Saturday, July 27, 2013

Premier Equestrian Sponsors Eventing Extraordinaire Kim Severson















Premier Equestrian Sponsors Eventing Extraordinaire Kim Severson



Charlottesville, VA (July 25, 2013) – Premier Equestrian is proud to announce their sponsorship of US Eventing extraordinaire, Kim Severson. As a Four Star international competitor and Olympic Silver Medalist, Severson is one of the finest event riders in the world.  Premier Equestrian is excited to be a part of her continued success, and was thrilled to help her with building her jumping arena on her new farm and home for Kim Severson Eventing, LLC in Charlottesville, VA . 




 

Kim Severson Athletex


“Kim installed our Athletex footing and the Premier Hydro-Keep in her new arena, and she loves it!” stated Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian, LLC.  “She had an arena contractor build a base, and Premier helped guide her to find the sand.  We went through many different sand samples, and in the end, Kim was able to locate great sand from a local quarry.  They were able to mix the sand and footing amendment and deliver it all completely mixed.”  Severson only recently purchased her new farm in the fall of 2012.  The farm is located on 32 acres of open land and includes two barns with 10 stalls, tack room, wash stalls, 10 paddocks, a dressage arena, and plenty of space for conditioning gallops.  She is very excited, now, to be able to complete the farm with the addition of her jumping arena.  Zorn pointed out that even with all these amenities, she does not have the capacity to water the arena, which is why Premier advised her to include the Athletex and Hydro-Keep products in the footing mix.



Athletex™ is one of the latest and most innovative of Premier’s footing products.  Athletex™ is made from recycled athletic shoes, and provides reduced shear, stable traction and durable cushioning to help set any horse on the road to victory ribbons. This very unique recycled product is made up of a mixture of rubber, providing cushion, as well as textile for stability. 



Athletex™ is suited for dressage, jumping, western pleasure, vaulting, and all other types of arenas.  Because of the traction and cushioning, it is perfect for multi-purpose arenas. Athletex™ is mixed with sand at one pound per square foot which is a ratio that gives the surface spring, cushion, and stability. Athletex™ is suitable to mix with a wide variety of sands and it will perform in course sand, fine sand or sand that falls in-between.



Hydro-Keep is Premier’s arena hydrating product.  Hydro-Keep is a safe, non-toxic chemical crystal that can reduce arena watering by 50%.  The crystals work by rapidly absorbing the water and retaining it.  Over time, and as the soil dries, the water is gradually released from the crystal, hydrating thesurrounding area.  The crystal expands when watered then contracts as the water is released.  As an added benefit, this continuous expansion and contraction reduces soil compaction as well. 



“Whichever Premier footing product you choose, your equine athletes will be performing on the best material available, and they will thank you for it!” assures Zorn. Considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of equestrian arenas, Premier Equestrian’s website offers extensive and informativeinformation designed to help horse owners understand the differences in arenas as well as arena footing. Premier Equestrian also offers a complete line ofhorse jumps and horse jumping equipment, including horse jump standards, sponsor jumps, and cavaletti. Other Premier products include barn accessories, books & DVDs, as well as arena grooming and maintenance equipment. For more information on all Premier Equestrian products, including footing, dressage arenas, jumps and stable accessories,visit their website at www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109



Photo:  Kim Severson working on her newly installed Athletex from Premier Equestrian (Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian)










 


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Rebecca Farm Sets New Record for Competitors at Nation's Largest Equestrian Triathlon


 










The Event at Rebecca Farm




Rebecca Farm Sets New Record for Competitors at Nation's Largest Equestrian Triathlon



The Event at Rebecca Farm Kicks off July 25-28; Young and Future Event Horse Series July 24



 



KALISPELL, MONT. (July 15, 2013) -- Organizers at Rebecca Farm are putting their skills to the test after accepting more than 600 entries to the The Event, the largest equestrian triathlon in the nation that gets underway July 25-28.



 



"There's no doubt that this will be the biggest Event ever," said Sarah Broussard, event organizer. "With 720 entries, we knew we needed to make room for the most competitors we have ever hosted. This year, 560 competitors will compete in the Horse Trials and 45 young and future event horses will also be featured. By adjusting the schedule we will maximize our capacity and with cancellations, it is likely that we will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to come."



 



Changes in the schedule include running Novice cross-country on Thursday and additional show jumping competitions on Saturday. Organizers are bringing in additional temporary stables and looking at water availability and other infrastructure needs, as a small town literally sprouts up on the 640 acre West Valley farm.  RF logo



 



"People want to be here," added Broussard. "And we want them to be able to come. I thought that we were as big as we were going to be and was shocked when I saw that we had 200 entries on the wait list. I am really excited that by adjusting the schedule and getting help from the competitors and community to volunteer, we now have the wait list down to 15."



 



In the first 11 years of competition, the largest number of competitors has been 480. The Event features competition in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, with horses and riders of all ages and levels from across the nation. The Event also features The Classic, or long-format, which incorporates roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country.



 



Dressage tests obedience and the harmony between horse and rider. Cross-country demands endurance, courage, boldness, confidence, and stamina with horses running long distances at high rates of speed on a timed course with a variety of jumps and other challenges. Show jumping examines precision, agility, and technique while jumping over high obstacles in an arena.



 



This year, competitors at Rebecca Farm will now be riding atop Premier Equestrian's "Master's Blend" footing in all the arenas. The special blend gives exceptional stabilization along with maximum shock absorption, providing cushion and rebound for the horses, while offering high stability by increasing traction and shear strength.



 



The cross-country course was re-built last summer by Ian Stark, one of the leading course designers in the world. The sinuous, 4-mile course features over 150 obstacles and four water complexes. Stark has won multiple Olympic medals and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.



 



Admission for spectators is free and Rebecca Farm also features an ever-growing trade fair tent and a variety of concessions that will be open all four days. A $5 parking donation is requested to support "Halt Cancer at X"-- an initiative to raise money for breast cancer research in memory of The Event's founder, Rebecca Broussard. Last year's inaugural campaign raised $65,000 for both local and national organizations.



 



Prior to The Event on July 24, the USEA Young and Future Event Horse Series will be featured. The Future Event Horse series judges the potential that yearlings, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds have to become successful event horses. The Young Event Horse series gives owners and breeders the opportunity to showcase the potential of their four- and five-year-old horses.



 



"There are so many people who are integral to the success of Rebecca Farm," said Sarah Broussard. "I am so thankful to the competitors, spectators, volunteers, judges, vendors, sponsors, and all the hard workers who have made our dream come true."



 



To access Rebecca Farm, from the junction of Highways 93 & 2, travel 2 miles north on Highway 93 to West Reserve Drive and go west 2 miles to Springcreek Road, then south on Springcreek. The entrance is 3/4 mile on the right.



 



For more information, visit www.RebeccaFarm.org. Media photography can be accessed at www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccafarm.



 



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS



 



Wednesday, July 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.



USEA Young and Future Event Horse Series.



 



Thursday, July 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Dressage, all FEI levels. Dressage, National Horse Trial levels. Novice cross-country.



 



Friday, July 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Dressage, all FEI Levels. National Horse Trial levels dressage continues. Cross-country phase for Training, Training 3-Day, Novice 3-Day.



 



Saturday, July 27, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Cross-Country phase all day. All FEI levels. National Horse Trial Levels continue. Show jumping for Training 3-Day, Novice, Novice 3-Day.



 



Sunday, July 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Show Jumping phase, all remaining levels. Awards ceremony at end of each division.



 



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Media contact: Brian Schott, press@rebeccafarm.org, (406) 261-6190


 


 


 








































Halt Cancer



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



Sundance Dressage Arena 20 x 60

Sundance Dressage Arena 20 x 60

Rebecca Farm Sets New Record for Competitors at Nation's Largest Equestrian Triathlon

Rebecca Farm Sets New Record for Competitors at Nation's Largest Equestrian Triathlon

Press Releases and Articles by Premier Equestrian

Press Releases and Articles by Premier Equestrian

Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Event at Rebecca Farm - Premier Equestrian Horse Arena Footing

Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana has chosen Premier Equestrian as the official footing supplier for the prestigious equestrian triathlon known as
The Event at Rebecca Farm.  This world-class event, drawing competitors from all over the world, features three 75m x 75m arenas used for the dressage and jumping portions of the Event. 

Rebecca Farm owner Jerome Broussard contracted Premier Equestrian to design the new footing, source the materials, and supervise the installation in time for the 2013 Event at Rebecca Farm held July 25 – 28 in Kalispell. 

Mark Neihart and Heidi Zorn of Premier Equestrian spent three days at the farm surveying the arenas, visiting local quarries, and discussing the arenas needs with Mr. Broussard and his daughter Sarah Kelly.  It was decided the best solution for the Event was Premier Equestrian’s new product Master’s Blend Arena Footing. 

Master’s Blend arena footing is a proprietary blend of sand, textiles, and cushioning agents. The quality of the footing provides both shear support and traction with cushion and rebound.  The old arena footing was removed while the arena bases were restored to accept the new Master’s Blend Arena Footing.  Premier Equestrian is proud to be part of The Event at Rebecca Farm. 

This article will touch on arena footing basics and describe the qualities of sand.


UNDERSTANDING ARENA FOOTING – BASIC FACTS:
If an arena footing is too hard the horse will tend to shorten its stride to minimize jarring or modify his jumping form to avoid the sting of landing.  Hard footing will stress their joints.  If the footing is too soft and rolls away under the hooves it will cause strain to soft tissues – tendon, ligaments, and muscles.  If the footing is slippery the horse may feel insecure and move cautiously. 

Sand Types:
Natural Sand:  Natural sand is eroded rock and is mined from where it was deposited.  The host rock determines the mineral composition. Most sand is composed of silica and is resistant to breakdown due to its hardness. Pure Silica will last longer as arena footing. 

Manufactured Sand: Rock quarries crush rock into various sizes. The smallest particles, ‘fines’, are sold as Manufactured Sand, Crusher Fines, or Stone Dust. These particles range from 5 mm to fine dust, are sharp and can tightly compact if used alone.  The mineral composition can range widely so it may be softer and break down sooner.  



Sand Shape:
Man-Made Sands will have sharp, or angular particle shapes.  Angular sand is prone to fit tightly together and compact. It can have good traction but will not offer cushioning.  Adding rubber products like Premier Equestrian’s ProStride or Athletex is a good solution for angular sands. The rubber in these products helps cushion the surface and reduce compaction.

Natural Sands have sub-angular and round shapes because of erosion. These shapes don't fit tightly together. Sub–angular grains lessen compaction while still providing some traction.  Round grains won’t compact because the edges are worn off.  Although round grains create voids and offer more cushioning, they are very unstable and will roll under foot.  This is where textile type products like Premier Equestrian’s GGT Footing or ProTex Footing can help. The textiles net the sand grains together that reduces shear and keeps the sand in place.





Watering:  An intermolecular attraction is formed between water molecules that holds wet sand together and may help to stabilize rounded sand footing that would otherwise roll if dry.   

And so…
There are an enormous variety of sand options out there. The combination of all the above sand qualities decides whether the sand is suitable as footing or not.  Sand that is well suited for a highly maintained indoor riding arena might be completely unsuitable for an all-weather, low maintenance outdoor riding arena.  Choosing the wrong sand can create a lot of problems and in the long run can be very expensive.


Premier Equestrian offers a free sand analysis report for customers to help determine the correct additive for a new arena or to improve an existing surface. Contact a Premier Equestrian footing specialist at 800-611-6109 or visit their website at www.PremierEquestrian.com

Friday, July 5, 2013

Premier Equestrian Provides Arena Footing for The Event at Rebecca Farm

Premier Equestrian Provides Arena Footing for The Event at Rebecca Farm

Kalispell, MT – On July 25-28, 2013, Rebecca Farm in Kalispell Montana will hold their annual equestrian triathlon entitled The Event at Rebecca Farm. This year’s Event features brand new arena footing supplied by Premier Equestrian, LLC. As a leader in the equestrian footing industry, Premier Equestrian was chosen to update the arena footing in Rebecca Farm’s three 75 x 75 meter arenas. Premier Equestrian is proud to be a part of this exciting equestrian triathlon and is a major sponsor of the event along with providing its products.

Jim Koford 2013 Florida Dressage Circuit
The Event at Rebecca Farm is a 3-day event that will feature competition in dressage, cross-country endurance and show jumping. Horses and riders of all ages and levels from across the continent will gather to show their talents on the 640-acre farm. Dressage will demonstrate the art and harmony between horse and rider. Cross-country demands endurance, courage, boldness, confidence, and stamina with horses running long distances at high rates of speed. Show jumping examines precision, agility, and technique while jumping over high obstacles.
Rebecca Farm easily accommodates all of these disciplines, especially with Premier Equestrian Master’s Blend footing installed in three of their 75 x 75 meter riding arenas. Additionally, the cross-country course was re-designed last summer by Ian Stark, one of the leading designers in the world. This sinuous, 4-mile course features over 150 obstacles and four water complexes, which is sure to up the excitement level of the event.
In addition to the competition, event organizer, Sarah Broussard is continuing the “Halt Cancer at X” fundraising campaign for the second year as an initiative to raise money for breast cancer research in memory of her mother, Rebecca Broussard. Last year’s inaugural campaign raised $65,000 for both local and national organizations. Admission to the event is free, however a voluntary $5 parking donation is requested to support this cause. Also, prior to the triathlon on July 24th, the USEA Young and Future Event Horse Series will be featured. The Future Event Horse series judges the potential that yearlings, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds demonstrate to become successful event horses. The Young Event Horse series also gives owners and breeders the opportunity to showcase the potential of their four and five-year-old horses.
Premier Equestrian is excited to be working so closely with Rebecca Farm on all of these initiatives. “Rebecca Farm is looking to the future of their event,” states Premier Equestrian co-founder, Mark Neihart. “Competitors are demanding world-class footing and now Rebecca Farms can say they have it. At Premier Equestrian, we choose products that work while providing a multitude of benefits to our customers and we always strive to provide an exceptional value. Most importantly, our products are safe, effective, and usable. We are excited to have the incredible horses and riders competing at this year’s triathlon experiencing our new Master’s Blend Footing for themselves.”
The event competitors at Rebecca Farm will now be riding atop the Premier Master’s Blend footing. Master’s Blend is a highly sought-after footing solution that gives exceptional stabilization along with maximum shock absorption. Master’s Blend arena footing provides cushion and rebound, yet offers high stability by increasing traction and shear strength. Footing of the past provided cushion but lacked the ability to bind and stabilize. Then textiles were introduced to offer traction and shear strength. However, too much traction can impede the horse’s movement and have too much grip. Premier has combined the qualities of both and the result is the best all around surface that supports health and performance. This all around, multi-purpose footing surface can be adjusted for jumping, dressage, combined training, or any other type of performance arena.
“Whichever Premier Equestrian footing product you choose, your equine athletes will be performing on the best material available, and they will thank you for it!” assures Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian. Considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of equestrian arenas, Premier Equestrian’s website offers extensive and informative information designed to help horse owners understand the differences in arenas as well as arena footing. Premier Equestrian also offers a complete line of horse jumps and horse jumping equipment, along with state of the art dressage arenas and dressage letters. Other Premier products include barn accessories, books & DVDs, as well as arena grooming and maintenance equipment. For more information on all Premier Equestrian products, including footing, dressage arenas, jumps and stable accessories, visit their website at www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109.