Tag Archives: Ingrid Klimke

Ingrid Klimke Out to Make German History

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Horseware Hale Bob, winners of the first leg of FEI Classics™ 2014/2015 in Pau (FRA), and currently second on the leaderboard, are now set to tackle the fourth leg of the series at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. (Trevor Holt/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 5 May 2015 – The talented German Olympian Ingrid Klimke, who already has the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015 Etoiles de Pau (FRA) victory under her belt, is now bidding to be the first representative of her country to win the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), which takes place this weekend (7-10 May).

Only two riders from Continental Europe have won the world’s oldest horse trials: Hans Schwarzenbach (SUI) in 1951 and Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) in 2008. Klimke finished second (on Sleep Late in 2006), as have her compatriots Andreas Dibowski (2007) and Michael Jung (2013), but the German national anthem has never rung out on Badminton’s hallowed turf in the event’s 66-year history.

Klimke, daughter of the revered Olympic Dressage champion Dr Reiner Klimke, has an excellent chance of rectifying this omission. Currently second on the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015 leaderboard, she rides Horseware Hale Bob, the 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding from which she conjured the dazzling performance to win Pau (FRA).

Another rider bidding to make history is world number two William Fox-Pitt (GBR). No stallion has won a CCI4* in modern times, but the gentlemanly Chilli Morning, holder of individual bronze medals at world and European level, has the flair and the temperament to give Fox-Pitt a record 14th CCI4* victory and a second Mitsubishi Trophy to join the one he won in 2004 on Tamarillo.

The last British Badminton winner was Oliver Townend in 2009 (on Flint Curtis). He came close last year, finishing runner-up on Armada, on which he is entered this time. The 16-year-old Spanish-bred gelding is a brilliant Cross Country horse and a veteran of numerous CCI4*s under Townend and, previously, Andrew Nicholson (NZL).

Nicholson has won Burghley five times, plus Pau, Kentucky and Luhmühlen, but victory at Badminton has eluded this master horseman despite a record 33 completions over 30 years of trying. This time he’s back with the wonderfully consistent Nereo, third here in 2013, plus Calico Joe.

Nicholson’s very first visit to Badminton was as groom to Sir Mark Todd (NZL) when he won, at his first attempt, on Southern Comfort 35 years ago. Now, nearly 40 years separates the youngest rider in the field, 20-year-old newcomer Niklas Bschorer (GER), riding Tom Tom Go 3, and 59-year-old Todd (NZL), who went on to win three more times – in 1994, 1996 and, during his ‘second career’, in 2011. This time he rides Leonidas ll and Oloa, on which he is drawn last of the field.

The defending champion, Sam Griffiths (AUS), is back with his winning mare, Paulank Brockagh, plus the hugely experienced Happy Times, on which he was third at Burghley last year.

The 2013 winners, Jock Paget (NZL) and Clifton Promise, runners-up at Burghley last year, will also be in action, and Paget has a second ride on Clifton Lush.

A star-studded field includes four more former winning riders. For Britain, three-time victor Pippa Funnell (2002, 2003 and 2005) rides Redesigned and Second Supreme and Mary King (1992 and 2000) has her home-bred mare Kings Temptress, winner of Kentucky (USA) in 2011.

For Australia, Andrew Hoy (2006) has taken on Lanfranco TSF from Bettina Hoy (GER) (she is entered, on Designer), and also rides Rutherglen, and Paul Tapner (2010) is first to go on Kilronan and later has Indian Mill.

Around 80 horses from 12 nations are expected to start for what promises to be a thrilling fourth leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015.

Find the start list, drawn order, rider biographies and live results on www.badminton-horse.co.uk, and watch the full Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials live on FEI TV: www.feitv.org.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics and #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Motors 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

Ingrid Klimke Is the Star of Pau

Ingrid Klimke (GER), multiple gold medallist at Olympic, World and European level, with her 10-year-old Horseware Hale Bob (“Bobby”), celebrated in front of excited fans after winning the first leg of FEI Classics™ 2014/15 at Les Etoiles de Pau. (Trevor Holt/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 26 October, 2014 – The beaming smile said it all. Ingrid Klimke (GER), one of the most popular and talented riders in Eventing, finally secured her first CCI4* victory, at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA), the first leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/15.

Klimke has won six team gold medals at Olympic, World and European level, and now she looks to have found the complete event horse in Horseware Hale Bob, a 10-year-old Oldenburger by Helikon.

The Jumping course at Pau is always challenging, and this year was no exception, but the influence of yesterday’s Cross Country time meant that scores were spread out and so riders had some leeway for error.

When, to great disappointment, Joseph Murphy’s (IRL) Electric Cruise was eliminated at the final Horse Inspection, Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Butts Avedon moved up into the runner-up spot. Their two fences down did not affect their placing, and meant that Klimke was handed a three-fence advantage, but the spring-heeled Horseware Hale Bob only hit one rail, on the triple oxer.

There were only three clear rounds from the 19 finishers, and Arnaud Boiteau (FRA) with Quoriano ENE HN and New Zealander Jonelle Price on the pretty grey mare Faerie Dianimo produced two of them, moving up into third and fourth places respectively.

Murphy had some compensation with fifth place, despite three rails down, on a keen-looking Sportsfield Othello. Erin Sylvester (USA) made the long journey across the Atlantic worthwhile with sixth place on No Boundaries and Canada’s Kathryn Robinson secured her first CCI4* completion in style with seventh place on Let It Bee.

Nicola Wilson finished eighth and best of the British contingent on One Two Many, a good round just marred by the pair’s misjudgement coming into the double, when they had both parts down.

“This was a pure show jumping course and you needed an adjustable horse for the varying distances, which wasn’t easy the day after a 12-minute Cross Country course,” said Klimke. “Often the Jumping phase is my biggest fear, but this time I had no worries because I knew my horse is a great jumper.”

Klimke was clearly thrilled with her first CCI4* win: “Let’s drink to that!” she said. “I have loved my visit to Pau – it’s a wonderful event with a wonderful crowd.”

About the winner

Ingrid Klimke (GER), 46, is the daughter of the late, legendary Dr Reiner Klimke, an Olympic gold medallist and one of the most decorated Dressage riders in history.

Klimke’s “day job” is producing Dressage horses, as is that of her brother, Michael, but she is best known as a key member of Germany’s extraordinarily successful Eventing team since 2000.

Riding Sleep Late, Klimke won team and individual bronze medals at the FEI European Championships at Blenheim (GBR) in 2005 and team gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen (GER) in 2006. With FRH Butts Abraxxas, she won team gold at the 2011 FEI European Championships in Luhmuhlen (GER) and both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

Riding FRH Escada JS, Klimke won team gold and individual silver at last year’s FEI European Championships in Malmo (SWE) and team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA).

Until now, her best CCI4* results were second on Sleep Late at Badminton in 2006. Klimke lives in Munster, is married to Andreas and has two daughters, Greta and Philippa.

Watch the Pau wrap on FEI YouTube here: http://youtu.be/HgJl_ujuxrw.

Join the FEI on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/the.fei
https://twitter.com/myfei_home @myfei_home #FEIClassics #Eventing
http://instagram.com/feicomms

By Kate Green

Les Etoiles de Pau Media Contact:

Véronique TRIFFAUX
servicedepresse@centaure-production.fr
+33 5 59 92 94 25
+33 6 80 03 18 44

FEI Media Contact:

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

Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob Shoot into Pole Position at Pau

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Horseware Hale Bob, cross country leaders after a superb fast round at Les Etoiles de Pau, the opening leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015. (Trevor Holt/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 25 October, 2014 – Ingrid Klimke (GER) is poised to win her first CCI4* after a superbly committed Cross Country round on Horseware Hale Bob at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA), opening leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015.

The double Olympic gold medallist was cheered to the finish by the large crowd enjoying an exciting and sunny afternoon as she flew home just two seconds over time.

Klimke now has a fence in hand for tomorrow’s final Jumping phase over Joseph Murphy (IRL) and Electric Cruise, the only pair to achieve the optimum time of 12 minutes 2 seconds.

“It was a very challenging course with lots of places where you could run out, but it was wonderful to ride,” said a delighted Klimke. “I am very proud of my horse because it’s his first year at CCI4* level and he had two run-outs at Luhmühlen.

“I knew I had to remain very focussed, but Bobby is clever so I could take the lines I wanted. I know tomorrow’s Jumping will be big, but that’s great for me because he’s a big scopey jumper. And what is even better is that he is my own horse, so I am hoping that he will have a wonderful future.”

Course Designer Pierre Michelet’s (FRA) twisting, technical course demanded an obedient, flexible horse and Andreas Dibowski (GER) hardly took a pull on the beautifully trained FRH Butts Avedon. He finished with the good score of 5.6 penalties and is in third, on the same score as Murphy, who is higher placed due to finishing nearer the optimum time.

Murphy was the hero of the day, the only rider to complete with two horses. He was pathfinder on Sportsfield Othello, rising 16 places to fourth with another fast clear, for 2.4 penalties.

“Both my horses are very good jumpers and had great experiences today, but they are very different,” said an elated Murphy, who is on the brink of the best CCI4* result of his career.

“Electric Cruise is very careful and travels at a good cruising speed, but he’s very careful. He’s a special horse. I enjoyed my first round as well – once I’d jumped fence 4! The only problem was that I knew I had to do it again, but I think that stood me in good stead. It was a real rider’s course, definitely more technical than last year.”

The Irish rider made it look easy, but thereafter others were considerably less fortunate. Both William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Pippa Funnell (GBR) pulled up their first rides. Fox-Pitt decided to retire Seacookie at fence 6, feeling that the ground was too firm for the 15-year-old, and Funnell and Mirage D’Elle fell afoul of the sharply angled corner at fence 4.

This notoriously difficult obstacle, where the direct route is approached “blind” after a tree, also claimed New Zealand’s Jock Paget (Shady Grey) and Britain’s Francis Whittington (West Side) as victims.

It wasn’t Fox-Pitt’s day because he later withdrew his joint Dressage leader, Parklane Hawk, and matters worsened for Funnell when she was unseated from her second ride, Redesigned, when the long-striding chestnut clipped the second arrowhead at fence 20.

The time proved highly influential, with Arnaud Boiteau (FRA) and Quoriano ENE HN, incurring only four penalties and, as a result, they have leapt 12 places from 17th to fifth and best of the home riders.

New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, now in sixth place after a great ride on the nine-year-old Faerie Dianimo, was one of very few riders to take all the direct routes with the grey mare, and making two huge leaps over the boats in the second water complex she still clocked 11.2 time penalties.

North America is well represented in the top ten, with Erin Sylvester (USA) and No Boundaries in seventh, ahead of British-based Canadian Kathryn Robinson, who achieved her best CCI4* Cross Country result to date with eighth place at this stage on Let It Bee. Lauren Kieffer (USA) and Veronica have slipped to ninth place with 27.2 time penalties.

Nicola Wilson (GBR), fourth after Dressage on the former Bill Levett (AUS) ride One Two Many, had a frustrating run-out in the final water complex at fence 25, but with an otherwise good round and only 11.6 time penalties, she remains in the top ten in 10th place.

Julien Despontin (BEL) and Waldano 36, sixth after Dressage, had a bold clear round but lost time with a few steering problems and are now 12th with 42.4 time penalties.

There were 22 completions from the 31 Cross Country starters and 15 clear rounds.

Follow all the action live on FEI TV (www.feitv.org), with live results on www.event-pau.fr.

Join the FEI on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/the.fei
https://twitter.com/myfei_home @myfei_home #FEIClassics #Eventing
http://instagram.com/feicomms

By Kate Green

Les Etoiles de Pau Media Contact:

Véronique Triffaux
servicedepresse@centaure-production.fr
+33 5 59 92 94 25
+33 6 80 03 18 44

FEI Media Contact:

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

Klimke and Fox-Pitt Share Dressage Lead at Pau

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Horseware Hale Bob, joint leaders with William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Parklane Hawk after today’s Dressage phase, are ready to take on tomorrow’s Cross Country at Les Etoiles de Pau, the opening leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015. (Trevor Holt/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 24 October, 2014 – Two of the world’s most illustrious riders are sharing the lead after the Dressage phase at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA), opening leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015.

Germany’s Ingrid Klimke, riding the 10-year-old Horseware Hale Bob, and William Fox-Pitt (GBR), with the 14-year-old Parklane Hawk, were the only two riders to score below 40 penalties and they are now tying for the lead at this stage on 39.3 penalties apiece.

Klimke, who has won numerous team gold medals for Germany, has yet to win a CCI4*. It is her first visit to Pau since the FEI European Championships were held at the French venue, a racehorse-training centre, in 2001.

“My horse, ‘Bobby’, has proved he can do the CCI4* distance when he completed Luhmuhlen this year,” she said. “He is sharp and clever and I’m looking forward to riding him across country.”

Fox-Pitt, in contrast, is a regular at Pau and has won it twice, in 2011 on Oslo and last year on Seacookie, the horse on which he is currently lying in fifth place with a score of 41.8.

“I couldn’t split my two horses,” he said. “Seacookie has got good memories of Pau and when he feels confident, he can do anything. ‘Parker’ has had a few issues this year and has missed some runs, but he is on good form. The only problem is that he is a strong, fast horse and I am wondering whether I will be able to hold him on the Cross Country.”

Andreas Dibowski (GER), the 2010 Pau winner, is in close contention in third place on FRH Butts Avedon, only 1.4 penalties behind the joint leaders.

Britain’s Nicola Wilson was visibly thrilled with her CCI4* first-timer One Two Many after scoring 41.2 penalties. The 12-year-old by Chacoa won the CIC3* at Blair Castle (GBR) in August.

The young Belgian rider, Julien Despontin, 25, has made a good start to his first CCI4* and is in sixth place on 43.7 on Waldano 36, just ahead of the Kentucky (USA) runners-up and Pau first-timers Lauren Kieffer (USA) and Veronica (44.2).

Pierre Michelet’s (FRA) Cross Country, which follows a twisting route on and off the racecourse and is 30 seconds longer than in 2013, is, as ever, earning the riders’ respect. Fox-Pitt deems it even more challenging than last year.

First out on course tomorrow 14.00 CEST is Ireland’s Joseph Murphy on Sportsfield Othello.

Follow all the action live on FEI TV (www.feitv.org), with live results on www.event-pau.fr.

Join the FEI on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/the.fei
https://twitter.com/myfei_home @myfei_home #FEIClassics #Eventing
http://instagram.com/feicomms

By Kate Green

Les Etoiles de Pau Media Contact:

Véronique TRIFFAUX
servicedepresse@centaure-production.fr
+33 5 59 92 94 25
+33 6 80 03 18 44

FEI Media Contact:

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

Klimke Makes Stunning Debut at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas produce a superb test to take the lead after the first day of Dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. (Photo: Kate Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 5 September 2013 – Ingrid Klimke (GER) and FRH Butts Abraxxas thrilled the excited crowd at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, final leg of the HSBC FEI Classics, and now holds the overnight lead after the first day of Dressage.

They scored 39 penalties and are three points clear of the two riders currently holding joint-second place: Andreas Dibowski (GER) on FRH Butts Leon and Jock Paget (NZL) on Clifton Lush.

Surprisingly, Klimke, the newly crowned European team gold and individual silver medallist, has never been to Burghley before. She explained that she is usually at the national championships in Germany, but as “Braxxy” is now 16, it was a case of “now or never”.

The son of Heraldik XX (also the sire of Michael Jung’s European Champion Halunke, FRH Butts Leon and Sam Griffiths’s Burghley ride, Happy Times) is so established, soft and “through” in the Dressage arena that the crowd knew they were watching something special. There was a gasp as Ground Jury President Nick Burton (GBR) awarded the only 10 of the day, for the halt in the middle of the test.

“He is so sweet and relaxed,” said Klimke of her six-time team horse. “When we come into the arena, he says: ‘What do you want me to do and I will do it’.”

Dibowski’s horse, FRH Butts Leon, another 16-year-old (both horses are bred by Friedrich Butt) has also been a great servant to the German team and won Luhmühlen in 2011, but was ridden at last year’s London Olympic Games by Thailand’s Nina Ligon.

“It’s an exciting story that we have been reunited,” said Dibowski, who has not competed at Burghley since the European Championships in 1987.

He said that the hot sunshine suits his horse. “He loved it in Hong Kong [at the 2008 Olympic Games]. He just gets better and better.”

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), the first rider to compete three horses at Burghley, is in fourth place on 42.3 with his 2012 winner, Avebury, and in eighth on Calico Joe. He still has his Pau 2012 winner Nereo to come tomorrow.

Sarah Cohen (GBR), who gave birth to her second child earlier this year, is best of the British riders in seventh place on Treason; six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt (GBR) is ninth on the first of his two rides Neuf des Coeurs; and Piggy French (GBR), who is back riding at CCI4* level after a two-year gap, is 10th on new ride Westwood Mariner with 49.2.

“This was our first four-star test together so I am very pleased,” said French, a member of the British team in 2011. “I think it’s about as good as we could have achieved at the moment; we’re still very much on a learning curve. It’s nice to be back!”

Riders are impressed with Mark Phillips’s revamped Cross Country track, where the most demanding fences come in the first half. Ingrid Klimke says that three courses stick in her mind as being big and imposing: the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the 2010 Kentucky track (at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games) and this one at Burghley.

Andrew Nicholson added that he thought Captain Phillips had been “very clever”. He explained: “The new FEI rule that asks designers to use less jumping efforts within the same distance is quite a challenge for them, but Mark has managed to slow us down without making it twisty. I don’t think many riders will get the optimum time.”

The Dressage phase resumes tomorrow (Friday) with leading riders Kevin McNab (AUS), Bettina Hoy (GER) and Kristina Cook (GBR) to come, as well as William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Jock Paget (NZL) on their second horses.

Nicholson is the runaway leader of the HSBC FEI Classics, but Burghley placings will be significant in the fortunes of Fox-Pitt and Jock Paget, who are currently in second and third. And any other rider who can win this challenging contest on Sunday will spring into the five cash prizes.

Full results are available at: www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

Audio links: Catch up with the leaders discussing their tests:

Ingrid klimke (in English) http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_IngridKlimke.mp3

Ingrid Klimke (in German) http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_IngridKlimkeGER.mp3

Andreas Dibowski (English) http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_AndreasDibowsky.mp3

Jock Paget http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_JockPaget.mp3

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation.

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub, you can access the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 series standings, HSBC Rankings and all news relating to the current and past series.

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics events will share a total prize fund of US$333,000 split as follows: 1st – US$150,000 (Series Champion); 2nd – US$75,000; 3rd – US$50,000; 4th – US$33,000; 5th – US$25,000.

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 #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials:

Bridget Burbidge
Press Officer
bridget@jbpromotions.co.uk
+44 7850 822 820

FEI:

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

Klimke’s New Star Puts Germany at the Top

German team members Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS sweep into the lead after the first day of Dressage at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships in Malmö (SWE). (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 29 August 2013 – Germany’s title defence of the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships has got off to the best possible start with a typically brilliant performance from Ingrid Klimke, this time on a new young star, FRH Escada JS.

Klimke, who scored the only sub-40 mark on the first day of Dressage in Malmö (SWE), has produced an incredible transformation in the nine-year-old Hannoverian owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze.

“When I first rode her last year she wouldn’t halt and she would paw the ground. We were often nearly last after Dressage. I didn’t know where to start,” laughed the vivacious Klimke.

“But I wanted to continue with the mare because she has so much potential and is very tough and brave. During last winter I took her to all the dressage shows and now she knows she has to listen. She has really taught me patience.”

Klimke has won three team gold medals on FRH Butts Abraxxas, her ride in the last six championships, but she may now have her best chance of an individual medal since capturing European bronze in 2005 on Sleep Late.

German pathfinder Dirk Schrade scored a satisfying 44.2 to lie in individual third place at this halfway stage of the Dressage. Germany also leads the team standings with a 4.4 penalty advantage over Sweden. Britain is in third place and Ireland is fourth.

Schrade said the 14-year-old British Sport Horse “was with me every second. We all know that he isn’t the most extraordinary mover, but riding him was a real pleasure today. I’m quite happy to go first – it means it’s all over early!”

The home crowd was thrilled when the first Swedish rider, Frida Andersen, who was making her senior team debut, scored 46.0 penalties on Herta and took individual fifth place.

Her team mate Niklas Lindback did even better with a smooth performance on the much-admired Mister Pooh to lie second to Klimke on 42.0.

“It’s always fun to be competing in Malmo, especially because it is near my home,” said Lindback, who has the confidence of having twice won a CIC3* on Mister Pooh at this venue and was clearly revelling in the high levels of local support.

Lucy Wiegersma, who was one of Britain’s most successful under-21 riders, has made no secret of her longing to be on a senior team and she made a stylish debut on the 13-year-old Simon Porloe. She is currently in fourth place on 45.2, and the mark would have been higher had the Polish warmblood not resisted in the rein-back, earning fours from all three Ground Jury members.

“I think it will be a whole different competition on Saturday [Cross-Country],” the 36-year-old said. “The course should suit my horse; he’s very well balanced and will come back to you easily. I didn’t expect to feel such pleasure in being in the team, nor to be so nervous. It’s a different experience to just riding for yourself, but it’s a great feeling.”

Britain’s first rider, Pippa Funnell, already has a gold medal in the family this summer, as her husband, William, was a member of Britain’s winning Jumping team in Henning (DEN) last week.

Currently in 10th place, Funnell admitted that the Selle Francais gelding Mirage d’Elle would never achieve the amazing scores recorded by her back-to-back European Champion Supreme Rock, but she was nonetheless delighted. “I’m really chuffed,” she said. “My aim today was to put in a solid team test. This horse is so difficult to maintain in a round shape. I love him dearly, but it’s like Russian roulette. The amount of warm-up time is always a gamble. If you overdo it, he starts to struggle and says ‘I really can’t do it any more mum’.”

Funnell was overjoyed to be back on the team for the first time in nine years. “It’s all about being with your friends and being part of it. It’s so special and I’ve missed it so much.”

Away from the Dressage arena, riders were taking Rϋdiger Schwarz’s Cross Country track very seriously. The German designer is the master of creating brilliant influential courses on compact sites and he has managed to eke out every possible twist and turn in this public park which is much prized by Malmö residents.

Spectacular pictures are assured, with the backdrop of blue sea, the striking landmark of the Turning Torso and the flowers and waterways of the park.

Riders, however, will be concentrating more on the many challenging accuracy tests, especially the big corner which follows a step out of the water at fence 10 and the major question at the end of the course at fence 30, where a big spread is followed by a skinny brush to a corner.

“If you are happy to take your time, then you could do it perfectly,” comments Dirk Schrade. “But if you want to go fast, then it will be tricky.”

Follow the action on http://malmoeventing.com.

Download the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships press kit: www.feipresskits.org.

Watch the action LIVE on FEI TV: www.feitv.org/live:
30 August – Dressage Part 3: start time 09.55
30 August – Dressage Part 4: start time 13.25
31 August – Cross Country: start time 09:55
1 September – Jumping Part: 1 start time 10:55
1 September – Jumping Part: 2 start time 13:25

HSBC & Equestrian Sport

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the world’s largest events on the international Eventing circuit since 2008. These events include the:

  • HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2011 (Luhmühlen, Germany)
  • HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2013 (Malmö, Sweden)
  • HSBC FEI Classics Series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, and offers the biggest prize pot in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis.

For more information on HSBC and equestrian sport, go to the HSBC FEI hub here, where you can also access information on:

HSBC Rankings

The HSBC Rankings – the global Eventing rankings – were launched in 2008, when HSBC became the global sponsor of FEI Eventing. The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2012/2013 Eventing season receives a 50,000 USD bonus. The current leader of the HSBC Rankings is Andrew Nicholson (NZ).

HSBC Training Bursary

As part of HSBC’s support of the HSBC FEI Classics Series, a Training Bursary is presented to the highest placed rider at each event never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The training voucher is to the value of $1,000 and goes towards performance development with a trainer of the rider’s choice, approved by the FEI and National Federation. Winners of the HSBC Training Bursary are profiled in the HSBC FEI hub.

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

At Malmö:

Lotta Amnestal
+46 709 795635
lotta.amnestal@ridsport.se

At FEI:

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

Klimke Relishes the Luhmühlen Challenge on Tabasco

Ingrid Klimke and Tabasco TSF produced a flawless test to take the lead after Dressage at Luhmühlen CCI4*. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 14 June 2013 – Ingrid Klimke (GER) and her black gelding Tabasco TSF made a perfect picture as they took the lead after Dressage at Luhmühlen, presented by DHL Paket, the penultimate leg of the HSBC FEI Classics.

Klimke, who sets the standard for the Dressage phase in Eventing, earned a mark of 34.0. The 45-year-old, who finished fourth in the Freestyle at last week’s German National Dressage Championships, has a 2.7-point lead over another expert in the field, Lucinda Fredericks (AUS) on last year’s runner-up, Flying Finish.

“Tabasco felt super and concentrated very well,” said Klimke of the 13-year-old by Heraldik. “Chris [Bartle, the German team trainer] and Hans [Melzer, team manager] persuaded me to come here as they said they wanted to know if he is a four-star horse. “I said ‘Do you really need to know this year?’ But now I am glad that I came and we will know the answer to their question by Sunday!”

Fredericks’ result was all the more creditable as she suffered a nasty fall in March and the resulting injury to her collarbone required surgery. She had two months out of the saddle and has only ridden Flying Finish in one competition this year.

“I think the Cross Country is tougher this year, but perhaps that’s because I’m a year older!” said Fredericks. “I don’t sleep well before Cross Country anyway, but tonight I’m going to try and dream of tigers and get into an attacking frame of mind.”

Of her Dressage test, she commented: “I think it was better than last year. Flying Finish is such a genuine horse and I think will continue to improve.” Fredericks also praised the opportunity Luhmühlen offers for arena familiarisation, and for the consistency of surfaces in the warm-up areas and the competition arena.

Andrew Nicholson (NZL) looks set to increase his commanding lead in the HSBC FEI Classics, and he has three chances to do it. He is in third place on 38.0 after a polished display on the Pegasus-like grey, Mr Cruise Control, and is also in touch in 14th on Rathmoyle King and 20th on the Spanish-bred mare Qwanza.

Zara Phillips’ (GBR) visibly more established performance on her Olympic horse High Kingdom has put her in fourth place on 39.7, the gelding’s best mark at this level. The Irish-bred bay was markedly more engaged and rounded than at Badminton, where he had a run-out across country, and was “very bouncy to ride,” according to Phillips.

Luhmühlen’s defending champion, Michael Jung (GER), had to withdraw Leopin just before the competition, but his compatriots are to the fore, with Peter Thomsen (Horseware’s Cayenne), Kai Rüder (Le Prince des Bois) and Dirk Schrade (Edino) in fifth, sixth and seventh places.

The home side does not have it all their own way, however. Five nations are represented in the top 10, with Japan’s Kenki Sato, who is trained by Jung’s father Joachim, in eighth on Chippieh, just ahead of two Australians, Andrew Hoy (Rutherglen) in ninth, and Kevin McNab (Clifton Pinot), 10th.

Bettina Hoy (GER) may have caused a major form upset after finishing the Dressage phase in 50th and last place with a score of 80.8, but she deserved 10s for her stickability. Lanfranco TSF was thoroughly wound up and refused to co-operate, rearing repeatedly in the rein-back and giving Hoy a rough ride throughout.

Luhmühlen received a drenching of rain last night and the footing on the Cross Country will be all the better for it. Klimke, who has two Olympic gold medals but is yet to win a CCI4*, thinks Tabasco’s success over a variety of CIC3* courses will stand him in good stead.

“Tabasco needs a lot of support,” she said. “I have to tell him what to do and I’ll need to keep him concentrated. Anyway, we’ll know tomorrow if he’s a four-star horse!”

Full details on www.luhmuehlen.de.

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

Watch the action LIVE on FEI TV (www.feitv.org/live), the FEI’s official video website from Luhmühlen (GER):

15 June – Cross Country: 12.20 local time
16 June – Jumping: 13.45 local time

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

Media Contacts:

Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL PAKET:

Friederike Stüvel-Huck
Press Officer
media@luhmuehlen.de
+49 171 5382900

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

Klimke Triumphs at Third Leg of FEI World Cup Eventing Series

Germany’s Ingrid Klimke with Trakehner Tabasco 70 win third leg of the FEI World Cup Eventing in Malmö, Sweden. Image: Lotta Gyllensten.

Lausanne (SUI), 13 August 2012 – Less than two weeks after netting Olympic team gold, Germany’s Ingrid Klimke triumphed in the third leg of the FEI World Cup Eventing held in Malmö, Sweden.

Riding the 12-year-old Trakehner Tabasco 70, her winning mount at this year’s Luhmühlen CIC***, Klimke added just one knockdown in the Jumping to her first-phase score of 42.6.

Only Clayton Fredericks (AUS) earned a better Dressage mark from the Ground Jury of Gillian Rolton (AUS), Mercedes Campdera (MEX) and Anne-Marie Taylor (GBR), with Bendigo III recording the sole sub-40 score to lead the first phase. However the Australian’s hopes were dashed when his 13-year-old gelding picked up jumping penalties on Cross Country day.

There was compensation for Fredericks, though, in the shape of fifth and sixth places for Walterstown Don and Brookleigh respectively, while Sara Algotsson-Ostholt (SWE) and Mrs Medicott were best of the host nation in third, less than half a penalty ahead of her husband Frank (GER) and Little Paint.

Continue reading Klimke Triumphs at Third Leg of FEI World Cup Eventing Series

Tight at the Top for Olympic Team and Individual Eventing Medals

Sweden's Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Wega (pictured) share the individual lead with Germany's Ingrid Klimke and Butts Abraxxas going into the final jumping phase tomorrow. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

London (GBR), 30 July 2012 – Olympic Eventing cross-country produced spectacular sport in Greenwich Park today where at the end of an afternoon filled with thrills, spills, dramas and excitement, team Germany maintained the advantage. But it’s only a slight one, as the host British side lies just over five penalty points behind in silver medal position going into tomorrow’s final jumping phase, while Sweden is just over a single point further in arrears.

And first-day dressage joint-leaders – Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Sara Algotsson Ostholt (SWE) – returned to the top of the individual leaderboard when Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa was one of 10 fallers on the track over which 15 of the 70 starters were eliminated. Should Klimke and Algotsson Ostholt hold firm tomorrow, the German may live to regret her speedy and seamless tour of the track with Butts Abraxxas, as it her Swedish rival who crossed the finish-line closest to the optimum time with her mare, Wega, meaning the Swede would finish ahead.

Continue reading Tight at the Top for Olympic Team and Individual Eventing Medals

Record-breaking Germans Lead the Field at HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships

Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas lead the individual standings at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships and Germany is on top in the teams after the Dressage. Photo: Peter Nixon/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 26 August 2011 – Outstanding performances by Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung have put the home side into a fabulously strong position before tomorrow’s Cross Country phase at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen (GER).

The host nation, bidding for a first European team gold since 1973, is now more than 20 penalties ahead of defending champions Great Britain as the first team to score under 100 in the Dressage at European level. The Italians, who won silver in 2009, hold a fractional advantage in third over Sweden, who last won gold back in 1993.

Klimke is no stranger to brilliance in the Dressage arena, but even she was overwhelmed by FRH Butts Abraxxas’s mark of 30.0, which included six 10s: three for the entry and halt; two for her final halt and one, from Ground Jury member Christoph Hess, for her riding.

“Hans Melzer [German team trainer] told me I should do a 29, so he put me under pressure,” Klimke revealed.

The ever-smiling Klimke also admitted to despondency after her fall at Badminton (GBR) in April, in which she suffered a knee injury which kept her out of the saddle for 12 weeks.

“I was very depressed about it all because I just love to ride,” she said. “But then Abraxxas was in good shape at Aachen and Malmö and now I’m just thankful to be here.

Continue reading Record-breaking Germans Lead the Field at HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships