HorsePower

FEI Reining World Final Entries in Principle Indicate Historic Event

2011-03-29T21:13:00.006-06:00

Malmö, Sweden – March 20, 2011 – The Organizing Committee of the FEI Reining World Final announced today that Entries in Principle for the 2011 event will be the strongest in the sport’s history. With intended participation from 20 nations, the WRF will be held at the renowned equestrian facility of Bökeberg, just outside of Malmö, Sweden, offering several days of FEI Reining classes and the $100,000 FEI World Reining Final on May 21, 2011.

The FEI Reining World Final is a reinvention of the old FEI World Reining Masters. Each National Federation may send athletes to compete on behalf of their country in the annual championship with national pride, prize money and the individual title of World Reining Champion at stake. “Malmö 2011” will represent the first time that the annual individual final has been held outside North America since 2005.

Nations that have indicated they intend to field athletes include:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
France
Germany
Great Britain
Israel
Italy
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
South Africa
Spain
Sweden (host nation)
Switzerland
United States of America

Reining is a sport born of the American West with maneuvers similar to those a working ranch horse might have been asked to perform on day-to-day tasks. Today, the sport has exploded around the world as the level of technical sophistication and horsemanship style has evolved into an intricate and beautiful display of power and finesse.

Now represented on six continents and in more than 40 nations, the sport of Reining is an internationally-approved event under the FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport. The incredible success of the sport at the recent 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) gave Reining significant momentum for continued growth worldwide.

The FEI Reining World Final official event website is available at Malmo2011.com and includes schedules, competitor resources, hotels, facilities, ticket information and much more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for a select number of interested stakeholders. For more information on the 2011 FEI Reining World Final, please contact Brad Ettleman of HorsePower, Inc., the official Organizing Committee, by e-mail at Brad@HPowerInc.com, or by phone at: (+1) 720.982.3574.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale is the single international governing body for equestrian sport and the official Federation reporting to the International Olympic Committee on behalf of equestrianism. The primary mission of the FEI is to advance the orderly growth of equestrian sport worldwide by promoting, regulating and administering humane and sportsmanlike international competition in the traditional equestrian disciplines. For more information about the FEI, go to: FEI.org

"Dala" - Official Mascot of the 'WRF - Malmo 2011'

Ariat International Signs On As Title Sponsor for Inaugural Kentucky Reining Cup CRI5* and World Championship Freestyle Reining

2011-03-25T17:49:00.003-06:00

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, is excited to welcome Ariat as the title sponsor and Official Apparel and Footwear of the Kentucky Reining Cup, which will debut alongside this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, April 28-May 1, 2011, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Joining Ariat as sponsors of the inaugural event are the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), SmartPak and Markel Insurance.

The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup will include a CRI5*, the sport’s highest level, as well as the first-ever World Championship Freestyle. The CRI5* will offer $50,000US in prize money and will be the only Five Star Reining event in the western hemisphere in 2011.

The World Championship Freestyle, expected to draw the sport’s most elite competitors, will mark the first time that the title of “World Champion” will be awarded in Freestyle Reining, a consistent crowd favorite. The event’s $25,000US prize money will also mark the largest purse for a Reining Freestyle anywhere in the world.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Ariat as the title sponsor and the Official Apparel and Footwear of the Kentucky Reining Cup," said Lisa Ball, president of EEI. "This goes well with their position as Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Ariat's products are recognized for their quality, style and durability in both the English and Western communities, making their sponsorship of both events a perfect fit!"

Ariat is the world’s leading performance equestrian brand and is America's number one English and Western performance footwear brand. Ariat was the Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), the title sponsor of the Games’ volunteer program and creator of a special limited edition line of WEG apparel that sold out in the first few days of the 16-day event.

Shortly after last fall’s Games, EEI and Ariat agreed on a new sponsorship with Ariat becoming the "Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor" of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. As part of that sponsorship, Ariat has developed a line of Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event merchandise featuring a collector's edition event jacket in navy and “Rolex” green. They have also developed specially designed polo shirts for the event’s volunteers.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Kentucky Reining Cup,” said Susan Alcala, Vice President, Partnership Marketing at Ariat. “Reining is an exciting discipline that has drawn large support across the world, and we are happy to do our part in bringing it back to Kentucky where it was so well received during last year’s World Equestrian Games."

The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup competition will be managed by HorsePower, Inc., Reining’s leading event production firm. Based in Denver, Colorado, HorsePower, Inc. is led by veteran FEI Reining show manager, Brad Ettleman, who also served as director for the 2010 FEI Reining World Championships at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

"We would like to welcome all our new sponsors to the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup," said Ettleman. "Their sponsorships show dedication to helping promote the sport of Reining, and for that we are extremely grateful."

Tickets for the Friday evening CRI5* that begins at 6:00 PM are only $10, while tickets for the World Championship Freestyle, Saturday at 5:30 PM, are only $20 in advance. Tickets may be purchased online at www.KentuckyReining.com.

SmartPak North American Junior Reining Championship Added to 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships

2011-02-16T18:18:00.001-07:00

Lexington, KY- For the first time the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) will add a Junior Championship in the sport of Reining in 2011. Reining joins the Dressage, Eventing and Jumping disciplines in hosting International FEI championships for Juniors and Young Riders. The three Olympic Equestrian Disciplines were expanded to officially include a junior championship in 2006.

Reining has been included in this annual event since 2008. For the third consecutive year North America’s most promising up and coming Reiners will compete in the SmartPak Reining Championships in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, which played host to the FEI World Reining Championships presented by John Deere during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

These championships have been expanded in 2011 to encompass five disciplines for the first time with the inclusion of the sport of Endurance. 2011 will mark the first-ever North American Young Rider Endurance Championship. NAJYRC will run from July 27-31, 2011, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Qualification procedures for the new Junior division will be available soon and posted online along with the 2011 Young Riders division procedures, which have been updated. For more information please visit: www.youngriders.org.

Advertisement Announcing the Addition of FEI Reining to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

2011-02-09T14:18:00.002-07:00

Click Here to download and watch the exciting announcement video! (a large file but worth the wait in download time)

Media statment and complete information can be found in the previous post (below).

See you this April!

International Reining & World Championship Freestyle to be Held at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

2011-02-09T13:28:00.005-07:00

Lexington, Kentucky, USA – February 9, 2011 – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have announced that the Kentucky Reining Cup, which includes international FEI Reining and the first-ever World Championship Freestyle, will be held in addition to this year’s event at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 28-May 1.

One of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and the only CCI4* event in the Western Hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, annually attracts 50-100,000 spectators and millions of viewers on international telecasts including a 60-minute domestic broadcast on NBC.

The Kentucky Reining Cup competition, currently pending final approval by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), will be managed by HorsePower, Inc., Reining’s leading event production firm, and will include a Five Star Reining competition, known as a CRI5* (Concours de Reining International), the sport’s highest level, as well as the first-ever World Championship Freestyle. The CRI5* will offer $50,000US in prize money and will be the only Five Star Reining event in the western hemisphere in 2011.

The World Championship Freestyle, expected to draw competitors from around the world, will mark the first time that the title of “World Champion” will be awarded in Freestyle Reining, a consistent crowd favorite. The event’s $25,000US prize money will also mark the largest purse for a Reining Freestyle anywhere in the world.

“It was always our belief that one of the legacies of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games would be that new international events would come to Kentucky,” said Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear. “It is with great pride that we welcome this elite competition to Kentucky and host it alongside what is already one of our favorite events, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The long-time international success of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event opened the door for the Kentucky Horse Park to garner the bid for the 2010 FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games and presents us with another opportunity to broaden our international appeal.”

"Lexington has long been recognized as the 'Horse Capital of the World' and the addition of this new elite Reining competition is sure to reinforce that position," Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said. "Kentucky's investment in new facilities at the Kentucky Horse Park were excellent venues for last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This investment is paying off in attracting new events here that bring new tourism dollars to our city. This is great news for Lexington.”

“Given the overwhelming success of last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games which featured World Championships in eight FEI disciplines, it makes perfect sense to host a major competition in another popular discipline during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said John Long, CEO of the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF). “The chance to see the highest level of Eventing and Reining is sure to draw even more people to Kentucky and add to the excitement of what is already one of the world’s premier equestrian events.”

“The Rolex Stadium and the Alltech Arena were the sites of some of the most exciting equestrian competition the world has witnessed during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said John Nicholson, Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director. “Having them both host major international competitions during April’s Rolex Kentucky event is sure to bring back much of the excitement of last year’s Games.”

“Reining is a tremendous crowd favorite and is sure to be a huge hit with the fans who attend the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said EEI President Lisa Ball. “Reining’s fast-paced action gets the crowd actively involved and the Freestyle is one of the most entertaining events in all of equestrian sport. I think this is the perfect attraction to have at the Kentucky Horse Park during our event.”

Born of the required work of a ranch-type horse, the sport of Reining traces its origins to the American West. Agility, bursts of power and speed, and a gentle and calm demeanor were all essential traits of a preferred ranch horse. Evolved to the confines of a competition arena and developed into a crowd-pleasing and thrilling competition, FEI Reining can now be found in more than 40 nations worldwide and on six continents.

The Reining events during Rolex Kentucky will build on the momentum of two highly-successful Reining events held at the Kentucky Horse Park in the last two years—the 2009 World Equestrian Games (WEG) Test Event and the overwhelmingly successful Reining competition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Running during what is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events is sure to help Reining solidify its place as a major FEI discipline on the international scene.

Reining events will be integrated into the schedule of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at times that will allow equestrian fans to enjoy both Eventing and Reining during a single trip to the Kentucky Horse Park.

Selected to produce the Reining events because of its international reputation and experience, HorsePower, Inc. is the leading event production firm in the Reining industry with a focus on global development for the sport. Based in Denver, Colorado, HorsePower, Inc. is led by veteran FEI Reining show manager, Brad Ettleman, who also served as director for the 2010 FEI Reining World Championships at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“The 2011 Kentucky Reining Cup will be a major addition to the FEI Reining schedule and we at HorsePower, Inc. are thrilled to be part of this exciting event running concurrently with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said Ettleman. “After the WEG test event in 2009 and the WEG Championship in 2010, competitors will once again travel to the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in the fantastic Alltech Arena, where so many fond memories were made last year – it is sure to become a long lasting tradition.”

Tickets will be available for the Friday night CRI5* beginning at 6:00 p.m. for only $10 and the Saturday night freestyle competition set to begin at 5:30 p.m. for only $20 in advance. A limited number of sponsor and patron opportunities are available for the entire event, each offering international reach into equestrian markets.

Tickets may be purchased online beginning at 3:00 PM on Wednesday February 9, 2011 via www.kentuckyreining.com

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM and features the Rolex USEF CCI**** Championship for the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Pinnacle Cup. The world’s best horses and riders compete for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession.

Further information on the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, tailgating and ticket packages are available at the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org or Kentucky Reining Cup website at www.kentuckyreining.com. Tickets may also be ordered by calling 859-254-8123. For further information please call 859-254-8123 or email tickets@rk3de.org.

HorsePower names new Sponsorship Director

2011-02-05T00:12:00.002-07:00

HorsePower, Inc., the leading event production and marketing firm for international western horse sport, announced today that Kristin Ingeman, a 12-year sales and marketing veteran has joined the team as Sponsorship Director. She will be based in San Francisco.

Effective immediately, Ingeman will focus on expanding and exploring all sponsorship and corporate marketing endeavors for HorsePower and all its high profile international-level clients and events. Having completed more than $16 million in sales transactions during her career, Ingeman has assisted corporate clients, industry partners and private businesses in maximizing their effectiveness and achieving their business goals.

“We are thrilled to have Kristin join our team. As a known specialist in sales, Kristin will work with our corporate sponsors and global clients in making their marketing goals and financial objectives a reality at HorsePower-produced events and programs”, comments Brad Ettleman, President of HorsePower, Inc. “With her career achievements, professional skill set and deep background in sales and execution, she will fit well with HorsePower’s commitment on client needs. By strengthening our sponsorship programs and capabilities, we are continuing to build on our robust full-service, customer-driven business platform.”

Founded in 2007 and offering more than 15 years of experience in high-status international event production, HorsePower is a principal entity in equestrian sporting event production. Events produced by HorsePower include the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Federation Equestre International (FEI) Championships and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Championships along with national championship competitions in many other nations. HorsePower produces events nationally and abroad with a reach in 40 nations, six continents and millions upon millions of broadcast viewers.

“A creative and collaborative approach to sponsorship and corporate partnership is vital in today’s market”, says Ingeman. “I’m energized and look forward to work with all corporations who are interested in bringing new customers to their products and services through the unique and attractive programs produced by HorsePower globally.”

A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Ingeman brings a vibrant and diverse background to the team with vast amounts of corporate sales experience including the medical device sales industry, most notably with Medtronic Vascular and FlowCardia, Inc. Having spent many successful years in the large corporation environment as well as several years in the small-to-medium and start-up markets, Ingeman is well versed in customer-centered sales and business solutions.

Ingeman brings incredible enthusiasm and desire to the HorsePower team, which will surely benefit from her new and fresh perspective.

For more information on HorsePower’s powerful line up of events for the 2011 season and beyond, contact: Kristin@HPowerInc.com by phone at 510.520.3145, or click on HPowerInc.com

Tribute Video for USEF Horse of the Year - Gunners Special Nite

2011-01-27T16:02:00.002-07:00

Be sure to check out the great video tribute from USEF Network. If you're anything like the staff here at HorsePower, USEF Network will quickly become one of your favorite sites and see some awesome video and media...

Click Here

USEF Pegasus Awards: Two Very 'Special Nights' for the Sport of Reining

2011-01-23T16:35:00.006-07:00

The USEF has named the 2010 Horse of the Year and Equestrian of the Year awards. Each a hugely prestigous honor, Gunners Special Nite, owned by Sarah Willimen and shown by Tom McCutcheon took the top two honors. HorsePower is thrilled to have been a part of these historical occasions and is proud to have served as the official organizing committee of the WEG Reining discipline.

United States Equestrian Federation, Horse of the Year: Gunners Special Nite
A huge accoldade for our sport of Reining. Congratulations owner Sarah Willeman and showman Tom McCutcheon.

United States Equestrian Federation, Equestrian of the Year: Tom McCutcheon
A momentous year for FEI Reining, at the USEF annual meeting Pegasus Awards banquet, Tom McCutcheon, representing Reining is named Equestrian of the Year! Truly remarkable and a sign of great things to come for our sport. Congratulations Tom!

United States Equestrian Federation, Pegasus Award for Broadcast Media:
The 2010 USEF Pegasus Award for Media in the broadcast division has been awarded to the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Reaching tens of millions of new fans for our sport and more hours on a major network than ever before, the productions at the WEG have helped to change the sport forever. HorsePower is proud to have been a part of these amazing Games and this award-winning production. Major kudos also go out to telecast producers and seasoned professionals Carr-Hughes Productions. Plus, a huge note of gratitude to the AQHA for their sponsorship of the event, which went directly to television time-buy for the sport of Reining. We could not have done this without our friends at the AQHA!

United States Equestrian Federation, Pegasus Award for Media, Single Photograph:
Lexington Hearld's photograph of Freestyle Reiner Tervor Dare at the 2010 World Games Showcase of Champions Freestyle Reining.

Sweden To Host Inaugural FEI World Reining Finals In 2011

2010-12-01T18:27:00.003-07:00

December 1, 2010, Malmö, Skåne, Sweden – The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) announced today that the renowned equestrian facility of Bökeberg, just outside of Malmö, Sweden will be the official host of the inaugural FEI World Reining Finals on 22 May, 2011.

A reinvention of the old FEI World Reining Masters, each National Federation may send athletes to compete on behalf of their country in the annual championship with national pride, prize money and the individual title of World Reining Champion at stake. “Malmö 2011” will represent the first time that the annual individual final has been held outside of North America since 2005.

Reining is a sport born of the American West with maneuvers similar to those a working ranch horse might have been asked to perform on day-to-day tasks. Today, the sport has exploded around the world as the level of technical sophistication and horsemanship style has evolved into an intricate and beautiful display of power and finesse. Now represented in six continents and more than 40 nations, the sport of Reining is an internationally-approved event under the FEI – the international governing body for equestrian sport. The successes of the sport at the recent 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) gives Reining significant momentum for continued growth worldwide.

Known for its architectural beauty and technical assets for major equestrian events, Bökeberg facility will be the home to this international gathering of elite Reining athletes from all corners of the globe as top competitors in the sport vie for the title and $100,000 USD in prize money.

Bökeberg has hosted major FEI championships in the past, including the Swedish National Reining Championship and the 2009 European Vaulting Championships. “We are pleased and proud to be the host site of the 2011 World Reining Finals and look forward to welcoming the world to Bökeberg!” said Christer Andersson, owner and operator of the Bökeberg facility.

“The FEI looks forward to the continued growth for the sport of Reining within the FEI structure,” said Bob Thompson, chairman of the FEI Reining Technical Committee. “Following a very successful Reining Championships at WEG, ‘Malmö 2011’ will be a terrific opportunity to bring elite-class Reining to the world audience once again. We look forward to this new tradition and the opportunity to develop the sport globally within the FEI structure, Thompson elaborated”

Sponsorship opportunities are available for a select number of interested stakeholders. A complete schedule of activities, informational website, athlete’s information and documents for national federations will be available soon. For more information on the 2011 World Reining Final, please contact Brad Ettleman of HorsePower, Inc. - the official Organizing Committee, by e-mail at Brad@HPowerInc.com, or by phone at: +1 (720) 982.3574.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale is the single international governing body for equestrian sport and the official Federation reporting to the International Olympic Committee on behalf of equestrianism. The primary mission of the FEI is to advance the orderly growth of equestrian sport worldwide by promoting, regulating and administering humane and sportsmanlike international competition in the traditional equestrian disciplines. For more information about the FEI, go to: www.FEI.org

It Truly Is A Special Night As Tom McCutcheon Wins Gold!

2010-09-30T14:40:00.003-06:00

After the build up from the Team Competition, the crowds in Lexington were ready to see some amazing runs in the Individual Competition. The riders delivered in fine style!
Today’s competition featured Pattern 10, which started with a dramatic run-in past center to the first of four sliding stops. The horses then backed to the center markers, hesitated and performed four spins to the right and then four and a quarter spins to the left. The riders then departed on the right lead to run two large fast circles, into a small slow circle. A lead change was performed at center into a small slow circle left and then back to running two large fast circles. Another lead change at center set the riders up to run down the right side of the arena, stop and rollback left, run down the left side of the arena, stop and rollback right. The grand finale was a rundown the right side to the final stop.
The scores were solid right out of the gate with 218.5 from Shawna Sapergia and This Chics On Top, owned by Nicolas Swagor, of Canada leading the way until the Americans came to play.
Tim McQuay and Daivd Silva’s Hollywoodstinseltown raised the bar with a score of 222. A small bobble in the spins would ultimately put them into fourth place, overall. Canada’s Duane Latimer and Dun Playing Tag, for Lance Griffin, posted a 222.5 to ease into first. They would not hold the lead long as the second US rider, Craig Schmersal, galloped into the arena next with Mister Montana Nic, for Erika Smith. Schmersal would again prompt a change at the top, marking a 223. The score would hold until Tom McCutcheon and Gunners Special Nite came to dominate the rest of the go. The six year old stallion, owned by Sarah Willeman and Turnabout Farm, was in top form from the moment he ran to the first stop, until the very end when Tom McCutcheon threw his hat in the air in celebration of an awesome run. The judges agreed, and marked a 228, to give them a five-point lead ahead of Schmersal. The crowd didn’t have to wait long to see if the score would hold up as Stefano Massignan and Yellow Jersey of Italy scored a 213. Last to go were Shawn Flarida and RC Fancy Step, the only pair standing in between McCutcheon and the Gold. An unfortunate broken stirrup caused Flarida to grab the saddle horn for a mandatory five point penalty, resulting in a score of 207.5.
Tom McCutcheon was delighted with the run. “I really wanted to do this horse justice, he is such an amazing horse and a delight to ride. It is just such a special night.”

Final Results:
1 338 US T. McCutcheon Gunners Special Nite 228.00

2 328 USA C. Schmersal Mister Montana Nic 223.00

3 372 CAN D. Latimer Dun Playin Tag 222.50

4 341 USA T. McQuay Hollywoodstinseltown 222.00

Individual Qualifying Round

2010-09-28T10:48:00.003-06:00

Reining competition was back in action today with the Individual Qualifying Round. The “Consolation Round” was open to the riders who had finished 16th to 36th in the Team Competition. This was their second chance to qualify for the Individual Final, to be held Thursday at 1:00 PM.
Great Britain dominated the go with two British riders claiming the top spots. Lee Rutter rode Roseanne Sternberg’s Setting Off Sparks to the win with a score of 217.5. The lovely buckskin was excellent throughout Pattern 5, which calls for two large fast circles to the left, followed by a small slow circle and then a stop in the center and into four spins to the left. The riders then repeat the maneuvers to the right and then complete a figure eight with lead changes in the center. The pattern wraps up by going around the end of the arena, running down to a slide stop, rolling back right and then repeating to the left. The grand finale is a rundown the right side to the final sliding stop and right into a backup.
Doug Allen joined his countryman on the good list by marking a 216.5 with another Roseanne Sternberg entry, Don Julio Whiz!
The scores were closely grouped throughout the go. Sweden’s Fredrik Thomsson and Gallos Stylish Star scored a 216 for third. Tying for fourth with identical scores of 215.5 were Australia’s Warren Backhouse, riding Whizs Bronze Star, and Hubertus Heule of The Netherlands riding Crome Shiner.
The top five will join the top fifteen scores from the Team Competition in advancing to the Individual Final on Thursday.

Qualified Riders for Individual Final from Team Competition:
1. Shawn Flarida USA
2. Tom McCutcheon USA
2. Stefano Massignan ITA
4. Craig Schmersal USA
4. Bernard Fonck BEL
6. Duane Latimer CAN
7. Rudi Kronsteiner AUT
7. Sylvia Rzepka GER
9. Tim McQuay USA
9. Grischa Ludwig GER
11. Martin Muhlstatter AUT
11. Ann Poels BEL
14. Shawna Sapergia CAN
15. Wellington Jesus Teixeira BRA
15. Martin Larcombe AUS

Qualified Riders from Individual Qualifying Competition:
1. Lee Rutter GBR
2. Doug Allen GBR
3. Fredrik Thomsson SWE
4. Warren Backhouse AUS
4. Hubertus Heule NED

Reining Team Final

2010-09-26T13:02:00.005-06:00

History was made today at the Kentucky Horse Park. This is the first time that the World Equestrian Games have been held on US soil and today was the inaugural Medal ceremony of the Games. Fittingly enough, it was for the only discipline to have originated in the United States, Reining, and the Gold was awarded to none other than the United States of America!
After the strong showing yesterday, the US was leading going into today’s competition. Tom McCutcheon started things off for the Team in the morning section by laying down a blistering 224 with Gunners Special Nite, owned by Sarah Willeman and Turnabout Farm. The score tied them with Italy’s Stefano Massignan and Yellow Jersey, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses. Those would stay at the top of the leader board until Shawn Flarida and RC Fancy Step entered the arena. Flarida piloted the Buffalo Ranch owned RC Fancy Step to a massive score of 227. The scores to follow were strong but not enough to catch the United States. The final results, Team USA with the Gold, Team Belgium with Sliver and Team Italy with the Bronze.

With such an impressive showing in the Team competition, we are assured of an amazing Individual Final on Thursday. The top 15 from the Team Competition advance to the Individual Final, along with the top five from the consolation round to be held on Tuesday.

Opening Day of Competition

2010-09-25T15:28:00.005-06:00

Today was a fantastic opening day of competition at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky! The weather has cooled a bit but the Reining action was anything but chilly.
The opening session started at 9AM this morning with the first go of the Team Competition. The first section saw the USA's Tim McQuay, riding David Silva's Hollywoodstinseltown, shoot to the top of the leader board with a score of 220.5. Martin Muhlstatter for Austria riding his wife, Kim Dooley's Wimpys Little Buddy were right behind with a great run and a score of 219.5! It was a fun section to watch with dressage superstar, Anky van Grunsven debuting in Reining on the WEG stage! She showed Whizashiningwalla BB. for owner Arthur Beack, for Team Netherlands to a strong score of 211! The crowd was wild, cheering and whistling for everyone! Announcer Brian Lookabill did an awesome job, with great color commentary, and Beth Ettleman's fantastic music selections kept the crowd at a fever pitch.
The afternoon session crowd was larger and louder than the morning and they were not disappointed. They got off to a great start with the second rider for Italy, Stefano Massignan piloting Arcese Quarter Horses' Yellow Jersey to a huge score of 224 to take the lead in the Individual Standings. Just two riders later, USA's Craig Schmersal got close to Massignan's score with Mister Montana Nic, for owner Erika Smith, by marking a 223.5. Those top scores would dominate the rest of the section. The last rider to enter the arena was Germany's Grischa Ludwig aboard Hot Smokin Chex for owner Curtis Hof. The pair laid down a fantastic run that culminated with great stops and a score of 220.5 to tie Tim McQuay for third in the standings.
Currently the Team Standings have Team USA leading with 444, Team Austria in second with 432.5 and Brazil in third with 425. The Individual Standings have Stefano Mssignan of Italy leading with 224, USA's Craig Schmersal follows with 223.5 and USA's Tim McQuay tied with Germany's Grischa Lugwig for third with identical scores of 220.5.
Team competition continues tomorrow at 7:30 AM with the second half of the teams participating. The Team Medals will be awarded tomorrow and the scores will be used to determine who continues on to the Individual Final on Thursday. The top 15 scores will advance. 16th place through 35th place, including ties, will be able to compete again on Tuesday for a chance to qualify for the Individual Final. The top 5 from Tuesday will join the top 15 in competing for the Individual Medals.

The Jog

2010-09-25T11:11:00.001-06:00

The horse inspection and jog is always a tense time. Everyone from the competitors, the grooms, the owners to the vets and Chefs d’Equipe are on edge until the horse gets the all clear. Even if your horse has never taken a lame step in his life, you still worry. Everyone starts early on jog day to be sure that everything is just right.
This morning was the jog and horse inspection for the Reining horses. A total of 75 horses were presented today, a few were rechecked but only three were rejected. The teams jogged in alphabetical order and as such, the US team jogged last. Many of the horses were fresh and playful. There were a couple of rearing and bucking displays but for the most part, they all behaved well.
The media was out in full force and the whispers of “Oh, there’s Anky (van Grunsven), look it’s Tim (McQuay), that’s Tom (McCutcheon)!” or “They (the horses) are so small and pretty!” I especially enjoyed my jumper friends looking so astonished to see how compact and athletic the Reiners are. I found that many people were surprised at how many stallions were there, 42 out of 74, and how well they interacted with each other. Very different from the huge warmbloods that we are used to, that’s for sure.
Everyone on Team USA passed with flying colors and the horses looked great. Now everyone will be able to relax and enjoy the day before the opening ceremonies Saturday evening. The clothes have been delivered to the riders and grooms for the opening ceremonies and everyone is very excited.
Chef d’Equipe Jeff Petska was interviewed by Jennifer Wood, on behalf of USEF about how he felt the jog went and how he is feeling going into the competition. It was a fun interview and will be released in the upcoming press release.

Nominated Entries for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

2010-08-20T09:18:00.004-06:00

Global eyes will be focused on the "Horse Capital of the World", Lexington, KY come September.

More than 900 athletes and 1,300 horses comprise the 58 countries who have submitted nominated entries, all pending approval of horse and rider qualifications.

Currently, four nations have athletes competing in all eight disciplines- Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States. Additionally, 19 countries have athletes competing in five or more disciplines.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Games will be the largest spectator sport held this year in the United States. To purchase tickets to any of the events or to learn more about the Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

We look forward to seeing you in Kentucky!

HorsePower- The POWER behind your Favorite Events

Results from the Third and Final Concours de Reining Internationale in Lexington, KY

2010-08-01T15:16:00.004-06:00

1. Lisa Coulter, CAN
Angels Mark
72, 69.5, 141.5

2. Hernando Jimenez, COL
Caballo Del Cielo
69, 67.5, 136.5

This third CRI concludes opportunities to gain qualifying scores for the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG), held in Lexington, KY this September.

Canada Makes a Clean Sweep of Medals in the Reining Individual Championships

2010-07-31T10:24:00.003-06:00

Thursday’s gold medal Canadian reining team showed its muscle once again today at the Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Riders Championships presented by Gotham North. They put in a dominant effort and swept the medal positions in the final and most thrilling competition so far – the SmartPak North American Young Rider Individual Championship, held today at the Kentucky Horse Park indoor arena.

Riding the momentum from a strong showing in the first round with Team Alberta, Nancy Pratch aboard Rooster Kicker secured the gold medal and top podium position with a score of 215, only 1 ½ points ahead of the next competitor.

Seated positions in the order of go are a luxury for high-placed riders from the team competition and in draw number 11, 2009 individual gold medalist Darcy Wilson on Miss Cielo Chex clinched individual silver with a 213.5 score, after carefully watching and calculating the highly competitive field that laid before her. Rounding out the podium was Vanessa Strotman riding Listos May Day Hobby for bronze with a score of 212.5.

The total dominance in the individual medals is yet another sign of the strong and growing number of key competitors coming out of Canada in FEI reining. Supporters ever since the beginning, all four Canadian teams, led by Chef D’Equipe Wendy Dyer came ready to show their hard work, dedication and determination to return to the great north with hardware in hand.

It’s not just in the Young Riders that Canada is a force to be reckoned with for international Reining competition. FEI riders from Canada have a long and highly decorated resume of FEI Reining wins and are one of the top nations to watch at the upcoming 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held beginning September 25, at the very same arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

With strong developing programs and a solid set of Young Riders teams, the future continues looks bright for the next generation of Canadian high performance riders.
Just out of the medals, US teams held their own in the placings with fourth place Thea Arnold riding PKM Imjusttwosmart and a score of 211.5 was just one point back from the podium. The Americans will undoubtedly begin plans for redemption in 2011 and Reining fans at next year’s North American Young Riders Reining Championship will be the likely benefactor as the friendly but fierce rivalry between the US and Canada will once again be on full display.

For more information on the 2010 Adequan North American Young Rider Reining Championship, sponsored by SmartPak, click on: www.youngriders.org

Can-AM Rivalry at SmartPak NAYRC Reining

2010-07-31T10:22:00.001-06:00

The 2010 Adequan FEI North American Young Rider Reining Championship sponsored by SmartPak is off to a competitive and high-quality start at the Kentucky Horse Park along with the Championships for Dressage, Jumping and Eventing.

The Welcome Competition, which provides a terrific opportunity to preview the intense but still friendly Can-AM rivalry, was held on Wednesday with a very strong showing from teams north of the border. The team from Alberta, Canada came prepared and swept the top three prize positions, including first place Nancy Pratch of St. Paul, Alberta aboard Rooster Kicker with a 211.5. Barely edged out by her Alberta teammate, second place honors went to Kaylynn Malmberg of Carseland, Alberta riding Pickin Around with a score of 211, and the third prize to Sage Sapergia with Shiners Q Chex, earning a score of 209.

After some refocusing, the US teams made a big comeback on day two, landing silver and bronze medals in today’s Team Championship. Still it was Canada and the maple leaf on top as the very tough team from Alberta held off all the other competitors for gold. In addition to the top three Welcome Competition riders mentioned above, the fourth member of Team Alberta, Chloe Beveridge and her horse Tucker Genuine Jewel joined her teammates on the team podium as continental champions – the highest honor for the sport of Reining for young riders in North America. All stood very tall as the Oh, Canada played throughout the new KHP indoor arena – hallowed ground for Reining competitors all over the world as the future site of the Reining Championships at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Attention now turns to the Individual Final, where the draw is seeded based on the individual run scores from the Team Competition. Riders placing with the highest scores in the first round will go into the coveted last draws for individual medals and those with low scores are made to go early.

The strength of the Canadian teams may have caught some by surprise, but not for Chef d’Equipe of all four teams from Canada, Wendy Dyer. Dyer, who has worked hard to guide her teams towards the podium could not be more proud. “Last year Canada was honored to have an individual reining gold with Darcy Wilson, and this year, we are so very fortunate to have secured the team gold.” Dyer continued “I could not be more proud, there has been an incredible amount of hard work from all of these athletes and the people who support them in order for Canada to have such a good showing”.

When asked if we can expect even stronger teams at the Championships next year, Dyer only smiles.

See more North American Young Riders Championship Reining this Saturday starting at 8am at the Indoor Arena of the Kentucky Horse Park. For more information and for complete results, click on www.youngriders.org.

Results from the second of three Concours de Reining Internationale in Lexington, KY

2010-07-31T08:33:00.003-06:00

1. Lisa Coulter, CAN
Angels Mark
72

2.Isabell Silverstolpe, SWE
Hollywood All Star
68

3. Hernando Jimenez, COL
Caballo Del Cielo
0

The last of the three compeitions in this FEI-level reining and qualifier for the WEG will be held tomorrow, August 1st - stay tuned for more updates. HorsePower - the Power behind your favorite events.

Young Rider Championship & Lexington, KY CRI Results

2010-07-29T14:04:00.007-06:00

The past two days have been a flurry of excitement as the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships and CRIs are underway! Results for the Welcome Class & the Youth Team Finals can be found at www.youngriders.org.

The first of three CRI* results are below.

1. Lisa Coulter, CAN
Angels Mark
70

2.Isabell Silverstolpe, SWE
Hollywood All Star
68.5

3. Hernando Jimenez, COL
Caballo Del Cielo
68

4. Lisa Coulter, CAN
Western Whiz
0

Lexington CRI* X 3

2010-07-17T13:41:00.000-06:00

One of the final opportunities to gain qualifying scores for the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG), the Lexington, KY CRI* X3 offers three of those chances over one week. It is also the final opportunity prior to the Games in order for medal contenders to ride and compete in the Kentucky Horse Park indoor arena - home to the WEG Reining competitions.

CRI stands for Concours de Reining International (International Reining Competition) and is a set of one-star events recognized by the FEI (Federation Equestre International) - the international governing body for equestrian sport.

For more information on this FEI-sanctioned event or for entry forms, schedule of events and competitor information packets, e-mail to Brad@HPowerInc.com

We'll see you in Kentucky! This CRI is proudly produced by HorsePower, the Power behind your favorite events.

Flarida Flawless in Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship on way to 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

2010-07-14T13:07:00.000-06:00

Author: Joanie Morris, USEF

Oklahoma City, Ok- The 2010 Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championships, which also served as the USEF Selection Trial for the Adequan US Reining Team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, featured fierce competition with a national title and a ticket to the World Equestrian Games on the line.

The Oklahoma State Fairgrounds main coliseum was rocking on Saturday night and when the dust settled Shawn Flarida held on to his lead and had the best two round total taking top honors.

Flarida (Springfield, OH) rode Buffalo Ranch's RC Fancy Step to a score of 223.5 in the second round, half a point better that his winning first round on Thursday. His combined score 446.5 gave him a two point win over Tom McCutcheon who had the best score of the night with a 225.

Flarida rode confidently and his slides and flying lead changes were rock solid. Flarida improved on his runner-up finish in the 2009 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championships by storming to the individual honors -sweeter still this year because it secured him a spot on the Adequan US Reining Team.

"He's so consistent," said Flarida about RC Fancy Step being on the team. "Experience is our strength-everyone has been here before."

McCutcheon thrived on his first run aboard Gunners Special Nite improving dramatically as he got to know the horse. Purchased by Turnabout Farm with the World Equestrian Games as the goal-the sorrel stallion delivered in dramatic style.

"This was my maiden voyage." said McCutcheon. It went very successfully, I just had to learn some buttons. The only concern is what he would be like under fire, but he was everything I could hope for."

It was also good enough for Gunners Special Nite to be crowned Reserve National Open Reining Champion on his first try.

"My horse is very special," said McCutcheon. "I was very lucky to have the owners purchase a horse like Gunner. I've always loved him, and he makes me look like I know what I'm doing."

The top four riders are rich in experience and poised to pose a threat to the teams invading the US from around the world.

Craig Schmersal (Overbrook, OK) rounded out the top three on Boom Shernic (owned by the Boom Shernic Syndicate). He last competed at the NRHA Derby two weeks previously and kept Boom Shernic in light work between the two competitions. Schmersal's plan worked, Boom Shernic was fresh and delivered great runs with a combined score of 444.

"We have some serious horses...we have four horses that are major players," said Schmersal.

Tim McQuay rounded out the top four for the US Team on Hollywoodtinseltown, half a point shy of Schmersal's score. Owned by David J Silva and ridden by the Team Gold and Individual Silver medalist from the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, Hollywoodtinseltown couldn't have a more experienced pilot for his World Games.

"It was a lot of pressure coming in here," said McQuay. "I'm a little older than these guys and I may not be able to go to another deal like this."

This is the first FEI World Equestrian Games held outside of Europe, creating a huge opportunity for the sport of Reining.

"Being the only homegrown sport for the US, I expect that place to be rocking," said Chef d' Equipe Jeff Petska. "Our guys are ready but the other countries are coming with their guns loaded. The leap in the level of competition and the depth of riders since the first Games (in 2005) is impressive."

Flarida compared the pressure of riding on a team- Reiners ride as individuals on a regular basis, but as a team it requires a change in mindset.

"You don't throw an interception," said Flarida about team pressure. Based only two and a half hours from the Kentucky Horse Park, Flarida is looking forward to riding in his own backyard.

The top 15 riders (of 28 starters) took the ring as the featured evening performance on the final day of the Battle in the Saddle, they put on an impressive showcase of the sport of Reining.

The Don Burt Award was bestowed to Matthew Palmer, honoring the Long-Listed, Unrestricted rider with the highest score. Named for the legend Don Burt, it recognizes the success of up-and coming riders.

END

US Reining Team Selected, Advances to WEG

2010-07-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

ITS OFFICIAL! The Unites States Equestrian Federation has selected it's official team to represent the US in the sport of Reining at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The US Team includes:

Shawn Flarida riding RC Fancy Step owned by Buffalo Ranch

Tom McCutcheon aboard Gunners Special Nite owned by Turnabout Ranch

Craig Schmersal on Boom Shernic owned by the Boom Shernic Syndicate

Tim McQuay riding Hollywoodtinseltown owned by David & Bonnie Silva

Alternate Casey Deary aboard Rootin Tootin Dunit owned by the Wolf Partnership

A special congratulations to Shawn Flarida, who with his top score on RC Fancy Step also secured the concurrent Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship gold medal.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the progress for all teams as we head into the Games, Click Here

For a complete set of results from the Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship and Official USEF Team Selection Trial, Click Here.

HorsePower is proud to be the organizing committee for this outstanding event as well as the reining discipline organizers for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. HorsePower - the Power behind your favorite events!

Battle in the Saddle Rolls On Into Finals

2010-07-09T19:57:00.000-06:00

As the Finals day at the first-ever Battle in the Saddle approaches, be sure to stay up-to-date with all the results, including:

NCHA Mercuria World Series of Cutting
AQHA Special Events
Oklahoma Reining Horse Association Classes
United States Equestrian Federation Adequan National Reining Championship & Official WEG team Selection Trial
American Rope Horse Futurity Sweepstakes
NRCHA/BitS World's Greatest Shoot-out
AQHA Ranch Remuda Challenge
AQHA Youth World Cup
...and much more.

Click Here for complete results and up-to-date action.

Battle in the Saddle is proudly managed by HorsePower - the Power behind your favorite events.

First Go-Round of Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship & Official Team Selection Trail - RESULTS!

2010-07-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

Intense competition is under way at the Adequan/USEF National Reining Championship and Official Team Selection Trial.

Here are the top five scores from today's first go-round:

Shawn Flarida - RC Fancy Step - 223.5
Craig Schmersal - Boom Shernic - 221
Andrea Fappani - 221
Craig Schmersal - 220.5
Tom McCutcheon - 220.5

For a full set of results, click here.

The scores from the first and second (final) go-rounds are combined to make a composite score which will determine the US National Champion as well as taking the top five composite scores as the US team for the World Equestrian Games. The team is comprised of four competing horse and rider combinations and one travelling alternate.

The eyes of the world look on Oklahoma City and the inaugural Battle in the Saddle this Saturday for the second go-round and the composite of the finals to determine who will represent the United States at the WEG. Always a strong contender, the US looks to fetch gold on home soil as these are the first Games ever outside of Europe and the third Games (held every four years just like World Cup Soccer) for inclusion of the western sport of reining.

HorsePower is proud to be the Organizing Committee for the USEF National Championship and a part of the management team along with our friends at AQHA at this exciting event!

Competitors Named for the World Equestrian Games Official US Reining Team Selecetion Trials

2010-07-01T09:20:00.000-06:00

Exciting Update! The starting field for the United States Equestrian Federation National Championship and World Equestrian Games Official US Reining Team Selection Trials:

Steve Siadik- Backcinch owned by Carlee Mahajan

Brent Naylor- Big Papi owned by the Big Papi Syndicate

Ken Eppers- Bit A Hercules owned by Sherry Adams

Craig Schmersal- Boom Shernic owned by the Boom Shernic Syndicate

Gabe Davide- Cielo Starlight owned by Stacie Snow

Scott McCutcheon- Cornbread N Chicn owned by Tinity Compress Real Estate

Andrea Fappani- Custom Legend owned by Steve Simon

Todd Sommers- Custom Margarita owned by Steve Simon

Tom McCutcheon-Darlins Not Painted owned by Turnabout Farm

Matt Mills- Easy Otie Whiz owned by Out West Stallion Station

Andrea Fappani- Einsteins Revolution owned by Wagner & Vandorp

Dell Hendricks- Galls Stylish Star owned by the Nedpoint/ Boerma Partnership

Pete Kyle- Gimme Major Bucks owned by John McElreath

Tom McCutcheon- Gunners Special Nite owned by Turnabout Farm

Tim McQuay- Hollywoodtinseltown owned by Davis Silva

Pete Kyle- Houston Shine owned by Preston & Sheryl Mease

Jared LeClair- Ju Juzz Gunslinger owned by William Bradley

Jordan Larson- Make It With A Twist owned by Sandra Bentien

Craig Schmersal- Mister Montana Nic owned by Mister Montana Nic Syndicate

Mandy McCutcheon- Mister Nicadual owned by Gerald Kimmel

Shawn Flarida- RC Fancy Step owned by Buffalo Ranch

Casey Deary- Rootin Tootin Dunit owned by Wolf Stern Partnership

Marcy Ver Meer- Ruf N Dun It owned by Bar Double C Ranch

Tim McQuay- Smart And Shiney owned by Tim McQuay and Lyle Lovett

Casey Hinton- Smarty Starlight owned by Casey Hinton

Rany Paul- Smokeelan owned by Jill George

Craig Schmerschal- Sparkling Waves owned by KC Performance Horses

Casey Deary-Starbucks Jazz owned by Anne Peters

Ken Eppers- Sugar Chrome owned by Sherry Adams

Randy Paul- Taris Designer Genes owned by Rancho Oso Rio

Josh Armstrong- Von Reminic owned by Joe & Josh Armstrong

Matt Palmer- Whale Of A Whiz owned by Guy & Joan Palmer

Shawn Flarida- Wimpy's Little Chic owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA

It's going to be quite the show-down. Join us at Battle in the Saddle-prouy managed by HorsePower-the Power behind your favorite events!

www.battleinthesaddle.com

Ranch-A-Palooza Clinic & Freestlye Reining Concludes 2010 Texas Classic

2010-05-31T09:45:00.000-06:00

Memorial Day weekend at the Texas Classic was filled with historic and exciting ranch horse fun at the inaugural Ranch-A-Palooza. For the first time ever, American Stock Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association ran concurrently, giving ranch horse competitors a chance to make a major impact on their show season. Plus, the Ranch-A-Palooza was AQHA triple-judged-another first and a bonus for the top placing horses. With more than one hundred horses participating in the Ranch-A-Palooza, the event is an overwhelming success.

In addition to a full slate of classes, those wanting to learn more could participate in a ranch horse clinic including the following clinicians:

Cow Horse Mike Majors: 2006 Select Working Cow Horse World Championship and back-to-back world titles in AQHA Open Versatility Ranch Horse

Pleasure BF Yeates: ASHA President, past SHOT President, SHOT Board of Directors, SHOT End of Year Open All-Around Champion

Trail Vicki Hoggett: Past SHOT President, SHOT & ASHA Board of Directors, SHOT End of Year Non-Pro All-Around Champion, NCHA World Show Qualifier

Reining Rick Thompson: SHOT Board of Directors, SHOT EOY Open All-Around Champion, NRCHA & NCHA money winner

In addition to Ranch-A-Palooza events, reining concluded in the John Justin Arena, presented by Sea Ridge Farms, with music and exhilarating reining at the annual Texas Classic Invitational Freestyle Reining. The freestyle is sponsored by Mr. Jerry Kimmel and his stallions Dun Gotta Gun and Mister Nicadual. Performances included freestyle reining to exciting music including Wpieout, Boot Scootin Boogie and the Conga. In the end, Pete Kyle of Whitesboro, TX placed in the competition winning over the crowd with an amusing performance to I'm Still A Guy by Brad Paisley.

The 2010 Texas Classic has lived up to,and exceeded, it's tradition as the premiere AQHA show in Texas. We thank our loyal competitors and generous sponsors for you support. We look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Texas Classic!

Ranch-A-Palooza Weekend at Texas Classic

2010-05-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

Everything is bigger in Texas, and the Texas Classic is no exception! The Texas Classic is proud to presents the inaugural Ranch-A-Palooza!

The first of its kind, Ranch-A-Palooza combines AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse, American Stock Horse Association, Stock Horse of Texas & the Ranch Horse Association of America into one action-packed weekend of ranch horse fun! in true Texas Classic Style, AQHA classes are tripled judged and SHOT and ASHA classes are fully pointed.

The Texas Classic Ranch-A-Palooza is proud to present our major sponsor Pendleton Whisky. Pendleton was created to celebrate the bold spirit of independence and hard-work ethic of the American cowboy and cowgirl, just like the Ranch-A-Paloooza. It is the support of outstanding companies like Pendleton that allows us to produce the finest event possible.

Don't miss out on Ranch-A-Palooza fun this Memorial Day weekend May 29-31, 2010 at the Texas Classic, Fort Worth, TX.

Photo credits- Shane Rux Photography

Freestyle Reining Slides into Fort Worth

2010-05-27T19:24:00.000-06:00

Memorial Day weekend belongs to reining in the John Justin Arena presented by Sea Ridge Farms. Today began a four day run of AQHA & NRHA approved reining classes here at the Texas Classic. In addition to a weekend of highly competitive reining is the return of the Texas Classic Invitational Freestyle Reining.

Mr. Jerry Kimmel and his stallions, Mister Nicadual & Dun Gotta Gun, are proud to present the second annual Texas Classic Invitational Freestyle Reining. This event promises the reining industry's best horses and riders vying for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. If you like fun music, creative costumes and edge of your seat reining, the Freestyle is not to be missed!

The Texas Classic Invitational Freestyle Reining will take place Friday, May 28th at 7:30 PM in the John Justin Arena at the Will Rogers Memorial Center Fort Worth, Texas. Special Freestyle ticket discounts for Texas Classic exhibitors and pre-orders are available.

The Texas Classic is shaping up to be the best one ever, with 9-point classes for six sets of judges in roping, cutting, reining, and many other classes! Points, points, points...it's the name of the game as we head into the final stretch of the Texas Classic !

For more information stop by the show office, visit http://www.texas-classic.com/ or call 720-982-3574.

Compeition is Heating up at the Texas Classic

2010-05-27T09:29:00.000-06:00

We've got five days of competition under our belt at the Texas Classic and there are no sign of a slowdown.

Wednesday marked the beginning of two full days of roping classes in the Coliseum presented by Jewett Performance Horses. Hundreds of ropers will resume tomorrow, under the same schedule and in true Texas Classic style, triple judged. We would like to thank the following roping circuit award sponsors for their generosity and support of the Texas Classic.

Jr. Heeling, Amateur Breakaway & Amateur Heeling: M-K Quarter Horses

Jr. Heading & Sr. calf Roping: Smart Chemical Services & Scott Jones

Amateur Heading: Darrel Elliot Equine Services

Sr. Heading & Sr. Heeling: Western Horseman

Jr. Calf Roping: Logan Performance Horses

Amateur Calf Roping:Barton Performance Horses

The afternoon in the John Justin Arena, presented by Sea Ridge Farms, was all about the Champion of Champions classes. Jamie West-Genzer riding Southern N Sweet and Kadra Lee Dunlap riding Rebel Jim McCloud both received Skyline Silversmiths belt buckles for Novice Amateur Hunter Under Saddle Champion of Champions and Novice Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation Champion of Champions classes, respectively. Both individuals qualified for the Champion of Champions classes by placing first, second or third at TQHA approved shows. Champion of Champions classes apply to Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Riding and Trail.

For more information about the Texas Classic, go to http://www.texas-classic.com/.

Texas Classic-"Not Just Another Horse Show"

2010-05-25T20:40:00.000-06:00

There is truth behind the saying the Texas Classic is "Not Just Another Horse Show."

The second day of Texas Classic cutting proved to be exciting and filled with intense competition. The industry's top names came out in their efforts to clench the final qualifying points for the AQHA World Championship Show, not to mention those NCHA purses attached to each class. Scott McClurg and Neat Little Cat were the 2010 Texas Classic Cutting High Point Champions and were presented with a beautiful hand-crafted Skyline Silversmiths belt buckle. Skyline Silversmiths is an industry-leading company that prides themselves on the finest designs and craftsmanship.

Wednesday, May 26, the John Justin arena, presented by Sea Ridge Farms, will transform into a showcase of hunter jumpers. Showing the true versatility of the American Quarter Horse, the day will feature working hunter, equitation over fences, hunter hack, and hunter under saddle plus pleasure driving and jumpers. Exhibitors will be competing for the coveted High-Point award, an Antares helmet and a chance to win an Antares Hampton Classic or Antares Spooner Saddle, compliments of EquiVenture Tack & Apparel & Antares Sellier-maker of fine custom English jumping saddles, leatherwork and state-of-the-art helmets.

Its true, the Texas Classic is "not just another horse show" thanks to our loyal competitors and generous awards sponsors like Skyline Silversmiths, EquiVenture & Antares Sellier.

For more information visit http://www.texas-classic.com/

Texas Classic Competitors Well Cared for Thanks to Corporate Sponsors

2010-05-24T16:53:00.000-06:00

Early mornings and late nights are all in a day's work at the Texas Classic, but thanks to our corporate sponsors our competitors are well cared for.

Competitors can jump-start their day with freshly brewed coffee and scrumptious donuts sponsored by Adequan. As the newest addition to the Corporate Partner's list for the Texas Classic, Adequan supplies a much needed boost each morning-just like the much needed boost your equine athlete might need from a terrific line of products from Adequan. Keep joints in healthy balance-Aduquan i.m.

As the mid-day Texas sun shines, competitors eagerly await the arrival of the Purina Hospitality cart to make its rounds, replete with cool refreshments. offering cold water and soft drinks, the Purina Hospitality cart is a crowd favorite with the young and old alike and we are appreciative of Purina's long-term support of the Texas Classic. Be sure to check out the full range of Purina feeds, including Strategy-professional formula horse feed at your local Purina feed dealer.

The Texas Classic thanks all its sponsors for their continued support in maintaining the Texas Classic as the largest Quarter Horse Show in the lone-star state of Texas.

Texas Classic- Opening Weekend A Success!

2010-05-23T17:52:00.000-06:00

As the sun sets on the third full day of competition at the Texas Classic in Fort Worth, the event is bustling with activity. Competitors descend on the Will Rogers Memorial Center over the weekend, entering AQHA, NRCHA and NCHA classes.

Sunday brought the culmination of AQHA, NRCHA and SERCHA approved cow horse events in the John Justin Arena presented by Sea Ridge Farms. Top honors went to Todd Crawford for placing first in the NRCHA Open Hackamore with Playguns Courage.

The weekend belonged to the future with youth classes in the Watt Arena presented by Robin Frid Show Horses. The arena was alive with full classes in trail, western riding, horsemanship, showmanship, halter and hunter under saddle. Hundreds of youth entries competed in the Texas Classic triple-judged classes.

"The dirt was good & the cattle were great!" Said Guy Woods with a smile. Woods brought five horses from EE Ranches and took home five checks as the big winner of the day in the Coliseum presented by Jewett Performance Horses for the first of three consecutive c days. Large cutting days lie ahead with anticipated 170 cutting entries in the AQHA/NCHA cutting classes tomorrow and Tuesday. Entries are still being accepted at the event.

There are still eight more days of exciting Quarter Horse competition remaining, stay tuned for more updates from the Texas Classic!

For more information go to www.texas-classic.com or visit the HorsePower Facebook page for candid photos.

World Equestrian Games Entries In Principle

2010-05-07T08:19:00.000-06:00

Early indications for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are measured through a process called Entries in Principle, whereby nations inform the Organizing Committee how many maximum possible teams and athletes will be represented in Kentucky this Fall.

The sport of reining appears to be in great shape based on these Entries in Principle with 29 nations, 21 full teams and 13 individual athletes conditionally entered. This equates to a total of 97 reining athletes.

Nations who have indicated that they may send teams and individuals include:

Argentina*
Australia*
Austria*
Belgium*
Brazil*
Canada*
Chile*
China
Columbia
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark*
Dominican Republic*
Spain
France*
Great Britain*
Germany*
Ireland
Israel*
Italy*
Mexico*
Netherlands*
Norway
Paraguay
Poland
South Africa
Sweden*
Uruguay
USA*

(* indicates a desire to field a full team)

The equestrian event of our lifetime and the first time ever outside Europe, the World Equestrian Games (WEG) will be held this fall in Lexington, KY. HorsePower is proud to be managing the reining activities at the Games and honored to be a part of the Organizing Committee for this history-making event.

As reining enjoys a homecoming, of sorts, riders from all corners of the globe will compete for team and individual medals. What was once a sport born of the maneuvers of a working ranch horse of the American West is now global, with active riders in nearly 40 nations and 6 continents.

For more information, contact HorsePower or go to the WEG website: http://www.alltechfeigames.com/

Stay tuned to HorsePower information outlets like Facebook, Twitter, or our website: http://www.hpowerinc.com/index.html to receive updates on this and any of our other exciting events. HorsePower-The POWER Behind Your Favorite Events

Reminder to Reining Young Riders

2010-05-01T06:22:00.000-06:00

Reminder to all interested Reining Youth Riders- the final day of qualifying for the USEF Youth Reining National Championship is May 15th. All qualifying points earned at qualifying classes around the country will be cut off May 15th, with any points earned from May 16th forward going towards next year's championship.

In order to compete for the National Championship title in one of the three age divisions (13 & Under, 14-18 & 19-21) riders must have earned their way into the top 20 of their respective division. The USEF Youth Reining National Championship is held at the NRHA Derby on June 26th along with a concurrent CRI-Y class, which will serve as a Selection Trial for the popular SmartPak Reining Championship and the Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

For more information or questions about USEF Reining programs, contact Vonita Bowers, USEF High Performance Reining Director, at vbowers@usef.org. For more information about the Youth National Championships or the Adequan FEI North American Young Riders Championships, contact Brad Ettleman with HorsePower at Brad@HPowerInc.com.

US Field Narrows to 32 for 2010 WEG- Finalists Head to the Battle in the Saddle and USEF Official Team Selection Trials

2010-04-30T16:58:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to all reining athletes from the US who have successfully qualified for the US Reining Team Official Selection Trial. Competing at FEI events all around the US, the high performance reining competitors listed below have successfully met the qualification criteria to be able to advance to the Official Selection Trial-the place and time where the US Reining Team will be selected for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Selection Trial will be held in conjunction with the highly-anticipated Battle in the Saddle, July 5-10 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City.

Qualified US riders include (in no particular order): Pete Kyle, Steve Siadik, Shawn Flarida, Craig Schmersal, Shawn Church, Jared LeClair, Jarvis Anderson, Jordan Larson, Tim McQuay, Casey Hinton, Casey Deary, Lakshami Mahajan, Rick Weaver, Mike McEntire, Craig Johnson, Dell Hendricks, Josh Armstrong, Steve Schwartzenberger, Brian Bell, Andrea Fappani, Randy Paul, Tom McCutcheon, Mandy McCutcheon, Ken Eppers, Scott McCutcheon, Todd Sommers, Marcy Ver Meer, Matt Mills, Matthew Palmer, Todd Martin, Gabe Davide, and Brent Naylor.

The US team will work together to defend their gold medal at the 2006 World Equestrian Games against increasing pressure from highly sophisticated teams in Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and Mexico, plus top 30 riders in the team competitions at the WEG advance to the Individual Medals- a moment that can define an athletic career.

In addition to Official Selection Trial, Battle in the Saddle, will also offer the concurrent USEF Open Reining Championship and CRI4*. The USEF Open Reining Championship is open to any rider on the USEF Reining Long list and the CRI4* (also concurrent) is available for any FEI high performance competitor from around the globe.

For more information on the Battle in the Saddle, click on: http://www.battleinthesaddle.com/or contact Brad Ettleman with HorsePower at Brad@HPowerInc.com. For more information on USEF reining programs, please contact Vonita Bowers, USEF Reining High Performance Director at vbowers@usef.org.

Halted European Air Traffic Does Not Stop FEI Reining!

2010-04-19T08:48:00.000-06:00

18 April, 2010-Bokerberg, Sweden- The Sweden National Championship Concours de Reining International (CRI) came to a completion today after the announcement of awards for the second competition in two days.

Vital to the qualification process for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), representatives from across Northern Europe scrapped their stifled air travel plans as volcanic activity in Iceland caused chaos and closed airports across the continent. Instead, riders drove into beautiful Bokerberg in hopes of gaining the compulsory scores necessary for the increasingly intense effort to make their respective national reining teams for the much anticipated WEG.

Saturday- The first competition on Saturday evening brought high energy to the Bokerberg arena as the reining athletes attempted to achieve their requisite scores for qualification. Taking top honors was Mona Goransson representing Sweden aboard Mega Jac Dance. The large crowd on-hand was excited to cheer on their native champion and proudly hear the Swedish anthem at the close of competition.

It was Sweden to fill out the podium with reserve champion Helen Hokkanen aboard Whizards Enchantress and third-place Peter Ljungberg competing with Blue Dry Peppy.

Fourth place honors went to three-time Olympic-gold-medal dressage legend Anky Van Grunsven, who made her initial FEI voyage in the sport of reining showing Whizashiningwalla BB on behalf of The Netherlands. Completing the top-five standings in the competition was seasoned FEI competitor Sanne Skovrider of Denmark riding Lil Spin.

Sunday- More FEI reining action returned to the Bokerberg facility with a second chance to gain national qualification and the result of the competition was even more dramatic than the day prior.

Second place horse from Saturday, Whizards Enchantress, was eliminated in the early morning horse inspection, recharging the playing field with possibilities for top placings.

In the class, riders gave a full effort and the resulting scores revelaed a tie for first place between Saturday's champion, Mona Goransson for Sweden riding Mega Jac Dance and famed dressage icon, turned reiner, Anky Van Grunsven of Holland aboard Whizzashiningwalla BB. Both of a highly-competitive nature, it was decided that a run-off would determine the ultimate champion in the international-level class.

With a quick arena drag and a few minutes to prepare, Goransson and Van Grunsven thrilled the audience as they enthusiastically supported each rider's second effort. Set to music including "Mission Impossible" and "Under Pressure" Goransson and Van Grunsven each left everything in the arena with the final result of the run-off in Goransson's favor be a mere one-point spread.

Third-place honors went back to Sweden with Ruf Deal, piloted by Johan Svensson making the podium complete. Fourth and fifth were Tove Schmidt and Helene Hokkanen showing Chic Diesel Olena and Sheza Flybaby, respectively.

Europe now turns its attention to Holland for the next FEI Councours de Reining International as one of only a few remaining qualifying competitions. Qualifying competitions are also taking place in North America at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, TX as well as in South America as the Esprito events in Brazil.

The AQHA, on behalf of its international affiliate, the Swedish Quarter Horse Association, has supplied major funding of the Bokerberg event as part of the Association's continuing effort to increase exposure and awareness of the American Quarter Horse around the world. FEI reining events are one of the ways the Association views as a high-impact approach to accomplish this goal.

For more information, contact HorsePower, Inc. the producers and managers of the Swedish National Championship Concours de Reining International online at http://www.hpowerinc.com/, by email as Brad@HPowerInc.com or by phone as +1.720.982.3574.

For more information on reining activities in Sweden, please contact Anneli Silverstolpe of the Swedish Reining Horse Assoc. http://www.srha.nu/ Mail: asilverstolpe@mac.com, or by phone at +46.70.652.01.64

Three-Time Olympic Gold-Medalist Anky Van Grunsven to Compete at Bokerberg FEI Reining

2010-04-17T15:23:00.000-06:00

Bokerberg, Sweden- The Sweden National Championship Councours de Reining International (CRI) started the day with all nominated horses successfully passing a very brisk Swedish morning horse inspection. But the cool spring weather could not stop the exciting reining competitions.

Vital to the qualification process for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian games (WEG), riders from across Northern Europe scrapped their stifled air travel plans due to closed airports across northern Europe because of Icelandic volcanic activity, and instead drove to beautiful Bokerberg facility in hopes of gaining the compulsory scores, necessary for the increasingly intense effort to make their respective national reining teams for the much anticipated WEG.

Among the starters, three-time Olympic dressage gold-medalist Anky Van Grunsven, riding on behalf of her native land Holland, joins reining athletes from Denmark and the home nation in back-to-back CRI competitions today and tomorrow.

At the press event arranged by the Organizing Committee, when asked to compare the differences between the two sports, Van Grunsven instead chose to focus on the similarities, stating "the basics of dressage are the same as reining. There really is not a major difference at the very basic level. As a matter of fact, there is much we have in common. While I wish that some of the smart things from reining could be adopted by dressage, like the clear, straight-forward scoring system, the two sports are similar on the desire for an enhanced and refined display of horsemanship."

When speaking of her horse, Whizashiningwalla BB, owned by the standing Non-Pro European champion Cira Baeck from Belgium, Van Grunsven spoke warmly about the palomino quarter horse, saying "He is a great horse and we are having a lot of fun together. He is really helping me get the feeling of reining and he knows his sport-sometimes a little too well", she laughs. "As a dressage rider you gain from reining, but sometimes it is hard to remember, for instance in reining when you stop the horse it is the opposite of dressage: you loosen your reins, sit down and just say 'whoa' -and the horse will stop....this doesn't happen in Dressage, Von Grunsven jokes.

The AQHA, on behalf of its international affiliate, the Swedish Quarter Horse Association, has supplied major funding for the Bokerberg event as a part of the Association's continuing effort to increase exposure and awareness of the American Quarter Horse around the world. FEI reining events are one way the Association views as a high-impact way to accomplish this goal.

Born of the maneuvers a western working horse must perform on the ranch, the sport of reining is the only western sport in the FEI family and will enjoy a homecoming, of sorts, at the WEG as they are hosted for the first time in the USA. However, it's no longer just a North American Sport. Reining can be found on five continents and more than 30 nations, including Sweden.

For more information, contact HorsePower, Inc. the producers and managers of the Swedish National Championship Concours de Reining International online at http://www.HPowerInc.com, by email at Brad@HPowerInc.com or by phone at +1.720.982.3574.

For more information on reining activities in Sweden, please contact Anneli Silverstolpe of the Swedish Reining Horse Association http://www.srha.nu mail: asilverstolpe@mac.com or by phone at +46.70.652.01.64.

The Swedish National Championship Concours de Reining Internationale is Proud to Announce Partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association

2010-03-31T18:22:00.000-06:00

March 30, 2010- Bokeberg, Sweden- On behalf of the Swedish Reining Horse Association, The Swedish National Championship Concours de Reining Internationale is proud to announce a major partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association in the presentation of the 2010 inaugural event, scheduled for April 16-18, 2010.

The AQHA, on behalf of its international affiliate, the Swedish Quarter Horse Association, has supplied major funding of the event as a part of the Association's continuing effort to increase the exposure and awareness of the American Quarter Horse around the world.

Vital to the process of selecting and advancing a team of Swedish atletes to the World Equestrian Games this fall, the back-to-back Concours de Reining International (CRI) classes meet the requirements of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for the sport of reining and sactioning body of the CRI classes in Sweden.

"As a part of AQHA's international plan business funding model, the Association has encouraged and is working with its international affiliates to increase activities for American Quarter Horses in the various countries," said David Avery, AQHA Director of International Programs. Funding for the CRI events at the FEI level, such as the Swedish National Championship CRI is available through AQHA and the individual countries. For more information on AQHA'a international activities, contact the Association at 806-376-4811.

In conjunction with the WRIS Spring Break Show at the beautiful Bokeberg facility just east of Malmo in southern Sweden, the event offers back-to-back CRI competitions in one weekend which is sure to draw the most elite reining competitors from throughout Northern Europe and Scandanavia as riders strive to qualify and make their respective teams for the highly-anticipated Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Born of the manuevers a western working ranch horse must perform on the ranch, the sport of reining is the only western discipline in the FEI family adn will enjoy a homecoming, of sorts, at the Games hosted for the first time in the USA. However, it's no longer just a North American sport. Reining can be found on six continents and more than 30 nations, including Sweden.

For more information, contact HorsePower, Inc. the producers and managers of the Swedish National Championship Concours de Reining Internationale online at http://www.hpowerinc.com/ , by email at Brad@HPowerInc.com or by phone at +1.720.982.3574.

For more information on reining activities in Sweden, please contact Anneli Silverstolpe of the Swedish Reining Horse Assoc. online at http://www.srha.nu/, by email at asilverstolpe@mac.com or by phone at +46.70.652.01.64

Breeding Season with Jerry Kimmel's Prime Stallions Dun Gotta Gun & Mister Nicadual

2010-03-30T15:57:00.000-06:00

Tioga, TX- March 30, 2010- It is no accident that Mister Nicadual and Dun Gotta Gun are both phenomenal athletes and willing show horses, as they come from a long line of reining and cutting champions. These accomplished stallions are elite competitors in the reining industry.

Dun Gotta Gun began his competitive career as the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Non Pro Reserve Champion and Southwest Reining Horse Association Reserve Non Pro Champion, and then placed third at the NRHA Derby. Shortly after the Derby, Dun Gotta Gun was purchased by Jerry Kimmel who teamed up with NRHA Futurity Champion and two million dollar rider, Tim McQuay. In 2005 Tim McQuay and Dun Gotta Gun competed at the USEF Championships and became a USEF Reining Championship Finalist. Dun Gotta Gun is a son of NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee and $5 Million dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It, and out of Katie Gun, the dam of yet another Hall of Fame Inductee, Gunner.

Dun Gotta Gun has sired multiple NRHA Open and Non Pro Futurity Champions and finalists at the NRHA Open Futurity, NRHA Non Pro Futurity and NRBC Open Classic for his proud owner, Mr. Jerry Kimmel. Dun Gotta Gun is enrolled in National Reining Breeder's Classic as well as the NRHA Sire and Dam Program.

Also Owned by Mr. Jerry Kimmel, Mister Nicadual is a son of Mister Dual Pep (1993), The Equi-Stat number eleven all-time leading reined cowhorse sire and out of the great mare Nicacheka, by Reminic. In 2006, Mister Nicadual was part of the dynamic duo with Tim McQuay to help win the individual silver medal and team gold medal honors during the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. "Dually" was the 2007 AQHA Reserve World Champion in Senior Reining and was also a finalist for the prestigious Farnam Platform USEF Horse of the Year a huge accomplishment for proud owner Jerry Kimmel. With limited showing, the chestnut stallion has won more than $100,000 in NRHA competitions and earned 74 AQHA points. Eligible for the AQHA incentive fund, the NRHA Sire and Dam program, as well as enrolled in the National Reining Breeders Classic, Mister Nicadual is available for breeding and shipped semen.

Add some winning pedigrees and proven records to your breeding program this year. Contact Jerry Kimmel or McQuay Stables for breeding information on Dun Gotta Gun & Mister Nicadual or visit the webpages at http://www.dungottagun.com/ and http://www.mcquaystables.com/.

Contact:

Mr. Jerry Kimmel (817) 925-0820

6400 Cleburne Hwy.

Grandbury, TX 76049

___________

Tim or Colleen McQuay (940) 437-2470

15135 East FM 922

Tioga, TX 76271

Media Contact:
HorsePower (720) 982-3574

Pendleton Becomes the Official Spirit of the Inagural Texas Classic Ranch-A-Palooza

2010-03-25T14:23:00.000-06:00

Fort Worth, TX- March 24, 2010- Pendleton Whiskey of Hood River Distillers has signed on as a major corporate sponsor of the Inaugural 2010 Texas Classic Ranch-A-Palooza. This exciting and innovative event is the first of its kind with approvals by four associations, The American Quarter Horse Assoc. (AQHA), American Stock Horse Assoc. and its very strong Texas affiliate Stock Horse of Texas (ASHA/SHOT) and the Ranch Horse Assoc. of America (RHAA). The Ranch-A-Palooza is the very first of its kind in the competitive ranch horse industry with the AQHA and SHOT classes running concurrently and the AQHA classes offering three full sets of points. The excitement and buzz for the new event has already made it a "must stop" for anyone looking to qualify for the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Show, SHOT year-end points earning and the family-fun atmosphere planned. Held at the prestigious Will Rogers Memorial Center, the inaugural Ranch-A-Palooza will have access to three arenas and hundreds of stalls. This three-day competition will occur over Memorial Day Weekend, May 29-31, 2010 in Fort Worth.

"Pendleton Whiskey was specifically created to celebrate the bold spirit of independence and hard work ethic of the American cowboy & cowgirl. The Texas Classic Ranch-A-Palooza is a perfect setting to demonstrate our support of these hardworking cowboys and cowgirls in action. Pendleton Whiskey is proud to partner with the Texas Classic in presenting the inaugural Ranch-A-Palooza." Said Tia Bledsoe, Director of Marketing, Hood River Distillery.

Pendleton is an oak barrel-aged whiskey distilled in Canada using the finest ingredients. Before bottling, Hood River Distillers of Oregon add only the purest glacier-fed spring water from Mt. Hood (Oregon's highest peak). Pendleton delivers an uncommonly smooth taste and rich, complex flavor.

Brad Ettleman of HorsePower and the show manager said, "The Texas Classic Ranch-A-Palooza could not have asked for a better partner than Pendleton. They embody the Western spirit like no other company out there. The Ranch-A-Palooza weekend will be a major ranch horse celebration and tons of fun for anyone interested in the ranching history of the American West. Welcome aboard to our newest partners!"

For more information about the TQHA Texas Classic or the Ranch-A-Palooza, held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, TX, click on http://www.texas-classic.com/. For more information on Pendleton Whiskey, please visit http://www.hrdspirits.com/brand_pendleton.cfm.

Final Qualifying Competitions for 2010 Youth Championships

2010-03-23T13:09:00.000-06:00

USEF Youth Reining Championships

May 15, 2010 is the final date to earn points toward the 2010 USEF Youth Reining Championship Standings. Youth Reiners who are in the top 20 in their age division at the end of the qualification period will be invited to compete in the USEF Youth Reining Championship Finals at the NRHA Derby June 26, 2010. Standings for the 13 and under, 14-18 and 19-21 age divisions can be found at:

http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allreining/developingYR.aspx

The remaining 2010 USEF Youth Reining Championship qualifying competitions are listed below.

North American Young Riders Reining Championship

In addition to the USEF National Youth Championship, the NRHA Derby will host the official selection trial for the CRI-Y for the North American Young Riders Reining Championship. The Selection Trial is open to Youth from the beginning of the year on which they become 16 until the end of the year in which they become 21. Don't miss your chance to represent the US at this prestigious event.

For more information about the USEF Youth Reining Championship and North American Young Riders Reining Championship contact HorsePower at 720.982.3574, or Brad Ettleman at Brad@HPowerInc.com. For more information on USEF Reining Programs, contact Vonita Bowers vbowers@usef.org

REMAINING 2010 USEF YOUTH QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS

EPRHA NO FOOLIN SLIDE
LOGAN, NJ

4/2/2010

SERHA SPRING CELEBRATION & DERBY

WILLIAMSTON, NC

4/10/2010

NATIONAL REINING BREEDERS CLASSIC

KATY, TX

4/12/2010

LAS VEGAS SPIN CLASSIC III

LAS VEGAS, NV

4/17/2010

WESTERN SLOPE SPRING CLASSIC (NRHA)

RIFLE, CO

4/21/2010

ARKANSAS CLASSIC I

SEARCY, AR

4/24/2010

TNRHA SPINNING IN THE REIN

HARRIMAN, TN

4/24/2010

ARKANSAS CLASSIC II

SEARCY, AR

4/25/2010

DELTA CLASSIC I

MIDLAND, MI

5/1/2010

DELTA CLASSIC II

MIDLAND, MI

5/2/2010

United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40515. 859-258-2472

USEF Releases US Reining Team Selection Procedures for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

2010-02-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

The USEF (United States Equestrain Federation) released its Selection Procedures for any competitor within the sport of reining who wishes to compete at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

For US competitors, the USEF Selection Procedures are an important road-map as you plan your qualifying and attendance to the Selection Trial, to be held as the inagural Battle in the Saddle, July 6-10, 2010 at Oklahoma State Fair Park, OKC.

For more information, contact your friends at HorsePower, and we will do our best to answer any question you may present.

We look forward to managing this exciting competition!

www.hpowerinc.com

FEI Releases Important Documents for those Wishing to Compete in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

2010-02-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

The FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) has released important documents for any competitor within the sport of reining who wishes to compete at the rapidly approaching 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Reining athletes the world over should become familiar with the Games' FEI Definite Schedule, which is much more than an event schedule. The full plan for your attendance at the Games as a team or as an individual athlete can be found in this document. if you would like a copy, have a specific question for the sport of reining, or would like help from one of our HorsePower Staff in answering a question, please let us know! We are happy to be of service.

HorsePower is proud to announce its partnership with the Swedish Riding Association & the addition of two CRI Competitions

2010-02-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

HorsePower is proud to announce its partnership with the Swedish Riding Association and the Svenska Ridsport Forbundet (Swedish Equestrian Federation) in the addition of two CRI competitions to the European FEI competition schedule.

Designed to ensure the nation of Sweden can field a full team for the upcoming 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the new back-to-back CRI1*/CRI1* competition will be open to any and all FEI competitors still seeking qualifying competitions for the Games.

Riders from across northern Europe will diverge on Bokeberg, Svedala, Sweden this April 16th, 17th, and 18th to gather up remaining world ranking points on their way to the World Championships.

HorsePower will provide, on behalf of its partners, complete FEI-level competition planning, support, and production and will offer its services to ensure the Swedish CRI's are executed to the highest sporting standard.

Sponsorship opportunities for the CRI are available and offer companies, invested parties, and stallion owners the chance to lend their name to this international-level event.

For more information, contact HorsePower at Brad@HPowerInc.com