2015 FEI World Cup Finals

Photo credits: SusanJStickle.com, Sportfot

2015 FEI WORLD CUP FINALS Las Vegas, Nev. April 15-19, 2015

The following athletes (in ranked order) have qualified during the World Cup qualifying events held through the 20142015 season to compete in the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final:

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Dressage

Photo credit: SusanJStickle.com

Steffen Peters

Born: September 18, 1964 Residence: San Diego, Calif.

Legolas 92 – 2002 Westphalian gelding owned

by Four Winds Farm Originally from Germany, Peters moved to the U.S. in 1985 and began riding for his adopted country in 1992.

Since this time, Peters has represented the U.S. at numerous championships and earned many National Titles.

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. In 2006, Peters and Floriano swept all three phases of competition at the 2006 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship in Gladstone, N.J., landing them the anchor spot on the Bronze medal-winning team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.

2007 was a breakout year for Peters and Lombardi 11.

They traveled to New Jersey from California to win the USEF/Collecting Gaits Farm Festival of Champions at the Grand Prix level and traveled to Aachen, Germany, to represent the U.S. in the CDIO3*.

With Ravel, Peters amassed a remarkable record. Under Peters’ expert guidance, the Dutch Warmblood gelding went from strength to strength during their partnership.

Ravel won every single competition he entered leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, including the 2008 USEF Selection Trials for Dressage. At the Olympic Games, he ended up fourth by the slimmest of margins, behind horses far more experienced. It was Ravel’s first competition outside the United States.

Ravel and Peters catapulted into 2009, winning the Grand Prix at the Exquis World Dressage Masters in Wellington, Fla., with an impressive effort. At the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, Ravel and Peters re-wrote history, beating out nine-time (and defending) World Cup champion Anky van Grunsven and Isabell Werth, to win both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle. In July, Ravel and Peters traveled to Germany for CDIO Aachen, where the pair won all three tests: the Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Spe2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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Dressage cial, and the Grand Prix Freestyle. This impressive sweep

Peters kicked off 2013 by winning the Grand Prix and

marked the first time an American combination had ever

Grand Prix Freestyle at The Dressage Affaire CDI3* with

achieved this feat.

Legolas 92. The pair traveled east and won the Grand Prix

In 2010, Ravel and Peters traveled to Wellington, Fla., to

at CDI5* Wellington, as well as finishing second in the Grand

take part in the Exquis World Dressage Masters. They beat

Prix Freestyle. Peters and Legolas tested out their partner-

some of the very best in the world on their way to winning

ship overseas and earned second-place finishes in both the

the Grand Prix Test and placing second in the Freestyle.

Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at CDI4* Hagen. The

That fall the pair was the anchor for the U.S. Team at

pair then helped the U.S. team finish third in the CDIO5*

the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky.

Aachen, coming in fifth individual in the Grand Prix. Peters

Peters collected the first Individual Championship medal

and Legolas 92 closed out the year by claiming top honors

of his career when he rode Ravel to the Bronze in the

in The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National

Grand Prix Special. Two nights later, Peters and Ravel put

Championship, Peters’ seventh National title.

in another heroic effort to capture the Bronze again in the Freestyle.

Peters and Ravel started the 2011 season with a feat that

In 2014, Peters began the year with top placings yet again.

He and Legolas 92 won the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W. They continued

had eluded them in the previous two years at the World

their winning ways at the Festival of the Horse, by taking

Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by International

home top honors in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix

Polo Club. They were victorious in the Grand Prix, for a third

Freestyle. Peters was on a roll at the 2014 U.S. Dressage

consecutive year, and the following evening won the Free-

Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp., win-

style after having been second the previous two years.

ning The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National

At the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of

Championship with Legolas 92, his eighth National Grand

Champions, Peters dominated in the Grand Prix, Interme-

Prix title and second consecutive title with Legolas 92. For

diaire I, and Prix St. Georges divisions. With Ravel, Peters

their efforts, Peters and Legolas 92 were named to the

took home top honors in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special,

Short List for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

and Grand Prix Freestyle. He and Weltino’s Magic won the

(WEG) U.S. Dressage Team. Peters also claimed the top two

and the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I, and Intermediaire I

spots in The Dutta Corp./USEF Intermediaire I Dressage

Freestyle.

National Championship with Rosamunde and Apassionata,

Peters partnered with Weltino’s Magic to represent the U.S. at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara,

respectively.

Peters traveled to Europe and maintained his top form

Mexico. The pair performed beautifully, bringing home

as he prepared for the 2014 WEG. At CDI4* Fritzens-

Team and Individual Gold Medals for the U.S.

Schindlhof, he won the Intermediaire I and Prix St. Georges

In 2012, Peters and Ravel swept the World Dressage

with Rosamunde and finished second in the Grand Prix and

Masters CDI4* Palm Beach presented by International Polo

Grand Prix Freestyle with Legolas 92. Peters then trav-

Club, winning the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle.

eled to CDI3* Verden with Legolas 92 and won the Grand

Peters competed on Legolas 92 in the 2012 USEF Dres-

Prix and Grand Prix Special. At the 2014 Alltech FEI World

sage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S.

Equestrian Games, Peters and Legolas 92 guided the U.S.

Dressage Team, where the pair nearly swept the Grand Prix,

team to a fourth-place finish, in addition to finishing in 10th

winning three of the four rounds and defending his 2011

in the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle.

Championship with an overall score of 77.653%. Later that

Starting off 2015 in his usual fashion, Peters earned top

summer, Peters and Ravel traveled to the United King-

placings with his horses. At Dressage Getaway Inc., he

dom, where they participated in the 2012 London Olympic

finished in the top two spots in the Grand Prix with Legolas

Games for the United States, Ravel’s final competition

92 and Rosamunde, respectively. Traveling to the Adequan

before retiring.

Global Dressage Festival, Peters won the FEI Grand Prix

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Dressage and Grand Prix Special with Rosamunde and was second in the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle with Legolas 92. Next up, Peters and Legolas 92 won the CDI Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at the Mid-Winter Dressage CDI-W. He then took the Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W by storm, winning the CDI-W Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle with Legolas 92 and finishing first in the CDI-W Grand Prix Special and second in the CDI-W Grand Prix with Rosamunde. During the Festival of the Horse CDI3*, Peters won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle with Rosamunde.

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Dressage aire II level. At the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships, the pair was second in the Intermediaire II Championship. They then traveled to the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan and claimed top honors in the Intermediate II Open Championship.

Graves has had her biggest year to date in 2014. Beginning the year at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), she moved Verdades up to the Grand Prix level and won the Grand Prix during week three. The pair had another great performance during week seven, coming in second in the Grand Prix Special. Graves and Verdades then scored two more second-place finishes during the final week of the AGDF in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle. They then traveled to the KDA 28th Annual Dressage Show, where they were second in the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle.

On a roll, Graves competed Verdades in the U.S. Dressage Festival of Championship presented by The Dutta Corp.

They were second in the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestlye, tied for fourth in the Grand Prix, and finished Photo credit: SusanJStickle.com

Laura Graves

Born: July 22, 1987 Residence: Plymouth, Fla. Verdades – 2002 KWPN gelding owned by the rider Laura Graves is an accomplished international FEI competitor and USDF Gold Medalist. She has been studying the art of dressage for over 20 years. Her mount, Verdades, was chosen from a video by her mother as a foal. Laura advanced him up the levels herself with the guidance of trainers.

In 2012, Graves and Verdades led Team USA II to a thirdplace finish in the WEF Wellington Dressage Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm. Individually, the pair was third in the Prix St. Georges and fourth in the Intermediaire Freestyle. At the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions, Graves and Verdades were eighth overall in the USEF National Intermediaire I Championship.

In 2013, Graves competed Verdades at the Intermedi-

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second overall in The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship. Their performance earned them a spot on the Short List for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Dressage Team, enabling them to compete in Europe for the first time.

At CDI4* Fritzens-Schindlhof, Graves and Verdades scored two second-place finishes in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. Two weeks later at CDIO5* Aachen, they were eighth in the Grand Prix Special and tied for 10th in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

Graves made her World Championship debut at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, having a phenomenal showing with Verdades. Together they were 10th in the Grand Prix, eighth in the Grand Prix Special, and fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 82.036%, in addition to helping the U.S. Team to a fourth-place finish.

Graves and Verdades began 2015 with a win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle and second in the FEI Grand Prix at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby. During week 10 of the AGDF, the pair won the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.

Graves and Verdades closed out their time on the Florida circuit by helping USA Team I win Gold in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup and earning the Individual Gold medal for collecting top honors in the Stillpoint Farm CDIO3* Freestyle.

Dressage - Chef d’Equipe can had won in Aachen since 1960, and Dover considers it the high point of his distinguished career.

He made his international team debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, finishing in 17th place in the individual competition on Romantico, while the U.S. placed sixth in the team competition. Dover returned to the Olympic Games in 1988 in Seoul, where he finished in 13th place.

At the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Dover won his first medal, helping to lead the U.S. to a Team Bronze medal.

In 1994, Dover was named “Male Equestrian of the Year” by the U.S. Olympic Committee after winning the Team Bronze medal at the FEI World Equestrian Games in The Hague and finishing fifth individually. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, he won his second Olympic medal when the U.S. finished in third place to win the Team Bronze medal for the second straight time.

At the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Dover captained the U.S. team and helped lead the Americans to another Bronze medal, finishing behind Germany and The NetherPhoto credit: USEF Archives

Robert Dover

Born: June 7, 1956 Residence: Wellington, Fla Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover has earned more honors than any other

lands.

Dover clinched his sixth Olympic Games berth in 2004. In Athens, the veteran rode FBW Kennedy, winning the Team Bronze medal and finishing sixth individually. To finish out his career in 2005, Dover placed fourth in the 2005 FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas.

He has also taught clinics all over the world, sat on many USEF committees, and is one of the founders of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, which helps people in the horse world suffering from any life-threatening illness or injury.

U.S. Dressage rider, competing in six consecutive Olympic Games for the United States, as well as on four FEI World Equestrian Games teams and at seven FEI World Cup Finals.

Dover began riding when he was 13 years old, graduated as an “A” pony-clubber, and specialized in dressage when he was 19. After attending the University of Georgia, he saw his equestrian career take off in the 1980s. After his first Olympic appearance in 1984, Dover helped the U.S. capture the North American championship the following year. In 1987, Dover defeated six-time Olympic Gold medalist Dr. Reiner Klimke to win the Aachen Grand Prix in Germany in front of a crowd of 65,000. This victory was the first time an Ameri2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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The following athletes (in ranked order) have qualified during the World Cup qualifying events held through the 20142015 season to compete in the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final:

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North American East Coast League

Rider Name

Minikus was on a tear in 2009, continuously placing in the money at multiple events. He won three big classes in

Born: xxxxxx Residence: xxxxx

February; the $30,000 Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge

Horse Info xxxx

with Alaska. 2009 also marked the fifth time Minikus repre-

Cup during week eight of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Presidente and both the $76,600 ESP WEF 7 Grand Prix and the $25,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix

xxxxxxx

sented the U.S. at the FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas.

Minikus and Pavarotti represented the U.S. on Tour Two of the Nations Cup in the summer of 2009. In Rotterdam, the pair helped the U.S. secure a second-place finish. The pair returned to the U.S. and continued their successful season, winning both the $25,000 and $75,000 Grand Prixes at HITS-on-the-Hudson in July.

In 2010, Minikus was back at it with Pavarotti, winning the $75,000 Nespresso Grand Prix at the end of January.

He wrapped up the WEF season with a third-place finish in the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI5*. At the 2010 USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Photo credit: Sportfot

Todd Minikus

Born: June 11, 1962 Residence: Loxahatchee, Fla Babalou 41 – 2005 Oldenburg mare owned by Two Swans Farm Turning professional in 1980, Todd Minikus competed in his first grand prix in 1985. For more than twenty years, he has forged an impressive career highlighted by more than 75 grand prix wins, five FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals, and multiple Nations Cup teams. Minikus was an alternate to the U.S. show jumping team for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. In 2001, he won the $100,000 Rolex/USET Show Jumping Championship and was selected as the recipient of the Horseman of the Year Award.

In 2007, Minikus and Pavarotti were members of the Gold medal-winning team at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and runners-up in the $150,000 CN U.S. Open Jumper Championship, presented by Cosequin.

Team, Minikus and Pavarotti won trials 1 and 4 after turning in the fastest no-fault rounds. Their performance in the trials earned them a place on U.S. Show Jumping Long List for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Minikus spent the spring traveling around the east coast, winning the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix at the HITS-on-theHudson I on Pavarotti in late May, and the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake a week later at the Devon Horse Show.

In August, Minikus won the $40,000 Grand Prix at the Winston National on Little Annie, then followed up the win with a second-place finish in the Constitution Classic’s $40,000 Grand Prix.

In 2011, Minikus won the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup during week 10 of the WEF before defending his 2010 victory in the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake at Devon.

Minikus returned to the winner’s circle at the I Love New York Horse Show in the Woodlea Farms Grand Prix II and Open Jumper Classic II on Pavarotti. During HITS-on-theHudson V, he won both the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix and $75,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sweetheart. Two weeks later, Minikus won the $30,000 Wild Card Grand Prix. At the National Horse Show, a win in the Welcome Speed Class closed out his competition season.

In 2012 Minikus finished fourth in the HITS-on-the-Hudson 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League I $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Macoemba. The pair fin-

During CSIO4* Wellington, Minikus and Babalou 41 were

ished out the year with a second-place finish in the $50,000

on the Hermes U.S. Show Jumping Team that won the FEI

Holiday & Horses CSI2*-W Grand Prix.

Nations Cup presented by Kinglsand Equestrian and were

Minikus began 2013 by scoring top honors in the $50,000 Live Oak Grand Prix CSI2* with Quality Girl. With Uraguay, Minikus earned another victory in the $50,000 Old Salem

the winners of the CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Lugano Diamonds.

Minikus, who grew up near Des Moines, Iowa, now oper-

Grand Prix. He and Quality Girl won the $25,000 SmartPak

ates Todd Minikus, Ltd., in Loxahatchee, Fla. When he’s not

Grand Prix during HITS-on-the-Hudson II and IV. At New

at the barn or on the road, he enjoys playing golf, fishing,

York Horse & Pony Show, the pair claimed top honors in the

and spending time with his family.

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix. They then scored an impressive second-place finish in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix.

Minikus closed out his year with a win and second-place finish with Quality Girl in the $50,000 Welcome Speed class and $100,000 Open Jumper class, respectively, at the Alltech National Horse Show.

Starting 2014 off in fine form, Minikus and Quality Girl scored a win in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Round 3. With Babalou 41, Minikus took home top honors in the $100,000 1.50M Championship Jumper Classic during week 12 of WEF. He and Quality Girl improved to first in the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake at the Devon Horse Show. Minikus continued his winning ways with Arino du Rouet in the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix and Macoemba in the Landgero Cup Grand Prix.

In the summer, Minikus was on a roll, winning the I Love NY Grand Prix with Babalou 41 and the Jumper Classic with Quality Girl at the I Love New York Horse Show. He and Arino du Roulet scored a win in the $50,000 Horze Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV. Traveling to Bromont, Canada, Minikus and Quality won the CSI3*-W Grand Prix.

The pair then scored a huge win in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix.

Minikus stayed on the top of his game in the fall, finishing second in the $85,000 Prix de Penn National with Quality Girl. The pair then won the $34,000 Welcome Stake at Washington International Horse Show. Minikus closed out his year with a second-place finish in $100,000 Hickstead FEI World Cup Grand Prix with Quality Girl at the Royal Winter Horse Show.

This year is off to a strong start for Minikus as he won the $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix with Cordonos. With Quality Girl, he was second in the $85,000 SuncastÂŽ 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic during week four of WEF.

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Rider Name Born: xxxxxx Residence: xxxxx Horse Info xxxx xxxxxxx

Photo credit: Picsofyou.com

Laura Kraut

Born: November 14, 1965 Residence: Royal Palm Beach, Fla. Nouvelle – 2004 KWPN mare owned by the Evita Group For almost two decades Laura 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 as an alternate to the U.S. team for Barcelona after excelling in the Selection Trials. Eight years later she made would make her Olympic debut in Sydney.

Kraut spent much of the 2005 summer representing the U.S. in the competitive Samsung Super League series in Europe. She helped the U.S. secure wins in Nations Cup competition at CSIO Aachen and CSIO La Baule, and to second-place finishes at CSIO Rome and CSIO Hickstead, riding both Anthem and Miss Independent.

With Miss Independent, Kraut was third overall at the FEI World Equestrian Games qualifiers in March of 2006 in Wellington, Fla. Kraut’s placing at the qualifier earned her a spot on the U.S. Team for the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, where the combination helped bring home a Team Silver medal.

Kraut was an integral part of the U.S. teams in the Samsung Super League in 2007. Riding Anthem, she was part of the all-female team that stormed to victory at CSIO Hickstead in July and was second two weeks later in Dublin.

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. This set them up beautifully for their impressive Olympic performance.

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. In the winter of 2010, Kraut and Cedric once again showed their skill by winning the $150,000 CN US Open on the strength of a lightning fast jump-off round. In the summer of 2010, Kraut and Cedric were on the winning team at 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League the Meydan FEI Nations Cup stop in Rotterdam where they produced a double-clear effort. The pair capped off their summer in Europe by winning the Valkenswaard VDL Groep Grand Prix in The Netherlands. They finished their season by representing the U.S. at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

In 2011, Kraut and Cedric hit the ground running by winning the Adequan Grand Prix and the FEI World Cup CSI3*- W presented by Spy Coast Farm at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). They finished off their season in Wellington by winning the premier class of the circuit the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix.

Kraut once again enjoyed a successful season in 2013, winning both stateside and abroad. In March she and Cedric were part of the winning U.S. team at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm at CSIO Wellington.

Over the summer she collected top placings throughout Europe including a win in Wiesbaden and a second-place finish in Madrid on the Longines Global Champions Tour, where she finished third in the 2013 rankings.

2014 once again saw Kraut start her campaign at the WEF, where she was a member of the third place U.S. team in Nations Cup competition at CSIO Wellington and earned a second-place finish with Nouvelle in the feature Grand Prix. In September, Kraut piloted Andretti S to a secondplace finish in the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W. The year came to a close for Kraut and Cedric with a win in the Holiday & Horses Grand Prix.

Kraut and Cedric continued their winning ways as they began their 2015 campaign with a win the Trump Invitational Grand Prix. The pair were members of the second-placed Hermes U.S. Show Jumping Team in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Edge Water Brewing and two days later romped to victory in the Ocala Grand Prix to close out CSIO4* Ocala.

A passion for horses and equestrian sport runs in the family for Kraut, as her 15-year-old son, Bobby, is an avid competitor in the jumper ranks and her sister, Mary Elizabeth, helps to manage the business and schedules.

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North American East Coast League

Photo credit: Sportfot

Beezie Madden Born: November 20, 1963 Residence: Cazenovia, N.Y.

Simon – 1999 KWPN gelding owned by Abigail Wexner Originally from Milwaukee, Wisc., Beezie Madden has been riding since the age of three and made her debut at Grand Prix, jumping’s highest level, in 1985 at age 22. For nearly three decades, Madden has represented the United States in the world’s most prestigious competitions and was the first woman to pass the $1 million mark in earnings for show jumping. Additionally, Madden has won the USEF Equestrian of the Year title four times, including back-toback honors in 2006 and 2007, the first rider ever to do so, and then again earning back-to-back honors in 2013 and 2014.

In 2004, Madden and Authentic won their first of two Olympic Team Gold medals with their contributions of clear

rounds. Two years later, the pair added Team and Individual Silver medals to their resume with outstanding performances at 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

The following year, the duo again found success in Aachen, beating out 40 of the world’s best in the Rolex Grand Prix. Madden enjoyed another incredible year in 2008 with Authentic. She garnered her second consecutive Team Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where they won an unbelievable jump-off to also pick up Individual Bronze.

2011 saw Madden win at home and on foreign soil. In March, she and Coral Reef Via Volo were part of the winning U.S. team in the FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. In April, Madden traveled to Leipzig, Germany, to compete in the 2011 Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals, where she tied for fourth-place honors. Then with Cortes ‘C’, Madden claimed her first victory on the Global Champions Tour winning the Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo won the Longines International Grand Prix of Rotterdam. The year ended on a high note for Madden when she 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, to represent the U.S. at the

Bronze to her medal haul. Her season came to a conclusion

2011 Pan American Games. Riding Coral Reef Via Volo, she

with strong performances jumping at indoors, including

won Team Gold and Individual Silver medals.

scoring a remarkable win in the CP World Cup Qualifier at

In 2012, Madden made her third Olympic appearance for the U.S. in London with Coral Reef Via Volo.

the National Horse Show.

In 2015, Madden helped the Hermes U.S. Show Jumping

In 2013, Madden cemented her status among the sport’s

Team to a second-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations

elite as she won at nearly every turn. She began her record-

Cup presented by Edgewater Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4*

setting campaign at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian

Ocala with Simon. During week eight of the Winter Eques-

Festival, winning the FEI W-Cup Grand Prix CSI3* presented

trian Festival, she and Simon cruised to second place in the

by Spy Coast Farm before aiding in the winning U.S. effort in

CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Lugano Diamonds.

the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C

In addition to competing, Madden also runs a successful

Farm. In April, Madden traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden,

training and sales business with her husband, John, out of

to claim the one title that had eluded her in her illustrious

their Cazenovia, N.Y., and Wellington, Fla., bases.

career, the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final crown. She kicked off the week with a win in the Speed Leg before jumping three more consistent rounds with Simon to force a jump-off with the reigning Olympic champion, where a clear effort saw her claim victory.

She continued to dominate in Europe, producing an impressive two double clears in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competitions and a Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Chantilly victory over the summer with Cortes ‘C’.

Madden then helped the U.S. to a win in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

As a testament to her 2013 success, Madden spent three months as the second-ranked rider in the world on the Longines/FEI Rankings.

2014 was another tremendous year for Madden, as she scored a big win in the $200,000 American Invitational presented by G&C Farm with Coral Reef Via Volo. In May of 2014, Madden was forced to sit on the sidelines for six weeks due to a broken collarbone. Returning to competition in July, she quickly returned to her winning ways, helping the U.S. to victory in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain presented by Longines at CSIO5* Hickstead with a double-clear effort on Cortes ‘C’. She then became the first woman to ever win the Longines King George V Gold Cup at CSIO5* Hickstead with Cortes ‘C’. The following week she was a member of the winning U.S. Nations Cup effort at CSIO5* Dublin with Simon.

Madden closed out the summer by anchoring the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team to Team Bronze at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, where she also added Individual

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Photo credit: Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group

Jack Hardin Towell

Born: January 4, 1988 Residence: Camden, S.C. Lucifer V – 2006 Westphalian gelding owned by Jennifer Gates, LLC Jack Hardin Towell grew up in one of the country’s top equestrian families. His parents, Jack and Lisa Towell, run Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina, also the training base of his sister, hunter rider and trainer Liza Boyd. Towell moved up through the hunter and equitation ranks before transitioning to the jumper divisions.

In 2012, Towell won the $25,000 Carolina Real Estate Co. Grand Prix with S & L Shoefly at the Aiken Spring Classic.

At the Country Heir I Horse Show, he and Fieona were third in the $45,000 Country Heir I Grand Prix.

Towell had a strong year in 2013. He won the $25,000 Summer Festival Grand Prix with Flip at the Showpark Summer Festival. The pair came in fourth in the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute “The Betsy” Grand Prix at The Kentucky National Horse Show. Towell closed out his year with a second-place finish in the $33,000 LA National Open Welcome Stake with Man in Black at the Los Angeles National Horse Show.

2014 was a standout year for Towell. He started the season off at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, earning a win in the $50,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI2* with Man in Black. At the Thunderbird Show Park Summer Festival, the pair finished second in the $55,500 Bryan Anderson Memorial Grand Prix. Towell made a statement at The Longines Los Angeles Masters, winning both the Amalaya Investments Trophy CSI2* and the Barons de Rothschild Trophy CSI2,* and placing second in the Airbus Grand Prix CSI2* with Lucifer V. Next up, he and Silence were third in the $55,000 Land Rover Grand Prix of Sacramento at the Sacramento International Horse Show. With Flip, Towell was second in the $50,000 Intuit Welcome Stake at the Del Mar International Horse Show. He rode Silence to a third2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League place finish in the $100,000 Sunshine Series Grand Prix CSI2*-W at the National Sunshine Series II. Towell finished out the year with a second-place finish in the $50,000 Holiday & Horses Grand Prix CSI2*-W. Towell started off 2015 with a win in the $127,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Round IX aboard Lucifer V during week nine of the Winter Equestrian Festival. He scored another win in the $84,500 Artisan Farms Prix 1.50m CSI5* with Cadence at the Global Champions Tour stop in Miami, Fla.

16 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

North American East Coast League Coe jumped to many strong placings in the Grand Prix ring, partnering with a number of Ilan Ferder’s talented horses. In June of 2008, she and Starlight won the $25,000 Fairfield Grand Prix in Connecticut. In August of 2010, Coe and Kilkenny Randall Z were fifth in the $30,000 Manchester and the Mountains Grand Prix.

In 2011, Coe clocked up many miles traveling back and forth between Florida and California to compete a number of horses. During the first week in March, Coe and Tristan teamed up to win the $31,000 HITS Welcome Classic presented by Pfizer Animal Health at Thermal. The following week, with Kilkenny Randall Z, she was second in the $200,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix. Coe completed the winter season of 2011 by finishing eighth with Tristan in a star-studded field at the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

2012 started well for Coe. She and her horses had several strong placings at the FTI Consulting WEF. With Baronez, Photo credit: Picsofyou.com

Kirsten Coe

Born: January 14, 1981 Residence: Royal Palm Beach, Fla. Baronez – 2001 Belgian Warmblood mare owned

by Ilan Ferder, Lovsta Stuteri, and Tal Milstein Czardas 30 – 2003 Hanoverian stallion owned by Lovsta Stuteri Growing up on the West Coast, Kirsten Coe spent much of her childhood in the saddle. For the majority of her junior career, she perfected her skills at the Desert Circuit in California.

Throughout her career, Coe has often done double-duty in both the hunter and jumper rings. In the hunter classes, she has picked up many tri-color ribbons on many different horses. With Heartfelt, Coe won the World Champion Hunter Rider Professional Challenge at the Capital Challenge in 2007.

Coe finished third in the $32,000 Suncast 1.50M Championship Jumper Classic. Coe and Combina finished sixth in the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round IX. For her performances, Coe qualified to represent the U.S. at the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals.

Coe traveled to Europe where she finished ninth in the CSI4* Gold Tour class in Antwerpen, Belgium on Sundance.

She bettered that performance in Wiesbaden, Germany on the Global Champions Tour (GCT) when she finished fourth in a CSI5* 1.45M class on Baronez.

Back in the states, Coe finished fifth in the $50,000 Spy Coast/YHS Grand Prix Qualifier with Baronez at the Hampton Classic. She added a third-place finish to her results for the year, riding Catando Lyngriis in the Grand Prix of Princeton. Coe ended 2012 with a third-place finish in the $25,000 Citibank New Years Grand Prix with Chicago Lyngriis.

In 2013, Coe won the $30,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Round VII with Baronez during week seven of the FTI Consulting WEF. The following week she and Calypso were third in the $25,000 Ariat Jumper Classic. During week 11, Coe had a great week with Baronez, finishing third in the $101,000 Pennefield Feeds CSI4* Grand Prix and fifth in the $50,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Round XI. The pair’s success continued, placing fourth at the American Invitational. Trav2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League eling to Spruce Meadows, Coe and Baronez were fifth in the $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier during the CSI5* ‘National’ Tournament. With Calypso, Coe scored a second-place finish in the $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup during the CSI4* ‘Canada One’ Tournment.

Going overseas to compete, Coe helped the U.S. team win the CSIO3* Bratislava in Slovokia aboard Calypso. The pair also was third in a CSIO3* 1.60M class. In Beervelde, Belgium, Coe rode Baronez to a fifth-place finish in a CSI3* class.

Returning to North America, Coe again was a Nations Cup team member, representing the U.S. in the $350,000 BMO Nations Cup during the Spruce Meadows CSIO5* ‘Masters’ Tournament. She closed out her year with a fourth-place finish in the $100,000 Open Jumper 1.50M class with Baronez at the Alltech National Horse Show.

Coe began 2014 on a high note at Desert Circuit VII on the West Coast, finishing third in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix with Baronez. The pair scored another third-place finish at the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. At Spruce Meadows in June, she helped the U.S. team to a third-place finish in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Scotiabank. At the National Horse Show, Coe earned valuable World Cup points with a sixth-place finish on Baronez in the CP Grand Prix.

In 2015, Coe secured her ticket to the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final with a third-place finish in the Live Oak International CSI2*-W Grand Prix with Czardas 30 at the Live Oak International.

18 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

North American East Coast League

Photo credit: Tomas Holcbecher/FEI

McLain Ward

Born: October 17, 1975 Residence: Brewster, N.Y. HH Carlos Z – 2002 Zangersheide gelding owned

by Double H Farm Rothchild – 2001 Warmblood gelding owned by Sagamore Farm McLain Ward has an international Grand Prix prowess that only continues to increase with age. In 1990, Ward became the youngest rider ever to win both the USET Medal Finals and the USET Talent Derby at age 14. He would go on to turn that into a legacy, winning the pair of competitions from 1990-1992. Ward has already competed in more than 10 Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals and numerous FEI Nations Cup competitions.

In 2004, Ward made his Olympic debut with Sapphire in Athens, where the pair helped the U.S. to a Team Gold medal.

And two years later they were members of the Silver medalwinning team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

The road to the 2008 Olympic Games and Ward and Sapphire’s second consecutive Team Gold medal quickly gained momentum, including being a valuable part of the winning U.S. team at the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup presented by CN at the Winter Equestrian Festival in March. Just one month later, the pair won the $200,000 Budweiser Invitational in Tampa in a deluge of rain and wind.

In 2009, the two-time Olympic Gold medalists won at nearly every turn. Ward and Sapphire prepared diligently for the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final all winter and were rewarded with a second-place finish for their efforts. The pair took home top honors in the $1 Million CN International at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament - one of the most prestigious classes in the world. Also in 2009, they won the Devon Grand Prix for the second time.

For a second straight year, Ward and Sapphire won the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix at the end of March of 2010. During the summer of 2010, Ward proved to be a force in Europe, jumping to many successful finishes all 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League over the continent. With Sapphire, Ward won the coveted

Cup Jumping Final at CSIO Barcelona. Ward ended the year

classes of the La Baule Grand Prix and the Rome Grand Prix.

on a high note, earning top honors in the $100,000 Hickstead

Ward finished off his summer in Europe by winning the presti-

FEI World Cup Grand Prix with Rothchild.

gious Dublin Grand Prix with Antares F. Ward and Sapphire continued to accumulate strong results

Ward once again began his 2014 campaign in Wellington, Fla. and during CSIO4* Wellington, he aided the U.S. team to a

in the fall of 2010. In September, they won the $250,000 FTI

third-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented

Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier for a second consecu-

by G&C Farm with Rothchild. During the third week in April,

tive year at the Hampton Classic. The following week, Ward

Ward then traveled to Longines FEI World Cup Jumping

and Sapphire won the inaugural Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix

Final in Lyon, France, earning a ninth-place finish. The follow-

at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, N.Y. In October 2010,

ing weekend Ward and Rothchild were the winners of the

Ward and Sapphire were the highest-placed Americans at the

Longines Global Champions Tour of Antwerp Grand Prix. He

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky.

then earned multiple victories in June and July at the Spruce

Ward had another strong start to the 2011 season, jump-

Meadows Tournaments. With Rothchild, he was the winner

ing at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

of the CP Grand Prix on the final day of the CSIO5* Spruce

In March, Ward and Sapphire teamed up for another U.S. win

Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament. With a double-clear

in the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup CSIO4* presented by G&C

effort in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain pre-

Farm. At the Hampton Classic Horse Show in September,

sented by Longines at CSIO5* Hickstead, Ward and Rothchild

Ward added to his illustrious resume, by tying his own record,

helped the U.S. to victory. In September, Ward and Rothchild

winning a Grand Prix at the Classic on three consecutive

helped the Hermes U.S. show Jumping Team to a Bronze

days. Ward and Antares F were victorious in the $250,000

medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, where they

FTI Grand Prix, thereby tying the record of three consecutive

also finished fifth individually.

Hampton Classic Grand Prix wins. This feat added to Ward’s

To complete his 2014 campaign, Ward teamed up with

own record of winning the Classic’s featured Grand Prix six

HH Carlos Z to win the President’s Cup Grand Prix at the

times, twice as many as anyone else. In the fall, Ward and

Washington International Horse Show, as well as winning

Antares F were part of the Gold medal-winning U.S. team at

the Hickstead Grand Prix with Rothchild at The Royal Horse

the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The

Show.

pair finished fourth individually.

Ward has started his 2015 season by once again jumping

In January 2012, Ward suffered a shattered knee-cap that

at the WEF, winning the $85,000 Suncast 1.50M Classic with

kept him from riding for more than three months. At the Old

HH Carlos Z. He and HH Carlos Z were then members of the

Salem Farm Spring Horse Show, Ward made his return to

winning Hermes U.S. Show Jumping Team in the FEI Nations

competition a noticeable one by winning the $40,000 Old

Cup presented by Kingsland Equestrian. Traveling to the HITS

Salem Grand Prix with Antares F. The following weekend,

Thermal Desert Circuit, Ward and Rothchild were second

Ward won the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix with Zander.

in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix. Next heading to the Great

In August 2012, Ward made his third Olympic appearance for

American $1 Million Grand Prix at the HITS Ocala, the pair

the U.S. at the 2012 London Olympic Games aboard Antares F.

placed second once again. Ward closed out his winter season

2013 proved to be another successful year for Ward. At the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, he collected a top-10 finish with Super Trooper de Ness. Ward

with a win aboard HH Carlos Z in the $500,00 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* during the final week of WEF. Ward is married to his wife, Lauren, who is an avid com-

then traveled back to the U.S. and once again earned top

petitor in the amateur divisions. On February 9, 2015, they

honors in the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon with Rothchild.

welcomed their first child, Lilly Kristine Ward.

In addition, he and Rothchild jumped consistently for the U.S. in Nations Cup competition and helped the U.S. to earn top honors in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations

20 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

North American East Coast League CSI4*-W ‘Canada One’ Tournament, Dinan and Vancouver came in third in the $50,000 RBC Financial Group Cup. At the 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, Dinan and Vancouver continued their success by winning the Individual Gold and Team Bronze medals.

Dinan’s campaign progressed into the fall where she finished third in the $30,000 Grand Prix of Princeton with Nougat du Vallet. At the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Dinan was a member of the winning Zone 2 team in the $15,000 Randolph College/USEF Prix de States Team Championship. She finished out 2011 by placing second at the $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic with Nougat du Vallet at the Holiday and Horses Show.

Dinan started off 2012 competing in the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). She came in third with Vancouver in the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Reality CSI2* Grand Prix during week two. Dinan and Nougat du Vallet scored a big victory, winning the $50,000 Horseware Photo credit: Picsofyou.com

Katie Dinan

Born: August 11, 1993 Residence: New York, N.Y. Stakorado – 2005 Hanoverian gelding owned by Grant Road Partners, LLC Katie Dinan has amassed a record that people twice her age would be envy. Dinan began riding at the age of four and three years later was active in the competition ring.

In October of 2010, Dinan and Vancouver represented Zone 2 on the Gold medal-winning team at the Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

In 2011, she headed to the European Youngster Cup Finals after finishing fifth in the overall rankings. In Leipzig, Germany, she and Vancouver finished second in a CSI2* class. Upon returning to the states, Dinan finished first and fifth in the $25,000 New York Welcome Stake with Vancouver and Amoroso, respectively. At the Spruce Meadows

Ireland CSI2* Grand Prix during week three. In March, Dinan competed in the USEF National Show Jumping Championship and was named to the Long List for the U.S. Show Jumping Team. Dinan finished out the FTI Consulting WEF with a fourth-place finish with Nougat du Vallet in the $500,000 FTI Consulting CSI5* Grand Prix.

In April, Dinan was awarded the USET Maxine Beard Award for her competitive record and future potential to represent the United States in international competition.

She next traveled to Old Salem Farm, winning the $25,000 New York Welcome Stake Grand Prix and finishing second in the $40,000 Old Salem Grand Prix with Nougat du Vallet.

During the summer, Dinan traveled to France where she finished fifth with Sandro in a CSI5* class at Chantilly. The next week, the pair took top honors in the CSI3* Grand Prix at Dinard. Dinan then rode Nougat du Vallet finished second and fifth in two CSIO5* classes in Gijon, Spain. Upon returning to the states, Dinan and Nougat du Vallet took second place in the Hagyard Equine Institute CSI-W Lexington. The pair finished second once again in the $85,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Prix de Penn National at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, where Dinan received the Leading Lady Rider Award. Dinan finished out 2012 by winning the $50,000 Holiday & Horses FEI World Cup CSI2*-W with 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American East Coast League Nougat du Vallet.

Dinan began 2013 by finishing in second place with Nou-

Dinan has collected top placings on both coasts in the beginning of 2015. She placed second in the $34,000

gat du Vallet in the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty

Suncast Classic CSI3* with Bijou de Balou during week six

CSI2* during week two of the FTI Consulting WEF. She

of the WEF, and won the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition

rode Glory Days to the win in the $15,000 Artisan Farms

Grand Prix CSI2*-W with Nougat Du Vallet at HITS Thermal

Grand Prix, and finished second in the $125,000 FEI W-Cup

Desert Circuit V.

Grand Prix CSI3* presented by Spy Coast with Nougat du Vallet during week six. Two weeks later, Dinan and Glory Days won again, this time in the $25,000 Ariat Jumper Classic. In the spring, she scored a big win with Nougat du Vallet, topping the field in the $100,000 Old Salem Grand Prix.

Dinan stepped up to the plate as a routine member of Nations Cup teams throughout the remainder of the season. During the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament, Dinan and Nougat du Vallet guided the U.S. Stripes team to second-place honors on the strength of a double-clear round. For her efforts, Dinan was named the Furusiyya Rider of the Day. Next, she and Nougat du Vallet traveled to Europe and were members of the U.S. team at the CSIO5* Dublin, which finished in third place in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Longines. The pair was chosen once more to help the U.S. team earn a first-place finish in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at CSIO Barcelona. She closed out the season on a high note, winning the Alltech $250,000 Grand Prix CSI5*-W with Nougat du Vallet.

She began 2014 with a second-place finish in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette Round II with Glory Days during week two of the FTI Consulting WEF. During week nine Dinan and Nougat du Vallet came in fourth in the $280,000 FEI World Cup CSI4*-W presented by Bainbridge Companies. The pair then traveled to Lyon, France for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final, where they finished in 14th place.

Remaining in Europe, Dinan rode Nougat du Vallet to a third-place finish in a CSI2* class at CSI4* Ebreichsdorf.

They were then part of the Nations Cup team at CSIO5* Rotterdam. At CSI5* Treffen, Dinan scored a win with Galan S in a CSI2* class. Partnering with Nougat du Vallet, Dinan helped the U.S. team to claim the win in the Furusiyya FEI Nations presented by Longines at CSIO5* Dublin with a fault-free effort. Closing out the year, the pair came in third in the $200,000 American Gold Cup upon returning to the U.S.

22 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

North American West Coast League

Rider Name Born: xxxxxx Residence: xxxxx Horse Info xxxx xxxxxxx

Photo credit: SusanJStickle.com

Rich Fellers

Born: October 3, 1959 Residence: Sherwood, Ore. Flexible – 1996 Irish Sport Horse stallion owned

by Harry and Mollie Chapman Rich Fellers is among the most decorated riders competing on the West Coast circuit. He currently stands among the top all-time money winners at Spruce Meadows. Fellers’ riding career began at the age of 11 when he was given a two-year-old Appaloosa for his birthday. The pair quickly grew close with the help of Fellers’ mother and local riding instructors. The short, stocky horse had a talent for jumping, and the pair eventually became winners from the West Coast U.S. Grand Prix circuit to Spruce Meadows in Canada.

In 1991, Fellers was a member of his first U.S. team at the Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba, and his global success has spanned decades.

In 2004, Fellers and McGuinness were the number two

prize money winners in North America, and McGuinness finished 2005 as the U.S. Grand Prix Horse of the Year.

Fellers only competed five weeks in early 2006, yet he was the winner of the 2006 West Coast League. In 2007, Fellers and Flexible won the Los Angeles National Grand Prix CSI2*.

They had a very solid season in 2007, landing them a spot in the Rolex/FEI World Cup in Las Vegas.

In 2008, aboard Flexible, Fellers won three of the four FEI World Cup qualifiers at HITS Thermal. They were second at the 2008 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final, surprising many outside the U.S., who had never seen Flexible jump. Flexible was one of the USEF’s Horses of Honor in 2008, both for his remarkable achievement in the ring and his miraculous recovery from numerous career-threatening injuries.

Fellers and Flexible returned for a repeat performance at the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final. Earlier in the year, the pair won the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Thermal in March. In the latter half of 2009, he and Fellers picked up numerous wins including at Spruce Meadows, the Warsteiner FEI World Cup qualifier, and the Sacramento Grand Prix.

Fellers and Flexible began their 2010 campaign collecting 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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North American West Coast League a third-place finish at the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS

Thermal Desert Circuit VI. The pair then came in second in

Thermal at the beginning of February. The pair traveled

the $25,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix at the Showpark

east to Wellington, Fla., in February of 2010 to take part in

Ranch & Coast Classic. In June, Fellers and Flexible helped

the 2010 USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping

the U.S. to a second-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations

Team, where they jumped clear rounds in the first and third

Cup presented by Scotiabank at CSIO5* Spruce Meadows.

trials. Fellers and Flexible were then fourth in the $200,000

During the Spruce Meadows CSI5* ‘North American’ Tour-

CN FEI World Cup Qualifier held at the FTI Consulting Win-

nament, the pair took home the win in the $85,000 Sun Life

ter Equestrian Festival. Over the summer, the pair traveled

Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ class. They claimed top honors

to Thunderbird in Canada and won Grand Prix classes at

in the $55,000 Land Rover Grand Prix of Sacramento at the

every turn.

Sacramento International Horse Show. Fellers

In the winter of 2011, Fellers and Flexible once again spent

In 2015, Fellers scored his first win of the year in the

their time jumping at HITS Thermal, where they picked up

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix with Flexible at HITS Ther-

many top placings, including wins in the $50,000 Strongid C

mal Desert Circuit VI.

2x Grand Prix which served as an FEI World Cup Qualifier,

Fellers met and married his wife, Shelley, in 1987 while

the $31,000 HITS Grand Prix, and the $31,000 HITS Wel-

operating a show jumping stable in Southern California. In

come Classic. Their strong results in the 2010/2011 season

1989, the couple moved north to Oregon to train privately

earned them the top spot again in the North American

for Harry and Mollie Chapman. The private job and quieter

West Coast League.

lifestyle of Oregon allowed the Fellers’ to start a family. Son

Fellers began 2012 by finished fourth at the 2012 USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team with a clear round in the second trial aboard Flexible. The pair was only getting started for the year. Fellers and Flexible won the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup, the first American pair to do so in 25 years. Their success only continued when they returned to the States. At the Del Mar National Horse Show, Fellers and Flexible won both the $50,000 Surfside Grand Prix and the $100,000 Hermes Grand Prix of Del Mar, which served as Observations Events for the U.S. Show Jumping Team. Fellers and Flexible had a memorable weekend at the Spruce Meadows Observation Event, going undefeated in the $200,000 CN Performance Grand Prix and the $35,000 Husky Energy Classic. In August, Fellers and Flexible represented the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where they finished eighth individually.

In 2013, Fellers continued to compete on the West Coast and in Europe and Spruce Meadows with Flexible, McGuiness, Colgan Cruise, and Lux Lady. Fellers and Flexible returned to the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final, having a solid effort. For the later part of the 2013 season, Flexible was sidelined due to blood clots in his hindleg but came back with a vengeance the following season.

Fellers kicked off 2014 by winning the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix presented by Zoetis with Flexible at HITS

24 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

Christopher was born in 1991 and daughter Savannah in 1994.

North American West Coast League

Photo credit: ESI Photography

Karl Cook

Born: December 25, 1990 Residence: Woodside, Calif.

Jonkheer Z – 2002 Zangersheide stallion owned

by Signe Otsby Karl Cook is a rising star who is making a name for himself on the Grand Prix circuit. In 2009, Cook finished fifth in the $25,000 Grand Prix with Uno de Laubry during Desert Circuit II. The following week, the pair improved to a fourthplace finish in the $25,000 Grand Prix. Cook won the Junior Jumper High Championship with Notories Utopia during Desert Circuit III, IV, and V. At the Desert Circuit Championship, Cook won the $25,000 CA Horsetrader Jr/A-O Jumper High Classic with Carlos. Cook then partnered with Notories Utopia to win the $25,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Grand Prix at the Del Mar National Horse Show in April. A month later, Cook rode Lavito to a second-place finish in the $25,000 Prix d’Pickwick at the Pickwick Summer Classic.

During the summer, Cook traveled to Spruce Meadows and had several top performances there. Competing in the ‘Continental/Skyliner’ CSI4*, Cook won the Paramount Resources Prix des National with Notories Utopia. The pair then finished second in the Duncan Ross Cup during the ‘Canada One’ CSI4*.

Cook represented Zone 10 at the 2009 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. Riding Notories Utopia, Cook was a member of the Bronze medal-winning Young Riders team.

That fall, Cook and Notories Utopia were on the Gold medal-winning Zone 10 team in the $12,500 USEF Prix des States Team Championship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. The pair followed up this performance with a win in the $20,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Section II Jumper Classic at the Del Mar International I. Cook started off 2010 by finishing second in the Amateur-Owner Jumper High Championship with Notories Utopia during Desert Circuit I. The pair then won the Amateur-Owner Jumper High Championship during Desert Circuit IV and VI. At the Del Mar National Horse Show, Cook 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

25

North American West Coast League won the $25,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Grand Prix with

Vegas CSI-W Grand Prix at the Las Vegas National, then

Cappucino and finished seventh in the $100,000 Grand Prix

earned third in the $31,000 Welcome Grand Prix at the

of Del Mar with ASB Conquistador.

Sacramento International Horse Show.

Cook was named a member of the U.S. team for the

Starting 2012 on the Desert Circuit, Cook and Jonkheer

European Young Riders Tour and had great success. He

Z finished third in the $53,000 HITS Grand Prix CSI2*-W

finished third and fourth in two classes at the CSIOJ-YR

during Desert Circuit III. The following week, the pair again

Moorsele. At the CSIOJ-YR Reims, Cook won a class with

finished third, this time in the $53,000 Purina Mills Grand

Notories Utopia and was on the U.S. team that finished

Prix CSI2*-W. Cook then partnered with Uno de Laubry for

second in the CSIOYR Nations Cup. The U.S. team was then

the win in the $53,000 HITS Grand Prix CSI2*-W during the

victorious in the CSIOJ-YR Wierden Nations Cup.

Desert Circuit V.

Upon returning to the states, Cook finished second in the

Cook and ASB Conquistador came out on top in the

$50,000 Grand Prix of Showpark with Uno de Laubry. He

$35,000 ShowBiz Magazine Welcome Stake at the Del Mar

ended the year with a third-place finish in the $75,000 BP

Fall Festival II. He also finished third in the $55,000 Villas

Cup with Notories Utopia.

at Rancho Valencia World Cup Grand Prix of Del Mar with

Cook began 2011 on the Desert Circuit, placing third in

Jonkheer Z. Cook finished his season on a high note at the

the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix with ASB Conquistador during

Las Vegas National. In the $50,000 Las Vegas CSI-W Grand

the first week. During the Desert Circuit II, he finished third

Prix, he claimed the top two places with Jonkheer Z and

in the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix CSI-W with Uno

ASB Conquistador. Cook also took home the win in the

de Laubry. The following week, the pair finished second in

$30,000 Las Vegas Speed Classic with Notories Utopia, as

the $31,000 HITS Grand Prix. He also won the Amateur-

well as finishing third with Banba.

Owner/Junior Jumper High Championship during six weeks

Cook began 2013 with a fourth-place finish in the

of competition on the Desert Circuit with multiple horses.

$54,500 Strongid C 2X GP CSI2*-W with Jonkheer Z during

He then traveled to Belgium for the CSI3* Lummen where

the Desert Circuit II. The pair also had a fourth-place finish

he won a class with Cappucino.

during the Desert Circuit III in the $54,500 HITS Grand Prix

When he returned to California, Cook had top placings

CSI2*-W. Cook and Jonkheer Z had yet another fourth-

at the Del Mar National Horse Show. Cook finished second

place finish in the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix. He

in the $25,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Grand Prix with

then made his Rolex/FEI World Cup Final debut in Gothen-

Notories Utopia and third in the $25,000 Surfside Grand

burg, Sweden with Jonkheer Z.

Prix with ASB Conquistador. He then traveled to the Spruce

Back in the U.S., Cook and Jonkheer Z came in second

Meadows ‘Continental’ CSI4* and finished second in the

in the $60,000 Grand Prix of California at the Showpark

$31,000 Friends of the Meadows Parcours de Chasse with

Ranch & Coast Classic. In the fall, Cook finished second

Notories Utopia.

and third with Tembla and Jonkheer Z, respectively, in the

In August, Cook finished second in the $40,000 Menlo

$25,000 Del Mar Welcome Grand Prix during the Del Mar

Grand Prix with Uno de Laubry at the Menlo Charity Horse

International Welcome Week. He then won the $25,000

Show. The pair then finished second in the $40,000 Sum-

GGT Footing Grand Prix Series Final with Banba.

mer Grand Prix at the Showpark Summer Classic. The

Cook had solid performances in 2014. At the Blenheim

following month, Cook and Uno d Laubry took home the

Spring Classic III, he and Jonkheer Z were third in the

win in the $31,000 Blenheim Jumper Classic at the Blen-

$50,000 Blenheim Spring Classic III Grand Prix. The pair

heim Fall Tournament. Their winning streak continued at

scored then a big win in the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar

the Del Mar International, with them earning top honors in

at the Del Mar National Hunter Jumper Show. With Farrari,

the $31,000 ShowBiz Magazine Welcome Stake.

Cook won the $25,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix at the

Cook ended his season with top performances with ASB Conquistador. The pair finished second in the $50,000 Las

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Showpark Summer Classic. Cook scored another win in the $75,000 Sunshine Series Grand Prix CSI2* with Basimodo

North American West Coast League at the National Sunshine Series I. Continuing his winning ways at the National Sunshine Series II, Cook and Jonkheer Z claimed top honors in the $100,000 Sunshine Series Grand Prix CSI2*. Cook closed out the year with a secondplace finish in the $75,000 Las Vegas CSI-W Grand Prix with Jonkheer Z during The Las Vegas National.

In 2015, Cook began his year on the Desert Circuit, coming in second in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix with Basimodo during week three. He then won the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix with Farrari and was second in the $50,000 Card Flex Grand Prix with Tembla during Desert Circuit VII.

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North American West Coast League

Photo credit: Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group

Vinton Karrasch

Vegas Speed Classic at The Las Vegas National.

In 2013, Karrasch scored a big win in the $54,500 Rancho

Born: September 11, 1969 Residence: Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Valencia Grand Prix of Del Mar with Coral Reef Baloufino at the

Coral Reef Baloufino – 1999 Oldenburg stallion owned by Coral Reef Ranch

Baloufino were fourth in the $60,000 Grand Prix of California at

Coral Reef Follow Me II – 2005 Westphalian stallion owned by Coral Reef Ranch

Qualifier and second in the $33,500 CSI3* Maui Jim Grand Prix

A longtime Grand Prix rider, Vinton Karrasch has found much

Grand Prix of the Pacific at the Del Mar International Welcome

success over the years. In 2011, he rode Coral Reef Baloufino to a fifth-place finish in the $50,000 Grand Prix of Sacramento at the Sacramento International Horse Show. The following year, the pair was fifth once again in the $50,000 Surfside Grand Prix at the Del Mar National Hunter Jumper Horse Show. They improved to fourth place in the $55,000 Villas at Rancho Valencia Grand Prix of Del Mar at the Del Mar Fall Festival II. Karrasch then rode Coral Reef Carmel Z to a fifth-place finish in the $30,000 Las

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Del Mar International Horse Show. The pair then came in sixth in the $50,000 Las Vegas CSI-W Grand Prix at The Las Vegas National.

Karrasch had another solid year in 2014. He and Coral Reef the Showpark Ranch & Coast Classic. With Coral Reef Follow Me II, Karrasch finished first in the $100,000 CSI3*-W World Cup at the Thunderbird Show Park Summer Horse Show. He then rode Coral Reef Baloufino to a fourth-place finish in the $45,500 Week. Karrasch closed out the year with a win aboard Coral Reef Baloufino in the $33,500 Welcome Jumper Classic at The Las Vegas National.

Karrasch began 2015 with top finishes at the Desert Circuit IV, winning the $34,000 HITS Desert Classic and finishing third in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix CSI2*-W with Coral Reef Follow Me II. During the Desert Circuit V, he and Coral Reef Baloufino were fifth in the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix CSI2*-W.

Western European League

Photo credit: SusanJStickle.com

Lucy Davis

Born: October 22, 1992 Residence: Los Angeles, Calif.

Barron – 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Old Oak Farm Lucy Davis is already proving to be a force in the Grand Prix ranks, often besting people twice her age.

Davis got an early start, riding as soon as she could walk and taking lessons by the age of five. It was a natural progression for Lucy to take up riding early on, as her grandfather works in the horse racing industry.

In the summer of 2009, Davis and True Love traveled to Lexington, Ky., for the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, where they earned the Individual Silver medal in the Young Rider Championships for Zone 10. In 2010, Davis returned to Kentucky riding Nemo 119 on the Gold-medal winning team, and placed fifth individually at

the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

Davis started off the 2011 season by collecting top placings at every turn on the Desert Circuit. Nemo 119 and Davis kicked off the month of March by winning the $50,000 HITS World Cup Qualifier. Davis returned to the Grand Prix ring the following day with Hannah to win the $25,000 Smart Pak Grand Prix presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Teaming up once again with Nemo 119 the following weekend, she beat a star-studded field in the largest class of the Desert Circuit, the $200,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix. This was also Davis’ fourth consecutive Grand Prix win.

Davis started off 2012 in a big way by finishing 10th with Nemo 119 at the USEF National Show Jumping Championship and being named to the Long List for the U.S. Show Jumping Team.

In 2013, Davis made her Rolex/FEI World Cup Final debut and gained valuable experience. She then represented the U.S. team at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Longines in Rotterdam riding Barron, helping the team to a second-place finish. For her 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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Western European League double-clear jumping efforts, Davis received the Furusiyya Leading Rider of the Day Award.

Later in 2013, at the age of 20, Davis had the biggest win of her career at the Grand Prix of Lausanne with Barron, becoming the youngest rider ever to win a Global Champions Tour Grand Prix. She then represented the U.S. at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, where the team claimed top honors in the Consolation Round.

Davis launched 2014 with a third-place finish in the $370,000 CSI5*-W FEI Word Cup presented by Rolex with Barron during week five of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The pair finished third again in the $100,000 Engel & Volkers CSI4* Grand Prix during week 11. Davis then represented the U.S. at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Lyon, France, where she finished in 17th place.

In June, Davis and Barron jumped in the lead-off position in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented

by Longines at CSIO5* Rotterdam. The following the month, the pair produced a double-clear effort in the Mercedes-Benz FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Aachen, leading the United States to a second-place finish. They closed out their first trip to CHIO Aachen by finishing sixth in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. Davis and Barron ended their summer by being members of the Bronze medal-winning Hermes U.S. Show Jumping Team at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. The pair completed their 2014 campaign with second-place finish in the World Cup Qualifier at CSI5* Stuttgart in Germany.

Davis’ 2015 season started off strongly as she won the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix CSI2*-W with Barron at HITS Thermal Desert Circuit IV. The pair then traveled to Wellington, Fla., to compete at the Winter Equestrian Festival where they won round seven of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup series.

In addition to riding at the highest-level, Davis is also a student at Stanford University.

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Jumping - Chef d’Equipe Award while building the courses for the U.S. Olympic Trials and numerous international competitions. As an international official, he is the only American to have served as the FEI Technical Delegate for four FEI World Cup Finals. As a television commentator, he worked for many years as the color analyst for ESPN and CBS, as well as two stints for NBC at the Barcelona and Athens Olympic Games.

Photo credit: © 2008 Dr. C. Mike Tomlinson www.Tomlinson.com

Robert Ridland Born: November 7, 1950 Residence: Irvine, Calif.

Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland brings several decades of international experience to the Team, including two appearances in the Olympic Games during his career as a member of the United States Equestrian Team. Over the years, he was victorious on four continents, including the American Invitational, the Grand Prix of New York in Madison Square Garden, and the Grand Prix of Switzerland. In addition to his riding career, Ridland has been extensively involved in the governance of the sport, including several terms as a board member of the USEF and the USET. His analytical approach to the sport is aided by virtue of his vast experience as an international course designer.

Ridland twice won the Course Designer of the Year 2015 FEI World Cup Finals

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