Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List
Rider of the Week
Audrey Coulter accumulating 577 points
1. 13557 Kent Farrington(154) Wellington, FL (1)
2. 12038 McLain Ward. Brewster, NY (2)
3. 9019 Laura Kraut. Royal Palm Beach, FL (3)
4. 6526 Lauren Hough (105) Wellington, FL (4)
5. 4929 Todd Minikus. Loxahatchee, FL (5)
6. 4567 Lucy Davis Los Angeles, CA (6)
7. 4417 Beezie Madden Cazenovia, NY (8)
8. 4331 Margie Engle(44).Wellington, FL (7)
9. 4275 Georgina Bloomberg(294). New York, NY (11)
10. 4075 Laura Chapot(200).Neshanic Station, NJ (9)
11. 3910 Andrew Kocher(66).Tuscaloosa, AL (10)
12. 3850 Jessica Springsteen(195).Colts Neck, NJ (12)
13. 3762 Jack Hardin Towell, Jr.(342).Camden, SC (14)
14. 3537 Kristen Vanderveen(30). St Charles, IL (13)
15. 3388 Lauren Tisbo(130).Wellington, FL (16)
16. 3357 Lillie Keenan.New York, NY (15)
17. 3076 Audrey Coulter(577). San Francisco, CA (19)
18. 2898 Aaron Vale. WIlliston, FL (17)
19. 2763 Jonathan McCrea. East Windsor, CT (18)
20. 2571 Ali Wolff(192). New Albany, OH (22)
21. 2377 Leslie Howard(111). Darien, CT (23)
22. 2353 Charlie Jacobs. Buffalo, NY (21)
23. 2264 Andrew C. Welles(25).Wellington, FL (20)
24. 2169 Catherine Tyree.Chicago, IL (24)
25. 2068 Tracy Fenney. Flower Mound, TX (26)
MAIN RESIDENCE DESTROYED AT DORCHESTER FARMS
A fire consumed the main residence at Dorchester Farms in Kirtland, Ohio recently. Cause of the fire was listed as unknown.
It was originally the residence of Jack Price who bred the only Ohio horse to win the Kentucky Derby (Carry Back), Dorchester was more famous in the late 60’s and 70’s as one of the top hunter jumper show barns in the Midwest. Home to Roland and Harriett Kraus and family until early 80’s, trainers Don Snellings and Howard Lewis highlighted their careers there. Many of trainers from ‘back in the day’ spent many a hour telling tales in the cozy little bar and club room at the farm. In fact, we all used to laugh about Dorchester being the main stopover between Virginia and the Buffalo, Rochester corridor. “Better than any truck stop,” Larry Glefke used to say. Some other names that come to mind immediately are Max Bonham, Roger Young, Jack Frohm, Bucky Reynolds, John Slaughter, Chuck Graham, Ricky Harris, Rodney Jenkins, George and Si Jayne (not at the same time), Gene Cunningham, plus local area horsemen at the time, Michael Matz, Billy Glass, D. Jerry Baker, Gene Mische and many, many more.
Philippaerts Demands 725,000 euro after “horse scam” Involving Amaretto d’Arco
Equnews.org is reporting…….Ludo Philippaerts and Dorperheide Stud claim that they have a right to 725,000 Euros compensation from the former owners of Arenberg Stud in Malle. They would have
ripped him off when selling a horse that was in co-ownership.
In 2002 Dorperheide and Arenberg bought Amaretto d’Arco for 17,000 euros. The horse was then stabled and trained at the Arenberg Stud in Malle and on August 18, 2008 Philippaerts acquired knowledge of the fact the horse had been sold to the American breeding Spy Coast Farm without his consent.
“Patrick S. told Philippaerts he had received 500,000 euros for Amaretto d’Arco and promised my client half. Later it turned out that the Americans had paid 1.45 million euros, ” said attorney John Maes on behalf of Philippaerts and his stud farm in the court of Antwerp.
Stud Arenberg asked for acquittal. “The crucial question is: who owned the horse? Who is allowed to sell it? I think those who had it in his possession. It was stabled with my clients for years. Philippaerts cannot prove ownership. Therefore the alleged crimes my client has committed can also not be proved, ” said Axel De Schampheleire in defence for Arenberg Stud.
For now court is adjourned, the verdict will be on the 14th of November.
Conor Swail and Lothlorien Farms Go Separate Ways
Equnews.com reports…..The Irish jumping Rider Conor Swail won’t be riding for the Canadian Lothlorien Farms anymore in the future. After a collaboration that lasted for several years, Swail 
decided to say Sue and Ariel, the owners of Lothlorien Farms, goodbye. This exclusive private stable is one of the top stables of Canada and has 35 horses that are jumping on different levels in international showjumping.
“The relation with Lothlorien was great. I got the chance to ride all over the world and I wish them all the best for the future”, Swail says.
IN 2014, Swail rode the KWPN-horse Landsdowne (left) (Guidam) in the 5-star competition of Calgary. In June this year he did the same with the mare Martha Louise (Maloubet de Pleville). With this mare, Swail won 500.000 dollar in Spruce Meadows. During his collaboration with Lothlorien, the Irish riders got 175 top six placements and 65 individual victories. In total, he won mere than 2 million dollar for the stable.
The Irish rider wants to start his own stable now. “I’m really looking forward to starting my own stable now and I’m very pleased about the cooperations I will have in the future”, Swail states. “My long relationship with the Canadian Vanessa Mannix is very important for my future as well”.
DON’T BE OFFENSIVE WHILE IN EUROPE
Afar reports……..Mixing with the locals is the fastest way to the heart of a place—and it’s easier than ever, thanks to Airbnb, Couchsurfing, Eatwith and the like. There’s only one catch—you think Paris’ transit system is tricky? Try navigating the wildly varying cultural norms across Europe. There’s nothing quite so deflating as meeting new people, and promptly (however inadvertently) offending them.
1. Don’t give flowers as a gift.
Flowers’ symbolic meanings vary widely by country: In Latvia, red roses are for funerals, not valentines. Chrysanthemums are the French funerary flower. In Germany, yellow roses mean the host’s partner is cheating, lilies are for funerals, and heather is associated with cemeteries. 
Throughout Europe, even-numbered bouquets are considered bad luck, as are groups of 13.
2. Follow locals’ lead when it comes to alcohol.
In Spain, wait to take a first drink until after the first toast and you only toast with alcohol, not water or soft drinks. Keep quiet and don’t drink until a toast—no matter how long-winded—is finished in Georgia and Azerbaijan. In France, don’t refill your wine glass without first offering refills to the rest of the table; forget bringing wine to dinner, the host will want to select a vintage that pairs with the meal. In Russia, vodka should never be refused—it’s a symbol of friendship—and toss it back neat, sipping is considered rude. In Germany, looking people in the eyes when you toast is mandatory—on threat of 7 years bad luck in the bedroom.
3. Don’t let your clothes send the wrong message.
Generally speaking, Europeans dress more formally than Americans, even for something as simple as a trip to the supermarket. But beyond a prevailing societal norm that workout gear is only acceptable for exercise, there are also more specific, regional rules when it comes to clothing that may catch you by surprise if you don’t do your research. In Romania, don’t shake hands with your gloves on. Take your overcoat off indoors—in Russia and parts of the former Soviet Union, to do otherwise implies your hosts do not properly heat their home. In Czech Republic, stay buttoned up in business meetings, at least until the highest-ranking person in attendance removes his or her jacket. In Poland, and many parts of Europe, it’s considered impolite to speak to people with your hands in your pockets.
4. Mind your gestures.
Even the most essential of gestures can mean very different things than they do in your home country, so avoid using gestures until you’re sure you know what they mean at a destination. In Bulgaria, locals shake their heads yes and nod no. Making the peace sign, or “v” for victory is the equivalent of flipping your middle finger in Ireland and the UK. In Italy, Spain, France, Greece and former Yugoslavia extending your index finger and pinkie and shaking your fist in the “rock on” gesture, is tantamount to taunting the person you point it at about a cheating partner, whereas in Norway it’s the sign of the devil. Skip the “okay” sign, too—in France, Portugal and Greece it simply signifies “no good” or “useless” but in Turkey and Malta when you curl your thumb and index finger into a circle you’re comparing people to a very private part of your anatomy. Flicking someone’s ear is a homosexual slur in Italy, and cracking your knuckles is considered obscene in Belgium.
This is one of the best airplane safety announcements EVER!
You might want to listen to the video twice as she speaks VERY quickly: read the text as the video proceeds.
Click here: Pre-Flight Announcement
USEF Accepting Applications to Host 2017 and 2018 FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships
Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is now accepting applications to host the 2017 and 2018 FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships.
The purpose of conducting an application process for host site selection is to provide the USEF with a group of potential venues from which to choose a site that offers facilities and amenities worthy of hosting the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships.
The disciplines of dressage, endurance, eventing, show jumping, and para-dressage will be offered with applications accepted from organizers wishing to host one individual discipline championship, a combination of discipline championships, or a championship combining all five disciplines.
Please contact Mark Coley at mcoley@usef.org for a copy of the bid packet. Bids are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.
Major Renovations Nearing Completion in International Ring at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Ahead of Approaching Winter Circuit
Major renovations to the main International Ring at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) are underway in preparation for the upcoming winter season and 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), beginning on Wednesday, January 11, and continuing through Sunday, April 2. Equestrian Sport Productions LLC (ESP) and Equestrian Services International (ESI) are overseeing the entirety of the project.
The International Ring and adjacent warm-up areas serve as the main location for all international competition hosted at the venue throughout the year. Current construction updates will upgrade the arena with an improved drainage system and arena base, as well as a complete install of the newest technology in footing material in order to enhance the stability and quality of competition at the facility.
Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) and Equestrian Services International (ESI) are overseeing the replacement of footing technology and material in the
International Ring at PBIEC.
“We want to ensure that this facility and its surrounding amenities continue to match the caliber of riders we host during the Winter Equestrian Festival season,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions LLC, and Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP). “Improving the quality of footing in the International Ring has been a priority for us following the conclusion of WEF last season and we’re very pleased with the progress.”
Equestrian Services International, the industry’s leading footing and surface experts, have engineered a revision strategy for the International Ring, which will completely re-grade and install the newest technology available in arena maintenance. Freshly mixed all-weather footing will also provide competitors with one of the finest riding surfaces in the world.
“We’re currently in the process of mixing and installing the new surface for the International Ring and warm-up areas,” said Brett Raflowitz, President and CEO of Equestrian Services International. “We’ve tried to be as innovative as possible for this property specifically and have created a mixture that will have a much better longevity, as well as offer more cushion for horse and rider at takeoff and landing.”
Improvements to the arena and footing in the International Ring, including the surrounding warm-up areas, remain the highest of priorities for venue management before competition resumes at the facility. The Mogavero Ring and Denemethy Ring will also receive footing upgrades by ESI before the start of the winter season.
Equestrian Sport Productions and Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) will continue to provide information on revisions and progress as construction continues. For more information on PBIEC please visit www.pbiec.com.
Tryon Going to the Grass
Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is proud to present the first annual Suncast® Turf Series, featuring three weeks of world-class show jumping competition on the new TIEC grass complex. The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District showcases six weeks of hunter/jumper competition, highlighted by three weeks of FEI competition, including two FEI CSI 3* and an FEI CSI 5*, which will award more than $2 million dollars in prize money.
“Our customers have a great interest in grass rings and unfortunately the options are increasingly limited. The experiences for competitors can be less than satisfying, as most grass rings in this country are just existing fields that are used for riding and are highly susceptible to weather events, as well as accelerated wear and tear after just a few classes,” explained Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP). “By the end of the second or third day, most rings experience footing deterioration and introduce risks for both horse and rider, which changes the dynamic of the competition.”
“With six engineered grass arenas, these rings will allow us to provide weeklong competitions for both hunters and jumpers. We will be introducing these weeklong competitions in the spring of 2017 and they will flow into both our summer and fall circuits,” he continued.
TIEC also plans to open nearly two miles of the highly acclaimed cross-country track, outfitted with the same grass footing surface as the Grass Complex, to exhibitors wishing to exercise, graze, and condition their horses on the property grounds.
The Humane Society of the United States announces HUGO BOSS and Georgina Bloomberg as honorees for To The Rescue! New York: Saving Animal Lives gala
The Humane Society of the United States announced that fashion industry leader HUGO BOSS and acclaimed philanthropist Georgina Bloomberg will be honored at the 2016 To the Rescue! New York gala to benefit and celebrate the organization’s animal rescue efforts. Responsible for saving and rehabilitating thousands of animals each year, The HSUS and its global arm Humane Society International travel across the country and the globe to help animals in need from puppy mills, dogfighting, neglect and natural disasters. The annual gala takes place on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Cipriani 42nd Street.
HUGO BOSS will be honored with the Corporate Consciousness Award in recognition of the company’s commitment to humane alternatives and sustainable business strategies. Bloomberg will 
receive the Compassion in Action Award for her tireless work to protect all animals.
HUGO BOSS is a fashion industry leader in the luxury market when it comes to making animal welfare and innovation key principles of corporate responsibility. On top of rejecting real animal fur, exotic leather and angora, the company has taken a stand against some of the most egregious animal husbandry practices in fashion. These include a ban on down feathers from live-plucked or forced-fed birds and preferential treatment to wool suppliers that stop mulesing their sheep hoping to be 90 percent mulesing-free by 2020. HUGO BOSS also rejects any animal testing. To meet customer demand, the forward-thinking company uses humane alternatives such as “friendly fur” and “friendly leather” made without animals. Replacing cruelty with sustainable innovations is the future of the fashion industry, and HUGO BOSS hopes to inspire the present generation and especially the next generation with a new kind of luxury.
Bloomberg (right, with Jasper) is an equestrian, a philanthropist, an author and an animal advocate. If actions speak louder than words, hers clearly say that compassion matters. In addition to a competitive jumping career, Georgina serves on the board of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, the Hampton Classic Horse Show, the Lake Placid Horse Show, the Bloomberg Sisters Foundation and the Bloomberg Family Foundation and on the board of trustees for the U.S. Equestrian Team. When she was 23 years old, she founded The Rider’s Closet, which collects new and gently used riding clothing and boots and provides them to therapeutic riding programs, pony clubs, intercollegiate riding programs and individuals in need.
When The HSUS launched an Equine Protection Council in 2011, Georgina volunteered as the council’s first chair. Horses are not her only concern. Georgina advocates for shelter pets and is on the board of both the ASPCA and Animal Aid USA. She co-founded The HSUS’s Friends of Finn committee to help fight puppy mills. And as a five-time co-chair of To the Rescue! New York, her passion and commitment to the cause have helped increase awareness of animal welfare issues and save animals’ lives.
Guests will enjoy a three-course vegan meal prepared by Candle 79 and Cipriani, a live auction and entertainment.
Author of GOSSIP GIRL Draws on Equestrian Career for New Book DARK HORSES, Her Most Personal Novel Yet
Nearly a decade after finishing the internationally bestselling GOSSIP GIRL series, Cecily von Ziegesar draws on her lifetime love affair with horses to pen DARK HORSES, a darker, more personal novel that still delivers the drama, romance, mystery, and redemption fans loved in GOSSIP GIRL.
Like the protagonist of Dark Horses, [von Ziegesar] was a competitive force in the hunter/jumper world, and has been riding since childhood.
GOSSIP GIRL author Cecily von Ziegesar returns with DARK HORSES, her first book in nearly a 
decade, garnering star-studded endorsements from fellow New York Times bestselling authors Sara Shepard (PRETTY LITTLE LIARS), Alyson Noel (the IMMORTALS Series), and Eliot Schrefer (RESCUED), and many review outlets
The release in September marked a new chapter of von Ziegesar’s storied career, delivering a read with a darker narrative and a more complex, mature perspective from both Merritt, the troubled girl at the heart of the story, and Red, an equally troubled horse.
Gossip Girl became an international phenomenon due to the authenticity lent to the series’ characteristic drama and romance by von Ziegesar’s deep roots in the gilt high rises of Upper East Side elites. But at the same time, in that milieu she was observer; her heart truly lies with the equestrian community; like Merritt, von Ziegesar was a competitive force in the hunter/jumper world, and has been riding since childhood.
At age 14 von Ziegesar began taking lessons at Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, CT. von Ziegesar’s mom would pick her up after school in NYC and they would ride together a couple of days after school and on the weekends. von Ziegesar became more serious after purchasing her horse, Wings, competing Mini-Medal/Maclay and Children’s Hunters and then in the 3’6 Medal/Maclay. Says von Ziegesar: “Red, in Dark Horses, has a lot of Wings’s characteristics. He was very smart, but also very difficult. But I learned a lot on him.”
So, too, has von Ziegesar learned much from her many previous books and their success; Dark Horses brings to bear the richness of an entire career.