Adrienne Palm Beach Derby Freestyle Winner

Wellington, FL (March 7, 2014) - Premier Equestrian is proud to congratulate Adrienne Lyle on an outstanding show at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI, held February 28-March 2. On Friday, she and Wizard, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Peggy Thomas, placed second in the FEI Grand Prix with a score of 71.980%. They bettered that on Saturday night, winning the FEI Freestyle Grand Prix with a score of 76.525%, which is their second highest score to date and also was a qualifying score for the 2014 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final. 

 

It's been some time since Lyle and Wizard have attempted the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, as they spent most of 2013 off, but it was evident that both rider and horse were happy to be riding their test in a Brentina Arena, which is supplied by Premier to the Global Dressage Festival.  Lyle and Wizard also had an impressive show the week before riding for the USA in the Nations Cup; they helped push the team to Gold and were the Individual Gold medalists after winning the Freestyle.  And it can be said that Lyle had a ‘home court advantage,’ as her trainer and mentor Debbie McDonald’s famous mare Brentina is the arena’s namesake and inspiration.  Lyle and Wizard’s home training arena is also a Brentina arena from Premier.

"I was thrilled with my freestyle at the Derby," Lyle said. "He actually felt super rideable, probably the most rideable he's felt in a freestyle. He felt powerful and expressive, but he still stayed with me. I love my music. It's fun, it's exciting, it gets the crowd going. When he gets out there, and the crowd's whooping and hollering, he builds on that and I do too, and I just think it's fun to ride to!"

Premier Equestrian, one of the largest suppliers of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories in the country, has been an AGDF sponsor since the beginning. They’ve also sponsored the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Dressage at Devon and the Del Mar Equestrian Center. Additionally, Premier Equestrian is the Official Gold Sponsor of the NAJYRC and is the official dressage arena of the USEF an the Adequan FEI NAJYRC to be held July 15-30, 2014 in Lexington KY, through 2015 and 2016. Indeed, the USEF named Premier Equestrian the Official Dressage Arena of the USEF.

Premier Equestrian arenas are used at most major horse shows in the country and abroad. Their Brentina Dressage Arena, featured at the Adequan Global Dressage festival, was developed with the help of Olympian Debbie McDonald and was debuted at Dressage at Devon in 2007.

Premier president, Heidi Zorn, elaborated, “The Brentina Arena is a revolutionary design that solves all the problems faced by multi-rail arenas. The 18" base cone is extremely stable in high wind. The rails snap into each base and will release upon any force or impact providing the ultimate safety for horse and rider. The sleek 2-sided European design combined with the durability, the quick release safety design, the stability, and the portability of the Brentina Arena immediately attracted the attention of dressage professionals and show managers.” 

Top shows everywhere feature Premier Equestrian arenas. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, and Dressage at Devon both have Brentina and Sundance Arenas, as do the US Dressage Finals and the USEF Young Riders competitions, Del Mar uses a Brentina Arena, and the World Dressage Masters is held in a Pyramid Arena.

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, including custom sponsor jump standards, and cavaletti. Other Premier products include barn accessories, and horse & rider products, 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 atwww.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109.

 

Photo: Adrienne Lyle and Wizard competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. (Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian)

Premier Equestrian Introduces SandAid Horse Arena Stablilizer   Salt Lake City, UT (March 6, 2014) - To promote the best possible performance and safety for horses, good equestrians consider all factors that contribute to their rides; starting from the ground up. Premier Equestrian—a Utah-based company that manufactures and distributes dressage arenas, arena footing, and hundreds of other equine-related products—knows that success in the ring depends on everything from the rider on the horse’s back to the grains of sand beneath the horse’s feet. Premier Equestrian’s new product, SandAid, is a horse arena stabilizer meant to make all types of arena sand as effective and safe as possible for horse and rider teams.

SandAid improves the structure and sturdiness of the sand grains in an arena with the a special blend of Nylon and Polyester fibers. What makes SandAid unique is that it will mix with every type of sand.  Many footing additives will only perform with certain types of sand.  SandAid is a great solution for existing arenas that need an upgrade, but don’t possess ideal sand.  SandAid mixes into arena sand and will help prevent the arena from drying out. One of the great components of SandAid is it’s Nylon component.  Nylon will absorb water then release it back into the footing as it dries out.  This will greatly reduce the need to water arenas.  SandAid can stabilize loose and rolling sand particles as well as add cushioning properties to the footing. Premier Equestrian sees this product as an excellent way for people to improve their arena’s footing without having to deal with the cost and hassle of completely replacing it. SandAid is gentle on hooves, so it’s great for barefoot horses. It also helps prevent horses from slipping or from suffering too harsh of an impact when their hooves meet the ground. Using this product helps reduce dust in the ring, and it will work with any type of sand.  Premier Equestrian proudly advertises SandAid as “Made in America”, as is nearly every product they offer. Premier Equestrian recognizes that arena footing is most effectively used when it is tailored to the needs of a particular arena. The traffic that an arena experiences and the main function of an arena are just two of the factors used to determine what type of footing is most suitable. Premier Equestrian offers free sand analyses so riders can become more informed about the properties of their footing and how it can be improved. Since the company’s beginning in early 2000, Premier Equestrian has risen to a leading position in the industry of equine arenas, footing, and related products. The related products include dressage arenas, dressage letters, training obstacles, horse jumps, riding apparel, books, and DVDs. Premier Equestrian products such as footing and dressage arenas have appeared in the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the Del Mar National Horse Show, and the World Dressage Masters. To request a free catalog, free arena footing sample, or free arena sand analysis call (800) 611-6109 or visit www.PremierEquestrian.com. Photo: Premier Equestrian’s new product, SandAid, is a horse arena stabilizer meant to make all types of arena sand as effective and safe as possible for horse and rider teams. (Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian)

Premier Equestrian Introduces SandAid   Salt Lake City, UT (March 6, 2014) - To promote the best possible performance and safety for horses, good equestrians consider all factors that contribute to their rides; starting from the ground up. Premier Equestrian—a Utah-based company that manufactures and distributes dressage arenas, arena footing, and hundreds of other equine-related products—knows that success in the ring depends on everything from the rider on the horse’s back to the grains of sand beneath the horse’s feet. Premier Equestrian’s new product, SandAid, is a horse arena stabilizer meant to make all types of arena sand as effective and safe as possible for horse and rider teams.

SandAid improves the structure and sturdiness of the sand grains in an arena with the a special blend of Nylon and Polyester fibers. What makes SandAid unique is that it will mix with every type of sand.  Many footing additives will only perform with certain types of sand.  SandAid is a great solution for existing arenas that need an upgrade, but don’t possess ideal sand.  SandAid mixes into arena sand and will help prevent the arena from drying out. One of the great components of SandAid is it’s Nylon component.  Nylon will absorb water then release it back into the footing as it dries out.  This will greatly reduce the need to water arenas.  SandAid can stabilize loose and rolling sand particles as well as add cushioning properties to the footing. Premier Equestrian sees this product as an excellent way for people to improve their arena’s footing without having to deal with the cost and hassle of completely replacing it. SandAid is gentle on hooves, so it’s great for barefoot horses. It also helps prevent horses from slipping or from suffering too harsh of an impact when their hooves meet the ground. Using this product helps reduce dust in the ring, and it will work with any type of sand.  Premier Equestrian proudly advertises SandAid as “Made in America”, as is nearly every product they offer. Premier Equestrian recognizes that arena footing is most effectively used when it is tailored to the needs of a particular arena. The traffic that an arena experiences and the main function of an arena are just two of the factors used to determine what type of footing is most suitable. Premier Equestrian offers free sand analyses so riders can become more informed about the properties of their footing and how it can be improved. Since the company’s beginning in early 2000, Premier Equestrian has risen to a leading position in the industry of equine arenas, footing, and related products. The related products include dressage arenas, dressage letters, training obstacles, horse jumps, riding apparel, books, and DVDs. Premier Equestrian products such as footing and dressage arenas have appeared in the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the Del Mar National Horse Show, and the World Dressage Masters. To request a free catalog, free arena footing sample, or free arena sand analysis call (800) 611-6109 or visit www.PremierEquestrian.com. Photo: Premier Equestrian’s new product, SandAid, is a horse arena stabilizer meant to make all types of arena sand as effective and safe as possible for horse and rider teams. (Photo courtesy of Premier Equestrian)

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)