Caitlin Ziegler, pictured here riding Valencia, will be competing in the Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Photo by Cealy Tetley

February 11, 2012 – Wellington, FL – The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series returns for a second year at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, opening with the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix on Sunday, February 12, in the International Arena.

Comprised of four events, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series includes the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix on Sunday, February 12, at 9 a.m.; the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix held under the lights in the International Arena on Friday, February 24, at 7 p.m.; a two-round $20,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team event on Thursday, March 8, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final held on the grass derby field at The Stadium on Sunday, March 18, at 10 a.m.

Riders under the age of 25, regardless of nationality, are eligible to participate in the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, which provides a valuable stepping stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.  Featuring fences set at 1.45m, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series is an opportunity for developing grand prix riders to not only gain experience jumping in a team format, but also competing on grass and under the lights at night, all important elements that competitors will face as their careers progress.

“We wanted to support the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival by sponsoring a meaningful competition,” said Andy Ziegler of Artisan Farms.  “The Series provides an opportunity for young riders who aspire to compete at the international grand prix level to learn, grow and gain the necessary experience.”

Ziegler’s daughter, Caitlin, 17, participated in the inaugural Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series in 2011.  Having previously competed in the junior jumper divisions, Caitlin Ziegler excelled in the Series, winning team gold and placing fourth overall individually.  With that experience, Caitlin Ziegler was able to successfully compete in FEI competitions throughout Europe and North America for the remainder of the year.

“These classes are a step above the juniors, and it’s exciting to jump the open water, a derby course, and to compete in night classes under the lights,” said Caitlin Ziegler.  “It is also great to have an opportunity to compete as a team since we don’t get to do it very often.  The Series gives us a goal to work towards throughout the whole circuit.”

Reed Kessler, 17, of Armonk, New York, was the overall winner of last year’s inaugural Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series.

“I think it is incredibly generous of the Ziegler family to sponsor the Series,” noted Kessler.  “It provides a great step up from the junior division to the grand prix level and has riders solidly competing at the 1.45m level.  The junior jumpers are 1.40m and to step up and do the Grand Prix at 1.50m can be a hard transition.  You always hear (U.S. show jumping team chef d’equipe) George Morris talking about the lack of depth at the top level, and I think this is a great way for kids to not get complacent doing the 1.40m, but to try to transition into being a grand prix rider.”

Kessler continued, “This year, I will take a crack at the Olympic selection trials, and I am very happy that I did the Young Rider Grand Prix Series last year because it provided a model for the trials.  I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate the Ziegler’s sponsorship of the Series.”

Following last year’s Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, Kessler competed at the European Youngster Cup held in April in Leipzig, Germany, where she placed fifth overall.  She then went on to compete for the United States on the Young Rider European Tour.

This year, the winner of the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series will receive a custom saddle valued at $6,000 from Bruno Delgrange.  The highest placed U.S. rider under the age of 21 will earn a place on the USEF Young Rider European Tour, with transport generously provided by Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.  Riders are ranked based on the number of clear rounds they produce throughout the Series, which encourages, promotes and rewards consistency.

“We recognized that the sport of show jumping needed a division for young riders that are capable of competing at the grand prix level,” said Carlene Ziegler, who owns Artisan Farms with her husband, Andy.  “Our program provides a bridge from the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level.  The Series offers great variety, with two classes at night and one on the derby field, as well as the team competition run in a Nations’ Cup format, which is one of the few opportunities that young riders have to gain experience riding as a team member.  We hope this concept of the Young Rider Grand Prix catches on at more competitions in North America.”

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping.  Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to young rider Caitlin Ziegler, Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and grand prix competitor Tiffany Foster.