Category Archives: Driving

Competitions, Driving

French Team Wins CAIO 4*-H1 Trials during 5* Eventing in Pau

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Image copyright Nicolas Hodys.

The brilliant performances of France’s three carriage drivers drove France to the top of the CAIO 4*-H1 podium at the Pau 5* horse trials. Jean-Michel Olive, leading Sinnamari, won the marathon. France pipped Germany and Netherlands to the post. The victory is a good omen for next year’s World Championship, which will also take place here in Pau, France at the Domaine de Sers.

In the individual ranking, Belgian champion Laure Philippot is first, in front of Dutch carriage driver Rudolf Pestman and French driver Fabrice Martin.

Fabrice Martin (FRA):

“This win is a wonderful team victory! Everyone contributed to France coming out on top in this competition even though the scores were very close throughout the competition! We gave everything we had in the marathon and that’s what made the difference in the end. I came third in the individual tests and the marathon meant that I lost one place, but I’m sort of discovering this discipline as I don’t have much experience in carriage driving. I’ve only been driving my horse for three months so I can’t complain and I’m really happy with my third place.”

Anika Geiger (GER):

“It was a long way to travel from Germany to Pau, but it was well worth the effort: the competition was amazing. The team comprised three young female drivers, so our second place here is entirely thanks to ‘young girl power’! In the marathon, there was a real challenge to negotiate in the two long water obstacles and that really put the horses to the test.”

Rudolf Pestman (NED):

“I was already here last year for the Pau 5* eventing competition, and I came back this year. I wanted to end the season better than it had started with my horse’s injury. I love the Pau competition, even if we have to drive 1500 kilometres to get here from home…”

Laure Philippot (BEL):

“I was first in the dressage test and managed to hold my lead with two clean sweeps in the cones competition. In the marathon, which isn’t really my strong point, I did my utmost to keep my first place, and I made it! We’ve had a great season this year and we’re going to work hard this winter to prepare for the next one. There weren’t any specific difficulties in the marathon; it was a pretty fast course apart from a mound which caused a few problems. ”

Pascal Sayous, organiser of the Pau 5-Star event:

“I’m delighted with this dress rehearsal for the carriage-driving world championships which is to take place here at the Domaine de Sers next year. I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to French driver Marion Vignaud, who won here last year and has been an amazing ambassador for Pau throughout the entire year.”

JULIETTE FEYTOUT PEREZ
juliette@blizko-communication.com

Competitions, Driving

Finnish Driver Leena Kalalahti Wins the Cones Competition

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Image copyright Nicolas Hodys.

The drivers on the starting list for the CAIO 4*-H1 at the Pau 5-star event competed in the cones competition, the second test in their triathlon. Finnish driver Leena Kalalahti with Judym in hand was the fastest of the flawless rounds, taking first position for this test and climbing from 34th to 24th in the provisional ranking.

Despite moving up ten places on the provisional leaderboard, Kalalahti’s win does not change the provisional podium after the dressage and cones. Belgian driver Laure Philippot also completed a flawless round and maintains her first place, just ahead of Fabrice Martin who clocked up a 0.57 point-penalty and Dutch driver Rudolf Pestman who came in third, having also driven a clear round.

JULIETTE FEYTOUT PEREZ
juliette@blizko-communication.com

Competitions, Dressage, Driving

Laure Philippot Took the Lead after Second Series of Dressage at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau

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Image copyright Nicolas Hodys.

The dressage test of the CAIO 4*-H1 is now over, leaving the way open for the cones competition at the Domaine de Sers, as part of the Pau 5-star eventing competition. Belgian carriage driver Laure Philippot took the lead after the second series of dressage tests. Laure won the Belgian championships in 2018 and now ranks world no. six. Here in Pau, she ranks just ahead of French driver Fabrice Martin, and Dutch driver Rudolf Pestman, on the individual provisional leaderboard of the CAIO 4*-H1.

The brilliant performance given by French team Fabrice Martin and Marion Vignaud, currently fourth in the individual competition, and winner of last year’s event, put them in the lead ahead of Germany and the Netherlands.

Result here: https://www.hoefnet.nl/wp-content/uploads/uitslagen/2019/FRA/PAU.20191023.20191027/PDF/DRESSAGE_HORSES.pdf

JULIETTE FEYTOUT PEREZ
juliette@blizko-communication.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving

Luxemburg Carriage Driver Franz Schiltz Has Taken the Lead in Provisional Ranking

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Image copyright Nicolas Hodys.

At the end of the first day of dressage in the CCI 5* – H1 competition in Pau, Luxemburg carriage driver Franz Schiltz is has taken the lead in the provisional ranking. The 2015 world champion is one step ahead of Saskia Siebers, the current star in the discipline, world champion titleholder in team driving and vice world champion in individual driving. Third place goes to Spanish driver Ana Muñoz Fernandez.

In the provisional ranking, the best French carriage driver, Tony Ecalle, is currently in fifth place. French driver Magalie Aillaud will kick off the events in the second half of the dressage tests of the CAIO 4*-H1 competition in the Pau 5* horse trials. Eyes will be riveted on defending champion Marion Vignaud, currently ranked third in the world in this discipline, scheduled to perform her test at 11:10 AM.

You will find all the results HERE.

JULIETTE FEYTOUT PEREZ
juliette@blizko-communication.com

Dressage, Driving, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

This Esme and Teddy the Shetland to Take Centre Stage at Olympia Live Zone

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Olympia, The London International Horse Show is thrilled to announce the 2019 line-up for the hugely popular ‘Live Zone.’ Providing a unique opportunity for spectators to meet and interact with some of their favourite equestrian stars, this year’s Live Zone features online influencers as well as talks, Q&A sessions, and rider interviews.

Alongside the exclusive opportunity to meet elite equestrian athletes, the Live Zone will include guest appearances from social media sensations, including Esme Higgs, one of the world’s most popular equestrian influencers. Attending from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 December, Higgs is famous for her YouTube videos of her life with her ponies and donkeys and attracts 3.5 million viewers to her YouTube channel ‘This Esme’ each month.

Teddy the Shetland will be at Olympia on Thursday 19 December and Friday 20 December for a ‘meet and greet’ and photo opportunities. The miniature Shetland who has over 120,000 followers has become a social media superstar and has even been featured in a Dior photoshoot.

Show jumper Kate Lewis, who documents her equestrian journey under the name ‘Blob the Cob’, will be making her Olympia Live Zone debut on Thursday, 19 December. Known for her incredible bareback jumping videos, the 20-year-old from North Yorkshire has over 136,000 Instagram followers and YouTube subscribers.

This year the Live Zone will also see appearances from young eventing rider ‘Pony Nuts,’ Vic Brant, who writes the hugely popular online blog ‘Diary of a Wimpy Eventer’ and vloggers Tina Wallace and Emily Dunstan who make videos as ‘Life on the Left Rein’ and ‘EMD Eventing’. By popular demand, pony producer Megan Elphick of Elphick Event Ponies will be making her Live Zone debut with a Q&A session, answering questions about training tactics and the best confidence-building exercises for ponies.

Olympia’s Official Charity, The Tim Stockdale Foundation, will also be supporting the Urban Equestrian Academy on the Live Zone for Part II of the Olympia Riding Academy – the initiative started earlier this year with an educational trip to the Stockdale’s yard.

The complete 2019 timetable will be announced later this month and will also include top international competitors from show jumping, dressage, and driving as well as specialist equestrian experts, and other stars of the Show.

Olympia Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “Olympia recognises the importance of digital bloggers and YouTube stars and we want to build unforgettable experiences for both our visitors and for those people who have such an influence on the equestrian community. The Live Zone at Olympia has been an incredibly successful initiative that brings fans and riders together. This year, it returns better than ever with an extensive list of guests.”

YouTuber ‘This Esme’ is one of the world’s largest equestrian social media stars. “Olympia is definitely one of my favorite times of year. I have been every year since I was 10 years old and it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it! This year I’m really excited to be back in the Live Zone meeting my viewers and soaking up the special Olympia atmosphere.”

Taking place at Olympia Grand this December, Olympia, The London International Horse Show attracts the world’s best riders and carriage drivers. The West Kensington venue will host seven days of top-class equestrian competition between 16-22 December, thrilling visitors from around the country. Alongside three FEI World Cup legs in Dressage, Show Jumping, and Carriage Driving, 90,000 spectators will also enjoy international performances from The Household Calvary Musical Ride and Jean-Francois Pignon’s new ‘Black and White’ display.

To purchase tickets for Olympia, please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Driving, Show Jumping

Olympia, The London International Horse Show Introduces New Sustainability Initiatives for 2019

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In its ongoing commitment to the environment, Olympia, The London International Horse Show, has once again put sustainability as a top priority for 2019. Taking place between 16-22 December, the week-long Show has reduced its use of single-use plastic again ahead of this year’s Christmas extravaganza.

Located in the heart of West London, the prestigious Olympia London has always been at the forefront of sustainability and waste management, pioneering several initiatives within the UK event industry. The London International Horse Show has worked, and continues to work, closely with Olympia London to create a more sustainable and environmentally aware event.

In their collaborative endeavour to fight the war on plastic, Olympia London and the Show have put several initiatives in place. In 2018, the Show eliminated 83% of its single-use plastic and packaging. Olympia London and the venue’s in-house caterers, Creative Events and Levy Restaurants have been working towards eliminating single-use plastic. Since 2018, plastic straws and cutlery have been replaced with recyclable alternatives such as paper straws and wooden and bamboo cutlery. Cardboard plates and vegware drinking glasses are now used and PET bottles of soft drinks have been replaced with aluminium cans.

All catering outlets offer discounted hot drinks to those who bring their own coffee cups, and Olympia London has gone into partnership with Simply Cups – the service was launched at Olympia, The London International Horse Show in 2018. Simply Cups provide separate bins for hot drinks cups, which are fully recycled into products, such as reusable cups. Guests will be able to find Simply Cups bins in the main catering areas of the Show.

In a drive to reduce energy consumption, all of the venue’s electricity is procured from renewable sources and all of the venue lighting in the arena and Shopping Village has been replaced with LED fittings – additionally, some of the rig’s incandescent bulbs will be replaced for the 2019 Show with environmentally-friendly LED alternatives.

Every year, more than 75 tonnes of muck, hay, and straw – the equivalent weight of 200 horses – is delivered to a local farm where it is composted and used as fertiliser for crops, and this is an initiative the Show will continue in 2019.

Water stations will be available near the catering outlets on the North and South sides of the Main Arena, as well as by the Pillar Hall at the North end, and the Winter Market and APEX room on the Shopping Village Gallery Level – new stations for this year will be located by the Shop and Drop on the South Side of the Main Arena and Eighteen 86 restaurant on the North Side of the Arena.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “Reducing the Show’s carbon footprint has been a significant goal for us in recent years and none more so than in 2019. As an International Show, we have a responsibility to set an example, which we are doing by continue to put new sustainability initiatives in place, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve for many years to come.

“We encourage ticket-holders travelling from around the UK to Olympia to think about their carbon footprint by considering greener ways of travelling, specifically making the most of the excellent public transport links to the venue. We also ask guests to bring their own water bottles rather than buying plastics bottles at the Show.”

Siân Richards, Business Services & Sustainability Manager of Olympia London, said: “We are very proud of our waste management programme, which has ensured that 100% of the waste output has been diverted from landfill for well over a decade, with 98% recycled and the remaining 2% recovered as waste for energy.

“Most of the waste produced at Olympia London is sent to a local waste recycling plant, where it’s sorted and sent back into the manufacturing chain to be reused. The main exception to this is food waste, which is sent to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it’s converted into bio-fuel and fertiliser.

“Olympia London works closely with local food banks and charities around London to ensure that any useable food left over from the event is used to help those less fortunate.”

Olympia, The London International Horse Show will return once again for seven days of spectacular high-class competition. Attracting crowds and riders from around the world, the 2019 edition of the Christmas Show is sure to impress. Taking place at the iconic Olympia Grand, the expected 90,000 spectators will witness FEI World Cup™ action, which will begin on Monday 16 December, and will showcase the very best of Show Jumping, Dressage, and Carriage Driving. Very much living up to its name, the International Show will also host a range of exciting performances and displays throughout the week, concluding with the greatly anticipated Olympia Grand Prix on Sunday 22 December.

To purchase tickets for Olympia, please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Community/Charity, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining

USET Foundation Supports Next Generation through Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge

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Lucy Deslauriers and Hester competing for the United States in the $290,000 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of the United States of America CSIO5* during the 2019 Palm Beach Masters Series.

Gladstone, N.J. – July 18, 2019 – With the launch of the new Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation encourages everyone to get involved in paving the way for our U.S. equestrian teams to prepare and compete at the upcoming 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and the 2019 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), presented by Gotham North.

By participating in the challenge, the Foundation’s supporters and fans open the pathway to the podium for U.S. athletes, from developing to elite squads, across the nation in the eight FEI disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-equestrian, reining, show jumping, and vaulting.

The mission of the USET Foundation is to provide the necessary resources to make equestrian competitive excellence possible, now and in the future. These key funds support the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international and high performance horses and athletes in partnership with US Equestrian (USEF), which does not receive any direct or indirect government subsidy.

High performance programs train and support our top athletes and horses to compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games and other top international competitions. In addition, these programs provide support for our world-class coaches, international competition for developing athletes, training grants, national training sessions, and talent search programs to identify future elite equestrian athletes.

Contributions made to the USET Foundation directly support the grants that the Foundation makes to the USEF for the high performance programs. Annually, the USET Foundation awards grants covering approximately 50% of the high performance program budget. The funding, made possible through USET Foundation donations, creates the support programs for athletes who aspire to be on the podium someday in any of the eight FEI disciplines.

Since its inception, the USET Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to support the USEF’s high performance programs and athletes along the pathway, including the likes of Kent Farrington, Philip Dutton, Laura Graves, Laura Kraut, McLain Ward, and countless others who, thanks in part to the support received from the USET Foundation, went on to represent and achieve historic results for the U.S. at the highest levels of the sport.

From the beginning, the USET Foundation’s focus has always been on providing funding for the next generation’s international success. At the NAYC, presented by Gotham North, to be held July 24-28 (eventing) in conjunction with The Event at Rebecca Farm and July 30 – Aug. 4 (dressage and show jumping) at Old Salem Farm, the USET Foundation annually presents the coveted Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award.

In 2018, the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award was given to Daisy Farish as the highest placing U.S. Young Rider in the individual show jumping final. As the recipient of this immense honor, Farish had the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth Final along with the other top finishers in the NAYC individual show jumping final, Samantha Cohen, Madison Goetzmann, and McKayla Langmeier, in Opglabbeek, Belgium in September 2018.

Another young talent, Lucy Deslauriers (20), has progressed up the pathway through the NAYC and U25 division to now representing the U.S. with podium finishes in Nations Cup competitions and most recently being named to the NetJets® U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2019 Pan American Games.

“I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to represent our country at the senior level in Nations Cup competitions over the past year,” said Deslauriers. “Only with the support of the USET Foundation and the US Equestrian pathway programs have I been able to fulfill some of my show jumping dreams.”

The Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge is one that rallies support from all members of the USET Foundation community from the $10 first-time donor to the invested and dedicated trustee. From now through Aug. 11, the more people who participate by making a gift, of any amount, the closer we get to unlocking $100,000 of additional support, which will help elevate up-and-coming athletes and provide valuable opportunities on their journey to equestrian excellence.

Be a part of history and show support for Team USA during these pivotal weeks and beyond! Participate in the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge at USET.org and spread the word on social media. Current supporters of the Foundation can participate in the challenge and move the USET Foundation one donor closer by giving again now.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

Community/Charity, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining

Support Team USA in USET Foundation’s New Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge

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Graphic: Courtesy of the USET Foundation

Gladstone, N.J. – July 11, 2019 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a transformative new initiative, the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge.

“During the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge, we invite you to get to know the USET Foundation and the countless ways that we support equestrians across the country,” said Bonnie Jenkins, USET Foundation executive director. “For some, this is our first opportunity to show how we help make representing America possible. For many others, this challenge serves as a fond reminder of the USET Foundation’s great history of support and a rally for success. We thank you and our teams thank you.”

The USET Foundation is the philanthropic partner of US Equestrian (USEF) and works to make the dreams of competing on a U.S. team possible. Join the Foundation in supporting America’s equestrian athletes of today and tomorrow. By participating in the challenge, donors open the pathway to the podium for U.S. athletes, from developing to elite squads, comprised of young and old as well as male and female athletes across the nation in the eight FEI disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-dressage, reining, show jumping, and vaulting.

For decades, equestrian athletes have represented the United States in international competition, bringing home medals that have clearly established the U.S. as among the world’s equestrian elite. Unlike other countries, U.S. equestrian teams do not receive any government subsidies. Instead, the USET Foundation provides the main source of funding, made possible through individuals whose interest in and commitment to equestrian sport motivates them to make generous charitable contributions. Since 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than $42 million in grants to support the USEF’s high performance programs and athletes along the pathway.

As our United States equestrian team athletes and horses prepare for an intense season of competition with the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and the 2019 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships, presented by Gotham North, quickly approaching, the USET Foundation wants our athletes and teams to know that we are with them all the way.

The goal of the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge is simple: from now through Aug. 11, the more people who participate by making a gift, of any amount, the closer we get to unlocking $100,000 of additional support.

The USET Foundation board of trustees believes in the power of participation and is grateful for your support. This is why they are challenging equestrians, and equestrian supporters, across the nation to the task of unlocking the funds they have pledged for this initiative.

Every equestrian athlete starts somewhere, and every person’s support counts toward our U.S. equestrian teams’ international success.

Be a part of history and show support for Team USA during these pivotal weeks and beyond! Participate in the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge at USET.org and spread the word on social media. Current supporters of the Foundation can participate in the challenge and move the USET Foundation one donor closer by giving again now.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining

Countries Line Up to Host FEI World Championships in 2022

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A total of 10 countries have put in formal bids to host the FEI World Championships 2022, including two proposals to host the multi-discipline FEI World Equestrian Games™. Bidding countries are Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.

More than 20 years after Rome stepped in as host city of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 1998 following Ireland’s late withdrawal, the Italians are looking to once again host the full Games. The Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh is also in the running having put forward an all-discipline bid for 2022.

“The number of formal bids that we’ve received for single and multi-discipline FEI World Championships and full Games is an excellent indication that the interest in the World Championships is as strong if not stronger than ever,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “We knew that some of the countries that put in expressions of interest back in February were just dipping their toes in the water, but these formal bids are a great validation of the new bidding process and show that we have a really strong product.”

The FEI initiated a bidding process for individual World Championships in all disciplines for 2022 after the FEI General Assembly in Manama (BRN) in November 2018.

The FEI Board decided that multi-discipline bids would be given preference, and that Dressage and Para Dressage should be combined. The World Championships in 2022 in the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines will serve as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The new bid process allows for the sustainable and cost-effective use of existing equestrian sports facilities, and was put in place to provide the opportunity for the FEI to partner with National Federations that may have hesitated to put forward multi-discipline bids in the past.

In a key change to the bid procedure, the FEI hosted an interactive workshop at the end of March 2019 in Lausanne for all National Federations/Organising Committees that had submitted an expression of interest.

The workshop provided interested parties with detailed information of the structure, opportunities, and minimum requirements for hosting the FEI World Championships 2022. By working more closely with the National Federations and Organising Committees from the outset, the FEI and its stakeholders can establish an achievable set of goals and work towards a unified vision for 2022.

All bids will be fully evaluated over the summer and allocation of FEI World Championships 2022 will be made at the in-person Board meeting during the FEI General Assembly in Moscow (RUS) in November this year.

All Disciplines

  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA), World Equestrian Games
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA), World Equestrian Games

Multi-Discipline

  • Dubai Equestrian Club (UAE), Jumping & Endurance
  • Herning (DEN), Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage
  • WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona (USA), Reining & Vaulting

Jumping

  • Dubai Equestrian Club (UAE) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Herning (DEN) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Endurance

  • Jazdecký Klub Napoli, Samorin (SVK)
  • Stichting Endurancesport, Ermelo (NED)
  • Padise Equestrian Centre (EST)
  • Dubai Equestrian Club (UAE) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Driving

  • National Stud of Szilvásvárad (HUN)
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Dressage

  • Herning (DEN) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Para Dressage

  • Herning (DEN) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Eventing

  • Millstreet Equestrian Services, Millstreet (IRL)
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Reining

  • WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona (USA) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

Vaulting

  • WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona (USA) – part of a multi-discipline bid
  • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) & Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid
  • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid

FEI contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Communications
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 787 506 142

Vanessa Martin Randin
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Vanessa.Randin@fei.org
+ 41 78 750 61 73

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting

Equestrian Sport Boosted with Allocation of Major Events through 2021

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Photo: FEI/Richard Juillart.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) has allocated host cities for 13 FEI Championships for the next two years and nine FEI Driving World Cup™ legs for the 2019/2020 season.

Budapest (HUN) will lead the way as host of the FEI Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage, Driving, and Vaulting European Championships in August 2021. This will be the first time that the Hungarian capital, which has a long tradition in equestrian sport, will host a multi-discipline FEI European Championships. The event will mark the 50th anniversary of the first FEI Driving European Championships, which were held at the same venue – Kincsem Park in the heart of the city – in 1971.

Two other major Championships were also allocated for 2021, with the FEI Eventing European Championships going to Haras du Pin (FRA) and the FEI Endurance European Championships to Ermelo (NED).

“The FEI European Championships are among the FEI’s most important events, attracting top class athletes and horses for over six decades,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “During the next two years equestrian fans will have the opportunity to enjoy thrilling sport in some of Europe’s biggest cities. The allocation of the FEI Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage, Driving, and Vaulting European Championships to Budapest will further promote horse sport in Hungary, which already has a remarkable equestrian history.”

The FEI Board also allocated nine legs of the FEI Driving World Cup™ series for the 2020-2021 season. This is the first time that the FEI has launched a bidding process for the FEI Driving World Cup™ legs, as previously only the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final was open for bids.

“This bidding process reinforces the FEI’s policy of transparency and fairness,” the FEI President commented. “It is a key step forward in harmonising the bidding for all FEI Championships, Finals, and Series.”

The allocations were made by the FEI Board, the body responsible for the general direction of equestrian sport’s global governing authority, at its in-person meeting at FEI Headquarters in the Olympic Capital, Lausanne (SUI).

The FEI Driving World Cup™ Final 2021 which will take place from 4-7 February was allocated to Bordeaux (FRA) by the FEI Board in March 2019.

The FEI Board decided to re-open the bid process for a multi-year allocation for the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in the disciplines of Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. Allocations will be made at the FEI Board meeting in November 2019 at the FEI General Assembly in Moscow.

Championships

The full list of Championships allocated at the FEI Board meeting at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) is:

2020

  • FEI Dressage European Championships U25 – Pilisjászfalu (HUN), July or August (dates to be confirmed)
  • FEI Dressage European Championships for Children – Pilisjászfalu (HUN) July or August (dates to be confirmed)

2021

  • FEI European Championships – Jumping, Dressage & Para Dressage, Driving, Vaulting – Budapest (HUN), 9-22 August or 16-29 August (dates to be confirmed)
  • FEI Jumping European Championships for Young Riders, Juniors & Children – Oliva, Valencia (ESP), 19-25 July
  • FEI Jumping European Championships for Veterans – Le Mans (FRA), July or August (date to be confirmed)
  • FEI Dressage European Championships U25 – Donaueschingen (GER), 12-15 August
  • FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders & Juniors – Segersjö (SWE), 26-29 August
  • FEI Eventing European Championships – Haras du Pin (FRA), 11-15 August
  • FEI Driving World Championships for Ponies, Four-in-Hand, Pairs, Singles – Haras du Pin (FRA), 16-19 September
  • FEI Endurance World Championships for Young Riders & Juniors – Ermelo (NED), 6-11 September
  • FEI Endurance European Championships – Ermelo (NED) 6-11 September
  • FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses – Arbore, Sardinia (ITA), 15-19 September
  • FEI Vaulting World Championship for Juniors – Le Mans (FRA), July – August (date to be confirmed)

FEI Driving World Cup™ series legs

The legs of the FEI Driving World Cup™ series for the 2019-2020 season were allocated as follows:

  • Lyon (FRA) 30 October – 3 November 2019
  • Maastricht (NED) 8-10 November 2019
  • Stuttgart (GER) 13-17 November 2019
  • Stockholm (SWE) 28 November – 1 December 2019
  • Budapest (HUN) 30 November – 1 December 2019
  • Geneva (SUI) 12-15 December 2019
  • London (GBR)         16-22 December 2019
  • Mechelen (BEL) 26-30 December 2019
  • Leipzig (GER) 16-19 January 2020

FEI media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Communications
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 787 506 142

Olga Nikolaou
Media Relations Officer
olga.nikolaou@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 56