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*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Formidable French Win Furusiyya Leg in Lummen

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Marc Dilasser and Obiwan de Piliere Jo produced one of the two double-clear rounds that helped secure victory for France at the fourth leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series in Lummen, Belgium. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Lummen (BEL), 3 May 2013 – The French swept to a clear and concise victory in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 leg at CSIO 4* Lummen in Belgium today.  However they were pushed all the way by a highly-competitive and considerably less-experienced Swiss side that had to settle for runner-up spot in the final analysis, while The Netherlands finished a distance behind in third.

There were four countries seeking points towards qualification for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain next September and fourth-placed Finland earned 75 points, while fifth-placed Sweden took 70 and Belgium claimed 66 when slotting into sixth spot.  Great Britain was not in the points race when finishing seventh, so the Norwegian side that finished last of the eight competing nations claimed 64 points for their effort.

Never Flinched

The French took the lead from the outset and never flinched.  Double-clears from Marc Dilasser (Obiwan de Piliere Jo) and Aymeric de Ponnat (Armitages Boy) placed them in a strong position and pathfinder, Jerome Hurel (Ohm de Pontual) was the only member of the side to drop a fence throughout the entire competition. French anchorman, Olivier Guillon, was clear first time out with Lord de Theize to ensure a zero team score and didn’t need to return to the ring in the second round as the result was already decided.

The Swiss had to count a single error from Martin Fuchs and Conte della Caccia in the opening round when their pathfinding partnership of Romain Duguet and Quorida de Treho left two on the floor.  And in the end that was the deciding factor, as that single fence separated the two sides at the end of the day when neither added any more to their scorelines.

Interesting Challenge

Course designer, Lucien Somers, set out an interesting 12-fence challenge in the grassy Lummen arena.  The triple combination at fence five, and the following oxer at six with its 1.70 m spread were both influential.  It was at the latter that Sweden’s Lisen Fredricson second round came to an end when Thriller P threw in a refusal, and it was a tough day for the 37-year-old rider as she had already been eliminated for a fall in round one.

The Longines double at fence eight also made its mark, and Somers really put it up to them on the final run home with the open water providing the penultimate obstacle on the course.  The sign of a good track however is the ability of riders to show improvement over it as the competition progresses, and this was how it played out for the team from Finland who were lying second-last at the end of round one.

It was Anna-Julia Kontio’s 13-fault score with Fardon that was the Finnish discount at the end of the first round by which time they had already accumulated a team total of 14 after Kaarlo Kovacs (Agropoint Cassius) added five to the four collected by his pathfinding brother Henri (Carolus Z) and Maiju Mallat (Urleven van de Helle) also picked up five with a fence down and a time fault recorded by the Longines timing system.  Clears from Henri Kovacs and for Kontio seriously bolstered their position second time out however, and despite 17 from Kaarlo Kovacs and two mistakes for Mallat, their overall total of 22 was good enough to move them up three places in the final standings.

On the Sidelines

Unfortunately for the Norwegian team, their 15-fault first-round total left them sitting on the sidelines when only seven nations returned to battle in round two. The British filled that seventh spot when they added 25 more to their tally, their best result registered by Belgian-based Joe Clee and Diablesse de Muze whose only mistake was at the second element of the triple combination on their second tour of the track.

The host nation of Belgium, carrying 13 faults, struggled to leave the fences up once again, adding 13 more to maintain their sixth place at the end of the day. Reigning world champion, Philippe Le Jeune from Belgium, admitted that “at this level you can’t win if you keep making four faults.  One fence down is too much, clear rounds are the only things that win a Nations Cup. Our horses didn’t jump too bad but there were too many four faults” he said after his side registered a final score of 26.

Despite Lisen Fredricsson’s drama, Sweden managed to fill fifth place on a total of 24 faults while the Dutch held on to third spot even though they added 12 more to their scoreline.  The Swiss really kept the pressure on the leading French when Duguet produced a zero score second time out and Fuchs and Pfyffer followed suit.  In fact Pfyffer produced one of just three double-clears recorded in the class, and came in for high praise from Swiss Chef d’Equipe Renate Fuchs.  “Carlo is new to the team and did a great job” she said, adding that her son, 20-year-old Martin Fuchs, also gave a good account of himself.

Well-Pleased

French Chef d’Equipe, Philippe Guerdat, was well-pleased with his winning side’s performance.  “I wanted to come to Lummen with a strong team to ensure a good result ahead of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in La Baule. We’re fairly lucky in France right now with a large pool of good riders and good horses. It’s not always easy to choose between the available riders, but we’re trying to make sure everyone feels involved and to give everyone the opportunity to compete in the various Nations Cups this season. The next Nations Cup for us will be in Drammen (Norway) where I will take five other riders” he said.

And he wasn’t the only happy team manager at Lummen today.  Finland’s Lors Parmler sees a real future for his side after today’s good finish in strong company. “I’m very happy with the performance of my team.  It’s a new team and we now have the Kovacs brothers, Henri and Kaarlo, competing for us.  They used to ride for Hungary until last year but they have a Finnish mother so they have chosen to ride for us.  They are two really nice boys and we really like having them on our team” he said.

And he continued “we were happy with the course, it was difficult enough for young riders like that but rideable, it was a course for forward riding.  Next week in Drammen we will have another team but we will use these riders again later in the year.  With the Kovac brothers I think we now have a bigger chance to pick up points in the Furusiyya series.”

So all sights are now on next week’s Norwegian fixture in Drammen as the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series begins to gather pace.

Result:

  1. France 0 faults; Ohm de Ponthual (Jerome Hurel) 4/0, Obiwan de Piliere Jo (Marc Dilasser) 0/0, Armitages Boy (Aymeric de Ponnat) 0/0, Lord de Theize (Olivier Guillon) 0/DNS.
  2. Switzerland 4 faults: Quorida de Treho (Romain Duguet) 8/0, Conte della Caccia (Martin Fuchs) 4/0, Notre Moinerie (Carlo Pfyffer) 0/0, Loxy de la Reselle (Andreas Ott) 0/DNS.
  3. The Netherlands 17 faults: Haertthago (Leon Thijssen) 0/4, Warwick (Roelof Bril) 14/4, Atlanta (Peter Bulthuis) 5/4, Warrant (Henk van de Pol) 0/8.
  4. Finland 22 faults: Carolus Z (Henri Kovacs) 4/0, Fardon (Anna-Julia Kontio) 13/0, Agropoint Cassius (Kaarlo Kovacs) 5/17, Urleven van de Helle (Maiju Mallat) 5/8.
  5. Sweden 24 faults: Click and Cash (Niklas Arvidsson) 4/8, Newton Nickel (Angelie von Essen) 0/4, Thriller P (Lisen Fredricson) Elim/Elim, H&M Damgaardens Extens (Peder Fredricson) 4/4.
  6. Belgium 26 faults: d’Atlantique Royale (Francois Mathy Jr.) 13/8, Chamonix H (Olivier Philippaerts) 4/5, Vingino (Annelies Vorsselmans) 4/4, Loro Piana Once de Kreisker (Philippe Le Jeune) 5/4.
  7. Great Britain 34 faults: Varo M (Daniel Neilson), Caritiar Z (Phillip Miller) 1/13, Ondine du Logis (Simon Crippen) 13/8, Diablesse de Muze (Joe Clee) 0/4.
  8. Norway 15 faults in the FIRST ROUND: Diablo (Line Raaholt) 9, Urval (Victoria Gulliksen) 5, CC Top (Ole Kristoffer Meland) 1, Quartel du Mazes (Tony Andre Hansen) 27.

Facts and Figures:

8 teams participated in today’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping leg at CSIO 4* Lummen in Belgium.

This Furusiyya fixture was part of Division 2 – Europe.

Course designer was Lucien Somers who has also experience as Chef d’Equipe of the Belgian team in previous seasons.

Kurt Graemeier from Germany is currently Chef d’Equipe for the Belgian side.

The youngest horse in today’s competition was the eight-year-old Dutch-bred chestnut mare Atlanta, ridden by Peter Bulthuis from The Netherlands.

The oldest horse was the 16-year-old Belgian-bred bay stallion Urleven van de helle ridden by Finland’s Maiju Mallat.

There were three double-clear performances – from Marc Dilasser (Obiwan de Piliere Jo) and Aymeric de Ponnat (Armitages Boy) for France, and from Switzerland’s Carlo Pfyffer (Notre Moinerie).

Both France and Switzerland fielded just three riders in the second round as the results was already decided before the fourth-line rider was due to enter the arena for a second time.

Four countries were battling for points at this leg of the Furusiyya series – Belgium, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Quotes:

Olivier Guillon, France – “My horse doesn’t do too many indoor competitions during the winter. So it was a good way for us to start the season.”

Swedish Chef Sylve Soderstrand – “We didn’t have high expectations because we brought a very green team and new horses.  I was very happy with Angelie Von Essen and Peder Fredricson.”

Belgian Chef Kurt Gravemeier – “I’m particularly pleased with the performance of Annelies Vorsselmans.  She was twice in the water but never touched a fence; it was a nice performance.”

Jerome Hurel, FRA, talking about the course – “It was fairly normal for a competition like this. I had a pole down at the first obstacle because I put too much pressure from the start but other than that, it went really well.”

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series, check out this link.

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Lummen

Edith de Reys
Press Officer
Email: edr.press.service@gmail.com
Tel: +32 475 65 92 81

At FEI

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

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

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment

Tim Welland
Email: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
Tel: +44 7787 780 036

Dressage, Phelps Media Group

Adrienne Lyle Receives USEF Grant to Help Make Dreams Come True

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Adrienne Lyle and Wizard. Photos by Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – May 3, 2013 – U.S. Olympic athletes Adrienne Lyle and Wizard, owned by Peggy and Parry Thomas, are among 10 dressage athlete/horse combinations awarded training and competition grants for 2013 from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

The grants were awarded so that the horse and rider combinations could compete in CDI shows throughout Europe in preparation for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). Criteria for the grants included international competition experience and the athletes’ prospects of contributing to a Team or Individual medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

“We are planning a winter tour in Europe with Wizard, basing out of (and training with) Klaus Balkenhol and competing in three CDI competitions while there,” Lyle said. She added that plans are not finalized and invitations are not yet issued, so she could not be specific at this time.

“This USEF grant, in addition to the amazing Carol Lavell grant we received earlier this year, has made my goal of getting back to Europe possible,” Lyle continued. “Without this kind of support it would be nearly impossible for many of us riders to pursue our dreams of international competition, and I am so thankful to all the donors and amazing people who make these things possible!”

Lyle and Wizard at 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach
Lyle and Wizard at 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

Lyle and Wizard, a 14-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding, recently received a $25,000 Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize from The Dressage Foundation to continue their training. The team trains with Olympic athlete Debbie McDonald and Lyle is based out of Ketchum, Idaho.

The pair represented the United States at the 2012 London Olympics and competed in the 2013 World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach in Wellington, FL. where they placed sixth in the Grand Prix and seventh in the Grand Prix Freestyle. In January, they placed second in the Grand Prix Freestyle in the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W in South Florida.

To learn more about Adrienne Lyle, go to www.adriennelyle.com. To learn more about the USEF grants for Lyle and Wizard as well as the other nine recipients, go to www.usefnetwork.com/news/9885/2013/4/22/usef_awards_grants_to_ten_dressage.aspx. To learn more about the Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize, check out www.dressagefoundation.org/The_Carol_Lavell_Advanced_Dressage_Prize.htm.

Sue Weakley 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

*Featured/Spotlights, Western/Reining

Show by Appointment Reined Cow Horse Series Announces Winter Circuit Champions

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Trevor Steed and Gunna Miss You – Photo by Kristin Constantini.

Indiantown, FL – May 3, 2013 – Show by Appointment, a new reined cow horse series with the mission of making showing “Fun, Fair, and Affordable,” concluded its debut season in Florida with a well-attended show on April 20-21 at Bynum Farms in Indiantown, FL. Now that the four shows of the winter season are complete, SBA has tallied the points and would like to congratulate its circuit champions in each division.

Show by Appointment offers a variety of divisions to allow all riders to compete in classes appropriate to their level and experience. Trevor Steed, who took home championships and reserves in the 2K Open Bridle and 2K Open Hackamore divisions, said he appreciated the options.

“The way we have the classes split up is helpful,” he said. “I’m new to the Open this year, so I compete in a class with new trainers like me that are not as experienced. It gives me success while I’m learning.”

Show by Appointment allows competitors to schedule their own ride times, which makes it easier for those who are traveling or have busy schedules to find time to compete. Steed assisted with the shows, working cow pens and making sure riders were ready to go on time, and found he was still able to fit his rides in over the course of the day. “I could go and work pens and get everything done, and then I could go and show my horse when it’s convenient,” he explained.

Steed rode several young horses on the SBA circuit and said he felt it was a perfect format for training and showing horses without putting undue stress on them. Since there are only four shows in each circuit and riders start with a clean slate at the championship finals, there’s no pressure to compete constantly to gain points.

“We’re going out and showing the horses for the horses and their training, not for a paycheck or a ribbon,” Steed said, noting that he was happy to be able to go into finals with fresh horses. “It’s really been good for my babies – I showed two 4-year-olds and I was able to go out and coast on them, getting them ready. I could get all the parts in place without getting them worried. That’s one thing I’ve really enjoyed about it.”

Ray Mullis rode Just Plain Cat to the championship in the Non Pro Boxing division. He said he thought SBA’s format would make it successful. “They’re doing a great thing,” Mullis said. “I think it’s going to work and I want to be a part of it. You can show when you want to, and it costs you a lot less – there are a lot of benefits.”

Mullis, who has a muscle disease, finds the flexible scheduling to be especially helpful. “I can set the time later on in the day,” he explained. “It’s accommodating to my body.”

Lucas McCullough and Tinsel Lena - Photo by Kristin Constantini
Lucas McCullough and Tinsel Lena – Photo by Kristin Constantini

Lucas McCullough, the Non Pro Hackamore Champion on Tinsel Lena, agreed with Mullis that the SBA format makes showing more convenient. “You can get there and take your time, do it when you want to do it,” he commented. “You don’t have to rush your horse. Everybody’s relaxed and everybody helps you out.”

Haily Findeisen, who earned the Level Two Boxing and Youth Boxing championships with Sparkinastar and also rode Photons Classic CD to the Youth Boxing reserve championship, described the show atmosphere as “inviting.” She said that she enjoys reined cow horse competition because of the combination of the reining pattern with the chance to work a cow.

Other championship winners include Victoria Cross in the Little Britches, Kristin Constantini in the Level One Boxing, Morgan Holmes in the Youth Bridle, Tom Benbow in the 2K Non Pro Boxing, Jamie Johnson in the Non Pro Two Rein, Ron Whittaker in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle, John Jacob in the Intermediate Open Bridle and Hackamore, and Rick Steed, who swept the Open Bridle, Hackamore and Two Rein championships. The complete list of champions and reserve champions is below.

Show by Appointment competition continues throughout the year. The SBA Summer Circuit Show Series I will be in Unadilla, GA, on May 18-19 and June 29-30. SBA will then head to Jackson, OH, for the Summer Circuit Show Series II on August 15-18. SBA also plans to expand into other states, so keep an eye out for further announcements.

The year concludes with the SBA Championship Finals, held October 10-13 in Sarasota, FL. Championship winners from the Florida circuit are already eagerly anticipating the tough competition and fun times at the Finals.

“I’m looking forward to the competition,” McCullough said. “I think everybody there will be bringing it!”

Haily Findeisen and Sparkinastar - Photo by Toni Steed
Haily Findeisen and Sparkinastar – Photo by Toni Steed

Findeisen plans to keep improving and train up to the event. “I’m looking forward to getting better until the show in October and working on it with both horses,” she said.

Trevor Steed echoed McCullough’s sentiments. “I think there are going to be plenty of people there who will be tough to beat,” he said. “I think my horses are going to be ready too. It’ll be a fun show.”

Visit Show by Appointment online at www.showbyappointment.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShowByAppointment for more information and updates.

Show by Appointment Winter Circuit Champions and Reserve Champions

Open Bridle Champion – Rick Steed on Smart Master Plan
Reserve Champion – Rick Steed on Dancing Rooster

Open Hackamore Champion – Rick Steed on Carribean Bay Boon
Reserve Champion – Rick Steed on Miss Chic Dun It

Non Pro Bridle Champion – Barry Spinweber on Suz Mountain Dew
Reserve Champion – Morgan Holmes on Smart Shooter

Non Pro Hackamore Champion – Lucas McCullough on Tinsel Lena
Reserve Champion – Sandy Kaskey on Dunitontopoftheworld

Intermediate Open Bridle Champion – John Jacob on Talk About Candy
Reserve Champion – John Jacob on Dealin Great Jewels

Intermediate Open Hackamore Champion – John Jacob on Bit A Widows
Reserve Champion – John Jacob on Sheza Wright On 86

Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Champion – Ron Whittaker on Darby Otoe Dunit
Reserve Champion – Barry Spinweber on Suz Mountain Dew

Open Two Rein Champion – Rick Steed on Justa Merada Nut
Reserve Champion – Rick Steed on RLH Meradas Bet

Non Pro Two Rein Champion – Jamie Johnson on DC Quejana Pep

Non Pro Boxing Champion – Ray Mullis on Just Plain Cat
Reserve Champion – Sue Henderson on Whats My Tab

2K Non Pro Boxing Champion – Tom Benbow on Dealin Great Jewels
Reserve Champion – Sue Henderson on Whats My Tab

2K Open Bridle Champion – Trevor Steed on Gunna Miss You
Reserve Champion – Trevor Steed on Freeze Plan

2K Non Pro Bridle Champion – Barry Spinweber on Suz Mountain Dew
Reserve Champion – Diana Albert-Miller on Diamond Tex

2K Open Hackamore Champion – Trevor Steed on Julie
Reserve Champion – Trevor Steed on Peppy Dun It Big

Youth Bridle Champion – Morgan Holmes on Smart Shooter

Youth Boxing Champion – Haily Findeisen on Sparkinastar
Reserve Champion – Haily Findeisen on Photons Classic CD

Level One Boxing Champion – Kristin Constantini on Hannibal Lecter
Reserve Champion – Gary Biggerstaff on Smart Master Plan

Level Two Boxing Champion – Haily Findeisen on Sparkinastar
Reserve Champion – Tom Dirocco on Mister Giggles

Little Britches Champion – Victoria Cross on High Dollar
Reserve Champion – Christina Cross on Pooh

Show by Appointment Fast Facts

Website: http://www.showbyappointment.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShowByAppointment
Sponsorship Opportunities: http://www.showbyappointment.com/SBA-Sponsors.html

Upcoming SBA Show Series:

SBA Summer Circuit Show Series I: Unadilla, GA
May 18-19, 2013 – Shows I & II
Show I – Reined Cow Horse Pattern 8
Show II – Reined Cow Horse Pattern 9
June 29-30, 2013 – Shows III & IV

SBA Summer Circuit Show Series II: Jackson, OH
August 15-18, 2013 – Shows I, II, III, & IV

Entry forms are available at http://www.showbyappointment.com/Entry-Forms—Appointments.html.

Email Debbie Hall at debbie@firststringfarms.com to schedule your appointment, and call or text her at 321-863-0456 with any questions about entries or appointments.

About Show by Appointment

Show by Appointment’s fresh approach to reined cow horse competition has been an unprecedented success in its first season. SBA 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, SBA 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 SBA series includes four shows. Riders who compete at three out of the four shows earn a place in the Championship Finals, slated for October 10-13, 2013, at Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, FL. The Finals 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. This system is designed to allow riders a chance to compete in the Championship Finals without spending the season chasing points and incurring excessive competition expenses.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge 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

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

Australians Take Control at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials

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Christopher Burton (AUS) and Holstein Park Leilani take the lead after the first day of Dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 3 May, 2013 – Two members of Australia’s 2012 Olympic team head the leaderboard after the first day of Dressage as anticipation builds at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), fourth leg of the HSBC FEI Classics.

Christopher Burton (AUS), who proved such a brilliant pathfinder when first out on the course at the London 2012 Olympic Games, scored 43.0 in Badminton’s atmospheric arena to lie a fraction of a penalty ahead of his compatriot, Sam Griffiths on Happy Times.

The pair are also old friends and 31-year-old Burton, who won the Adelaide CCI4* in 2008, was based with Griffiths and his wife Lucy when he first came to England two years ago.

Burton is well known as a talented showman in the Dressage arena. He said of his mount, Jean and Jade Findlay’s 17-year-old warmblood mare, Holstein Park Leilani: “Back at home in Australia, I said ‘this is a Badminton horse’, but I certainly didn’t expect to be in the lead here.

“She’s a lovely mare but not the most extravagant mover, so you have to really ride her. I’m thrilled because I was aiming to score under 45, and so to be in the lead on 43 feels incredible.”

In contrast, Griffiths and the 14-year-old Happy Times are old hands at Badminton, having finished third in 2009 and fourth in 2011. “He’s an experienced campaigner and he’s in good form,” Griffiths said.

“I hope his Dressage mark will hold up, because we’ve got some really good combinations coming up tomorrow, but it means I’m in a good place psychologically.”

This halfway stage of the HSBC FEI Classics season is an opportunity for other riders to get a foothold on the leaderboard, but the current leader Andrew Nicholson (NZL) shows no signs of relinquishing his commanding position without a fight.

He is currently in third place at Badminton on 45.0 on his Burghley winner, the crowd-pleasing grey Avebury, with his Pau winner Nereo to come tomorrow.

Both Nicholson and William Fox-Pitt (GBR), who are head to head in a thrilling battle for the Rolex Grand Slam this weekend, seem to be handling the intense media attention with equanimity.

“I’m not really thinking about the Grand Slam,” admitted Nicholson. “My main objective has always been to win Badminton and it’s been fixed in my mind since last year because I’ve got such a good string of horses at the moment. The Grand Slam is a bit of a dream, but I did go to Kentucky to put myself in contention for it. And, of course,” he laughed, “if I win Badminton, the Grand Slam will fall into place!”

Fox-Pitt is currently only 0.8 of a penalty adrift of Nicholson, in equal fourth place with Ireland’s Aoife Clark on Master Crusoe. His first ride, Oslo, winner of Pau as a precocious nine-year-old in 2011, is owned by a syndicate of 12 owners, the oldest of whom, Delia Cunningham, is 92.

“He’s good at dressage and he’s always on your side, but he can be a bit cheeky,” said Fox-Pitt of the French-bred gelding who spent last year side-lined with an injury.

Olympic champion Michael Jung (GER) made his Badminton debut on Leopin FST and is in sixth place on 46.5 after a customarily well-ridden performance. “It’s very nice to be here,” he said. “The Cross Country has good distances between fences where you can gallop – it’s very different from the Olympics!”

The defending Badminton champion, Sir Mark Todd (NZL), is only in 37th place with a mark of 67.8 on his first ride, Major Milestone, but he is not downhearted.  “He’s not built for dressage and he doesn’t enjoy it. We both just have to get through it because he’s a very good jumper. My ambition with him is to win the Glentrool Trophy! [for the rider who makes the greatest improvement on their Dressage score]”

The footing at Badminton is in perfect condition, and predictions are that quite a few riders will achieve the optimum time, but riders are regarding the fences with great respect.

Nicholson commented: “I thought it was a bit softer at the start until I had a second walk and I’ve realised there are some very tricky fences out there. At the Lake (fence 9), there is a big fence in and really quite difficult 120-degree turn. It’s a proper fence, as it should be at this level.

“The course is pretty decent all the way round. There’s open corners, the Mirage Pond (fence 14) is hard to judge because you’re not sure where you’re going to land, and at the Shogun Hollow (fence 18) there’s a long distance to the third box which will cause difficulty for horses that find it difficult to adjust their strides.”

Badminton has received unprecedented spectator interest this year, and ticket sales are about 10% up on last year, when the event had to be cancelled due to wet weather. There are 84 horses in the field representing 15 nations.

Director Hugh Thomas, who says his Cross Country course is “the strongest it’s been for a while”, said of the line-up: ”For those of us who have been involved in the sport for a long time, to have Fox-Pitt versus Nicholson versus Jung is a tasty dish. However, the reality is that there are actually about 15 combinations here who could win.”

Follow live results: www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

View full standings here.

FEI TV, the FEI’s official video website, will be LIVE for Cross Country (5 May) and Jumping (6 May) at Badminton – see start times on www.feitv.org/live.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

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

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials Media Contact:

Julian Seaman
j.seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

FEI Media Contacts:

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

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Dressage, FEI

Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival Back on Top of World Rankings

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Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival, pictured here at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Gothenburg (SWE) last weekend. (Photo: Roland Thunholm/FEI).

Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) and Jerich Parzival, the London 2012 Olympic silver medallists, have reclaimed the world number one spot in the FEI World Dressage Rankings.

The pair has a 97-point lead over Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, who have moved up one slot to second place after clinching the 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title – their first FEI World Cup Final victory – last weekend in Gothenburg (SWE).

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, who became the first British combination to head the FEI World Dressage Rankings in September last year after their double gold medal performances at the London 2012 Olympic Games, are now in third with 2,563 points.

There are no other changes in the Top Ten, with Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH holding on to fourth (2,517 points) and Edward Gal (NED) with Glock’s Undercover in fifth (2,474 points).

FEI World Dressage Rankings Top 10:

  1. Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) Jerich Parzival, 2899
  2. Helen Langehanenberg (GER) Damon Hill NRW, 2802
  3. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) Valegro, 2563
  4. Kristina Sprehe (GER) Desperados FRH, 2517
  5. Edward Gal (NED) Glock’s Undercover, 2474
  6. Tinne Vilhelmsson Silfvén (SWE) Don Auriello, 2435
  7. Valentina Truppa (ITA) Fixdesign Eremo Del Castegno, 2358
  8. Patrick Kittell (SWE) Watermill Scandic H.B.C, 2320
  9. Isabell Werth (GER) Don Johnson FRH, 2307
  10. Victoria Max-Theurer (AUT) Augustin Old, 2284

The complete FEI World Dressage Rankings are here.

FEI Media contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T.

Educational Day at Southern 8ths Long Format Breathes New Life into an Old Classic

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James Baker & Wings. All photos by Diana De Rosa.

So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event Off to a Great Start

What a brilliant first day! The annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event held at Southern 8ths Farm in Chesterfield, SC keeps setting new standards. This year the educational day on May 2 garnered rave reviews from competitors and officials.

“I loved it!” exclaimed Sue Smithson, president of the ground jury. “You now have so much education here with the Long Format that everyone should do it.”

Thursday’s topics included vet inspections, figuring times for Roads and Tracks, and a clinic to let riders know what the judge is looking for in the Dressage segment.

“We’re judging the forest, not the trees.” Smithson explained her expectations for Dressage. “Ride the horse, then ride the test and get the most out of your horse.” She explained that many people concentrate on the test rather than the horse.

Brad Turley, Holly Hudspeth, Tremaine Cooper, & Lauren O'Brien
Brad Turley, Holly Hudspeth, Tremaine Cooper, & Lauren O’Brien

Brad Turley, the owner of Southern 8ths Farm and organizer of the event, has a passion for classic eventing. “Few people compete in the Long Format anymore, because it requires a lot more preparation for horse and rider, it’s time consuming, and it’s tougher,” he said.

In addition to Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping, the Long Format includes a Roads and Tracks portion that stresses endurance and fitness.  It adds miles and another competition to the already challenging cross country day.

Sara Baker, a young competitor from Southern Pines, grew up watching her mother compete in the Long Format. “It’s great to do the classic eventing,” she said. “I wish I had had this instruction before my first Three Day.” Her lovely gelding is named Poetic Justice.

Sara and her dad, James Baker, are both riding Training level. Interestingly, James came to the Heart of the Carolinas first Three Day competition three years ago and competed in Beginner Novice. The next year he rode his horse, Wings, in the Novice division. Now the same horse and rider combination are up to Training Level.

Jim’s wife will be joining them on Friday as groom and ground man.

Tremaine, Cooper, Holly Hudspeth, & Lauren O'Brien
Tremaine Cooper, Holly Hudspeth, & Lauren O’Brien

Officials and Pan American Games veterans Holly Hudspeth and Lauren O’Brien supervised the horse inspection on Thursday afternoon. They also did an informative clinic on how to present horses properly for the jog. Later, course designer Tremaine Cooper explained how to figure times for roads and tracks.

Sponsors came from as far away as Ireland. Wendy McCaughan of County Down is a representative for Kan Teq, a manufacturer of safety vests and body support. “I’ve been struck by the care and interest of the trainers, who were generous with their advice.”

Coming from the Four-Star Rolex Three-Day in Kentucky last weekend, she paid the farm a huge compliment. “The facilities are outstanding and this promises to be a super event.  It’s a grand follow-up to the Rolex.”

For photos and videos of this event, go to www.so8ths.com.

Written by Marsha Hewitt.

Competitions, Polo

Grand Champions Polo Club Hosts USPA Spring Challenge Friday and Sunday

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WELLINGTON, FL – May 2, 2013 — Grand Champions Polo Club will host its third tournament of the spring season when the USPA Spring Challenge gets underway Friday.

Five teams will compete Friday in opening day action.

Palm House, led by big-hitting 6-goaler Tommy Biddle, will play Piaget, led by 5-goalers Juan Bollini and Brandon Phillips at 4 p.m.

ELG, led by 6-goaler Kris Kampsen; Pony Express, led by Pancho Eddy; and Audi, led by 8-goaler Nic Roldan, will compete in a round-robin beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The teams are rated from 10 to 14 goals.

Kampsen will put his two-tournament spring win streak on the line. He has been a member of the winning ELG/Psycho Bunny team that won the season-opening Palm City Open and played for the winning Power Horse team in last weekend’s Polo Gear Invitational.

The two-day tournament also features some of the sport’s rising young stars including ELG’s Juancito Bollini, 17, a senior at Wellington High School, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Polo Gear Invitational after scoring five goals including the game-winner.

Palm House is coming off its consolation game victory, 4-3 over ELG where Alejandro Poma of Palm House was named MVP. It was also team captain Glenn Straub’s first consolation title.

It will also be a family affair with father and son Marc and Grant Ganzi competing for Audi and Melissa Ganzi, wife and mom, team captain of Piaget. Bob Daniels will play with one of his sons, Justin, on Pony Express.

USPASpring009491The consolation and championship final will be held Sunday at times to be announced.

The teams are:

Audi Polo Team, 14 goals, Grant Ganzi, Marc Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Lucas Lalor.

Pony Express, 10, Justin Daniels, Bob Daniels, Tomas Goti, Pancho Eddy.

ELG, 13, Avery Chapman, Juancito Bollini, Kris Kampsen, Carlucho Arellano.

Palm House, 13, Carlitos Gracida, Glenn Straub, JJ Celis, Tommy Biddle.

Piaget, 14, Martin Astrada, Melissa Ganzi, Brandon Phillips, Juan Bollini.

The remaining Grand Champions spring tournaments are the May 10-12 USPA Sun Cup; May 17-19 USPA Eastern Challenge; and May 24-27 Memorial by Piaget.

GRAND CHAMPIONS SPRING SCHEDULE

May 3-5: USPA Spring Challenge

May 10-12: The USPA Sun Cup

May 17-19: USPA Eastern Challenge

May 24-27: The Memorial by Piaget

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington.

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 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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equus Events Inc. Presents the 2013 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show

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Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover, winners of the 2012 edition of the Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix.

In two weeks the Georgia International Horse Park will once again play host to the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show.  Produced by Aiken, SC based J. P. Godard and Equus Events, the show offers a fitting end to the spring season and a perfect stop for those on their way to Devon.  The show now celebrating its 10th year was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 United States Hunter Jumper Association Members Choice Award for an AA rated Horse Show in Zone 4.  No easy feat seeing the high quality and quantity of shows that take place in Zone 4 which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

“We have added more prize money and additional classes this year,” said show organizer J. P. Godard.  The show started out a single “A” rated horse show in 2004 and has now grown to a five day “AA” rated event that attracts some of top hunter and jumper riders throughout the country.  This year’s feature events include the Fenwick Equestrian $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and Derby Party Friday, May 19th and the $30,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix and annual Preakness Party to celebrate the running of the 138th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May18th.  This annual party is sponsored by DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner.  Both of these feature events will take place in the coveted International Arena which once hosted some of the world’s greatest equestrians and their horses during the 1996 Olympic Games.  Daily breakfast sponsored by this year’s hospitality sponsors is also on the agenda Wednesday to Sunday mornings as well as ring hospitality which is always welcomed by tired and weary exhibitors.

Jumper riders will have the opportunity to square off against courses designed by internationally famed and silver medal Olympian Michel Vaillancourt.  Originally from Montreal, Canada, Vaillancourt was the first Canadian equestrian to capture an Olympic individual medal in the 1979 Games and is one of the world’s most respected course designers.  He also holds the distinguished FEI “I” level course designers license.  In addition to the $30,000 Grand Prix, the jumper offerings include an attractive line up such as Young Jumper Qualifying events, a $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Classic, a $5,000 NAL/WIHS Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, and a $7,500 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic.

Hunter riders are not to be left out as the Atlanta Spring Challenge has once again been selected as a prestigious World Champion Hunter Rider qualifying event and with a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby plus an array of classics for every division there truly is something for everyone.  New this year is the popular USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Class and also a new high point award for the highest placed junior and amateur rider in the USHJA International Hunter Derby.  The high point award is presented by Fenwick Equestrian.

Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich Equine Insurance, One K Helmets, The Barn Book, Sidelines Magazine, EquiFit Inc., The Mark Lexton Collection, DFG Stables, and Gamboa Veterinary Services have all signed on again as corporate sponsors for the 2013 season as well as Gold Sponsors of this year’s Atlanta Spring Challenge.  A few select division and hospitality sponsorships are still available this year.  Please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or email info@equusevents.com for more information.

The Hawthorn Suites has been selected as the host hotel for this year’s event.  The Hawthorn is very conveniently located only seconds from the horse park.  For reservations and special exhibitor rates please contact them at 770-761-9155.

Entries for the 2013 edition of the Atlanta Spring Challenge close May 2nd and stalls are going fast.  Equus Events is proud to partner with Equestrian Connect as their official entry service provider.  This one minute web based service allows exhibitors to complete entries electronically. The service currently has over 9,000 members in the United States and Canada, and provides entry forms for over 800 USEF hunter/jumper shows.  For more information, please go to www.equestrianconnect.com. For more information or to reserve stalls, please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or go to www.equusevents.com.

Equus Events is a horse show production company based in Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality. Equus Events is the current USHJA Members Choice award winning horse show company in zone 4 for an AA rated horse show.

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

The Classic Company Is Jumpin’ in June at the Georgia International Horse Park

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Chase Boggio flying over a jump in the Olympic Stadium. Flashpoint Photography.

May 1, 2013 – Summer is around the corner and so is the Atlanta Summer Classics.  “We have so much planned for the Atlanta Summer Classics this June, it’s really going to be a summer spectacular!” said Classic Company President Bob Bell. “We kick off the two weeks of shows with the prestigious USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, produce the first-ever Children’s and Adult Jumper Regional Championships and the inaugural Freestyle Equitation Classic, offer the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the World Champion Hunter Rider and the $2,500 TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions Week II, and we’ve got weekly Grand Prix and some of the best prize money on the circuit,” he added. Week II will also include the Emerson Burr Program for pony riders, the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic, the $5,000 Future Class, the Atlanta Cup Equitation Classic and the Grand Puba Junior Hunter Championships.

The USHJA Children’s Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships offers riders the opportunity to ride in a Nations Cup format, representing their states and zones.  But riders must apply in order to have a chance to represent their state.  Riders in the south only have until May 5 to apply for the 2013 year, so time is of the essence if you want to be part of this exciting new program!  For more information, go to www.ushja.org.

And if that competition schedule didn’t offer you enough, the USHJA Zone 4 Committee will offer two FREE clinics for its zone members on June 17 and 18.  On June 17, accomplished judge and horseman Bob Crandall will lead a general horsemanship riding clinic in the covered arena. This clinic will be filled on a first come, first-served basis for 30 riding participants. The participants will be grouped by skill level, and fences will start at 2’6″ up to 4′ and auditors are welcome to attend.

On Tuesday, June 18, legendary Steve Stephens, Olympic course designer, will conduct a water jump clinic.  Stephens will teach you and your horse how to jump an open water element. This clinic will be filled on a first come, first-served basis for 15 riding participants.  Auditors are welcome to attend.

These complimentary Zone 4 clinics fill fast, so be sure to reserve your spot now by contacting Janet McCarroll at gcclassic@aol.com or call her at 228-669-2687.

In “Classic” form, the exhibitor parties will be an integral part of the show experience.  VIP will be the place to be, so make sure to see Jennifer in the show office to reserve your table.  And while you’re there, be sure to purchase your tickets for the Outback Steak House Charity Dinner which will take place during the Freestyle Equitation Classic. Riders will have the opportunity to jump a course set to their own music – this event is going to be a classic!

And “classic” describes the venue to a tee.  The world class Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympics, will be the backdrop of Classic Company’s two weeks of non-stop show jumping action.  “It is so cool to ride in that arena,” said Adam Cramer from Equi Sport, LLC, in Pittstown, NJ. “I mean, where else can you get that Olympic feel?” he added.

Devin Ryan and No Worries sail over a jump in the Olympic Stadium during the Classic Company's Spring Atlanta Classic. Flashpoint Photography
Devin Ryan and No Worries sail over a jump in the Olympic Stadium during the Classic Company’s Spring Atlanta Classic. Flashpoint Photography

Devin Ryan, Grand Prix Rider from Long Valley, New Jersey, showed at the Georgia International Horse Park just a few weeks ago at the Atlanta Spring Classic.  “This was my first time showing at the Georgia International Horse Park and it is a fantastic venue,” he said.  “The rings are great and the stabling is excellent – the stalls come with mats, the aisles are wide and the barns are permanent.” And there is no better office staff and show staff than the Classic Company.  They are so pleasant to deal with, so nice and they attract that sort of person to the shows.  The whole experience is so positive that they really make my clients happy, which makes me happy!” he added.

Joe Fargis, winner of the 2012 Lifetime USEF Achievement Award and former Olympic medalist both in 1986 and 1988 with gold and silver medals respectively, also participated in more than 30 FEI Nations Cup Competitions, and who represented the United States in the 1990 FEI World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, is a “regular” at the Atlanta Spring Classics.  “The office staff is the one of the most pleasant I have encountered. The whole show committee is very accommodating. It’s a great facility and my horses went very well there.  There’s plenty of space, the courses were good, the footing is good and stabling is really great,” he commented.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

Entries close May 22nd so make sure to fill out and mail your entries in now!  Click on the prize list or for those looking save the cost of postage, paper, or personal time, make sure to go to Equestrian Connect, Classic Company’s Official Service Provider, to submit your entries today!

Equestrian Connect allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service.  The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

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

Dream Team Lines Up for Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials

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William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and (right) Andrew Nicholson (NZL) – the HSBC Rankings and HSBC FEI Classics series leader – have set the scene for the most thrilling running yet of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) on 3-6 May, fourth leg of the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 1 May, 2013 – The scene is set for the most thrilling running yet of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) (3-6 May), fourth leg of the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013, and a showdown between two riders who are at the height of their powers.

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), current HSBC Rankings leader and holding a 10-point-lead in the HSBC FEI Classics standings, scored a stunning victory over William Fox-Pitt (GBR) at Kentucky last weekend.

The two riders, who finished first and second in the 2012 HSBC Rankings, are at the peak of their careers, with the strongest strings of horses they’ve ever had. Between them, their four Badminton horses have won five CCI4*s, and they have set up a fascinating head-to-head for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

Fox-Pitt, who has won 11 CCI4*s, including Badminton in 2004, will ride Parklane Hawk, winner of Burghley in 2011 and Kentucky in 2012, and Oslo, who topped the line-up at Pau in 2011. Nicholson, who has five CCI4* victories to his name, competes on Nereo, winner of Pau 2012, and Avebury, first at Burghley last year.

“This is a dream scenario for Badminton,” said Fox-Pitt. “It’s going to be really exciting, although at the end of the day it’ll probably be neither of us winning – hello, Michael Jung! So many things have to come right to win any three-day event. But we’ve both got lovely horses and we’ve both had a great preparation for Badminton, so we’ll see.”

Badminton has received an exceptionally star-studded entry this year, and, as Fox-Pitt mentions, it is Michael Jung (GER), the reigning Olympic, World and European champion, who will undoubtedly start favourite on his best horse, La Biosthetique Sam. He also has a strong back-up in first ride Leopin, third at Pau in 2012.

The unassuming Jung first visited Badminton as a youngster, and has wanted to ride here ever since, but his only public appearances in Britain have both been at Greenwich Park – at the Test Event and last year’s Olympic Games where he won team and individual gold. As a result, many British spectators have never seen him ride, so they will be in for a treat when they see the master at work. Interestingly, no first-timer has won at Badminton since Mark Todd (NZL) in 1980 – could Jung, with his impressive credentials, break this record?

Jung’s Olympic team mates also have the credentials to win – individual bronze medallist Sandra Auffarth (Opgun Louvo), Dirk Schrade (King Artus) and Ingrid Klimke (Butts Abraxxas).

Fox-Pitt’s fellow Olympic team members Mary King (Imperial Cavalier and Kings Temptress), Kristina Cook (Miners Frolic and De Novo News) and Zara Phillips (High Kingdom) should also feature in what promises to be a highly international line-up, and much interest will follow the reappearance of Redesigned, fifth at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with Pippa Funnell.

Since Badminton began 64 years ago in 1949, British riders have dominated. However, this year’s contest is wide open. Two rising stars from the Antipodes are Jock Paget (NZL) with Clifton Promise, second at Pau, and Clifton Lush, and Chris Burton (AUS) on Holstein Park Leilani.

Ireland’s Aoife Sisk is sure to go well on Master Crusoe, seventh at the London Olympic Games, and Italy has two stars in Stefano Brecciaroli (Apollo VD Wendi Kurt Hoeve) and Vittoria Panizzon on the bouncing grey mare, Borough Pennyz.

There are six former winners in the field, headed by 57-year-old Sir Mark Todd (NZL), the defending champion who first won Badminton 33 years ago, following up with victories in 1994, 1996 and 2011. He rides Major Milestone and Ravenstar, the latter for Irish rider Jayne Doherty, who is pregnant.

The other previous Badminton winners are Mary King (1992, 2000), Pippa Funnell (2002, 2003, 2005), William Fox-Pitt (2004), Oliver Townend (2009) and Paul Tapner (2010).

Since 1949, there have been five Australian winners of Badminton (Bill Roycroft, Laurie Morgan, Andrew Hoy, Lucinda Fredericks and Paul Tapner); two from the USA (Bruce Davidson and David O’Connor), one Swiss (Hans Schwarzenbach), one French (Nicolas Touzaint), one Irish (Eddie Boylan) plus Mark Todd’s four wins for New Zealand.

The in-form Andrew Nicholson (NZL), who has just won three consecutive CCI4*s, holds the record for Badminton completions – 31 times – but has yet to win. His best result to date is second in 2004 on Lord Killinghurst. Could 2013 be his year?

Badminton is also a place where young riders make their mark – and this year, there are three candidates for the HSBC Training Bursary, which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event: Jamie Atkinson (GBR) on Celtic Fortune, Sarah Ennis (IRL) with Sugar Brown Babe and Manuel Grave (POR) on Samaritano.

Dressage starts on Friday at 9.30am (British time) with Oliver Townend (GBR) first into the arena on Armada. Follow live results: www.badminton.co.uk.

HSBC FEI Classics leaderboard (after 3 of 6 events)

  1. Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 30 points
  2. William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 20
  3. Craig Barrett (AUS) 15
  4. Jonathan Paget (NZL) 12
  5. Natalie Blundell (AUS) 12
  6. Michael Jung (GER) 10
  7. Murray Lamperd (AUS) 10
  8. Buck Davidson (USA) 8
  9. Jessica Manson (AUS) 8
  10. Lynn Symansky (USA) 6

View full standings here.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

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

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials Media Contact:

Julian Seaman
j.seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

FEI Media Contacts:

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

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45