Ottawa, Ontario – Nine-time Olympian Ian Millar proved he still has what it takes, taking first and second place in the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, on Saturday night at the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.

The second richest Grand Prix event in eastern Canada, the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, followed by a live performance by Blue Rodeo, capped off the two-week international show jumping tournament in front of 8,566 spectators.

A total of 27 challengers lined up to tackle the course set by Catsy Cruz. The international course designer from Monterrey, Mexico, was hoping for five clear rounds, and that is exactly what she got. Millar qualified two mounts for the jump-off, Star Power and Dryden, and was joined by 21-year-old David Arcand, American Lisa Deslauriers, and the winner of Thursday’s $32,000 Brookstreet/CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome, Angela Covert-Lawrence.

Arcand of Montreal, QC, was the first rider back for the jump-off with Santos Utopia, but two rails down in a time of 32.42 seconds would leave him in fifth place.

Millar went for a slow and steady clear round with the nine-year-old Star Power, leaving all the rails in place and stopping the clock at 35.18 seconds to take over the lead.

Lisa Deslauriers of New York, NY, had managed to jump clear in the first round, despite almost parting ways with her mount, Diablo, and completing the course with only one stirrup. In the jump-off, the pair also jumped clear, but was just off Millar’s pace, clocking in at 35.67 seconds.

Millar was up again, this time with Susan Grange’s Dryden, another nine-year-old. Knowing he already held the lead, the 63-year-old show jumping veteran took more risks, turning in yet another faultless performance in a time of 33.43.

It was all up to Angela Covert-Lawrence of St. Lazare, QC. Riding Unica, her 13-year-old mare, Covert-Lawrence was blistering fast, but unfortunately two rails came down, ending their hopes for repeat of Thursday’s winning performance.

That left Millar, better known as ‘Captain Canada’ to his fans, in first and second place with a total of $57,500 in prize money. Deslauriers took home $14,000 for third, Covert-Lawrence claimed $12,000 for fourth, and Arcand won $9,000 for fifth place.

“Now I can buy shoes for my granddaughter,” joked Millar, whose daughter, Amy, who placed ninth in the competition, welcomed Lily into the world three months ago.

Of the competition, Millar said, “It was fairly serious jumping today, and it was hard to jump the jumps clean, let alone go fast. You had to find the balance between leaving the jumps up, and speed. I wasn’t slow, but I sure wasn’t blistering fast, and I was a sitting duck. The ladies torqued it up a little bit, and one wasn’t fast enough and Angie was certainly fast enough, but had her fault. That is the key, finding the balance.”

With two horses in the jump-off, Millar did not think that one had a distinct advantage over the other.

“One is as fast as the other I would say, they are both young horses just coming along. It was more about where they were plugged in in the order. What I wanted was to get one clear round in the bank, so that put the heat on the rest a little bit. And then I just had all my options going. In the jump-off, there is a lot of strategy. I knew I had the leading time, so if I torqued it up a little bit with Dryden, not only would I have a faster time of course, but I would put the pressure on that last horse. By putting the pressure on the last horse, maybe she makes a mistake.”

Millar’s strategy worked, and Covert-Lawrence dropped two rails.

“It is always hard in the jump-off to gauge where you are in relation to the others, but my horse is really fast,” said Covert-Lawrence of her jump-off performance. “I had the fastest time; and in fact I had a second to spare. That second I should have taken in the corner going to fence eight and maybe I would have left it up, but that’s show jumping.”

Covert-Lawrence finished the week with a win in Thursday’s $32,000 Brookstreet/CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome riding Utan, a second place finish in the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby with Candidate du Marquet, and a fourth place finish in the feature event, the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet.

“Overall, I can’t complain,” she said. “I have had one of the best weeks of my show jumping career.”

Following the Grand Prix, Staggered Crossing took the stage, followed by Canadian performing artists, Blue Rodeo. Combining Grand Prix show jumping with a live music concert is the innovative concept of Angelstone Productions, also the Grand Prix’s title sponsor.

“Nine-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, and Dryden won the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, on Saturday, August 21, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo by – Yavuz

Ottawa, Ontario – Mario Deslauriers proved to be the best of the 23 entries attempting the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby on Friday at the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.

Course designer Catsy Cruz of Mexico set a true derby track that made use of the expansive grass field’s banks, ditches and water jumps. Of those who attempted the long, challenging course, only four managed to jump clear inside the 136 second time allowed to return for the jump-off.

Defending champion Leslie Howard of Westport, CT, was first back riding Goed Zo, her 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding. Unfortunately, the 1984 Olympic team gold medalist knocked down a rail mid-way through the shortened jump-off track for a final score of four faults in a time of 37.71 seconds.

Mario Deslauriers then took to the field with Whistler, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jane Clark. Partnered together this winter, the pair left all the rails in place in a time of 35.46 seconds to take the lead.

Angela Covert-Lawrence of St. Lazare, QC, attempted to make it two in a row, having won Thursday’s $32,000 Brookstreet/CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome. Despite leaving all the rails in place with Candidate du Marquet, Covert-Lawrence was one second off the pace, crossing the timers in 36.47 seconds.

Howard still had one more shot at defending her title, but her chances came to an abrupt end when Raimond W refused the first obstacle. Four faults for the refusal, as well as 47 time faults for exceeding the time allowed, left Howard in fourth place.

The win belonged to Deslauriers, a Canadian Show Jumping Team veteran who, after marrying American Lisa Silverman, began riding for the United States in 2009. The couple is based in New York City, and Lisa competed alongside her husband in the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby, placing tenth with Obelix R.

“Today the conditions were beautiful; the weather makes it or breaks it,” said Deslauriers who, on Thursday, opted not to compete in the $32,000 Brookstreet/CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome with his top horse Urico, his mount for the World Equestrian Games in September.

Interestingly, Whistler, his winning mount in the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby, is a son of Pitareusa, the horse of Yann Candele that has been short listed for Canada’s team at the World Equestrian Games.

“We bought Whistler in Florida this year, and it is fun to see because he looks like Pitareusa,” said Deslauriers, 44. “It is very interesting for people who follow the breeding.”

The 1984 World Cup winner commented of his win, “I’m trying to get my weekend started on a good note. It is fun to win; it puts a smile on your face. And this is a beautiful field to ride on, we love competing in Ottawa.”

Covert-Lawrence, 34, was also smiling about her eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare’s performance.

“It is a long way around and she’s never done a Derby before,” she said. “In the jump-off, she tripped pretty hard going to the last jump, but Mario is such a fast rider, he is hard to beat.”

With one major victory already to their credit this week, both Deslauriers and Covert-Lawrence will be fighting to win Saturday’s $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, will be immediately followed by Blue Rodeo, live in concert, featuring Staggered Crossing. This unique venue at the Nepean National Equestrian Park offers top-level international show jumping and a music concert in an intimate setting. Tickets for Saturday’s event are available through www.CapitalTickets.ca and can be purchased at the gate. General parking is $10 and preferred parking is $20.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca.

$15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby – Final Results
Rider/Hometown/Horse/Faults/Time
1. Mario Deslauriers New York, NY Whistler 0:0 35.46
2. Angela Covert-Lawrence St. Lazare, QC Candidate du Marquet 0:0 36.47
3. Leslie Howard Westport, CT Goed Zo 0:4 37.71
4. Leslie Howard Westport, CT Raimond W 0:47 89.47
5. Sharn Wordley New Zealand Narcisse Riolettes 4
6. Andrew Bourns Ireland Gowran Park 4
7. Lauren Patava Toronto, ON Sly 4
8. Leslie Howard Westport, CT Jeans Glove Varnell 4
9. Karen Sparks Ottawa, ON Victoria 4
10. Lisa Deslauriers New York, NY Obelix R 4

“Mario Deslauriers and Whistler won the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby on Friday, August 20, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo by – Yavuz

Ottawa, Ontario – A last minute decision landed Angela Covert-Lawrence of St. Lazare, QC, in the winner’s circle for the $32,000 Brookstreet/CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome held Thursday, August 19, at the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.

A mid-afternoon thunderstorm before the competition, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and scheduled for 5 p.m., made Covert-Lawrence indecisive about competing with her young mount, Utan.

“Utan is my young horse, and this is his first year jumping FEI Grand Prix competition, so right up until I was two horses away from going in the ring, I still wasn’t sure I was going to go,” explained Covert-Lawrence.

Covert-Lawrence was one of seven riders to jump clear over the first round track set by course designer Catsy Cruz of Mexico. She was also in the enviable position of being the final rider to contest the shortened jump-off track, knowing exactly what she had to do to win with Utan, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Her time of 35.80 seconds was quick enough to take over top spot from Ainsley Vince of Milton, ON, who had stopped the clock in 36.11 seconds riding Frieda.

“I didn’t go in planning to win, but after I jumped the first three jumps, I knew I was at least on target for the time, so I went for it,” said Covert-Lawrence, 34, who claimed $9,000 in prize money for her victory, presented by Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien and Brookstreet representative, Karen Sparks. “I am really happy. He couldn’t have been better. This is the horse’s biggest win.”

Vince, 34, settled for second with Frieda, her nine-year-old German-bred mare.

“When I came out of the ring, I knew I was beatable,” said Vince. “I didn’t go in thinking I could win in that group of horses given Frieda’s age and inexperience. She’s a strong personality, but she’s also a fighter, and that’s what makes her so great in the ring.”

Yet another female competitor, American Olympic team gold medalist Leslie Howard of Westport, CT, took third place with Raimond W after turning in a time of 36.68 seconds while nine-time Olympian Ian Millar riding Star Power, the winners of last Friday’s $10,000 Open Welcome, settled for fourth this time around after stopping the clock in 36.85 seconds.

David Arcand, 21, of Montreal, QC, placed fifth in a time of 38.32 seconds riding Santos Utopia while Perth’s Jonathon Millar, the pathfinder on the jump-off track, was sixth in 39.43 seconds riding a new mount, Always Cullohill. Mario Deslauriers, who was recently named to the United States Equestrian Team for the upcoming World Equestrian Games, turned in the fastest jump-off performance with a time of 34.69 riding Vicomte D, but a four-fault penalty for a fallen rail left him seventh.

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament continues on Friday with the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby. Saturday brings the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, and the Blue Rodeo concert, beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets for Saturday’s event are available through www.CapitalTickets.ca. Both events will be televised on Rogers.

Competition begins each morning at 8 a.m. and is open to the general public. Admission is $10 per person on Friday, parking included. Tickets for Saturday’s $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, and Blue Rodeo concert featuring Staggered Crossing are $58.50 per person and can be purchased at www.CapitalTickets.ca. On Saturday and Sunday, admission to the horse show is free, excluding the Grand Prix and Blue Rodeo concert.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca.

$32,000 Brookstreet/CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome – Final Results
Rider/Hometown/Horse/Faults/Time
1. Angela Covert-Lawrence St. Lazare, QC Utan 0:0 35.80
2. Ainsley Vince Milton, ON Frieda 0:0 36.11
3. Leslie Howard United States Raimond W 0:0 36.68
4. Ian Millar Perth, ON Star Power 0:0 36.85
5. David Arcand Montreal, QC Santos Utopia 0:0 38.32
6. Jonathon Millar Perth, ON Always Cullohill 0:0 39.43
7. Mario Deslauriers Bromont, QC Vicomte D 0:4 34.69
8. Sarah Johnstone Toronto, ON Leonidas 4
9. Francois Lamontagne St-Eustache, QC Anton 4
10. Paul Halpern St. Lazare, QC Rolls Royce 4

Ottawa, Ontario – The CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament brings two weeks of international show jumping competition to Ottawa, running August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

An incredible amount of infrastructure is necessary to produce a two-week international equestrian tournament, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

“There is so much that goes in to setting up an event of this size and calibre, and many people are not aware of the incredible amount of logistics that take place behind the scenes, let alone the economic impact it has on the City of Ottawa,” said Ainsley Hayes, Event Coordinator of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments. “We literally bring in a village, set it up, and make it our home for two weeks. Then we are gone again, leaving the grounds in pristine condition for the next event that takes place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park.”

Here is a look at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, by the numbers.

Number of competitors – 2,000
Number of horses – 950
Number of stabling tents – 18
Number of stalls – 1,200
Number of employees – 52
Number of commercial vendors – 20
Number of food vendors – 6
Number of garbage cans – 30
Number of recycling bins – 30
Number of dumpsters – 49
Tonnes of waste produced – 7.94
Tonnes of recycling – 4.32
Tonnes of manure – 207.38
Number of hotel nights – 14,000
Average number of meals eaten at restaurants per exhibitor, per day – 2
Number of loads of horse laundry – 1,500
Number of loads of gravel for stabling area – 17
Number of competition jumps – 175
Number of tent feet – 1,100
Number of bleachers – 60
Number of portolets – 28
Number of tractors – 10
Number of dollars spent in the City of Ottawa – approximately $5.9 million
Number of hay bales – 2,000
Number of bags of wood shavings – 6,000
Number of tables in the VIP Tent – 50
Number of competition rings – 4
Number of days to set up before competition – 7
Number of days to clean up after competition – 7

Featured events this week are the $32,000 Brookstreet Competitive.Jumpers.com Open Welcome on Thursday, the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby on Friday, and the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, followed by the Blue Rodeo Concert, beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday. All three events will be televised on Rogers.

Competition begins each morning at 8 a.m. and is open to the general public. Admission is $10 per person on Thursday and Friday, parking included. Tickets for Saturday’s $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, are $58.50 per person and can be purchased at www.CapitalTickets.ca. On Saturday and Sunday, admission to the horse show is free (excluding the Grand Prix and Blue Rodeo concert).

“The National Capital Show Jumping Tournament show grounds.”
Photo by – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario — Organizers have announced a revised schedule for the second week of competition, running August 18 to 22, of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON. Due to severe thunderstorms in the Ottawa area on Sunday, August 15, the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix did not run.

The second week of competition at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, which resumes on Wednesday, August 18, will feature scheduling changes and increased prize money.

Thursday’s featured event, originally the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome, will now be the CSI2* $32,000 Brookstreet CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Sanctioned as a Category D by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), competitors will gain valuable points towards the Rolex World Rider Rankings. An FEI veterinary inspection of all entered horses will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18.

Friday brings the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby as originally planned, scheduled for 2 p.m.

Saturday’s main event, originally scheduled as the CSI2* $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, will now be the CSI2* $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet. With the increased prize money, the Grand Prix has been upgraded to a Category B rating by the FEI, giving competitors access to even more Rolex World Rider Ranking points for their placings, including 100 points to the winner.

“While the severe weather meant we could not run the Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, we have been able to revise our schedule for the second week of competition to offer our competitors even more prize money as well as two opportunities to gain valuable points in the Rolex World Rider Rankings,” said Ainsley Hayes, Event Manager of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments. “We would like to thank our sponsors for their understanding and support, all of our FEI Officials, and especially Karen Hendry-Ouellette and Jennifer Mahoney at Equine Canada’s show jumping department for working so quickly to have our schedule changes approved by the International Equestrian Federation.”

All three events, the $32,000 Brookstreet Competitive.Jumpers.com Open Welcome, the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby and the $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, will be televised on Rogers.

Admission prices are $10 per person on Thursday, August 19, and Friday, August 20, with children two and under admitted free. Tickets for Saturday’s $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, followed by the Blue Rodeo concert with special guests, Staggered Crossing, can be purchased from www.CapitalTickets.ca for $58.50. Children six and under are admitted free of charge.

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament runs from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, please visit www.hayesco.ca.

Ottawa, Ontario – Greg Kuti of Schomberg, ON, riding Prudence won the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby held Saturday evening, August 14, during the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

The $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby attracted stiff competition as a total of 35 entries vied for victory, as well as an Antares ‘Spooner’ saddle, donated by Antares Canada Inc., which was awarded to the winner.

The $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby consisted of a series of fences with no related distances, and competitors had the choice of completing the course at a height of either 3’ or 3’6. Held on the grass grand prix field at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, riders had to navigate their mounts through a roll back turn, a jump on the peak of a steep bank, and through a grob ditch.

The judges were looking for the horse that exemplified the style, movement and manner that typifies hunter competition. Following the first round of competition, the judges invited eight horse-rider combinations back for a second round of competition. The riders’ second round scores were added together with their first round scores to produce the winner.

“I am looking for form, pace, quality and performance,” said senior judge Peter Van Guysling of New York. “The horse has to be a good jumper, and have a good attitude. It has to be a horse you would want to fox hunt on and enjoy.”

Senior judge Christine Renwick of Ottawa, ON, agreed.

“The fox hunt is what the hunter discipline is based on,” said Renwick, who actively rides with the Ottawa Valley Hunt.

That horse proved to be Prudence, an eight-year-old chestnut selle francais mare piloted by Kuti and owned by Carolynne Jardine. Jardine purchased Prudence last fall from Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable in Schomberg, ON. The pair scored an impressive 85 out of a possible 100 points in the first round, and went on the match their score in the second round for a total of 170 points.

“It was so much fun!” exclaimed Kuti, who operates Chor-Be Farm in Schomberg, ON. “It feels so good to win, especially at such a fantastic venue: it is one of the last premiere facilities in North America.

“The course designer, Tracy Howard, did a great job; she was creative but kept it simple,” continued Kuti. “I am so proud of Prudence, she is just a very special horse; a real lady. This was our first hunter derby, but we hope to do more.”

Kuti was also proud to lay claim to the Antares saddle, saying, “The Antares is one of the nicest saddles in the entire world to ride in.”

David Marion, President of Antares Canada Inc., said of sponsorship of the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby, “I wanted to do something to support the event. “It was nice to donate a prize for an amateur division, as they do not always get recognized, and support the sport from the ground up. Plus, Greg’s round was perfect; he really deserved to win the Antares saddle. I could not be more pleased with how it turned out.”

Placing second in the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby was Taylor’s Design, owned and ridden by Taylor Mulligan. The pair came close to catching Kuti, posting scores of 84 in the first round and 83 in the second, for a total of 167.

Landing in third position was Winston, ridden by Carly Campbell- Cooper and owned by Triple C Stables of Elora, ON. Receiving a score of 82 in the first round and 84 in the second round, the pair finished only one point behind the runner-up with a score of 166.

The Jump Canada Hunter Derby is a new event introduced by Jump Canada to give recognition and build support for hunter competition.

“I’m thrilled that we were chosen to host this event,” said Ainsley Hayes, National Capital Show Jumping Tournament Event Manager. “We have one of the best grand prix fields in North America, so why should the jumpers get to use it exclusively? There was a huge turn-out, which shows that the Hunter Derby is a growing trend. People are really excited about it.”

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament runs from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. The second week of competition will feature the CSI2* $32,000 Brookstreet CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Thursday, the $15,000 ATCO Jumping Derby on Friday, and Saturday’s CSI2* $118,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Presented by Brookstreet, and Blue Rodeo concert.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, please visit www.hayesco.ca.

$5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby– Final Results
Rider/Hometown/Horse/
1. Greg Kuti/Schomberg, ON/Prudence
2. Taylor Mulligan/Merrickville, ON/Taylor’s Design
3. Carly Campbell-Cooper/Elora, ON/Winston
4. Alexa Law/Toronto, ON/Chagall
5. Jean-Nicholas Goyette/Ocala, FL/Cotopaxi
6. Kimberly Lewtas/Orangeville, ON/Jinjovan

“Greg Kuti and Prudence won the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby on August 14, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo by – Michelle C. Dunn. www.mdunnphoto.com

Ottawa, Ontario — Due to severe thunderstorms in the Ottawa area on Sunday, August 15, organizers of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament made the difficult decision to not run the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 15.

Scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix was the featured event of the first of two weeks of international show jumping competition comprising the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament. Organizers will now work with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Switzerland to explore rescheduling options during the second week of competition, running August 18 to 22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

“It was a difficult decision to make, however, in the best interest of our competitors and their horses, it was the right choice,” said Ainsley Hayes, Event Manager of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament. “The grass field here can hold large amounts of rain, but when there is thunder and lightning, it simply becomes a matter of safety for the horses. The majority of them wear metal shoes and that poses a risk we were simply not willing to take.”

Hayes continued, “We are very fortunate to have the support of great sponsors who understand that the safety of the horses is paramount, and who are willing to work with us to find a solution that is in everyone’s best interest. We were prepared for a great day of competition but, unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.”

Moving forward with the second week of international show jumping competition, Hayes says, “We will now work the FEI in the hopes of bringing a second FEI-sanctioned competition to our already exciting line-up of show jumping events planned for next week, including the Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, which will now be presented by Brookstreet, followed by the Blue Rodeo concert on Saturday, August 21.”

Further details will be announced once scheduling is confirmed with the FEI.

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament runs from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, please visit www.hayesco.ca.

Sarah Johnstone Speeds to Victory in Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario — Sarah Johnstone of Toronto, ON, sped her way to victory in the $10,000 Modified Grand Prix held Saturday, August 14, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

A large starting field of 34 entries saddled up for the event, with 18 jumping clear to advance to the jump-off. In the shortened jump-off round, speed became the name of the game, and the leader board changed often as the times got faster and faster.

In the end, no one could catch Johnstone, who stopped the clock in 38.22 seconds to stay ahead of runner-up, Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, who crossed the timers in 38.48 seconds.

“He’s a super fast horse on his own, so it is about letting him carry his own pace,” said Johnstone of her winning strategy with Leonidas, a 13-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Trish Crang. “When you put pressure on him, that’s when he starts to get a little bit nervous, so I let just him carry his natural pace, and he does his job.”

At the age of 19, Johnstone was one of the youngest competitors in Saturday’s $10,000 Modified Grand Prix. She attributed her success to her partnership with Leonidas, who she affectionately refers to as ‘Leo.’

“I have been riding him since I was 16, and I get along with him; I love his personality and his little quirks,” said Johnstone, who works as a rider for the Hayes family in Orangeville, ON. “This summer he has been unbelievable. I’ve learnt so much from him. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to ride him.”

Despite qualifying four horses for the jump-off, Jill Henselwood had to settle for second with George, an eight-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Juniper Farms. She also took fourth place riding IV Ever with a time of 39.18 seconds.

“I call them the Twin Towers because they are both so tall,” said Henselwood, who also qualified Bordino as well as her 2008 Olympic team silver medal horse, Special Ed, for the jump-off. “George is ADD. He will be checking out a kid in the crowd holding a balloon, and only realize at the last second, ‘oh, this is where you want me to go?’ But he jumps with a dynamic effort every time.”

Squeezing in between Henselwood’s mounts for third place was American Olympic gold and silver medalist Leslie Howard of Westport, CT. Riding Jeans Glove Varnel, a 13-year-old selle francais mare, Howard stopped the clock at 39.04.

Local favourite Karen Matthews Sparks of Ottawa, ON, took fifth place with a time of 39.21 seconds riding Ferraro K, an eight-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Brookstreet Stables.

Johnstone will be hoping for back-to-back victories when she competes in Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix, beginning at 2 p.m., riding Starlet. She will face stiff competition from Henselwood and Howard, as well as nine-time Olympian Ian Millar, whose two children, Jonathon and Amy, will also be competing.

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament runs from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. Admission for Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix beginning at 2 p.m. is $10 per person, parking included, with children two and under admitted free.

Ian Millar Receives Warm Welcome in Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario — Nine-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, was simply unbeatable, guiding his two mounts to first and second place in the $10,000 Open Welcome held Friday, August 13, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

A total of 31 horses attempted the track set by course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil with nine successfully leaving all the rails in place to advance to the jump-off. Two of those nine horses belonged to Millar, giving him double the chance to win. Riding Star Power first, Millar sliced his way around the shortened jump-off course, taking the last fence on an unbelievable angle to stop the clock in 42.92 seconds. When he returned to the grass grand prix field with Dryden, Millar still held the lead. Not one to rest on his laurels, the 63-year-old show jumping legend gave it his best shot, guiding Dryden to a clear round in a time of 43.35 to also take second place.

“Star Power is a Dutch horse that went to Italy when he was seven, where his rider brought him along beautifully, and a lot of his training was done on grass fields,” said Millar of Star Power, a nine-year-old gelding that he purchased in November of 2009. “In Italy, he had his high school education, and now he is working on his PhD. These are two young horses; a little too young for the World Championships this year, but these are horses for the Pan Ams next year and then the Olympics.”

Millar, who became a grandfather to Lily Evelyn Millar Jukosky in May, has no intention of hanging up his riding boots any time soon.

“When you are doing what you love, you are always in a good frame of mind,” noted Millar, who was a member of Canada’s silver medal show jumping team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “What we do is never boring, and it is never work.”

Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, is known for his ability to ride at great speed, but he simply was not fast enough to catch Millar, having turned in a clear round in a time of 43.67 seconds aboard Azzaro Van’T Hagenhof.

“He’s been doing that for so many years now that it is expected,” said Candele, 39, of being beaten by Millar. “This was the first big competition of the week, so to be a part of it and get a good ribbon, you are pleased and feel that the horse is jumping well, and is ready for the big Grand Prix on Sunday.”

Two international competitors took fourth and fifth places. American Olympic gold and silver medalist Leslie Howard of Westport, CT, finished fourth riding Lennox Lewis 2. The pair are the defending champions of the $15,000 ATCO Derby, coming up on Friday, August 20. Katie McVean traveled all the way from New Zealand to compete in Canada this summer, and finished in fifth place riding the homebred Delphi.

Jenna Thompson of Calgary, AB, also jumped double clear to place sixth with Zeke while two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes, who is also the Co-Chair of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, posted the fastest jump-off time, 41.47 seconds, but at the expense of one rail to finish seventh with Livarot.

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament runs from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. Highlights during the first week of competition include Saturday’s $10,000 Modified Grand Prix and Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix beginning at 2 p.m. FEI ‘O’ course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil is setting the tracks throughout the week on the grand prix field, widely considered to be one of the best grass jumping fields in North America.

The second week, August 18-22, will see Catsy Cruz of Mexico taking over course design duties. In addition to Saturday’s $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix and Blue Rodeo concert, highlights include the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Thursday and Friday’s $15,000 ATCO Derby.

Multi-tasker Keean White Wins at National Capital Show Jumping Tournament

Ottawa, Ontario —Keean White of Cambridge, ON, won the 1.35m competition held Thursday, August 12, at the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

Aboard Bethsabee, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare that he has only been riding for nine months, White was double clear and had the fastest time in the jump-off to claim victory over two Olympic team silver medalists, Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, and Ian Millar of Perth, ON, who placed second and third respectively.

“This event is so important to me and I want to do everything I can to support the show and the Hayes family, so Angelstone Farms has seven horses competing this week and 11 horses next week”, said White, 27.

Wearing more than just one hat, or helmet in this case, White’s Angelstone Productions will produce the Blue Rodeo concert taking place Saturday, August 21, at the show grounds.

“We are so excited about Blue Rodeo,” said White. “We hope that the concert will draw crowds that would not normally come to see show jumping. This is one of the best equestrian venues in North America; it is a gem in Ottawa that many people do not even know about. The Hayes family has been so supportive; we have shared the same vision of bringing thousands of people out to see the sport since the very beginning. Plus, the grand prix ring is perfect for the concert; there is an elevated spectator area for those who don’t want to be crowded at the front. It’s such a unique venue, and we hope that it will be an event that the community will remember.”

Angelstone Productions will sponsor the $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, held prior to the concert, on Saturday, August 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. However, White was quick to add that his responsibilities as producer, promoter and sponsor will not distract him from competing.

“I am not letting all of my other responsibilities distract from my riding,” said White, who will depart from Ottawa for Spain, where he will compete as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team in events in Gijon and Barcelona. The horses he will ride in Spain, including his top mount, Celena Z, are currently resting in preparation for the trip. “I may not have my top horses with me, but I am still here to compete and I will be hard to beat!”

And White did prove tough to beat in the 1.35m competition, relegating two of the biggest names in show jumping, Henselwood and Millar, to second and third. White also placed fourth riding Chanel, ahead of fifth place finisher, New Zealand Olympian Sharn Wordley.

Of competing against big names such as nine-time Olympian Millar, White said, “Ian is someone all of the younger riders look up to. He is a great figure in Canadian sports history, not just in show jumping. But when we’re head to head, it sure feels good to beat him!”

Angela Covert-Lawrence of St. Lazare, QC, also found herself in the winner’s circle after claiming first place with Candidate du Marquet in the 1.25m competition. Lawrence was double clear and had the fastest time in the jump-off by almost three seconds to claim victory for owner Emmanuelle Bolduc. Candidate du Marquet is an eight-year-old grey Belgian Warmblood mare that Covert-Lawrence began riding this past winter.

“I competed today as a warm-up for the Jump Canada Young Horse competition on Friday, so winning was such a great bonus,” said Lawrence. “She is so consistent, and she excels at everything I ask her to do. In fact, I could not ask for anything more from an eight-year-old.”

Of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament venue and location, Covert-Lawrence said, “My horse loves the big grass ring at this venue. It’s a huge field here, and she just gets better the more she has to gallop. There are very few grass rings left to compete on in North America, and with all the natural obstacles, coming to Ottawa for this show is really special. The Hayes family has worked hard to create such a wonderful atmosphere. The location is super; you can zip downtown for dinner at night. It could not be more convenient.

“Plus, I love staying at the Brookstreet Hotel and Spa,” added Lawrence, referring the sponsor of the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 15, beginning at 2 p.m.

Lawrence and Candidate du Marquet beat out Jonathon Millar, son of Ian Millar, who was also double clear but in a slightly slower time to finish second riding Euro Boy while Alejandro Karolyi of Venezuela took third riding Fanta.

Mario Deslauriers, who was recently named to the United States Equestrian Team for the upcoming 2010 World Equestrian Games, won the 1.40m competition, presented by Juniper Farms. Jill Henselwood rode her 2008 Olympic partner, Special Ed, to second position. Sarah Johnstone of Toronto, ON, finished third riding Starlet while international competitor Roberto Teran of Colombia was fourth riding Distant Star 3E. Henselwood also placed fifth on IV Ever.

Jeff Brandmaier of Guelph, ON, won the 1.20m Junior/Amateur competition, open only to non-professional athletes, with a double clear performance and the fastest jump-off time by almost three seconds. Runner-up Sarah Lottis was also double clear but in a slightly slower time while Jacklynn Carey placed third.

The two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament takes place from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. The first week of competition, running August 11-15, is highlighted by Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix beginning at 2 p.m. Other featured events include Friday’s $10,000 Open Welcome, the Saturday’s $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, and $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby. FEI ‘O’ course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil is setting the tracks throughout the week on the grand prix field, widely considered to be one of the best grass jumping fields in North America.

The second week, August 18-22, will see Catsy Cruz of Mexico taking over course design duties. In addition to Saturday’s $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix and Blue Rodeo concert, highlights include the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Thursday and Friday’s $15,000 ATCO Derby.

National Capital Show Jumping Tournament – Results from Thursday, August 12

1.40m Jumper
Rider/Hometown/Horse/Faults/Time
1. Mario Deslauriers New York, NY Whistler 0:0 32.15
2. Jill Henselwood Oxford Mills, ON Special Ed 0:0 32.49
3. Sarah Johnstone Toronto, ON Starlet 0:0 34.28
4. Roberto Teran Colombia Distant Star 3E 0:0 36.65
5. Jill Henselwood Oxford Mills, ON IV Ever 0:0 33.94

1.35m Jumper
1. Keean White Cambridge, ON Bethsabee 0:0 34.88
2. Jill Henselwood Oxford Mills, ON Beau Soleil 0:0 35.09
3. Ian Millar Perth, ON Assini 0:0 37.16
4. Keean White Cambridge, ON Chanel 0:0 37.42
5. Sharn Wordley New Zealand Narcisse Riolettes 0:0 37.43

1.25m Jumper
1. Angela Covert-Lawrence St. Lazare, QC Candidate du Marquet 0:0 35.71
2. Jonathon Millar Perth, ON Euro Boy 0:0 38.37
3. Alejandro Karolyi Venezuela Fanta 0:1 40.84
4. Kevin Crosby Falmouth, NS Quannan de Bray 0:4 35.42
5. Ainsley Vince Milton, ON Coltish Z 0:5 40.33

Opening Day at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament

Ottawa, Ontario – International show jumping competition got underway in the Nation’s Capital as the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournament opened on Wednesday, August 11, at the National Nepean Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

This year’s event will see two international tournaments held back to back, August 11-15 and August 18-22, capped off with a live concert on Saturday night, August 21, with Canadian recording artists, Blue Rodeo.

A press conference was held to officially open the event, which will see approximately 550 horses competing over the two-week event. The panel of speakers included Sir Terry Matthews, owner of the Brookstreet Hotel; 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Ian Millar; grand prix competitor Keean White of Angelstone Productions; Jay Hayes, Co-Chair of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament; and Event Coodinator, Ainsley Hayes.

“What a great event!” raved Matthews, sponsor of the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 15, beginning at 2 p.m. “There is great visibility from the Queensway, Ottawa’s major traffic artery. People driving by see the colourful striped tents and wonder, ‘Hey, what’s that?’ It’s all about having a little fun. This is what this event is all about, families in Ottawa having a little fun! It’s wonderful to be here, and to have Brookstreet sponsor this event.”

Angelstone Productions will sponsor the $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix on Saturday, August 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Immediately following the featured show jumping event, the public will be invited on to the grand prix field to enjoy a live intimate performance by Blue Rodeo with special guests, Staggered Crossing. Open to the public, tickets for the Blue Rodeo concert are available at www.CapitalTickets.ca.

“We are so excited to have Blue Rodeo here, not just because it will be a great performance, but also to attract a new crowd to come see the sport of show jumping,” said White of his innovative venture. “We want it to be an event that the whole family can come to and enjoy, to see the horses, enjoy some great entertainment, and have a good time.”

Millar, a nine-time Olympian based nearby in Perth, ON, said, “The location is just perfect; it’s so visible and so accessible. To bring top show jumping to Ottawa, it’s incredible, so close to home! Without the Hayes family’s hard work, this just wouldn’t happen. They are too humble about all the work that they have done.”

Jay Hayes, who Co-Chairs the event with his wife, Shawn, is pleased to bring something new and exciting to the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in its third consecutive year.

“Keean has come up with a really brilliant idea, to bring a rock group to a sporting event,” Hayes said. “I was traveling back from a competition in the United States and saw that a major league baseball team had decided to bring in a concert event, and I thought, ‘If baseball can do it, why not show jumping?’ We are so looking forward to having Blue Rodeo.”

As for the logistics of the competition itself, staged in a venue that Hayes Co rents for only a few weeks of the year, Hayes noted, “We have had a lot of rain, which has made all of our grass rings look so beautiful, but unfortunately also sometimes causes problems, but I think we have found a solution to the drainage problems for this year.

“We have such a great team of people here, and we could not have done it without them,” he added.

His daughter and Event Coordinator, Ainsley Hayes, commented, “We are so happy to be back. We are off to a great start, everything is running really smoothly, and it was wonderful to wake up to photos of our event on the front page of the Ottawa Citizen! All of the feedback from the community has been amazing. We couldn’t have done it without the help of our sponsors, especially Terry Matthews and Keean White.”

The two-week show jumping tournament will take place from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. The first week of competition, running August 11-15, is highlighted by Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix. Other featured events include the $10,000 Open Welcome, the $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby, the Young Horse Series regional final, and Jump Canada Talent Squad competition. FEI ‘O’ course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil will set the tracks throughout the week on the grand prix field, widely considered to be one of the best grass jumping fields in North America.

The second week, August 18-22, will see Catsy Cruz of Mexico taking over course design duties. In addition to Saturday’s $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, highlights include the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Thursday and Friday’s $15,000 ATCO Derby.

Top Horse Sport and Blue Rodeo Set to Captivate Fans

Show Jumping Returns to the Nation’s Capital

Ottawa, Ontario – International show jumping sport returns to Ottawa for the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, this year bringing with it renowned Canadian recording artists, Blue Rodeo.

The two-week show jumping tournament will take place from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. For the first time, a live outdoor concert will be held in conjunction with the featured show jumping event. Immediately following the $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Blue Rodeo will perform, live in concert, on Saturday, August 21.

The first week of competition, running August 11-15, is highlighted by Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix. Other featured events include the $10,000 Open Welcome, the $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby, the Young Horse Series regional final, and Jump Canada Talent Squad competition. FEI ‘O’ course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil will set the tracks throughout the week on the grand prix field, widely considered to be one of the best grass jumping fields in North America.

The second week, August 18-22, will see Catsy Cruz of Mexico taking over course design duties. In addition to Saturday’s $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, highlights include the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome, the $15,000 ATCO Derby, and the eastern Canadian FEI Children’s Qualifier.

Both weeks of competition at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament have been awarded CSI** status by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), meaning that competitors will earn valuable points towards the FEI Rolex World Rider Rankings.

“This is a great event to have in the Ottawa area, and it is good to see this world-class facility being used to its full potential,” said Sir Terry Matthews, owner Brookstreet Hotel, the official hotel and sponsor of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament. “We are very much looking forward to the National Capital Show jumping Tournament this year; it is going to be great fun.”

Numerous Olympians will be in attendance at this year’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournament including local area residents Ian Millar of Perth, ON, and Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, both members of Canada’s Silver Medal Team at the 2008 Olympic Games.

A wide variety of fun events outside the show ring are also planned including a ‘Rock the Runway’ Fashion Show, produced by Regan Hayes and Vanessa Marino, on Sunday, August 15.

The National Capital Show Jumping Tournament is produced by the Hayes Family. Co-Chairs are two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes and his wife, Shawn, while Event Coordinator, Ainsley Hayes, organizes and manages the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament for the family-run Hayes Co.

“We are committed to bringing two great weeks of top quality show jumping to the nation’s capital,” said Ainsley Hayes. “The Nepean National Equestrian Park provides a world-class venue for show jumping and the fans in Ottawa are second to none, guaranteeing an enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators alike.

“Having Blue Rodeo play in conjunction with the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament is also extremely exciting,” continued Hayes. “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the developing new trend of combining show jumping sport with live music concerts to expand spectator appeal.”

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, including the prize list, please visit www.hayesco.ca. Ainsley Hayes may also be contacted at ainsley (at) hayesco (dot) ca or cell (416) 846-8419.

Ocala, Florida – Canada’s Francois Lamontagne won the $30,000 Ocala Horse Properties LLC Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge, Inc., held Sunday, April 4, at the fifth annual Ocala Jumping Classic in Ocala, FL.

Lamontagne of St-Eustache, QC, was the third and final rider to join the jump-off from a starting field of 26 entries. Riding Paparazzi, Aaron Vale of Morristown, FL, opened the jump-off with a scorching fast round in a time of 38.09 seconds but paid the price with a rail at the final obstacle, a double combination set by course designer Mauricio Garcia.

Michael Kirby of Madison, CT, was next to take up the jump-off challenge riding KT Undercover and although he opted for a more conservative approach, his hopes for victory ended with a fallen rail. Last to go, Lamontagne was clear to claim the win, and $9,000 in prize money, riding Anton, his 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Lux Z.

“I had the advantage of being last,” said Lamontagne, 26. “I know Aaron Vale is always fast and hard to beat, but then he had one down in the jump-off. Michael went slow, but he had a rail. Normally, I always go fast in the jump-off and have a rail, so this time I decided to play it safe. I jumped clear and I won.”

Together, Lamontagne and Anton won the eastern division of the Jump Canada Talent Squad Series in 2008. This winter, they successfully competed at the grand prix level at the HITS Ocala circuit before taking a two-week break and returning to competition at the Ocala Jumping Classic, produced by Hayes Co.

“I have had Anton for two and a half years, and we are starting to really know each other and become very competitive,” said Lamontagne. “He’s a clever horse, and very sweet. He is like a toy, like a Barbie horse; he has a head like an Arabian and four white socks. He is a really nice, really gentle horse.”

This year’s Ocala Jumping Classic was held at a new venue, the training center of New Zealand Olympian Sharn Wordley.

“The show grounds were very nice, and the ring had really, really good footing,” said Lamontagne. “It was a very friendly show and since there is only ring, everyone is together and you can talk.”

More than $70,000 in prize money was awarded over the three-day Ocala Jumping Classic, where the grand prix ring featured all-weather Wordley Martin Equestrian footing. Vale and Paparazzi won Saturday’s $10,000 1.40m Modified Grand Prix while four-time Colombian Olympian Manuel Torres riding Chambacunero won the $10,000 1.40m competition presented by Brody Robertson Show Jumps. Another Colombian rider, Roberto Teran, sped to victory on Ferrari in the $5,000 1.30m Modified Grand Prix, Presented by Wordley Martin Equestrian LLC, while Fernando Cardenas riding Quincy Car won the $5,000 1.20m Classic.

“We would like to thank all of the exhibitors, and the great team that works for Hayes Co., who helped make the fifth annual Ocala Jumping Classic a great event, and give special thanks to Sharn Wordley and Beth Goodwin for allowing us to run the show at their facility,” said Ainsley Hayes, Manager of the Ocala Jumping Classic. “It was a great weekend, and we were especially lucky to have perfect weather after a long, cold winter.”

Hayes Co. wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the Ocala Jumping Classic sponsors including Archer Farms, Brody Robertson Show Jumps, Brook Ledge Inc., Equine Waste Recycling, ESI Photography, Golden Hills Golf & Turf Club, Grand Prix/Frantisi, Judy’s Tack Shop, Kimberden, Ocala Horse Properties LLC, Omega Alpha, Point Two, Stalls Etc., The Sanctuary, Waterworks, Wild Horses and Wordley Martin Equestrian LLC.

For more information on the fifth annual Ocala Jumping Classic, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or contact Ainsley Hayes at e-mail: ainsley (at) hayesco (dot) ca or cell: (416) 846-8419. Hayes Co. also manages the two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON, from August 11-15 and 18-22, 2010.

$30,000 Ocala Horse Properties LLC Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge, Inc.
Rider/Horse/Faults/Time
1. Francois Lamontagne Anton 0:0 43.45
2. Aaron Vale Paparazzi 0:4 38.09
3. Michael Kirby KT Undercover 0:4 45.94
4. Manuel Torres Chambacunero 4
5. Scott Lenkart Impulsive 4
6. Lauren Hunkin Larry 0146 4
7. Roberto Teran Feature Attraction 3E 4
8. Scott Lenkart UN Prince 4
9. Laura Linback As di Villagana 4
10. Willie Tinan Cartier van Schuttersheff 4

Ocala, Florida – The fifth annual Ocala Jumping Classic, featuring the $30,000 Ocala Horse Properties LLC Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge, Inc., returns to Ocala, FL, from April 2-4.

Over three days, more than $70,000 in prize money will be awarded at the Ocala Jumping Classic. In addition to prize money, competitors can also look forward to jumping on all-weather Wordley Martin Equestrian footing at the Ocala Jumping Classic’s new location. The venue, located at 8040 West Highway 326, is the training center of New Zealand Olympian, Sharn Wordley.

The smaller, more intimate setting will allow horses and riders to focus on the task at hand as they compete in the 1.10m, 1.15m, 1.20m, 1.30m, 1.40m, 1.45m and Grand Prix divisions. FEI ‘C’ course designer Mauricio Garcia of Puerto Rico will set the tracks in the state-of-the-art outdoor arena.

In addition to Sunday’s featured event, the $30,000 Ocala Horse Properties LLC Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge, Inc., the Ocala Jumping Classic will also offer a $10,000 1.40m Modified Grand Prix, a $10,000 1.40m Jumper competition presented by Brody Robertson Show Jumps, a $5,000 1.30m Modified Grand Prix presented by Wordley Martin Equestrian LLC, a $5,000 1.20m Classic, and many other classes.

“We are committed to hosting a great weekend of show jumping and strive to put competitor comfort at the top of our list of priorities,” said Ainsley Hayes, Manager of the Ocala Jumping Classic. “Each year, we use the feedback from our competitors to improve our event, and anticipate that this year will be the best Ocala Jumping Classic yet. We are especially looking forward to welcoming everyone to the new venue.”

With a reputation for warm hospitality, Hayes Co., the organizers of the Ocala Jumping Classic, welcome all competitors to a reception on Friday, April 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Golden Hills Golf & Turf Club.

Hayes Co. would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the Ocala Jumping Classic sponsors including Brody Robertson Show Jumps, Brook Ledge, Inc., Equine Waste Recycling, Golden Hills Golf & Turf Club, Ocala Horse Properties LLC, Point Two, The Sanctuary, Waterworks and Wordley Martin Equestrian LLC.

Ottawa, Ontario— Equine Canada proudly announces that the recipient of the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award is Hayes Co.

The Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award recognizes a member of Equine Canada who practices and promotes outstanding and environmentally-friendly stewardship practices.
With the inception of the Collingwood Horse Show in 1986, so began Hayes Co.

Comprised of the members of the Hayes show jumping family, Hayes Co. managed the Collingwood Horse Show in Collingwood, ON, for 21 years and currently organizes the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON, and the Ocala Jumping Classic in Ocala, FL.

At each of these shows Hayes Co. implements a strict recycling program for everything from cans and paper to manure. Arrangements are made in the respective communities to have recyclables picked up for processing, while in the case of the National Capital Classic, a local strawberry farmer was offered free delivery of the show’s accumulated manure for use in his farming initiative.

Hayes Co. also encourages participants and spectators at their shows to follow suit in these environmental practices, demonstrating that if it can be done at a large scale event such as theirs, that surely people can do this at home as well.

“We are very honoured to receive this award because we care about the environment, it is so easy to do and it is an essential way to preserve the land and the environment, which is so precious to us,” said Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. “Thank you to Equine Canada and Just Add Horses for recognizing the importance of the environment with this award. We hope that everyone in our equestrian community can continue to do their part.”

This award sees the partnership of Equine Canada and Alex Milne and Associates, the makers of Just Add Horses products, and recognizes a member of Equine Canada who practices and promotes outstanding and environmentally-friendly stewardship practices.

At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday February 6, 2010, in Montreal, QC, Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. was awarded the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award.

About Equine Canada
Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism. A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry. Equine Canada is recognised by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organisation representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

“Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, guided Pitareusa to victory for owner Susan Grange in the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, to conclude the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

“Marie Hecart of France won the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix riding Lucas on Saturday, August 22, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario – Talk about stacking the odds in your favour. With three horses qualified for the jump-off, that is exactly what Marie Hecart of France did in the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix held Saturday, August 22, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

Of the 43 horses that competed, 11 were clear to advance to the jump-off. Although three of those horses belonged to Hecart, it only took one to win. Hecart was the first challenger over Leopoldo Palacios’s shortened jump-off track riding Lucas, and the pair set a blistering pace of 38.02 seconds which had the other competitors scratching their heads, wondering how they could catch her.

Erynn Ballard of Hillsburgh, ON, relied on sheer foot speed as she guided the Canadian-bred Rio’s Rhapsody home in a time of 39.17 seconds, but it was only good enough for second place. Yann Candele who, like Hecart, is a native of Normandy, France, tried a unique approach by hopping over a small hedge on his way to the second fence, but his time of 39.29 seconds left him third with Azzaro van’t Hagenhof, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Susan Grange.

“Jonathon Millar of Perth, ON, rode Contino 14 to victory in the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

“Yann Candele guided Vancouver to victory for owner Susan Grange in the 1.35m Jumper competition held Thursday, August 20, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario – Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, rode Vancouver to victory in the 1.35m Jumper competition held Thursday, August 20, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

With the fastest jump-off time of 30.57 seconds, Candele held off local competitor and 2008 Olympic Team Silver Medalist Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON. Riding Beau Soleil, an eight-year-old mare for owner Bradon Construction, Henselwood was also clear in the jump-off but could not catch the time set by Candele, instead settling for second place after crossing the timers in 31.86 seconds.

“I did not want to go too fast or too crazy, but I made a lot of tight turns and just tried to carry the rhythm,” said Candele, 38.

A native of Normandy, France, Candele received his Canadian citizenship in 2008. France’s loss was Canada’s gain as Candele helped Canada win the Nations’ Cup team competition in Wellington, FL, in February. Candele competed at last year’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments and returned this year with 25 horses.

“I started riding him as a five-year-old, and he’s been developing nicely,” said Candele of his winning mount, Vancouver, a seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Susan Grange. “He’s very competitive, but he is also very laid-back and easy.”

Of the competition, Candele noted, “I think this event is great. The capital of Canada should have a show of this caliber, if not bigger. It should truly be an international show, with the city’s support.”

Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, took third and fourth position in the final standings. Riding Tjengo, her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Underhill was clear in the jump-off with a time of 34.23 seconds to place third while Viggo, her eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, stopped the clock in 36.87 seconds to finish fourth. Underhill will be a member of Canada’s Nations’ Cup team at the upcoming Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament in Calgary, AB.

Current Canadian Show Jumping Champion Keean White, 26, of Rockwood, ON, took fifth place with Bethsabee, an eight-year-old mare that he began riding a few weeks earlier for owner Elm Rock LLC. Despite their quick time of 31.67 seconds, the pair had the second last jump down in the jump-off to place fifth.

Chris Surbey, 22, of Calgary, AB, was the only other rider to advance to the jump-off over the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela, who was the course designer at both the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games. Riding Loustik de Breuil for owner Paul Bland, Surbey had two fences down in the jump-off for a total of eight faults to finish sixth.

Friday’s featured event is the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome. Candele will have three mounts entered, Mustique, Pitareusa and Game Ready, all owned by Susan Grange.

Week two of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments is rated a CSI2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), which means that in addition to substantial prize money, world ranking points are also on the line. The $15,000 Modified Grand Prix is the featured event on Saturday, August 22, while the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments concludes with the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, at 2 p.m.

Competition begins each morning at 8 a.m. and is open to the general public. Admission is $5 per person on Thursdays and Fridays, and $10 per person on Saturdays and Sundays, parking included. Children five and under are admitted free.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

Ottawa, Ontario – Erynn Ballard of Hillsburgh, ON, produced the only faultless performance riding Simply Ahorn to win the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix held Sunday, August 16, in Ottawa, ON.

A total of 34 horse and rider combinations negotiated the course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil with six producing clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Two riders also jumped clear, but incurred one time fault for exceeding the 87-second time allowed. Ballard riding Sorbette left all the rails in place but stopped the clock in 87.35 seconds to finish seventh while Margie Gayford of Sharon, ON, guided Showgirl to a clear effort in a time of 87.63 seconds to place eighth.

Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris