Competitions, Equestrian Sport Prod., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Marie Hecart and Vahinee Excel in $20k Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix Victory

Marie Hecart & Vahinee © Cassidy Klein

ESP November kicked off on an exciting note with the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake in the International Ring. Designed by Jasen Shelley (USA), the course hosted 18 horse-and-rider pairs, with 10 successfully moving on to the immediate jump-off. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) and Quick Chick 3, owned by Victoria Heurtematte, captured the win with an impressive time of 33.83 seconds. Marie Hecart (FRA) and Vahinee, owned by Normandie Connection, claimed second place with a close time of 34.906 seconds. Alannah Wagstaff (USA) rounded out the top three, finishing aboard Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm, Inc., with a time of 35.932 seconds.

Following the feature jumping class, the hunters showcased their skills in the $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Pilates Rocks. Marcus Au (USA) and Wishful, owned by Quail Run Partnerships, earned the top score of 171 to take first place. Jenna George (USA) and her own entry, Chaperone, secured second with a score of 163, and Meredith Gallagher (USA) earned third place aboard Annette Friend’s MTM Aztek, with a score of 158.

On Saturday morning, James Billington (GBR) triumphed in the $5,000 Zen Elite Equestrian Center 1.35m Stake. Billington and his mount, Cinderella 770, owned by Mia Mannis, delivered a blazing fast round of 32.799 seconds to clinch the win. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) took home his second top placing of the week aboard Check Me Out, owned by Victoria Heurtematte, with a time of 33.772 seconds in the jump-off, while Abigail McArdle and I&H Boogy Woogy, owned by Samuel Parot, rounded out the podium with a clear 34.993 second time.

The week’s competition wrapped up with the $20,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix in the International Ring. As the final contenders in the jump-off, Marie Hecart (FRA) and Vahinee, owned by Normandie Connection, claimed the victory with a swift time of 37.972 seconds. Adding to her success, Hecart also earned fourth place aboard her second ride, Edonna D’Udine, another Normandie Connection mount.

Pablo Barrios (USA) and his own entry, Japaloupe, delivered a strong performance with a clear round in 38.17 seconds, earning second place. Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) and Cristiano Obolensky, co-owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms Inc. & Kalansky Stables LLC, secured third with a clear time of 39.11 seconds.

To view full results from ESP November, please click HERE.

Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

Competitions, Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Sophie Hinners: A Rising Star Shines in Verona

Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames my Prins ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

Just a week after her partner Richard Vogel (GER) claimed victory in Lyon (FRA), 26-year-old Sophie Hinners (GER) made her own mark on the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League in Verona (ITA), winning the fourth qualifier of the season.

40 riders fought for a spot in the jump-off, with only five advancing and just three completing it without faults. Hinners, aboard the twelve-year-old gelding Iron Dames my Prins, outpaced her seasoned rivals with a time of 37.91 seconds. Ben Maher (GBR) on the bay stallion Point Break clocked in at 38.23 seconds to secure second place, while Marcus Ehning (GER) with Coolio 42 finished third at 38.35 seconds.

This season marks Hinners’ debut year competing consistently at 5* level. This was only her second Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier — and her very first jump-off with Iron Dames my Prins. Whether it was raw talent or beginner’s luck that propelled her to victory, Marcus Ehning has no doubts: “Sophie has an amazing season. It’s a good horse, and she is an incredible rider.” Ben Maher echoed this praise, saying, “She is young, but she is a huge threat”

Although new to riding Iron Dames my Prins since July, Hinners remains modest, crediting her success to her team’s support. “My team colleague David Will (GER) rode this horse before me and he educated him so well. The horse knew what his job was today. David knows him inside out, so he helps me a lot during trainings at home. He even called me after the first round today, to discuss the jump-off. Also Rich (Richard Vogel) helps me when he can and is a great motivator for me,” she said.

While Hinners faced more experienced riders, she had confidence in the course design. “The course was tough today, but I knew it would fit my horse. He is a big scopey horse. He is not scared and he jumps effortlessly. That’s perfect in a course where oxers are wide and fences come quick after turns. So I felt very positive when I walked to the stable to take him with me for the warm-up.”

Though pleased with his performance, Ben Maher faced a momentary setback in the jump-off when Point Break stumbled slightly upon landing. “That took us a little bit of time to recover. This horse needs experience. It is a young horse, and I was happy to see that he didn’t lose his head when he tripped,” Maher reflected.

With ten Italian riders competing, hopes were high for a home-country podium finish — yet history proved difficult to overcome. In 23 years of Jumping Verona, no Italian has claimed first place. Though Lorenzo de Luca looked promising, his horse Curcuma Il Palazzetto knocked down a rail, ending his chances.

Hinners now stands 11th in the provisional rankings of the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League 2024/25, tied with Robert Whitaker, while Vogel sits in 8th place. Reflecting on their shared success, Hinners was thrilled: “What’s happening now is really something very special. I had it in my mind after Rich’s win last week: how cool would it be, if I could win this week? But I didn’t believe it could happen. It’s amazing. I still cannot believe it.”

Some seasoned athletes, including Kevin Staut (FRA), Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP), Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA), and Steve Guerdat (SUI), each had a fence down in the first round, yet their fast times secured them places in the top 15 and some qualification points.

After this fourth leg, Kevin Staut (FRA) leads the Western European League standings, followed by Gregory Wathelet (BEL), Steve Guerdat (SUI), Yuri Mansur (BRA), and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP).

The next leg of the Western European League will take place on Sunday, November 17, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. While Hinners won’t be competing there, she has her sights set on London, hoping to earn additional points toward qualifying for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel (SUI). Reflecting her characteristic humility, she said, “Basel is the goal, but we will see how things go.”

FULL RESULTS

by Mirjam van Huet

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Matz Makes a Statement with First World Cup Victory in Toronto

Alex Matz (USA) and Ikigai © FEI/Mackenzie Clark

When Alex Matz (USA) received a last-minute call informing him that he had made the field for the highly selective Royal Horse Show in Toronto (CAN), he wasted no time accepting the invitation. The decision was handsomely rewarded Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd, as he rode Ikigai to the top of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto — the first World Cup victory of Matz’s career.

Matz, 28, bested a five-horse jump-off, producing the only double-clear effort of the night over Oscar Soberon’s (USA) short course. The winning time was 34.68 seconds. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and McLain Ward (USA) finished second and third, respectively, each adding a single rail to their scorecards. Foster claimed the runner-up spot with Electrique (4/32.81), while Ward was third with Ilex (4/34.58).

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I’m really proud of my horse, proud of my team, and I’m really honored to be in this position with two incredible riders behind me and so many good riders in the field,” said Matz.

While the competition was stiff, no athlete came into the event with a hotter hand than Matz, who had already recorded two victories at the venue before he entered the arena for World Cup competition. Fresh off his first senior championship at the Longines League of Nations (ESP), the son of Olympic silver medalist Michael Matz was brimming with confidence and rode like a far more seasoned professional than his years would allow. With only Ward and Foster following him in the jump-off, he put the pressure on his more experienced rivals with a forward, efficient track and a bold turn to the final vertical.

“I knew I had to give it my all,” Matz said. “I had really fast riders behind me. Sometimes I try to go too fast and make mistakes, so I didn’t want to do that. My horse is in great form, and fortunately everything stayed up.”

Ward got the first chance to chase Matz’s target and was well mounted with Ilex, who helped him earn a fifth Olympic medal when anchoring Team USA to silver in Paris (FRA). Ward’s plan was to use his horse’s large stride to his advantage, but an aggressive angle to the second fence resulted in 4 faults.

“This is actually [Ilex’s] first international indoor show. I’m very happy that he handled it well,” Ward said. “He’s not the fastest horse, so I knew I had to take some risks. I thought that was a place that I could do it, and I maybe over-sliced it.”

That left it all up to Foster, who came forward last with the exciting 10-year-old mare, Electrique. The pair executed the majority of their jump-off flawlessly and were up by nearly two seconds on the clock when Foster turned tightly back to the final fence. This time, the rail fell.

“Sometimes I go too slow… so I was trying to go as fast as I could,” Foster said. “The only bit of the jump-off I’d been able to watch was Alex’s turn to the last fence. I tried to replicate it, but I didn’t do it as well.”

Matz has been partnered with 11-year-old Ikigai for more than three years, acquiring the chestnut stallion from his former employer, Jos Lansink (BEL). Their introduction began a trend of exceeded expectations.

“I went to Jos, because he said he had quite a special horse, and I didn’t really believe him,” Matz confessed. “Then I sat on him, and it was like nothing I’d ever sat on.”

Matz quickly became a believer in his horse, and their partnership started strong. However, an injury sustained in the spring of 2023 sent Ikigai to the sidelines for nearly a year. This fall, the pair has turned a corner, producing their biggest and most consistent results yet.

“He’s come back better than I could have ever, ever imagined. I’m really proud of him, because I’ve probably told everybody how good of a horse he is, but I think a lot of people didn’t believe me until recently. Now, he’s proved it,” said Matz.

Defending champion Daniel Bluman (ISR) finished seventh with Gemma W but took over the lead in the North American League standings with 37 points. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) moved into second (35 points), followed by Kent Farrington (USA) with 30 points.

FULL RESULTS

by Catie Staszak

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, Driving, FEI, FEI

Boyd Exell Masterful in Maastricht

Boyd Exell (AUS) © FEI/Leanjo de Koster

Hot on the heels of the opening leg in Lyon (FRA), the FEI Driving World Cup™ action moved to Maastricht (NED) with a starry lineup, which included current World Champion Bram Chardon (NED) and two previous champions, Boyd Exell (AUS) and Koos de Ronde (NED), who were all launching their new series campaigns.

But it was the Australian who produced the most polished and consistent four rounds over the two days of competition to earn ten points and join last week’s winner Dries Degrieck (BEL) at the top of the ranking table. Driving three of his stalwart World Cup horses, Mad Max 81, Bajnok, and Barney, plus a new mare Katydid Duchess, Boyd started his bid for another title in emphatic style with three fast clears and only one knock to add four in the final drive-off to end on 149.44, the only driver to go under 150 all weekend – in all four rounds.

Fresh from his pre-season success at indoor events in The Netherlands, Koos brought out some established horses, including the versatile Tjibbe and Edgar, and came second after both drive-offs, finishing day two on a time only score of 153.42. As the wild card, he won’t earn ranking points, but the performances will boost his morale going into his next event at the 3rd leg in Stuttgart (GER), where the large arena suits his horses and style of driving.

Still amalgamating some new Lipizzaners into his indoor team, Bram drove well enough to be in the top three in both competitions for drive-off places, and he finished third on both days. On day one, his corrected error of course in the drive-off added 20 penalties to his time, plus three knocks, which meant there was an unusually high total for the reigning champion. He recovered his form on day two, and his horses were much more united, but a missed turn and extra loop in one of the obstacles meant that he totted up costly seconds to finish on 160.05.

Also making his series debut was fourth-placed Glenn Geerts (BEL), who changed his tactics after day one when his new Lipizzaners still looked to be on a learning curve, and he amassed penalties to add to his time to finish sixth. But he regrouped, and the improvement in the horses on day two was testament to Glenn’s skills when he gave them the confidence to work better together, only missing out on a drive-off place by one knock and 0.03 of a second to end his opening event on 157.14.

Having driven last weekend in Lyon too, Germans Anna Mareike Meier and Georg von Stein also improved between the two competitions and on day two both produced clear rounds, with Anna Mareike finishing fifth on 162.68 and Georg sixth on 164.25.

Like last weekend, the course was designed by Jeroen Houterman (NED), who – for the second week running – had a bridge in the centre as part of his 13-obstacle course, which felt more compact because of the slightly smaller dimensions of the arena. For the drive-offs, only the top three from the first rounds came forward and the scores went back to zero, and for competition one’s drive-offs, the F gates were taken out.

FULL RESULTS

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Horse Care/Protection

End the Threat of the Slaughter Pipeline

TCF saved “Juniper” (back), “Shoshone” (front) and 5 others from the slaughter pipeline.

Hurricane Helene reminded us of the lifesaving value of horses, burros, and mules.

This is a critical time for the SAFE Act (H.R. 3475 / S. 2037). The work of heroic equines, which provided lifesaving assistance in hard-to-reach areas during recent disaster relief efforts, calls for an equally strong response from us. Passing the SAFE Act would help ensure these animals are protected.

Today, we call upon you, our dedicated advocates, to take decisive action. Please reach out to your members of Congress to show your support for the SAFE Act and help make a lasting difference in the lives of ALL horses, burros, and mules. The legislative term isn’t over yet, and we are committed to fighting until the very end to protect these animals.

Thank you for your presence, participation, and unwavering support.

Please take a moment to see where your state’s leaders stand on H.R. 3475 / S. 2037. Review the critical SAFE Act legislation. If you, like so many, believe it’s time to remove our equines from the slaughter pipeline — just as we did for our dogs and cats — please let your congressional representatives know that you support H.R. 3475 / S. 2037, the SAFE Act of 2023.

Thank you for joining the Cloud Foundation, our friends at Equine Collaborative International, and other equine education and advocacy groups in the fight to end slaughter for America’s equines — wild and domestic — and making a lasting impact. Together, we can protect these iconic animals and ensure them a safer future, one befitting of their partnership in building our nation.

The Cloud Foundation
www.thecloudfoundation.org

Competitions, Equestrian Sport Prod., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Ilan Bluman and Acajou Claim Spotlight in $25k #1 Education Place Grand Prix

Ilan Bluman & Acajou © Cassidy Klein

The 2024 ESP Fall Finale horse show started on Friday at the main grounds of Wellington International, bringing an atmosphere of competition to the International Ring. The main event, the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake, ended with Jad Dana (LBN) taking first place aboard Fleur-De-Lis’ Cherie, owned by the Cherie Group, with a time of 32.804 seconds. Taking the second-place title with a clear time of 34.747 seconds was Richard Neal (USA) aboard his own Catemaco LS, while Diego Javier Vivero Viteri (ECU) claimed third with a clear 34.961 time with Daddy’s Destiny, owned by Nicole Velazco Magana.

In the afternoon, the Grand Hunter ring featured the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Pilates Rocks. Jennifer Bliss (USA) won the event on Wailea, owned by Ohana Equine LLC, with scores of 84 and 85, for a combined score of 169. Michelle Moen (USA) took second place with Alteza NA, owned by Pony Lane Farm, with scores of 67 and 78, for a combined score of 145. Ella Endzweig (USA) finished third with Contara, owned by Rushing Dreams Farm LLC, with a combined score of 169.

Saturday’s schedule included the FreeJump 1.35m Stake in the International Ring. Claiming the first- and second-place titles out of a field of four that advanced to the jump-off was Juan Manuel Gallego (COL). Gallego claimed first aboard Primavera Van De Kaerde, owned by Anniela Gonzalez Del Valle, with a time of 38.866 seconds, while claiming second with Gitania De L’Aubere, owned by Anniela Gonzalez del Valle, with a time of 39.494 seconds. Juan Jose Bancalari Elmudesi (DOM) claimed third with his own ERV Chaman, with a four-fault time of 39.157 seconds.

The weekend concluded with the $25,000 #1 Education Place Grand Prix on Sunday. Ilan Bluman (COL) sealed the deal to take first with a speedy and clear jump-off time of 40.274 seconds. As second to go in the jump-off with his own Acajou, the duo was able to keep the lead with nine to follow.

Alannah Wagstaff (USA) and her partner, Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm, Inc., claimed second in the Grand Prix with a time of 44.093 seconds, while Celso Luis Camargo Ariani (BRA) took third with Jip Van T & L Z, co-owned by San Marino Stables and The Maya Group Properties LLC, with a time of 40.274 seconds.

To view full results from ESP Fall Finale, please click HERE.

Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

Competitions, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Richard Vogel and United Touch S Take the Win in Lyon

Richard Vogel (GER) and United Touch S ©FEI/Lukasz Kowalski

Richard Vogel (GER) on United Touch S flew to victory in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier in Lyon (FRA), wowing the crowd in the process. Vogel modestly gave all credit to his horse, United Touch S, gesturing to his partner as he finished his jump-off round. “He was exceptional from the first round,” Vogel said, “Especially on the second jump, he showed his incredible skill.

“I’m thrilled we could pull this off today.”

The competition was fierce, and the local contingent brought strong performances in front of their home crowd at Eurexpo Arena as – with fifteen French contenders in the field – two pushed their way into the jump-off. Julien Anquetin (FRA), known for his speed, was the first rider to qualify. Riding Blood Diamond du Pont, he took fourth place, while Cedric Hurel (FRA) and Fantasio Floreval Z secured sixth. Anquetin was pleased, despite the challenge: “I entered the arena knowing that there were strong riders behind me, so I knew I had to be fast. They were just faster than me today. I need to work harder to be faster. But, above all, this is my first time clear in the Grand Prix, so I am really pleased. It is incredible to have a good result here.”

The course, designed by Grégory Bodo (FRA), tested every rider’s ability to balance speed with technique. A challenging 14-obstacle course demanded a deft touch, and Bodo’s tight time allowed of 78 seconds kept the athletes well focused. In a bold move, Vogel cut an incredible shortcut to the oxer, securing his place in the jump-off. “For many horses, this would be risky,” Vogel admitted, “but United has a lot of scope. I knew this line would save me significant time, which I could use elsewhere on the course.” Confident before re-entering for the jump-off, Vogel said, “My horse is in good form and can cut corners well. We’re going to be competitive.” The pair didn’t disappoint.

Harrie Smolders (NED) was all respect for Vogel, taking second place with his Olympic horse Monaco N.O.P. “This top five here is so close,” he remarked. “The level of competition today is incredibly high. Monaco N.O.P. is a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He loves to be second. Second in the Grand Prix here last Friday, and today second in the World Cup. This could not have been better. It was a very strong field this week and it makes me so proud of my horse.”

Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) was clear about his plan before the jump-off: to win. “I have a fast horse (Legend), and I’m going to try to win.” With a difference of less than 0.26 seconds from the winner, he had to settle for third place, which he did with great sportsmanship: “I have a fast horse, but two others were faster.”

After this third qualifier, Gregory Wathelet (BEL) leads the standings with 32 points, followed by Yuri Mansur (BRA) with 25. Kevin Staut (FRA) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) each hold 24 points, while Smolders follows closely with 23.

As the series moves to Verona, Italy, on November 10, Vogel will skip this leg but has his sights set on Stuttgart. Leaving Lyon in high spirits, he shared his season’s ambition: “The FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final is my goal this season, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start.”

FULL RESULTS

by Mirjam van Huet

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, Driving, FEI, FEI

Dries Degrieck Dominates FEI Driving World Cup First Leg in Lyon

Dries Degrieck (BEL) ©FEI/Lukasz Kowalsk

Dries Degrieck’s (BEL) quest to top the podium at a FEI Driving World Cup™ seems promising after a powerful performance at the 30th Longines Equita Lyon (FRA).

As the winner of Saturday’s opening two-round competition, the Belgian was last to go in Sunday’s second competition because the drivers start in reverse order of their results, last to first. Despite adding four penalties to his time in Sunday’s first round, he was quick enough to secure the lowest score and take one of the three drive-off places – and have the advantage of watching his rivals while he waited. When he entered the arena for the final drive-off and picked up the pace, his four horses – Hunter, Leon, Kane B, and Big Star – responded by streamlining themselves to speed through the course in front of a near-capacity crowd and go clear in the weekend’s fastest time of 146.36. As well as securing the valuable win, he earned a maximum ten points for the series ranking table.

Dries said afterwards, “It’s the third time we have driven here in Lyon and the crowd is fantastic and really helps us. I still have a few young horses in my team and my father has been driving them during the summer. They are a bit smaller and more compact and go faster than the big ones!”

Keeping the pressure on Dries was the host nation’s wild card Benjamin Aillaud (FRA), driving the same Lusitano horses he uses for outdoor competitions. Although he is not one of the qualified drivers in this series, he and his team produced smooth rounds for a third place in the first competition and second on Sunday to finish on 152.23. The home crowd was delighted to have one of their own to cheer on and he rewarded their support with suave driving.

One of the most experienced competitors on the circuit, Jérôme Voutaz (SUI), was a favourite to win ahead of the opening weekend. He and his Swiss horses showed early promise with a fast, clear round on Saturday morning but his more cautious approach in the initial drive-off meant he dropped behind Dries into second. On Sunday, his clear first round in a decent time ensured a place in the drive-off, but the pressure took its toll as he knocked two balls to add eight to his time to finish third on 158.16. But because Benjamin is not a qualified driver, Jérôme took the seven points earned from a second place for the ranking table.

Although he just missed out on Sunday’s drive-off, Anthony Horde (FRA), who was another wild card, held his own amid cheers from the home crowd. Obviously enjoying being part of the event, he improved on his sixth position from Saturday morning to finish fourth on Sunday after going clear in 156.95.

There were two Germans in the lineup – Georg von Stein went from seventh to fifth (162.10) and Anna Mareike Meier went from fifth to sixth (163.54) between Saturday and Sunday, but as qualified drivers both earned ranking points, as did Dutch Driving legend Ijsbrand Chardon. His first day went well for a fourth place, but on day two, he didn’t show his usual fearsome form and knocked four balls to end seventh (178.79).

Jeroen Houterman’s (NED) course was ideal for one of the early events in the series with open obstacles and flowing lines, which enabled the horses to move forward freely and maintain their rhythm. The route remained the same for all four rounds, which is unusual because in most drive-offs, one or two gates are dropped which means the drivers must navigate a different course. Another variation in Lyon was that all seven competitors came forward for the first day’s drive-off and the scores from both rounds were added together for the places. In contrast, for competition two on Sunday, only the top three from the first round qualified for the drive-off and their previous scores were zeroed.

FULL RESULTS

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, Dressage, FEI, FEI

Werth and DSP Quantaz Triumph in Lyon

Isabell Werth (GER) and DSP Quantaz © FEI/Łukasz Kowalski

In Thursday’s Grand Prix, the competition was intense among the top three contenders, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish in the second leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League in Lyon (FRA). The suspense held until the very last moment, but it was Germany’s world number one, Isabell Werth, who triumphed with DSP Quantaz, delivering a stunning Freestyle performance that scored 84.70%.

Of the top three from the Grand Prix, France’s Pauline Basquin was the first to enter the arena. The audience cheered her on even before she began, but her partner, Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (owned by Institut Français Du Cheval Et De L’Équitation), remained unfazed. Light-footed and elegant, the duo danced to 81.915%, setting a new personal record.

Directly after her, second-placed Grand Prix finisher, defending FEI Dressage World Cup™ Champion Patrik Kittel, entered with Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn AB). The Swede delivered a flawless performance with his thrilling James Bond-themed freestyle, especially shining in the canter section. He scored 81.975%, edging just a few hundredths of a percentage point ahead of Basquin. Werth entered the arena last and emerged victorious with a commanding lead. Riding DSP Quantaz — owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and Victoria Max-Theurer — Werth delivered an outstanding freestyle, showcasing precision and focus. In the midst of an extended canter, however, Quantaz spooked, and Werth expressed how pleased she was with how Quantaz managed to regain his composure and finish strongly.

“He was extremely focused today. For the first time, he waited for me with each movement. Two years ago, I’d have never had him back with me so quickly after a disruption like that, but now I did,” she said, seeing the positive side. For Werth, it was her seventh FEI Dressage World Cup™ victory in Lyon.

Rankings Shaken Up

Although the top three positions held steady, there were shifts in the Lyon rankings following the Grand Prix. Before the break, Dutch rider Hans Peter Minderhoud set an impressive benchmark aboard the black stallion Glock’s Toto Jr. (owned by Glock HPC Nl B.V.). Riding to a medley of French chansons, Minderhoud captivated both the French audience and the judges. Scoring 80.04%, he and Glock’s Toto Jr. — his Olympic partner from Paris — held the lead as the only combination breaking the 80% mark for a considerable time.

German rider Sönke Rothenberger took to the arena after Minderhoud, delivering a strong performance with his always-eager partner, Fendi (owned by Rothenberger Im Gestüt Erlenhof OHG). Their score of 78.865% was just shy of Minderhoud’s, but Rothenberger’s precise ride kept him firmly in the top ranks. Meanwhile, Dinja van Liere, riding her elegant chestnut Hartsuijker (owned by Jan Pieter Dalsem), faced a minor setback. After placing fifth in the Grand Prix, the Dutch world number three dropped to sixth in the freestyle, her score of 77.485% reflecting a costly mistake in the one-time changes in her first FEI Dressage World Cup™ leg of the season.

Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis, with Flambeau (owned by Caroline Lepage, Emmanuel Lepage, Jean Pauluis, and Marie Christine Pauluis), also slipped slightly in the ranking. The 14-year-old gelding, part of the Belgian team heading to Paris, showed signs of distraction in the freestyle, leading to a few errors and a final seventh-place finish.

Dressage Thrives in France

Werth noted the growing enthusiasm for Dressage in France, where the Olympics at home have undoubtedly played a role.

“Dressage is alive here this year; it’s wonderful to see this enthusiasm growing. Every year I come to Lyon, I see that the number of visitors has grown. Now it was even a full house with the ambiance of a football stadium.”

Runner-up Patrik Kittel (SWE) also received enthusiastic support from the French audience. He expressed his satisfaction with the competition in Lyon: “To be honest, I was very happy with my horse. We have been working on the self-carriage since Paris, and I think he improved a lot.” Following his start in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ leg in Herning and his ride in Lyon, Kittel, as defending champion, is now assured a place at the Final in Basel next year.

Basquin Brings the Audience to Its Feet

Home favourite Pauline Basquin (FRA), riding in the uniform of the French Cadre Noir, received the warmest support from the audience and a standing ovation. Just like last year in Lyon, she finished third. “I’m very happy today. Since Paris, we haven’t competed, and to score two personal bests here after a three-month break is fantastic. I’m delighted with our third place, even though we were so very close to second,” she said.

FULL RESULTS

by Bettine van Harselaar

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Driving, FEI, FEI

Driving’s Biggest Names Set to Showcase Skills and Speed in New FEI Driving World Cup Series

Bram Chardon (NED), winner of the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final 2023/24 – Bordeaux (FRA) © FEI/Łukasz Kowalsk

Ten top four-in-hand drivers plus a few wild cards will thrill audiences between November and February at some of Europe’s most prestigious indoor shows. The eight qualifying legs start in Lyon (FRA) this week and end in Leipzig (GER), leading to six places at the final in Bordeaux (FRA).

The 23rd series promises to be another epic contest between Bram Chardon (NED) and Boyd Exell (AUS). Boyd is ranked number one and has a record breaking ten FEI Driving World Cup™ titles behind him, but Bram is the current title-holder and since he took his first in 2019, the rivals have won it alternate years. It will be fascinating to see who gains the early advantage when they go head-to-head for the first time this series at the second leg in Maastricht (NED).

Bram and his father Ijsbrand Chardon (NED), a three-time winner, are juggling their schedules so that they are not at the same events until the end of the series, when Bram says they should have their horse combinations organised for the final – providing they both qualify.

“This season, we are really happy with the draw because we have chosen to go to separate events for most of the series, so we can help each other out if we need to or keep up the training at home while the other one is away.

“It’s exciting, because I have two new horses to add to my winning team from last year, plus the young horse we used in the prizegivings.

“One of the new horses is very fast, but it is hard to find a better horse than our reliable Dreef Kapitany because he is technically so good. I will try out different combinations during the rounds and see what works by the time we get to Leipzig.”

Belgium’s Dries Degrieck will hope to replicate the form he showed in Leipzig last January when he broke the Boyd/Bram stronghold to win. His campaign starts in Lyon, which without Boyd or Bram there, could be one of the most open results of the series. Joining Dries are Ijsbrand, Jérôme Voutaz (SUI), Georg Von Stein (GER), and Anna Mareike Meier (GER), plus the home nation’s two wild cards, Benjamin Aillaud (FRA) and Anthony Horde (FRA).

Another Belgian with high hopes is Glenn Geerts, who recently put together a new indoor team of French and Hungarian Lipizzaners ahead of his opening event in Maastricht. The second leg is also the opener for former champion Koos de Ronde (NED), who starts the series ranked number two.

After his successful outdoor season, Florida based Chester Weber (USA) finished in the top 10, so was eligible to join the series, but for logistical reasons declined to take his place. Instead, 11th ranked Fredrik Persson (SWE) enters as a qualified driver and he will be using the indoor horses purchased from Chester that were used in the 2022-2023 series.

The selection of events used for the FEI Driving World Cup™ has remained the same since the pandemic, and Bordeaux has been the venue for the final on ten occasions since the series began in 2001-2002. The three early season legs in Lyon, Maastricht, and Stuttgart (GER) are on consecutive weekends, then there is a gap before the mid-season action moves to Stockholm (SWE), followed by Geneva (SUI) and London (GBR). In December, it’s Mechelen (BEL) then Leipzig in January, after which the drivers who have qualified for the final are confirmed.

The qualifying legs have two competitions which run over two days, each with a drive-off, whereas the Final only has a drive-off after the second competition. The places from the first competition set the running order for the next day when the drivers come forward in reverse order. Points towards the final are earned from the second competition placings and only apply to the qualified drivers. There are five qualified drivers per competition plus up to three wild cards, and the best three results from the series as a qualified driver count towards the ranking for the Final.

The FEI Driving World Cup™ requires a unique collaboration between the horses and the three people on the carriage. The whole team needs intuitive communication which hinges on the reflexes of the driver and the responses of the horses, supported by the two people behind. The navigator oversees the routes and split times, and the lower back-stepper provides ballast and aims to keep the carriage level on the tight turns.

The format encourages participation from the fans as they cheer on their favourites against a backdrop of theatrical lighting and thumping music.

The audiences appreciate the skill and jeopardy of four powerful horses speeding through pairs of cones, boxes, marathon obstacles, and water, or even over bridges, while trying not to knock any of the elements and be fastest against the clock. Each event has its own unique atmosphere with a different sized arena that impacts on the design and the layout of the course. After all the preparation and planning, training, and travelling, on the day, it comes down to split-second decisions, teamwork, bravery, focus, and accuracy – and a bit of luck.

For dates, schedules, and information, click HERE.

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Your Southern Source for Everything Horse

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