Category Archives: Competitions

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Dressage’s Queen Reigns Again

Charlotte Dujardin @RoyalWindsorHorseShow/Peter Nixon

Day two of Royal Windsor Horse Show saw Great Britain’s golden girl of Dressage, Charlotte Dujardin, take victory in The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Freestyle, picking up where she left off before the birth of her daughter in March. In the Showing, there was a debut success for His Majesty The King, whose former racehorse First Receiver took the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Ridden Show Series Qualifier (Flat) supported by Royal Windsor Racecourse. The Martin Collins Enterprises Puissance saw a joint victory for Derek Morton and Commandant Geoff Curran, who both jumped an impressive 2.12m. Performances from the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and Azerbaijan – Land of Fire added to the excitement of the day, which also featured The Defender Shetland Pony Grand National and the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games.

Dujardin continued her Royal Windsor Horse Show dominance, claiming victory in The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Freestyle to add to her Grand Prix win. In doing so, she repeats her dual triumph from 2019 – the last time international Dressage was held at the Show.

Kathleen Kröncke took an early lead as third to go. With music that suited her horse perfectly, Kröncke received excellent artistic scores of over 80% to contribute to an overall mark of 76.365%. Laura Tomlinson, riding Fallatijn, a horse she has produced since 2016, was second behind Kröncke going into the half time break. However, with several strong combinations to come the leaderboard was by no means secure.

Louise Anne Bell was the first to enter the arena after the break, excelling in her piaffe and passage to go into third with a score of 72.590%. Showing no evidence of her recent break from competition, Charlotte Dujardin set the Castle Arena alight with an athletic and fluid performance aboard her 10-year-old gelding, Imhotep. Dujardin’s impressive test was the first to break the 80% barrier, receiving a score of 83.200% and setting the standard for those to come.

On his debut at Royal Windsor Horse Show, Lewis Carrier put in an impressive performance to go into second place with a score of 77.405%. Carrier, who has already experienced success in the Under-25 ranks, cemented his status amongst the best up-and-coming talent in the country aboard Diego V. As last to go, Dujardin’s 2022 FEI World Championship teammate Gareth Hughes looked to put her lead in jeopardy with the experienced Classic Briolinca. However, his score of 80.510 was only enough for eventual second, pushing Carrier back to third.

Dujardin said: “I was so excited to come here; it was really not in my schedule to rush back after having my daughter, but I got on and felt really good. I absolutely love this show, so here I am! I was so excited to be here, back out here riding and competing; for me it’s just such a buzz and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Of Imhotep, she continued: “He hasn’t competed since the World Equestrian Games last year, so it was a huge ask for him to come here as it’s such a huge atmosphere! I’m a bit ring rusty, he’s a bit ring-rusty, we’re still making mistakes, but he’s such an incredible horse to come to this kind of show and perform the way he has the past two days. I can’t ask for more. To get this under our belt is absolutely fantastic.”

Royal Windsor Horse Show Debutante, Carrier, added: “The atmosphere here is incredible – Diego V really rose to the occasion; he didn’t put a foot wrong even though he was so fresh. It is only the third time I have ridden through the test and my first time in a competitive environment. I wish there were more shows like Royal Windsor in the UK – the crowds have been unbelievable and right behind me from the start. I had a tear in my eye halfway through my test, and my final halt was the perfect way to finish.”

With a total field of over 1,700 entries, Royal Windsor’s Showing classes got underway with a victory for His Majesty The King, who has a total of 15 entries over the course of the four days. First Receiver, handled by Katie Jerram-Hunnable, won The Tattersalls ROR Open In Hand Show Series Qualifier to qualify for the final at Aintree in August. The six-year-old gelding by New Approach was a winner on the racecourse in Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II’s colours when trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

After a competitive Working Show Horse sponsored by Mr and Mrs Michael Rider, only two marks separated the first and second-placed riders, but it was Justine Armstrong-Small riding Sarah McKay’s 12-year-old cob, Castleberg, who was victorious. Francoise Babington aboard West Point, a full-brother to four-time Champion Hunter and 2022 Horse of the Year Supreme Champion, View Point, followed closely behind in second.

Rustic fences continued to feature as the hard-fought NAF Five Star Working Hunter classes took to the Castle Arena. The top Lightweight spot went to Royal Windsor regular Libby Cooke, partnered by Katy Wilson’s much-loved homebred mare, Nelly Newton, whilst the Heavyweight class went to Norfolk-based Eleanor Hirst, who claimed a well-deserved Championship riding her impressive grey, Noble Gladiator (OB). En route to success, the pair only dropped four marks from the possible 100.

The vet judging the National Welfare awards noted: “All six finalists in the heavyweight working hunter section were of a tip-top and prime condition and worthy of the award.”

Rounding off the first day of Showing was the Coloured Ridden Championship. There was barely a dry eye in the house when sponsors Richard and Lisha Leeman presented their daughter Janay Atherden with the splendid Coloured Ridden Championship sash, on the family’s home-produced Red Rock III.

The famous Puissance wall took centre stage in the Castle Arena on the opening day of Show Jumping. Of the seven starters, five combinations made it through to the fifth and final round. Defending champion Derek Morton, riding KBS High Quality, was first to clear the 2.12m wall to guarantee a minimum of joint first place in his first Puissance since last year’s Royal Windsor. Next up, Nici Wilson – in her first ever Puissance – was not able to match Morton’s feat in this final round, but it was an impressive performance for a combination more used to the field of Eventing. It was Commandant Geoff Curran, the only other to clear the imposing wall, who scored the joint victory aboard Bishops Quarter.

A delighted Morton said: “The last time I jumped a Puissance was here in 2022. I had a fall last July and broke my hip, so this is only the second time I’ve ridden the horse since. He’s twelve-year-old Irish-bred and we’ve had him since he was a six-year-old. I originally went to look at him as a Working Hunter, but he’s got a big jump, so is perfect for this. I’m very lucky.”

Earlier in the day, the national Show Jumping got underway in The Martin Collins Enterprises Frogmore Arena with the Senior Foxhunter – First Round sponsored by Al Shira’aa. Of the 96 starters, it was Hollie Pearce with the eight-year-old El Macho Van Plockroy Z who jumped double clear in a time of 33.49 seconds (almost a second faster than Haitham Salahuddin Albastaki in second) to take the win. The 12 highest placed six-year-olds from this class qualified for The Walwyn Novice Jumping Championship supported by Al Shira’aa in the Castle Arena. Of these, four made it through to the jump-off against the clock, with Nicole Lockhead Anderson coming out on top riding Quanthargos.

The win concluded a successful day for Lockhead Anderson, who had earlier secured fourth place in the LeMieux National 1.40m Open, a class won by Sally Goding and her homebred mare Spring Willow for the second consecutive year. Goding clinched the class with a double clear in a time of 30.63 seconds, 0.34 seconds ahead of Emily Sage in second, with Adrian Whiteway back in third.

Video of the Day: https://youtu.be/ZDVbWPVjxJI

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Royal Windsor Horse Show

Dujardin Delights on Opening Day of Royal Windsor Horse Show

Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep @RoyalWindsorHorseShow/Peter Nixon

Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023 got underway with The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Grand Prix, the standalone class for the first day of the Show’s 80th year. Returning after a three-year hiatus, the Defender Dressage opens five days of top-class international equestrian sport held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, and ensures this prestigious venue is the only show in the UK to host international competitions in Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving, and Endurance.

Twelve combinations contested The Defender CDI4* FEI Dressage Grand Prix, including three of the four British FEI World Championship squad who claimed team silver in Herning last summer, and a strong British contingent ensured great excitement for the home crowd.

A fantastic first test from Royal Windsor debutant Lewis Carrier scored an impressive 70.435% with Diego V to keep him well up the ranking and secure eventual fourth place. The Wiltshire-based 26-year-old, who currently trains with Carl Hester, rode a KWPN warmblood he has produced himself from a four-year-old. Following him into the ring, Louise Anne Bell and Into the Blue couldn’t quite match Carrier’s score to finish on 68.761%.

Third to go, Charlotte Dujardin, formed an early lead with 77.261%. The joint-most decorated British female Olympian pulled off a reliably stylish test aboard Coral Ingham and Carl Hester’s striking gelding, Imhotep. The ride – Dujardin’s debut return to international competition following the birth of her daughter, Isabella, in March this year – proved a textbook performance, with the expressive chestnut producing beautifully elastic work to wow the crowd in the famous Castle Arena.

Her FEI World Championship teammate, Gareth Hughes, was next up with Classic Briolinca. The 17-year-old mare by Trento B, who has been such a stalwart of the British dressage scene, impressed the judges with highlights in the passage and piaffe, but could not quite match the impressive score laid down by Dujardin.

British based German rider, Kathleen Kröncke, with the 16-year-old San Royal 3, were the last combination to enter the ring before the break. The pair who triumphed in the 2022 British Dressage Championships – where they won the Grand Prix title – could not quite repeat their success and went into provisional fifth with 68.043%.

Charlotte’s lead was unrivalled as the second session progressed. First in after the break, Ireland’s Abigail Lyle who rode Farrell scored 68.413% to move ahead of Kröncke by a fraction of a mark. However, the rest of the field’s chances faded when Britain’s Emile Faurie came to the fore with the stunning mare Bellevue, producing an accurate and pleasing test in the afternoon sunlight to slot in behind Dujardin and Hughes in third place with 71.826%.

On her return to top level competition, Dujardin stated: “I haven’t competed for 8 months, and Pete [Imhotep] hasn’t done a competition since the FEI World Championships. I have only been back riding for 3 weeks – so I was worried I would be a bit ring rusty – but he was incredible and was so positive with his energy. There are still areas that we can improve on which is exciting – we are now aiming for the FEI European Championships this summer.”

Dujardin continued: “I have such amazing memories of Royal Windsor Horse Show having competed here in the Showing as a child – it has such a wonderful atmosphere and to be back here is just so special. It is now Isabella’s time to support Mummy and I hope I have done her proud.”

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Royal Windsor Horse Show

Acts Arrive for 80th Edition of Royal Windsor Horse Show

LCpl Buswell HCMR, riding Apollo the Drum Horse, who was a pivotal part of the Coronation celebrations. @RoyalWindsorHorseShow/PeterNixon

Royal Windsor Horse Show, taking place from 10-14 May, will welcome hundreds of horses for elite competitions, equestrian displays, and performances in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.

Onsite rehearsals are already underway for the display acts, which will include The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan, with their performance ‘Azerbaijan – Land of Fire’.

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Strzegom

Merel Blom Victorious in 4* Class in Strzegom

Photo: Leszek Wójcik

Dutch rider Merel Blom with Vesuve d’Averyon was the best in the CCI4*-L, the highest ranked class at the Strzegom Spring Open II.

Blom was sixth after the dressage, climbed up the scoreboard after clear cross-country, and secured her win with a zero-penalty jumping round. They finished with 35,7. Second place went to Peter T.Flarup (DEN) with Fascination. The rider had the best dressage score, but time points in the XC cost him the win, even after faultless showjumping. Final score – 36,2. Spanish athlete Esteban Benitez Valle with Utrera AA 35 1 finished third. A good cross-country over the optimum time jumped him up from 10th after dressage, to finish with 41,9. The only Polish combination – Robert Powała and Rara del Castegno – finished 11th with 64,3.

There were some surprises in the CCI4*-S class. Sanna Siltakorpi (FIN) with Bofey Click was ultimately victorious, after a clear cross-country – the only one inside the time. That performance made her jump up from 21st after two previous trials (40,6). Second went to Germany’s Arne Bergendahl with Checkovich – 40,6, and third to the Olympic champion Julia Krajewski aboard Nickel 21 – 40,8.

The winner of the CCI3*-L was Germany’s Christoph Wahler with D’Accord 70, who kept his lead from the dressage – 30,0. He finished before Joaquim Grave (POR) with Let’s Win – 35,2, and Belgian Valentine Emsens with Esther du Mailler – 37,4.

The podium of the 3*S was all German. The win belonged to Ingrid Klimke with SAP Asha P, unbeatable from the dressage trial – 25,5. Second went to Felix Etzel with TSF Polartanz – 28,1, and third to Sophie Leube with Sweetwaters Ziethen TSF – 28,8.

Peter T.Flarup with H.Carald Z was victorious in the CCI2*-L – 35,1. The Danish rider took the lead in the first trial, cleared the cross-country, and even a knockdown in the jumping could not threaten his position. Germany’s Marie Marie Füntmann with Butt’s Azahar followed in second with 42,4, and third went to Luna Richter (DEN) with Lillifee AJK – 45,1

German athletes were the best in the 2*S. Bernhard Reemtsma won aboard Catelan – 30,5. They took the lead after the showjumping, and went only two seconds over the time limit in the XC.  Jerome Robiné with Avatar 42 finished second with 31,2, and Charlotte Whittaker with Isa – third – 31,8.

The winner of the CCI1*-Intro was Germany’s Julia Krajewski with Chilli Morning II – 34,5. Her compatriot Leni Lehnard with Cobec was second – 36,8, and Polish athlete Weronika Krzecka took home the third with First Kiss – 37,4.

In the Pony CCIP2*, victory went to Liva Emilie Grubbe from Denmark with Ac-Star Quickie af Engvang – 38,6.

The Strzegom Spring Open competition selected the winners of eight international classes. Over 250 horse-and-rider combinations representing 18 countries took part.

Online results: http://results.strzegomhorsetrials.pl/event.php?event=20.

Contact:
www.strzegomhorsetrials.pl
press@strzegomhorsetrials.pl

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

It’s the American Dream for Germany, Taking Top Honours in All Classes

Chiara Congia and Justin Van Gerven (GER) with Max – FEI / Richard Juilliart.

While there was little doubt that Germany would go home with a title, the question ahead of the Burlington Capital FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final was just how many could they win?

Kathrin Meyer (GER) had one foot firmly on the podium after her technical test, and she made it clear with her freestyle that she had no intention of letting anyone else have the top spot. Powerfully, she moved through her robotic freestyle to take the title at her debut FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final. Together with her Mum, Sonja Meyer, and her own horse, San Classico S, the trio proved an unbeatable combination (8.428).

“I’m really happy; it was the first time I showed my new freestyle… and my new inside ground jump worked pretty well. I’m really happy with that,” said Meyer.

Danielle Bürgi (SUI) remained hot on the heels of the German vaulter. However, even with her creative freestyle winning the round, it wasn’t enough. Vaulting on Best Brew, lunged by Andrea Selch, she finished in second, only 0.082 behind (8.346).

Professionalism and experience shone through for Julia Sophie Wagner of Germany. A technical hitch led to a music error at the start of her round, but she didn’t falter and instead pulled off an excellent freestyle to rise up the rankings and finish in bronze medal position atop DSP Sir Laulau with Hendrik Falk (7.791). The USA’s Kimberly Palmer was left just outside the medal positions, scoring 7.736.

In the Men’s competition, the first-round scores made all the difference. Home favourite Daniel Janes performed the second-best freestyle but was unable to move up the leader board, finishing in sixth (7.190). Switzerland’s Andrin Müller excited the crowd and he clung on to his well-earned day one third place, giving Andrea Selch and Best Brew another podium finish (7.514).

Despite overbalancing in an early ground jump, Sam dos Santos just about held it together.  He recovered well and showed glimpses of huge potential in his freestyle for this season. The Dutch vaulter finished his first FEI Vaulting World Cup Final™ in second place, with Max and Sarah Krauss, and is sure to already have his eyes on the title (8.052).

On this occasion, the men were completely outclassed by Jannik Heiland. With a 0.5-point lead, and on his 5th attempt, the German vaulter calmly executed his freestyle and took Sonja Meyer and San Classico S to the top of the podium for the second time.

“It’s a massive arena; it was a very great feeling and it’s an honour for me to be here. To win the World Cup Final, it was a big wish for me to get this title my whole life,” he said.

The German domination continued into the Pas de Deux class. There was no problem for DSP Sir Laulau and Hendrik Falk, allowing Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne to dig deep and ensure to overcome as much of the deficit from the first round as possible. A massive 8.516 in the second round threw down the gauntlet for the remaining combinations and set 7.876 as the final score to beat.

“We were so grateful that we could show the whole freestyle, and the last block was good, and we couldn’t hope for more,” said Künne.

Danish combination Freja Linde and Maria Thinggaard Sorensen went smoothly, but it wasn’t enough, and they settled for fourth, 7.641.  With slight hesitations, Romana Hintner and Eva Nagiller couldn’t keep Austria ahead as they were pushed into in third place at 7.832.

As Chiara Congia and Justin van Gerven entered for their swan song, they only had to be clean to take the title. In a momentary loss of balance, Justin came off the horse after a freestanding lift. Quick reactions from Chiara kept her on and reduced the points lost by the error.

They completed the test in spectacular style, but had to wait for the final scores to see if the slip had cost them the title. Fortunately, they proved too strong for their competitors and clearly won the class, with Alexandra Knauf and Max. They finished as the only pair with a final score above 8.0 (8.341).

“It’s always special to win a competition. Then it’s a World Cup Final; that’s amazing, a new title for us; we weren’t able to win that one yet, and then flying to America and to make this amazing journey is also really special,” said Van Gerven.

The Burlington Capital FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final has proved an incredible show of teamwork and horsemanship for all involved. The first Final out with Europe was a huge success; however, the Germans have shown they mean business and they don’t look like they’re willing to give it up any time soon.

FULL RESULTS

by Joanne Littlejohn

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

A Brilliant Back-to-Back Double for Jessica and Dalera

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) – FEI/Richard Juilliart

The German duo of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the fabulous TSF Dalera BB claimed the coveted FEI Dressage World Cup™ title for the second time in their spectacular career when winning the deciding Freestyle competition at the 2023 series Final in Omaha, USA.

They arrived at the American fixture as firm favourites but looked vulnerable in Wednesday’s Grand Prix when the 16-year-old mare was super-excited to return to competition after a few months’ break.

Dalera was right back in the zone that saw this superstar partnership scoop all gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and again at the FEI European Championships in 2021 before putting their names on the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Roll of Honour 12 months ago in Leipzig (GER).

Replicated

It seemed likely that Wednesday’s Grand Prix result, in which von Bredow-Werndl’s compatriot and longtime legend, Isabell Werth, finished second with DSP Qantaz and Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Horse Zepter finished third, would be replicated. But the Danish pair, who seems to have come out of nowhere in the last few months, produced a spectacular performance to demote five-time series champion Werth to the third step of the podium this time around.

The field was further reduced to 13 starters following the withdrawal of The Netherlands’ Marieke van der Putten’s Torveslettens Titanium RS2, but the Omaha crowd were still treated to a feast of fantastic sport. They didn’t hold back when the riders encouraged them to join in with the excitement.

Second into the ring, Lithuania’s Justina Vanagaite had them right behind her as she rode her one-handed final line with Nabab, but it was Simone Pearce and Fiderdance who were holding the lead at the halfway stage when the Australian rider’s cheeky wave at the crowd before coming to a halt was followed by the best score to date, 76.575.

Raised the game

The last remaining Dutch contender, Thamar Zweistra, raised the game when the action resumed with a super test from Hexagon’s Ich Weiss that put 78.204 on the board. “I was really proud of him,” she said. “The one-tempis were amazing; he did about 25 in a row and he was really relaxed. I had a lot of fun. He has a lot of energy and that’s what I like about him; he is always willing to work!”

But with four left to go, it was Werth and DSP Qantaz who set the new standard when posting 85.671 for a performance that oozed class. The smile on her face showed that 31 years after she first won the prestigious FEI Dressage World Cup™ title, the 53-year-old athlete is enjoying herself as much as ever. The crowd adored her Bonnie Tyler themed musical score, bursting into wild applause as she drew to a halt. She was still laughing with delight herself after leaving the ring, knowing that she had nailed her tough floorplan.

“It was super and I was so happy! This was our best Freestyle together, and he was so with me that it was perfect! I really love this Freestyle – it is so difficult and there’s no time to breathe or to think about what is going on – I’m in one tunnel and each step has to come after the next and it worked really perfect today!” she said.

Mesmerising

Then von Bredow-Werndl took the floor, and with mesmerising piaffe/passage and half-passes in both trot and canter that seem even more fluent than ever before, they soared out in front when putting a massive 90.482 on the board.

“She was incredible; she went in with no wet hair (sweat) because I didn’t do a lot outside, but she was so wet because of the atmosphere. It was really hot in there and she again was a little bit scared, but she trusted me 100%; that was the difference tonight. I was confident and we were mirroring each other; she was confident and I got confident. She was excited but she trusted me from the very first step,” the delighted 37-year-old rider said.

America’s Steffen Peters, series champion in Las Vegas (USA) back in 2009, was second-last to go and, always a crowd-pleaser and especially on home ground, he slotted in behind Werth with a mark of 83.921. Now only Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Zepter were left to run, and it seemed the top two places were already decided, but the Danish duo were having none of that.

There’s something very special about the relationship these two have established in a very short time. The chestnut gelding, formerly ridden by both her Danish counterpart Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Sweden’s Patrik Kittel, is blossoming like never before, even though he is already 15 years old.

On fire

“He was really on fire. I had to be so careful all the way around; it was a bit difficult to come back after extended canter, but I’m so thrilled! My journey with him has been so short; we have only been together for four months and I have the feeling I can ask for so much more – he is amazing!” she said after posting 87.146, which put her onto the second step of the podium.

She sees even greater potential in the year ahead. “To score higher, I need to get to know him better, but for now I just need to take it easy and be happy with the way it is, and I think it will come slowly. The judges have to get to know him also,” said the 29-year-old athlete who, with Zepter’s sire Blue Hors Zack, was a member of the Danish team that made history with victory at last summer’s FEI Dressage European Championship on home soil in Herning (DEN).

“He gives such an amazing feeling; he wants to do so much. Already in the warm-up, I could feel it and I wondered if I should have worked him more in the morning, because we only did walking,” she explained.

“But I just had to work with him and make him comfortable and get him to listen to me, and he gives such a good feeling. The only thing I want to change now is the music, because I think the theme is a bit weird – ‘Time to say goodbye’. It is lovely music and it fits him perfectly, but the theme could be a little happier so I will change that!” she said with conviction.

French-themed

New double-champion, von Bredow-Werndl, won’t be changing her French-themed Freestyle music anytime soon, and insisted that it is “just a nice coincidence” that she has adopted it ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“I always loved (French singer) Édith Piaf… this music gives me goosebumps, especially on the last centreline,” she said.

Talking about her return to the sport just a couple of months after giving birth to her second child, daughter Ella Marie, who arrived last August during the FEI World Championship, she said, “It’s just a passion to get back in the saddle as soon as possible, because I just love what I do and so do my horses, and they made it pretty easy for me to come back that fast!”

Her second win puts Germany on level pegging with The Netherlands with 13 wins each in this series, which in 2023 celebrates its 36th anniversary. She has a long way to go to catch up with compatriot Werth, who has five wins under her belt, or Dutch superstar Anky van Grunsven, who recorded a phenomenal nine victories during her amazing career. But with Dalera, she is out on her own right now.

“Dalera is such a special creature to have in my life. She makes everything possible – she is a dream!” said the newly crowned 2023 FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion.

FULL RESULTS

by Louise Parkes

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

Germany Steals the Show

Kathrin Meyer (GER) with San Classico S – FEI/Richard Juilliart.

As the curtains opened on the Burlington Capital FEI Vaulting World Cup Final™, the athletes took to the competition circle for the first time in Omaha. With excitement levels high, the German athletes kept their cool and took the top spot in all three events.

The home nation’s hopes were on Kimberly Palmer as she entered with Christoph Lensing and Romeo. Her new technical routine didn’t quite hit the mark with the judges, leaving her in 4th place in the overnight standings, 7.489. Hungarian Blanka Nemeth had an excellent start. She opened the show with Lunar Eclipse and Kimberly Wellman and showed her worth sitting in third, 7.554.

The young Swiss star Danielle Bürgi packed her Technical Test full of difficult sequences and creative transitions, which, combined with a top score from Best Brew and Andrea Selch, has her comfortably in second place (8.092). However, Kathrin Meyer saved the best until last in the Female competition. Entering the arena with San Classico S and her Mum Sonja Meyer, she floated through her test with elegance, grace, and beauty, earning an 8.299 from the judges.

“It’s amazing; the lights create a different atmosphere than on normal competition, and also the audience is great and I am really happy to be here,” said Meyer.

Averill Saunders struggled to make some of her sequences flow on top of Max, lunged by Sarah Krauss (6.388), and was left disappointed with her debut World Cup round. There will be plenty more to come from the young Canadian in the future.

In the Men’s competition, all eyes were glued to the circle as Sam dos Santos entered. At only sixteen, there is a bright future for the Dutch star. He earned second place (7.952) and captivated the audience aboard Max with Sarah Krauss. Andrin Müller (SUI) proved he too had made a successful partnership with Max and Sarah, but sits some way behind in third on 7.176.

No one came close to Germany’s Jannik Heiland, who took the lead and can sleep well with a 0.484-point lead over his closest competition. He made the decision, after arriving in Omaha, to compete on San Classico S with Sonja Meyer, and had only sat on the horse a few times before. He proved he is worthy of the title of Champion, but we must wait to see if he can win it.

The backward stand proved tricky for many of the individual competitors, but none so much as Daniel Janes. He was 90 per cent through a well-executed Technical Test when he prematurely dismounted, costing him heavily (6.081).

The atmosphere and anticipation grew in the CHI Health Center as we moved to the Pas de Deux competition. Austrian pair Romana Hintner and Eva Nagiller set the score to beat (7.657). Their horse Killian and lunger Mary McCormick have so far proved a solid combination. The Danish pair came next, Freja Linde and Maria Thinggaard Sorensen, along with Lunar Eclipse and Kimberly Wellman. They performed a clean routine for the judges, but were only rewarded with 7.267 points.

As the competition heated up, the first of the German combinations entered. Presenting a new concept, Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne danced their way through their Freestyle until DSP Sir LauLau noticed Diana had lost her arm number and decided to stop, as it was in his way. The pair were unable to counteract the movement and Diana took a tumble from quite a height. Fortunately, they were all OK and the score took the worst impact, leaving them in fourth place on 7.236. After a dramatic end to the previous test, there was some tension as the final German pair entered.

Justin van Gerven and Chiara Congia had made the decision earlier in the day to change from their planned horse, Highlight FRH, to Max, after Highlight didn’t seem 100% in the morning. They are World Champions for a reason.

With Alexandra Knauf on the lunge, the duo stunned the audience as they stuck every single move. They rightfully stole the lead and are heading for the title on Saturday scoring 8.370.

After the round, van Gerven said, “It was tough; we had to work on the horse, but I think we all did a good job; the horse and the lunger and we are happy.”

FULL RESULTS

by Joanne Eccles

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Vogel Wins, but Schou and Schwizer Share the Lead Going into Final Day

Richard Vogel (GER) and United Touch S – Copyright ©FEI/Richard Juilliart

On a night of sensational sport, Germany’s Richard Vogel steered the brilliant stallion United Touch S to win the second leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2023 in Omaha (USA). But it is Denmark’s Andreas Schou (Darc de Lux) and Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer (Vancouver de Lanlore) who share the lead going into Saturday’s third and deciding competition.

The top three in the opening Speed class all lost their grip, but overnight leader and world number one, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward), only slipped to third with a single fence down. However, Britain’s Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) plummeted from second to equal-ninth when leaving three on the floor, while Germany’s Daniel Deusser (Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z) retired and is now completely out of contention.

With points from both the Speed leg and the Jump-Off now converted into penalties, there is less than a fence between the top six going into the top-30 last-day test.

Schou and Schwizer are out in front on a zero score and von Eckermann will carry just one penalty point, while 26-year-old Vogel will start with two on the board and Brazil’s Yuri Mansur and the USA’s Hunter Holloway will start with three penalties already on their scorecard.

The result is far from decided because time faults or a fence down on Saturday can change everything.

The key

Only nine of the 39 starters found the key to another superb 14-fence first-round course set by Portugal’s Bernardo Costa Cabral. Regardless of experience this was a track that tested every single rider, and while the oxer at fence 10 proved particularly influential. there were poles on the ground all the way to the very last.

First into the jump-off, flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard left the door wide open with two down with Donatello d’Auge, but Norway’s Victoria Gulliksen followed with a cracking clear from her beloved Papa Roach in 38.71 to take the early lead.

Then America’s Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue, runners-up at the 2018 Final in Paris, hit the very last fence before Harry Charles forged a new lead with Balou du Reventon that stopped the clock in 35.25 seconds.

The British rider’s advantage was short-lived when Vogel’s big-striding horse galloped through the finish in 35.11 seconds with apparent ease. Although Schou (35.58 seconds) and last-to-go Schwizer (36.18 seconds) left all the timber intact, they had to settle for third and fourth places, respectively, while Vogel reigned supreme ahead of Charles.

Delighted

Talking about his win, Vogel, whose recent form has seen him rise 23 places in the world rankings in the last month, said, “It’s our first World Cup Final, so we are delighted with how it has gone so far. Obviously, we will try to do our best on the final day, but we are already very happy!”

Runner-up Charles, who is highest ranked U25 rider and number 15 in the latest world rankings, was also more than pleased. He’s clearly thrilled to be partnering the brilliant Balou du Reventon who only joined his string last December.

“He’s not really a horse, he’s a Pegasus! For sure he’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden and even at 17 years old, he is still one of the best horses in the world. I’ve been watching him since I was growing up and it’s an honour and a privilege to be sat on him. I love every minute of every time I get to go in the ring with him!” he said proudly.

He described the course as “fantastic… I didn’t think it was too big but it rode really difficult and we got a great result. A lot of good guys from yesterday didn’t quite have the result they wanted today which was good for me! So it has made it a really exciting competition.”

Handsome stallion

Third-placed Schou also had plenty of nice things to say about his handsome stallion Darc de Lux, who has helped place him in the joint lead going into the final day.

“Yesterday we managed to stay near the top, and today he came out like he did all the indoor season and fought for me all the way around and gave me the clear round that was needed.” When the penultimate vertical came up very deep, the 12-year-old horse didn’t hesitate to oblige.

“That was all credit on him. I deserved to have a mistake in that turn. I had seen Richard’s round and I knew I had to give it all, and when I put so much pressure on him the canter gets difficult to handle. When I turned, the distance wasn’t there and I had to add one (stride), but he’s such a sharp and clever horse that he managed.”

When asked if he was surprised to find himself in the joint lead, he replied, “I think I have to say yes! But when you see his (Darc de Lux’s) record all indoor season, he jumped six World Cups and ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) and Geneva (SUI) and he’s been clear in most or maximum one down. He’s such a consistent, clever, and careful horse, so he actually deserves to be there because he is actually one of the best!”

Full results

by Louise Parkes

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Stellar National Entries for Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023

Royal Windsor Horse Show, taking place from 11-14 May 2023, will welcome over 1,800 entries across all Showing and national Show Jumping competitions, setting the scene to provide a spectacle of top-level equestrianism.

Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said: “Royal Windsor Horse Show has been delighted to see such a high number of entries coming in for the 80th edition of the Show. The four days of competition will be a real showcase of the exciting national talent that we have in our country, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to this special edition of the Show.”

National Showing

Once again, the biggest names in Showing will gather in the private grounds of Windsor Castle for what is regarded as the start of the Showing season. With over 1,700 entries, including 15 from His Majesty the King, the competition is set to be intense. This is a large increase from 2022, when just over 1,300 entries were received, demonstrating the growing prominence of Royal Windsor on the calendar.

One of the most prestigious titles in the world of Showing, the Hunter Championship, will be more open than ever this year as Cheshire master-showman Robert Walker has retired his record-breaking lightweight, View Point, who made history last season when standing champion at Royal Windsor Horse Show for the fourth consecutive time. Walker, the ultimate horseman, has six entries across the Hunter category and will be looking to retain his title.

The 2022 Retraining of Racehorses Tattersalls Thoroughbred Ridden Show Horse Championship was won by Minella Rebellion and Katie Dashwood. Dashwood will return with the 11-year-old brother to Cheltenham Festival winner Balthazar King, hoping to repeat their success. Last year’s Riding Horse Champions, Times Square III and Danielle Heath, Senior In Hand Champions, Randall IV and Lucy Ashworth, and Martin Collins Enterprises Cob Champions Chantilly Sandman and Jayne Ross are some of top combinations seeking victory at the Show once more.

Another recognisable competitor taking centre stage at this year’s Show will be equestrian influencer, Harlow White. White will make her debut at the Show, riding Coppinshill Commemoration in both the BSPS Mountain & Moorland Ridden (Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland) sponsored by New Horizon Plastics and the BSPS Mountain & Moorland Open First Ridden.

A notable addition to the 2023 schedule are the Pretty Polly classes, which have received an impressive 85 entries, from Mountain & Moorland to Show Pony. Of the new classes, Brooks-Ward commented: “The Show is delighted to showcase and celebrate such a wide selection of home-produced ponies and we wish all the competitors the best of luck.”

National Show Jumping

Alongside the CSI5* international Show Jumping classes, Royal Windsor Horse Show will showcase home-grown talent in its four national Show Jumping classes. Brooks-Ward acknowledged: “Hosting the national Show Jumping at Royal Windsor is important to us, giving the country’s top national riders an opportunity to compete at such a prestigious venue and providing younger horses and riders with invaluable experience to progress and hopefully move up to an international level in the future.”

Action commences with the Al Shira’aa Senior Foxhunter, for horses who have won fewer than 700 British Showjumping points in their career, on Thursday morning in the Martin Collins Enterprises Frogmore Arena. Last year’s victor, Emily Sage, returns to the Show with high hopes of retaining her title with one of her two rides, Vogue TW and Stalua PS. Also contesting the class will be some of the most notable names in Show Jumping including Ireland’s Shane Breen, Royal Windsor Horse Show ambassador Joseph Stockdale, as well as Pippa and William Funnell, who alongside their Billy Stud riders bring 12 horses to this class.

The following class, the National 1.40m Open, is always highly competitive, and the 2023 edition will have over 40 entries. With four entries, The Billy Stud will provide stiff competition, but last year’s winners Sally Goding and Spring Willow will hope to use their experience of the famous Castle Arena to reclaim the title.

A highlight for many will come from Thursday night’s Martin Collins Enterprises Puissance. The Puissance dates back over 100 years and is one of the most exhilarating competitions in the Show Jumping discipline. Amongst the horse and rider combinations to take on the iconic ‘red wall’ will be last year’s joint winner, Derek Morton, who is sure to be the favourite heading into the competition. He will be joined by 2021 winner, Joseph Stockdale, as well as France’s Dan Delsart riding Granby, an experienced Puissance combination.

Showcasing the most exciting up-and-coming homegrown talent is the Defender Under-25 Jumping Competition held in the Castle Arena on Sunday morning. Fourth in the class last year, and returning with new mount Chilli, is Nicole Lockhead Anderson, who is continuing to rise up the FEI Under-25 rankings. She will come to Royal Windsor Horse Show on the back of numerous wins in Vejer de la Frontera in the spring. Rising star Claudia Moore will partner her FEI Young Rider European Championships mount Hardesther and will be looking to impress. The 19-year-old is joined by FEI World Championship team bronze medallist Joseph Stockdale. Stockdale, a former winner of this class, knows what it takes to win at this iconic venue. Jennifer Sponer is another to look out for, as she partners Scott Brash’s former five-star ride Hello Shelby, and will be hoping his experience can lead her to victory. Maisy Williams will once again ride her father Guy Williams’ Puissance specialist Mr Blue Sky UK in this prestigious class.

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

Eventing/H.T., Strzegom

Strzegom Spring Open: Star-Studded Lineup for the Season Opener

Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński

Over 220 horses, competitors from 13 countries, and star athletes — this year’s first international eventing competition in Poland starts on Friday, 31 March, at the hippodrome in Morawa.

The riders will take part in four international short-format classes from 1*-Intro to 4*, as well as three national ones.

Some of the sport’s biggest names signed up to participate in the competition, including multi-medalist Michael Jung – a double Olympic champion, European, and World Champion. The German athlete brings fischerChipmunk, with whom he won the team gold medal during the last world championships, as well as Banderas, bred in Poland, in Bolków in Lower Silesia. We will also see Sandra Auffarth from Germany, Olympic bronze medalist and world champion, and Dutch Merel Blom, the team bronze medalist of the World Equestrian Games.

Among the Polish representatives we will have the chance to see the entire podium of last year’s Polish Championships: Mateusz Kempe, Joanna Pawlak, and Małgorzata Korycka.

The competition begins on Friday with the dressage. Saturday is for the jumping and cross-country trial of national competitions, and on Sunday, the cross-country for the international classes.

This will be the first edition of the Strzegom Spring Open; the second will be held on April 20-23.

Program: https://www.eventing.strzegomhorsetrials.pl/images/2023/1/TIMETABLE-24.03.pdf

Contact:
www.strzegomhorsetrials.pl
press@strzegomhorsetrials.pl