2017 FEI WORLD CUP FINALS
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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DEAR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA AND PRESS, The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) is proud to introduce you to the U.S. jumping and dressage athlete/horse combinations that will compete for the preeminent Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final titles. Since the 2016 FEI World Cup™ Finals, U.S. jumping and dressage athletes have excelled in elite international competition and have fascinated fans with their electrifying performances. Their relentless efforts keep U.S. jumping and dressage programs among the world’s best. The following media guide provides background on each athlete and horse, U.S. World Cup Finals statistics, and the national governing body of equestrian sport. This past summer during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, both the U.S. Jumping Team and U.S. Dressage Team gave remarkable performances to earn the team silver medal and team bronze medal, respectively. With the team bronze medal resting on Laura Graves and her horse Verdades’ (“Diddy”) shoulders, they gave the performance of a lifetime to secure team podium honors for the first time since the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Kasey-Perry Glass and Allison Brock earned their first Olympic medals, and four-time Olympian Steffen Peters obtained his second. The U.S. Jumping Team returned to the Olympic podium for the first time since the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. With no drop score available for the U.S. team of Lucy Davis, Kent Farrington, Beezie Madden, and McLain Ward in the third round of the team competition, two-time Olympic team gold medalist Ward went double-clear to secure team silver. Following the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team of Audrey Coulter, Lauren Hough, Lillie Keenan, and Laura Kraut earned the team bronze medal in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final, capping off a successful Nations Cup season. The United States has an impressive pool of athletes and horses at the FEI World Cup™ Finals, all eyeing the opportunity to add a title to their resumes. USEF looks forward to an amazing competition, and I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions during the course of the competition. Sincerely, Vicki Lowell Chief Marketing & Content Officer (859) 225 - 2024 vlowell@usef.org Interview Requests Requests for interviews with U.S. athletes can be directed to: Dana Rossmeier Manager of Media Relations (402) 750 - 3500 drossmeier@usef.org Interviews requested earlier in the week are more likely to be accommodated
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
US Equestrian Staff
5
About US Equestrian
6
Laura Graves
7
Kasey Perry-Glass
8
Steffen Peters
9
Jamie Barge
10 Karl Cook 11
Audrey Coulter
12 Charlie Jacobs 13 Laura Kraut 14 Jenni McAllister 15 Todd Minikus 16 McLain Ward 17 Past FEI World Cupâ„¢ Finals U.S. Top Three Rankings
US EQUESTRIAN STAFF Executive Murray S. Kessler, President William J. Moroney, Chief Executive Officer Sport Will Connell, Director of Sport Dressage Hallye Griffin, Managing Director Hannah Niebielski, Director, Dressage National Programs Kristen Brett, Director, Dressage Programs Austyn Erickson, Sport Programs Assistant The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team Staff Robert Dover, Technical Advisor & Chef d’Equipe Dr. Christina “Cricket” Russillo, Team Veterinarian Andy Thomas, Human Team Physiotherapist Tom Meyers, Equine Team Physiotherapist Hallye Griffin, Team Leader Show Jumping Lizzy Chesson, Managing Director Casey Easley, Director, Show Jumping High Performance Programs Jennifer Haydon, Director, Show Jumping National Programs Nancy Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator Lynn Lopez, Assistant Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team Staff Robert Ridland, Technical Advisor & Chef d’Equipe Dr. Timothy Ober, Team Veterinarian Janus Marquis, Equine Team Physiotherapist Andy Thomas, Human Team Physiotherapist Lizzy Chesson, Team Leader Marketing Vicki Lowell, Chief Marketing & Content Officer Lauren Carlisle, Director, Sponsorship & Sales Mark Coley, Director, Memberships & Events Andrea Evans, Director, Social & Video Content Kathleen Landwehr, Sports Communications Specialist Dana Rossmeier, Manager, Media & Public Relations Jamie Unseld, Senior Director, USEF Network & Project Management
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US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
ABOUT THE US EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION Vision Statement To bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. Mission Statement To provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts each share a personal bond with the horse. This commonality defines the membership of the US Equestrian Federation (USEF), which serves as the National Governing Body for equestrian sport. Since its inception in 1917, USEF has been dedicated to pursuing excellence, promoting growth, and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes. Currently led by President Murray Kessler, USEF remains dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, fostering the development of young riders and newcomers, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. USEF trains and recommends, and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) selects and helps fund the United States Equestrian Olympic Team, which consistently wins medals. USEF receives gracious assistance from the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET), who supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international High Performance horses and athletes. USEF also licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year and operates the USEF Network, an online platform for live and on-demand event coverage. In 2017, USEF’s centenary, the organization launched a new ad campaign, “Discover the Joy of Horse Sports,” which showcases the organization’s 29 recognized breeds and disciplines while spotlighting the horse-human bond all equestrians share. The campaign features all 29 breeds and disciplines and celebrates the emotional lift, diversity, and benefits equestrian sports give its participants, like self-esteem, leadership, and community.
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#Omaha2017
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 5
PHOTOS: ©ELENA LUSENTI (INSET), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
DRESSAGE
LAURA GRAVES
Born: July 22, 1987 Residence: Geneva, FL Horse: Verdades, a 2002 KWPN gelding Owner: Laura Graves Groom: Emmalie Clapp Follow Laura Graves: Twitter @LGravesDressage Instagram @lauragravesdressage Website: crosstiesllc.com Most Recent Highlights: • Won the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week three of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) with Verdades • Won the Grand Prix CDI5* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* during week five of the 2017 AGDF with Verdades • Won the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week seven of the 2017 AGDF with Verdades • Won a team bronze medal, and placed fourth individually in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades, affectionately known as “Diddy,” were members of the bronze medal-winning U.S. Dressage Team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The two were relatively unknown until just a few years ago. Graves was a hairstylist in Boston in 2008 when she decided to turn to dressage full-time with Verdades, whom her family bought from the Netherlands as a six-month-old after Graves’s mother picked him out in a video. During the formative years of his training, Verdades proved to be a challenge, due to his sensitive nature. Graves’s patience prevailed, and Diddy developed into a superstar, thanks in part to his intelligence and desire to please his rider. Together, Graves and the headstrong, sensitive KWPN gelding rose through the levels of competition with guidance from several top trainers, including Olympian Debbie McDonald. In 2014, they squeaked into The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship and then took the reserve champion title, behind three-time Olympian Steffen Peters. The same year, Graves and Verdades earned a spot on The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team that competed at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, with where they finished fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle. In 2015, they earned an individual silver medal and team gold medal at the Pan American Games and returned, this time to win, at The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship. In 2016, Graves and Verdades were team and individual gold medalists at the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup™ during week 12 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival before going on to the Rio Olympic Games.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016 • Placed second in the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week one of the AGDF with Verdades • Won the Grand Prix CDI5* and Grand Prix Special CDI5* during week five of the AGDF with Verdades • Won the Grand Prix CDI4* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4* during week 10 of the AGDF with Verdades • Team and individual gold in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup™ during week 12 of the AGDF with Verdades • Team gold in the Nations Cup CDIO5* and placed second in the Grand Prix CDIO5* with Verdades at CDIO5* Compiègne • Placed second in the Grand Prix CDI4* at CDI4* Roosendaal with Verdades • Team silver in the Nations Cup CDIO5*, won the Grand Prix Special CDIO5*, and placed second in the Grand Prix CDIO5* at CHIO Rotterdam with Verdades • Team bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Verdades 2015 • Won the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week 10 of the AGDF with Verdades • Team and individual gold at the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup™ CDIO3* during week 12 of the AGDF with Verdades
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US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
PHOTOS: ©ELENA LUSENTI (INSET), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
KASEY PERRY-GLASS Born: October 12, 1987 Residence: Wellington, FL Horse: Goerklintgaards Dublet, a 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding Owner: Diane Perry Groom: Holly Gorman Follow Kasey Perry-Glass: Facebook @KaseyPerryDressage Twitter @KaseyPDressage Instagram @believe.team Snapchat @teambelieve16 Website: kaseyperrydressage.com Most Recent Highlights: • Won the Grand Prix Special CDI5* during week five of the 2017 AGDF with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Placed second in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W and third in the Grand Prix CDI-W during week seven of then 2017 AGDF with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Won the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week eight of the 2017 AGDF with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Won a team bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Goerklintgaards Dublet Kasey Perry-Glass grew up in a close-knit family with five siblings and began riding at age five when she joined her sisters and mother at a small community barn in Northern California. She soon saw how much fun her friends were having jumping, discovered the discipline of three-day eventing, and went on to train with eventers Carmela Richards and Olympian Gina Miles. Perry-Glass recognized her love for dressage in high school when she was training with Gina Duran at Topline Training. She ultimately decided to pursue dressage full-time and began training with ENE French Riding Academy graduate Christophe Theallet. Perry-Glass continued her riding as she attended and graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a degree in business entrepreneurship. Now working closely with Olympian Debbie McDonald, Perry-Glass divides her time between her Wellington, Fla., winter base and Hailey, Idaho, at the late Parry and Peggy Thomas’ River Grove Farm. Perry-Glass is married to farrier Dana Glass. Perry-Glass enjoys running and spinning in her spare time. She has run multiple half-marathons with her sisters and mother and has completed the California International Marathon several times.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016 • Placed second in Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Special CDI-W during week seven of the AGDF with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Team gold in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup™ CDIO3* and individual silver in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3* at CDIO3* Wellington with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Team gold in the Nations Cup CDIO5* and won the Grand Prix CDIO5* at CDIO5* Compiègne with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Team silver in the Nations Cup CDIO5* at CHIO Rotterdam with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Team bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Goerklintgaards Dublet 2015 • Won the Grand Prix at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby with Goerklintgaards Dublet • Won the Prix St. Georges at the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup™ CDIO3* with Goerklintgaards Dublet
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 7
PHOTOS: ©ELENA LUSENTI (INSET), SUSANJSTICKLE.COM
STEFFEN PETERS Born: September 18, 1964 Residence: San Diego, CA Horse: Rosamunde, a 2007 Rheinlander mare Owner: Four Winds Farm Groom: Eddie Garcia
Website: spetersdressage.com Most Recent Highlights: • Won the Grand Prix Special CDI3* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*at the 2017 Las Vegas High Roller CDI & Open Show with Rosamunde • Placed second in the FEI Grand Prix CDI5* during week five of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival with Rosamunde • Placed third in the the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week seven of the 2017 AGDFwith Rosamunde • Won a team bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Legolas 92 Originally from Germany, Steffen Peters moved to the U.S. in 1985 and began riding for his adopted country in 1992. Since then, Peters has represented the U.S. at numerous championships and earned many National Titles. He is an eight-time USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Champion and a three-time USEF Equestrian of the Year. Peters won his first Olympic medal, a team bronze, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games aboard Udon. He and Floriano were the alternates on the 2004 Athens Olympic team, and after an extremely successful 2006, the pair held the anchor spot on the bronze medal-winning team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. Peters had tremendous success with the singular Ravel through a number of years, including a place on the 2008 Olympic Games team and an individual bronze medal at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Peters also won team and individual gold medals at both the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games, and represented the U.S. at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Peters and his wife, Shannon, operate Arroyo Del Mar, a busy training facility in the San Diego area.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016
• Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Special CDI3* with Rosamunde during week five of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival • Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* at The Dressage Affaire with Legolas 92 • Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* at the Festival of the Horse with Rosamunde • Won the Grand Prix CDI4* at CDI4* Roosendaal with Legolas 92 • Won the Grand Prix Special CDI3* at CHIO Rotterdam with Rosamunde • Team bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Legolas 92
2015 • Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Special CDI3* with Rosamunde at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 5 • Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* at the Festival of the Horse with Rosamunde • Placed third in the Grand Prix at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final with Legolas 92 • Won the Grand Prix for Freestyle and the Grand Prix Freestyle at CDI4* Achleiten with Rosamunde • Team and individual gold at the Pan American Games with Legolas 92 2014 • Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* at the Festival of the Horse with Legolas 92 • Won the Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* at the Del Mar National Dressage Show with Legolas 92 • Won The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at the USEF Dressage Festival of Champions with Legolas 92
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US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
PHOTOS: ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS (INSET), HERVÉ BONNAUD/1CLICPHOTO
JUMPING
JAMIE BARGE
Born: March 4, 1986 Residence: Malibu, CA Horse: Luebbo, a 2005 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding Owner: Kylie Co. Groom: Sarah Griffin Follow Jamie Barge: Instagram @jamiebargekylieco Most Recent Highlights: • Placed fourth in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Las Vegas CSI4*-W at the 2016 Las Vegas National Horse Show with Luebbo • Won the $34,600 Hermès Sellier Trophy CSI2* at the 2016 Los Angeles Masters with Luebbo Jamie Barge has not let a lifelong hearing impairment stop her from reaching her goals. Her tenacity and passion for horses has allowed her to break through this barrier to find success in her show jumping career. Barge began jumping ponies at the age of nine in Pasadena, Calif. She later moved to Connecticut where she spent her junior career showing in hunter and equitation classes. In 2007, Barge relocated back to the West Coast to complete her college degree at Pepperdine University and compete on the professional jumper circuit. Barge had a breakout year in 2016. She was selected for the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping team and competed in her first Nations Cup competition at the Šamorín Masters CSIO3*. She also won the $34,600 Hermes Sellier Trophy CSI2* at the Los Angeles Masters. Barge runs her own training business out of El Campeon Farms in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016
• Member of the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping team for the 2016 Šamorín Masters CSIO3*, Slovakia with Luebbo • Placed fourth in the CSI2* Oliva in Valencia, Spain with Luebbo • Placed second in the 2016 $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Thermal CSI3*-W at the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit IV with Luebbo
2015 • Placed second in the $100,000 Coachella Valley Classic CSI5* at the HITS Thermal National Sunshine II with Luebbo
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 9
PHOTOS: ©ALDEN CORRIGAN MEDIA (INSET), REBECCA BERRY
KARL COOK
Born: December 25, 1990 Residence: Woodside, CA Horse: Tembla, a 2004 Zangersheide mare Owner: Signe Ostby Groom: Georgie Ramirez Follow Karl Cook: Instagram @mrtankcook Most Recent Highlights: • Placed fourth in the $75,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix at 2017 HITS Coachella Desert Circuit III with Tembla • Placed fourth in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier CSI3*-W at 2017 HITS Coachella Desert Circuit IV with Tembla Karl Cook is a California native who began riding at a young age. Cook’s family is not new to show jumping, as his mother, Signe Ostby, owns Pomponio Ranch Stallions, where some horses that Cook has competed in the past currently stand at stud. During his junior years, Cook had many successes, including winning medals in the 2007 and 2008 FEI North American Junior Young Rider Championships. In 2012, Cook began riding with Eric Navet, which has shaped him into the horseman he is today. Since beginning his professional career, Cook has consistently placed in a number of grand prix classes, both in his native California and abroad. He made his FEI World Cup™ Finals debut in 2013 with Jonkheer Z, and the pair returned to the Finals in 2015. In 2016, Cook competed on his first senior Nations Cup team at CSIO4* Langley with Tembla.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016 • Won the $50,000 Card Flex Grand Prix at the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit VII with Tembla • Placed second in the $86,000 1.50m Challenge 238.2.2 at the Tryon Spring 8 with Caillou 24 • Placed second in the $100,000 CSI3* Reliable Rentals Grand Prix at the Summer Fort Classic with Caillou 24 • Won the $135,600 CSI3*-W Longines World Cup Qualifier at the Summer Fort Festival with Tembla 2015 • Won the $25,000 Smartpak Grand Prix at the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit III with Basimodo • Won the $25,000 Smartpak Grand Prix at the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit VII with Farrari • Placed third in the $42,000 CSI3* Maui Jim Open Welcome at the Summer Fort Classic with Basimodo • Placed second in the $50,000 Sunshine Series Grand Prix at the HITS Thermal National Sunshine Series I with Tembla 2014 • Placed third in the $50,000 Blenheim Spring Classic III Grand Prix at the Blenheim Spring Classic III with Jonkheer Z • Won the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar at the Del Mar National Hunter Jumper Show with Jonkheer Z • Won the $75,000 Sunshine Series Grand Prix CSI2* at the HITS Thermal National Sunshine Series I with Basimodo • Won the $100,000 Sunshine Series Grand Prix CSI2*-W at the HITS Thermal National Sunshine Series with Jonkheer Z
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US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
PHOTOS: ©ELENA LUSENTI (INSET), CLAES JAKOBSSON
AUDREY COULTER
Born: October 29, 1992 Residence: San Francisco, CA Horses: Alex, a 2006 Westphalian gelding, and Capital Colnardo, a 2005 Holsteiner stallion Owner: Copernicus Stables, LLC Groom: Josefin Goransson Follow Audrey Coulter: Instagram @Audreyc10 Most Recent Highlights: • Placed second in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Qualifier CSI3*-W at the 2017 HITS Coachella Desert Circuit IV with Alex • Won the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Sacramento CSI3*-W at the 2016 Sacramento International Audrey Coulter began riding soon after she could walk and by the time she was seven, she was already jumping and showing. She often competes alongside her older sister, Saer, who is active in the Grand Prix ring. Throughout her junior career, she amassed many coveted accolades. In 2010, she earned a team silver medal at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North and placed fourth in the Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual Championship. After spending four years in Germany training with Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum, she began working with Dutch coach Harrie Smolders in June 2014. At 21 years old, Coulter beat Scott Brash, ranked world number one at the time, and Ben Maher, ranked world number two at the time, in the 2014 $280,000 CSI4* Adequan Grand Prix in Wellington, Fla. aboard her mare Acorte. Audrey and Saer divide their time between Copernicus Stables in San Francisco, Calif., and Smolders' base in Grobbendonk, Belgium. Coulter attended Dartmouth College where she majored in economics and minored in chemistry. When not riding, Coulter enjoys volunteering and skiing, both on the water and snow.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016
• Placed second in the $150,000 FEI Nations Cup™ at CSIO4* Wellington with Capital Colnardo • Placed third in the The Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland - Award of the Irish Trophy at CSIO5* Dublin with Capital Colnardo • Team bronze at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final at CSIO5* Barcelona with Capital Colnardo 2015 • Placed second in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Las Vegas with Domino 2014 • Scored the biggest win of her career in the $280,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI4* with Acorte 2013 • Placed second in the Munich Grand Prix CSI4* with Acorte
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 11
PHOTOS: ©ALDEN CORRIGAN MEDIA (INSET), CLAES JAKOBSSON
CHARLIE JACOBS
Born: September 16, 1971 Residence: Boston, MA Horses: Cassinja S, a 2006 Zweibruker mare, or Calanta, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding Owner: CMJ Sporthorse LLC Grooms: Kaitlin O'Hara and Miranda Valentine Follow Charlie Jacobs: Facebook @CharlieJacobsUSA Instagram @bruinsr1 Most Recent Highlights: • Won the 2016 $50,000 Grand Prix at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase with Cassinja S • Placed second in the 2016 $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4* with Cassinja S • Placed second in the 2016 $216,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W with Cassinja S Charlie Jacobs has spent nearly his entire life around horses. From short stirrup to Grand Prix, he has experienced success in every aspect of the sport. Jacobs had a very successful career as a junior rider. In 1988, he won the qualifying competition for the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Show Jumping Talent Derby. He returned the following year to place three horses among the top five in the 1989 Rolex USET Show Jumping Talent Derby Final, demonstrating his outstanding potential at the Grand Prix level. As a junior, Jacobs rode Ebony Buzz to many wins in the junior jumper division. Together, they won the High Junior Classic at the prestigious Devon Horse Show three consecutive years and retired the division trophy. Jacobs moved up to the Grand Prix level in the early 1990s, and he rode Piquet and Maybe on winning Nations’ Cup teams in Rotterdam and Luxembourg. He was second to his trainer Joe Fargis in the US Open Jumper Championships at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington in 1990. After taking time off to enter the business world and raise a family with his wife, Kim, Jacobs returned to showing in 2004. In recent years, Jacobs has often battled his brother Lou for the championship in the Amateur-Owner division. Jacobs is actively involved with a number of community-based and philanthropic organizations, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Boston Children's Hospital, and the Boston Bruins Foundation, the latter of which he serves as President. Jacobs is the Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North's Boston Holdings, including the Boston Bruins.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016 • Won the $50,000 Grand Prix at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase with Cassinja S • Placed second in the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4* at the Hampton Classic with Cassinja S • Placed second in the $216,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W at the American Gold Cup with Cassinja S • Placed second in the $130,000 CP Open Jumper CSI4*-W at the CP National Horse Show with Cassinja S 2015 • Placed second in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Bromont at Bromont International CSI3*-W with Flaming Star
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US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
PHOTOS: ©ELENA LUSENTI (INSET), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
LAURA KRAUT
Born: November 14, 1965 Residence: Royal Palm Beach, FL Horse: Zeremonie, a 2007 Holsteiner mare Owner: Old Willow Farms LLC Groom: Johanna Burtsoff Follow Laura Kraut: Facebook @laurakrautUSA Twitter @laurakraut Instagram @laurakraut Website: laurakraut.com Most Recent Highlights: • Placed second in the 2017 $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Wellington CSI3*-W presented by Sovaro at the Palm Beach Masters with Zeremonie • Traveling reserve for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Zeremonie Laura Kraut’s illustrious career began when she received her first riding lesson at the age of three. Encouraged by their mother, Carol, Kraut and sister Mary Elizabeth took riding lessons together throughout their childhood and still work together today. While Kraut trains and competes around the world at the highest levels of show jumping, Mary Elizabeth manages the business side of things. For almost three decades Kraut has represented the U.S. at Olympic Games, World Championships, and in numerous Nations Cup competitions. Kraut’s first big break came in 1992, when she was named an alternate to the U.S. team for the Barcelona Olympic Games. Eight years later, she made her Olympic Games debut in Sydney. Kraut earned her first team medal as part of the U.S. team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, where she and Miss Independent helped bring home a team silver medal. In 2008, Kraut and Cedric defied gravity and expectations at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. They won the 2008 USEF Olympic Games Selection Trials, jumping clear in the first round and never looking back. At the Olympic Games, Cedric was stellar in the team portion of the competition and was an integral part of the gold medal-winning effort for the U.S. A passion for horses and equestrian sport runs in the family for Kraut, as her teenage son, Bobby, is an avid competitor in the jumper ranks. Based in both Florida and Great Britain, Kraut and her longtime partner, legendary British show jumper Nick Skelton, run a successful training business. She is an ambassador for Just World International, the charitable foundation established by former equestrian rider Jessica Newman, which is dedicated to humanitarian causes.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016
• Team silver in the $150,000 FEI Nations Cup™ at CSIO4* Wellington with Zeremonie • Tied for team silver in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by Longines at CSIO5* Rome with Zeremonie • Won the CHIO Port Club Rotterdam Prijs at CHIO Rotterdam with Cedric • Won the STAWAG-Preis at CHIO Aachen with Confu • Tied for team silver in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen with Zeremonie • Tied for team bronze in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by Longines at CSIO5* Dublin with Cavalia • Team bronze in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final at CSIO5* Barcelona with Zeremonie • Won $130,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI5* at the Tryon Fall V with Nouvelle • Placed second in the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington at the Washington International Horse Show 2015 • Won the Ocala Grand Prix CSIO4* at the HITS Ocala Winter Festival with Cedric • Won team gold in the 100th Nations Cup of Germany at CSIO5* Mannheim with Nouvelle • Won the Longines Grand Prix of St. Moritz CSI4* with Deauville S
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 13
PHOTOS: ©ESI PHOTOGRAPHY (INSET), ©ALDEN CORRIGAN MEDIA
JENNI MCALLISTER
Born: August 31, 1969 Residence: Sun Valley, CA Horses: LEGIS Touch the Sun, a 2006 Holsteiner gelding, or LEGIS Venice, a 2005 Holsteiner mare Owner: LEGISEquine.com Groom: Ali McCool Follow Jenni McAllister: Facebook @RideTeamMcAllister Instagram @team_mcallister Website: teammcallister.com Most Recent Highlights: • Placed second in the 2016 $30,000 Blenheim June Classic II Grand Prix at Blenheim June Classic II with LEGIS Touch The Sun • Won the 2016 Grand Prix de Santa Fe at Santa Fe Summer Series with LEGIS Venice Jenni Martin McAllister competed in dressage and eventing as a junior before focusing solely on hunter/jumpers. In 1987, she helped Zone 10 earn the team silver medal at the North American Young Rider Championships. McAllister has continued to rise through the jumping ranks, finding success at the grand prix level with several horses that she has brought along herself. McAllister runs the successful Team McAllister out of Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in Southern California with her husband, Steve McAllister. Together, they train horses and students of all levels to success.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016 • Placed second in the $30,000 Blenheim June Classic II Grand Prix at Blenheim June Classic II with LEGIS Touch the Sun • Won the Grand Prix de Santa Fe at Santa Fe Summer Series with LEGIS Venice 2015 • Placed third in the $30,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix 1.40m at Blenheim Summer Classic II with LEGIS Venice • Placed third in the $50,000 Summer Grand Prix at Showpark Summer Classic with LEGIS Venice 2014 • Placed third in the $50,000 Tuff Rider/Equine Couture Grand Prix at Desert Circuit I with LEGIS Venice • Placed second in the $30,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at Desert Circuit II with LEGIS Venice • Place second in the $33,500 Showpark Jumper Classic at Showpark All Seasons Summer Tournament with LEGIS Venice
14 \\ OMAHA WORLD CUP
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (INSET), CSIO ST. GALLEN/KATJA STUPPIA
TODD MINIKUS
Born: June 11, 1962 Residence: Loxahatchee, FL Horse: Babalou 41, a 2005 Oldenburg mare Owners: Jack Snyder and Two Swans Farm Groom: Robbie Spatz Follow Todd Minikus: Instagram @todd_minikus Website: toddminikusshowjumping.com Most Recent Highlights: • Won the $100,000 FEI World Cup™ Qualifier at the 2017 Live Oak International with Babalou 41 • Won the $216,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI4* during week four of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with Babalou 41 • Won the $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Classic at during week five of the 2017 WEF with Zephyr Turning professional in 1980, Todd Minikus competed in his first Grand Prix in 1985. For more than 30 years, he has forged an impressive career highlighted by more than 130 Grand Prix wins, eight FEI World Cup Jumping Finals, and multiple Nations Cup team appearances. In 2001, he was named Equestrian of the Year by US Equestrian. In 2007, Minikus was part of the bronze medal-winning U.S. Team at the Pan American Games. Minikus, who grew up near Des Moines, Iowa, now operates Todd Minikus, Ltd., in Loxahatchee, Fla. Minikus’ wife, Amanda, acts as his stable manager, and the couple has two children: a son, Colt, and a daughter, Langley. When he’s not at the barn or on the road, he enjoys playing a round of golf and riding his motorcycle. Minikus is also known for being as good of a bull rider as he is a grand prix show jumper and very rarely misses attending the yearly Professional Bull Riding Championships.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016
• Won the $130,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI3* during week three of the WEF with Babalou 41 • Team gold in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4* Ocala with Babalou 41 • Team silver in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ at CSIO5* La Baule with Babalou 41 • Won the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* at the Kentucky Spring Classic with Quality Girl • Tied for team silver in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ at CSIO5* St. Gallen with Babalou 41 • Won the $216,000 Tryon Estates Grand Prix CSI4* at during week four of the Tryon Summer Series with Quality Girl 2015 • Team gold in the FEI Nations Cup™ CSIO4* Wellington presented by Kingsland Equestrian, where he also won the CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Lugano Diamonds at CSIO4* Wellington with Babalou 41 • Won the $34,000 Elm Rock Prix CSI5* at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach with Quality Girl • Team bronze in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by Longines at CSIO5* Hickstead with Babalou 41 • Placed second in the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4* presented by Longines at the Hampton Classic Horse Show with Quality Girl
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 15
PHOTOS: LEXEY HALL PHOTOGRAPHY (INSET), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTOPHOTO
MCLAIN WARD
Born: October 17, 1975 Residence: Brewster, NY Horse: HH Azur, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare Owner: Double H Farm and Francois Mathy Groom: Kirsty Bond Website: mclainward.com Most Recent Highlights: • Placed second in the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* during week 11 of the 2017 WEF with Rothchild • Won the $380,000 Suncast® CSI5* Grand Prix CSI5* during week seven of the at 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival with HH Azur • Team silver in the FEI Nations Cup™ CSIO4* Ocala at the HITS Ocala 2017 Winter Festival V with Rothchild • Won a team silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with HH Azur McLain Ward was introduced to riding before he could walk and has a competitive prowess that only continues to increase with age. In 1990, Ward became the youngest rider ever to win both the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Medal Finals and the USET Talent Derby at age 14. After turning pro, he quickly became the youngest rider to reach the $1 million mark in earnings in 1999, at age 24. Ward has been a valuable member of the U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team at the past four Olympic Games. He made his Olympic Games debut a memorable one at the 2004 Games in Athens, helping the U.S. win the team gold medal with legendary partner Sapphire. Two years later, the pair was part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. At the 2008 Olympic Games, Ward and Sapphire repeated their Olympic success, earning their second consecutive team gold medal. In 2012, Ward suffered a shattered knee-cap that kept him from riding for more than three months. Ward made his return to competition a notable one, winning in his first event back in the saddle at the $40,000 Old Salem Grand Prix with Antares F. In 2014 and 2015, Ward had big success with longtime partner Rothchild, who holds special meaning to Ward as one of last horses that was purchased by Ward’s late father, Barney. The pair was part of the team bronze-medal winning efforts at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the 2015 Pan American Games. It was at the Pan American Games that Ward accomplished what had eluded him throughout his career, his first individual medal – a gold. In 2016, Ward added another Olympic medal to his resume when he and HH Azur helped the U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team earn the team silver medal at the Rio Olympic Games. Ward is married to his wife, Lauren, who is an avid competitor in the amateur divisions. In early 2015, they welcomed their first child, Lilly.
Recent Accomplishments: 2016 • Won the $380,000 Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix during week five of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with Rothchild • Won $130,270 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto for the Hickstead Trophy • Team gold in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4* Ocala with Rothchild • Won the $380,000 Suncast® CSI5* Grand Prix during week seven of the WEF with HH Azur • Won the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Thermal Desert Circuit VII with Rothchild • Won the $130,000 Suncast® 1.50 M Championship Final during week 12 of the WEF with HH Carlos Z • Won the $50,000 Old Salem Grand Prix at the Old Salem Farm May I with HH Carlos Z • Won the $130,000 Empire State Grand Prix with Tina La Boheme and the $35,000 Grand Prix of North Salem with Rothchild at the Old Salem Farm May II
16 \\ OMAHA WORLD CUP
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE FINALS U.S. TOP THREE RANKINGS Year Venue Athlete Horse Final Ranking 2009 Las Vegas, Nevada
Steffen Peters
Ravel
1
2007 Las Vegas, Nevada
Steffen Peters
Floriano
3
2005 Las Vegas, Nevada
Debbie McDonald
Brentina
3
2003 Göteborg, Sweden
Debbie McDonald
Brentina
1
2003 Göteborg, Sweden
Günter Seidel
Nikolaus 7
3
FEI WORLD CUP™ JUMPING FINALS U.S. TOP THREE RANKINGS Year Venue Athlete Horse Final Ranking 2013 Göteborg, Sweden Beezie Madden Simon 1 2012 s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands Richard Fellers
Flexible
1
2009 Las Vegas, Nevada
McLain Ward
Sapphire
2
2008 Göteborg, Sweden
Richard Fellers
Flexible
2
1993 Göteborg, Sweden Michael Matz Rhum 3 1987 Paris, France
Lisa Jacquin
For The Moment
1986 Göteborg, Sweden
Leslie Burr-Howard Mc Lain
3 1
1986 Göteborg, Sweden Conrad Homfeld Maybe 3 1984 Göteborg, Sweden Mario Deslauriers Aramis 1 1984 Göteborg, Sweden
Norman Dello Joio
I Love You
2
1983 Wien, Austria
Norman Dello Joio
I Love You
1
1983 Wien, Austria Melanie Smith Calypso 3 1981 Birmingham, Great Britain
Donald Cheska
Southside
2
1980 Baltimore, Maryland
Conrad Homfeld
Balbuco
1
1979 Göteborg, Sweden
Kate Monahan-Prudent The Jones Boy
2
1979 Göteborg, Sweden
Norman Dello Joio
3
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
Allegro
OMAHA WORLD CUP // 17