Category Archives: Eventing/H.T.

Competitions, Diana de Rosa, Eventing/H.T., Events

Southern Eighths Welcomes Back Nikon as a Major Sponsor

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Together Southern Eighths and Nikon Support the Unsung Heroes of Eventing

Southern Eighths Farm in Chesterfield, South Carolina and Nikon are working together to support Eventing’s amateur riders. “We approached Nikon about becoming a sponsor of our Southern Eighth/Nikon Three-Day Event scheduled to take place on May 3-6, 2012 because we felt it was a good fit and they agreed,” commented owner Brad Turley. “Together our goal is to focus on the amateur riders, the unsung heroes of the Eventing world. Best of all, these amateur riders have a chance to compete at a facility that is good enough to host the high profile Eventers but this place is for the rest of us. This is a place where the amateur riders can feel like the pros.”

“We here at Nikon are proud to be involved with Southern Eighths Farm’s recognized three-day event and support all the Amateur riders and their passion for Eventing. It is this same passion that drives Nikon each day. We look forward to a long relationship and wish all the competitors Good Luck!” remarked Bill Pekala, General Manager, Nikon Pro Services.

The recent Heart of the Carolinas recognized event April 28 – May 1 sponsored by Nikon was an indication of just how good this facility is and it is the riders who say it best. They love the facility, the organization, the footing, the courses, the jumps – just everything.

Becky Brown and EZ dominated the Training level (32.90) and Annie Lane Maunder and Penny Lane (37.30) were the winners in the Novice division.

Continue reading Southern Eighths Welcomes Back Nikon as a Major Sponsor →

Equestrian Assistance, Eventing/H.T., Media/Radio/TV Sources

Eventing Radio Episode 149 by Bit of Britain – A Kiwi’s Pursuit of Gold

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New Zealander Jonathan ‘Jock’ Paget has relocated to the UK to pursue his Olympic Dream and shares his impressions of joining the big time. We hear how the Injured Jockeys Fund is opening its doors to other riders in need and Chris welcomes Max Corcoran back to share co-host duties. Take a listen right here.

Eventing Radio Episode 149 by Bit of Britain – Show Notes and Links:

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Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, FEI

FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw Report, Round 4

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AMERICANS IN THE HOT SEAT AS ROUND FOUR GETS UNDERWAY by Louise Parkes

The draw for the fourth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 series took place at Falsterbo, Sweden this evening. Photo: Falsterbo Press Office.

Falsterbo (SWE), 7 July 2011 – The American team have the unenviable task of of being first into the ring when the FEI Nations Cup 2011 resumes at Falsterbo, Sweden tomorrow afternoon.  The draw took place this evening, and the order of go for the competition which begins at 14.30 local time is as follows:

1. USA: 2, Belgium; 3, The Netherlands; 4, Germany; 5, Great Britain; 6, Sweden; 7, Ireland;  8, Denmark; 9, France.

The nine-team line-up reflects a guest appearance for the host country in the eight-leg, eight-nation tournament.  Sweden is entitled to compete despite relegation to the Promotional League last season.  They can’t take points from tomorrow’s competition, but the home runners could well pull off a big and satisfying result – they won here on their home ground last summer, and they’ve been fighting hard, and very successfully, in this year’s Promotional League series.  Chef d’Equipe, Sylve Soderstrand, is sending out his big guns – Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, Malin Bayard-Johnsson and Peder Fredrickson along with Angelika Augustsson, winner of the Gothenburg leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series last season.  “We are here with our best team. And we are very pleased to compete on our homeground,” he said today. But this is not only a different league from where we have been competing recently – it is a different planet!” he added.

SUPREMELY CONFIDENT
The first three legs have been so exciting, and Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, should be feeling supremely confident after the double scored by his teams in both Rome (ITA) and St Gallen (SUI) over the previous two legs.  “I hope we keep up our form” he said in typically stoic fashion this afternoon.

Continue reading FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw Report, Round 4 →

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Show Jumping, USEF

This Week in International Disciplines – July 7, 2011

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Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy. Photo by stock image services.com

Eventing
In preparation of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the CIC2* Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational was held as the London Test Event. Piggy French of Great Britain lead from start to finish with DHI Topper W, finishing on her dressage score of 34.70 in front of the stunning backdrop of Greenwich Park. Michael Jung of Germany and River of Joy came in second, while Pippa Funnell of Great Britain and Billy Shannon finished third. Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy were the top placed American pair, finishing in 21st place.

For complete results and more information, please visit click here.

Jumping
Numerous U.S. riders were competing at Spruce Meadows over the holiday weekend. To start things off, U.S. riders interestingly took all of the odd places in the top ten in the 1.60m Great-West Life Cup. Leslie Howard finished on top with Utah while Mario Deslauriers and Diablo came in third. In the 1.45m Cargill Cup, Rich Fellers took top honors with McGuinness, while Richard Spooner and Quirino 3 came in a close second.  McLain Ward and Rothchild came in second in the 1.50m RSA Cup. Ward then won the next class – this time in the 1.45m WESTJET Cup with Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve. Deslauriers was second with Urico. Kristen Coe and Tristan jumped clean and fast to win the 1.50m Duncan Ross Cup.

The U.S. riders dominated the top ten of the 1.50m Talisman Energy Cup, and Ward took home another win, this time aboard Vocas. Deslauriers and Vicomte D were second while Spooner finished fourth.  In the 1.60m RBC Financial Group Cup, Katherine Dinan and Vancouver were the top American pair finishing in third place. Ward continued his winning streak with Oh D’Eole in the 1.45m West Canadian Cup.  In the 1.60m ESSO Challenge World Cup Qualifier, U.S. riders dominated the top three. Rich Fellers and Flexible scored a big win with clean, lightning-fast rounds. Deslauriers and Urico were second while Farrington and Uceko finished third.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines – July 7, 2011 →

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Show Jumping

Greenwich Test Event Hailed a Huge Success

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The London skyline provided the perfect backdrop to this week's Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) - the equestrian test event for the 2012 Olympic Games. Photo: FEI Photo Catalogue.

London Prepares Series (GBR), 7 July 2011 – Greenwich Park in London (GBR) is a much quieter place today as the runners and riders, supporters, officials and most of the staff who helped create a magical atmosphere during this week’s test event have departed from the site where the equestrian Olympic Games will take place in 2012.

The Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) has already been hailed a huge success, but after a week of hectic activity, and three days of intense competition, it is now time to reflect in the aftermath.

The lasting memory for those lucky enough to be there this week is the sound of the excited school-children screaming with delight as they witnessed top-class horse sport at close quarters for the very first time.  For the hardened professionals, both in the saddle and on foot performing their various essential tasks, it was a heart-warming experience.

A generation of young people, who would otherwise never be exposed to the sport, were curious, enthralled and intrigued by what they saw, and they’ve shaken the foundations of a sometimes conservative world.  They’ve reminded us all that horse sport isn’t just about equine talent and rider skills.  It’s also about fun and entertainment, about embracing the partnership between man and horse and presenting it in a whole new light to a world of people who, given the opportunity, will learn to love it.

There is a sense right now that the equestrian events at London 2012 could mark the beginning of a whole new era, and how timely that will be for equestrian sport which celebrates its centenary as part of the Olympic movement next year.

Continue reading Greenwich Test Event Hailed a Huge Success →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Show Jumping

Fabulous French Passes the Test with Flying Colours

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HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (front) presented the medals as the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) drew to a close in London (GBR) today. Pictured on the podium: (left) Great Britain's Pippa Funnell who finished third, (centre) winner Piggy French from Great Britain, and (right) second-placed Michael Jung from Germany. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI.

London Prepares Series (GBR), 6 July 2011 – Great Britain’s Piggy French held firm to scoop the honours in the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) today with a fabulous double-clear jumping performance from DHI Topper W. Germany’s Michael Jung (River of Joy) finished second ahead of Britain’s Pippa Funnell (Billy Shannon) in third, but all the athletes were in agreement that the real winner of the Olympic Test Event has been Greenwich Park, the fabulous London venue which will host next summer’s Olympic equestrian events.

“Of course it was special to win here – we are all competitive and it was great for a British rider to put a stamp on it – but this has really been about checking things out before next summer’s Games and from that point of view it’s been a huge success,” said French this afternoon. In the lead from the outset on Monday, she had a heart-stopping moment this morning when DHI Topper W was held over during the final horse inspection, but in the end nothing could prevent her from claiming the top step of the podium.

FIRST TIME OUT
A total of 35 riders lined out in the final jumping phase, but just 12 managed to stay clear first time out. Sweden’s Sara Algotsson Ostholt lost her grip on second spot with a single mistake from her talented young mare, the seven-year-old Mrs Medicott, and Clayton Fredericks, lying overnight fourth for Australia, slipped from contention when Bendigo did likewise. This allowed Michael Jung to move into runner-up spot, but French had a fence in hand as the closing stages were played out. Funnell, now in third with the handsome Kannan mare Billy Shannon, piled the pressure on the two ahead of her with a lovely tour of the second-round track. Jung didn’t flinch to stay clean and the pressure was all on French when last into the arena. Setting off in a quiet rhythm however the 30-year-old rider calmly held her nerve to take the win she well deserved.

“Topper has matured so well over the last few months – he could be a contender for next year,” French said afterwards. “That’s still a long way away and horses are great levellers so who knows what can happen between now and then, but I reckon he’s got what it takes. I just hope we haven’t peaked too early!”

Continue reading Fabulous French Passes the Test with Flying Colours →

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI

French Stays Out in Front after Cross-Country

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Piggy French from Great Britain riding DHI Topper W leader after cross country. Photo copyright: Peter Nixon/FEI

London Prepares Series (GBR), 5 July 2011 – Great Britain’s Piggy French and DHI Topper maintained the lead they established in the dressage arena yesterday with a superb cross-country run at the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) in London (GBR) today.

They go into tomorrow’s final jumping phase with more than a fence in hand over Sweden’s Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Mrs Medicott, one of just five horse-and-rider partnerships to complete the 19-fence course without penalty, while Michael Jung lies close behind in third with River of Joy. Despite setting off at a ferocious gallop, the German who took the individual title at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky collected 0.40 time faults as the testing terrain took its toll.  The addition of 1.20 time penalties saw Australia’s Clayton Fredericks and Bendigo drop two places to fourth.  French is the only one with any real breathing space at the top of the order however.

BLAZING SUNSHINE
The cross-country took place in blazing sunshine over a course of 19 fences and using only part of the track that will be used in 2012.  And while riders agreed that the twists and turns were not ideal as they followed the magic carpet of specially-prepared ground through the historic city venue, the “wow” factor of competing right in the heart of London couldn’t be denied.

Continue reading French Stays Out in Front after Cross-Country →

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI

Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) – Day 1, Dressage

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BRITAIN’S PIGGY FRENCH LEADS AFTER DRESSAGE by Louise Parkes

Piggy French and DHI Topper W head the leaderboard after the dressage phase of the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) today. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI

London Prepares Series (GBR), 4 July 2011 – Great Britain’s Piggy French and DHI Topper W hold the lead after today’s dressage phase of the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) in London.  From a starting field of 39 runners, the 30-year-old Briton, who took individual silver at the 2009 FEI European Eventing Championships, produced a great score of 34.70 which leaves her with a six-point advantage over Australia’s Clayton Fredericks (Bendigo) in second place, while Germany’s world champion Michael Jung (River of Joy) lies third going into tomorrow’s cross-country phase which begins at 11 am local time.

Greenwich Park is alive with excitement, and the arena, built on a specially-designed platform in order to provide a level surface on this hilly site, has come in for significant praise. “Greenwich is such a unique location and there’s a huge buzz about it – it seems a very horse-friendly place!” French said this evening. Fredericks was delighted with how well his horse handled the atmosphere, especially since Bendigo may be his mount for London 2012.  “I deliberately brought him here with next year in mind,” he explained. “And this is a great opportunity to get all of our officials together and to do some team-building – we Australians don’t often get an opportunity to do that,” he pointed out.

Jung, individual gold medallist at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, is intrigued by the Cross Country terrain.  “It’s very interesting, a big part of the course goes up and down and there are many jumps but only five minutes to ride them.  We will need to quickly find a rhythm – it’s great to get the chance to compete here before next year,” he said.

Continue reading Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) – Day 1, Dressage →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Show Jumping

Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**)

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New Zealand's Mark Todd pictured presenting Viscount George, the ride of his fellow-countryman Andrew Nicholson, at the first horse inspection for the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**). Photo: Peter Llewellyn/FEI.

Biographies of all competing riders can be found here: http://goo.gl/tqVqx.

EXCITING BUILD-UP TO OLYMPIC TEST EVENT by Louise Parkes

London Prepares Series (GBR), 3 July 2011 – There was a huge buzz of anticipation and excitement as the first horse inspection for the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC **) got underway in London (GBR) this afternoon at the first LOCOG test event in the build-up to London 2012.

Over the next three days, the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games will test key aspects of the Greenwich logistics and operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the field of play, timing and scoring technology, venue installation and workforce.

A total of 40 riders from 23 countries will take part in the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational, which offers the normal grading points for an international CIC**, and which will involve Dressage tomorrow (Monday 4 July), Cross-Country on Tuesday and two rounds of Jumping on Wednesday in order to reflect the Olympic format.

There will also be demonstrations of the other Olympic equestrian disciplines of Dressage and Jumping, along with Para-Dressage to further test the facilities.

Continue reading Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) →

Community/Charity, Eventing/H.T., Media/Radio/TV Sources

Eventing Radio Episode 148 by Bit of Britain – Dream Vacation with Blyth Tait

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Former World Champion, New Zealander Blyth Tait, joins us for some summer fun as part of our new series Dream Vacation where Chris invites them to choose four horses and three people along with their book and audio choices to take with them and then reveals where she is sending them. Tune into our summer fantasy world right here.

Eventing Radio Episode 148 by Bit of Britain – Show Notes and Links:

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