Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Opgun Louvo, members of the leading German Eventing team, power into the lead after the Dressage phase in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 at Haras du Pin (FRA) (Trevor Holt/FEI)
Normandy (FRA), 29 August 2014 – Germany’s cool-headed anchorwoman Sandra Auffarth and her long-time partner Opgun Louvo produced the Dressage test everyone was anticipating to bring the first phase of the Eventing competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy to a magical close.
By the time Auffarth entered the arena the atmosphere was electric. She scored a 10 for her halt from Ground Jury President Gillian Rolton (AUS) and three nines for her riding. She now has a 2.5-penalty advantage over the first-day Dressage leader William Fox-Pitt (GBR) on Chilli Morning.
Auffarth, who already has Olympic and European team gold medals to her name plus individual silver and bronze, has extended her team’s lead over New Zealand and fully justified her status as the rider many people have tipped for the individual title here in Normandy.
“It wasn’t the easiest atmosphere but we managed OK,” said Auffarth. “At the start my horse was a little bit nervous but then he got better and better and really enjoyed it.”
New Zealander Jock Paget had Clifton Promise looking beautifully light and supple and they scored the only other sub-40 mark of the day – 38.0 – to slot into individual third place. In a first for the New Zealand team, all riders have scored under 50, with Andrew Nicholson and Nereo, dual bronze medallists in Kentucky in 2010, 15th on 45.5.
Germany has more than 20 penalties in hand over the third-placed USA team and the fourth-placed French. Defending champions Great Britain are now in fifth place after counting a score of 50.0 from third rider Kristina Cook on her home-bred De Novo News.
The Italian team has suffered huge disappointment with the withdrawal just before their Dressage test of Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz. The popular grey mare was found to have a slight injury and, to the approval of the crowd, Panizzon said she did not want to risk her horse.
Although the picturesque site of Haras du Pin has enjoyed balmy, sunny drying conditions today, the cross country course is still expected to be influential. In view of the wet weather this week, the Ground Jury has removed fences 20 and 23 which removes a galloping loop of the track and reduces the optimum time by one minute.
It is the first time Auffarth has gone last for the German team and she admitted her relief at the arrival of sunshine. “The course is difficult enough but really well built and horse friendly. I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s a big track but if you ride it the way [Course Designer] Pierre Michelet asks you to, that will help you because it’s forward and attacking,” added Paget.
The Cross Country phase has been brought forward by 30 minutes to 10.00 CEST. Follow all the action on FEI TV (www.feitv.org) and with live scoring on www.normandy2014.com.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.
(FRA, 29 August 2014) Sandra Auffarth riding Opgun Louvo, has a firm lead after the Dressage phase of the Eventing competition , with William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Chilli Morning taking second place, and Jonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise in third place at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Normandy.
Germany’s Auffarth Takes the Lead
Local born equine hero Opgun Louvo, ridden by Germany’s Sandra Auffarth, completed the best dressage performance of the two days with a stunning score of 35.0, to lead the overall competition going into the cross-country phase tomorrow. William Fox-Pitt rode a beautiful test yesterday on Chilli Morning posting a score of 37.5 and was the overnight leader after day one of the two-day dressage phase. Fox-Pitt’s lead looked further under threat when New Zealand’s Jonathan Paget produced a dazzling dressage performance in front of a packed crowd to take third position on his horse Clifton Promise with a score of 38.0.
Germany’s Michael Jung is well placed in fourth position, despite riding reserve horse FischerRocana FST after his 2010 world champion La Biosthetique-Sam FBW had to be withdrawn last week. He scored 40.7 with a relaxed, soft performance and hopes to be able to retain his World Champion title.
Auffarth and Opgun Louvo won the Bronze medal in the individual event at the London Games and Silver at the European Championships in Luhmuhlen, so will be hoping to go one better in Normandy.
Quotes:
Sandra Auffarth (GER):
He got better and better during the test. The canter work is his strength and you could earn a lot of marks doing that so that was good for me. Let’s forget the dressage. It was nice but now we have to move on to the cross-country!
William Fox-Pitt (GBR):
I am very relieved that we nailed the test. That was his best test ever. He’s a lovely horse to ride on the flat and he coped really well in that arena. The cross-country is a good track with plenty to jump. It’s quite hilly and with the soft ground it’s going to be a serious test. We tend to get all these conditions in England and so it should be good for us here, but the effect of the course will be cumulative and may be hard to gauge.
Michael Jung (GER):
I’m very happy. My horse was relaxed and didn’t make too many mistakes. She also concentrated. The arena wasn’t slippery. At the beginning the horses look at the ground because of the water splashing up, but the going is OK. [Jung described the course:] A tough four-star because of the big fences and the hills.
Rolex Testimonee Zara Phillips Riding High
The 2006 World Champion Zara Phillips (GBR), who was riding her top horse High Kingdom, scored 54.5. “I was really happy with him,” said Phillips. “He did some really good work and everything I asked of him. He broke in the medium trot and my marks didn’t come back up after that. He does nice work but he’s not a flash horse.” Phillips remains positive, believing that Saturday’s cross-country course will be hugely influential and should suit her gelding.
“You’ve got to look at the whole event; it’s not just about the dressage phase. You need something that will gallop up those hills and make those distances; we’ve just got to go out there and ride to the conditions. It’s tough and it’s raining,” she added.
For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and full results, please visit www.normandy2014.com.
Rolex and the World Equestrian Games
Rolex’s association with the World Equestrian Games began in 2002 in Jerez, Spain and the brand is at the forefront of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which takes place between 23 August and 7 September in Caen, France where a record 74 nations intend to take part.
The exceptional bond between Rolex and the World Equestrian Games has no doubt been instrumental in attracting 12 new countries to make their debut this year; a glorious achievement in the development of the sport on a global scale. Across the 15 days, approximately 1,200 media will follow 1,000 competitors as they compete across eight official disciplines including the Olympic sports of Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing in front of over 500,000 spectators.
(FRA, 29 August 2014) Charlotte Dujardin, riding Valegro, took the Gold medal in the Freestyle Grand Prix, with Helen Langehanenberg (GER) riding Damon Hill NRW taking Silver, and Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) riding Jerich Parzival N.O.P. in Bronze at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Normandy.
Double Gold for Dujardin and Valegro
Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and her magnificent Valegro reigned supreme at the Stade D’Ornano in front of a packed crowd, taking her second Gold medal of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, winning the Freestyle Grand Prix with a score of 92.161%. This now makes Dujardin the current Olympic, World Champion and European Champion holder – a feat never held before in dressage. Helen Langehanenberg riding Damon Hill NRW went into the stadium before Dujardin and rode a stunning test with a superb score of 88.286%. Dujardin followed straight after and knew she had to pull everything out, which she did.
Last to go in the class of the 15 competitors was the experienced Adelinde Cornelissen, riding her 17-year-old Jerich Parzival N.O.P, who was thrilled with her test, riding a Bronze medal winning score of 85.714%.
The Freestyle Grand Prix concludes a magnificent week for Dressage at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with Dujardin and the young all-female German riders dominating the three competitions.
Quotes:
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR):
I always knew it was possible [to achieve what I have achieved this week] – he is such a fantastic horse. Coming here he felt on top form and with the Grand Prix and the Special that I had, those rides were incredible, probably the best I have ever had. Then coming in here today, I just thought “you know what, I love the music – it’s where I can have fun.” It was only my third time riding that music and he just felt absolutely fantastic. I’ve only had one bad ride with him in eight years – that was at Aachen; he is just one in a million. [Being current Olympic, European and now World Champion] just feels so surreal. After London I never thought it could get better; then there was the Europeans and then I was looking forward to coming here to my first World Equestrian Games and to come away with two Gold and a Team Silver – I just can’t believe it!
Helen Langehanenberg (GER):
I’m absolutely happy – my horse is the best! The rider focuses on the test. We can’t predict the results, but it was better than we expected, perfect work. It’s a lot of fun, a perfect team, celebrating our team medals. I will keep this in my mind during my whole life!
Adelinde Cornelissen (NED):
17 years old and look at him! A lot of people said his best days were over but a Bronze medal in the World Championship proves that they were very wrong! I am very, very happy. It is not easy to ride after Charlotte, there was a lot of noise but I thought “take it easy and just do your thing.” Now it is just about keeping him fit and happy so he will still be there at the Olympics (Rio 2016).
Kristina Sprehe (GER):
I am very happy with Desperados; today he was a bit tired so I had to work a little bit more than yesterday, but it was a fantastic week – to win a team Gold and a Bronze. Desperados has been fantastic. The atmosphere was wonderful and my horse loves it – it was like London and the audience was really great too.
Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE):
Don Auriello was a bit tense as I put everything into doing the best test possible. I am really pleased with him and with all three days of the competition.
Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth wins Gold with Team Germany
Earlier in the week on Tuesday 26 August, Isabell Werth took her seventh Gold medal for Germany in the Team Dressage riding her mare Bella Rose 2, with a fantastic test and score of 81.529. Werth was t hird to go for Germany and her brilliant ride helped secure Germany their 11th Dressage gold medal success since the team competition was introduced into the World Championship programme in 1996. Great Britain took the Silver medal and defending champions The Netherlands took Bronze.
By finishing on the podium, all three nations have now qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Talking of the all-female Germany team, Isabell Werth said, “It’s one of the strongest teams we have ever had for Germany. Being drawn first wasn’t good, but in 25 years of these championships, we’ve never been drawn first, but it was bound to happen at some point. Bella Rose is a ‘diamond’ – it was clear from the beginning she was special by her charisma and attitude. She has become a diamond. I’ve been lucky enough in my career to have two other diamonds – Gigolo and Satchmo.”
For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and full results, please visit www.normandy2014.com.
Rolex and the World Equestrian Games
Rolex’s association with the World Equestrian Games began in 2002 in Jerez, Spain and the brand is at the forefront of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which takes place between 23 August and 7 September in Caen, France where a record 74 nations intend to take part.
The exceptional bond between Rolex and the World Equestrian Games has no doubt been instrumental in attracting 12 new countries to make their debut this year; a glorious achievement in the development of the sport on a global scale. Across the 15 days, approximately 1,200 media will follow 1,000 competitors as they compete across eight official disciplines including the Olympic sports of Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing in front of over 500,000 spectators.
The stallion Kamiakan (with Grade IV rider Susan Treabess) is the first PRE ever to compete on a United States equestrian team.
Caen, France – August 28, 2014 – There is no higher level of equestrian competition than a World Equestrian Games, an Olympic Games, or a Paralympic Games. The experience, not surprisingly, is like no other and even at this level, an up-and-coming horse has to get his feet wet.
It may seem odd to think of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ as a schooling show, but to an extent that’s what it’s been for Kamiakin, a nine-year-old PRE stallion owned by Kathryn Hill and ridden by Grade IV competitor Susan Treabess.
Relaxed, poised, and confident at the U.S. WEG para-equestrian dressage selection trials in June, Kamiakin has been more on edge in Normandy, with lovely moments interrupted by slight tension. Today’s Grade IV Individual test, for one, was off to a good start when a runner popped out from behind a judge’s booth. Kamiakin spooked, and Treabess did a masterful job of regaining the stallion’s focus – which came and went a few more times until he finally settled toward the end. The ride garnered a score of 60.667 percent.
“I’m disappointed, but I keep getting back to… for [us] it’s just a stepping stone, as kind of a young partnership and him as a young horse. He’s young and he’s a stallion, and he has those things that come along with being a young stallion. Once the third mistake happened, I kind of said, ‘That’s it; it’s a schooling experience and he’s here to learn. I’m going to get him through this, and he’s going to have to learn to handle this kind of pressure and atmosphere,'” Treabess said afterward.
Kamiakin was also unnerved by the low scoreboards positioned outside the arena perimeters, Treabess said, as they weren’t there when competitors had their “arena familiarization” opportunity a few days ago.
“Being a stallion, if they change the furniture, that’s it,” she said. “He’s got to get over that. He has to learn to let me protect him in those situations, and trust that I’m not going to put him in a situation where his life is in jeopardy.”
Still, the trainer – she has brought Kamiakin up from Training Level to confirmed small-tour horse in just three years, and he’s schooling all the movements of the Grand Prix – is proud of the way her mount performed.
“In about the last two movements, he really settled in and let me ride him. To me it’s a win. It was fun to come to France and be part of this experience, and we’re going to go home and put some banners up and maybe take him to some shows where they change the arena. So hopefully in two years we’ll be ready to rock and roll [at the 2016 Paralympics].”
“The George Clooney of Horses”
That’s what Treabess, 37, and the other folks at her training base, Somerset Farm, Winters, Calif., call “Kam.” Like the famously handsome actor, Kam is a head-turner: a dark bay PRE (by Kianto) with that fabulously cresty Iberian-stallion neck and an unmistakable presence. Although Kam has been “on vacation” from breeding, he is an approved breeding stallion who will return to breeding on a limited basis after the WEG, and probably turn to breeding as a second career after he retires from dressage competition, Treabess said. (Not a bad way to spend a retirement!)
Kam has garnered attention at the WEG for another reason, as well: According to Treabess, he is the first PRE ever to make a U.S. team.
“The PRE owners and riders have been trying to have this happen for years,” Treabess said. “[Olympic dressage competitor] Courtney King [Dye] had Grandioso, and when she was injured he went to Spain.” (Grandioso is competing at the 2014 WEG under Jose Daniel Martin Dockx.) “They’re amazing horses; they’re highly intelligent and they’re fun to ride. This horse has incredible potential.”
Treabess, who was born without a left hand, says that “having one hand, they’re the choice breed for me [because] he’s quite easy to ride off the seat. I cannot have a horse that’s heavy in the hand. There are plenty of warmbloods that are like that as well, but there’s just something special about the PREs.” She choked up as she said of Kam, “He’s one of my best friends.”
Treabess and Kam: Right Place, Right Time
Kam’s owner, Kathryn “Katie” Hill, is from Oregon but now lives in the Netherlands, Treabess said. “When she and her husband, Scott, were moving to the Netherlands, they decided they wanted to sell him, so they brought him down to me. Things just fell into place, and now I’m a part-owner,” said Treabess, who has been paired for Kam for three years.
Serendipity also played a role in Treabess’s entry into the para-equestrian dressage world. She had previously competed in able-bodied eventing (including trying out for the FEI North American Young Riders Championships) and had “competed in dressage as a hobby for a long time.” FEI-level dressage trainer and competitor Dennis Callin, who had previously coached a Paralympian, came to California to conduct a clinic with colleague Monica Theodorescu, then chef d’équipe of the German dressage team.
“He said, ‘I hear you’re quite a good rider. Have you ever thought of getting into para-dressage?'” Treabess recalled. “I had never even heard of it. He introduced me, and it was sort of surprising – him scouting for para riders. He’s a pretty big advocate of the sport.”
Even though the U.S.-born Callin now resides in the United Kingdom, Treabess continues to work with her trainer. “I’ve been bringing him every eight weeks from the U.K., and he stays for a week. We’ve been doing that now for three years. He will be competing his own horses next year, so we’re going to back off a little bit from that schedule, but continue to train.” Callin also helps to oversee the training programs at Somerset Farm, she said.
The Road to Rio
As the 2014 WEG para-dressage competition winds down (tomorrow is the freestyle finals), Treabess is already looking to the future.
“Next year, I’m going to try to show him on the small-tour CDI circuit in California and continue to school him toward Grand Prix, then continue to compete in the para and work toward Rio [the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro],” she says of her stallion. “Our goal of getting here [WEG] was getting him out and having a schooling-type experience, getting ready for Rio.”
Grade II rider Rebecca Hart is all smiles aboard Schroeter’s Romani in their individual test today. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com
Freestyle Finale
Tomorrow, Friday, is the final day of WEG 2014 para-dressage competition, with individual freestyles in all grades. With a score of 67.486 percent in today’s Grade II Individual test, Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani look to have qualified. (Official freestyle start lists hadn’t yet been issued at press time.)
“It was good; she was more settled for this one, but we still need to add a little bit of power,” Hart said of the twelve-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Lobster x Come Back II). “She did everything I asked of her today, so I’m happy with that. I’m hoping [to qualify] for the freestyle. We’ll have to wait for the rest of the day.” (The top third in each grade, based on combined scores from the team test and the individual test, will advance to the freestyle.)
The other U.S. competitor who has a chance of dancing tomorrow is Grade Ia’s Roxanne Trunnell on Nice Touch, a nineteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (by Grundstein). Trunnell improved on her 68.087 percent score in the Grade Ia Team test, earning an impressive 69.435 percent in today’s Grade Ia Individual test. She placed eighth in both classes.
Learn more about the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline or give a tax-deductible donation to support the development of the sport with the USPEA 501(c)(3)t: www.USPEA.org.
Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch present an elegant picture in their Grade Ia Individual test. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com
About United States Para-Equestrian Association:
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.
Wellington, FL – August 28, 2014 – Steed Training and Horse Show by Appointment (HSBA) are back in action with their next exciting Western exhibition just around the corner. After two popular events in Wellington that drew enthusiastic crowds to watch Western dressage and barrel racing demonstrations, Steed Training is taking the show on the road for their specialty event: reined cow horse.
Come out to Steed Training’s current base at the Golden L Ranch in Jupiter, FL for an afternoon of fast-paced action with plenty of thrills. The exhibition – free to spectators – runs from 4-6 p.m. and showcases the reined cow horse discipline, which demands quick reactions and close communication between horse and rider as they team up to work cows down the fence.
The event will showcase what Steed Training has to offer as they prepare for a move to their new facility in Loxahatchee Groves, FL, less than 10 miles from the center of Wellington. Once complete, it will be a top-notch venue for reined cow horse and other Western disciplines with ample seating for spectators and the capability to host arena polo as well. The front of the property will be set up to provide a relaxing park environment with a lake view, picnic tables and fire pits.
The Aug. 30 demonstration at Golden L Ranch in Jupiter begins with the reining patterns that form the basis of the reined cow horse discipline. Then, riders tackle the challenge of boxing, maneuvering their horses to keep a cow at one end of the arena. Finally, the very best reined cow horses and riders go for broke in the ultimate test of skill that requires them to work a cow at high speed: Down the Hairy Fence. Always a crowd favorite, the finale is sure to have spectators on the edge of their seats.
On the day of the exhibition, Steed Training will offer a Reined Cow Horse Play Day from 8 am to 3:30 pm. For only a small fee, the arena will be open to riders who want to run through their reining patterns and practice working a cow in a relaxed, low-stakes environment. Contact Susan Shelly at (561) 305-1432 to sign up.
Professional polo player Tom Blake and guitarist/vocalist Victoria Cardona will be performing throughout the day beginning at 1 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy the music, watch the demonstrations, and socialize in a casual, fun atmosphere. There will also be food available on a first-come, first-served basis from 4-6 p.m. – B.Y.O.B. and something to put on the BBQ!
The event will also feature a Blessing of the Animals at 3 p.m. and raffles to support Omega Equine Rescue.
Steed Training’s Cow Horse Extravaganza continues Sept. 27 with Herd Work & Team Sorting. The series finale, Ranch Horse, is Oct. 25. Both events will be held at Golden L Ranch in Jupiter. The Cow Horse Extravaganza is supported by many generous sponsors whose contributions are key to the events’ success – contact Susan Shelly at (561) 305-1432 to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
HSBA Reined Cow Horse Experience If the Cow Horse Extravaganza leaves you wanting to get in the saddle yourself, Steed Training has the perfect solution: the HSBA Reined Cow Horse Experience. Rick and Trevor Steed welcome groups to their Jupiter location – and, as soon as it opens, their new Loxahatchee Groves location just minutes from Wellington – for a day of immersion in the reined cow horse discipline.
Riders of all levels, from complete beginner to seasoned professional, can learn the ropes from a well-schooled cow horse and feel the rush of working a cow under the expert guidance of the Steed Training team. Kick back and relax with a limo ride to the farm from surrounding towns. Steed Training can also bring the Reined Cow Horse Experience to your farm in the South Florida area. Contact Rick Steed at (772) 263-6830 or Tom DiRocco at (561) 371-4997 for more information.
Steed Training Cow Horse Extravaganza Fast Facts
Steed Training and HSBA are bringing the family-friendly Cow Horse Extravaganza to the Golden L Ranch in Jupiter, FL. Each event showcases talented riders and horses in different Western disciplines and offers a casual, welcoming environment for spectators of all ages. Dress to fit the Western theme and bring along your dog to join in the festivities. The Cow Horse Extravaganza is FREE to spectators!
Aug. 30 – Reined Cow Horse – 4-6 p.m.
Reined Cow Horse Play Day 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location:
Golden L Ranch
11334 172nd Pl N
Jupiter, FL 33478
Directions:
Take exit 116 from the Florida Turnpike or 87B from I-95. Go west on Indiantown Rd (FL-706 W) for 3.3 miles from the Turnpike or 3.8 miles from I-95. Turn left onto 111th Terrace N/Rocky Pines Rd and continue for .8 miles. The road turns right and becomes 172nd Place N. Golden L Ranch is on your left shortly after the turn.
For sponsorship information, please contact Susan Shelly at (561) 305-1432.
About Horse Show by Appointment
Horse Show by Appointment’s fresh approach to reined cow horse competition was an unprecedented success in its first season, and now HSBA is back for a second year. HSBA aims to make showing “Fun, Fair, and Affordable” for competitors. To accommodate those traveling long distances to show and help busy riders fit showing in at their convenience, HSBA allows riders to reserve their own ride times in advance. This cuts down on usual travel expenses such as stall rentals and hotels and encourages competitors to make the trip and join in the fun.
Each HSBA series includes four shows. Riders who compete at three out of the four shows earn a place in the annual Championship Finals, which offer over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Competitors may also qualify for the Finals in absentia by simply sending in entries and payment to each of the four shows.
Caen, France – The FEI World Team Para-Dressage Championships at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games came to a conclusion on Thursday, with the United States securing a 12th place finish. Team scores were determined by combining the top scores from Monday and Tuesday’s Team Test with the Individual Tests performed on Wednesday and Thursday, the U.S. team of Sydney Collier, Rebecca Hart, Susan Treabess and Roxanne Trunnell finished on an overall total of 407.042.
Great Britain earned Team Gold on a score of 456.024, with The Netherlands earning Silver on a score of 436.941, while Germany secured Team Bronze on a score of 432.510.
Thursday hosted Individual Tests in Grade IV, II, and 1a competition where Treabess, Hart, and Trunnell, respectively, also competed for their first Individual medals of the Games.
Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s Kamiakin were first down centerline for the U.S. on Thursday earning a score of 60.667% from the Ground Jury of Eva Bachinger, Freddy Leyman, Anne Prain, Sarah Leitch, ad Kjell Myhre. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games veteran used all her experience to ride the promising nine-year-old stallion through moments of nerves and spookiness in a performance that demonstrated impressive work in the latter portion of the test to finish in 16th place.
“I’m disappointed but this is a building experience; he’s young and he’s a stallion,” said Treabess. “At the very end, he settled in and let me ride. It’s just a matter of experience.”
Treabess has thoroughly enjoyed her second World Championship experience in Normandy and is already making plans for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“It was fun to come to France and be part of this experience and hopefully in two years we’ll be ready to rock and roll.”
Belgium’s Michele George and FBW Rainman earned the Gold medal in the Grade IV Team Test after earning a mark of 74.881%, while Silver went to Great Britain’s Sophie Wells and Valerius on a score of 74.333% with Frank Hosmar and Alphaville NOP of The Netherland’s claiming Bronze on 73.500%.
Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani (SusanJStickle.com)
Hart (Unionville, Pa.) secured a spot in the Grade II Freestyle on Friday morning with a strong performance on her own Schroeter’s Romani by earning a seventh place finish in Thursday’s Individual Test. The combination earned a score of 67.486% from the Ground Jury of Marco Orsini, Sarah Leitch, Eva Bachinger, Hanneke Gerritsen, and Alison King.
The World Championship and Paralympic veteran credits her strong performance on Thursday with added rideability from the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood and a visualization earlier in the day.
“She was listening more to me, and was more on the aids. I was a little too conservative out there, but she did what I asked her to. She was not spectating today,” said Hart. “I prepared mentally by doing a lot of visualization. The way that this test broke up the walk, we had to do a lot of forward thinking. I had to visualize how I am going to ride each one of those movements, and go from there.”
Hart will look to add impulsion on Friday to maximize her points in her newly designed Freestyle.
“She was more settled in this one; we still needed to add more power, but the fact that she went in and did what I asked her to, I was happy with that. We did a new freestyle for this competition, so I am excited to debut that and show it off.”
Great Britain’s Natasha Baker and Cabral earned the Grade II Individual Test Gold medal with a score of 73.647%, with Rixt van der Horst and Uniek of The Netherlands earning Silver on a score of 72.618%, while Canada’s Lauren Barwick and Off to Paris rounding out the medal podium with Bronze after earning a score of 70.176%.
Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and Sidney Trunnell’s 19-year-old KWPN mare Nice Touch rounded out the U.S. effort with an impressive effort in the Grade 1a Individual Test. The pair earned 69.435% from the Ground Jury of Kjell Myhre, Alison King, Freddy Leyman, Marco Orsini, and Anne Prain to finish the day in eighth place.
Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch (SusanJStickle.com)
“She felt much more relaxed today. She is such a good girl. We warmed up as usual; I had my groom ride, and then I rode,” said Trunnell. “I just try to take it all in and not worry about it.”
With her strong performance on Thursday, Trunnell has qualified for the Freestyle in her first World Championship appearance.
“We have a French-themed Freestyle, and we are very excited to show it off.”
Great Britain’s Sophie Christiansen and Janiero 6 earned the Grade 1a Individual Test Gold medal with a score of 77.565%, while Sara Morganti and Royal Delight of Italy clinched Silver on a score of 76.478%, and Singapore’s Laurentia Tan taking Bronze on Ruben Delight with a score of 75.087%.
Hart will perform her Freestyle on Friday at 9:08am local time, while Trunnell will ride at 10:11am local time.
Troy Heikes (USA) and Lil Gun Dunit were the leaders in the second individual Reining qualifier at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (Dirk Caremans/FEI)
Normandy (FRA), 28 August 2014 – Some 23 Reining horse-and-rider combinations came back to the Parc des Expositions in Caen today for the second individual qualifying competition. The top 15 pairs after the first individual qualifier had already earned their ticket to the Final which will be held on Saturday, 30 August, at 20.00 CEST.
Second last to go, Troy Heikes, representing the USA as an individual, walked in aboard Lil Gun Dunit (Colonels Lil Gun x Hollywood Baby Dunit). Riding the eight-year-old stallion, owned by Denise Bixler and Steve Tarani, Heikes was set on making it to the Final and closed his run with a score of 220, the highest of the day.
“In the first qualifier we had a problem in his right circles,” Heikes said. “Today, though he felt really good, we also had one point lead penalty on that side. After that I knew we had to earn it back and he gave me all he had. Though I am not on the US team, I am part of the squad and am really happy with the way my horse went. For me, getting my horse ready for an FEI event is all very new and it has been a great experience,” he pointed out.
Thanks to Heikes’ winning run today, the USA will have all their athletes competing for the individual FEI medals on Saturday.
Canadian Cody Sapergia riding Nu Chexomatic (Nu Chex To Cash x Tejons Texie Lena), owned by Jac Point Quarter Horses of Austria, set a high standard after scoring 219. He was fifth to ride and managed to put his opponents under pressure.
“Today my horse was much better than on the first day and, even though there are still a couple of things we need to fix, I am confident he will do well in the Final,” a satisfied Sapergia explained.
Non-professional rider Josh Collins (GBR) posted the third highest score of the day (218). The 24-year-old rode Spook A Little (Smart Spook x Jessie Wright On) earning a spot in the Final.
“Being able to represent my country here has been my dream and my goal since the beginning of the year,” he commented. “My horse was amazing today and I am very proud of being in the individual Final.”
Also making their way to the prestigious competition, where the FEI individual medals will be awarded, are Stefano Ferri (ITA) and Rooster Nic on 217 as well as Paolo Koury Neto (BRA) with Don’t Whiz WRB and Romuald Poard (FRA) with Peppys Ruf who tied for fifth place on 216.5.
The complete results of today’s competition are available here.
By Simona Diale
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.
Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and the 14-year-old stallion Chilli Morning are in the lead after the first day of Eventing Dressage at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. (Trevor Holt/FEI)
Normandy (FRA), 28 August 2014 – William Fox-Pitt (GBR) has given the British team a massive morale boost after the first day of the Eventing competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, where the Dressage phase is taking place below the chateau at Haras du Pin deep in the Normandy countryside.
Fox-Pitt and the biddable stallion Chilli Morning scored the only sub-40 mark, 37.5, to head defending champion Michael Jung and the mare FischerRocana FST by 3.2 penalties.
“Chilli is lovely to ride on the flat,” said Fox-Pitt, who was individual silver medallist and a member of the winning British team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky (USA). “I’m relieved that we nailed it. That was his best test ever.”
Jung’s good score on the relatively inexperienced nine-year-old and Ingrid Klimke’s mark of 41.2 on another mare, FRH Escada JS, despite losing marks for a tense walk and early canter strike-off, puts Germany in the lead at this early stage.
“I’m very happy,” said Jung. “My horse was relaxed and didn’t make too many mistakes. She also concentrated. The arena wasn’t slippery, but horses were looking at the ground because of the rainwater in the arena.”
The New Zealand team is currently second, ahead of Great Britain and the USA, with one penalty covering the three nations.
Tim Price (NZL) is in individual fourth place on his Luhmühlen CCI4* winner Wesko with a mark of 42.0 and Sir Mark Todd, a team bronze medallist in 2010, is 10th on Leonidas ll on a score of 49.2.
Todd explained: “There was some clapping before I went into the arena and Leo was a bit distracted and made some mistakes. He isn’t used to this kind of atmosphere and the sloppy going.”
The 2006 world champion Zara Phillips (GBR) didn’t get the British team off to the start she would have liked and admitted to being annoyed with her score of 54.5 on High Kingdom, which leaves her in 21st place currently.
“He broke in the medium trot and my marks didn’t come back up after that,” she said. “He does nice work but he’s not a flash horse. However, he’s a real galloper and I’m hoping to bring some good feedback for the others when I go out first across country on Saturday. It’s a long way round and if it stays wet then the dressage scores won’t matter as much.”
Cédric Lyard (FRA) is best of the home side, in seventh place on Cadeau du Roi with a score of 47.3. “I’m really happy with my horse,” he commented. “Cadeau concentrated really well and was expressive. I wanted to get the best marks I possibly could for the French team and I feel that I achieved that.”
The British team is hoping that the wet weather will play to their strengths on Saturday’s cross country day, which riders of all nations anticipate will re-arrange the scoreboard.
Fox-Pitt commented: “It’s a good track with plenty to jump. It’s quite hilly and with the soft ground it’s going to be a serious test. We tend to get all these conditions in England and so it should be good for us here, but the effect of the course will be cumulative and may be hard to gauge.”
Jung described Pierre Michelet’s (FRA) course as “a tough four-star because of the big fences and the hills” while Todd added that going early in the day could turn out to be a lucky draw. “This is a big and long track, it’s hilly and it’s wet. It isn’t going to be a dressage competition,” he predicted.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.
A poised, balanced canter by Angela Peavy on Ozzy Cooper at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Credit: SusanJStickle.com.
CAEN, NORMANDY, August 27, 2014 – There’s quite of bit of interplay between the para-dressage and the able-bodied dressage communities.
Not only do many trainers coach both able-bodied and para-dressage students, some para-equestrians compete in the able-bodied divisions as well.
Take Angela “Annie” Peavy, for instance. The eighteen-year-old from Avon, Conn. is at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games competing as an individual in the Grade III para-equestrian dressage division. But in three weeks, she’ll be at the New England Dressage Association Fall Festival and the Great American/USDF Region 8 Dressage Championships in Saugerties, N.Y., contesting the (able-bodied) FEI Juniors.
Peavy’s trainer is Heather Blitz, who with her horse Paragon was the reserve rider for the US dressage squad at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
“I train in Boston with her. I’ve been with her for a year and a half,” Peavy said of Blitz. And at the WEG Peavy is getting a two-fer: not only Blitz but also one of Blitz’s coaches, the international clinician and author Mary Wanless (Ride with Your Mind), are in Caen assisting the young para-equestrian, Peavy said.
Peavy is the first para-equestrian Blitz has coached, and “I’ve learned so much from her,” Peavy said. “She’s good at keeping me focused in the show ring.”
Blitz doesn’t cut her student any slack, either. “Heather trains me how she would train any other of her students. If I can’t do something with my left side, she’ll figure out another way.” (The left side of Peavy’s body is affected by cerebral palsy.)
Blitz, who lived and trained in Denmark for many years, also found Peavy’s two current mounts there: her 2014 WEG mount, Ozzy Cooper; and Lancelot Warrior, a twelve-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Londonderry x Waroness), both owned by Rebecca Reno. Peavy has been paired with both horses since January, she said.
Although Lancelot Warrior outscored Ozzy Cooper at the US WEG selection trials, when the gelding sustained a corneal ulcer the decision was made that Ozzy Cooper would go to Normandy instead. Ozzy Cooper is an eight-year-old Trakehner gelding (Hibiskus x Arrak)-and yes, he’s named for heavy-metal rock stars Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper, Peavy said.
“I asked his old owner” about the name, Peavy said. As a young horse he was called Orca, but the owner disliked the name and rechristened him, she said.
Peavy was attracted to Ozzy Cooper’s “wanting to go, and his work ethic, and his gaits. His attitude – he has a great mind, very steady,” she said.
These 2014 Games are Peavy’s first world championships. “It’s amazing,” she said. “The venue is beautiful. It’s an experience like no other.”
Today, in the Grade III Individual test, Peavy earned a respectable score of 63.561%.
“I thought it went really well,” she said afterward. “He was really focused with me, and more energetic and powerful. I was more relaxed than the first day. We were in our own little bubble.”
Riding and competing as a para-equestrian is “definitely a great learning experience. It’s changed my life so much. It’s really fun,” Peavy said. She admitted that “It’s a lot of work; you’ll miss a lot of school.” The rising high-school senior returns from France to the U.S. this Saturday, and Monday – jet lag or no – she’ll be back in class.
Willi Wesley walks steadily toward a Grade Ib Individual score of 68.103 percent with rider Sydney Collier. Credit: SusanJStickle.com
Fellow US para-equestrian Sydney Collier, Ann Arbor, Mich., also competed today, scoring an impressive 68.103 percent in the Grade Ib Individual test for a ninth-place finish. Collier’s WEG mount is Willi Wesley, a fourteen-year-old Hessen gelding (Wolkenstein x Kokoschka) owned by Victoria Dugan.
Learn more about the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline or give a tax-deductible donation to support the development of the sport with the USPEA 501(c)(3)t: www.USPEA.org.
About United States Para-Equestrian Association:
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.
(FRA, 27 August 2014) Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), riding Valegro, took the Individual Gold medal in the Grand Prix Special Dressage, with Helen Langehanenberg (GER) riding Damon Hill NRW taking Silver and Kristina Sprehe (GER) riding Desperados FRH in Bronze at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Normandy.
World Gold for Dujardin and Valegro
Double Olympic Champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro added a World Champion title to their collection by taking Gold in the Dressage Grand Prix Special Individual competition with an outstanding performance on a score of 86.120%, the highest ever score recorded by a horse and rider at the World Equestrian Games.
In a closely fought contest, Dujardin held on to Gold after a superb test from Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg riding Damon Hill NRW, who finished in Silver on her score of 84.468%.
Quotes:
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR): It was a great ride and I was very happy with my test. I had no team members to worry about, I thought I’d just go for everything, my horse was just fantastic – he is a Ferrari! The crowd was very hard to deal with – all I could hear were gasps, whether I did a good or a bad thing. I could hear the crowd the whole time.
Helen Langehanenberg (GER): The test felt very good. He always goes forward and listens very well. He is keen on working with me and knows what to do. I did not know Charlotte’s score before I went into the stadium – I was just concentrating on my preparation and test. I am really looking forward to Friday now – he is a very happy horse!
Kristina Sprehe (GER): I am really happy. Coming in to these Games I was only focused on Team Gold. I had no thoughts for the Individual at all. This is just fantastic, completely fantastic! My horse was perfect in the test, even if during the passages he lost some rhythm and he has to be more energetic. I had a really fantastic feeling during the whole test.
Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth wins Gold with Team Germany
Yesterday, Tuesday 26 September, Isabell Werth took her seventh Gold medal for Germany in the Team Dressage riding her mare Bella Rose 2, with a fantastic test and score of 81.529. Werth was third to go for Germany and her brilliant ride helped secure Germany their 11th Dressage gold medal success since the team competition was introduced into the World Championship programme in 1996. Great Britain took the Silver medal and defending champions The Netherlands took Bronze.
For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and full results, please visit www.normandy2014.com.
Rolex and the World Equestrian Games
Rolex’s association with the World Equestrian Games began in 2002 in Jerez, Spain and the brand is at the forefront of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which takes place between 23 August and 7 September in Caen, France where a record 74 nations intend to take part.
The exceptional bond between Rolex and the World Equestrian Games has no doubt been instrumental in attracting 12 new countries to make their debut this year; a glorious achievement in the development of the sport on a global scale. Across the 15 days, approximately 1,200 media will follow 1,000 competitors as they compete across eight official disciplines including the Olympic sports of Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing in front of over 500,000 spectators.
