Gary Vander Ploeg Crowned Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award Winner for Stillpoint Farms CDIO Nations Cup
Wellington, FL (February 27, 2014) - “You have to laugh at least a few times each day,” said Dutch Grand Prix rider Gary Vander Ploeg, whose winning smile and attitude earned him the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award after his performance in the Stillpoint Farms CDIO Nations Cup Grand Prix at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Vander Ploeg rode Degas, a 15 year-old Oldenburg (Donnerhall x Pretty Lady) gelding, co-owned with Jean Vander Ploeg, that he has trained through the levels since the 17-hand bay was just four year-old prospect.



“It's been a tough winter,” said the Toronto, Canada horseman. “Between ice storms and bad weather, it was tough getting to Florida and it took time to acclimate. But the weather has been getting better and so have the horses.
“I've had the good fortune of seeing alot of the world, but Wellington? This is an absolutely all-in-one, world class facility that can't be beat.”
“When you reach the top levels of international competition, you not only expect the best, you deserve it,” said Heidi Zorn, president of Premier Equestrian. One of the world's leading names in equestrian arenas and footing, Premier Equestrian is the Official Dressage Arena of the USEF, North American Young Riders, and U.S. Dressage Finals.
In addition to presenting a tricolor neck ribbon to Degas, Zorn gave the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award winner a gift certificate from Premier Equestrian, and hardcover copy of Ask Walter, the latest book on classical dressage training for the horse and rider written by German Gold medalist and author, Walter Zettl and available through Premier Equestrian.
For over a decade, professional horsepeople have come to Premier Equestrian for affordable, quality arenas built from PVC and other topnotch materials, as well as footing, stadium fences, barn and stable equipment, gifts, books and DVDs.

Some of the world's top dressage and combined driving horses have performed on Premier Equestrian surfaces, including at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and Del Mar National and World Dressage Masters.

For a free catalog, free arena footing sample or free arena sand analysis, call (800) 611-6109 or visit www.PremierEquestrian.com.


Photo: Gary vander Ploeg is presented with the Premier Sportsmanship Award at the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup CDIO. (Photo courtesy of JRPR—no photo credit necessary)

Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award Winner for AGDF5 Sahar Daniel Hirosh Delivers a Classy Ride

Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award Winner for AGDF5 Sahar Daniel Hirosh Delivers a Classy Ride    Wellington, FL (February 17, 2014) - As one of the leading names in arenas and footing, Premier Equestrian understands that the first step inside the show ring doesn't belong to the rider: It's taken by the horse. So when Sahar Daniel Hirosh praised his partner, Classy Sinclair, before himself, after their Open Fourth Level Test 1 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during AGDF5, it resonated with Premier Equestrian president, Heidi Zorn.
“The horse was fantastic.  He's a homebred that I've known since he was born.  He was a little hot on the changes but overall, a very good ride.  With hot horse you learn to ride not just the physical body, but also the soul and mind,”  Hirosh said of the bay 16.1 hand Oldenburg stallion by Sandro Hit, and owned by Lisa Grossi. Between Friday and Sunday, the Israeli dressage rider continued to coax that mind/body harmony, bringing the horse along from a 66.714% on Friday to a 68.571% by Sunday. “That's why he's worthy of this Sportsmanship Award,” said Zorn. “He praised his horse first, which is the way it should be.  This Premier Equestrian award is our way of trying to recognize the people who are partners with their horse, because that partnership is what dressage is all about.” In addition to a classy tricolor ribbon for Classy Sinclair, the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award winner received a generous gift certificate from Premier Equestrian, and a hardcover copy of Ask Walter, the latest book on classical dressage training for the horse and rider by German Gold medalist and author, Walter Zettl.         For more than a decade, Premier Equestrian, the Official Dressage Arena of the USEF, North American Young Riders and U.S. Dressage Finals, has offered horsemen and women affordable quality dressage arenas built from PVC and other top materials, including dressage arena packages, as well as footing, horse jumps, barn and stable equipment, and gifts, books and DVDs.  Premier provided the dressage and driving arenas for the 2010 World Equestrian Games and its Arena Footing is installed at The Del Mar National and World Dressage Masters.  Request a free catalog, free arena footing sample or free arena sand analysis by calling (800) 611-6109 or visiting www.PremierEquestrian.com. Photo:  Heidi Zorn of Premier Equestrian presents Sahar Daniel Hirosh with the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award. (Photo courtesy of JRPR—no photo credit necessary)

Premier Equestrian Gives Rider’s Walter Zettl’s Latest Book at Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s Nations Cup

Premier Equestrian Gives Rider’s Walter Zettl’s Latest Book at Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s Nations Cup Wellington, FL (February 13, 2014) - Talk about hospitality with a dash of horse sense: Premier Equestrian is providing a complimentary copy of the book, Ask Walter, by German Federation Gold Riding Medalist and classical dressage author, Walter Zettl, in each and every rider’s goodie bucket distributed during Nations Cup week, February 19-23, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The man affectionately known in the dressage world as WAZ is a four-time author who has gained a strong legion of Wellington fans, thanks to the enthusiastic support of Zorn and Premier Equestrian, who were also responsible for distributing personalized, advance copies of Zettl's book on classical dressage during last February's USDF-accredited Dressage Summit. “It's our February 'Valentine' to our dressage trainers,” said Heidi Zorn, president of Premier Equestrian. “It's always a privilege to work among the world's best horses and riders, and Ask Walter is an amazing resource for every rider.” Ask Walter offers in-depth definitions for over 300 riding terms plus training tips addressing even the most complicated problems, and specific exercises to 'fill in the holes' in the training process and encourage more correct movement. The German-born Zettl, who now resides and trains in Canada, is an accomplished rider, trainer and author. In 1998, he releasedDressage in Harmony and in 2007, published The Circle of Trust.  Zettl has been honored with the German Federation Gold Riding Medal, was an Olympic Three-Day coach, and is a Toronto CADORA Hall of Famer. The AGDF is the world's largest international and national dressage circuit featuring 8 CDIs, five CDI-Ws, a 4* and 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations' Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and weekly U.S. National events. Considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of equestrian arenas and footing surfaces, Premier Equestrian also offers a complete range of high quality equine products such as barn accessories, books, DVD’s, and more. Ask Walter is also available for purchase through PremierEquestrian.com. For more information visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call (800) 611-6109.  Photo: Premier Equestrian is providing a complimentary copy of the book, Ask Walter, by German Federation Gold Riding Medalist and classical dressage author, Walter Zettl, in each and every rider’s goodie bucket distributed during Nations Cup week, February 19-23, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.  (Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian)

Mary-Haskins Gurganus and Richmond HL Recognized with Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award

Mary-Haskins Gurganus and Richmond HL Recognized with Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at AGDF CDIW3   Wellington, FL (February 6, 2014) - When Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award winner Mary-Haskins Gurganus says, “You're always going to face setbacks and, especially at this level of the sport, you need to face them with a positive attitude,” she knows what she's talking about.

Gurganus won accolades and recognition from Premier Equestrian and its president, Heidi Zorn, after she and her 2012 Wellington Cup and FEI High Score champion, Richmond HL, returned to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for Week Three of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDIW series. It was the first time the pair had appeared in a ring together since a November bout of colic, which occurred shortly after posting the highest scores of their career at the Autumn Leaves Dressage and CBLM Championships in North Carolina. The pair, who have trained together since Gurganus acquired the 16.2-hand black Hanoverian as a five year-old dressage prospect in 2010, presented themselves in Friday's FEI Prix St Georges 2009 and Saturday's FEI Intermediare I 2009, and earned scores as high as 70.395% from individual Wellington judges. “I'm very happy with how things went. He felt great. It's important to always stay positive,” said the NAYRC individual Gold medalist and trainer of two USDF Prix St Georges champions. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is the world's largest international and national dressage circuit featuring 8 CDIs, including five CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations' Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National events. Since 2000, Premier Equestrian, the Official Dressage Arena of the USEF, North American Young Riders and U.S. Dressage Finals, has offered affordable quality dressage arenas built from PVC and other top materials. Premier provided the dressage and driving arenas for the 2010 World Equestrian Games and its Arena Footing is installed at The Del Mar National and World Dressage Masters.  Learn more by calling (800) 611-6109 or at www.PremierEquestrian.com. Photo: Mary-Haskins Gurganus and Richmond HL.  (Photo courtesy of JRPR--no photo credit necessary)

Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Awards: Good Attitude Encourages Great Riding at 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Awards: Good Attitude Encourages Great Riding at 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Heidi Zorn, president of Premier Equestrian, understands that one of the secrets to success is encouragement. So when this leading American manufacturer and distributor of equestrian arenas, footing and equipment returns as official sponsor and partner of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival they will present the Sportsmanship Award to encourage and recognize generosity of athletic spirit.

Photo:  Kelly Parsons and her mount, Courvoisier, pose with trainer Tom Dvorak after being presented with the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. (Photo courtesy of JRPR—no photo credit necessary)

“We take pride in recognizing riders who not only are competitive, but kind and friendly to other competitors and show staff, put their horse first, and contribute to a positive overall atmosphere,” said Zorn. “Premier Equestrian is dedicated to dressage and our goal is to provide safe and functional products.  We want to promote the wellbeing of the horse and industry and are proud to sponsor this award.” Each winner will receive a $50 Premier Equestrian gift certificate and their own copy of Ask Walter a comprehensive training guide by German Federation Gold Riding Medalist, Olympic Three-Day coach, and Canadian Dressage Association Hall of Famer, Walter A. Zettl.         The 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is among the world's largest international and national dressage circuits and will feature six CDIs, the only non-championship CDIO Nations Cup in the Western Hemisphere and five national title events. Longstanding supporters of its dressage community, Premier Equestrian was also recently named the Official Dressage Arena of the USEF, North American Young Riders and U.S. Dressage Finals. Since 2000, Premier Equestrian has offered serious equestrians affordable dressage arenas, built from PVC and other quality materials. Its dressage and driving arenas and flower boxes were featured at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and its Arena Footing is installed at The Del Mar National and World Dressage Masters.  Learn more by calling (800) 611-6109 or at www.PremierEquestrian.com.

Adrienne Lyle Controlling tempo and stride length at the walk- Dressage Training

Adrienne Lyle Controlling tempo and stride length at the walk- Dressage Training  Controlling tempo and stride length at the walk.

Transcript of Video:

 reigns just a little on the walk when exercise I do
just to know that you can really control the tempo

bring him back and make a walk in a short got on the long side or in a

circle whatever you want we can walk in the slowest

shortest walk to you like you could pause with any foot in the air

but in still keeping them straight on that right side not too much band

shorten the lock even a little bit more

we stopped a little bump good quality on take a little bit

study hall red

rain just a hair shorter now now

if you could make a march up a little bit quicker but short steps in the lock

we don't gotta go big inflow but he stayed a little short an active

a contest that right side again a little counter flexion

it gets busy with us now hold that counter action until he gets quiet

take that right rain in bed I'm just a little to the right

ok little quicker short walk again what you're looking for here the moment they

get quietness now can hold that contact steady

when you feel that then you can let go out to a big walk is his reward

just let 'em way here a little in the lock without much pressure

Kelly comes to short little steps good

contesting that right rain could look like the little right good

little shorter

it up again I got used to holding that what study in the corner

now

not on lower who became a little pickle with the webcam

when he comes up you think about that right renal

that would like to study contact and let him go when you hold that night

now let him go than the clock in a really big swing iraq

or anything why do on their

you yet let him have much

much rain is still take without completely dropping the contact

their

not less energy than that that's good uneven in the free what you feel like

you could test that

decided that right side with a little bit a counter flexion

that he doesn't soul in Upper slowdown many do that

a little more energy good

then again Ryan pick up the reins back to that collected what contact keep the

tempo the same but just like the strides toward that's our goal

little shorter con cop

well horrible go out with friends or

bringing back to the shortest walk you can make a deal

you could pause with any front foot in your

good good and bad and they're

not likely make him wait there don't let 'em

need of a brand-new burden on the diagonal free walk again

um stretch forward it swinging walking you can think when you're like in a free

Rocco I think

left leg right leg left like right leg left leg right leg rather than using

them both together not later never confused if you're asking a trotter 

you're asking to go to a bigger lock

when you read together a broad range one more time this way between you keep that

marching activity behind as you make those steps a little shorter

we waited out three feeling hold up it nice and steady

or when you feel about the family can go ahead and go to trial

Got Good Footing? Get a Free Arena Sand Analysis and Find Out. Grab a pen and write down the address, then send in your arena footing sample Premier Equestrian is offering free sand analysis of riding arenas through their new Premier Arena Footing Division. Mark Neihart, co-founder of Premier Equestrian, is heading up the new division. | Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian

Photo: Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, jumps, and stable accessories, is offering free sand analysis of riding arenas through their new Premier Arena Footing Division. Mark Neihart, co-founder of Premier Equestrian, is heading up the new division.

Premier Equestrian is offering free sand analysis of riding arenas through their new Premier Arena Footing Division. Mark Neihart, co-founder of Premier Equestrian, is heading up the new division. | Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian. Ask five different horse stable owners about arena footing for horses and you’ll get five different opinions. Determining whether your equestrian arena footing is good or bad is often a daunting task for horse owners. But now, thanks to Premier Equestrian’s new footing division, horse owners can receive a free sand analysis to determine the makeup of their equestrian arena. Premier Equestrian LLC, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories, has recently expanded to include an Arena Footing Division, guided by Premier’s co-founder Mark Neihart. “We are offering a free sieve analysis report for our customers’ arena sand. This can be existing sand or sand they are thinking about buying from the local quarry. The test will analyze the particle size of the sand, telling us if it is coarse or fine and what percentage of each size particle makes up the sand. We use this test to determine the suitability of the sand for our products GGT Footing, ProTex and Prostride Crumb Rubber,” said Neihart. Here’s how you send them your arena footing sample: Scoop up about a cup of your arena footing, making sure to get a good mixture all the way down to the base, and put it in a plastic bag (note: make sure the bag is well sealed before you mail it!). Send the arena footing sample, along with your name, address, phone number and email address, to: Premier Equestrian 8385 South Allen Street Suite 101 Sandy, Utah 84070 Neihart has extensive arena footing for horses experience, recently constructing three equestrian arenas at the prestigious Al Asayl Equestrian Center in Abu Dhabi, UAE. “No matter where you are located, most people experience problems with their footing,” Neihart said. “Sand comes in all shapes and sizes and some sands are much better than others to use in arenas. Depending upon factors such as access to water, climate, indoor or outdoor, and the footing product you are using in the sand, the sand type matters.” The free sand analysis from Premier will determine what type of footing can be added to an equestrian arena to produce the best possible footing. “Our GGT Footing, ProTex, Master’s Blend, Athletex and Prostride Crumb Rubber can be added to the sand to help get the most protection and performance from an arena,” Neihart said. “One of the goals of Premier is to educate horse owners, including understanding what type of footing is best in an arena.” Neihart said bad footing includes footing that rolls or is too hard or too deep. “Bad footing affects the bio- mechanical movement of the horse and can prematurely wear out joints, tendons and ligaments. Some footings can permanently cause lameness. Of course bad footing also affects the performance of the horse,” he said. Good footing will protect a horse from lameness issues and enhance the horse’s performance by giving the horse a consistent surface to ride on. “Cushion, shear prevention, and the resulting traction are things to expect from a good footing surface,” Neihart said. Premier Equestrian is considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of dressage arenas. Chosen as an official supplier to the World Equestrian Games, Premier Equestrian supplied the dressage arenas for the World Equestrian Games, as well as the dressage warm-up arena, driving arena, driving warm-up arena and the flower boxes and dressage letters. Premier is also a leading supplier of arena footing, and has supplied the new Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex, located in Wellington, with ProTex footing for its new 220 x 90 covered dressage arena. Premier Equestrian also offers Prostride Horse Arena Footing and GGT-Footing. For more information on all Premier Equestrian products, including footing, dressage arenas, jumps and stable accessories, visitwww.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109.