All Discussions Tagged 'horse jumping' - Barnmice Equestrian Social Community
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Nick Skelton and Big Star Light Up Saturday Night With Victory in $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI 2*
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-23:1773158:Topic:338215
2011-01-23T07:23:31.469Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>Nick Skelton (GBR) notched his third major victory of the circuit tonight with Big Star, owned by Beverly and Gary Widdowson, in the $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI2*. Tonight's class was the first of 11 events in the "Saturday Night Lights"…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>Nick Skelton (GBR) notched his third major victory of the circuit tonight with Big Star, owned by Beverly and Gary Widdowson, in the $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI2*. Tonight's class was the first of 11 events in the "Saturday Night Lights" series at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). A crowd of 3,800 spectators were there to enjoy world-class show jumping and all that the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has to offer.</span><span><br/><br/>The second week of the FTI WEF concludes with tomorrow's competition. The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition through April 3, 2011, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit.</span><span><br/><br/>This week's course designer in the International Arena is Luc Musette of Belgium. There were 37 entries in tonight's grand prix, but only three were able to go clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off.<br/><br/> </span><span>Skelton noted, "It wasn't overly big, but it was quite tricky. He did a very good job; he is a very good course builder."</span><span><br/><br/>There were four riders with just one time fault over the 76 second time allowed. Reed Kessler (USA) and Mika finished fourth (76.65 seconds), Ljubov Kochetova (RUS) and Lapsus du Lavoir were fifth (77.03 seconds), Emily George (CAN) and Quidam's Ramiro placed sixth (77.83 seconds), and Angela Covert-Lawrence (CAN) and Utan were seventh in 78.11 seconds.</span><span><br/><br/>The first clear round and pathfinder in the jump-off was 22-year-old Brianne Goutal of New York, NY, on Nice de Prissey, a 2001 Selle Francais stallion by Rosire x Amarpour, put down a solid trip and kept all the jumps up, which put pressure on the two remaining riders in the jump-off. They stopped the timers in 43.85 seconds. Goutal and her mount, owned by Cloverleaf Farm, would finish in second place.</span><span><br/><br/></span><p align="center"><span><img height="266" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey" src="http://jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Brianne%20Goutal%20Nice%20de%20Prissey%20cl%20ECTRGP%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></span></p>
<p align="center"><span><em>Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey</em></span></p>
<span><br/>Following the class, Goutal said, "It was a big class for my horse tonight. He is ten, but still a little green. I have had him less than a year. I was really excited with how well he jumped in the first round, (and) I had two very fast riders behind me. I tried to just go smooth and keeps the jumps up; I just wanted to give it a shot without losing control. He is still young and hasn't been in that many jump-offs, especially at this height, so I was thrilled with him tonight."</span><span><br/><br/>Next in was Skelton, who already won two classes in the opening week of the FTI WEF. This time on Big Star, an eight-year-old KWPN stallion by Quick Star x Nimmerdor, Skelton took risks throughout the jump-off and made a daring gallop to the final oxer. It paid off when the scoreboard flashed his time of 40.80 seconds for the win.</span><span><br/><br/>Skelton said of his jump-off ride, "I watched Brianne go and I thought she was quick, but I was worried about Yann because I know he can go faster than I could, so I thought that I had better get going. I rode badly really, because one to two I got too quick and then I couldn't turn him back to three, so I was very lucky at three."</span><span><br/><br/>He also noted that the long run to the final oxer didn't faze the young horse. "It didn't seem to bother him," he agreed. "You can do whatever you want with him."</span><span><br/><br/>Yann Candele (CAN) and Redefin, owned by Susan Grange, were the last to contest. When a rail fell in the first of the double combination, the class results were determined. Candele finished the jump-off with four faults in 44.83 seconds for third place.</span><span><br/><br/>Of his final ride, Candele explained, "I went last and I was hoping for them to have a rail somewhere so that I could keep having a chance, but they both went clear and Nick put some pressure. The jump-off wasn't that good for me because it was a long gallop and my horse gets distracted for that kind of stuff. I came to the double and he knocked one down and it was over, that was it. We just went around and finished up for confidence."</span><span><br/><br/>Skelton has had Big Star since he was five years old. Although Skelton has competed in six Olympic Games and has ridden some of the most prolific show jumpers in history, he feels that Big Star is something really special. He said, "I have had some really good horses, but I don't think I have ever had one as good as this one. He is a freak. For an eight-year-old horse, he has the brain of a 12-year-old. He is really something else, and he has all the qualities that you need."</span><span><br/><br/>
</span><p align="center"><span><img height="266" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Nick Skelton and Big Star" src="http://jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Nick%20Skelton%20Big%20Star%20ECTRGP%202%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></span></p>
<p align="center"><span><em>Nick Skelton and Big Star</em></span></p>
<span><br/>Tomorrow is the final day of week two at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, and the highlight class of the day is the Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic in the International Arena at 1 p.m.</span><span><br/><br/>For full results please visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.showgroundslive.com">www.showgroundslive.com</a></span><span> and for more information, visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.equestriansport.com">www.equestriansport.com</a></span><span>.</span><span><b><br/><br/>Final Results: $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI 2*</b></span><span><br/>1 BIG STAR: 2003 KWPN stallion by Quick Star x Nimmerdor</span><span><br/>NICK SKELTON (GBR), Beverly and Gary Widdowson: 0/0/40.80</span><span><br/><br/>2 NICE DE PRISSEY: 2001 Selle Francais stallion by Rosire x Amarpour</span><span><br/>BRIANNE GOUTAL (USA), Cloverleaf Farm: 0/0/43.85</span><span><br/><br/>3 REDEFIN: 1998 KWPN gelding by Larino x Zeus</span><span><br/>YANN CANDELE (CAN), Susan Grange: 0/4/44.83</span><span><br/><br/>4 MIKA: 2000 Selle Francais gelding by Nidor Platiere x Rubis Rouge</span><span><br/>REED KESSLER (USA), Reed Kessler: 1/76.65</span><span><br/><br/>5 LAPSUS DU LAVOIR: 1999 Selle Francais Gelding by Animo x Vol d'Amour</span><span><br/>LJUBOV KOCHETOVA (RUS), Ljubov Kochetova: 1/77.03</span><span><br/><br/>6 QUIDAM'S RAMIRO: 1997 Holsteiner Gelding by Quidam De Revel x Ramiro</span><span><br/>EMILY GEORGE (CAN), Julie George: 1/77.83</span><span><br/><br/>7 UTAN: 2001 KWPN Gelding by Burggraaf x Concorde</span><span><br/>ANGELA COVERT-LAWERENCE (CAN), Eastwood Group: 1/78.11</span><span><br/><br/>8 URBANUS: 1997 BWP Gelding by Heartbreaker x Ramiro</span><span><br/>CHARLIE JAYNE (USA), Alex Jayne: 4/72.27</span><span><br/><br/>9 VENT DU NORD: 1998 BWP Gelding by Canadian River x Quidam De Revel</span><span><br/>KATE LEVY (USA), Kate Levy LLC: 4/73.07</span><span><br/><br/>10 STAR POWER: 2001 Gelding by Quick Star x Unknown</span><span><br/>IAN MILLAR (CAN), Team Works: 4/73.08</span><span><br/><br/>11 PJOTTER VAN DE ZONNEHOEVE: 2001 NRPS Gelding by Unknown x Emilion</span><span><br/>MCLAIN WARD (USA), Louisburg Farm: 4/73.13</span><span><br/><br/>12 MADEMOISELLE: 1997 Holsteiner Mare by Libertino I x Silvester</span><span><br/>BEEZIE MADDEN (USA), Abigail Wexner: 4/73.30</span><span><br/><br/>Photo Credit: Nick Skelton and Big Star won the $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI 2* during the second week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, </span><span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=wyfjsicab&et=1104285868264&s=18111&e=001-OHpbxeEqnhT4FV0FrVJB-2Ys2TL6ucs2FzJMnmkWHEdq3Sn8BuWMXy8SbFHKt641ECz15Hbfg0TusCeTyOKs_RiHxnnJfWOi9tEYU7MldDB4zXTMExL8g==" shape="rect" target="_blank">www.sportfot.com</a></span><span>. <br/></span>
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Brianne Goutal and Mon Gamin's Longstanding Partnership Helps Them Win $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-21:1773158:Topic:337508
2011-01-21T23:49:07.504Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF/News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>After showing together for nine years, the partnership between Brianne Goutal (New York, NY) and her pinto Mon Gamin makes winning easy. They sped to the top of the class in today's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF/News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>After showing together for nine years, the partnership between Brianne Goutal (New York, NY) and her pinto Mon Gamin makes winning easy. They sped to the top of the class in today's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge.</span><span><br/><br/>The second week of the FTI WEF continues through Sunday, January 23. The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition through April 3, 2011, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class is Saturday night's $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI 2* at 7 p.m.</span><span><br/><br/>This week's course designer in the International Arena is Luc Musette of Belgium. There were 39 entries in today's Time First Round class, and eight of those were clear. The fastest was Goutal on Mon Gamin, owned by Cloverleaf Farm, who stopped the timers in 64.769 seconds.</span><span><br/><br/>Goutal said of the course, "It was great for me. I was able to gallop in places. I was a little slow for the first four jumps. I couldn't really get him going. There was an inside turn to number five. I didn't do the inside turn, I just galloped around the turn. After I galloped around the turn, he was open. Then he was flying everywhere. It was a great speed course; there were places you had to turn, places you had to gallop, and lines that tested your rideability. I was really happy with the course."</span><p><span><br/>Yann Candele (CAN) rode Carolla Z for owner Liz Currie to second place in a time of 65.100 seconds. Laura Kraut (USA), on Pin Oak Farm's Winde, was third in 67.238 seconds.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Goutal and Mon Gamin have been consistently winning speed classes since they started showing together nine years ago. "Since the day we got him, he's been competitive," Goutal confirmed. "He's a real winner. He goes in every time more careful than the last, which is why we move back down a class every time we show him. I think he's found a niche as a speed horse, especially with me. I know him so well and he knows me. He's a really happy horse and we try and keep it that way."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Goutal, who is 22 years old, first saw Mon Gamin in France when she participated in a two-week clinic with French Olympic show jumper Thierry Pommel. Mon Gamin, who was bred in Spain, is a 15-year-old KWPN gelding by Libero x Shogun. She recalled, "There were three horses: a black one, a white one, and a pinto. He was a six-year-old stallion. He was so cute!"<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs004/1101946722070/img/793.jpg" alt="Brianne Goutal and Mon Gamin" width="400" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.793" border="0" vspace="5" height="266" id="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.793"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Brianne Goutal and Mon Gamin</em></p>
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<p>"<span>I don't know if I thought he was amazing or just cute. I had to have him. I had a dream about him and I convinced my dad that it was fate. It was destiny!" she laughed. "I ended up with a pinto and we gelded him because he was wild. But he's been perfect ever since."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Goutal said that Mon Gamin has settled into his "routine" here at the FTI WEF. "This is his eighth Florida with me and he's been in this routine for the past three years," she noted. "He does a trail ride on Tuesday, light flat on Wednesday, a schooling class on Thursday, his 1.40m on Friday, and then a day off and then flatting. He's the best; he lives the life!"</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Tomorrow night at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will be the first Saturday Night Lights event of the season. The $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix will begin at 7 p.m. in the International Arena.</span></p>
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<p><span>For full results please visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.showgroundslive.com">www.showgroundslive.com</a></span></p>
<p><span>and for more information, visit </span><a target="_blank" href="http:/www.equestriansport.com">www.equestriansport.com</a><span>.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><p><span>Photo Credit: Brianne Goutal and Mon Gamin won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge during the second week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportfot.com">www.sportfot.com</a></span><span>. </span></p>
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Catherine Pasmore and My Boy Best All-Star Field in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 at 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-21:1773158:Topic:337258
2011-01-21T00:11:55.955Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Lauren Fisher</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>The second week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Equine Couture/Tuff Rider, continued on Thursday afternoon with the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2. The second of 11 weekly WEF Challenge Cup grand prix, this afternoon's class…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Lauren Fisher</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>The second week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Equine Couture/Tuff Rider, continued on Thursday afternoon with the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2. The second of 11 weekly WEF Challenge Cup grand prix, this afternoon's class saw a victory for 18-year-old Catherine Pasmore (USA) and My Boy, owned by Pasmore Stables. The class was held in the International Arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), which will host 12 consecutive weeks of competition for the 2011 FTI WEF running through April 3, 2011.</span><span><br/><br/>Showing over a course set by Luc Musette of Belgium, just eight of the original 45 Challenge Cup entries were able to jump clear in the first round of competition to advance to the jump-off. Catherine Pasmore, of Charlottesville, VA, was first to qualify for the jump-off in round one and also first to return for the shortened course with her 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding My Boy. The pair set the standard with a super fast, clean round in 35.02 seconds which would hold up for the win through seven more trips.</span><p><span><br/>Eric Lamaze (CAN) earned second and third place honors for the day, riding Artisan Farms' Sidoline Van De Cantaur to second place with a jump-off time of 35.66 seconds and Derly Chin De Muze, owned by Ashland Stables, to third place in 36.03 seconds.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Ashlee Bond (USA) and Little Valley Farm's Chivas Z finished in fourth with a clear round in 36.07 seconds. Fifth place honors were awarded to Brianne Goutal (USA) and Cloverleaf Farm's Nice De Prissey for their time of 37.22 seconds, and sixth place went to Nick Skelton (GBR) and Big Star, owned by Beverly and George Widdowson, who stopped the clock in 37.31 seconds. Kate Levy (USA) and Vent Du Nord totaled four faults in 35.21 seconds to place in seventh, while Charlie Jacobs (USA) and CMJ Sport Horse LLC's Ladybird 17 clocked four faults in 37.34 seconds to round out the jump-off in eighth place.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Pasmore considers today's win the second biggest of her riding career, ranking just behind a $40,000 victory in the Old Salem Farm Grand Prix this spring, also with My Boy. Although that class had more prize money, Pasmore noted that today's class was definitely the biggest win over the field of riders that were in attendance.</span></p>
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<p>"<span>I was just happy that I made it to the jump-off with the riders that were here," she stated. "I was definitely nervous, but I was happy that I went first because I was able to just go in and ride my best and I did not have any pressure behind me."</span></p>
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<p>"<span>I was not sure if my time would hold up for the win, but I knew that I would be quick because I was able to leave out a stride to the double," Pasmore added. "I knew that he was going to back himself off in the middle of it perfectly. I had to add in the last line, but he just turned so quickly and made up for it."<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img height="266" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Catherine Pasmore and My Boy" src="http://jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Catherine%20Pasmore%20My%20Boy%20WEF%202%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Catherine Pasmore and My Boy</em></p>
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<p><span><br/>Pasmore has owned My Boy for a little over a year and purchased the handsome chestnut from her trainer, U.S. Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut. Kraut found the horse when he was showing with Lance Whitehouse at Nick Skelton's Farm in England.</span></p>
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<p>"<span>He is pretty awesome," Pasmore smiled. "We have a great bond and he tries so hard for me. He has a shorter stride, which actually helped me for today's course because the lines were a little shorter. The course ended up riding nicely for me whereas everyone else had to fight a little bit. He is also very quick off the ground so I can open him up in the jump-off and he just lands, goes right to the next jump, and is always looking where to go."<br/><br/> </span>In addition to earning the top prize in today's WEF Challenge Cup, Pasmore was also presented with a $3,000 bonus for riding in her SSG Gloves during the class.<br/><br/>"I have never shown at WEF all circuit without having to give a check to the office -this might be a first," Pasmore laughed. "I will never forget to wear my SSG gloves because they are obviously lucky for me and they are great."<br/><br/>The SSG 'Go Clean for the Green' promotion will be offered weekly in the WEF Challenge Cup Series. If the winning rider is wearing SSG 'Digital' Riding Gloves with the SSG horse head logo clearly visible on the wrist, they will be presented with a cash bonus during the awards presentation. </p>
<p><span><br/>The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with the Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge II, held in the International Arena.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>For full results please visit</span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.showgroundslive.com">www.showgroundslive.com</a></span></p>
<p><span>and for more information, visit</span><span><a target="_blank" href="http:www.equestriansport.com">www.equestriansport.com</a></span><span>.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><p><span>Photo Credit: Catherine Pasmore and My Boy won the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival,</span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportfot.com">www.sportfot.com</a></span><span>.</span></p>
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Charlie Jayne and Manneken du Coty Speed to $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper Victory
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-20:1773158:Topic:336963
2011-01-20T10:43:30.009Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) started its second of 12 weeks of competition today. In the main International Arena, Charlie Jayne of Elgin, IL, rode Manneken du Coty for Pony Lane Farm to victory in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) started its second of 12 weeks of competition today. In the main International Arena, Charlie Jayne of Elgin, IL, rode Manneken du Coty for Pony Lane Farm to victory in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper class.</span><span><br/><br/>The second week of the FTI WEF continues through Sunday, January 23. The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition through April 3, 2011, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class is Saturday night's $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix, CSI 2* at 7 p.m.</span><p><span><br/>This week's course designer in the International Arena is Luc Musette of Belgium. Nineteen entries contested the Time First Round course, and six were able to find the path to a clear round. Going third in the order were Jayne and Manneken du Coty. They were clear in 58.858 seconds to take the lead, and couldn't be caught through the rest of the class.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Whistler, owned by Jane Clark, finished second with no faults in 59.363 seconds, while Ben Maher (GBR) was third on his horse Triple X 111. Maher posted a time of 64.044 seconds.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Trainer Alex Jayne brought Manneken du Coty, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Darco x Quidam de Revel, in for the presentation and spoke about the new addition.<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img height="267" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Manneken du coty and Alex Jayne" src="http://www.jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Manneken%20du%20Coty%20Alex%20Jayne%20G&C%20Meter45%20pres%20sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Alex Jayne with Manneken du Coty, ringmaster Cliff Haines,</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>and G&C Farm representative Luis Miguel Martinez</em></p>
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<p>"<span>We got this horse in Syracuse last year. Harrie Smolders brought him over as a speed horse. When he saw the horse in Europe, he said, 'I'm was going to buy it and bring it over to the country and it'll be the best junior jumper you've ever seen.' We loved it," Alex Jayne explained.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>The horse was purchased as a junior jumper horse for Madeline Thatcher of Pony Lane Farm, and they placed second last week in their debut class together. The gelding has shown with Charlie Jayne in two pre-WEF circuit prix classes and won one there as well.</span></p>
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<p>"<span>He is really well-bred, and he came from a good home in Europe," Alex Jayne said. "We're excited to have him. Maddie did the junior jumpers last year and rode Kinda Blue. We were looking for a replacement for him, so hopefully this is the horse."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Although this was the opening class of the week, Charlie and Manneken du Coty were not just practicing. Alex noted, "We went in for speed. This horse is experienced, so we went in thinking we were going to win. The course was great."<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img height="267" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Manneken du Coty and Charlie Jayne" src="http://www.jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Manneken%20du%20Coty%20Charlie%20Jayne%20Meter45%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Manneken du Coty and Charlie Jayne</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><br/>Week two of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continues tomorrow with the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 in the International Arena at 1 p.m.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>For full results please visit</span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.showgroundslive.com">www.showgroundslive.com</a></span><span>. For more information, visit</span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.equestriansport.com">www.equestriansport.com</a><span>.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><p><span>Photo Credit: Charlie Jayne and Manneken du Coty won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers during the second week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival,</span></p>
<p><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportfot.com">www.sportfot.com</a></span><span>. </span></p>
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Paul O'Shea and Daydream St. Ghyvan Z Triumph in $30,000 Speed Derby at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-17:1773158:Topic:321761
2011-01-17T02:27:50.731Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF/Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media</p>
<p> </p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>The first week of competition at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival concluded on Sunday afternoon with an exciting $30,000 Speed Derby held in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The class was won by an…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF/Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>The first week of competition at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival concluded on Sunday afternoon with an exciting $30,000 Speed Derby held in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The class was won by an extremely fast round from Irish rider Paul O'Shea and Daydream St. Ghyvan Z, owned by Paul Clarke and Michael Walsh. Both competing for the first time in the United States this winter, horse and rider had a fantastic class and were awarded the top prize.</span><span><br/><br/>Twenty-six entries started the $30,000 Speed Derby class, showing over a course set by Anthony D'Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. In a Table III, faults converted format, the challenging course saw many rails come down, but it was the horses and riders that jumped clear that finished in the top standings.</span><span><br/><br/>Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Palouchin, owned by Double H Farm, set a blazing fast time right from the start going second in the order and finishing in 77.783 seconds. Although that time held through most of the class, the last few rounds were even faster and Pessoa finished the class in fourth place.</span><span><br/><br/>Beezie Madden (USA) and Neapolitan Holding Co., LLC's Prima clocked in at 76.867 seconds to place third, and Hillary Dobbs (USA) and The Dobbs Group's Marengo finished in 76.215 seconds for second place. No one could beat Paul O'Shea's time however, as he and Daydream St. Ghyvan Z laid down a nearly flawless round going 22</span><sup><span>nd</span></sup><p><span>in the order and stopping the clock in 75.222 seconds for the win.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><br/></span></p>
<p align="left">This is Paul O'Shea's first year competing at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival and also his horse's first time competing in the U.S. Both horse and rider have had great success showing in Ireland and have now had a fantastic start to their winter in Florida.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img height="400" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="267" alt="Paul O'Shea and Daydream St. Ghyvan Z" src="http://www.jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Daydream%20St.%20Ghyvan%20Z%20and%20Paul%20O%27Shea%20derby%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
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<p align="center"><em><span>Paul O'Shea and Daydream St. Ghyvan Z</span></em></p>
<p><span><br/>Daydream St. Ghyvan Z is a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Darco x Ramiro Z). O'Shea has been riding the mare for four years, and the pair has earned many accolades together. In 2010 the mare had six grand prix wins and three international wins in Ireland and was named the country's leading grand prix horse for the year. O'Shea had a great year as well, with nine grand prix wins and four international victories, along with winning the Premiere Series Grand Prix League and National Grand Prix League. After a visit to the U.S. last winter, O'Shea was invited to ride for legendary trainer and owner Harry Gill, and he jumped at the opportunity.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<span>I have been here for three or four months now and it is going great," he smiled. "I love working for Harry; he is a gentleman and he has a lot of nice young horses that we plan to bring along."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Speaking about today's class, O'Shea stated, "My horse jumped fantastic. I got off to a bad start myself; I did not ride very well over the first three fences, but it does not matter because she jumps them anyway. That's the thing about her, she is just a fantastic mare. I saw Rodrigo go and he was very quick, so I knew that I just had to go as quick as I could. I suppose I am lucky that I know her so well. His is a really fast horse, but she is just a super mare and she is very competitive."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>This is just the third week that Daydream St. Ghyvan Z has been jumping in the United States and she and O'Shea have already placed fifth in two grand prix classes and now added a win to that list. "She is just very clever and she always gives 100%. She is an amazing mare and she always wants to do her best," O'Shea said, adding, "I love the speed derbies. She won the speed derby at the Dublin Horse Show last year and she won a speed derby in Italy as well two years ago, so she is good at them."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>After a presentation and victory gallop for O'Shea, the Leading Lady Jumper Rider award was presented for week one competition at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Sponsored by Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties, the award went to Kate Levy (USA).</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Also held on Sunday were the $10,000 Equifit High Junior Jumper Classic and the $10,000 Surpass Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Showing first in the International Arena this morning, the High Junior Jumper win was awarded to Wilton Porter aboard Sleepy P Ranch LLC's Presidente. The Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was won by Jamie Walker riding her horse 7-Up.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will continue with its second week of competition sponsored by Equine Couture and Tuff Rider on Wednesday, January 19, running through Sunday, January 23, 2011. Feature events will include the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday afternoon, the $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. (the first of the Saturday Night Lights events), and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2011 WEF will hold 12 consecutive weeks of competition for its winter show circuit, running through April 3, 2011.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>For full results please visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shownet.biz">www.shownet.biz</a></span><span> or for more information, visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.equestriansport.com">www.equestriansport.com</a></span><span>.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><p><span>Photo Credit: Paul O'Shea and Daydream St. Ghyvan Z won the $30,000 Speed Derby during week one at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportfot.com">www.sportfot.com</a></span><span>.</span></p>
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Skelton and Unique Make It Two for the Week in $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Classic
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-16:1773158:Topic:321649
2011-01-16T03:56:40.289Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
<p> </p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>Nick Skelton (GBR) continued his great week today with his second major win in the International Arena. He piloted Beverly Widdowson's Unique to victory in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Classic. Today's classic is part of the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>Nick Skelton (GBR) continued his great week today with his second major win in the International Arena. He piloted Beverly Widdowson's Unique to victory in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Classic. Today's classic is part of the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series, which will track the best horse/rider combinations through week 11 for a bonus of $50,000.</span><span><br/><br/>The first week of the FTI WEF concludes tomorrow, January 16. The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition through April 3, 2011, and they will be awarding almost $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class is tomorrow's $30,000 Speed Derby on Sunday at 2 p.m.</span><span><br/><br/>This week's course designer in the International Arena is Anthony D'Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. Although entries were light in today's Time First Jump-off class at 12, it was great competition. Three found the route to the jump-off, with Skelton and Unique returning first. They put down the trip to best with no faults in 39.171 seconds.</span><span><br/><br/>Skelton said of his jump-off ride, "I thought I was up against it because I was going first, and I know that Ashlee is pretty quick. I went quick and safe, hoping that I'd done enough. I didn't think I had, but it worked out."</span><p><span><br/>Ashlee Bond (USA) and Chivas Z, owned by Little Valley Farm, were next in. After four faults at the second jump, they finished in 43.904 seconds for third place. Blythe Marano (USA) and Urban, owned by Riverview Farm LLC, were the last to compete in the jump-off. Although they were also clear, their time of 44.063 seconds was not enough for the win and they collected the second place ribbon.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Unique, a 10-year-old KWPN by Indoctro x Voltaire, started his career in the United States as a seven-year-old jumper with Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut. Kraut found him in Europe through Jean Claude van Geenberghe and took a liking to him because of his resemblance to her famous show jumper Anthem.<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img height="266" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Nick Skelton and Unique" src="http://jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Nick%20Skelton%20Unique%20Suncast%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Nick Skelton and Unique</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><br/>She recalled, "When I tried him, he reminded me of a young Anthem. We call him Junior, for Anthem junior. He looks a lot like him, which was the first thing I noticed. He's got a big long head. He's really careful like Anthem was. It's just in him; he doesn't want to touch a pole. He's got a little bit of the devil in him, which Anthem had early on. (Unique) is just cheeky."</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<span>There was something about him that I really liked," she continued. "I rode him for his eight-year-old year. At the end of the year, I felt like he needed a man (to ride him because) he's a big, strong horse, to make that next big step up."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Through Unique's owners, there a swap made between Unique and one of Kraut's current top mounts, Tortola. "Nick felt Tortola was more of a girl's horse, so we made the trade," Kraut said. "It worked out great on both sides. It was one of those rare times when everyone ends up happy!"</span></p>
<p><span><br/>While Skelton was out for injuries for the second half of last year, Kraut rode Unique again. "He was wonderful, like a different horse!" she laughed. "He's come along really well. Now he's much more mannerly and is a really nice horse."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Skelton, a six-time Olympian, has returned to the show ring after a six month break. In August, he had a hip replacement, and then he underwent surgery for his rotator cuff in October. Skelton started riding again on the day before Christmas Eve, when he rode two horses, and then didn't get back on a horse until last Thursday.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Skelton and Unique won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class on Wednesday, and Skelton was fourth today with his other mount, eight-year-old Big Star. "If every other week's like this, I'll be happy!" he said with a smile.<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img height="266" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Nick Skelton and Unique" src="http://jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Nick%20Skelton%20Unique%20Suncast%20pres%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Nick Skelton and Unique with ringmaster Cliff Haines</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>and Lauren Tisbo of Suncast</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><br/>The Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series this year features a $50,000 bonus. The $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classics are held weekly through week 11. The final class, the $30,000 Suncast® 1.50 Jumper Championship, will be held on Sunday, March 27 (WEF 11), and it will be an FEI ROLEX ranking class. The top three horse/rider combinations in the Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series will be given bonus awards of $25,000 for first place, $15,000 to second, and third will receive $10,000. The bonus of $50,000 will be presented during the Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final on Sunday, March 27.</span></p>
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Chapot and Bradberry Can't Be Beat in $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-15:1773158:Topic:321388
2011-01-15T00:54:12.802Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>Speed was the order of the day in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge class at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, and her trusty partner Bradberry took the blue ribbon in the last class in the…</span></div>
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<p>Source: FTI WEF News Release/Jennifer Wood</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><span>Speed was the order of the day in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge class at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, and her trusty partner Bradberry took the blue ribbon in the last class in the International Arena. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, the 2011 WEF will host 12 consecutive weeks of competition through April 3, 2011.</span><p><span><br/>Course designer Anthony D'Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY, set the track for today's class. There were 21 entries, and seven of those were able to keep all of the jumps up. Riding out of the ninth spot in the order, Chapot and Bradberry were chasing a very fast time set by Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Belle Blue S, owned by Jerry and Maria Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm LLC. They stopped the timers in 68.820 seconds.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Chapot and Bradberry were able to shave just enough time off the clock to move into the lead in 68.013 seconds. No one else in the class would be able to catch her time. Third place went to Juan Jose Bancalari (MEX) on Villeneuve, who was clear in 70.885 seconds.</span></p>
<p align="left"><span><br/>Bradberry, a 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding, has been a steady competitor in the 1.40m classes at WEF having won the circuit championship in the division twice. Chapot has ridden him for many years, and although he has gone to different riders throughout that time, he has always returned to Chapot.<br/><br/></span></p>
<p align="center"><img height="267" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="5" width="400" alt="Laura Chapot and Bradberry" src="http://www.jenniferwoodmedia.com/sites/default/files/images/Laura%20Chapot%20Bradberry%20Meter40%20Sportfot%20lo.jpg"/></p>
<p align="center"><em>Laura Chapot and Bradberry</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p>"<span>When he first came into this country, he was with McLain Ward and just starting," Chapot remembered. "I rode him then. He's gone to different owners, but now he's back and I'm excited to have him. He's one of my favorites."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Chapot described, "He really suits my kind of ride. He's super energetic and he loves to go in there and perform. He's very careful. For a lot of people, they would say he's high-strung and erratic, but that works in my favor. That's the kind of horse I like."</span></p>
<p><span><br/>With her new mare Tsarin, Chapot finished sixth. "I just got her last year and she's just starting to move up. I'm hoping to do some bigger things with her. This is her first time ever in Palm Beach," she said.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>Chapot was happy to make it down to Wellington to compete and be in the favorable weather. "We just barely escaped in between storms in New Jersey," she said with a smile. "It's definitely nice to be here!"</span></p>
<p><span><br/>The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with the Suncast 1.50m Classic, held at 1 p.m. in the International Arena. The highlight class of the week is Sunday's $30,000 Speed Derby at 1 p.m.</span></p>
<p><span><br/>For full results please visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shownet.biz">www.shownet.biz</a></span></p>
<p><span>or for more information, visit </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.equestriansport.com">www.equestriansport.com</a></span><span>.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left"><div align="left"><p><span>Photo Credit: Laura Chapot and Bradberry won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge in the first week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival,</span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportfot.com">www.sportfot.com</a></span><span>.</span></p>
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2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Opens Competition Nick Skelton Returns to the Winners Circle in $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers
tag:www.barnmice.com,2011-01-13:1773158:Topic:321156
2011-01-13T21:42:50.491Z
KatyM., Community News
http://www.barnmice.com/profile/MEP
<p>Source: WEF News Release/Jennifer Woods</p>
<p> </p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left" style="text-align: left; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; color: #000000;"><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span>Wellington, FL - January 12, 2011 - The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its competition today with opening jumper classes in the…</span></div>
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<p>Source: WEF News Release/Jennifer Woods</p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left" style="text-align: left; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; color: #000000;"><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span>Wellington, FL - January 12, 2011 - The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its competition today with opening jumper classes in the International Arena. To start the year off right, Nick Skelton (GBR) was back in the saddle and in the winner's circle with Unique, owned by Beverly Widdowson, in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers.</span></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Nick Skelton and Unique won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers on the opening day of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot</em></p>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><span><br/>The first week of the FTI WEF runs through Sunday, January 16. The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 3, 2011, and they will be awarding almost $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class in week one is the $30,000 Speed Derby on Sunday at 2 p.m.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><p align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><br/>This week's course designer in the International Arena is Anthony D'Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. He set a welcoming course for the 12 entries in the Time First Round class. The early leader was Pablo Barrios (VEN) who was clear on G&C Sinatra. They set a time of 69.682 seconds that would hold up for fourth place. Barrios placed third on his second mount, G&C Flash, who went in 67.614 seconds. Enrique Gonzales (MEX) improved on that time in 66.744 seconds with his horse Katina, and they finished second.<br/><br/>Going ninth in the order, Skelton and Unique, a 10-year-old KWPN by Indoctro x Voltaire, were quick through the turns and kept a steady pace to cross the timers in 66.046 seconds and moved into the lead.<br/><br/>Skelton, a six-time Olympian, has returned to the show ring after a six month break. In August, he had a hip replacement, and then he underwent surgery for his rotator cuff in September. Skelton started riding again on the day before Christmas Eve, when he rode two horses, and then didn't get back on a horse until last Thursday. This was his first class back in the show ring.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left" style="text-align: left; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; color: #000000;"><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">"<span>The horses have been resting and were in the field for two or three months," Skelton said. "I feel good. My shoulder is a bit sore, but that's to be expected I suppose. I had to take the time off. With my hip in the end, I couldn't walk. My shoulder I couldn't get above 90 degrees. It feels okay and it will get better."</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span><br/>Unique, who showed with American Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut at WEF in the 7/8 Year Old Young Jumpers, competed last year with Skelton in grand prix classes in Europe. Along with Unique, Skelton has two eight-year-old jumpers and his top grand prix horse Carlo 273, who was a grand prix winner at last year's FTI WEF.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">"<span>It feels good to be back in Florida, and I hope to have another good circuit," Skelton expressed.</span></p>
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<tbody><tr><td align="left" style="text-align: left; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; color: #000000;"><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span>The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round One, which will run in the International Arena at 1 p.m.</span></p>
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