Tag Archives: Marcus Ehning

Competitions, Show Jumping

Master Ehning and His Prêt à Tout in Superb Form in Grimaud

Leave a comment

© Ljuba Buzzola for HUBSIDE JUMPING.

For this second nighttime event, the public of the HUBSIDE JUMPING in Grimaud was spoiled, with the victory, in the race over 150 of the CSI 4*, of the German Marcus Ehning, on his seventeen-year-old gelding, Prêt à Tout. In a jump-off which counted twelve qualified among the best riders in the world, the master is ahead of another exceptional couple, the French Simon Delestre on Hermès Ryan, and the Swede Peder Fredricson on H&M Christian K.

“I have to admit that it was a superb event to ride. The jump-off was really perfect. My horse, Prêt à Tout, is now seventeen years old; he is undoubtedly one of the most experienced horses in the world; he has a crazy intelligence and is very, very fast. You could say that he made it very easy for me. You can’t imagine how happy I am to see him still jumping at this age, in such a state of freshness. I’m on the HUBSIDE JUMPING for two weeks. Tomorrow he won’t be skipping the Grand Prix; however, I plan to run him in the CSI 5 * Grand Prix next week. He won’t do a lot of racing. ‘trials by then: he is the age we know him; it is hot here; it must be preserved. But I am so happy, not only for the victory, but also and above all for Prêt à Tout. The feeling in the saddle was wonderful and I am particularly proud of this horse, of his motivation, of his desire. Keep doing well. Tomorrow, it will be A La Carte who will participate in the CSI 4* Grand Prix. He’s twelve; we haven’t been together that long, but I believe in his potential. Every lap is good to take in terms of experience. I continue to learn from each test, and the same is true for the horses!”

Full results here.

Daniel Koroloff – E-mail: daniel@blizko-communication.com

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Extraordinary Ehning Tops Madrid Thriller with Phenomenal Pret a Tout

Leave a comment

Marcus Ehning with Pret a Tout. (FEI/Thomas Reiner)

Pret a Tout more than lived up to his name when carrying German ace, Marcus Ehning, to victory in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League qualifier at Madrid in Spain.

Fourth to go in a breathtaking nine-horse jump-off, the pair took the lead with a spectacular run that stopped the clock in 43.30 seconds and couldn’t be caught. Ehning’s compatriot and 2011 series champion. Christian Ahlmann, came a close second with his exciting nine-year-old stallion Dominator 2000 Z, while Belgium’s Pieter Devos and Espoir finished third. The crowd packed into the IFEMA Arena in the Spanish capital city was treated to a fabulous afternoon of sport.

Course designer, Javier Trenor, set the stage with a 12-fence first-round track in which almost every fence was on a related distance. Absolute accuracy was required to successfully navigate the roll-backs, dog-legs and tight turns in the small arena, and the 66 seconds time-allowed also played its part. But when it came to the jump-off then it was speed and courage that would count, with two exceptionally long runs in the closing stages. And Ehning was at his very best – so fast that he could take a check before the last and still set an unbeatable target.

He wasn’t quite so convinced himself, however. “I thought maybe I had left a small gap, but as it turned out I didn’t!” he said afterwards.

Italy’s Emilio Bicocchi and Evita SG Z produced the first jump-off clear in 44.93 and then Devos and his big-striding gelding Espoir raised the bar with a flyer at the last to break the beam in 43.66. But Ehning and Pret a Tout shaved almost a quarter of a second off that when galloping through the finish in 43.30.

He then had to sit back and watch the five that followed him, only Ahlmann and his lovely nine-year-old Dominator seriously threatening when scorching home in 43.53. A little wobble on the gallop to the final oxer may have made all the difference – “I had a chance to win today but my last line was not the best!” admitted the man who lifted the coveted series trophy back in 2011. But he was still thrilled with runner-up spot on a stallion that is only nine years old and showing such immense promise.

Ehning was delighted with Ruth Krech’s 16-year-old gelding who clearly still loves his job. He’s an extraordinary horse because he shows the same enthusiasm and ability in a massive arena like Aachen (GER) where he won the Grand Prix in 2018 as he does in a much smaller arena like the venue in Madrid.

“He’s a very fast and experienced horse, and I also have a bit of experience!” said the double Olympian and three-time FEI Jumping World Cup™ champion who is one of the most admired horsemen in the sport.

He admires the clever and confident Pret a Tout, because “he has his own style and it’s not classical, but his mind is really, really good and he’s very flexible and that helps him a lot. He’s a real personality – he’s quite lazy, but he knows he’s a very good horse so he always feels very proud of himself!” said the German star who is now targeting the WEL qualifier at Olympia in London (GBR) later this month.

Before that there is one more visit to Spain, for the seventh qualifier that takes place at La Coruna. Pieter Devos will be holding court at the head of the Western European League when that gets underway on 15 December, and although he didn’t repeat the win he posted at the previous leg in Stuttgart two weeks ago, he is feeling very pleased about his consistent results that have earned 55 valuable points and a definite place at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2020 Final next April.

“It is only halfway of the season and I’m very happy to know I’ll be going to Las Vegas! I’ve never ridden there and I’m excited to go!” Devos said.

Watch highlights here.

FULL RESULTS

By Louise Parkes

Media contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Marcus Ehning Wins Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva, the Final Major of the Year

Leave a comment

09 December 2018, Geneva, Switzerland – CHI Geneva welcomed 40 of the best riders in the world to compete in the most esteemed class of the show, the Rolex Grand Prix, the final Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

A spectacular competition saw Germany’s Marcus Ehning riding Pret A Tout victorious, repeating his success from CHIO Aachen where he won the Rolex Grand Prix in July earlier this year. Second place went to Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat (SUI) riding Albfüehren’s Bianca and third place went to Darragh Kenny (IRE) riding Balou du Reventon.

Over 42,500 fans gathered over the four days for the 2018 edition of the CHI Geneva with a packed arena witnessing a thrilling two-stage Rolex Grand Prix competition between the global elite. Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash (GBR) was the first rider to go clear, later joined by his fellow equestrian Testimonees Steve Guerdat and USA’s Kent Farrington in the line-up of riders going through to the jump-off. The Swiss crowd erupted into applause as one of their home favourites, Guerdat, went clear, sailing around the challenging course.

With 11 clears in the first round, the equestrian fans were enraptured as they waited for what promised to be a breath-taking jump-off, with three Rolex Testimonees, the world number one and a previous Major winner included in the line-up. Whilst all riders gave everything, it was Marcus Ehning who prevailed with a precision performance demonstrating his exquisite horsemanship and sporting skills.

The world’s equestrian elite will now look to The Dutch Masters, the first Major of 2019, where Ehning will be travelling as the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Virginie Chevailler
Rolex SA
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0)22 302 2619

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com
+44 (0)7748 186 833

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Team Germany Clinches the Challenge Cup

Leave a comment

Marcus Ehning riding Comme Il Faut. (FEI/Jim Hollander)

USA finishes second ahead of Brazil in third 

Marcus Ehning was the hero of the hour when clinching the Challenge Cup for Germany at the Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2018 in Barcelona (ESP) riding Comme Il Faut. Team-mate Philipp Weishaupt produced a foot-perfect pathfinding run from the lovely mare Asathir, but when Hans-Dieter Dreher left two fences on the floor with Berlinda and youngest team member Maurice Tebbel had a fence down and a time fault with Chacco’s Son, then all the pressure was piled on Ehning’s shoulders. He knew exactly what he had to do because he’s done it so many times before.

“I had to go clear to win the class. This last 20 years I’ve been doing the sport I’m used to the pressure. Especially this year I had a few rounds where I had to be clear and I was lucky I was clear, but I hope that will change and that in future years the pressure is on someone else!” — Marcus Ehning (Team Germany)

Of the seven competing nations there were two with just three team-members, Canada who started out that way in the first round of the Final and USA whose numbers were reduced when Jessica Springsteen and RMF Zecilie were a late withdrawal. But Alex Granato really rose to the occasion by steering Carlchen W through a foot-perfect round. So when all the US had to count was a double-error from Andy Kocher and Kahlua and a single time fault from Lucy Deslauriers with Hester, then their nine-fault total was good enough for runner-up spot.

That time fault was costly, however, because Deslauriers was the last of the five riders chasing down a €50,000 bonus on offer to anyone producing clear rounds. If she had been just that little bit faster, she would have had it all to herself.

Brazil lined up third on 10 faults ahead of Spain with 15, Canada with 16, Great Britain with 20, and the United Arab Emirates on a big score of 40 faults.

The Germans had mixed feelings about their success. The competition was open to the teams that did not qualify in the first round for the top-eight Final. Philipp Weishaupt said it was tough to miss the cut by such a narrow margin when time was taken into account after four teams completed with an eight-fault scoreline. “We missed out by less than a second, and it wasn’t so easy to keep the motivation up today. We put our breeches on in the hotel and came out to jump tonight but all the other teams had their jeans on. But we knew we had to do it and we knew we had to try our best,” he added.

Ehning, who along with Tebbel was a member of the German team that claimed bronze at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 in Tryon, USA two weeks ago when their team-mate, Simone Blum, also took the individual title with the lovely mare DSP Alice, is one of the world’s most admired horsemen. He had the crowd spell-bound as he cruised at high speed around the track to bring glory to his country once again.

When asked how he prepared to go into such a pressure round, he explained that Comme Il Faut had been jumping too high in the practice arena, so he schooled him over small fences to get him to jump lower which would allow them to take on the course at greater speed.

“Especially at the first fence I wanted him to be fast. The time was a bit tight… but if you can flow with him then you just have to follow him and he makes it very easy for the rider; he’s a very clever horse!” — Marcus Ehning (Team Germany)

Meanwhile, his Chef d’Equipe described the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ series as “the biggest thing we have in our sport! All of our different stakeholders are fighting for it: the breeders, supporters, owners, the riders, the Chefs’ d’Equipe, the Federations, everybody. It’s something special to be in a team, to fight with a team, to lose or win together for your country. I love this!” Otto Becker said.

Result here.

By Louise Parkes

Media contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

Interview with Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender Marcus Ehning

Leave a comment

Marcus Ehning and Pret A Tout victorious in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. Photo: Rolex / Kit Houghton)

To win the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen in front of your home crowd must have been amazing. What was going through your mind?

This was my second Rolex Grand Prix victory at the CHIO Aachen, so I knew already what an amazing reception I would receive if I won; however, when it actually happened, the feeling was indescribable and even louder than what I remembered. Each year the crowd gets better and the noise is incredible. I actually think winning the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen is one of the nicest victories in my career and certainly a moment I will never forget.

How did this year’s Rolex Grand Prix victory compare to when you won in 2006?

The first time you win a Major like this is always so special. When I competed at the CHIO Aachen 12 years ago in 2006 I really didn’t expect to win. I was younger and less experienced, so it was a bit of surprise for me! This year I felt like I had a horse who could go the distance; he was feeling good and I knew I had a very strong chance if everything went to plan. They were very different situations and many years apart, but I think both feel equally special.

Can you tell us about Pret A Tout?

Pret A Tout is 15 years old now, so he has lots of experience as well as such enormous talent. We have won some big competitions together and he is a horse I really believe in. He is very intelligent, very consistent and always knows his job. You put him in the right spot, point in him in the right direction and he will do his best for you every single time. We really put our trust in each other and it often pays off.

At the CHIO Aachen, when we entered the arena for prize-giving, I could just let go of the reins and wave to the crowd, as Pret A Tout is so relaxed, he knows he has done his job and can just enjoy the atmosphere – I think he enjoys the crowd and receiving the prizes more than me! You can see in his body language he really loves it.

How do you produce a talented horse like Pret A Tout?

You need to have a big support network behind you; producing a top Grand Prix horse does not come down to one person. It starts with the groom, the riders at home and the programme you put together with your team. The horse needs to be focused but also needs to be happy at home in order to learn and develop. I do my best to form a strong bond with all the horses; it is so important to build their trust and develop the partnership.

You have had a long and very successful career. How has the sport changed with the introduction of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping?

I think Rolex have chosen four of the best shows in the world to form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. All four Majors have the best atmosphere, footing, stabling conditions – all the assets that create the best environment for the riders and horses.

The introduction of the Grand Slam created a big step up for our sport; it has helped it to grow and develop and also creates a whole new element for spectators; it certainly makes it more exciting!

You weren’t sure whether you would be able to compete at CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters.’ How did you make your final decision?

With the FEI World Equestrian Games™ being so close to Spruce Meadows, I didn’t want to make any decisions without consulting my team, but now we have had discussions and have decided we have the horses to make it work. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping bonus system was a big pull for us, as if we don’t attend Spruce Meadows our Grand Slam journey would be over and there would be no opportunity to compete for the bonuses at CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an exciting journey to be a part of, so I felt we needed to try and make it work. I am lucky to have an amazing selection of horses at home, so we will see what happens.

Which horses are you taking to CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’?

I am hoping to take Cornado NRW and Funky Fred.

Which horse are your hoping to ride in the CP ‘International’ presented by Rolex?

I don’t know which horse I will ride in this class. I haven’t competed at Spruce Meadows for such a long time, so I want to arrive and familiarise myself with the place before making any decisions. I will also see what the weather is like and how the horses are feeling as all these elements can affect which horse I choose.

What has been your career highlight so far?

The biggest highlight of my career so far has to be winning a gold medal at the 2000 Games in Sydney with the German team. It was such a special moment and one I will never forget.

What motivates you each day?

For me, my biggest motivation is not the big shows, it’s not the winning; my biggest motivation is the relationship with the horses. I love working with them, competing with them, and growing with them. To build a partnership with a horse, see how it evolves and develops and be on a journey with them is such an incredible feeling.

If you weren’t a professional show jumper, what would you be?

I honestly can’t answer that question. I am so lucky to combine my hobby and my passion with my work.

What advice would you give to a young up-and-coming rider?

I have learnt so much in my career, but I think the best advice I can give is to remember this: ‘most of the faults you accumulate in the ring are due to rider error and not a horse’s mistake. So, when it does not go to plan, you must not blame the horse; you must look at what you as a rider could have done better and that’s the only way you will improve.’

© 2018 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Relive Nations Cup CSIO5* at CHIO Aachen on Horse & Country TV

Leave a comment

Photo: Courtesy of Horse & Country TV.

London, U.K. – July 24, 2018 – Following the exciting conclusion of the prestigious CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Germany on Sunday, Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) is proud to offer its U.S. audience the opportunity to relive all of the action in its exclusive coverage of the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* and the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

H&C TV will broadcast highlights from the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* on Tuesday, July 24, at 8 p.m. EST and the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* as-live on Wednesday, July 25, at 8 p.m. EST. Don’t miss one of the biggest show jumping events of the year! Join H&C TV to watch the coverage from Aachen here.

In addition to Tuesday and Wednesday’s broadcasts, a highlights show recapping the event will also air on Friday, July 27, at 8 p.m. EST.

World renowned athlete from Germany, Marcus Ehning, won Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* – his second Aachen grand prix title in 12 years.

Ehning is highly respected for his stylish, effortless riding and he didn’t disappoint. His partner Pret A Tout was also on top form, having led Germany to its third consecutive Nations Cup victory at Aachen earlier in the week on Thursday. Once again, the 15-year-old Selle Français gelding pulled off a perfect performance.

“First of all, I have to thank my horse,” said Ehning. “He has an incredibly good nature and knows his job! When he enters the ring and hears the crowd it gives him additional motivation.”

Ehning is now in the running for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The next leg will be held at Spruce Meadows in early September. Following Sunday’s victory, Ehning said he hadn’t planned on competing there but may have to take a second look at his competition schedule. After all, there is €1 million up for grabs!

Watch Ehning’s incredible display of horsemanship in H&C TV’s broadcasts of the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* and the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* at CHIO Aachen on Tuesday and Wednesday!

Horse & Country TV
www.horseandcountrytv.us

Competitions, Show Jumping

Marcus Ehning Wins the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen

Leave a comment

Marcus Ehning riding Pret A Tout (Photo: Rolex/Kit Houghton)

Germany’s Marcus Ehning gave the 40,000 patriotic spectators a reason to celebrate at CHIO Aachen, as he clinched the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix title aboard his 15-year-old chestnut gelding, Pret A Tout.

Although this is the fourth Major Ehning has won, his Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping journey has only just begun, as he becomes the new live contender. We spoke to Ehning following his incredible performance, which left him two seconds clear of his closest rival, Portugal’s Luciana Diniz:

What were your thoughts when you walked the course?

I thought it was a really good course. I thought there would be about 10 clears and, in the end, there were 11. There wasn’t anywhere specifically that looked too challenging or that my horse couldn’t jump, but my horse has performed amazingly in past years here, and he gave me a confidence that I could really trust him and believe that we could go all the way. He is a very flexible horse and I am very lucky to be riding him.

Which round was more difficult, the first or second?

For me the first round was more difficult; a few times I didn’t have the perfect rhythm that I wanted but I was very happy to be clear. The second round was amazing; from the first jump to the last, we were fast but there was a lot of control and I really enjoyed it.

Where you nervous watching Luciana’s round?

I was nervous watching Luciana; she is a good rider and has come close to winning here a few times.

You are now the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender; will you be competing at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in September?

Before this win today I was only focusing on the World Equestrian Games, but obviously now this is a very different situation. I need to speak to my team and my owners to work out a strategy and think about what we do.

© 2018 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Ehning and Comme Il Faut Give a Masterclass in Madrid

Leave a comment

Marcus Ehning with Comme Il Faut. (Hervé Bonnaud/FEI)

Madrid (ESP), 27 November 2016 – A typically thrilling jump-off ride gave German maestro, Marcus Ehning, maximum points at the sixth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2016/2017 Western European League in Madrid, Spain. Partnering the 11-year-old stallion Comme Il Faut, the 42-year-old three-time FEI World Cup™ champion put the result beyond doubt with one of his trademark super-tight turns in the nine-horse jump-off against the clock.

He was chasing the target set by Rio 2016 Olympic team gold medallist Kevin Staut and the 11-year-old Dutch-bred gelding Aran, and runner-up finishing spot was no great disappointment for the 36-year-old Frenchman, as it launched him to the top of the League leaderboard ahead of the next round of the series in La Coruna (ESP) next month. Third place went to 30-year-old Briton, Scott Brash with Hello M’Lady, while German legend and 1993 FEI World Cup™ champion, 53-year-old Ludger Beerbaum, slotted into fourth with Casello.

In contrast to some of the previous legs this season, Spanish course designer Javier Trenor managed to keep the jump-off numbers under control, with the very narrow top plank on the final element of the triple combination proving the undoing of many in the first round.

Against the clock, however, it was the penultimate FEI World Cup™ branded vertical that was the real influencer, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Mary Lou demolishing it before Tobias Meyer’s (GER) mare, Cathleen, ducked out at it. Fourth to go, Beerbaum was clear but when Staut shaved almost four seconds off his time then Ehning knew what he had to do, even if it didn’t quite go to plan. “I didn’t have a good shot to the vertical (second-last) so I knew I had to make that turn if I wanted to win!” he explained, after taking what seemed like an impossible line inside fence three on his way to the last, to stop the clock in the winning time of 43.56 seconds.

Thrilled with the performance of Comme Il Faut whose cat-like jumping technique drew gasps of delight from the crowd in both rounds, Ehning said, “He has famous parents (Cornet Obolensky/Ratina Z) and he’s an incredible horse; you can see he is clever and careful and he did a super job in the jump-off – I’m really proud of him!”

Full result here

Quotes:

Marcus Ehning GER (1st), talking about his jump-off round: “You always have to have a plan A, but today I had to use Plan B!”

Scott Brash GBR (3rd), talking about his plans for getting to the 2016/2017 FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final: “At the rate I’m going we will have to see if that’s even possible! It has taken quite a while to get some points but I’m very happy with my horse. She was out for much of the outdoor season so it’s great to have her back now in top level sport.”

Javier Trenor ESP, Course Designer: “I was happy with the course and the results in general at the show this week were good. I was happy with the time-allowed for first round (68 seconds) – there were nine riders clear and I always aim to get between eight and twelve, just one rider with a time fault, so that’s good as well.”

Marcus Ehning GER (1st), talking about his plans for the remainder of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping season: “I’m quite relaxed. I have plenty of good horses and I have two more shows this year. My goal is to get to the Final, but there is no pressure.”

Don’t miss a hoofbeat! Watch it all LIVE on www.feitv.org.

Social media: #FEIWorldCupWEL #RidetoOmaha #FEIWorldCupFinals #TwoHearts

Rider biographies: view online and download from www.fei.org/bios.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Madrid:

Alejandra Camara
Press Officer
a.camara@madridhorseweek.com
+34 609 915 944

At FEI:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Dressage, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Marcus Ehning Wins Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant

Leave a comment

Image courtesy of ROLEX.

13 March 2016, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands – Marcus Ehning rode Cornado NRW to win the Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant in the Netherlands, with Hans-Dieter Dreher in second and Willem Greve in third place.

The world’s best riders gave everything to win the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix with competitors from 13 different nations from as far as Australia, USA and Qatar. The Netherlands were the strongest represented with the home nation fielding 11 riders, followed by Germany with six and Belgium with five world-class combinations.

The Louis Koninckx designed course was a challenging and technical ask for the riders, who had to tackle a 13-fence first course set with a very tight time. From the 40 starters, just 12 went clear and within the time to make it through to the jump-off.

Commenting on his victory, Marcus Ehning said, “I was really pleased with my horse. He was fantastic – it was a great course and great fans as always here.”

It was not to be for 2015 winner Daniel Deusser from Germany, riding Cornet D’Amour, who just tipped one fence down in the second round. The jump-off thrilled the packed crowds who were on the edge of their seats as the final riders battled it out for the Rolex Grand Prix prize.

The passionate home fans had to settle for a third place with Willem Greve finishing less than one second behind the German pair of Ehning and Dreher, with only four riders managing a double-clear.

In ninth position was Rolex Testimonee, and the first and only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash, who had one fence down early in the jump-off round.

From 10-13 March the medieval city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch became the focal point for international show jumping as it staged four days of exceptional equestrian sport. Indoor Brabant’s long and distinguished history, combined with its long-term partnership with Rolex – which was extended in 2014 – has strengthened s’Hertogenbosch’s position at the top of the international indoor show jumping circuit.   In this 49th edition of the show, it combined both elite-level show jumping and dressage.

There were several top CSI5* jumping classes over the four days of competition, with the Rolex Grand Prix bringing the show to an exciting climax on Sunday evening.

Rolex Equestrian Testimonees Compete at ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Rolex Testimonees have taken the honours in the showpiece jumping class at Indoor Brabant on no less than four occasions since 2003. French rider Kevin Staut won the Rolex Grand Prix in 2014; Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum took back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006; while Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa and the legendary Baloubet du Rouet jumped to victory in 2003.

Four of Rolex’s Testimonees were competing in this year’s Grand Prix, including Rolex’s newest Testimonee, Scott Brash; Kevin Staut from France; Irish rider and Rolex’s youngest Testimonee, Bertram Allen; and leading Swiss rider and current Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat. Brash finished in the highest position, after making it to the jump-off but was unlucky in tipping one pole down dropping him down to finish in ninth position.

It was not to be for Guerdat as he rode a perfect clear jumping round, but picked up just one time penalty ruling him out of the jump-off. The Swiss champion will now be looking ahead to CHIO Aachen 2016 having triumphed in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva in December 2015. Guerdat, who is currently the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, is hoping to emulate the historic feat achieved by Scott Brash at Spruce Meadows in 2015.

World Class Dressage

As well as top class show jumping, Indoor Brabant played host to two days of world class dressage, including the ninth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage.

At the 2014 show, Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth won both the Grand Prix and Freestyle events. Sadly due to a late injury to her prized horse Don Johnson, Werth was forced to withdraw from the competition.

The 2016 edition was won by Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) who steered Glock’s Flirt to a stylish victory.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0)22 302 2761

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 (0)7770 647 662

FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Ehning and Cornado Produce Sensational Win at Penultimate Longines Qualifier in Bordeaux

Leave a comment

Marcus Ehning receives his prize of a Longines watch from Alain Henry, Longines France after the German rider won the penultimate qualifying leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League at Bordeaux, France tonight with Cornado NRW. Photo: FEI/Fred Chehu.

Bordeaux (FRA), 8 February 2014 – Germany’s Marcus Ehning cruised to victory with Cornado NRW tonight in the penultimate qualifying round of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2014 Western European League series at the Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux in France.  Ehning’s horse, an 11-year-old son of his former super-star ride, Cornet Obolensky, was making his debut at this level of the sport but showed his extraordinary class when galloping home to snatch victory from the European Championship winning partnership of Roger Yves Bost and the brilliant mare Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois from France.

Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer steered his Zurich winner, Toulago, into third in the 13-horse jump-off while Ireland’s Billy Twomey and the veteran Tinka’s Serenade finished fourth ahead of Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker in fifth with Elle van de Kolmen.

Many riders were desperately chasing those elusive qualifying points for the Final tonight, and for fourth-placed Twomey and Britain’s Joe Clee who lined up sixth with Diablesse de Muze it was relief at last as they have now clearly made the cut.  However there are many more top riders still outside the top-18 qualification zone going into the last leg at Gothenburg, Sweden in three weeks’ time where the pressure will be at boiling point.

Quality field

With a quality field of 37 that included 12 of the top 20 riders on the current Longines Rankings, course designer Uliano Vezzani was always going to face a challenge in weeding out the best from the rest tonight.  And for many, disappointment came in the shape of just a single first-round error over a track that had all the hallmarks of the Italian maestro.

It was neither complicated nor trappy, but many fences were at maximum height and each line needed to be accurately ridden to achieve the ultimate goal of a clear round.  There were no major bogey fences, with poles falling all around the course which started over a vertical and moved on a bending line to an oxer at fence two and a water-tray vertical at three before a turn-back to the vertical at four which invited riders to jump at an angle in order to get a quicker line to the oxer at five.  The two-stride opening distance in the triple combination was not over-generous so the following verticals quite often hit the floor before riders kicked on to the oxer at fence seven and the water-tray oxer at eight which was followed by a double – vertical to oxer – at nine.  A long left-handed sweep led to the oxer at fence ten and the vertical at 11 before riders turned down the long side of the arena one last time to be faced by tall, thin red planks and then the final oxer.

The only major drama of the first round was the retirement of Steve Guerdat and Nasa when things went awry at the double at nine.

Door wide open

Pathfinders against the clock were Germany’s Marco Kutscher and Cash who left the door wide open with two fences down.  The new track was all about turn-backs as it snaked its way through three looping lines across the ring. The turn from the oxer at fence two to the water-tray oxer at eight was pivotal to success, but Kutscher’s first mistake came at the following oxer after which riders had to circle right-handed back to the second two elements of the former triple combination which had now both been raised.  Then it was a left-handed circle to the vertical at fence four before the long gallop to the final oxer.

British rider Clee, who finished second in Zurich two weeks ago, set the first target when clear in 38.20 but, two horses later, Ireland’s Billy Twomey shaved more than two seconds off that to take the lead with a superb run from the veteran 17-year-old mare Tinka’s Serenade.  The French supporters were hoping Patrice Delaveau, winner of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping qualifiers at both Helsinki (FIN) and Leipzig (GER) this season, could deliver once again, but Carinjo HDC dropped a pole at the double of verticals three fences from home where Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and the fabulous Fit for Fun also faulted.

Pius Schwizer made no mistake however as he steered his Zurich winner, the nine-year-old Toulago, to snatch the advantage with a brilliant round in 35.83 seconds and that really put it up to the remaining combinations.  Ukraine’s Katharina Offel and Lacontino hit the penultimate vertical, and although Britain’s Michael Whitaker and Elle van de Kolmen were clean and clear their time of 37.37 wasn’t a threat to the leading pack.

But the round produced by the duo who claimed the individual title at the ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark last summer certainly was.  Roger Yves Bost set off at a cracking pace with his brave and brilliant mare and the French crowd jumped to their feet with delight when Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois galloped through the finish to re-set the target in 35.66 seconds.  It seemed now that it must be all over, and when Ludger Beerbaum’s Chiara caught the back bar of the oxer halfway around the track then there were only two between the Frenchman and those coveted maximum points.

Marcus Ehning can never be discounted however, and the three-time FEI World Cup Jumping champion set off on a mesmerising tour of the track with Cornado NRW picking up fractions of seconds at every turn despite his hugely extravagant jump to break the beam in 35.45 seconds – just 0.21 seconds quicker than Bost.  So when Ireland’s Cameron Hanley and Antello Z posted a clear in 39.39 it was done and dusted.  Ehning was delighted with the result.

First World Cup

“This was my first World Cup qualifier with this horse and I’m really happy, not just with the win but with how much the horse is improving,” said the 39-year-old rider who currently lies fourth on the Longines Rankings. “Over the last few months we have competed in three Grand Prix classes and finished third, second and first – he’s getting better and better all the time,” he added.

He couldn’t disguise his excitement at the potential of Cornado NRW after the big grey won a class in Verona, Italy last November when he described the stallion as “a special one”.  He said then, “We have been together now for two years, and he has more power, more quality and more gallop to show – it is important to take time to develop a horse like this.  He’s definitely one for the future.”  After his success tonight, it seems the future has already arrived.

When asked tonight if he thought Cornado would be his horse for the forthcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, Ehning replied, “I don’t know yet; I’m just happy with how things are right now,” but he has decided to take him to the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Lyon in April.  “I have three horses qualified for the Final but my first choice is Cornado,” Ehning pointed out.

Meanwhile Roger Yves Bost was stoic about finishing in runner-up spot. “Even though Marcus beat me I am happy because we did not go at full speed.  My objective today was to qualify for Lyon and we have done that so I am extremely pleased!  The plan is to take Myrtille to Lyon and also to the World Equestrian Games.  Nippon is also qualified for Lyon, but it is more likely that I will take Myrtille,” he explained.

Ehning has now overtaken Patrice Delaveau at the top of the Western European Leaderboard while Schwizer lies third ahead of Britain’s Scott Brash in fourth and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat in fifth.  The battle between those further down the line who are still in contention for a top-18 finishing spot in order to qualify for the Final will be at fever pitch when the action resumes at the last qualifying leg in Gothenburg on 2 March.

For more information on the ninth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League at Bordeaux, France, visit website www.jumping-bordeaux.com or contact Press Officer Marie-Sol Fournier, Email ms.fournier@bordeaux-expo.com, Tel: + 33 556 119943.

The last qualifying leg in the Western European League will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday 2 March 2014.  For all information on the Swedish fixture, check out website www.goteborghorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Mayvor Thorin, Email mayvor.thorin@gotevent.se, Tel:+46 705 838 420.

Full result here.

Full standings here.

Facts and Figures:

Bordeaux, France presented the penultimate qualifying leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2014 Western European League tonight.

37 starters from 15 countries, including 9 horse-and-rider combinations from the host nation of France.

Course designer was Italy’s Uliano Vezzani.

13 went into the jump-off against the clock.

A total of 12 riders picked up just four faults in the first round.

Winning rider was Germany’s Marcus Ehning with the 11-year-old grey stallion Cornado NRW, by Cornet Obolensky.

Tonight’s victory has promoted the German rider to the top of the Western European League leaderboard.

Runner-up was the reigning FEI European Championship winning partnership of Roger Yves Bost from France and the mare Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois.

12 of the top 20 riders in the current Longines Rankings competed in tonight’s qualifying leg.

The last qualifier in the Western European League series will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden on 2 March.

Quotes:

Marcus Ehning GER, when asked if he could compare Cornado NRW to his sire Cornet Obolensky – “They are both exceptional horses but they are very different.”

Marcus Ehning GER – “Cornado is getting faster and faster in his turns and that’s my kind of horse. I’m not normally fast in straight lines but I am quick on the turns.”

Marcus Ehning GER, when asked about a foal he won at Bordeaux a few years ago – “He is now five years old and is jumping in Young Horse classes with Maria Gretzer in Sweden.”

Marcus Ehning GER, during the press conference – “I would like to point out that we were not being disrespectful to the French public when we didn’t take off our hats during the prizegiving ceremony – we were just obeying the new rules.”

Pius Schwizer SUI, when asked to explain his recent success with his young horse Toulago – “This is a nine year old horse and I am a good rider who has been doing the job of producing good young horses for 20 years now.  That is my job!”

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/5hw39LiY3D4

FEI TV: don’t miss a hoofbeat – www.feitv.org.

Longines Live Timing Jumping application: available free for download from The App Store (iPhone) & Android Markets. Combining precision and performance, this is a detailed and exclusive application designed especially for Jumping fans – follow live results, see latest Longines Rankings, view competition schedules, obtain exclusive information and alerts on your favorite riders and get all the latest FEI news.

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

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 it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

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 Bordeaux:

Marie-Sol Fournier
Email: ms.fournier@bordeaux-expo.com
Tel: + 33 556 119943

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

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

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com