walfish competes in the FEI Young Rider division with her 13-year-old KWPN gelding, Icon (Julio Mariner x Erege.)
Presented by Event Chairwoman Mary Ann Grant and honorary Chairman, Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham, the award recognized extraordinary fundraising efforts on behalf of the society. During the past year, equestrians raised nearly $100,000 for the Society, with Walfish fundraising nearly $40,000 alone. First runner-up, Alison Firestone, lined up almost $30,000 in donations to the organization.
Corporate sponsor Bayer awarded a one-year supply of Legend to the winner, with Euro-American Saddlery also presenting a generous gift certificate.
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Reining in success
If you've been riding reining horses for awhile, and you've had plenty of horse show experience, what are you going to learn from a college online horse training course?
"You learn a lot, from basic techniques to some very helpful advanced training methods," says Susan Dahl-Mitchell of Burgessville, Ontario, Canada. "I really loved the online availability of the material and the self-paced system."
The riding and showing of reining horses is nothing new to Dahl-Mitchell; she's been doing it for nearly a decade. To most of her friends, she is known as "ReinerSue." Dahl-Mitchell recently completed Training Performance Horses and received her "certificate of recognition" from Allegany College of Maryland. The course is taught by author/trainer Don Blazer and is offered online by four colleges.
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Judgement Wins World Cup Qualifier
Wellington, FL – February 16 – Today at the Winter Equestrian Festival, the $50,000 Idle Dice Classic took center stage. This was a World Cup Qualifier that Judgement won with Beezie Madden riding for the Iron Spring Farm of Pennsylvania. Six horses had first rounds that were fault-free and Judgement was the fastest clear round in the jump-off with a time of 39.56 seconds. Second to go in the jump-off was Margie Engle with Hidden Creek Jones who set the pace and ended up second placed in their time of 40.03 seconds. In third place was Clasiko with Lauren Hough riding for the Clasiko Group with a time of 40.15 seconds.
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Rocher and George Williams Win the FEI Freestyle
Wellington, FL – February 16, 2003 – Today was the last day of the Florida Dressage Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival and a warm day. George Williams and Rocher won the FEI Freestyle with a score of 876.5 (73.042%). Second place was Jan Brons with Fernando and a score of 806.5 (67.208%).
Jan Brons also won the FEI Freestyle Intermediate with Josien scoring 884 and 73.667%
Nicole Levy won the FEI Young Riders Freestyle with Korrado scoring 824.0 (68.667%).
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Casanova with Jennifer Urioste Wins Solaray Junior Jumper Gambler’s Choice
Wellington, FL – February 15, 2003 – Friday evening, the Solaray Junior Jumper Gambler’s Choice Class was a big success. Many enjoyed watching this class while at the Solaray Exhibitor Party in the Jockey Club. Jennifer Urioste won with her Casanova. Intersat Floyd with Melissa Orlick riding for Lynn Zbierski was second and Cannon Boy with Lara Gay was third for RCG Farm.
The World Championship Hunter Rider Spectacular continued today with more juniors and amateurs attempting to qualify for this evening’s Hunter Classic. This class is not only one of the most prestigious for hunters, it also boasts a large total purse which is well over $46,000.
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Rocher and George Williams Win FEI Grand Prix “B”
Wellington – February 15 – The Florida Dressage Classic on Friday had George Williams and Rocher scoring 71.667% to win the FEI Grand Prix “B”. Second place, also with a very good score (71.597%), was Glenstern, a 15 year old chestnut Dutch Warmblood, shown by Oded Shimoni.
In the FEI Intermediate I, Yvonne Loso de Muniz, from the Domincan Republic, scored 69.000% riding her Inatana Las Marismas to win. Second placed Marnix was ridden by George Williams to a score of 68.125%.
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