Wellington, FL – February 25, 2015 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) looks forward to hosting its eighth week of competition at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) featuring CSIO 4* competition on February 25-March 1, 2015, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida.
Week eight highlights the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 on Thursday; the $10,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Speed Stake and $100,000 Nations Cup presented by Kingsland Equestrian on Friday; the $34,000 Nutrena 1.45m Jumper Classic, $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic and Hollow Creek Farm Children’s, Junior and Young Rider Nations Cup classes on Saturday, and the Hollow Creek Farm Children’s, Junior and Young Rider Grand Prix classes followed by the $150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4* presented by Lugano Diamonds on Sunday.
Hollow Creek Farm Proudly Showcases the Next Generation with Children’s, Junior, and Young Rider Nations’ Cups
For the third consecutive year, the Hollow Creek Farm Nations’ Cup Series will spotlight the next generation of show jumping superstars through its Children’s, Junior and Young Riders Nations’ Cup program. Having proved extremely popular the past two seasons, the program gives younger competitors from around the globe an opportunity to come together and experience team pressure and camaraderie by competing in their own marquee Nations’ Cup events.
On Saturday, February 28, three separate Nations’ Cup team events will be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. Following the same style as the senior Nations’ Cup, a featured event at the Winter Equestrian Festival since 2002, teams of four riders each, with the best three scores counting, will represent their countries in the Nations’ Cup events for Children, Junior, and Young Riders.
And like their senior counterparts, the youngsters have their own cheering sections that are just as vocal, if not more so. Holding inspirational signage and waving flags to show their support, national pride comes out in full-force amongst the audience members who have travelled from various parts of the world to be in Wellington, Florida.
“The event is so much fun, as well as a valuable learning experience for all the young people who participate,” said Angel Karolyi, who competes several grand prix horses for Hollow Creek Farm. “It encourages great team spirit, and the crowd really gets into it, cheering for their favorite countries like it is the Olympics! It is a great way for these young competitors to get a taste of what possibly lies ahead in their riding careers.”
The first round of each Nations’ Cup competition will be held in the International Arena during Saturday afternoon, with the second round being held at night under the lights. In the evening session, the Children’s Nations’ Cup for riders aged 12 to 14 will be held first, followed by the Junior Nations’ Cup for riders aged 14 to 18. The Young Riders Nations’ Cup will be Saturday’s third and final team competition, featuring competitors aged 16 to 21.
Aspiring young athletes from a dozen different nations competed in the 2014 edition of the Children, Junior and Young Riders Nations’ Cup competitions, gaining invaluable skills for the future by experiencing what it takes to compete as a member of a team. Team USA took home top honors for the second year in a row by winning the Young Rider Nations’ Cup while Team Brazil did the same in the Junior Nations’ Cup competition. Meanwhile, Mexico upset defending champion Brazil by posting a perfect score of zero to capture the Children’s Nations’ Cup title.
Brazil, Mexico and the USA are all back to defend their titles, but there will be no shortage of competition, as a total of 12 nations are fielding teams in this year’s Hollow Creek Nations’ Cup events. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ireland, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA, and Venezuela will all be fighting to stand on the top step of the podium.
“The idea is to begin to set the groundwork for young riders to compete together as a team,” explained Karolyi, a veteran of Nations’ Cup and major games competition. “The Hollow Creek Nations’ Cup Series gives them the opportunity to experience the team format before they reach the top levels of international competition. It is very important to expose these young riders to the responsibility of not only performing well for yourself, but for others who are relying on you.”
Hollow Creek Farm is home to Emanuel Andrade, one of the sport’s brightest stars and living proof of the valuable experience that can be gained from competing in a Nations’ Cup format. Andrade competed in the Hollow Creek Junior Nations’ Cup for his native Venezuela in both the inaugural 2013 event as well as in 2014. Incredibly, just six short months later, he was competing at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, before he had even celebrated his 18th birthday.
With the Hollow Creek Nations’ Cup Series truly acting as a springboard to international competition, this year Andrade will be representing Venezuela on the senior Nations’ Cup team on Friday night at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
While the Nations’ Cup events bring teams together, Hollow Creek Farm will also sponsor special Children’s, Junior, and Young Riders’ Classics on Thursday, February 26, for individual honors. All Hollow Creek-sponsored competition takes place in the International Arena during CSIO Week, held February 25 through March 1, 2015.
$100,000 Nations Cup Presented by Kingsland Equestrian
New for the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, Kingsland Equestrian will be the presenting sponsor of one of WEF’s highest profile equestrian events, the $100,000 Nations Cup, during the CSIO 4* week on February 27. Kingsland is also the sponsor of the Official Nations Cup After Party at The Gallery.
“I look forward to attending the Nations Cup at WEF and seeing the top sport. We love the international feeling of CSIO week and wish all of the teams the best of luck!” said Kingsland founder Mrs. Lin Kingsrød.
Highly anticipated items every year, Nations Cup shirts and jackets from Kingsland Equestrian will be available at the WEF Boutique.
In addition, Kingsland Equestrian will be presenting sponsor of the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series Semi-Final during WEF 9 on March 6. In the hunter ring, they sponsor the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunters Section B throughout the twelve-week circuit.
“We are very excited to be a part of the Nations Cup at WEF,” said Kingsland North American Manager Gianluca Caron. “Kingsland is an international brand, and the Nations Cup brings together riders from around the world for top team competition. We look forward to presenting this exciting event and invite everyone to the After Party to see all the great Kingsland items we have to offer.”
Kingsland Equestrian recently announced a major United States equestrian sponsorship initiative with venues in Wellington FL, Tryon NC, and Parker CO. Kingsland Equestrian, one of the world’s premier equestrian apparel companies, will provide sponsorship at the world-renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the new Tryon International Equestrian Center, and the newly acquired Colorado Horse Park. Kingsland Equestrian just launched its entry into the U.S. Market this year.
$150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4* Presented by Lugano Diamonds
Proud sponsors of the 150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4*, Lugano Diamonds, located in the International Club Lobby, is showcasing their collection of extraordinary pieces for the extraordinary individual. Boasting elegant cuts, brilliant colors and delicate details, the collection also features various equestrian-inspired pieces, including diamond stirrup pendants and earrings, sure to tantalize anyone with a palate for perfection.
Commitment to Excellence
Commitment to excellence is the cornerstone of Lugano Diamonds’ success, reflected in its day-to-day operations, relationships with clients and dedication to unparalleled artistic craftsmanship. In each breathtaking piece lies a glimmer of what makes Lugano Diamonds so special: a vast assortment of stones, ideal-cut diamonds and custom-designed jewelry pieces that reflect the desires of each individual who wears them. Whether seeking out simple statement pieces to add to a personal collection or glorious pieces that add pop to any ensemble, Lugano Diamonds’ commitment to excellence will leave any client feeling fabulous.
Gemological Genius
In addition to its unmatched selection, Lugano Diamonds offers clients incomparable global industry understanding and unsurpassed gemological knowledge. The company’s international team of buyers, gemologists, lapidaries, designers, artists and craftsmen collectively provide clients with the opportunity to select from the finest and most unique stones available. Each creation is a one-of-a-kind, unique work of art. With Lugano Diamonds, a client is receiving the ultimate in design and quality.
Art of Giving Back
Lugano Diamonds is a proud supporter of the equestrian community and its associated organizations in their charitable endeavors. One such organization is the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, a residential community in rural Rwanda dedicated to supporting growth through a stable, thriving environment. This incredible organization was founded by celebrated equestrian Anne Heyman, a true humanitarian, whose life and work continues to inspire the equestrian world. Lugano Diamonds has also provided support to Danny and Ron’s Rescue, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to rescuing abused, abandoned and starving dogs, providing rehabilitation and medical help.
Lugano Diamonds’ desire to give back doesn’t end with the equestrian community. The company provides support to various national organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Charity League, Oceana and the performing arts. In addition to these national organizations, Lugano Diamonds gives back continually to its community of Orange County, California.
Find Your Perfect Piece
Whether seeking out simple, classic pieces, or to have a piece created for the ultimate in personalization, Lugano Diamonds has the dream piece for you. To view the collection, guests can visit Lugano Diamonds in the International Club Lobby and take in all the exquisite beauty.
Source : Press release
