U.S. World Cup Representative Wins Dressage Under the Stars

(Copied from Shirley McQullian's Facebook Page)

Wellington, FL - March 23, 2012 - Last night's Dressage Under the Stars was a nail biter as top dressage riders battled to the beat for the chance to attend the upcoming season finals. But it was last year's champion, James Koford, who made his mark once again, exhibiting his Grand Prix mount, Rhett. The duo came out on top with their "Batman Returns" freestyle, demonstrating the reason they took the series title last season.

Judges Allyn Schlayne, Anja Ploenzke and Max Tucci were blown away by the fierce competition last night, awarding scores no lower than a nine to the competitors. Koford and Rhett earned the third perfect score of the Dressage Under the Stars season, winning over the audience and judges with piaffes, pirouettes, one tempis and marvelous transitions.

"The horse was really super and I think it is really really difficult to ride here. It was gorgeous, the canter into the piaffes and pirouettes was very difficult and executed marvelously. I wouldn't give the pair anything less than perfect," Ploenzke described.

James Koford and Rhett

The 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood, owned by Shirley McQuillan, performed an encore of his 2011 championship freestyle. Although the performance was recycled, the judges were thoroughly impressed with their ingenuity and technicality, and Koford promises a new and exciting freestyle for the finals in two weeks.

"It is fun to have the chance to go in the ring and see the horses having so much fun," Koford elaborated. "At this point in the season, many of our horses are so burned out, but when they go into this ring and perform under the lights, they really light up. My piaffes were better tonight than they have been in competition, and he was forward and fresh in the ring. There isn't a firing squad of judges, but rather a fun environment-it is a great opportunity for both the horse and rider."

Judges Allyn Schlayne, Anja Ploenzke and Max Tucci
Koford also looks forward to competing in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final in Holland next month. Although he will not compete aboard Rhett, he looks forward to riding Pharaoh owned by Holly Shook, and making a name for the United States.

"So much of my focus lately has been on Pharaoh, who is going to the World Cup, but I love my Rhett and I am so glad that I was able to give him attention at Dressage Under the Stars," Koford stated. "I am very anxious for Holland, but right now I am trying to seriously work out the logistics before I can fully dedicate myself to the excitement."

Video (thank you Horse Junkies United):
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eYZVLcgtpeU#!

Keep on the sunny side

It's been a while since we've last updated!

Between the auction (huge success!), holidays and the Florida season starting, it's been wild.

First, the auction completed itself selling the majority of items before the holidays. Thank you to those who participated and donated items, the contribution means a lot to our journey.

Around December we relocated to South Florida from Virginia. Everyone took the move fine and we're now back in the swing of things with clinics, shows, and day-to-day training with clients and horses.

The exciting news was getting to participate via the Wild Card draw in the Dressage Masters with Pharaoh, Holly Shook's horse.  We couldn't be more happy with the results. 

Hopefully we'll be able to get video posted soon.


Shirley's Rhett's first competition was also two weeks ago, and we had a blast also with great results in the Special and last weekend we saw Steffen Peters and Anne Gribbons at the USEF High Performance clinic at Betsy Juliano's Wellington farm.

Rhett and Pharaoh are also competing again this weekend at the new facility (which is beautiful), so come by and cheer us on. Rhett will be doing the special and Pharaoh will be doing the Freestyle.

We've been also getting lots of press. Ken Braddick's Dressage News.com, Euro Dressage, Dressage Daily, Chronicle of the Horse and Sidelines has been picking up the results and photographs. Thanks guys!

Speaking of Rhett, his siblings are doing fantastic, Rhiskey, the half-sister was sent through the jump chute. Her and her stable mate will be shipping to a hunter jumper barn to take on their new careers.

Video:

JIM KOFORD AUCTION STARTS THIS WEEK

LEXINGTON, KY: Jim Koford's Benefit Auction is set to begin November 10 and run through December 15 on Facebook.

The preview of all auction items are available via the Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jim-Koford-and-Rhett-fund-raiser/215956525092608) and also below. Bid in the comments.

“We are delighted that the community has stepped up for Jim,” noted Shirley McQuillan. “This means so much to us, especially given the current economy. We have wonderful items donated from around the United States and from the different disciplines.”

The group hopes to raise at least $5,000, which would be seed money for the upcoming 2012 season.

“We have an excellent shot at potentially sending one American-bred horse, Rhett (R. Johnson) to the Olympics and to Europe,” continues McQullian. “The pair embody American dressage, and the very best of what can be done through community efforts.”

Current auction items:

• Koford Quilt:
• Proof 21c Hotel Stay:
• Gayla Driving Center B&B Stay:
• 40 Fundamentals of English Writing Book:
• Cindy Wolf Bronze Art
• Cindy Wolf Earrings
• Cindy Wolf Necklace
• Lapis Amazonian Head Dress:
• Kentucky Horse Farm Tour
• Massage From Jenifer Oliver
• Driving Lesson from Sterling D.B. Graburn
• Betty Cooper Canvas Art

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JIM KOFORD KICKS OFF 2012 SEASON WITH AUCTION

LEXINGTON, KY: Riding high off of a successful 2011, international rider and trainer JIM KOFORD is kicking off 2012 with the sound of a gavel as owners and friends put together a benefit auction November 10 to December 15, 2011 to raise awareness and funds for Koford's 2012 Olympic and World Championship bid.

“Jim is not only a fantastic rider, horsemen and trainer, but he's a great individual who deserves to represent America in Europe and in London,” states Shirley McQuillan, owner of Koford's American-bred international Grand Prix horse, RHETT. “The dedication is only matched by the community behind him.”

The auction features a variety of lots from an Amazon head dress, to bronze sculpture of Rhett as a foal by Cindy Wolf to lessons from FEI Driving Instructor Sterling DB Graburn, to a stay at the famous Louisville Proof 21C.

Perhaps the piece that hits closest to home is the beautiful Koford Quilt, hand patched and sewn by Koford's mother, Virginia.

“My mom, my entire family is wonderful in the way they've supported this journey, the quilt just reflects that” Koford said. “To have not only their support, but the support of the entire community is inspiring and it means a lot.”

The auction, which is hosted on Ebay, will be held November 10 through December 15, in time for holiday shopping. All proceeds will go directly to Koford to support his fund towards the Olympics.

Koford Dressage LLC is based out of Middleburg, VA, Lexington, KY and Wellington, FL. For details about the auction or donating items for future benefits please contact: Shirley McQuillan equistep@earthlink.net.

Photo used with permission from Shelly Paulson Photography