Category Archives: Endurance Riding

Equestrian Royalty at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Victor Bettendorf (LUX) riding Big Star des Forets @RoyalWindsorHorseShow/Peter Nixon

Day Three of Royal Windsor Horse Show continued with an action-packed schedule. Showing classes continued with multiple Championships taking place, the International Show Jumping commenced with two CSI5* classes, and the Coaching Marathon concluded in the Castle Arena following their drive around Windsor Castle’s Home Park. Meanwhile, in the stunning grounds of Windsor Great Park, Royal Windsor Endurance supported by The Kingdom of Bahrain featured CEI1*, CEI2*, and CEI3* competitions.

International Show Jumping got underway with The CSI5* Defender Stakes, where 32 of the world’s best horse and rider combinations tackled Bernardo Costa Cabral’s masterfully designed course. Held as a two-phase competition at 1.45m, riders had to ensure a clear round over the first eight fences to continue on to the latter half of the course against the clock.

Third to go was Ben Maher riding Explosion W, the combination who won individual gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Maher, who missed the early part of the season due to injury, showed no sign of lack of competition practice to produce a brilliant round with the stunning chestnut gelding to set an early standard of 37.81 seconds. His lead, however, was quickly usurped by the next combination into the arena, France’s Olivier Perreau and GI Event Venizia d’Aiguilly.

With 18 double clears in total, the leaderboard was in constant flux, with some of the most exciting up-and-coming young riders, including Joseph Stockdale, Harry Charles, and Jodie Hall McAteer, making it through to the second round. British Show Jumping legend, John Whitaker, once again proved that he is still one to beat when he took the lead aboard his chestnut stallion, Green Grass. However, it was Royal Windsor Horse Show first-timers, Luxemburg’s Victor Bettendorf and Big Star des Forets, who claimed the top spot with an electric round in the time of 26.65 seconds. Bettendorf was closely followed in second by Britain’s Matthew Sampson, with Portugal’s Duarte Seabra in third.

Speaking on his win, Bettendorf stated: “It is my first time here. It’s an unbelievable show because you really feel the soul of the crowd; they know the horses, and for us riders it’s great to be in front of spectators that know about our sport. My horse is very competitive – she is extremely fast and careful. I am very excited about her future.”

Later in the day, attention turned to the CSI5* Pearl Stakes. Once again, some of the most elite Show Jumpers in the world entered the Castle Arena with the aim of taking home this coveted prize.

The first round proved difficult, with the only clear before the break coming from 21-year-old British rider Lily Attwood. Attwood, who has had an extremely successful youth career, showed skill and agility around the challenging course with the 13-year-old gelding Cor-Leon Vd Vlierbeek Z. France’s Olivier Perreau then also executed a foot-perfect round to secure the second place in the jump-off. Disappointment came for numerous combinations, who after jumping clear over the fences gained time penalties; this included two of Britain’s FEI World Championship bronze medal winning team Ben Maher and Joseph Stockdale. Fourth last to go, Portugal’s Duarte Seabra continued his form from earlier in the day to join the exclusive group of clears, as did Belgium’s Koen Vereecke and Jana Wegers with her trusted partner Limbridge.

Germany’s Jana Wergers took the decision not to contest the second round, therefore with only four combinations jumping, it was all to play for. Lily Attwood went in first, with a stylish and fast clear round to set the time to beat of 34.54 seconds, adding pressure to the following riders. Olivier Perreau and Koen Vereecke both followed suit with classy clears but could not match the time set by Attwood, with Duarte Seabra picking up four faults. Attwood consequently secured the pinnacle Show Jumping Class of the day and etched her name into the Royal Windsor Horse Show history books.

Attwood exclaimed: “I’m absolutely delighted: to be at your home show and have a win on the first day is such a great feeling. This is my first 5* win – it’s a great place to do it and definitely up there with one of the best wins of my career. My horse tries his best every single time – it is only his third show back in six months. I am delighted with him.”

Robert Walker continued his amazing – and now unequalled – run of form to land both The Novice Hunter Championship, supported by Company Meta Lounge Limited, and The LeMieux Open Hunter Championship, scoring in the former with Jill Day’s super-impressive four-year-old Full Cry, a jumping-bred Irish gelding. His LeMieux Open Champion was MHS Morning Master – now eight – who won the In-Hand Supreme at Horse of the Year Show as a youngster and faced stiff competition here.

Also from Cheshire, Danielle Heath repeated last year’s result to land The Count Robert Orssich Hack Championship with the Mears family’s large winner, Forgelands Hyde Park, who again floated along without turning a hair in the buzzing Castle Arena finale.

The Martin Collins Enterprises Cob Championship cemented a fairytale week for Essex-based birthday-girl Janay Atherden, who added this overall title to the Coloured Championship she won with her superb gelding, Red Rock III. Reserve in this 10-strong finale went to seasoned campaigner Jayne Ross with Lisette Roberts’ exciting Novice victor, Randalstown Aristocrat.

One of the most popular winners of the day though was 76-year-old regular Windsor contender Avril Bartolomy, from Sussex, who headed a strong class in The Martin Collins Enterprises Amateur Cob with her new prospect, Epithemeus, sourced as an unbroken raw youngster by Cob specialist Lynn Russell.

Over in the Driven Dressage Arena, the CAIO4* and CAI3* International Driving Grand Prix got underway with the Dressage phase. The feature class of the day was the FEI Driving World Cup™ Outdoor Four-In-Hand Dressage, the first of the three phases that make up the event. Competition was fierce as World No. 1, Boyd Exell, representing Australia – already an 11-time winner at Royal Windsor – took to the arena. Exell masterfully manoeuvred his team to secure the lead. Completing the top three was Chester Weber, the 20-time US National Champion, and Germany’s Anna Sandmann.

Royal Windsor Endurance supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain took place in Windsor Great Park. A total of 61 riders set out into the Park at the crack of dawn, and the routes took in iconic sites, including the Copper Horse, the Philip Jackson equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II, The Long Walk, and Smith’s Lawn.

In the CEI3* 160km, Fares Ahmad Al Mansoori (UAE) won the ride on Eddy De Montrozier in a total time of 07:52:25. The CEI2* 120km was won by Saeed Mohd Ibrahim Al Baloushi (UAE) riding Alshemaime in a total time of 05:15:03; the highest placed British rider in the class was Nikki Thorne (GB) who finished 8th riding L.I. Wallonia. The CEI1* 100km was won by Musaab Mohammad Ahmad Belqaizi Al Falasi (UAE) on Ebene Du Barthas AA in a total time of 05:31:00, and the highest placed British rider in the class was Alex Powell riding Pope who finished in 9th place.

Video of the Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3tbPpBHacI

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

Her Majesty The Queen in Jubilant Spirits at Royal Windsor Horse Show

The CSI5* Show Jumping and CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving got underway on day two of Royal Windsor Horse Show, with the world’s best horse and rider combinations in action. Elsewhere, Her Majesty The Queen was in attendance to watch her beloved Fell Pony, Balmoral Leia, being crowned The Horse & Hound Mountain and Moorland Supreme In-Hand Champion and the Jack Wetzel Coaching Marathon provided a spectacle as they headed down the Long Walk.

WORLD’S BEST SHOW JUMPERS RETURN TO CASTLE ARENA

The opening CSI5* class of the Show, a two-phase competition, went to 2020 Olympic team gold medalist Henrik von Eckermann. Guy Williams took the early lead aboard Rouge de Ravel, making all the turns to set a time to beat of 25.66 and giving the crowd something to cheer about. For much of the class, it looked like Williams was going to bring home a British victory; however, Christian Ahlmann riding Calvino 16 rode a masterful second phase against the clock to take the lead. With just four to go, von Eckermann, partnering the nine-year-old mare Iliana, jumped a flawless round to shave 0.04 seconds of Ahlmann’s time to secure the victory.

The feature class of the day, The Pearl Stakes, was a 1.55m jump-off class featuring some of the best horses and riders in the world. Of the 13 combinations going through to the second round, 10 were former World No. 1s. Daniel Deusser set the pace as third to go, with the first double clear in a time of 36.32. Bernardo Costa Cabral’s course proved challenging, with many riders accruing faults when trying to catch Deusser. Jos Velooy came closest with Luciano van het Geinsteinde, posting a time of 37.46. John Whitaker showed his experience to go into third with just two left to go; however, no-one was able to match Deusser’s performance, leaving the German to take the spoils.

Speaking after the class, Deusser said: “Royal Windsor Horse Show is a fantastic event; it is a great feeling to be standing here as the winner in front of such a big crowd and with Windsor Castle in the background. Bingo Ste Hermelle is a small and nimble horse, so I can go very fast in the jump-off. I will give him tomorrow off in preparation for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. I think if I make it to the jump-off on Sunday then we have a very good chance of winning!”

HER MAJESTY’S DELIGHT AS FELL PONY TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP

Showing success continued for Her Majesty The Queen, who was on hand to watch as her beautiful home-bred Highland mare, Balmoral Leia, claimed the prestigious Horse & Hound Mountain and Moorland Supreme In Hand Championship in the Castle Arena.

The five-year-old was beautifully shown by producer Lizzie Briant to win a strong adult class — also watched by Her Majesty — before the reins were handed over to Lizzie’s friend and fellow native pony enthusiast, Henry Hird, in the final reckoning.

“She’s a beautiful mare, and this success is entirely down to Lizzie, who has produced her beautifully — I was just handed the lucky reins for the Championship,” said Henry, who earlier showed The Queen’s yearling colt, Balmoral Duke, to be third in the Strong Youngstock class.

“Leia is such a pretty mare and a joy to have,” added Lizzie. “She is also broken-in to ride, and I have high hopes for her.”

Yorkshireman Robert Walker claimed an impressive fourth consecutive Hunter Championship sponsored by ClipMyHorse.TV title aboard Jill Day’s extraordinary reigning Horse of the Year Show champion View Point.

The prestigious Novice Hunter Championship supported by Alan Marnie Manwah title — always another major aim at Royal Windsor — fell this year to racing enthusiast Liz Prowting’s five-year-old lightweight victor Bloomfield President, ably partnered by young rider Alice Homer.

BOYD EXELL TAKES EARLY LEAD IN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING

Day one of the Royal Windsor CAIO4* Land Rover Grand Prix went to current indoor and outdoor FEI Driving World Champion Boyd Exell (AUS), who scored just shy of 80% to clinch a lead in the Dressage. With a margin of just over 5%, he sits ahead of multiple Dutch champion Isjbrand Chardon with a score of 74.3%. In third with 71.8% is Germany’s Mareike Harm, one of two ladies in the Horse Fours class. The USA’s Chester Weber is in fourth. The highest placed British competitor is Daniel Naprous who scored 60.6% to take him into 10th place.  Ahead of Saturday’s Marathon phase – which promises to be an exhilarating test for all 15 drivers – the obstacles look challenging but flow well around the scenic parkland of Windsor Castle. Boyd will be the firm favourite to retain the title he won last year, but Marathon specialists Koos de Ronde and Glenn Gerts will be pushing him all the way.

A WELCOME RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AT ROYAL WINDSOR ENDURANCE

The Royal Windsor Endurance ride, kindly supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain, took place with fifty-four combinations riding tracks round the stunning Windsor Great Park to compete in CEI3* 160km, CEI2*/YJ 120km, and CEI1*/YJ 100km classes.

Riders representing countries including Uruguay, South Africa, Portugal, Spain, and India set out on Friday morning in near perfect weather conditions. The day remained sunny but cool, and although dusty, the tracks benefitted a little from the rain earlier in the week.

News of the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates emerged during the ride, and as a result some of those representing UAE made the decision to retire.

The CEI3* 160km was won by Bahrain’s HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Coeur De Ghazal in a total time of 07:41:27. The CEI2* 120km had a Bahrain one, two, three and was won by Mohamed Abdulhameed Alhashemi riding Darco la Majorie in a time of 04:58:17. In the CEI1* 100km, it was Kuwait’s Abdalaziz F M D Al Mutairi on Dune Du Claud in 04:36:10. The young riders did not complete.

Great Britain had eleven competitors in total and seven finished, with a particularly strong showing in the 100Km, where all British Riders finished. Nicola Thorne placed second on L.I.Wallonia in 05:00:08 and Annie Joppe third on HS Chiara in 05:22:47.

Royal Windsor Endurance Director, Nick Brooks-Ward, said: “We were so pleased to welcome international competitors back to Royal Windsor Endurance today. The course was excellent and there was a tremendous atmosphere of care and cooperation amongst competitors and crews. We are grateful to the officials, sponsors, and to the Crown Estate whose hard work ensures the fabulous environment in the Great Park. Our very grateful thanks also to the Kingdom of Bahrain for providing the funding for such a tremendous ride.”

President of the Ground Jury, Brian Dunn (IRL), said: “As usual for Royal Windsor, it was a well-run and well-organised event. The course was great, technical, and testing and we had an experienced, capable team of officials. Horses were ably cared for with welfare at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

President of the Treating Veterinarians, Tom Eaton-Evans (GBR), said: “The sign of a good ride today was that we treated very few horses. Some were kept under observation, but the treating team was quiet all day.  One horse has been taken to Newmarket Equine Hospital for assessment for a hindlimb lameness. No others needed any medical intervention.”

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

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com

Thrilling International Action Takes Centre Stage on Day Two of Royal Windsor Horse Show

Day two of Royal Windsor Horse Show 2021 featured another typically action-packed day of top equestrian sport, with spectators treated to not one but two international classes of CSI5* Show Jumping, which featured some of the world’s best horse and rider combinations. The CAIO4* Land Rover International Grand Prix kicked off in style with a competitive Dressage phase, which saw Dutchman Ijsbrand Chardon end the day in the lead, ahead of 10-time Royal Windsor champion Boyd Exell. Away from the Showground, Royal Windsor Endurance supported by The Kingdom of Bahrain got underway in the beautiful surrounds of Windsor Great Park, while the Coaching Marathon thrilled onlookers, as competitors were judged as they elegantly navigated their way down the iconic Long Walk.

The first of two CSI5* Show Jumping classes, the Manama Speed Stakes was dominated in the early stages by Israel’s Daniel Bluman riding Gemma W. For the majority of the two phase competition, the round was proving difficult to beat. With just six combinations remaining, Britain’s Guy Williams (fresh from success in the Royal Windsor Puissance) put in an inspired performance to take the lead by 1.53 seconds. However, with just a few to go, Guy Williams was then beaten by sensational Windsor debutante, 24-year-old Lillie Keenan (USA), who took the spoils with a time of 23.73 seconds on her 10-year-old stallion Agana van het Gerendal Z, and demoted Williams to second place. Home favourite John Whitaker delighted the expectant crowd with a fantastic display of horsemanship to take third aboard Unick du Francport.

On a day that the British Olympic Show Jumping team was announced for the Tokyo Olympics, the close of the second day in the Castle Arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show was a real showcase with all four of the confirmed squad taking part: Holly Smith, Harry Charles, Scott Brash, and Ben Maher. A total of 26 combinations took part in the 5* Pearl Speed Stakes, with 13 managing to make it into the jump-off. The jump-off course looked tight and Harry Charles went first, going clear and setting a speedy time of 36.74 seconds. He was followed by Daniel Bluman, who, whilst fast, had an unlucky four faults. Then to Holly Smith who managed to cut the tightest of corners and set a time of just 35.52 seconds, taking the lead and holding off the competition to take the honours. From there on, the next 10 combinations – which included Great Britain’s Ben Maher on his legendary gelding Explosion W – couldn’t catch Holly’s impeccable time, leaving the Brit to take the win, making it a day to remember!

Cheshire-based Team Walker achieved their prime ambition in the Castle Arena when Robert partnered Jill Day’s amazing Lightweight Hunter, View Point, to take a third consecutive Royal Windsor Open Hunter title.

“Sean,” as the horse is known at home, won here in 2018 and 2019 – the last time the Show was held – and also stood Supreme in 2018. He pinged around the Castle Arena as if on air, not only in his seven-strong weight class in the morning, but then again – somehow producing an extra gear – in the Championship showdown against the reigning Horse of the Year Show Supreme, Jayne Ross aboard the Heavyweight victor Twinshock Warrior. The approving roar of the crowd cemented the judges’ decision when he was called forward as champion.

It was the family’s day, as wife Sarah took the last minute ride on the Wallace family’s big-winning Large Hack, Forgeland Hyde Park, and Robert landed a very strong Novice Heavyweight Hunter class with Greenhall Treasure Island.

Lincolnshire-based breeder Vanessa Compton claimed the hotly contested Horse & Hound Mountain and Moorland Supreme In Hand Championship, wowing Her Majesty The Queen – and a supportive audience – with the lovely Connemara mare Skaergaardens Delicious Love, a past Horse of the Year Show winner under saddle. She was shown by family friend Henry Hird.

The Cob section was headed by another Cheshire-based rider, Vicky Smith, who scored on her partner Alan Marnie’s super-mannerly cob, Bling Cobsby, ahead of Allister Hood’s former champion here and Horse of the Year Show and Royal International supreme, Our Cashel Blue.

Royal Windsor Endurance took place in the beautiful Windsor Great Park.  The day started with a cool misty morning when the riders in the first CEI3* 160km ever to be held at Windsor took to the course at 6.00am.  The event also hosted a CEI2* 120km, CEI1* 100km, and also for the first time a CEIYJ1* 100km.

A total of 31 competitors were entered with 12 completing.  The majority (28) were British riders but the event also welcomed riders from Australia, Italy, and The Netherlands.

John Robertson, TD, said, “In spite of the rain earlier in the week, the course rode extremely well with lovely going.  The views in this park are stunning and the variety of wildlife is exceptional.”

The winner of the CEIYJ1* 100km was 18-year-old Alicia Reeves who has been riding since she was a 2-year-old. It was her first ride of the season and her first appearance at Royal Windsor. She has been partnered with her horse, Oakley, for the past five years. Oakley was born at Bransby Rescue Centre and had to be hand reared and bottle fed. “We thought he wouldn’t make it when he was born,” said a delighted Alicia. “But he’s turned out to be a fantastic horse and we’ve had a great day today.”

Winner of the CEI1* 100km was David Yeoman with his horse, Trop Vite Azureen. “It’s been an absolutely great day and a privilege to be riding in The Queen’s Garden,” said David. “The views down the Long Walk from the Copper Horse Statue are stunning.” David has competed twice before at Windsor, coming third both times, so was delighted with his win. It was Trop Vite Azureen’s first ride in 18 months. “His fitness will have come on a lot today; he’s a fantastic horse, now 14 years old, and I’ve had him since he was a 4-year-old so I’m incredibly proud of him.”

Samantha Mowatt, winner of the CEI2* 120km aboard Lateral Thinking, said: “It’s been a challenging ride; the going was great but you had to keep aware.  When the sun came out in the afternoon, the heat was tough, but she gave me a really good ride.  She’s a home bred mare and a very willing partner.” Samantha also took time to thank the Organisers, HPower, for putting on the ride under COVID-19 conditions and to thank the Officials and Vets as well as The Kingdom of Bahrain for sponsoring.

Sadly, none of the competitors in the CEI3* 160km completed the course.  Brian Dunn, President of the Ground Jury, said: “The ride was very well organised and the ground and marking of the course were superb.  The weather was misty and cool in the morning but it became hotter in the afternoon.  Because of the pandemic, the horses have not had the chance to compete and had limited training over the last 18 months and this told on the 160km horses.  I’ve spoken to all the riders and they have all said that the going was faultless and that they were pleased to have been given the chance to participate.”

For full results from Royal Windsor Horse Show, CLICK HERE.

To find out more, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

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

It’s Team Gold Again for Spain as UAE Dominates Individual Podium

On left is gold medallist Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi riding Haleh, on right is silver medallist Mansour Saeed Mohd Al Faresi with Birmann Aya. (FEI/Christoph Taniere)

The defending champions from Spain claimed team gold once again at the Longines FEI Endurance World Championship 2021 at San Rossore in Pisa, Italy; the UAE dominated the individual podium when clinching the top two places.

The was the first championship to run under the new FEI Endurance Rules, and history was made when Boni Viada de Vivero became the first Chilean rider to stand on a World Championship podium when scooping individual bronze, while Brazil also celebrated their first-ever medals when taking team silver ahead of France.

In a dramatic competition it seemed that the individual title looked set to also fall into Spanish hands when Omar Blanco Rodrigo and his brilliant grey, For Ferro, moved up from fifth to first after the second loop and stayed out in front until the closing stages. However, the speed and supreme fitness of the UAE horses, Haleh, who clinched gold for Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi, and Birmann Aya, who slotted into silver medal spot for Mansour Saeed Mohd Al Faresi, saw them surge ahead in the final loop to finish neck-and-neck and hand-in-hand without a challenger in sight.

Heart rate

Haleh’s heart rate never went above 50 beats per minute and at the very end of the 160km test registered just 47. At the final vet-check, the 10-year-old French-bred gelding looked completely unfazed as he nibbled some grass while the Australian-bred Birmann Aya, who has a tremendous record for speedy finishes, was also chilled with a heart rate of 54.

Chile’s Viada de Vivero produced the most mature of rides, and the 27-year-old got a great reception from the Italian supporters as he is based in Italy. Lying 19th after the first loop he improved to 17th, 16th, 10th, and then fifth before clinching third and bronze with the nine-year-old As Embrujo.

Al Kitbi was never far off the lead, however, finishing the first two phases in third place, moving into second after loop three and staying there until the final push over the 20km sixth-phase course. In contrast, Al Faresi, who is also 25 years old, was lying 13th after the first loop but improved to third by loop four and in the end only one-hundredth of a second separated him from his gold-medal-winning compatriot.

Team

But the individual gold and silver medallists were the only two of the five-man UAE team to complete. A total of 12 countries contested the team title but just three finished, and it was a major battle for the medal placings. The strong side from Bahrain were big favourites, but HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa retired and his four running mates were all eliminated. The gold and silver medallists from Spain and Brazil each finished with just the essential three team-members, while the bronze medallists from France completed with an impressive four.

And although the Spanish appeared to be running away with it at the outset, they were under intense pressure when their two main contenders were eliminated for metabolic issues for their horses. Jaume Punti Dachs and Alex Luque Moral claimed individual gold and silver along with team gold at the last World Championships in Samorin, Slovakia four years ago, but Luque Moral’s Eryvan was vetted out after Phase 4 and the Punti Dachs’ JM Bucefala experienced the same fate after Phase 5.

So Blanco Rodrigo could take no chances with For Ferro over the last 20km; he must finish safely if his team was to stay in with a chance, and when he clinched individual sixth spot and Angel Soy Coll finished fourth with Warrens Hill Chayze, that bolstered the Spanish effort.

Desperately close

It was desperately close, however, because the third score posted by 2008 and 2010 individual gold medallist Maria Alvarez Ponton was critical and there was huge tension while her horse, Mandany, was closely examined at the final vet-check. But a big roar went up when he was passed, leaving her in individual 15th place and finalising the total team time of 23:10:34 which left Spain in gold but just 3:01 ahead of Brazil in silver while the French posted 23:43:01 for the bronze.

The Brazilians lost Rodrigo Moreira Barreto at the first vet-gate, but Philippe de Azevedo Morgulis (Saiph SBV), Andre Vidiz (Chambord Endurance), and Renato Salvador (Uzes Trio) stood firm to finish eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectively, thereby giving the victorious Spanish a real run for their money.

The French, who claimed team silver at the last four World Championships, lost Charles Cappeau and Camil des Ormeaux after the fourth loop, but Nicolas Ballarin (Anir de la Teuliere), Gaele Ollivier Jacob (Pot Made), Margot Thomas (Kalon Milin Avel), and Roman Lafaure (Akim Cabirat) all completed to ensure their place on the podium.

Dream result

For the new individual champion Al Kitbi, it was a dream result.

“I’m in this sport now 11 years and this is my first World Championship and I’m so proud of it!” he said.

The final loop was particularly tough. “Until the last five kilometres the rest were pushing and making it hard for us, and in the final vet-check I was so nervous, I thought my heart might burst!”

For Chile’s Boni Viada de Vivero, was a day he will always remember. “I can hardly believe it! I knew I had a good horse, but to have one that’s in the top-three in the world – now that is just incredible!” he said.

Results here.

FEI YouTube

By Louise Parkes

Media contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Athletes from Five Continents to Contest Longines FEI Endurance World Championships 2021

2016 FEI Endurance World Champion, Spain’s Jaume Punti Dachs. (FEI/Miro Nota)

The line-up for the Longines FEI Endurance World Championship in Pisa, Italy has been confirmed, with competitors from 32 countries and five continents ready to challenge for the 2021 individual and team world titles on Saturday May 22.

Amongst them are the 2016 World Champion, Spain’s Jaume Punti Dachs, and his wife Maria Alvarez Ponton who has taken individual gold twice during her successful career – first at Terengganu in Malaysia in 2008 and again in Kentucky, USA in 2010. Also vying for top spot this time out will be Alex Luque Moral from Spain and Bahrain’s Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa who respectively took silver and bronze at the 2016 World Championships in Samorin, Slovakia. A total of 13 nations will be chasing down the team title.

The event will be staged in the magnificent Parco Naturale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, one of the largest and most ancient nature parks in Tuscany.

Landscapes

Close to the lovely city of Pisa, which is considered one of the pearls of Italy with its world-famous Leaning Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, the park extends over 23,000 hectares and boasts a huge variety of landscapes.

Its meadows, hills, pine forests, and marshes are bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea providing a gentle sea breeze. And within the park lies the San Rossore Estate, home to San Rossore Racecourse, the historical home of Italian racing, as well as Villa del Gombo, a presidential home built after World War II. This venue has hosted a number of major FEI Endurance events including the 2019 World Championships for Junior & Young Riders, the World Championship for Young Horses and in 2018 the European Championship for Juniors & Young Riders.

The 2021 Longines FEI Endurance World Championships will get underway at the Racecourse at 07.00 on 22 May when a total of 81 competitors and their horses will set out on the 160-kilometre course. The statistics show a gender balance of 56% men and 44% women on the start list.

All health protocols will be in place as the Show Organisers, who have successfully created the event in a very short period of time, send out a great sporting message.

Preparation 

“While preparation of the field of play and the course proceeds incessantly, not only San Rossore but also the city of Pisa and Tuscany seem to have come back to life. In spite of the problems caused by the pandemic we are ready to safely welcome the delegations from all over the world, well aware of the fact that this great event will have an important economic effect on the tourism and hospitality sector,” says Gianluca Laliscia, the former Endurance champion who heads the Organising Committee company sistemaeventi.it.

Recently appointed FEI Endurance Director, Christina Abu-Dayyeh, says, “While it was an enormous disappointment having to postpone the 2020 edition of the Longines FEI Endurance World Championships due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, this has only increased our passion to make these Championships even more spectacular in 2021!”

The event will be preceded by a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Thursday, 20 May, in the aptly named Piazza dei Cavalieri beside Pisa’s famous university, the Scuola Normale Superiore.

The Longines FEI Endurance World Championships 2021 will be broadcast live on FEI TV so fans and followers can watch the action unfold from all around the globe.

Website: www.ewc2021.com.

By Louise Parkes

Media contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Royal Windsor Horse Show to Run in July 2021

The Organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show have confirmed that Royal Windsor Horse Show will take place from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th of July this year.

“We are looking forward to running a near as normal Show at Windsor in July,” said Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward. “The start of this year has been difficult for all live events, but recent government announcements have given us the confidence to go full steam ahead with the organising of Royal Windsor, which includes planning for an audience.”

All competition will be carried out with the emphasis being on competitors’ safety and adherence to COVID-19 guidelines required at that time by the local authority, health authorities, veterinary and equestrian associations, and the government.

The schedule and a day-by-day programme will go online shortly with the Show running as close to its traditional format as possible and including International Jumping, Dressage, the Land Rover International Carriage Driving Grand Prix, International Endurance, and Showing.

The Windsor Pageant, which was scheduled to take place in the evenings, will not take place. However, the Show will include many of the scheduled elements in a bumper edition of equestrian displays, acts and music within the main Show programme, which will take advantage of the long summer evenings.

Visitor tickets will be made available soon, with Royal Windsor Horse Show Club members prioritised. Should guidelines change and visitors not be allowed to attend on the dates of the Show then all purchased tickets will be refunded. Additionally, organisers have also committed to increasing the number of hours of live streaming and broadcast from the Show so that everyone can enjoy Royal Windsor online even if they are not able to attend in person.

“We are very grateful for the tremendous backing of our supporters, which has allowed us to plan with confidence,” continued Brooks-Ward. “They include Rolex, Bahrain Endurance, Hermès, Coworth Park, DAKS, Al Shira’aa, Champagne Laurent-Perrier and, in particular, our Principal Partner, Jaguar Land Rover.

“We are determined to produce one of our best events for the horse world to enjoy, with a competitive and upbeat edition of this 78-year-old horse show.”

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

Longines FEI Endurance World Championships 2020 Postponed to 2021

The Longines FEI Endurance World Championships 2020 have been postponed until May 2021 due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on equestrian sport. The decision to postpone comes following agreement between the FEI, the Italian National Federation, and the Organisers in Pisa.

The Championships were due to be held at San Rossore, Pisa in September this year, but the pandemic and the restrictions on both travel and training of horses has meant that is was simply not possible to maintain the original date.

The FEI Executive Board and the Endurance Temporary Committee were in favour of postponement and, following consultation with the Endurance Calendar Task Force and meetings with the Italian National Federation and the Pisa Organisers, the move to May 2021 was agreed. Final approval of the postponement was given by the FEI Board at an extraordinary Board meeting held by videoconference on 19 June.

Qualification for the Championships will be under Article 836 of the FEI Endurance Rules (11th Edition), which come into effect on 1 July 2020.

The FEI Board also agreed to prolong the qualification period for these Championships in order to allow more time for horses and athletes to qualify following the disruption to this year’s FEI Calendar caused by the pandemic. Details will be defined by the Endurance Temporary Committee and FEI Headquarters and communicated later.

Two Continental Championships are already scheduled to run next year – the FEI Endurance Pan American Championships for Seniors & Young Riders in Campinas (BRA) from 28-29 July and the FEI Endurance European Championships in Ermelo (NED) from 6-11 September. The FEI last week proactively reached out to all 51 National Federations that compete in Endurance in order to understand their views on the proposed postponement of the World Championships and its potential impact on next year’s Calendar.

National Federations were asked whether they were in favour of postponing the Longines FEI Endurance World Championships to May 2021 and if they would also participate in their region’s Continental Championships if the Worlds were moved to next year.

A total of 34 National Federations responded to the questionnaire, of which 33 were positive, both to the postponement and their participation, where relevant, in one of the Continental Championships next year.

“Our Endurance community made it very clear to the FEI that they want a World Championships, particularly after losing the last edition at Tryon in 2018, but horse welfare and a level playing field could not have been guaranteed if the Championships had run in September, so it was the best solution to move the Championships to May of next year,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“Having consulted with the National Federations that compete in Endurance, we now feel that we have reached a compromise that works for everyone, but especially for our horses, as there will now be time for them to do the necessary preparation work and achieve their qualification for this major event.”

The Secretary General is in charge of the FEI Calendar and, throughout the Covid-19 crisis, has chaired the eight discipline-specific Calendar Task Forces that have been working to minimise the impact of the pandemic on the sport and the fixture list. More than 800 events have already been cancelled and numerous events have been rescheduled.

The FEI Endurance World Championships for Young Horses and the FEI Endurance European Championships for Young Riders & Juniors, which are due to be held in Vic (ESP) from 25-27 September 2020, will be discussed by the FEI Board during this week’s three-day meeting via videoconference (23-25 June).

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Communications
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 4

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

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.

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

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.

Countries Line Up to Host FEI World Championships in 2022

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