Neue Schule Ambassadors Candice King and Todd Minikus Among Top Finishers at $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix

Candice King and Kismet 50 at the 2014 Trump Invitational.

Neue Schule Ambassadors Candice King and Todd Minikus Among Top Finishers at $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix

Riverhead, NY (January 16, 2014) – It may have only taken 36.85 seconds for Kent Farrington and Blue Angel to win their second consecutive $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at Donald Trump’s Florida estate, Mar-A-Lago, but it was not without two Neue Schule Bits Ambassadors – Candice King and Todd Minikus — close behind.

Neue Schule Ambassadors Candice King and Todd Minikus Among Top Finishers at $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix  Riverhead, NY (January 16, 2014) - It may have only taken 36.85 seconds for Kent Farrington and Blue Angel to win their second consecutive $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at Donald Trump's Florida estate, Mar-A-Lago, but it was not without two Neue Schule Bits Ambassadors – Candice King and Todd Minikus -- close behind.
Todd Minikus and Uraguay at the 2014 Trump Invitational.

In front of 600 spectators, over a course designed exclusively by Tony D’Ambrosio, an elite field of 28 international riders faced off in one of the most high profile show jumping challenges of the Palm Beach show season.

Less than two seconds behind Farrington were two Neue Schule Ambassadors: Candace King, riding Bellissimo, LLC’s Belgian Warmblood mare, Kismet 50 (Kannan x Furioso II) who clinched reserve in a fault-free 38.76 seconds and Todd Minikus, on Legacy Stables, LLC’s Dutch gelding, Uraguay (Nairobi x Colino) who came a clear and close (38.33) third.

“I usually go double clean and not so fast, but I was going last so I wanted to put it all out there as best I could,” said King, who felt confident navigating the mare through a torrential downpour that marred the otherwise perfect setting. “I tried to be quick and efficient, and see where it brought me.”

Just behind King was fellow Neue Schule Ambassador, Todd Minikus. Described by Farrington as one of the fastest jump-off riders in the world, Minikus still knows how to “play it loose,” often preferring to ride in Neue Schule’s own innovative loose ring snaffle.

Minikus stated that the lightweight construction and the way the Neue Schule bit fit so nicely and smoothly in the mouth have helped improve communication between him and his horses, and never was communication more important than while negotiating these five-feet plus fences through a wall of rain.

His plan in the Trump Invitational, he joked, “Was to put in a double clear and hope everyone else had a rain storm. Nevertheless, we were very happy to be part of this event. Even though it was a little wet, it was a great day.”

Neue Schule Ambassadors Candice King and Todd Minikus Among Top Finishers at $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix  Riverhead, NY (January 16, 2014) - It may have only taken 36.85 seconds for Kent Farrington and Blue Angel to win their second consecutive $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at Donald Trump's Florida estate, Mar-A-Lago, but it was not without two Neue Schule Bits Ambassadors – Candice King and Todd Minikus -- close behind.
Candice King and Kismet 50 at the 2014 Trump Invitational.

Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery of Riverhead, NY is the US and Canadian distributor of Neue Schule bits, as well as specializing in superior quality equipment and prestigious accessories inspired by the equestrian lifestyle, with a focus on progressive and creative innovation, comfort and high standard. Learn more about Metlar – Neue Schule Bits at www.metlar-us.com or call, 631-252-5574.

Photo: Todd Minikus and Uraguay at the 2014 Trump Invitational. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Photo 2: Candice King and Kismet 50 at the 2014 Trump Invitational. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Mette Larsen       Metlar – Neue Schule Bits         mlarsen@metlar-us.com       631-252-5574

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