Sweet Success for Team UltrOZ Riders at Inaugural Split Rock Jumping Tour

Brian Collins, UltrOZ Director of Sales & Marketing with Bryant Guffey, CEO of ZetrOZ, Inc.

Trumbull, CT- ZetrOZ, Inc., manufacturer of the UltrOZ Elite low intensity therapeutic ultrasound, is delighted to congratulate Team UltrOZ rider Margie Engle for her fantastic performances at the Lexington International CSI3*, the inaugural competition of the Split Rock Jumping Tour.

ZetrOZ would also like to commend Team UltrOZ rider Derek Braun, who donned his new 'show producer hat' instead of his usual riding helmet, on his success in his role as Founder and President of the Split Rock Jumping Tour. The new boutique-style event received great applause from all who attended, including those competing in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.20m Jumper classes which were sponsored by UltrOZ.

"I have a strong connection to the show and its staff, but they certainly raised the bar on value from a sponsor's perspective," said Brian Collins, Director of Sales and Marketing for UltrOZ. "The show exceeded our expectations. Derek and his staff did an amazing job, and we are looking forward to Split Rock's next show in the fall."

Collins, a long-time professional in the horse world as well as an entertainment personality, lent his voice and expertise alongside Oliver Kennedy and Debbie Stephens on the USEF Network, describing the live-feed action taking place at the Split Rock Jumping Tour.

Margie Engle, the Leading Athlete at the Split Rock Jumping Tour, gets the keys to her brand new Chevy Equinox from Split Rock Jumping Tour Founder and President Derek Braun

Engle, a U.S. Olympic Team veteran who won a Team Silver medal at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, took top placings in each of the three FEI classes. Engle had great start to the competition, finishing second in the $40,000 Hollow Creek Farm CSI3* Grand Prix aboard Royce, an 11-year-old Oldenburg stallion. The following day she placed fourth in the $35,000 Amalaya Investments CSI3* Speed Cup with her second horse, Eckham Van Het Steentje, an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. On the final day, Engle and Royce made a gallant effort in the $100,000 FEI Grand Prix, presented by Split Rock Farm, the highlighted competition of the event, taking Reserve Champion behind winner Kevin Babington of Ireland and Shorapur.

As a result of her high placings throughout the competition, Engle gained the most points and was named the Leading Athlete at the Split Rock Jumping Tour, for which she was awarded a brand new Chevy Equinox.

Charlise Casas and Alaika win the UltrOZ Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Class (Photo: SEL Photography)

Meanwhile, young rising star Charlise Casas dominated the UltrOZ Low Junior/Amateur-Owner classes at Split Rock, and at just 14 years of age, is one to watch for the future. She and her new mare Alaika, whom she had ridden for only three weeks, jumped clear and set a blazing time of 48.85 that could not be beat in the opening 1.20m jumper class. Andre Mershad took both second and third places with Man In Black and Cavilto respectively. Certain to be a competitive pair in the future, Casas commented, "She's naturally a very fast horse, so I just let her go."

On day two, Casas once again took center stage in the winner's circle, this time with Lisanto 2. The pair produced the fastest double clear in an eleven-horse jump-off, crossing the timers in 27.272 seconds for the win. She took advantage of the horse's large stride, commenting that after watching others in the jump-off, she knew where she could leave strides out to take the win. Debra Wycoff and Arezzo 19 took second place, while Riley Newsome took third aboard Dakar VDL.

Marking her third victory for the week, Casas took both first and second places in the culminating UltrOZ $7,500 Low Jr/AO 1.20m Jumper Final. Casas set the unbeatable time of 25.914 seconds aboard Forrest Gump, the first of her two entries in the jump-off. Casas also took second place aboard Alaika, while Christian Currey and Paramount finished third.

Bryant Guffey (left), CEO of ZetrOZ, Inc., presents Charlise Casas & Lisanto 2 with their awards (Photo: SEL Photography)

USEF Network host Oliver Kennedy summed it up in his TV interview with the champion. "So three wins on three different horses that you've ridden for three weeks. Seems three is your number!" Casas smiled in agreement.  Her next competition will be Spruce Meadows, and she plans on returning to Split Rock for its fall competition, the Bourbon International CSI3*, October 9-11.

Further information about UltrOZ is available on line at www.UltrOZ.com.  For more information about ZetrOZ, please visit www.ZetrOZ.com for information about sam (sustained acoustic medicine) www.samrecover.com.