Tag Archives: FEI Nations Cup

Seven Teams at Series Second Qualifier in Wellington

Lausanne (SUI), 27 February 2013 – The second qualifier of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 will take place at the Wellington CSIO 4* in the USA this Friday 1 March attracting a field of seven teams.

The starting order, which was determined by a draw held at Wellington last night, will be as follows:

  1. Canada
  2. Mexico
  3. Ireland
  4. Germany
  5. USA
  6. Colombia
  7. Venezuela

Friday’s competition will begin at 19.00 EST (local time in Wellington, GMT -5 hours) and will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official online video platform.

“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.

Longine 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 horlogical products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

Media contacts:

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 Wellington:

Jennifer Wood
Press Officer
jennifer@jenniferwoodmedia.com
+1 803 240 7488

Historic Win for The Netherlands in First Leg of Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

Saudi Arabia and Qatar qualify for series Final

The first leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series lived up to expectations today when, in a real roller-coaster of a competition, The Netherlands won through and both Saudi Arabia and Qatar qualified for the series final. There were three teams from the Middle East Region vying for the two qualifying spots on offer, but it was the host nation from the UAE that missed the cut when finishing behind Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

It was a career-defining day for 19-year-old Dutchman, Frank Schuttert, who helped his side to success with one of four double-clear performances over a tough track set by Venezuela’s Leopoldo Palacios. And it was a heart-warming day for Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, as his mainly youthful team looked so full of promise as they secured their convincing victory. Schuttert was joined by 24-year-old Maikel van der Vleuten and 26-year-old Aniek Poels. Maikel’s 49-year-old father, Eric van der Vleuten, also ensured it was a Dutch family affair when adding the essential depth of experience as pathfinder.

Great Britain and Germany tussled for runner-up spot in the closing stages but had to share it in the final analysis, while France finished fourth ahead of Saudi Arabia in fifth, Qatar in sixth and the UAE in seventh place. With 35 first-round faults, Egypt didn’t make it into the second round, while Ukrainian chances, already badly hampered by the withdrawal of third-line rider Oleksandr Onischenko, were completely dashed when Ferenc Szentirmai was eliminated to leave them also on the sidelines after the first round.

12-Fence Challenge

Palacios presented them with a 12-fence challenge that began with a triple bar followed by a wall and then the Longines oxer – marking the Swiss watchmaker’s role as Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya series – before turning to the double at fence four. From there the track increased in difficulty with every fence, the skinny vertical at five leading to the open water at six and the related vertical at fence seven. A pole over the open water seemed to take some horses by surprise, but it was the triple combination that followed another big oxer at fence eight that proved the most troublesome obstacle on the course. The gold-coloured poles fell frequently here when the distance didn’t come up comfortably, and the bright green oxer at fence 10 also proved influential as did the penultimate Furusiyya planks and the final oxer.

Halfway Stage

Germany held the lead at the halfway stage carrying just the single time penalty collected by pathfinders Jorg Naeve and Calado and discounting Holger Wulschner’s single error with Cavity G after clears from both Katrin Eckermann (Carlson) and Patrick Stuhlmeyer (Lacan 2). The Dutch were lying second with just four faults, while France was in third place carrying eight, and Great Britain and Saudi Arabia were next in line with nine faults apiece. Qatar had already collected 21 faults and the UAE 26 and these seven teams went through to the second round in which Germany’s lead was immediately undermined by an 11-fault result from Naeve.

A clear from Van der Vleuten Senior meanwhile bolstered Dutch chances, but the French fell away when having to add eight more to their tally as single errors from both Matthieu Billot (Pardoes) and Edouard Couperie (Nectar des Roches) had to be included after Frederic David (Equador van’t Roosakker) returned with 15 faults, including four for a stop at the last element of the triple combination. French anchorman, Michel Hecart, distinguished himself however with a double-clear from Quatrin de la Roque.

The Saudi Arabian team couldn’t improve their position when the four faults collected by both Kamal Bahamdan (Delphi) and Ramzy Al Duhami (Bayard van de Villa Theresia) had to be taken into account after HRH Prince Abdullah Al Saud (Davos) lowered both the vertical at fence five and the Furusiyya planks. London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist and Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games individual silver medallist, Abdullah Al Sharbatly, produced the single Saudi clear this time out with Larkhill Cruiser, but the country that claimed Olympic team bronze last summer had to settle for a minor placing today with a final total of 17 faults.

Back with a Vengeance

As the second round evolved the British fought back with a vengeance despite a second elimination for second-line rider Yasmin Pinchen, whose 10-year-old mare, Van de Vivaldi, had already lowered fence five and the second element of the triple combination before throwing in the towel at the brightly coloured oxer at 10. The mare had resolutely refused to take this fence on in the previous round also, and could not be persuaded to like it any better at her second attempt.

It was the brilliant double-clear from first-line rider Robert Smith (Voila) and a second-round clear from Joe Clee and Diablesse de Muze along with just a single time penalty for Tina Fletcher and Hello Sailor that hauled the British back into contention. Fletcher’s time-fault would prove costly however, as without it her side would have headed the Germans who were forced to add nine more faults when Katrin Eckermann’s grey, Carlson, hit both the glaring green oxer at 10 and the final fence while also picking up a time fault. Team-mate, Patrick Stuhlmeyer, produced a second copybook clear while Wulschner also left all the poles in place, but their 10-fault tally would leave them on level-pegging with their British rivals.

The Netherlands’ Aniek Poels hit the penultimate planks, but when Schuttert completed the second of his clear rounds and Maikel van der Vleuten left all the timber intact this time out, their zero second-round score, and total of four, proved plenty good enough for victory.

Thrilled with Result

Schuttert was thrilled with such an amazing result on his senior team debut. “Everything has been great for us here; we are an almost young team and we have mostly young horses so it’s perfect!” he said with a laugh afterwards. “And this is such a fantastic place here in Al Ain; everyone has been wonderful to us!”

Talking about his horse, Winchester, whose high head-carriage and feisty spirit suggests the stallion is not the easiest of rides, the tall young rider explained, “I’ve had him for two years now and he is a quality horse – he just really wants to fight for me and he’s not at all as difficult as he looks!”

Schuttert said he and his Dutch counterparts were feeling confident after a good preparation yesterday. “The horses all jumped really well so we knew they were in good form. That helps a lot when you come to a show and you know your horses are feeling strong; it gives you confidence,” he said.

And when asked if he hopes that today’s performance will lead to more appearances for the Dutch team over the coming months, he replied, “I’m still only 19, so I’m still a Young Rider and my target now is to compete at the Young Rider European Championships this summer – that’s my goal.”

Meanwhile the excitement of the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping season moves to Wellington in Florida, USA next week for the second leg of the series which takes in 22 qualifying legs leading to the Final in September 2013.

Result:

1.    Netherlands 4 faults: Wan Architect (Eric Van der Vleuten) 4/0; Baggio (Aniek Poels) 0/4; Winchester HS (Frank Schuttert) 0/0; Kisby (Maikel van der Vleuten) 4/0.
2.    Great Britain 10 faults: Voila (Robert Smith) 0/0; Van de Vivaldi (Yasmin Pinchen) Elim/Elim; Diablesse de Muze (Joe Clee) 4/0; Hello Sailor (Tina Fletcher) 0/1.
2.    Germany 10 faults: Calado 2 (Joerg Naeve) 1/11; Carlson (Katrin Eckermann) 0/9; Lacan (Patrick Stuhlmeyer) 0/0; Cavity G (Holger Wulschner) 4/0.
4.    France 16 faults: Pardoes (Matthieu Billot) 4/4; Nectar des Roches (Edouard Couperie) 4/4; Equador van’t Roosakker (Frederic David) 4/15; Quatrin de la Roque (Michel Hecart) 0/0.
5.    Saudi Arabia 17 faults: Delphi (Kamal Bahamdan) 0/4, Davos (HRH Prince Abdullah Al Saud) 8/8; Bayard van de Villa Theresia (Ramzy Al Duhami) 5/4; Larkhill Cruiser (Abdullah Al Sharbatly) 4/0.
6.    Qatar 38 faults: Eurocommerce California (Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani) 9/8; LB Casanova (Mubarak Al Rumaihi) 5/9; Rosalia la Silla (Bassem Hassan Mohammed) 8/0; Ravenna (Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi) 8/DNS.
7.    UAE, Retired in Second Round: Peanuts de Beaufour (Sheikha Latifa Bint Al Maktoum) 12/4; Valentino Balia (Sheikh Shakboot Bin AlNahyan) 4/18; Pacha du Fort (Ahmed Al Junaibi) 10/DNS; Tolita (Mohammed Ahmed Al Owais) Elim/DNS.
8.    Egypt 35 faults in first round: Der Senaat (Abdel Kader Said) Elim; Hollerith (Mohammed Mansour) 19; Goldex (Mohammed Talaat) 12; Waldo (Karim El Zoghby) 4.
9.    Ukraine, Eliminated in first round: Temple Road (Cassio Rivetti) 0; SIEC Ledgepoint (Oleg Krasyuk) 0; Coolboy RM (Oleksandr Onischenko) DNS; Coranso (Ferenc Szentirmai) Elim.

Facts and Figures:

The FEI Nations Cup Jumping series celebrates 104 years of team competition this year.
The 2013 season comprises 22 qualifiers in as many countries.
Watchmakers, Longines, are the official timekeepers for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.
41 nations will seek a place at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final 2013 which will take place in September.
Furusiyya is the brand name for the commercial arm of the Saudi Equestrian Fund which finalised a 16 million Euro four-year sponsorship package with the FEI in November 2012.
9 nations competed in today’s opening leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series.
Three teams from the Middle East region, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, were competing for the two available qualifying places for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final. Saudi Arabia and Qatar each earned a qualifying spot.
4 double-clear performances in today’s competition, from The Netherlands’ Frank Schuttert and Winchester, Great Britain’s Robert Smith and Voila, Germany’s Patrick Stuhlmeyer and Lacan 2 and from Michel Hecart and Quatrin de la Roque for France.
The six top teams, along with the host nation UAE side, qualified for today’s second round.
The next leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series will take place in Wellington, Florida, USA on Friday 1 March. For details on the US event contact Press Officer Jennifer Wood, Email jennifer@jenniferwoodmedia.com

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 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 horlogical 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 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

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping: Team Sport Goes Global

Lausanne (SUI), 15 February 2013 – FEI Nations Cup Jumping goes global next week, when the inaugural leg of the new series running under the Furusiyya banner takes place at Al Ain, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, 21 February 2013.

This is a pivotal moment for the sport which was described by FEI President, HRH Princess Haya, as “the jewel in the crown” of the international governing body during the centennial of team jumping in 2009. Throughout the long and distinguished history of the FEI Nations Cup, a great spirit of warmth and camaraderie has been matched only by the fierce pride and passion of the riders who have joined forces to represent their countries in the annual battle for international team supremacy.

The announcement of a new four-year, €16M sponsorship package from the Saudi Equestrian Fund came during the FEI General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey last November. It marked an important turning-point for the long-running series as it expands from its traditionally European-oriented base to embrace the rest of the world. As part of the new 10-year partnership with Longines, the Swiss watchmaker will be the Official Timekeeper for the entire Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series.

Continue reading Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping: Team Sport Goes Global

2013 Winter Equestrian Festival to Feature FEI Nations Cups for Children’s, Junior, and Young Riders

Wellington, FL – December 17, 2012 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), the organizers of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), have announced their intention to organize three new FEI Nations Cup competitions for Children 12 to 14 years old, for Juniors 14 to 18 years old and for Young Riders 16 to 21 years old. These competitions have been made possible by the generous support of Hollow Creek Farm.

These classes will be organized during Week 8 of the FTI WEF alongside the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm. As well as a team competition, there will also be an individual class for the three levels, all of which will run under full FEI rules giving the riders an early experience of top level international competition. ESP is working with USEF to determine selection procedures for the teams leading up to the competition, with more details to follow.

ESP President Michael Stone said, “ESP and the Wellington Equestrian Partners believe that it is essential that the United States start the education of riders as early as possible regarding International FEI competition. We are working closely with the USEF to get all the necessary permissions and structures in place to start the pipeline for our future teams as early as possible.”

Continue reading 2013 Winter Equestrian Festival to Feature FEI Nations Cups for Children’s, Junior, and Young Riders

Charlie Jacobs Helps USA Win Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires, Claims Speed Derby Victory

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star won the International Speed Derby at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires. Photo By: Haras El Capricho

Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 13, 2012 – Charlie Jacobs of Deeridge Farm had a very successful return trip to the Buenos Aires’ CSIO-W at Haras El Capricho. He piloted Leap of Joy to two clear efforts during the Nations Cup competition to help the United States capture the victory, and then defended his title in the International Speed Derby with Flaming Star. The weekend concluded with Jacobs and Leap of Joy picking up the fifth place award in the World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix after producing a clear first round effort.

On Saturday, November 10, Jacobs was alongside teammates Quentin Judge, Catherine Pasmore, and Alison Robitaille for Nations Cup competition. Chef d’Equipe Norman Dello Joio chose Jacobs as the leadoff rider, with the U.S. drawing the first position in the team jumping order. Jacobs was up to the challenge, producing a faultless effort with Leap of Joy and returning for the second round to post another clear round. Jacobs’ teammates were also on point, and the team finished on four faults to earn the team victory, while Canada and Argentina tied for second.

Continue reading Charlie Jacobs Helps USA Win Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires, Claims Speed Derby Victory

US Cruises to Victory in FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina – The U.S. jumpers had to wait an extra day to take part in FEI Nations Cup competition at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires after the class was delayed due to rain on Friday. The four Americans proved the wait was well worth it as they stormed to victory finishing on a two round total of four faults.

Leading off the U.S. effort were Charlie Jacobs (Boston, MA) and Deeridge Farms’ Leap of Joy. Jacobs utilized the experience he earned last year at CSIO Buenos Aires to jump two faultless rounds with the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding. They were one of only three combinations to produce a double clear effort on Saturday.

Riding in the second spot for the U.S. was Quentin Judge (Wellington, FL) with Double H Farm’s HH Carotino. In the first round the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding jumped an immaculate clear round and returned later in the day producing a four fault effort for Judge in his U.S. team debut.

Continue reading US Cruises to Victory in FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

US Jumpers Ready for Competition at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

Quentin Judge and HH Carotino (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Lexington, KY – Four U.S. riders head to Argentina this week to take part in FEI Nations Cup competition at the prestigious CSIO-W Buenos Aires. The show, running November 6-11, hosts the final Nations Cup for the U.S. jumpers to compete in for 2012. American riders Charlie Jacobs, Quentin Judge, Catherine Pasmore and Alison Robitaille will be under the guidance of Norman Dello Joio as he provides veteran leadership in the role of Chef d’Equipe.

Jacobs (Boston, MA) makes a return trip to CSIO-W Buenos Aires after having made his first Nations Cup appearance for the U.S. last year. The talented amateur brings his two winning partners from 2011’s competition back to Argentina this week. With Leap of Joy, Jacobs won the featured Grand Prix, the Ericsson Grand Prix. He and Deeridge Farms’ 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding look to score a repeat victory in 2012. Jacobs will also ride CMJ Sporthorse’s 13-year-old Irish gelding Flaming Star, with whom he sped to the victory in the 2011 Nissan International Speed Derby.

Continue reading US Jumpers Ready for Competition at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

Germany Triumphs with First FEI Nations Cup Eventing Series Win

(left to right): Michael Jung, Bettina Hoy, Julia Krajewski and Ingrid Klimke with Chef d’Equipe Hans Melzer. Photo: Jon Stroud/FEI

Lausanne (SUI), 15 October 2012 – The German team produced yet another first-rate performance to win at Boekelo (NED), the final leg of the inaugural FEI Nations Cup Eventing, and rounded off what has been an outstanding year for the country’s senior riders with a comfortable victory in this new series.

Germany’s talented squad, which included two members of the Olympic gold medal winning team in London – Michael Jung and Ingrid Klimke – beat the chasing New Zealanders by just 6.6 penalties.

Boekelo, which is always a great favourite with riders for its end-of-season atmosphere, drew a record-breaking 12 teams for the last leg of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing series.

Germany, the only nation to have competed in five of the six legs of this exciting trial series, has dominated from the outset, scoring its fourth win in Boekelo following victories at Fontainebleau (FRA), Strzegom (POL) and Aachen (GER).

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Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Jumps Two Places and Finishes Sixth at Boekelo

Boekelo, The Netherlands – Every member of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team that entered the show jumping arena at the Military Boekelo CCIO3* Sunday leapt up the leaderboard and helped the U.S. team improve to 6th place in the final Nations Cup standings. Leading the way for the Americans were Jonathan Holling and Downtown Harrison.

Holling (Ocala, FL) and Constance Ann Holling’s Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding were just shy of a double clear round. They jumped flawlessly, but came in just over time and ended with 1 fault. “I was really thrilled with [Downtown Harrison],” said Holling. “Other than possibly shaving a second off a turn, he was pretty exceptional out there today.” Downtown Harrison’s performance helped Holling jump up the leaderboard twenty-five places and finish the Event in 31st position overall.

Continue reading Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Jumps Two Places and Finishes Sixth at Boekelo

After Cross Country at Boekelo, Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Remains in Eighth Place

Boekelo, The Netherlands – They had some adverse conditions to deal with Saturday, but the members of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team were able to maintain their place in the standings after navigating a soggy cross country course at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*. Leading the Nations Cup team were Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda. The pair jumped clean over the course while adding 10 time faults and rising in the standings to 52nd overall.

“It was quite muddy and heavy by the time I went,” said Brannigan of her ride, and though it was good day for her, she says it was better than it looked. “The scoreboard does not reflect it, but [Cambalda] was super and had a lovely ride. I’m very excited about both of our futures and appreciate the funding to be here.”

All four U.S. team members are competing at Boekelo as part of the Land Rover Competition and Training Grants program. The experience that they, and their horses, are gaining through the program is invaluable.

Continue reading After Cross Country at Boekelo, Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Remains in Eighth Place