Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Driving, FEI

Newcomer Daniel Schneiders Triumphs on Home Turf in Stuttgart

Leave a comment

Germany’s Daniel Schneiders made the most of his first points-gaining FEI World Cup Driving start to win on home turf in Stuttgart. (Karl-Heinz Frieler/FEI)

Stuttgart (GER), 17 November 2013 – Newcomer Daniel Schneiders (GER) thrilled the enthusiastic crowd in the atmospheric Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart (GER) with victory in the third leg of the FEI World Cup Driving 2013/2014 series, leaving his compatriot Georg von Stein and top favourite Boyd Exell (AUS) behind him.

Stuttgart was Daniel Schneiders’ first proper FEI World Cup start and he made the most of it by collecting maximum points. After he switched from driving ponies to horses two years ago, his goal was to compete in the FEI World Cup. He received a wild card in Hannover in 2012 and 2013 and qualified for the FEI World Cup Driving season 2013/2014 after his compatriot Christoph Sandmann and Chester Weber (USA) pulled out.

Thrilling to the end
Schneiders, a farrier by profession, had one knockdown in the first round but was very fast, to go through the winning round. Driving the same team of horses with which he was less successful in Hannover several weeks ago, Schneiders put down a very fast time again in the winning round, which took place over a shortened course. The difference between Schneiders and Von Stein was only a little over one second and when Von Stein knocked a ball and was one second slower, Schneiders moved up to second place.

Last man in and top favourite Boyd Exell started at full speed, using his new leader horse Knight Templar. In the first marathon obstacle, Knight became too strong, which cost a knockdown and precious seconds. An element also fell, blocking the way to the finish, which caused another ball to fall, much to the excitement of the spectators in Stuttgart, who then knew their home driver Schneiders would be declared the winner. With 10 points for victory, Schneiders has moved straight into equal third in the series standings.

Recovered
Jozsef Dobrovitz (HUN) drove a clear round, but wasn’t quite fast enough and had to settle for fourth, ahead of Michael Brauchle (GER), whose horses were clearly fully recovered from a tip-up the night before. The 23-year-old wild card driver from the Stuttgart area put down a steady performance around the course, designed by Stuttgart’s new course designer Dr Wolfgang Asendorf (GER). Jozsef Dobrovitz junior knocked one ball and became too eager after that, resulting in another two knockdowns for sixth place at the finish.

World Champion trainers
Daniel Schneiders is trained by Boyd Exell, during both the indoor and outdoor seasons. “That stops now,” laughed Exell at the post-competition press conference. Exell had helped Schneiders put together this special indoor team and also advises Schneiders during the course walks. Schneiders is also trained by double World Champion and multiple FEI World Cup champion Michael Freund (GER) and the German national trainer Karl-Heinz Geiger.

Schneiders used the big “ponies” Cabus and Costa in the lead. Cabus was previously part of Schneiders’ pony team, while Costa was used by his brother Dennis in single harness. Both horses are part of Schneiders’ outdoor team. Schneiders also uses the Dutch gelding Twister, formerly owned by Theo Timmerman (NED) and Boyd Exell, and the thoroughbred gelding Jumpingjackflash in the wheel of his team.

New Course designer
German O-course designer Dr Wolfgang Asendorf was making his Stuttgart course design debut, taking over the reins from Falk Böhnisch, who retired last year. Asendorf has been a course designer for over 20 years and has designed many World Championships, FEI World Cup, national and international events. Next year’s CAIO Aachen will see Asendorf in charge for the 13th time. After the first competition in Stuttgart, Asendorf decided to change gate A around in the second marathon obstacle to make the course more fluent, which was much appreciated by the six drivers.

Quotes:
Daniel Schneiders (GER): “My goal in the winning round was to drive just as good and fast as in my first round, but without knocking a ball down. It is just amazing that I won during my first start in Stuttgart. In Hannover I noticed that my horses were not fit enough, so I worked on that in the past weeks and this has paid off. They are super fit now. I just love the FEI World Cup Driving. If I could, I would do nothing else!”

Georg von Stein (GER): “I drove the same horses as in Hannover and in Verona and they are getting better every time. At first when I saw the course plan, I did not like it very much, but it turned out very well and we have seen good sport.”

Boyd Exell (AUS): Laughing: “I have to blame Michael Freund for my faults today! Michael always told me that if you can’t hold them, let them run. I did let them run, but I wasn’t able to take them back in time. My new leader horse Knight became too eager and we changed the bit settings after the first round to get more control. We came into the first obstacle too fast and Knight did not want to wait. It was a team mistake that we did not see the element that we knocked down, blocking our path, which forced a second ball to fall. This was avoidable, so I am a little disappointed with that.”

Results in detail can be viewed here.

The 2013/2014 FEI World Cup Driving series now moves on to Stockholm (SWE) and Budapest (HUN) on Sunday, 1 December.

For information on Stockholm, go to http://www.stockholmhorseshow.com/english or contact Press Officer Lotta Amnestal, Lotta.Amnestal@ridsport.se, + 46 709 79 56 35.

For information on Budapest, go to http://www.lovasvilagkupa.hu/index.php?lang=en or contact Press Officer Csaba Peterfi, cs.peterfi@gmail.com, +36 203479443.

By Cindy Timmer

Media Contacts:

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Stuttgart:
Hartmut Binder
hartmut.binder@mps-agentur.de
+49 172 972 2848

Competitions, Dressage, FEI

Personal Best for Langehanenberg as Defending Champions Steal Reem Acra Show at Stuttgart

Leave a comment

Defending champions, Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, swept to a convincing victory at the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 series. Photo: FEI/Karl-Heinz Frieler.

Stuttgart (GER), 16 November 2013 – Defending champions, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and the super-stallion Damon Hill NRW, swept to a glorious victory at the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 series on home turf in Stuttgart today.  “It was unbelievable! I was speechless when I came out of the arena!” said the 31-year-old rider who posted a personal-best Freestyle score of 89.775 at the end of a spectacular test.

The golden girls of German dressage were all in fine form this afternoon, and the four members of the side that clinched the team title at this summer’s Blu Hors FEI European Dressage Championships in Herning, Denmark were holding the top four places as the competition drew to a close.  But Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven spoiled the party just a little when, last to go with Don Auriello, she slotted into third, behind runners-up Isabell Werth and El Santo NRW, and pushing Fabienne Lutkemeier and D’Agostino down to fourth and Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH into fifth place in the final analysis. Today however confirmed once again that German Dressage is in great shape, and a colossal power to be reckoned with.

And that was further reinforced by the performance of yet another promising newcomer to the top level of the sport.  Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has all the credentials to suggest that she has what it takes, and the 27-year-old former Junior and Young Rider double-champion and holder of multiple German national titles steered Unee BB into seventh place today, close behind The Netherlands’ Patrick van der Meer and Uzzo.

Great afternoon of sport

The Stuttgart crowd knew they were in for a great afternoon of sport, and they enjoyed every moment of it with generous applause for all-comers while not holding back on their opinion of the Ground Jury’s decisions.  “It’s all good for the sport,” said today’s Judge at C, Germany’s Katrina Wuest, who joined with The Netherlands’ Ghislain Fouarge (at E), Denmark’s Hans Christian Matthiesen (at H), Italy’s Vincenzo Truppa (at M) and Poland’s Wojtek Markowski (at B) in deciding their winners.

Von Bredow-Werndl took the lead with some lovely work from her 12-year-old by Gribaldi when seventh to go of the 14 starters. But her mark of 76.225 would be well short of the winning one at the end of the day.

Van der Meer squeezed her out when posting 76.350 before the Germans got seriously into their stride.  Going fifth from last, Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH went into the lead with 77.750 only to be immediately demoted by a brilliant performance from Herning team-mate and multiple champion Isabell Werth.

The 44-year-old double FEI World Cup Dressage champion was at her vintage best as she powered through a test full of determination and energy.  Werth always rides as if her life depends on it, but today’s effort was particularly pleasing as both she, and Madeleine Winter-Schulze’s El Santo NRW, were very definitely at ease with each other as they bounced, swung and danced to the strains of some of David Bowie’s greatest hits.  It was no surprise when the crowd went wild as they finished with a flourish.  El Santo, whose ears were pricked throughout the performance, seemed to be smiling just as widely as his rider while their fans roared their approval.

A loud hush

A loud hush descended on the arena however as Langehanenberg set off with Damon Hill.  You could hear a pin drop as they executed their movements to near-perfection, and it was clear from the start that this was a test that was going somewhere big.  The symmetry between horse and rider was spell-binding.  As Langehanenberg commented afterwards she has come to the stage with this horse where they now have a mutual understanding.  “He works with me and he wants to be good.  He tries so hard to please me – it felt so good the whole way through, I mean really good, and I really felt we had no mistake, not even a slight mistake,” she said afterwards.

The Ground Jury clearly felt very much the same as the scores went up showing colossal Artistic marks – Poland’s Wojtek Markowski awarding 90.625 and Denmark’s Hans Christian Matthiesen awarding 92.625.  Their final total score of 89.775 was a sensation.

It wasn’t an easy task for another Herning team-mate, Fabienne Lutkemeier, to withstand the wall of sound that was still reverberating around the arena when second-last to go, but she also gave a great account of herself when posting 78.400 with D’Agostino FRH. Last in however, Vilhelmson-Silfven bettered that by almost four marks to bring the competition to a close.  The Swedish rider was delighted with her mark of 82.325 which placed her third in the toughest of company and is very happy with the progress being made by the 11-year-old Don Auriello who continues to grow in confidence and ability.

“I’m really pleased with him; he has developed and matured a lot more and now I can take the power that he shows in the warm-up into the arena with me.  He’s so self-assured now, and loves the audience and the atmosphere.  That makes a big difference to the kind of performances you can produce,” she pointed out.

Vilhelmson-Silfven plans to compete at the next leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series which takes place near her home in Stockholm in two weeks’ time.  After that, Don Auriello will be enjoying some Florida sunshine.  “We will go to the US just before Christmas,” the Swedish rider explained. “It will be much nicer for him than a cold winter in Stockholm!”

Really fantastic competition

At today’s press conference, Stuttgart Event Director, Gotthilf Riexinger, pointed out, “We saw a really fantastic competition from all of the riders; I am very happy. Congratulations to Helen Langehanenberg. Helen’s previous best was of 88.26% in Gothenburg, and today she received 89.7%. I genuinely believed she was going to get a bit over 90, but I think the judges were correct.”

Langehanenberg interrupted him, joking, “It’s good; it keeps me hungry!”

She talked about what Damon Hill has been up to since helping her to take European team gold and individual silver in Herning this summer.  “He hasn’t been doing much dressage work; he was out in the field and did a little bit of trotting and cantering; we really only started properly again three weeks ago so he’s very happy and fresh.”  The defending champion is unsure how much more her stallion will do in the near future. “The planning still has to be done for the winter months, but we will do at least one more qualifier, maybe two; I’m not sure yet,” she explained.

She continued, “I enjoyed it today, and Dami did too; the more people the better where both of us are concerned and the crowd was huge today. For the rest of the winter now we have to stay fit and healthy and keep up the work, but without doing too much.”  And when asked about her expectations for the defence of her title at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage final in Lyon, France next April, she replied simply, “I’m really looking forward to it – bring it on!”

For further information on the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 Western European League series at Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday 16 November 2013, check out website www.stuttgartmasters.de, or contact Press Officer Joerg Kopfler, joerg.klopfer@in.stuttgart.de, Tel: +49 (0) 711 /9454 – 3128.

The next leg takes place at Stockholm, Sweden on Sunday 1 December 2013.  For details of the Swedish fixture, check out website www.stockholmhorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Lotta Amnestal, Email lotta.amnestal@ridsport.se, Tel +46 709 795 635.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Stuttgart, Germany staged the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 series.

The Ground Jury for today’s competition was: At E, G. Fouarge (NED); At H, H Matthiesen (DEN); At C, K Wuest (GER); At M, Dr V Truppa (ITA); At B, Dr W Markowski (POL).

14 horse-and-rider combinations lined out in today’s qualifying leg.

The oldest horse competing was the 15-year-old Eichendorff, ridden by Austria’s Victoria Max-Theurer.

The youngest horses were both 11 years old – Don Auriello who finished third for Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Vradin who placed 13th for Belgium’s Simon Missiaen.

Defending series champion and European team gold medallists, Helen Langehanenberg from Germany, recorded a Freestyle Personal Best score when posting 89.775 with the stallion, Damon Hill NRW, today.

All four of the German gold medal winning team from the Blu Hors FEI European Dressage Championships at Herning, Denmark this summer competed today, and they claimed four of the top five placings.

Quotes:

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) talking about her performance with Don Auriello today – “I was particularly pleased with the improvement of piaffe and passage.  We had a little hiccup in our last piaffe but in general I’m very happy.  And I’m enjoying the fact that he looks forward to going in there (the arena) now.”

Isabell Werth (GER) talking during the press conference – “Today you have three riders in front of you who are smiling! I am so happy that my horse came back. He was great to ride and it was a super atmosphere overall. It is so great for us riders to perform here and it pushes us to perform at our best – that is what makes this show so special, as well as the crowd. I am just really happy and, as you say, we just keep on going.”

Katrina Wuest, Judge at C – “It was a pleasure for us to judge – I can speak for my whole team. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to wake up from your dream and give marks – for us it was a dream.”

Stuttgart Event Director, Gotthilf Riexinger, talking about Helen Langehanenberg’s performance – “Her horse didn’t make a single mistake and made it look very easy. All the spectators are so happy and they were thrilled with all the riders.”

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/ulkIuVJDAmo.

Reem Acra FEI Hub http://fei.org/fei/sponsors/reem-acra-and-fei gives access to extensive information about the series.

FEI World Cup Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, has entered its 28th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to Music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

The complete rules, calendar, updated ranking and results are available here.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Stuttgart:

Press Officer: Joerg Klopfer
Email joerg.klopfer@in.stuttgart.de
Tel: ++49 7 11 95 54 31 28

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Tinney Gets His Nose in Front by a Whisker in Adelaide

Leave a comment

Stuart Tinney (AUS) added just 0.4 of a time penalty across country with John and Jane Pittard’s Pluto Mio to take over the lead in the HSBC CCI4* at Adelaide. (Julie Wilson/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 16 November 2013 – The cards were shuffled a little, but as expected the experienced combinations kept control of the HSBC CCI4* after a glorious Cross Country day in Adelaide, second leg of the FEI Classics 2013/2014 series. Time penalties changed the order slightly with Stuart Tinney (AUS) adding just 0.4 with John and Jane Pittard’s Pluto Mio to take over the lead from fellow Australian Shane Rose.

Rose had held first and third after Friday’s Dressage, but has slipped to second and third. Taurus, third after Dressage, clocked the same time as Pluto Mio to move up to second place just 0.20 penalties behind. “He’s a good galloper,” declared Tinney of the Daley K (by Daktylus) gelding. “He galloped pretty well and was on time at the beginning, but lost time in the middle of the course.”

Dressage leader CP Qualified slipped down the order to third with the addition of 7.2 time penalties, but Rose was clearly delighted with the performance of the CCI4* rookie. Bred more for Jumping than Eventing, the attractive grey looked just as comfortable crossing the finish line as those bred to gallop.

CP Qualified provided the most dramatic incident of the wonderfully incident free afternoon, when he mistimed the bounce into Rymill Lake, left a leg and landed in the water in a heap. It was an amazing save by Rose, who gathered the horse together and managed to stay on board as well, a testament to the time he spends in the saddle; all day, either on his eventers or the Thoroughbreds he breaks in.

“It didn’t feel that scary at the time; the gasp in the crowd alerted me to how it must have looked. The mistake in the water sapped his energy and he ran out of petrol, so I was a bit cautious. However, I was super impressed with him and think he is a promising prospect moving forward. With just 3.80 penalties separating the top six, it’s going to be an exciting day tomorrow.”

Craig Barrett held onto fourth place with the addition of two time penalties on last year’s CCI4* winner, Sandhills Brillaire, looking comfortable and assured on their tour of the Adelaide HSBC CCI4* track.

Sonja Johnson (Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison) and Christopher Burton with his catch ride, TS Jamaimo, were the only two to complete the course clear of time penalties, and both moved up a place to sit fifth and sixth.

Johnson was the CCI4* trailblazer with the Stock Horse, Belfast Mojito, who stepped up impressively in his first four-star outing to move up a place from eighth to seventh. The pair picked up 1.2 time penalties and it looks as though Johnson may well have another international Australian Stock Horse, known as “the breed for every need” on her hands.

Seumas Marwood jumped a good round with his Contango II mare, Wild Oats, adding 2.4 time penalties to move from 12th to eighth. Katja Weimann held ninth place with BP Flamboyant despite adding 5.6 time penalties, while Soigne Jackson has moved up from 14th to round out the top 10 with her Savage Toss Thoroughbred, Gold, with the addition of 3.2 on the clock.

Of the 25 to start the CCI4* Cross Country 20 recorded completion scores, with 16 jumping clear and two staying on their Dressage marks after finishing clear both jumping and time.

With less than a fence covering the top six, tomorrow’s final Jumping phase is tight with no margin for error. It’s going to be a thrilling finish! And if you can’t be there in person, watch it on FEI TV – don’t miss a hoof beat!

Full results are available here.

Prize money

At the end of the FEI Classics 2013/2014 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six FEI Classics events will share a total prize fund of US$120,000 split as follows: 1st – US$40,000 (Series Champion); 2nd – US$35,000; 3rd – US$25,000; 4th – US$15,000; 5th – US$5,000.

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2013 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2013.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter

Our signature twitter hashtags for this series are #Classics and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #FEI Classics #Eventing.

By Anna Sharpley

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Competitions, Show Jumping

Riders Confirmed for the 2013 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in Stockholm

Leave a comment

2012 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final winner Christian Ahlmann (GER) holding the trophy in front of Lake Geneva (SUI). Photo credit: ©Rolex/Kit Houghton.

15 November 2013 – It is with great pleasure that the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) announces the 10 confirmed riders that have qualified for this year’s Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final which will be sponsored by Rolex for the 13th year.

On Saturday 30 November this very special class will travel to Scandinavia and specifically to the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

Stockholm International Horse Show has been a top event for several years and the IJRC is happy to be associated with them this year for the 13th edition of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. Sweden is a horse country and the Swedish crowd is considered to be one of the best in the world.

Riders from six nations will take part in the class, and there will be a total prize fund of €200,000.

The 10 riders are as follows:

  1. Ben Maher (GBR)
  2. Marcus Ehning (GER)
  3. Luciana Diniz (POR)
  4. Christian Ahlmann (GER)
  5. Scott Brash (GBR)
  6. Ludger Beerbaum (GER)
  7. Gerco Schrӧder (NED)
  8. Steve Guerdat (SUI)
  9. Roger Yves Bost (FRA)
  10. Patrice Delaveau (FRA)

For media enquiries please contact:
Lotta Amnestål
Public Relations Director
Stockholm International Horse Show
T: +46 (0)220-456 35
M: +46 (0)70-979 56 35
E: lotta.amnestal@ridsport.se
W: www.stockholmhorseshow.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Rose’s Rookie Reigns after Dressage at Adelaide

Leave a comment

Australia’s Shane Rose, seen here with overnight leader CP Qualified, is in first and third after Dressage at Adelaide (AUS). (Julie Wilson/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 15 November 2013 – Australia’s Shane Rose had the best of the action on Dressage day at the Adelaide CCI**** and goes into tomorrow’s Cross Country holding first and third place, but with the country’s most experienced and talented riders snapping at his heels.

Rose holds the advantage with Elizabeth and Felicity Wischer’s German import, CP Qualified by Quite Capitol. Despite the fact that the 10-year-old was bred for Jumping, he remained totally unfazed by the busy and bustling atmosphere to produce the test of the day for a mark of 39.70.

The supremely fit looking grey gelding’s canter work was a delight to watch and was the winner with both the judges and spectators alike. He is now 5.80 penalties ahead of two-time Adelaide CCI**** winner, Stuart Tinney, who rode John and Jane Pittard’s Daley K gelding, Pluto Mio into second place on 45.50.

Rose is also in third place with Jonnie Walker’s Taurus, the horse that was withdrawn from Australia’s London 2012 Olympic squad at the last minute. The Aries gelding produced a lovely test which Rose thought was his best ever. “Taurus did a good test and I felt he was quite harshly marked”, commented Rose. He received a score of 45.70 for a performance that was considerably better than the test they completed at Adelaide in 2011 for which they received 45.50.

Craig Barrett rode a good test on Keith and Juliette Osborne’s 2012 winner, the Staccato mare, Sandhills Brillaire to be well placed in fourth on 46.80. The four gentlemen of Australian Eventing are closely followed by two super-women of the sport, Christine Bates with her much fancied Stirling Sprite gelding, Adelaide Hill with 48.20, and Sonja Johnson with Nikki Harwood’s super little Thoroughbred, Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison by Made Of Gold, in sixth on 49.50.

Home for the holidays, Christopher Burton made the most of his catch ride aboard Stephanie Pearce’s Thoroughbred, TS Jamaimo, and is now handily placed in seventh on a score of 49.70. Will Enzinger, the horse’s usual rider, was certainly pleased with the test, which he watched on FEI TV from his hospital bed. The four-star Cross Country is quite a demanding ask for the new pairing, but with Burton’s experience and Jamaimo’s forward thinking and Thoroughbred bravery, the outcome could be the surprise result of the event.

Sonja Johnson, first out in the CCI****, holds eighth place on 50.20 with the Bell family’s Australian Stock Horse, Belfast Mojito by Blackwood Mikado. She is closely followed by Katja Weimann aboard her home-bred and produced Melbourne CCI*** winner, BP Flamboyant by Triathlete with 50.30.

New Zealander Donna Smith completes the top 10 with her Taupo CCI *** winner, Balmoral Tangolooma, a thoroughbred by Align on 51.50.

Not surprisingly Rose was delighted with his day’s work. “They’re both very good horses and I’m happy with the way they performed,” he says. Talking about the 6,375m course, he comments: “It’s a busy course and there is a lot to do. Taurus will be comfortable with the cross country questions; all I need to do is a good job. I am hoping CP Qualified will cope with the challenges and I will probably nurse him around the course a little more than Taurus and if I’m in the same position this time tomorrow, I’ll be ecstatic.”

“It is a good course and tough enough,” explains Stuart Tinney. “It’s really jumpable and there are not too many surprises. The good riders will make it look easy, but time is always tight here.”

Full results are available here.

YouTube: http://youtu.be/4b2x_8R9Lds.

FEI TV: The cross country will be broadcast live and delayed live on FEI TV http://www.feitv.org/live.

Prize money

At the end of the FEI Classics 2013/2014 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six FEI Classics events will share a total prize fund of US$120,000 split as follows: 1st – US$40,000 (Series Champion); 2nd – US$35,000; 3rd – US$25,000; 4th – US$15,000; 5th – US$5,000.

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2013 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2013.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter

Our signature twitter hashtags for this series are #Classics and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #FEI Classics #Eventing.

By Anna Sharpley

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Contributors/Press, Show Jumping

London 2012 Team Gold Medalist Rider Ben Maher Still World Number 1

Leave a comment

Photo © Noelle Floyd.

British show-Jumping superstar Ben Maher maintains the World number 1 position of the Longines Rankings for the third consecutive month.

Thursday 14th November 2013 – Ben made it all the way to the top of the world through hard work and dedication with successes including a Team Gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, on home soil, in addition to recently winning a Team Gold medal and an Individual Silver medal at the 2013 European Championships in Herning, Denmark.

With his best horses, Cella, Tripple X III and Robin Hood, Ben has already won most of the major Grand Prix events in the world including London, Hickstead, Basel, Zurich, Cannes and La Baule, to name a few.

Competitions schedule:
To try and retain his number one position Ben Maher will compete in Stuttgart, Stockholm, Paris  and Geneva to conclude the year with world renowned London Olympia Horse Show.

Ben Maher’s latest TV interview for FEI TV: http://youtu.be/EwmbBaUBT40.

Ben Maher, British citizen, was born on January 30th 1983.

Ben Maher said: “Winning Team Gold was a dream come true and winning in front of your home crowd made it all the more special. Becoming World Number 1 has been a long held dream of mine and to finally make that spot was very special. I will be working very hard to stay there. I have a great team of horses that are now well rested and ready for a busy few weeks including Stuttgart, Stockholm, Paris, Geneva and Olympia. Hopefully I can start 2014 in the top spot!”

Ben Maher wears the Longines World Nr 1 armband.

Full Longines Rankings available here: http://www.fei.org/fei/fei-partners/longines/rankings.

Ben Maher, despite his young age, already has numerous titles including Team Gold medalist at the 2012 Olympic Games (London, UK); individual Silver and Team Gold medalist at the European Championships 2013 (Herning, DEN); and Team Bronze medalist at the European Championships 2011 (Madrid, SPA).

Ben is supported by some of the most prestigious brands: Land Rover, Equipe Saddles, GPA Sports, Veredus, and Equiline Italy, among others.

For more information or to receive high res pictures, please contact Magali Dubois Vaucher, magali@compear.ch, +41 78 608 03 23, or visit www.benmaher.me.uk.

Magali Dubois Vaucher
ComPeaR
Rue Borgeaud 4
1196 Gland
+41 78 608 03 23
www.compear.ch

Community/Charity

Southern Lights Holiday Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Leave a comment

American Bus Association Names Southern Lights a Top 100 Event for 2013 and 2014

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Nov. 22 – Dec. 31. In addition to reaching the milestone of two decades as a tradition for Kentucky families, Southern Lights has also achieved status as a premier holiday event in the region and nation.  More than 115,000 individuals in more than 27,000 vehicles attend Southern Lights annually.

The American Bus Association (ABA) selected Southern Lights a Top 100 event for 2013 and 2014, which is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada.  Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events and more that have been nominated by ABA members.  The Southeast Tourism Society has again selected Southern Lights a Top 20 Event among states across the Southeast, and the Kentucky Travel Industry Association annually selects Southern Lights as a Top 10 Winter/Holiday Event in Kentucky.

With all the family-friendly activities offered, it is no wonder Southern Lights has grown into such a well-known Bluegrass tradition over the last 20 years.  Kids of all ages delight in the holiday driving tour.  Visitors take in the Christmas Village, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Keeneland Race Track, Show Jumping, Steeplechase and the Spires of Churchill Downs – displays comprising thousands of twinkling lights.  New this year will be several Wizard of Oz light displays featuring favorite characters Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, and the Wicked Witch.

Following the driving tour, families are encouraged to park their vehicles and visit Southern Lights’ other attractions inside the park, featuring holiday craft merchants, the KHP Gift Shop – perfect for Christmas shopping, seasonal entertainment and activities for children, an exotic petting zoo, pony and camel rides, the Mini Train Express, model train and dollhouse displays, and photos with Santa.  This year, guests can also enjoy an encounter with live reindeer.

The Southern Lights driving route is open from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly. The other attractions inside the park will be open every night except Nov. 28 and Dec. 24-31. The cost is $15 per passenger car Sunday through Thursday evenings and $20 per passenger car on Friday and Saturday nights.  The cost for an extended van or limousine is $30, a mini-bus is $50, a school bus is $75 and a motorcoach is $125.

The Southern Lights Stroll, on Thursday, Nov. 21, is the only night the lights can be viewed on foot.  Featuring a competitive 5K race in addition to the leisurely stroll available to families, the Southern Lights Stroll is $20 for adults and includes a long-sleeved T-shirt for the first 500 registered adults; $15 for kids 7-12 includes a souvenir holiday item for the first 200 registered children.  Sponsored in part by John’s Run/Walk Shop, the event features race awards, prize drawings, refreshments, entertainment, the Mini Train Express and more.

All proceeds support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.  The 2013 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc.; the Holly & Ivy Sponsors are Kerr Brothers and Cafe Press Inc.; and the Ribbons & Bows Sponsor is Kentucky Utilities.

Information on Southern Lights, group admission, Southern Lights Stroll registration and more can be obtained by contacting the KHP Foundation at 859- 255-5727 or at foundation@khpfoundation.org, or by visiting www.SouthernLightsKy.org or www.KyHorsePark.com.

Some electronic map services available on Apple and Android mobile and auto GPS devices are not providing accurate directions to the Kentucky Horse Park.  We recommend that visitors use home computers to access a mapping service for directions, use the directions provided on the KHP website (available on the widget on the right-hand side under Park Info/Address or at the top under Visitor Info), follow the brown highway signs or call ahead to double-check their route.  Additionally, we recommend that out-of-town visitors use Interstate 75, Exit 115 (Newtown Pike) instead of Exit 120 (Georgetown Road) to access the Southern Lights entrance at the KHP Campground to help avoid congestion and a left-hand turn across traffic into the park.  (Link to directions: http://www.kyhorsepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=610&Itemid=336.)

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Competitions, Polo

ELG Wins Opener against Piaget in USPA National 20-Goal Tournament

Leave a comment

Piaget’s Juan Bollini (4) goes for the hook against ELG’s Guille Aguero (2). Photos by Scott Fisher.

WELLINGTON, FL – Nov. 13, 2013 — ELG broke open a close game with three goals in the final chukker to defeat Piaget, 14-11, in the opening game of the USPA National 20-Goal Championship Wednesday at windswept Grand Champions Polo Club.

Equine Law Group (Avery Chapman, Guille Aguero, Kris Kampsen, Tommy Biddle) led for most of the hardfought, physical game.

ELG held off a late fifth-chukker rally by Piaget (Melissa Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Piki Alberdi, Juan Bollini) to become one of the early favorites to win its first tournament of the fall season.

With the addition of Biddle to its lineup, ELG, which has finished runners-up three times this season, has big-hitting power joining two-time fall season MVP Guille Aguero, Kris Kampsen and patron Avery Chapman.

“I like to play in front and when you have Tommy in the back I know Tommy can hit those long balls and it makes it easy for us,” said Aguero, who led ELG in scoring with six goals.

ELG's Guille Aguero (2) leans back and out of his saddle for the ball with Piaget's Juan Bollini (4) and Jeff Hall (2) defending
ELG’s Guille Aguero (2) leans back and out of his saddle for the ball with Piaget’s Juan Bollini (4) and Jeff Hall (2) defending

“Tommy is so easy to play with and so easy to read. I love playing with him and everyone on this team,” Aguero said. “I like the chemistry on this team. We know each other and we have fun. We have been playing with and against each other for a long time.”

Biddle scored four goals, Kampsen had three, and another goal was picked up by handicap.

ELG jumped out to a 4-1 lead early in the second chukker while holding Piaget scoreless until the final seconds when Hall scored a penalty shot.

With ELG leading by only one at the half, 6-5, Piaget dug its way back to tie the game at 6-6 on Alberdi’s scrappy goal at 5:19 of the fourth chukker.

ELG got its momentum back for the remainder of the fourth chukker for a 10-6 lead with three straight goals from Biddle, Kampsen and Aguero, on an impressive 250-yard breakaway goal.

Aguero scored again early in the fifth chukker to give ELG a five-goal advantage (11-6), but Hall got hot and Piaget trailed by only two goals (12-10) at the end of the fifth.

Piaget’s rally was short-lived as big-hitting Biddle and his teammates took control and put the game out of reach with goals from Biddle and Aguero and clamped down on defense.

Hall scored a game-high eight goals including five on penalty shots, Alberdi scored two, and Ganzi added a goal.

“We played as a team against a very good other team,” Chapman said. “Today we were the better team. I have been on the receiving end of that, too.

“We have said this before but playing with your friends is always helpful,” Chapman said. “I’ve been saying all season that though sometimes we are adversaries and sometimes we are teammates, we know each other and we know each other’s personalities.

“The psychology of polo is important as well. Kris, Guille, Tommy and I have all played together a ton as well as against each other and we were able to leverage that into a good team effort today against another good team.”

In addition to his three goals, Kampsen played well defensively staving off two goal attempts by Piaget late in the game.

ELG's Kris Kampsen (3) hits the ball past Piaget's Piki Alberdi (3)
ELG’s Kris Kampsen (3) hits the ball past Piaget’s Piki Alberdi (3)

“I think this is the first time I have ever won a game in the 20 at Grand Champions,” Kampsen said. “I am excited, super excited.

“We have played together so much that it shows,” Kampsen said. “I played with Guille the last three years in Greenwich and played with Tommy my whole life. I played with Avery last winter in the 14s and Grand Champions spring and fall seasons. It’s one of those things that’s really easy when you are constantly playing with these guys. It makes it easy.”

Kampsen said there were several keys to the game that made the difference.

“We marked up well with our men, tried to make fewer mistakes and had fun; that was the idea, to have fun,” Kampsen said. “This team looks good on paper. I was very excited when I saw it. Every game is going to be competitive. You’re never going to have an easy shot but I am excited. I think we have a good chance.”

The skill level has never been more evident since the 20-goal fall season began two weeks ago with the USPA North America Cup presented by Beluga won by defending champion Audi.

“You’re adding another very talented professional player to the mix,” Chapman said. “Obviously, things get to be more consistent and the plays get to be more creative and that’s going to increase the speed. Twenty goals is fast; there’s no doubt about it; you got to be ready.”

Chapman also praised Grand Champions owners Marc and Melissa Ganzi for preparing the fields, including Palm Beach Polo Field 8 which the opening game was played on. “They did a great job putting effort into these fields; this field played great today and they should be commended for making that effort.”

Six teams are entered in the two-week tournament that is broken down into two divisions. Audi, Casablanca and Grand Champions/Flight Options are in the West bracket and KIG, ELG and Piaget are in the East bracket. The remaining four team rosters are:

Audi (18), Marc Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida, Nic Roldan, Carlos Gracida.

Casablanca (19), Grant Ganzi, Sugar Erskine, Hector Galindo, Mike Azzaro.

Grand Champions/Flight Options (17), TBA, Julio Ezcurra, Carlucho Arellano, Luis Escobar.

KIG (18) Bash Kazi, Brandon Phillips, Michel Dorignac, Jeff Blake.

The next two games are Friday. Defending champion Audi opens against Grand Champions Polo Club/Flight Options at 1:30 p.m. at Palm Beach Polo Field 9 and KIG plays Piaget at 3:30 p.m. at Palm Beach Polo Field 8.

Games are also scheduled for Sunday, Tuesday (Nov. 19) and Thursday (Nov. 21) with the championship final on Nov. 23.

GRAND CHAMPIONS FALL SCHEDULE

Nov. 13-23, USPA National 20-Goal Championship
Nov. 24, Juniors Tournament
Nov. 30, The Legends of Polo, 1 p.m. and International Cup, Team USA vs. Chile, 3 p.m.

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: 13444 Southfields Road, on the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington, 561-644-5050.

INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro teams Audi and Piaget. Everyone is welcome to watch high and medium goal polo in a relaxed atmosphere during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the International Cup in November, Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament in March, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League International Tournament, both in April.

Sharon Robb for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Dressage, JRPR

Mary-Haskins Dressage Takes CBLM Championships in Stride

Leave a comment

Mary-Haskins Gurganus and Richmond at the Autumn Leaves Dressage and CBLM Championships. (Courtesy of WNC Photography)

New Bern, NC (November 13, 2013) – At the Autumn Leaves Dressage and CBLM Championships, October 30 – November 3, in Williamston, NC, Mary Haskins Gurganus rode an emotional roller coaster, taking her stallion, Richmond, to the highest (75%) individual judge’s score of their career and CBLM Open Prix St. Georges Championship title (72.70%), before rushing him to NC State Veterinary School Hospital when colic struck shortly after their ride.

“After Friday’s CBLM class, Richmond gave us a huge scare,” said Gurganus of her 2013 Open Small Tour and 2012 Wellington Cup champion. “Needless to say, I scratched all horses showing Saturday. Ramone went in ‘cold’ to his CBLM Open First Level Championship on Sunday.”

Gurganus and her 16.1 hand chestnut son of Richmond still managed a game Top Ten finish. “Ramone was tenth. I’m really proud of him because he is only four and ribboned among a huge group of top older horses and top riders.”

Gurganus is grateful that she can look back at what both achieved that weekend and still hug them now.  “Initially, the high point was receiving our highest scores to date and winning the championship, but all that was trumped by our scare and learning – thankfully – that Richmond was going to be okay.”

“I’m so very proud of my horses. Richmond was a trooper and battled his colic, and required no surgery. Ramone stepped up, in the worst of circumstances and with not much schooling, to ribbon in a huge championship against top riders and horses much older and more experienced than he is.”

Good riding – and recovery – will have their reward. Back home at Bethanna Perry’s Rollover Downs in New Bern, she has “lots of hacking and R&R” planned for both horses before the winter circuit starts. Meanwhile she’ll also be refining Haskins-Dressage sales prospects for the new season, including a “super fancy” FEI Grand Prix candidate, and current rising star, Ramone.

For complete information on dressage sale horses and Haskins-Dressage, visit www.maryhaskinsdressage.com.

Contact Mary-Haskins Gurganus
mhgurganusdressage@yahoo.com
(919) 306-9617
www.maryhaskinsdressage.com

Community/Charity, Dressage

Bebe Davis Is “Paying It Forward” with a Donation of a Lifetime to Dressage4Kids

Leave a comment

Bebe Davis and Bohdjan. (Photo courtesy of Debby Witty)

Bedminster, NJ (Novmeber 13, 2013) – As the “Season of Giving” approaches, 15-year-old Barbara ‘Bebe’ Davis is not asking what she can get but instead what she can give. This season, Bebe Davis donated her two top FEI dressage ponies to a foundation that promotes dressage education and horsemanship for riders 21 years and younger, Dressage4Kids LLC.

The famed ponies, Poldy 10 and Bohdjan, earned Davis record breaking dressage scores like her 75.9% score in the FEI Pony Individual Test in 2012 and in 2012 a Champion and Reserve Champion placing at the USEF Festival of Champions.

“I wanted to donate them to Dressage4Kids because I wanted to give others the the opportunity to do what I did. A lot of people are not as fortunate as I am and I want to share my blessings with them. I hope that our donation helps to strengthen and grow the pony program here in the United States,” stated Bebe Davis.

Bebe Davis along with her father, Michael Davis, are members of the Piaffe-Performance dressage team, under the tuteledge of Dr. Cesar Parra. The Davis Family is an avid supporter of the dressage sport not only as competitors but also as sponsors of Parra’s successful slew of horses, including Van the Man, Simply Nymphenburg, Borett, Linder, Fiderhit OLD, and Grandioso, who Parra rode to 2011 Pan Am Games Team Gold.

“It’s a lifestyle for our family and being able to compete along side, and maybe even one day against, my daughter is a true gift,” commented Bebe’s father, Mike Davis.  “As we were considering the alternatives for the ponies, as a family we agreed that building our dressage riders from within is important and by donating these two ponies we would be giving back to and helping to improve this sport that we all love.”

Now, Bebe Davis and her new mount, Rotano, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding are compting on the FEI Junior dressage circuit and most recently won the coveted ACGO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship.

Bebe Davis and Poldy 10. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)
Bebe Davis and Poldy 10. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Looking back over her years with her first ponies, Bebe commented, “The ponies helped me tremendously, and I am so grateful to them for that. I grew as a rider as well as a person. I think that all of the work that I did with ponies helped me have a seamless transition between the FEI Pony and FEI Junior divisions.”

Dressage4Kids welcomed the ponies, Poldy 10 and Bohdjan, into their program and plan to educate the next generation of riders with their two new FEI level dressage stars.

For more information on Dressage4Kids or to make a donation, please access: www.dressage4kids.org.

To follow Bebe Davis’ continued success and learn more about dressage training, please visit www.bebedavisdressage.com.

Michael Davis
mdavis@panapesca.com
781 844 2172