NRHA Open Futurity finals Shots by Linda Durocher

www.lindadurocher.com

Andrea Fappani

Tom McCutcheon

Todd N Wright

Todd A Bergan

Shawn Flarida

www.lindadurocher.comwww.lindadurocher.com

NRHA Non Pro Champion

Veronica St-Onge becomes the 2011 NRHA Non Pro Champion......

Linda Durocher meets up with Veronica St-Onge back in the stalls at Oklahoma to capture the smile of a champion...  
Reports to follow and stay tuned for today's action in the NRHA open Championship shoot out!!!

Irish Champion Vanner Cob goes international with breeding offer !!!


"Billy", the 2011 Gypsy Cob Elite stallion has now began to offer breeding by frozen semen to the USA and all over the World. Also holding the title as National Supreme Champion 2011, Billy is expected to get a great response and will be seen by Vanner owners who will be present at the first ever Gypsy Vanner fair to be held in the USA. The Vanner Fair is supported and promoted by Equestrian Style magazine, the rise in popularity with Gypsy Vanners in the USA has created demand within Ireland and UK for the best examples that can be found. Speaking from Lucan co. Dublin, owner Karl Feeney said " Billy is a fine horse, he's proven himself in showing terms and he loves to pull the London Trolley that I drive, it's Billy's really and he deserves all the attention he's getting and we're grateful for all the well wishers".  

The appeal of the Gypsy Vanner is far and wide throughout the world, owners from many disciplines are getting involved and enjoying the gentle nature of these heavy horses. 


Michell Anne Kimball, owner of "Spooks Gotta Whiz" the 2010 NRHA  Open Reining futurity champion, is one of the latest in the long list of people to be taken by the breeds beauty and fantastic temperament.  Talking from home in southern California, " My Vanner "Mickey" is Irish bred, he's stunning and I love him so much he'll be very happy here loved and well looked after". 

Michell Anne Kimball's  Gypsy Vanner "Mickey"

The trend and development of the breed is set to get bigger and bigger, interest is growing rapidly and the american attitudes and approach to breeding and promoting horses is bound to have a massive influence on making Gypsy Vanners a great success in the USA. 

View Equestrian Style magazine online at ;
http://www.equestrianstylemagazine.com/magazine/Default.html

Facebook;  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Equestrian-Style-magazine-Ireland-and-UK/189931861029315

Equestrian Style magazine & the Tipperary venue

    On this day, 2 great occasions for Ireland coincide with impeccable timing... The widely anticipated circulation of Equestrian Style magazine has begun. Great anticipation for the magazines entry onto the equestrian scene here in Ireland has happened as the world class Tipperary equestrian center also gets the go ahead from government. 

    As highlighted earlier this year by Equestrian Style magazine and media xposure the Tipperary venue will give Ireland equestrian facilities that are world class and will be the envy of Europe. John Cully, writer for Equestrian Style brought the subject to light in an article giving it his full support. With reference to the Suadi horse racing family and Irish based stud, Cully said, "  This is a project of near-epic, Gulf State proportions, the finest facility in Europe if the boys can get within a shout of having their way. Maktoum would be cartwheeling with delight at this were any of his guys doing it."

John Cully's article on the proposed project can be seen in the next edition of Equestrian Style magazine.

      The Launch of Equestrian Style magazine in Ireland heralds a new period of trans Atlantic equestrian publishing by bringing together the best that the larget English speaking population in the world, have to offer in one magazine. The magazine is now available in the USA, Ireland and the UK simultaneously. Victoria Cooper, owner of the publication went on to say " Beyond this achievement  Equestrian Style is available to the public free of charge both in hard copy and online. This has never been done before and we are very proud to enter the market and determined to bring unparalleled value for money to the consumer and industry alike."

     

   Whilst other paid for magazines find themselves downsizing or going out of print altogether, Equestrian Style is believed to be the fastest growing horse magazine today... The format has sparked interest from around the world with Australia looking like being next in sight.... The format promises to give the best in the equestrian industry promotion and marketing power never before seen. The magazine is widely supported by leading manufacturers and breeders from the USA and around the World. It is welcomed to the Irish and UK market as a new era in promotion and trade on a intercontinental scale.. 

Hollywood superstar Michael Douglas Backs FEI nominations..

The FEI awards for "Progress and Excellence" have been announced by Hollywood actor Michael Douglas. The Movie star has called for nominations from around the world to honor the people and Horses of the equestrian World.


Michael went on to explain, " The FEI awards provide a
platform for the global community to applaud riders 
and organisations for their outstanding achievements."


Michael urged the public to make their nominations 
and said that he was delighted to lend his support.




The FEI will pay tribute to the nominee's in Rio De 
Janeiro at the end of the year to celebrate going above 
and beyond the call of duty in equestrian sport.




The five categories for nominations are:
1. Best Groom
2. Best Athlete
3. HSBC Rising Star
4. Against all odds
5. Development




The winners will fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend 

the FEI Awards Ceremony at a VIP gala dinner, during 

the FEI General Assembly in November. Nominations 

close on 31 July.  So be sure to get yours in...

William Fox-Pitt Storms the spectacular Tattersalls Festival

William Fox-Pitt and "Oslo"

   Jayne Doherty went clear for Ireland in the show jumping round of the 3* event, despite William Fox-pitt's 2 time faults the British Olympian held on to the lead on the final day at the county Meath international show. Doherty, the Armagh rider not only led Ireland's campaign but finished 4th and the only member of the Irish contingent to finish within the top 10. It seems the fickle finger of fate was ever present and not without notice was mounted aboard the aptly named "The only one". 

Patricia Ryan

   In the CIC*** and week of the Royal visit, Zara Phillips put in a magnificent finish in first place with "Lord Lauries" and 5th with "Silver Lining V". It was left to Ireland's Patricia Ryan to work her magic into second spot with "BallyLynch Wizard", followed up in 3rd place by Britain's Oliver Townend. From 7th place, the next 5 places were taken by Irish Riders..

on water; Zara Phillips

   The Tattersalls venue was in full swing and produced an excellent event meeting International standards of the highest order, the strength of competitors at the event was testament to it's international appeal and growing status around the World. Carol Gee of Fernhill told me in a receant interview for Equestrian Style magazine that "in her opinion it is one of the best in the World". The former Team Ireland rider and head of Fernhill Sports horses is totally committed to the advancement of Eventing and the Tattersalls festival, with 7 entries and top 10 finishes Carol's team and Tattersalls look set for a very bright future. 

Zara Phillips

    It is clear to see that the county Meath venue in terms of potential and the dedication of the management team is a winning formula, the range of competitor and industry attendance along with first class standards makes it a fantastic attraction for the discerning equestrian spectator. One of the most heartening sights throughout the festival was the fact that it is a firm favorite for all the family. A shining example and beacon of success in the Irish and international equestrian calender....  

( Photography by www.ironia-art.com )
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ironia-art.com%2F&h=48a04

(features on Carol Gee the "Fernhill Dynamo" and Tattersalls festival will be in the next issue of Equestrian Style magazine, throughout Ireland and the USA and available by free download at.  http://www.equestrianstylemagazine.com/magazine/Default.html )


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Equestrian-Style-magazine-Ireland-and-UK/189931861029315

FEI World Reining Final, Bökebergs Gård, Sweden

The FEI is constantly reviewing and amending the rules for all its disciplines to ensure that horse welfare is maintained.

Three working groups were set up in January of this year to conduct a full review of the discipline of Reining which will address all aspects of the sport, including rules and veterinary issues.

The working groups have already reviewed the Reining rules and regulations, the competition format and educational standards for all FEI officials within the discipline and will be giving their recommendations to the Reining Committee shortly. Also included in the review process are new Stewards’ guidelines and details of permitted training practices.

Representatives from FEI HQ spoke to the Chief Steward in Bökebergs Gård and were assured that all practice sessions were fully monitored, that each training session was timed and that all practices were within the rules that are currently in place. However, a preliminary report from the Chief Steward has been received by the FEI which records that a number of verbal warnings were issued to riders about their training methods during the practice session.

As part of the review process that was initiated in January, footage from the FEI World Reining Final and the resulting debate will be included in the file that will be submitted to the Reining Committee for inclusion in the review process.

The new FEI Reining rules and regulations will be voted on at the 2011 General Assembly in November for implementation on 1 January 2012.

As the international governing body for equestrian sport, the FEI condemns all training methods and practices that are contrary to horse welfare.

Massive Mule Marathon

John Fox of Virginia county Cavan, is to undertake a marathon mule ride from Malin Head ( Donegal) to Mizen Head (Cork). The journey which is expected to be over 400 miles and take around 25 days, is in aid of Barretstown   http://www.facebook.com/Barretstown?sk=info         Barretstown changes the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer and other serious illnesses. Through a unique programme delivered on site in the beautiful surroundings of Barretstown castle, children who have been battling a serious illness learn to have fun again, regain confidence, self esteem and make a lot of new friends. Families draw strength from others facing the same challenges as they do. They too make friends for life


John plans to finish his Journey around the 4th of July, in time to celebrate the USA independence day. It is hoped that John will be accompanied by as many riders on horseback as possible and that donations will be collected along the route. You can find out more about John and his Mule "Job" at; http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Foxs-Massive-Mule-Marathon-of-Ireland/156357044427953

John Slack : NRHA Trainer Passes

NRHA Trainer John Slack Passes

By Linda Durocher

John Slack

The reining world has lost one of its greatest horsemen this week with the passing of 42 year old John Slack. It has been reported, but unconfirmed that an unknown cardiac issue was the cause of John’s passing. John rode into the history books aboard “Ray Gay Quixote” when he won the National Reining Horse Futurity in 1997.  John was one of NRHA’s best, winning numerous championships and titles. 

A great clinician, trainer, and showman, he apprenticed under Bob Avila one of the NRHA’s greats.  His smile will be missed and the excitement of seeing him show will leave a void in the reining world.

His passing is a great loss to his family, friends and to those who will never have the chance to meet this great man. To all of those who admired, knew and loved John we send our heartfelt condolences.

Thanks for the memories John.

Equestrian Style Magazine

A new chapter in Irish and American relations has been developed in the publishing world. A joint venture between Equestrian Style magazine (USA) and Media Xposure (Ireland) is set to revolutionize trans-Atlantic publishing and trade. This exciting new initiative in equine publishing has been developed to join and open a window of communication between the USA, Ireland and the UK.

For the first time readers of the highly popular Equestrian Style magazine will share and enjoy editorial and advertising features from all three countries. As in the USA the magazine will retain it's status as a free to reader hard copy publication and will also be free in Ireland and the UK, which is a totally new concept. The unique marketing opportunity has caught the attention of the industry's leading manufacturers and participants on both sides of the pond and is a further demonstrates how fast the gap between the USA and Europe is shrinking.

Victoria Cooper, owner of Equestrian style , comments, " My commitment to make this magazine the most innovative and best quality journal on the market is undying". The magazine was acquired in 2005 and has continually undergone development and growth in terms of quality and circulation. Now it is set to reach into Europe and undergo yet more innovative changes to reflect the fast changing desire of readers and advertisers alike.

Media Xposure's enthusiastic managing director, Jake Walsh, has revealed, "Co-operation between the Two companies is testament to the spirit of free enterprise that exists in both countries. I am delighted to be associated and part of the development that will greatly impact the opportunities within equestrian sport of Ireland and the UK". Jake Walsh's vision for the partnership was immediately shared by Victoria Cooper and with the team enjoying wide support from within the equestrian world this partnership is set to go far.

As part of the development of Equestrian Style magazine, the team have been joined by a great collection of new contributors bringing news, events, articles and features from around the world from disciplines and breeds that reflect the exciting nature of the equestrian world today. The partnership is set to spark a new era of trans-Atlantic equine based trade and exchange which is set to be unrivalled in the publishing world.

The unique way in which Equestrian Style Magazine will be distributed throughout Ireland and the UK is designed to support the people and companies who work with and enjoy equine on a daily basis. The magazine will be available from leading tack stores, equestrian centres and feed merchants throughout Ireland and the UK will soon follow. The massive reservoir of talent that exists on both continents is central to the magazines philosophy; Equestrian Style will continue to support those people and as always continue to put readers first. The original goal of the highest quality and availability to all still holds true and will remain so in all our future efforts. The magazine is also free to read at all times and available  on-line at http://www.equestrianstylemagazine.com/ 

Victoria Cooper                                                                 Jake Walsh
Equestrian Style magazine                                                   Media Xposure
 victoriahorsebeat@msn.com                                           jake.media.xposure@gmail.com