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The equiworld.net magazine - News of the Week

Breed of the Week :
The Knapstrupper

Featured Article:
Finding The Right Riding Instructor


29th November 2003
ILPH Horses Ride Into Equine Fair
The Scottish Christmas Equine Fair Chosen 'Event of the Week' by Horse & Hound Magazine
The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) has announced the great line up it is fielding at the Scottish Christmas Equine Fair, Royal Highland Showground, 6 and 7 December. The news comes hot on the heels of "Horse and Hound" magazine's announcement that the Fair will be its 'Event of the Week'.
The ILPH was founded in 1927 by Miss Ada Cole, when the ill treatment of horses exported to Europe for slaughter came to her attention. From her initial vision has grown the world's leading international equine welfare charity, attending to the needs of suffering horses wherever they are and however humble their role.
And some of its Scottish success stories are to demonstrate their skills at the Scottish Christmas Equine Fair.
Please click here for further details
Weddings At Hickstead!
Premier showjumping venue asks for licence to host weddings
Couples will soon be able to marry overlooking the world's best-known showjumping arena at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead.
The showground, acknowledged as the home of British showjumping and known internationally for its meticulously-prepared International Arena, has invested in extensive refurbishment to transform the top floor of its viewing stand into luxury banqueting and function rooms
"We have also applied for a civil marriage licence so that we can host weddings and receptions, as well as meetings, conferences and private or corporate dinners," said Hickstead founder and owner Douglas Bunn.
The arena can be used to land helicopters flying in bride and groom and important guests. Work is also in hand to floodlight it at night.
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Top"Horse Whisperers" Meet For Challenge In Fort Worth, Texas
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, November 28, 2003 - You saw the remarkable bond between human and horse in "The Horse Whisperer" and "Seabiscuit." Now you can see if for yourself as the best "horse whisperers" from around the world meet in Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 12-13, tat Cowtown Coliseum in the Historic Stockyards, for a two-day event called El Camino del Caballo (The Road to the Horse). The unique event is designed to showcase the art of gentle horsemanship while entertaining the audience, and star famed horse trainers Curt Pate, Clinton Anderson and Josh Lyons.
Rick Lamb, of "The Horse Show," will be host and co-emcee, along with local horse expert Philip Schutts. Judges are well-known equine experts Robert Moorehouse, Christi Rains, Jack Brainard, Buster McLaurey and Dr. Bob Miller.
"El Camino del Caballo offers people the chance to witness young horses take their first step down the road of trust, communication and partnership with some of the greatest clinicians in the world," said Tootie Bailey-Bland, producer of El Camino del Caballo.
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The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
FEI World Cup Dressage : Stockholm International Horse Show
28 - 30 November 2003
The second leg of the FEI World Cup dressage western European league takes place at the Stockholm International Horse Show this weekend. The result of tomorrow morning's grand prix will decide the starting positions for the main event, the FEI World Cup freestyle, which takes place Sunday at 1p.m.

Points leaders Heike Kemmer (Germany) and Emma Hindle (GBR) are both aiming to increase their lead. Currently Kemmer, a member of the European gold medal winning team, and Hindle who led Britain to bronze, have a clear lead on 37 points apiece. Both are determined to qualify for the final in Dusseldorf next April (1-4).
Finland's Kyra Kyrklund, who won the World Cup Final in 1991 on the great Matador, has a busy day tomorrow as first she rides Andiamo Tyme in the grand prix, before taking over the microphone to commentate and interview her fellow riders - an informative treat for the Stockholm audience. Kyrklund is working to gain a high enough individual ranking for a ticket to next summer's Athens Olympics. The Finnish rider sadly missed out on this chance at the European Championships when Linda Fowler's powerful grey gelding was diagnosed with a poisoned foot just before the event.
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Smith Scores Hat Trick At Belfast
BRITAIN'S Robert Smith clocked up his third win in two days at Belfast's new international horse show tonight (Friday), with the nine yr-old stallion <Marius Claudius>, and collected the top prize of 5000 euro in the 1m50 jump-off class.
But Ireland's Marion Hughes made a valiant attempt to catch the Englishman with another stallion, Miguel Bravo's <Heritage Fortunus>, but had to settle for second place with just under two seconds of a gap.
Clem McMahon, second-last to jump, slotted into third with yet another stallion, the Irish-bred Clover Hill offspring <Gelvin Clover>.
Ireland's Conor Swail also finished in the Top Ten, on the 15 yr old veteran gelding <Windgate's King Koal>, taking sixth place after having a pole down in the second round, but collecting 600 euro in prize money. Please click here for further details

Lars Petersen and Dansko’s Success Win Grand Prix At 2nd Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC Dressage at the National
WELLINGTON, FL – November 28, 2003 – Denmark’s Lars Peters, 38, of Loxahatchee, Florida, riding Dansko’s Success won the Grand Prix at the 2nd Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC Dressage at the National today with a score of 67.188%. The dressage show runs from November 28-30 in conjunction with the 120th National Horse Show at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds in Wellington, FL.

“It’s the first time ever he has shown Grand Prix,” said Petersen of the gray, eight-year-old, 16.2-hand Danish Warmblood. Petersen and his Five Star Farm have owned the gelding since he was a year old, and though Petersen has done all of the training on Dansko’s Success, the first Grand Prix still posed questions. “I don’t know how much I can push him so it was a little bit of an experiment in a way,” said Petersen, noting that mistakes in the zigzag were his as he is just discovering how much he can trust his green Grand Prix horse. “I backed him off a little bit too much. I could have just trusted him,” he said, and then added with a laugh, “And I counted wrong twice!” Petersen noted that Dansko’s Success is a very hot horse so the best part of his performance was the way he handled the show atmosphere. “He kept his concentration,” said Petersen. “He can be ‘look-y’ and he really kept his cool in there.” Petersen, a member of the Danish dressage team for nine years, was especially pleased with how Dansko’s Success performed the trademark movements of the Grand Prix. “His piaffe/passage I was really happy with.” Lorraine Stubbs, the judge at C, scored Petersen’s ride at 319 points, and judge Gary Rockwell at B, concurred, awarding 326 points.
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Show Jumping Results: CSI***** Belfast Northern Ireland 27-30 November 2003
FOUR DEE ENGINEERING WINNING ROUND
1) MARIUS CLAUDIUS; Robert SMITH (GBR), 2) ARKO II; Nick SKELTON (GBR), 3) HERMES DE REVE; Clement MCMAHON (IRL)
THE MY TRAVEL LITE TOP FLIGHT
1) ROYAL CHARMER; Markus FUCHS (SUI), 2) ASTER; Francois MATHY JR (BEL), 3) PANDUR; Nick SKELTON (GBR), 4) HERITAGE O JESSIE; Marion HUGHES (IRL)
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Dressage at the National
Results from Friday, November 28, 2003
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Show Jumping Results: CSI*** Stockholm Sweden 28-30 November 2003
Mitsubishi Cup, International Jumping Competition
1) EQUEST CARNUTE; Thomas VELIN (DEN), 2) CAGLIOSTRO 931; Niklas ARVIDSSON (SWE), 3) AUDI'S MONIQUE; Eric VAN DER VLEUTEN (NED
Class 1, International Jumping Competition
1) NAOMI; Eric VAN DER VLEUTEN (NED), 2) LANZ; Peter ERIKSSON (SWE), 3) LANTHANID; Tina LUND (DEN), 4) ARRISMA; Niall TALBOT (IRL)
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28th November 2003
Farmkey Freezemarks More Unusual Species
Farmkey, the leaders in equine freezemarking have been receiving increased calls with requests to freezemark more unusual horse species and other pets.
One of these unusual requests came from Chester Zoo, for its Przewalkski horses and Persian Onager (a type of Asiatic Wild Ass).
Chester Zoo put out a call to Farmkey to find a way to help them identify one Persian horse from another at the Zoo, and Farmkey came up with the innovative idea of freezemarking them with their own identification system.
Chester Zoo vet Stephanie Sanderson said: "As all Przewalski Horses and all Persian Onager have similar coat colouration the only realistic method of visually identifying each one would be to look closely at their patterns of hair growth or microchips.
"This method would require the animals to be handled, however this is not possible without sedation as they are wild and potentially dangerous."
Freezemarking worked out to be the best method, and five Przewalkski Horses and three Persian Onagers were successfully freezemarked earlier this year.
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Robinsons make it nine in a row
Robinsons are delighted to announce that for the ninth year running, they have won the 'Your Horse' Award for the 'Best Mail Order Company'.
The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at Warwick Castle on Thursday 20th November and represent the views of the readers of Britain's top-selling equestrian monthly magazine.
Collecting the award, Robinsons' Managing Director, Jim Bentham said "We are delighted to receive this award because it is decided by the riding public. We have always tried to give our customers what they want and the fact we've won this award indicates that we're continuing to do so".
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Shachine Belle Claims Two Hunter Championships At 120th National Horse Show
WELLINGTON, FL – November 27, 2003 – Shachine Belle, 30, of North Salem, New York, celebrated a Happy Thanksgiving morning in the Internationale Arena, claiming two championships at the 120th National Horse Show in Wellington, FL. The show runs from November 26-30 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds, highlighted by the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship on Friday evening, the $100,000 AGA Championship on Sunday, and Dressage at the National, November 28-30.

Belle rode Attaché owned by Ellen Toon to First Year Green Working Hunter Champion. “He went like a very nice smooth hunter, very pleasant to look at,” said Attaché’s trainer James Toon. “He made crisp jumps and showed relaxed motion at the ends of the ring. The judges liked the fact that he made special efforts over every jump.” Attaché is a seven-year-old Oldenburg warmblood gelding that the Toons imported as a three-year-old. He is new to the First Years, having just started in late April. “This was a nice end of the season win,” said Toon. “We feel very strong about him, that he has lots of talents and will go on and hopefully become a very famous horse.” Please click here for further details

Belfast Show Kicks Off With Dead Heat
PROMISING a great deal more excitement to come, the Belfast International Horse Show kicked off tonight (Thursday) with a dead heat for first place in the opening class between British ace Robert Smith and Germany's Lars Nieberg, currently ranked fourth in the world.
With a star-studded field of 30 riders and horses, Smith and Nieberg tied for the top spot on an equal time of 48.84 seconds in Belfast's showpiece Odyssey arena, but Irish names were well represented in the final placings.
Irish army rider, Lt. David O'Brien was just fractions of a second behind the leaders, riding the Irish sport horse <Boherdeal Clover>, while Jessica Kurten, making a rare competition visit to the county of her birth, brought the seven yr-old bay gelding <Laurus> into fourth.
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Meet Grand Prix Rider Todd Minikus Sunday at the National Horse Show
Wellington, Florida—If you have always wanted to meet one of America’s top grand prix riders, you can this weekend at the National Horse Show. US Team member Todd Minikus will be signing autographs and meeting fans immediately following the AGA Championship (class starts at 2:00 p.m.) on Sunday November 30. Stop by the Der Dau booth on the hill to have Todd sign your program, tee shirt or?
Todd Minikus has represented the United States Equestrian Team at competitions around the world, including several World Cup Finals. He is best known for his relationship with the powerful and expressive stallion Oh Star. Minikus, originally from Cedar Falls, Iowa, and now a local resident of Loxahatchee, made his way to the top of the sport through hard work and persistence and is known on the circuit as a genuine nice-guy and good horseman.
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USA Equestrian
Mary Haskins Gray To Represent U.S. At The FEI Waldfried Euro Cup Final
Mary-Haskins Gray, from Greensboro, NC, has been selected by the USA Equestrian/USET Dressage Credentials Committee to represent the United States at the Waldfried Euro Cup Final in Frankfurt, Germany, December 11 – 14. Her selection was based on her individual gold medal and team silver wins at the North American Young Riders’ Championships this past August, her victory at the USET Festival of Champions JR/YR Division and other numerous wins this past year. Please click here for further details
USA Equestrian
USA Equestrian Executive Committee Meeting Available Via Webcast
A meeting of the USA Equestrian Executive Committee is scheduled for Monday, December 1, at 4:00 PM (ET). The meeting will be available via live audio webcast and can be reached by visiting the USA Equestrian web site at www.equestrian.org and clicking on the link. Please click here for further details
27th November 2003
Burghley on Eurosport
3rd December
Don’t miss out on reliving those exceptional sporting moments from four fine days in September when Pippa Funnell hoisted both the Burghley Masterfoods Trophy and won the biggest prize pot in Eventing history, the $250,000 Rolex Grand Slam. Enjoy the full build up to that spell binding final show jumping round that had us all on the edge of our seats.
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World Championship Morgan Horse Show Offers Exciting Competition
American Morgan Horse Association, Shelburne, Vermont
November 3, 2003
Each October, Morgan horses, owners, breeders, trainers, and admirers descend upon Oklahoma City for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. This year 1,188 horses made the trek from across the U.S. and Canada to vie for titles in a variety of disciplines, including Reining, Park, Dressage, Carriage Driving, Western, Equitation, and Hunter/Jumper.
The weeklong show, held October 5-12 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, included virtually non-stop action with competition held in three rings throughout each of the eight days. More than 100 world titles were at stake in 20 different divisions. Awards were presented in classes designated for youth, junior exhibitor, amateur, ladies and gentlemen riders and drivers, and junior horses, as well as to entries in the open ranks..
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Jerry Smit riding Nadir of San Patrignano's stud
Since today, Jerry Smit will compete with Nadir, the best horse of San Patrignano's stud. Smit was the first Italian rider to enter the FEI rankings among the top ten riders in the world and he participated in three Olympic games, three World Championships and five European Championships. With the Austrian Hugo Simon, he was the only rider in the world to gain a double victory in the Pulsar Crown International circuit (Valkensward '99 and Cannes 2000), winning the highest prize ever paid in a jumping competition: 800.000,00 euro. Nadir is a grey 8 years old stallion, descendent of Holsteiner Corrado (from Cor de la Bryère) and Lancerina (from Lancer), both international winners. He gained the Italian Champion title (7 years old rank) and in 1999 he won the first stallion performance test ever taking place in our country. Please click here for further details
The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
26 November 2003
FEI GANDINI WORLD JUMPING RIDERS RANKINGS : This edition of the FEI Gandini World Jumping Riders Rankings decide on the participating field of the Top Ten Final to be held in Geneva (SUI) Palexpo arena next 6 December 2003.
TEST EVENT FO THE FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP FINAL IN MILAN : From 19 to 21 December 2003, the Forum of Assago, just outside of Milan (Italy) will host a CSI 3* that will serve as Test Event for the 2004 FEI Jumping World Cup Final. It will be the first time that the World Cup Final is organised in Italy.

FEI TUTOR’S COURSE : Army Equitation School, Dublin (IRL), 17-19 November 2003

Further to the task the FEI gave to the FEI Development Working Group to create a coaching structure for developing national federations, the FEI asked a group of leading trainers, all of whom have worked in developing National Federations to become the first FEI Tutors.
STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW, 28-30 NOVEMBER : Last year the Stockholm International Horse Show celebrated its 10th anniversary with a record-breaking audience of over 75 000 spectators in three days.
IN MEMORIAM

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Celebrity Bartender Night To Benefit Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon®
WELLINGTON, FLORIDA – November 25, 2003 – A host of celebrities from the equestrian world who are participating in the upcoming Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon will serve up wine and spirits at Nicole’s Village Tavern in Wellington, Florida, on December 7, 2003, from 5pm to 8pm as a fundraiser for the event. Nicole’s, a popular restaurant and bar located at 12300 South Shore Boulevard in Wellington, will donate a percentage of the evening’s bar tab, the entire tip jar, and a percentage of a special menu to the Triathlon.
The Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon will be held December 27, 2003, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds in Wellington, Florida. The beneficiary of this year’s Triathlon is the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
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Charles Owen Children's & Adult Finals and HBO Junior Finals Winners
The Los Angeles National (November 12-16, 2003) is the final major show on the West Coast and is host to a number of prestigious medal finals. This year the show added the Charles Owen Children's, Charles Owen Adult, and HBO Junior Medal Finals to its lineup. These finals were the West Coast counterparts to those held in September at the National Finals Horse Show held in Worcester, MA.
Haley Listwin of Los Altos Hills, CA captured the Charles Owen Children's Medal Finals. Second after the first round, Listwin put in a decisive second round and led going into the work off. She held on to that lead and captured the championship. "It was a really testing course," said Listwin. "I am so happy and excited. One of my aims this year was coming to this medal finals. I've never done a big finals before."
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Debbie Stephens Aboard Cosequin’s CEO Wins Welcome Stake At 120th National Horse Show
WELLINGTON, FL – November 26, 2003 – Debbie Stephens riding Cosequin’s CEO won the $25,000 Palm Beach Post National Welcome Qualifying Stake today, marking the opening of the 120th National Horse Show at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL. The show runs from November 26-30, highlighted by the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship on Friday evening, the $100,000 AGA Championship on Sunday, and Dressage at the National, November 28-30.

Stephens aboard Cosequin’s CEO owned by her Centennial Farm bested a field of 34 entries. Four horse and rider combinations cleared the round one course set by Jose Gamarra. In the jump-off, Stephens was first to go and clocked in clean in 38.35. Judy Garofalo aboard Oliver III had a rail in 40.30 to finish second. Alison Firestone riding Casanova placed third with eight faults in 40.70. Norman Dello Joio and Glasgow elected not to jump the short course and took fourth place. The top 25 from the qualifier are eligible to compete in the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship presented by Lexus, which will be held on Friday evening, November 28. Please click here for further details
USA Equestrian
Bartz To Receive USA Equestrian Sportsmanship Award
Keith D. Bartz of Naples, FL, has been named as the recipient of the 2003 USA Equestrian Sportsmanship Award. The Walter B. Devereux Trophy will be presented to him at the Pegasus Dinner, January 16, 2004, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, as part of the 2004 U.S. Equestrian Meeting. The USA Equestrian Executive Committee and USA Equestrian Affiliated National Association Presidents and Executive Directors on the USA Equestrian Board, submit nominations for the recipient of the Devereux Award. The nominees are returned to the Executive Committee and voted on by secret ballot. Please click here for further details
Jim Cox To Succeed Greg Medley As Advertising Director Of Blood-Horse Publications
LEXINGTON, KY - Blood-Horse Publications, a multimedia publishing company that traces its roots to 1916, announces that Jim Cox will succeed Greg Medley as advertising director effective January 1, 2004. Medley is leaving the Blood-Horse Publications family after 19 years of outstanding service to pursue a family business opportunity in Arizona
Cox, 43, has been research director for Blood-Horse Publications since 1998, overseeing a variety of industry services, including The Blood-Horse Stallion Register, Auction Edge, The Blood-Horse Source and The Horse Source, and The Blood-Horse Professional Package of supplements. Cox's present duties also include overseeing statistical sections of The Blood-Horse magazine including the sire lists, stakes shells, additional stakes, and newcomers.
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USA Equestrian
Cox Wins Saddle Seat Medal Final
Betty Cox, 17, of Danville, KY, riding Amandari (ASB: Supreme Heir – Glory Glory FVF, by Titleist), was crowned champion of the 2003 USAE Saddle Seat Medal Finals, held November 22, as part of the UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City, MO.
Cox topped the class of 32 entries in the two phase competition to put the final jewel in her triple crown. She was victorious earlier in the week in the UPHA Senior Championship, also held at the UPHA/American Royal National Championship, and won the Good Hands National Saddle Seat Championship held at the Pennsylvania National in Harrisburg, PA.
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26th November 2003
Hang out with the in-crowd at Olympia
Olympia International Show Jumping Championships 17th – 22nd December 2003 is where it’s at this Christmas as some of the UK’s favourite celebrities will testify! This year the show has the pleasure of the company of, amongst others, Jodie Kidd, Zara Phillips and Noel Edmonds.
One of the most stylish and beautiful figures in the modelling business Jodie Kidd is also famous for her love of horses and prowess in the saddle. She adores the show and has become something of a regular visitor, bringing family and friends to enjoy the first class competitions and displays as well as the fabulous shopping.
Recently listed for the British Equestrian Olympic Team, Zara Phillips has demonstrated remarkable equestrian talent and she’s still only 22! She is looking forward to being a ‘guinea pig’ in a Masterclass with Dressage guru Richard Davison in Olympia’s Dressage Gala Evening on Wednesday 17th December. This exciting evening is a first for Olympia and will be hosted by the well-known television presenter and radio broadcaster Noel Edmonds, whose two daughters have both represented Britain in Dressage. Please click here for further details
Taking The Donkey Work Out Of Horse Passports
By the end of June 2004 all horses, ponies and donkeys will be required by law to have a horse passport and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is reminding its members that it is a relatively straightforward task to apply for the passport without the need for veterinary or other professional assistance.
Sue Harrison, North West Deputy Regional Director says: "Whether or not you agree with this European legislation, and to be honest there are many who see it as unnecessary in the UK, you will have to obtain a passport for your horse. Many people appear to be under the misapprehension that the form must be completed by a Vet. This is not so - the process is relatively straightforward although you will need to obtain a form and allow yourself an hour or so to complete it before sending it off with your cheque for £14. The forms can be downloaded from the internet at http://www.horsepassportagency.org or requested via the Defra helpline on 08459 335577. If you have a recognised breed, you can also contact your breed society."
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Photo by Terri Miller
Karin Offield Wins Fourth Regional Championship
Lexington, KY—To win a single USDF Regional Championship at the FEI levels is a great accomplishment for any adult amateur, but to add a fourth title to a string of championships is especially impressive. Karin Offield did just that by successfully defending her title as the Region Two Intermediaire-1 Adult Amateur Champion at the Great American/USDF Region Two Championship in Lexington, Kentucky. Offield rode her chestnut stallion Tiamo Trocadero to the victory.
“I was absolutely thrilled,” Offield said. “My stallion was wonderful and it was a lot of fun.” The event was held at the Kentucky Horse Park, which provided it own level of excitement. “The facility is a real showplace. Lexington is very, very fortunate to have such a facility. Simply being able to compete there was pretty exciting,” she said.
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Ragwort Control Act
The Ragwort Control Bill received Royal Assent on [20] November and is now an Act. It applies to England and Wales, and will come into force on [20] February 2004.
The new Ragwort Control Act amends the Weeds Act 1959 and provides specifically for more effective management of ragwort, a poisonous weed which is responsible every year for the deaths and illness of many horses and other livestock. It enables the Secretary of State, or National Assembly for Wales, as appropriate, to make a Code of Practice for landowners and occupiers to prevent the spread of Ragwort. It will also assist landowners and others to strike the right balance between the protection of animal welfare and the need to preserve bio-diversity within the countryside. The Code will also be admissible in evidence if enforcement proceedings under the Weeds Act are necessary
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Ali Nilforushan Wins $40,000 Los Angeles National Grand Prix
Ali Nilforushan has been knocking on the door for over ten years and at the $40,000 Los Angeles National Grand Prix the door opened and Nilforushan galloped through for the victory. Thirty-one horses and riders contested Guillherme Noguiera-Jorge's challenging course. "It is not the most technically difficult course," stated the Brazilian course designer who will work at his third Olympics in 2004, "but there are fences set at the maximum heights and widths, and it is a World Cup caliber course."
The course was difficult enough as only five riders managed clear rounds. Richard Spooner set the stage as the first on course with Hilton Flight, and the first with a clear round. Nicole Shahinian-Simpson ensured a jump-off when El Campeon's So Long also jumped around with no faults. She then proved that it wasn't chance when she added El Campeon's Cirka Z to the jump off.
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USA Equestrian
Beezie Madden Wins The Mercedes German Master
Exactly one week after contributing to the success of the U.S. team which won the Nations Cup at CSIO Buenos Aires resulting in the United States entry into the Samsung Super League Series, Beezie Madden clinched the Mercedes German Master class in Stuttgart, Germany on November 21st. The New York based rider, who was awarded a new Mercedes-Benz, gave credit “especially for the jump-off” to her mount, Authentic, an 8 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Guidam - Gerlinda by Katell xx) owned by Elizabeth Busch Burke and John Madden Sales. Please click here for further details

Irish Participation In International Equestrian Events
CSI***** BELFAST NORTHERN IRELAND 27-30 NOVEMBER 2003
CSI-Y HENGELO NETHERLANDS 4-7 DECEMBER 2003
CSI**** MAASTRICHT NETHERLANDS 11-14 DECEMBER 2003
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USA Equestrian
Changes Made To Junior Hunter Championship Criteria
The USA Equestrian Executive Committee approved changes in qualifying criteria for the U.S. Equestrian National Junior Hunter Championships.
The criteria have been changed to include the top ten horses in each Zone in any of the four Junior Hunter Sections between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2004.
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25th November 2003
Bewitched By Success
Show spectators seeing the Royal Show Champion 'Saintjuliots Bewitched' in the ring this year would find it hard to believe she was the same youngster bought some years ago in a severely neglected, sorrowful state.
The impressive seven year old Bewitched, a pure bred Cleveland Bay mare, who now stands at 17.2 hands high, is owned by Joanne Firth of Thornhill, near Dewsbury and has been representing the York-based Cleveland Bay Horse Society in ridden demonstrations at equine events around the country.
But it hasn't all been plain sailing for Joanne and Bewitched, who have had a hard struggle to get to the top
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Only Four Days To Go!
Five Star Family Entertainment
Thursday 27th November will mark the grand opening night of the first Belfast Indoor International Horse Show in association with Envirocare, which opens its doors at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast for a four-day run. It’s the show that critics thought could never happen in Belfast but it's here and it's all systems go for seven performances of show jumping thrills, spills and pure entertainment all under one roof.
Belfast Indoor International Horse Show will feature world famous displays that are guaranteed to entertain.
There will be seven performances over the four days, with matinee performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and evening performance each night. Each performance is made up of exciting show jumping and internationally acclaimed equestrian displays.
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Royal Horse Show Hosts National Championships for Young Horse Series
Toronto, Ontario – In an exciting conclusion to the 2003 Canadian Young Horse Jumper Development Series, the prestigious Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON, showcased the National Championships for Five and Six-Year-Olds.
Held Monday evening, November 10, fifteen invited entries contested the $10,000 Six-Year-Old National Championship in the newly constructed Ricoh Coliseum. Seven were able to master the first round course set by Canada’s own David Ballard of Hornby, ON.
Skillfully guided by Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill, Mystical Sprite posted the fastest clear round in the jump-off clocking in with a time of 32.17 seconds.
Underhill was more than three seconds faster than her nearest competitor, Margie Gayford, who stopped the timers at 35.93 seconds riding South Wind.
“He is a very fast horse, faster than I intended,” laughed Underhill who has been riding Mystical Sprite since he was a four-year-old. “I showed him last year at the Royal in the Five-Year-Old National Finals where he finished third and he has improved a lot from that experience. It is super to have this Series, it has been critical in the horse’s development.”
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'Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year' finalists revealed
The race to find Scotland's Modern Apprentice of the Year is almost there! Ryann Walker, a riding instructor and groom from Milngavie, is among the finalists for the Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year Award 2003.
Managed by Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector, these special awards have been designed to reward Modern Apprentices in Scotland who have demonstrated a commitment to training, gained knowledge in a specialised land-based subject and supported others as part of their personal development.
To celebrate these achievements and to announce the winners, an evening awards ceremony is being held at The Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on Wednesday 26 November 2003. Please click here for further details
The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
World Cup Driving season continues in Stockholm
The Stockholm Horse Show will host the second World Cup Driving event of this season from 28 to 30 November 2003. In the past two years, Stockholm has become one most favorite shows for the four-in-hand drivers. Its atmosphere and the enthusiastic crowd as well as the hospitality makes the drivers feel very welcome. Winner of the FEI Top Driver Award IJsbrand Chardon specially chose Stockholm as his opener of the season. Sweden¹s Tomas Eriksson will compete in the Globen arena, as well as his fellow countryman Jan-Erik (Nicke) Pålsson, who received the wild card. Michael Freund, winner of the World Cup competition in Stuttgart, and his Global Team partner Boyd Exell from Australia will compete in Sweden¹s capital for the first time. Belgium¹s Gert Schrijvers, competing in Stockholm for the second time, completes the field of six competitors. Please click here for further details

United States Hunter and Jumper Association Formed To Represent Hunter/Jumper Discipline
NEW YORK, NY - A new equestrian association, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), has been formed in response to the overwhelming need to create a national affiliate representing the hunters and jumpers currently under the umbrella of U.S. Equestrian, the National Governing Body of equestrian sports in the United States. The new association was created when a group of nationally recognized owners, riders, trainers, judges and stewards met in Newark, NJ, November 3 - 4, to formalize the development of an organization that would provide national representation for the hunter and jumper disciplines.
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The FEI

Federation Equestre Internationale News
Special Top Ten
FEI GANDINI WORLD JUMPING RIDERS RANKINGS
The riders qualified for the Top Ten Final to be held in Geneva (SUI) on 6 December are the following:
1 Markus Fuchs, 2 Ludger Beerbaum, 3 Marcus Ehning, 4 Lars Nieberg, 5 Jos Lansink, 6 Otto Becker, 7 Rodrigo Pessoa, 8 Beezie Madden - Patton, 9 Malin Baryard, 10 Robert Smith

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NFU Says"Relax" With Turkey chill out music Experiment
It won't just be your granny doing the funky chicken at this year's Christmas party - this season the turkeys themselves will have some tunes to chill out to.The NFU is sending turkey farmers a "relaxation" CD to see if playing music gets the birds shaking their tail feathers.
The NFU has drawn up the experiment after consultation with animal behaviour experts from the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh. Farmers involved in the NFU's Turkey Hotline, a dedicated number to put shoppers in touch with their nearest farm selling fresh turkeys for Christmas, will take part.
The "turkey top 10" contains a range of tracks aimed at having a positive calming influence on the birds
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24th November 2003

Special Treat at this year's Equine Event at Harrogate
Due to the great success at the Southern Equine Event at the Bath and West Showground in October - the Shetland Steeplechase Challenge team are making a special appearance at the Northern Equine Event at Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on 29th and 30th November 2003.
These fast and feisty racing ponies from the Knix Stud in Brompton on Swale, near Richmond in North Yorkshire, will be racing to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
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WINERGY Ventil-ate researcher wins award
Animal Heath Trust (AHT) PhD student, Chris Deaton, has recently been awarded the prestigious Joan O’Brien Research Award for the second year running. The Award is given for an outstanding oral presentation by a graduate student.
Chris carried out much of the research work behind the innovative equine respiratory supplement WINERGY VENTIL-ATE®. Developed as a result of a three-year research project, conducted by the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group, in collaboration with the AHT, WINERGY VENTIL-ATE is the only equine respiratory supplement to have been proven in published scientific trials.
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TopSpec Sponsor HOYS Intermediate Worker Series
TOPSPEC is to sponsor the Intermediate Working Hunter Pony of the Year series with the final culminating at the Horse of the Year Show.
Well known for encouraging young riders on their way to greater success, TopSpec has been involved in the working hunter and show hunter scene for many years.
To be known as the TopSpec Intermediate Working Hunter Pony of the Year, the sponsorship is a first venture for the company into supporting a major championship at HOYS.
But they do sponsor show producers and riders Magnus Nicholson, Charles Le Moignan and Katy Carter.
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Equine Health & Movement Clinic
with Barbara Hartmann-Sheppard
DEC. 13-14, 2003
PROGRAM : Saturday/Sunday: This is a 2-hour workshop for each participant.
The morning is a combination of a biomechanical evaluation and physical therapy exercises on horseback. Beginners to advanced riders, English, Western, Dressage, Jumping, and Saddleseat. All disciplines are welcome. B.J. can also help you with exercises to bring a horse through an injury. Regain confidence; develop a partnership with your horse. B.J. is a expert on how the rider position affects the horse's ability to move.
In the afternoon, each horse will have a full body sports massage and acupressure session lasting approximately 45 min.-1 hour. B.J. will include stress reduction, relaxation, Swedish massage, acupressure, and other alternative modalities to help relieve muscle soreness, release toxins, and help with not only physical issues but also mental ones too. This also enhances mental clarity for improving focus on training and performance.
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23rd November 2003

Cooking up a Way to Raise Money for Horses
A Norfolk couple were so touched by the plight of tens of thousands of horses transported annually across Europe for slaughter for human consumption, that they decided to do something to help.
Mr and Mrs Bonning of Beachamwell Hall, in North West Norfolk, will be holding a Fundraising Dinner on Friday 12 December with all the proceeds going to the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) European Transportation Campaign.
Sir Michael Oswald KCVO will be talking at the dinner about the work of the ILPH. He has also very kindly arranged a guided tour for 4 people of the Royal Stud at Sandringham, by kind permission of HM the Queen, which will be auctioned during the evening.
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The FEI

FEI Driving News : Freund fights for victory in Stuttgart
Michael Freund has won the first FEI World Cup Driving event of this season in Stuttgart, Germany. But the 49-year old had to fight for it. Yesterday in the warm up competition he let his fellow countryman Christoph Sandmann have the honours. But today Freund fought back and he won, supported by thousands of enthusiastic fans, the World Cup event in Stuttgart for the third consecutive time. Freund explains: O yesterday I had some bad luck when the break of the right hind wheel of my carriage blocked, but that was solved this morning. I have not very often used the horses I used in Stuttgart in this composition. The two wheelers are from my outdoor team. I had to look for a solution to compete with the best possible team, because I know that my colleague-drivers are getting closer and closer!¹
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New Traditions Studio
------------------------- ARTIST STATEMENT -------------------------"ART on GLASS" -------------------------
The horse and the canvas are not that much different. Perceptive riders adjust their training to accommodate the horse's personality, mood and talent. The gifted artist will interpret and visualize for an audience eager to expand on what they might not otherwise recognize. Both are teaching professions.
The artist must cajole, show and enlighten the moment that many would not appreciate without the art. So many times I have stopped at the end of day and just caught the light when it turns to brilliant color the instant before dark. And just as often I have wondered- did any one else see that? Please click here for further details

Strongid™-P supports Olympia
Strongid™-P, a leading equine wormer has announced its sponsorship of the stable area at Olympia International Show Jumping championships this year.
The deal forms part of Strongid-P’s ongoing commitment to “putting something back” into the industry, which has included significant support for national and grass roots shows and events as well as riders, during the past year.
Olympia gives Strongid-P an excellent opportunity to deliver its educational worming message to International riders as well as a broad selection of leading national equestrian clubs and societies.
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Kurten Wins Ladies German Masters
CONFIRMING that she's back in fighting form, Ireland's Jessica Kurten tonight won the prestigious Ladies German Masters Competition at Stuttgart, and collected the top prize of 5000 Euro.
Though not shining in previous competitions at this international winter venue, Co. Antrim-born Kurten brought out her nine year-old Danish-bred bay mare <Quibell> for tonight's big class, and led from very early on in the battle.
A member of the victorious Irish Senior team that won the European Championships in 2001, Kurten saw off competition from such notables as the USA's Beezie Madden, Sweden's Malin Baryard and Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum to clinch the Ladies Masters in front of a capacity crowd. Please click here for further details

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