EquestriSol Newsletter - April 20, 2010


	In This Issue
	>	Spring Series Highlights
	>	EquestriSol News
	>	Sponsor Stories: Royal Champion
	>	Conversations with Course Designers: Olaf Petersen, Jr.
	>	Equestrian Adventures: Kenneth Vinther
	>	Proudly Presenting Intl. Hunter Derbies
	>	Blenheim Tango Party
	>	Blenheim EquiSports June Shows
	>	Champion: Large Pony For Sale
	>	Spring Series Photo Gallery

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Blenheim Spring Series Highlights

Gail Morey and Crown Affair   From footing to fun social events, classes to catering, the team at Blenheim EquiSports was ready for the spring show season. Arenas buzzed with action often after dark. The Blenheim covered arena was the stage for the final west coast World Cup qualifier, and what a World Cup Finals it turned out to be. Easter Saturday at Blenheim included an egg hunt, brunch, face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. All this action took place alongside the Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, where Mr. Bunny awarded first prize. Saturday of both week two and week three was grand prix day; both shows offered a $35,000 Grand Prix class. The VIP area came alive on Friday last week during the $10,000 COTH/USHJA International Hunter Derby, with a wine and cheese reception followed by a post derby party that truly rocked.

  New this year, each exhibitor had the option to receive a Blenheim EquiSport’s Community Partners Card, offering special discounts at a list of local businesses. From cleaners to restaurants, riders and owners saved some green when using the Blenheim black card.

Blenheim Spring Tournament
  After a busy show the first week, the World Cup qualifying season came to a close on this coast with the $30,000 Royal Champion Jumper Classic on Wednesday night and the $50,000 Orange County Register CSI-W Grand Prix on Friday night. Course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. set the tracks for the CSI-W week. Read more about him in Conversations with Course Designers in this issue.

  It was a Canadian sweep both nights. Wednesday congratulations go to Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride for stopping the timers a mere tenth of a second faster than fellow Canadian John Pearce with third going to Chris Pratt. Saturday the only rider to navigate the course without incurring a fault was John Pearce and Chianto for the win. Fellow Canadians Cudmore and Pratt were clean over the jumps but both barely exceeded the 66-second time allowed and collected one time fault apiece. Cudmore, completing the course in 66.47, took second place aboard her young mount Ceonto. Third-place finisher Chris Pratt tripped the timers in 68.24 with VDL Groep Union.

Jenny K   On Thursday evening Jenny Karazissis topped a field of 22 entries to win the Open Equitation Classic. Always competitive amongst top trainers, junior and amateurs, the work off included switching horses and Jenny prevailed.

  We now know who from the left coast traveled to Geneva, Switzerland for the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals on April 14-18, 2010. And due to volcanic ash from Iceland most are actually stranded there temporarily. With 106 points, Rich Fellers and Flexible were technically untouchable as the leaders for the West Coast as well as for the speed class in Geneva on Thursday night. Dropping a few rails through the remaining rounds, the duo ended up a creditable 12th place in the World Cup Finals. With a total of 92 points, Joie Gatlin secured her second place position in the qualifying list. She and the young Camaron Hills Quick Dollar gave it a go and held their own in very tough international competition. Stefanie Saperstein

  After a very successful circuit at WEF this winter, veteran Richard Spooner only added two points to his score on Quirino 3 but hopped on a plane and got to Tampa in time to give it a go at the last east coast qualifier with Cristallo. He ended up with 12 more points and earned a spot on the west coast list with a final total of 88. Worth the effort, he had a gallant 7th place World Cup Finals finish coming from behind with a double clear final round.

  And young Stefanie Saperstein deserves a mention. She rode well throughout the qualifying season, taking her total to a very commendable 79 points. She is certainly one to watch. More about the controversial FEI World Cup Finals in this issue’s EquestriSol News.

Blenheim Spring Classic II
  While competitors filled the show arenas each day, on Saturday exhibitors and spectators alike were seen at the far corner of the facility for free “Kids Day" fun. Giggles of delight could be heard coming from the colorful bounce houses while other happy youngsters mounted up for pony rides, or played a round or two of mini-golf. The hillside was home to families enjoying picnics while watching the action on the International Field.
Susan Hutchison and Cantano
  The clever course designed by Guilherme Jorge for Saturday afternoon’s $35,000 Blenheim Spring Classic II Grand Prix on the International Field took its toll on the twenty-five entrants with only one clean. Congratulations to Susie Hutchinson piloting El Dorado 29's Cantano to her ninth grand prix win. Several of those victories happened right here on this field over the last few seasons. Becky Smith rode Fitzpatrick 2 to a clean round over the jumps but not against the clock, earning second with a 3 fault score.

  Fastest of the four faulters was John McConnell riding Rancho Corazon LLC’s Katie Riddle. It was also nice to see so many rising young stars compete in the class, including Cayla Richards, 16; Lucy Davis, 17; Chenoa McElvain, 18; Stefanie Saperstein, 19; Veronica Tracy and Paige Dotson, both 20 years of age. Lucy had just one rail and took fourth on Old Oak Farm’s Nemo 119 and Stefanie incurred eight faults on El Sueno's Cantalupi for tenth.

  Seventeen riders reunited on the International Field on Sunday for the $5,000 Junior-Amateur/Owner Jumper Classic. This time owner and rider Richard Neal piloted Luke Skywalker to the win. Leslie Steele topped the field in the following class, the $5,000 1.40m Jumper classic, aboard Oh My Goodness.

  But the action didn't just take place in the jumper rings, the hunter and equitation classes were equally as busy. Pegasus Show Stable’s Truly Noble with Mitch Endicott in the irons took home the blue in the Pony Hunter Classic and the Medium Pony Hunter Championship. In the Large Junior Hunters 15 & under division, Destry Spielberg rode Dogwood Hill LLC’s Rumba to the tri-color as well as to a win in the Junior Hunter Classic. Iwasaki & Reilly’s Small Affair garnered two championships, one by winning every class in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division and the other in the Large Junior Hunters, 16-17. Theo Boris, Killian McGrath and Cassandra Kahle were the top names in the Big Eq this week.

  Visiting publicist extraordinaire, Sydney Masters, sat down with Kenneth Vinther to discuss his recent trip to Seoul, Korea. Read about it in Equestrian Adventures in this issue.

Blenheim Spring Classic III
  During both the Spring Tournament and last week’s Spring Classic II, the Young Jumper Championship qualifiers went on the International Field putting five, six, seven and eight year olds to the test in hopes of making it to the League Finals of the YJC late in the summer at Showpark. Katie Gardner and Parker

  Hundreds gathered on the hill and in the VIP Tent for the Friday afternoon $10,000 COTH/USHJA International Hunter Derby, honoring Arthur Hawkins. After two rounds of competition, Parker, a 9-year-old Dutch warmblood, ridden by Katie Gardner led the victory gallop for owner Caroline Miguelez. Gardner, an emerging professional, nabbed her first USHJA International Hunter Derby win which further adds to her impressive achievements from her days as a junior rider, such as winning the USEF Talen Search West Coast Medal Finals. The rest of the top five included Jenny Karazissis on Forbes (Tonia Look Cooker, owner), Melissa Doddridge on her Best Man, and Nick Haness on two entries, Gelato (Conor Perrin, owner) and Davlyn Farm’s Catwalk.

  During the Handy Round of the Hunter Derby, attendees sipped wine and snacked on gourmet cheese while watching hunters gallop around two grass fields. Guest announcer for the derby as well as special guest DJ for the after-the-class party was none other than John Huntington, star of the A&E hit reality series INKED. Many riders kicked off their boots and put on their dancing shoes for the ACT I party presented by Blenheim EquiSports and Huntington Equestrian.

  We were lucky enough to stop Huntington long enough for an interview; we plan to ink our own piece on the man behind the music and how he landed in our equestrian world in a future newsletter.
Jennifer Crooks and Uryadi
  The fun and fierce competition continued on Saturday, with a course designed by Jack Robson. An interesting and entertaining individual, learn more about Jack and his jack in a newsletter from last year, Conversation with Course Designers. Thirty-five entries competed in the $35,000 Blenheim Spring Classic III Grand Prix. Robson designed a track that posed a variety of questions with seven pairs proceeding to a shorter jump off round. Only one rider on two horses produced double clear scores, as Ireland’s Jennifer Crooks had a one-two finish with her gray mares S.F. Uryadi and S.F. Tin Tin, respectively.

  Close on Crooks’ heels was Michelle Parker. She had a faster jump off time but just one knockdown kept her from taking over the first place prize, ending up in third place aboard Cross Creek Farm’s Socrates de Midos. Consistent competitor John McConnell managed another excellent finish with partner Katie Riddle (Rancho Corozan, LLC, owner) and their four fault jump off score was good enough for fourth place. Fifth place finisher was acclaimed show jumper Hap Hansen with Nancy Markell’s His Horse. The other two riders to join the jump off were 17-year-old Paris Sellon, who took sixth place with her own Troyes, and Jenni Martin-McAllister rode to the seventh place finish with Riptide (Alison Friedman, owner). Jenni almost had two in the jump-off, but was less than a second over the time allowed on Maloubet de Rouet and had to settle for eighth.

Media Mentions
  Along with all the above, Blenheim is also coming to you online in a variety of ways. Look for the ‘Blenheim’ tab on PhelpsSports.com. If you’re not a member of Phelps, now is the time. There you will find details on all the above featured classes, including course walks. Become a fan of Blenheim EquiSports on Facebook and get connected with the latest updates, announcements and news. If you’re a tweeter follow Blenheim at twitter.com/blenheimeq.

Spring Series Results

Blenheim Spring Tournament: $50,000 Orange County Register CSI-W

Place Horse Rider Owner Time

1 Chianto John Pearce Forest View Farm 0/65.63

2 Ceonto Karen Cudmore Blair Cudmore 1/66.47

3 VDL Groep Union Chris Pratt Stoeterij Duyselshof 1/68.24

4 Cantano Susan Hutchison El Dorado 29 4/63.00

5 El Sueno's Quanto VL Stefanie Saperstein El Sueno de Amistad 4/64.11

6 Son of a Gun John Pearce Forest View Farm 4/64.84

7 G5 Chris Pratt Indigo Farms LLC 5/69.45

8 Camaron Hill’s Quick Dollar Joie Gatlin Camaron Hills Farm 8/62.96

9 Southern Pride Karen Cudmore Blair Cudmore 8/63.74

10 Vivaldi Mark Watring Nancy Rosen 9/67.57

11 Cassiato Harley Brown Oak Park Group LLC 9/67.79

12 Cracky Z Lauren Hester Hester Equestrian 9/68.26

$35,000 Blenheim Spring Classic II Grand Prix

Place Horse Rider Owner Time

1 Cantano Susan Hutchison El Dorado 29 0/84.264

2 Fitzpatrick 2 Becky Smith Becky Smith 3/92.091

3 Katie Riddle John McConnell Rancho Corazon LLC 4/82.101

4 Nemo 119 Lucy Davis Old Oak Farm 4/83.870

5 Bristol Rusty Stewart Kandi Stewart 4/86.666

6 SF Shakira Michael Endicott David Robinson 8/85.330

7 Cracky Z Lauren Hester Hester Equestrian 8/85.519

8 McLord’s First John Lane Clarke Mickey Hayden 8/87.403

9 Santiago Michael Endicott Nicolas Nierenberg 8/89.373

10 El Sueno’s Cantalupi Stefanie Saperstein El Sueno de Amistad 8/89.565

11 Camaron Hills Shanroe Molly Tala Camaron Hills Farm 12/80.049

12 Vivaldi Mark Watring Nancy Rosen 12/83.697

$10,000 The Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby

Place Rider & Horse Owner Score

1 Katie Gardner & Parker Caroline Miguelez 177, 183.5 = 360.5

2 Jenny Karazissis & Forbes Tonia Cook Looker 172, 187 = 359

3 Melissa Doddridge & Best Man Melissa Doddridge 170, 184 = 354

4 Nick Haness & Gelato Conor Perrin 173.5, 176.5 = 350

5 Nick Haness & Catwalk Davlyn Farms 184, 166 = 350

6 Gail Ross & Toska Pacifica Riding Club 167.5, 181 = 348.5

7 Hap Hansen & Billy Ali DeGowin 167, 181 = 348

8 Peter Lombardo & Graziana Janie Andrew 167, 177 = 344

9 Melissa Doddridge & Bentley Pamela Doddridge 169, 170 = 339

10 Keri Kampsen & On Top Laurel Ridge Sport Horses, LLC 168, 170 = 338

11 Devon Gibson & Copperfield Richard Mazess 173.5, 163 = 336.5

12 Elsa Horrigan & Crimson Z Star Lane Farms, Inc. 166.5, 160 = 326.5

$35,000 Blenheim Spring Classic III Grand Prix

Place Horse Rider Owner Time

1 S.F. Uryadi Jennifer Crooks Olivia Cox-Fill 0/0/42.119

2 S.F. Tin Tin Jennifer Crooks Olivia Cox-Fill 0/0/43.919

3 Socrates De Midos Michelle Parker Cross Creek Farms, Inc. 0/4/37.864

4 Katie Riddle John McConnell Rancho Corazon LLC 0/4/39.650

5 His Horse Hap Hansen Nancy Markwell 0/4/41.194

6 Troyes Paris Sellon Paris Sellon 0/6/51.958

7 Riptide Jenni Martin McAllister Alison Friedman 0/12/37.892

8 Maloubet du Rouet Jenni Martin McAllister Jenni Martin McAllister 1/84.290

9 Warco Van DeHalhoeve Ali Nilforushan Ali Nilforushan 4/77.260

10 Vivaldi Mark Watring Nancy Rosen 4/77.470

11 McLord’s First John Lane Clarke Mickey Hayden 4/80.215

12 Undiamo Ali Nilforushan Ali Nilforushan 4/81.146

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EquestriSol News

2010 FEI World Cup Finals Commentary
  Competitive riders have many goals and overcome numerous obstacles, literally and psychologically, to achieve these goals. When a name is synonymous with the best of the best, having won Olympic Gold Medals, international titles and countless Grand Prix events, that individual has clearly earned recognition and deserves respect.

  That is how we see McLain Ward. Granted he and his father have a tainted past, but as McLain points out that was over a decade ago and he has had a completely clean record ever since. He expects extra scrutiny and often has to endure it. However he continues to be at the top of his game, winning on numerous horses, of course the most famous to date is the fabulous Sapphire.

  We all know full well this could’ve been their World Cup victory year. They came so incredibly close last year in Vegas against Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly, an awesome competition until the very end. After Friday’s class McLain and Sapphire were on the path to potentially claim the title this year.

  Then hypersensitivity happened. Seems sadly unjust to those of us who were routing from afar. Takes the wind out of the competition sails. From what we’ve read, what is sad and disheartening for thousands of us who support and participate in equestrian sport was an absolute nightmare for McLain and his team.

  A mare who has proven time and time again to be a winner, has no history of unsoundness, whom had just won top placings in the first two rounds of the FEI World Cup Final, continues to jog sound and clearly is a competitor – why at this stage in her career could she test as hypersensitive to the point of elimination for her own safety? It may be 'protocol' but is it logical?

  What makes this decision the right one? Why do these individuals get absolute power to eliminate with no appeal or recourse? How is that clean sport? It seems to put too much power in the hands of a few. It certainly presents a serious issue for the future of the sport. When does hypersensitivity make sense in a seasoned horse?

  So many unanswered questions.

  We congratulate Marcus Ehning, who is a tremendous talent and impeccable rider. Congratulations also go to US riders Mario Deslauriers, Richard Spooner and Rich Fellers, all in the top twelve. We only wish they and all the other competitors would’ve competed against McLain.

Here are several links to find out more:
- PhelpsSports.com - includes an exclusive interview with McLain and a conversation with Rodrigo Pessoa & Jimmy Torano (must be a member to read)
- The Chronicle of the Horse
- USEF - look for World Cup releases
- We Support McLain Ward and Sapphire - Facebook group
- McLain and Sapphire - Facebook group

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Sponsor Stories

BY ERIN GILMORE

Royal Choices for Horses
  Choosing which supplement to give your horse is a little like walking down the grocery aisle at Costco; the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming.

  But when looking at the history and reliance of Royal Champion supplements, the choice suddenly becomes simple. Thirty-five years after its inception, the company that has its roots in the racing industry is still going strong.

  Dr. Trevor Cook, Royal Nutritionist to England’s Queen Elizabeth II, developed Royal Champion in the early ‘70s. Since then, the product has evolved into a line of supplements whose specific benefits range from hoof strength, muscle conditioning to coat shine. In 1992, racing trainer Dianna DiCastro bought the worldwide rights to Royal Champion and extended its reach across the pond to the California racing community, and later the hunter/jumper market.

  Fed in powder form over grain or bran, Royal Champion can be given all year round, and benefits horses both in training and off. Considered a multi-purpose supplement, Royal Champion provides hoof and joint support, making it a popular alternative to feeding a handful of different supplements. Joie Gatlin and Odyssey

NOTICEABLE BENEFITS
  The high levels of vitamins A and D, and macro and micro-minerals in Royal Champion give it broad-reaching benefits that affect the whole horse. Without exception, Joie Gatlin, of Joie Gatlin-Morley Abey Show Jumping in San Juan Capistrano, puts all new horses that come into her barn onto the Royal Champion program.

  “Whenever we have new horses come into the barn, we put them on it,” Gatlin comments. “Once we’ve had them on the product after 30 days we always see a difference in their energy and their coat.”

  Joie uses Royal Champion with her entire string of horses. “It’s been a staple in my feeding regiment for fifteen years,” says Gatlin. “From my grand prix horses to the amateurs, all of my horses are on it. I think it can rival any other products of its kind out there.”

  The benefits of recovery are a key factor for Joie and other users of Royal Champion. While the Premium and Premium Plus supplements replace any inconsistencies that might surface in a horse’s daily hay ration, the nutritional benefits also help going grand prix or high-level performance horses recover quicker after an intense workout. Hap Hansen is another longtime user of Royal Champion, and attests to the significant difference in his horses’ coats, condition and quick recovery time after a tough round.

PROOF IN PERFORMANCE
  Riders that use Royal Champion prove with their performances that they’ve literally found a winning formula for their horses; at the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit, Gatlin won the March 6th $50,000 World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix with Camaron Hills Quick Dollar. Olympian Guy Thomas followed in fifth place with Carino. But on March 14th, during the concluding class of the circuit, Thomas scored his biggest finish of the season, coming in second in the $300,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix of the Desert with his longtime partner Peterbilt.

  Thomas’ trainers and parents, Butch and Lu Thomas, have made Royal Champion part of their program since 1998. As coaches of the North American Young Riders team and directors of a multi-facility training program, they use Royal Champion vitamins in their stables. “We run a very busy business, and are on the road at least 25 weeks of the year,” says Guy. “Royal Champion helps our horses stay in condition and deal with the stress of travel so I can depend on them in the ring. It will always be part of our supplement program.”

  So when shopping for supplements, perhaps the above accolades will help you make a decision to try Royal Champion. In 30 days or less you may see a difference in your horse’s performance.


	Win a 5 Week Trial Bag of Royal Champion Premium Plus or Premium Supplement Register to win a trial bag given away monthly, valued at over $70: • Two winners are randomly selected from all contest entries each month. • Each registrant is entered for three months - three chances to win! • After the 5-week trial period, if you decide to purchase a 1 or 3 month supply of Royal Champion you will receive a 15% discount off of your first order. Registering to win a free trial bag will not add you to our mailing list. You can only win once. To enter, click this button or visit www.royalchampion.com.

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Conversations with Course Designers

BY JACKIE MCFARLAND

Olaf Petersen, Jr.
  You could say that course designing is in his blood. Following in his father’s footsteps, yet making his own distinct tracks, Olaf Petersen Jr. is in that elite group of sought after course designers. Although he has traveled all over the world, his dream is to settle in our own southern California. During one of his visits here designing for Blenheim EquiSports, we had a chance to sit down and learn a bit more about the man behind OP Worldwide.

EqSol: How did you become a course designer? What is your horse history?
OP: My father, Olaf Petersen Sr., started course designing when I was 10 years old. He has course designed all over the world, including the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea. My mother was a dressage rider, so my parents were a strong influence in my horse history. I competed up to the 1.50m level and trained several young horses from four-year-olds to 1.50m. Olaf Petersen, Jr.

  My course design career started in 1990 and in 2002 I received my FEI International credentials. I now design about 15-20 weeks per year - there’s not time for more in my current schedule.

EqSol: Your course design mentors?
OP: My father, of course, and Dr. Arno Gego. I also worked with other top designers, including Leopoldo Palacios and Linda Allen. I was fortunate to assist at two Summer Olympic Games, 1996 in Atlanta with Linda Allen and 2004 in Athens with my father.

EqSol: How the course evolves for you...

Outdoor: The 2009 $40,000 Summer Grand Prix at Showpark

OP: Like other course designers, I watch the horses, know the material and the footing. You plan and move the materials to make it work best for the horses.

  The quality of the field makes a difference. Last summer when I built at Showpark in August, we had a wide field of 56 riders in the grand prix. A group ready for the 2009/2010 World Cup qualifying season to start, including top West Coast and Mexican riders mixed with young riders moving up at the end of the season.

  The footing at Showpark is excellent – we had 250 rounds on the grass that week – that’s a lot. So I tried to make it work for everyone. I knew some would be jumping a tough indoor course the next week at the first CSI-W of the season. So I thought out of 56 riders I would like to have 10-15 clean rounds.
[There were 14 clean. See write up in the EquestriSol August Showpark Edition.]

  I will say that I can see a big difference from when I came here three or four years ago. The gap is not so big from east coast to west coast, the level has really come up.

Indoor: The last CSI-W on the West Coast, the $50,000 OC Register Grand Prix

OP: Of course I can’t give away my course plan for this week’s Grand Prix but I do know a few riders here are vying for their final qualifying points. The results will determine the list of west coast riders invited to go to Geneva for the 2010 FEI World Cup in a few weeks. So the course will reflect enough challenge for those competitors but also consider that these horses and riders have already been tested quite a bit throughout the qualifying season.

EqSol: Along with course designing across the world – what else do you do?
OP: I am a partner in a business called The Wegener Group. We produce invoice envelopes for corporate use - banks, insurance companies, etc. We have offices in Germany, Poland & France and soon Vietnam and employ 400 people. I also have a company that produces jumps and other equipment for stables. The web site is www.op-worldwide.com.

EqSol: Your course design goals… and your future plans?
OP: I have had some great experiences in the last two years, from the Mexican Championships in December with Equsport to the NAJYRC in both 2008 and 2009. I have had the opportunity to design for some big events like the Asian Games and several big shows in Europe – and I aspire to build in Aachen and at an Olympic Games. I think every course designer has the Olympic Games as a goal.

I really like coming here to Blenheim and Showpark. Not only is the show management excellent, but also it is my dream to live on the coast in southern California. I love the lifestyle, restaurants, the people, the weather. The Wegener Group is thinking of expanding into the U.S. Maybe then I can make my move...

Thank you Olaf for your time and we hope your California dreams come true.

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Equestrian Adventures

BY SYDNEY MASTERS DURIEUX

Kenneth Vinther
  CWD US Sales Support Manager Kenneth Vinther is a familiar face on the grounds of internationally acclaimed show jumping competitions. He can often be found discussing tack with top trainers, chatting about future goals with both young and elite riders, or making plans with show management. But the 39-year-old Danish immigrant can also be seen mounted in his own CWD saddle competing in the jumpers.

  Kenneth began his career in the horse world in Europe when he was 14. Initially he excelled in vaulting, but later changed his focus to riding and training. Certified instructor and professional are on his resume.

  “I never had my own horse before moving to America,” explained Kenneth, who now has Amateur status. “By chance, I got involved with CWD and I was the first sales rep here on the West Coast.” He and his wife, dressage rider Karen Ball, now call the private community of Coto de Caza in Southern California home base. But he travels extensively to introduce equestrian enthusiasts around the globe to CWD’s precision products.

Seoul in the Spring Kenneth Vinther in Seoul Korea
  In March, Kenneth was invited to compete as an individual at the Korean Racing Authority’s (KRA) annual CSI 2* show jumping event held at the Seoul Olympic Equestrian Park. “I have been doing business with the horse community there for some time now, and I received a personal invitation from the Korean Equestrian Federation (KEF).” He joined riders from Asia, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Norway, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States for three days of competition.

  “You must have an international rider’s number to compete there, which I didn’t have at the time,” he admitted with a smile. “I had to call my old trainer Johnny Hansen, who is a judge back home. He went to the Danish Riding Association on my behalf to get me a number. The day I arrived in Seoul was the day it actually came through. It was a good thing, as they can disqualify you without one!”

  On their first day, the visitors met at the stadium to draw straws and determine their mount for weekend. “Each of the Korean riders had to bring two horses; one for them to show, and the second for the guest competitor. Most were German bred and I rode a 10 year old warmblood named Centorio 25. He was a very nice, powerful, and scopey horse, but a little bit tricky,” he admitted. “We were allowed to flat for 20 minutes, and then jump six fences.”

  A little nightlife Seoul-style followed. “We were invited out to experience the local bars and restaurants and went to a very traditional Korean place, where we sat on the floor for dinner. Then we headed out to a Karaoke bar, which is huge there.” Everyone participated in the entertainment, and Vinther belted out a tune by Elton John. “They love whiskey,” he laughed, “and they drink tons of it. It was fun and interesting to see the different cultures, meet new contacts and riders. Everybody was cool.”

Show jumpers in Seoul   The following morning the foreigners were picked up from the Ritz Carlton and transported to stadium for their first over fences test. “It was a speed class, essentially a warm up, with just one round. Each country had a team,” recalled Kenneth, “but I was the only representative of Denmark.” Thomas Holz of Germany won the 1.30m individual class, with Jack Hardin Towell, Jr. of the US taking second. Kenneth had one rail and was just out of the ribbons.

  On the final last day there was a two-round class set at 1.40-1.45m. “The officials and course designer were all Korean. The courses were fair, big, and technical - but in a good way. It was televised later in the day, which was great as I was able to watch.” This time Jamie Kermond of Australia won the individual and Linn Widmark of Sweden placed second, with Vinther coming in tenth place.

Seoul Summarized
  “Gaming is huge in Korea, but they really want to expand beyond racing, and are focusing on show jumping,” Kenneth explained as he watched the action that was happening on the grand prix field at the Blenheim Spring Classic II. “They have already established their breeding program for racing and are now doing the same thing with jumpers. They have a KRA show jumping team and are embracing the sport in a big way. They want to make the KRA Cup a CSI3* event next year.” CWD fans in Korea

  When asked about the experience overall, he explained, “I feel that the Koreans are very serious, good riders. The sport is growing in popularity, with more than 300 riding clubs, and a horse show series. The event was run very well. The KRA sponsors their riding, training and breeding programs, and they are sending their riders to Germany, as well as to California for the summer shows.” And about Korea? “I stayed for a week, took a few tours, and explored the city of Seoul, which is huge with more than 10 million people.”

  It seems through his myriad experiences in and out of the saddle, Kenneth Vinther certainly has an equestrian soul. Learning from his adventure, we now know to watch for talented riders coming our way from Seoul. One Korean rider that lives here in the US caught our eye last year, Michael Whang. Under the tutelage of Duncan McIntosh, this talented and driven equestrian is another one to watch.

  Thank you Kenneth for your Seoul story.

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