Category Archives: Competitions

Germans Are Invincible in Aachen Again

July 1, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

(Left to right): Sandra Auffarth, Michael Jung, Dirk Schrade, Andreas Dibowski with Chef d’Equipe Hans Melzer. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 1 July 2013 – It was a case of déjà vu in Aachen (GER) as the German team repeated their achievement of 12 months ago with an emphatic win in their home leg of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing and Australian star Christopher Burton again took the individual honours.

The German team riders held their nerve in the final dramatic reverse-order Cross Country phase. All four went clear, despite the rain-soaked conditions on Rudiger Schwartz’s (GER) influential course, and they finished an impressive 48 penalties clear of Great Britain.

Having won the opening leg of the series, at Fontainebleau (FRA), and finished second behind Britain at Houghton Hall (GBR), Germany retains the lead at this midway stage of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing season.

Their team manager Hans Melzer described it as “an incredible performance”. He added: “Aachen is an absolute must for the eventers, which is why we brought our best team with us. In the end, the result was closer than we expected.”

Burton, who led the Australian team to fourth place, was the only rider to achieve the optimum Cross Country time of seven minutes and to finish on his Dressage score. In a fairytale result, he announced that this would be Holstein Park Leilani’s last competition as the 17-year-old mare is to be put in foal.

“The weather and ground conditions played into my hands as she is fast and goes well in wet weather,” explained Burton, 31. “The Australians have no championships this year so we take Aachen especially seriously. I’m thrilled to win as the Germans are so successful at the moment.”

If German anchorwoman Sandra Auffarth had been one second faster across country she would have beaten Burton to the individual honours. But the Olympic gold and bronze medallist, who led the Dressage and Jumping phases on a brilliant score of 31.8, explained that her horse Opgun Louvo had lost a shoe, which is why she opted for caution with her lines.

Her team mates Andreas Dibowski (FRH Butts Leon), Dirk Schrade (Hop and Skip) and Michael Jung (Halunke) finished in fourth, sixth and seventh places. Kristina Cook (GBR), whose Olympic silver medallist Miners Frolic disappointed in the Dressage at Badminton, proved he is back on track with an excellent all-round performance in fifth place.

The British team moved up from fifth after Dressage to second with three clear Jumping rounds. However, they were still some 20 penalties in arrears of the Germans at this stage and they failed to close the gap during the final phase – in fact the gap was widened considerably – after Izzy Taylor and KBIS Briarlands Matilda had a run-out at the influential fence 8b, a brush corner in the Rolex Water. The Australians lost their second place after Dressage when Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo, who were second to Auffarth after this phase, ran into difficulties across country. They slipped behind the Swedes, who also had Cross Country problems. Their best rider was newcomer Frida Andersen (Herta), who had one of the fastest Cross Country rounds of the day.

For once, New Zealand, fifth, didn’t have the best of days. Badminton winner Jock Paget had a Cross Country run-out with Clifton Lush and Andrew Nicholson and his Kentucky winner Quimbo glanced off 8b. Nicholson was clearly struggling with rain on his glasses and ended up taking them off and tucking them into his number bib.

One of the happiest riders was Joseph Murphy, best of the sixth-placed Irish team with a fast clear on Electric Cruise. “I was delighted to see the rain!” he said. “It suits me and my horse. This was a real rider’s course, not that big dimensionally but very tricky. There was quite a lot of sand on the track and that became dead which meant you couldn’t really ask the horse to quicken.”

The American team failed to finish after Marilyn Little was unseated from RF Smoke On The Water at 8b and Will Faudree had the misfortune to fall at the very last fence with Pawlow.

As the European teams now focus on the forthcoming HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships at Malmö (SWE) in August, at which the Germans look clear favourites, there is a break until the last three legs of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, which resumes at Montelibretti (ITA) in September. Last month’s Polish leg at Strzegom had to be cancelled due to wet weather.

Full details on www.chioaachen.de.

The FEI’s first team Eventing series, the FEI Nations Cup Eventing, is open to all nations fielding one team composed of 3 or 4 riders at each leg. It runs under FEI Eventing rules at CICO and CCIO 3* level, with riders accumulating points under a dedicated system created for the series.

See full standings here: www.fei.org/fei/events/fei-nations-cup-series/eventing.

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

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

Charleston Summer Classic Update

June 30, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Rock My World, piloted by Elizabeth Boyd, sails over a fence in last year’s USHJA Hunter Derby. Flashpoint Photography.

Johns Island, SC – How do you fit in beach time and show time? Head to the Charleston Summer Classic July 10 through 20 at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center!

Ride your horse on the beach and in the ring! Jump the jumps in this year’s back to back $25,000 grand prix and jump the waves!

The Classic Company offers you the opportunity to do both! Set sail for the South Carolina scenic coastline and join them at the 21st annual Charleston Classic Horse Show at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island in South Carolina. To celebrate this year, Classic Company will be hosting weekly $25,000 Grand Prix and $2,500 National Hunter Derbies, presented by FarmVet.

Pony Mania!

The schedule includes Pony Mania Week I complete with Pony Model, Hunter and Under Saddle classes where the points accumulate to determine the Grand Kahuna Pony Champion in the Small, Medium and Large sections as well as the Green Small, Medium and Large sections.

Jumpers, Jumpers, Jumpers!

The $25,000 grand prix Week I and II are great for your jumpers and especially for those young horses looking to get a leg up on grand prix competition. The $2,500 Jr./AO Jumper Division is perfect the rest of the barn. “I rode the jumpers here last year and loved it. The footing was great, the staff was so nice and it really is one of the best shows ever,” said Rachel Wadsworth of Flemington, New Jersey. “And the best was heading over to the great restaurants or beach after riding all day – awesome!” she added.

*Rachel Wadsworth in the irons aboard Captain Lymington clears an oxer in one of the many jumper classes offered*

More of What You Want!

Due to popular demand, Classic Company has added a 1.20m Training Jumper to the schedule for both weeks along with a Walk-Trot Division. There really is SOMETHING for EVERYONE at the Charleston Summer Classic!

Don’t Hoof It!

With all the action at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, you may consider renting a golf cart from the Official Golf Cart Company, Garrett Golf Carts, or call them at 843-881-8894. Weekly rentals for two-seaters are only $225 and only $275 for the four-seaters. Make sure to contact them and reserve your cart now – your barn and trainer will thank you!

Got Rooms?

Get a jump on it and book today! This location is beautiful and a vacation destination. So make sure to book your rooms and condos now! Classic Company’s Official Lodging Partner is the pet-friendly Land’s Inn at 2545 Savannah Highway in Charleston. The Land’s Inn is approximately 18 miles from the show grounds and looks forward to welcoming you, your families and your four legged friends. You can call them at 843-763-8885 or visit them on the web at creeksidelandsinn.com. Make sure to mention you will be attending the Charleston Summer Classic shows.

If condo is the way you like to go and the phrase “seven miles from the show grounds” sounds good to you, the Classic Company recommends several and they are listed in the prize list. Most are located on Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island and all offer close proximity to the show and the beach. Classic’s newest lodging partner is Coastal Getaways of South Carolina and can be reached via web or at 843-789-4438. Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget!

Lodging Alert! A three bedroom house may be available to rent for the show, so contact Tissy at 843-768-5503 or info@classiccompany.com.

Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget.

Champlain Sovereign and Paige Parker sail over an oxer in last year's $25,000 Pony Hunter Classic — *Champlain Sovereign and Paige Parker sail over an oxer in last year’s $25,000 Pony Hunter Classic*

If you haven’t reserved your stalls or sent in your entries yet, please contact Classic Company immediately at 843.768.5503 or send them an email at info@classiccompany.com.

For those looking save the cost of postage, paper and personal time, make sure to go to Equestrian Connect, Classic Company’s Official Service Provider, to submit your entries today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Friday Night at Alltech National Horse Show Honors Equestrian Aid Foundation

June 29, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Charlie Weaver shown here competing at Upperville is memorialized with the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund.

Lexington, KY – June 28, 2013 – The 2013 Alltech National Horse Show announced today that Friday night at this year’s show will host Equestrian AID Foundation Night. During the Friday evening performance the horse show will share fifty percent of the night’s gate receipts with the Equestrian Aid Foundation.

The third edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is scheduled for October 29 – November 3, 2013. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. For the second year in a row, the Alltech National Horse Show was named the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame’s Horse Show of the Year and was again named as one of NARG’s (North American Riders Group) top rated North American events.

In addition to sharing in the gate receipts, the Equestrian Aid Foundation will be sponsoring the Friday night party at Gracie Street Garden in the Alltech Arena.

“Once again the tradition of the ANHS is carried forward in Lexington Kentucky, in a first class way and EAF is honored to be a part of Friday evening,” said R. Scot Evans, President of the Equestrian Aid Foundation.

“The Alltech National Horse Show is proud to give back to the equestrian community,” said Mason Phelps, Jr., the President of the National Horse Show Association. “One of the ways that we can do that is by helping first class organizations like the Equestrian Aid Foundation.”

Equestrian Aid Foundation’s mission is to build a membership based organization to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing direct financial support for their medical or other basic needs. Their pledge is to treat their clients with dignity and respect while promising their members and sponsors the highest level of fiduciary responsibility with their dues and donations.

*EAF President Scot Evans and 2013 EAF Luminary Award winner Bruce Duchossois by Tom Tracy Photography*

The 501(c)3 Equestrian AIDS Foundation (EAF) was founded in 1996 by six time Olympic Dressage rider, Robert Dover, Olympian Mason Phelps, Jr. and Robert Ross. Shortly thereafter R. Scot Evans, Gene Mische and Kim Tudor joined the team. Their first board directive stated that EAF would provide direct support to equestrians living with HIV/AIDS. And provide they did, helping equestrians in need for the past 17 years. Financial support from EAF is provided directly to the petitioning equestrian or their representative. Funds donated to EAF are used to provide various essentials that may include medical needs, health insurance, food and housing, transportation, physical therapy and more.

One of the focuses of the EAF is the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund, ‘Assisting Horsemen in Need – Today, Tomorrow and Always.’

“It only seems fitting to celebrate the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund and assisting equestrians for years to come,” Evans added. “Charlie loved riding the hunters at the Madison Square Garden back in the day and he will always be remembered as a consummate horseman who cared for everyone.”

The Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund is an investment in the equestrian community’s health and well-being for future generations. As an endowment fund for the Equestrian Aid Foundation and a commitment to its enduring mission, the Legacy Fund will ensure long-term benefits exist to help equestrians in dire need of assistance. Donations to the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund will create the financial safety net needed to ensure that the mission to help others lives on for many years to come. With support from caring people, EAF will continue to offer a helping hand, a kind word and a promise of hope during a difficult time.

To make your donation by mail, click here to download the donation form, print it out and mail it to:

Equestrian Aid Foundation
11924 W Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 22-377
Wellington, Florida 33414

The 2013 Alltech National Horse Show takes center stage on October 29 – November 3, 2013, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to the top rated hunters and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, the show features world-class international, open, junior and amateur-owner jumpers competing for the biggest prize money on the United States indoor tour.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.

About Alltech:
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.

Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.

2013 Alltech National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 29 – November 3, 2013, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
NationalHS@aol.com

Website:
www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at Mmorri4398@aol.com or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Karen Lucca at kll@phelpsmediagroup.com or (561) 753-3389
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com or (561) 313-0384
Sponsorship:
Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389
Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162
Christian Palmer at Christian@phelpsmediagroup.com or (612) 618-8216

Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizabeth Adams
North America PR, Alltech
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356
eadams@alltech.com
(859) 401-2964

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:

Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Re: Media Credentialing:

Classic Communications
38 Mechanic Street – Suite 101
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-698-6810 (phone)
508-698-6811 (fax)
info@classic-communications.com
www.classic-communications.com

Awards, FEI, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Gerco Schröder, Winner of the Furusiyya Rider of the Day Award at CHIO Aachen

June 28, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo: Kate Houghton/FEI.

Gerco Schröder (NED) has been judged as the winner of the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award at the CHIO Aachen (GER).

Schröder, riding his chestnut stallion, London, rode two outstanding clear rounds, which gave his Netherlands team a fantastic win in the Mercedes-Benz Preis, part of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping. The 34-year-old Dutchman was the only rider in the competition to record two faultless rounds, with his team pipping Belgium to first place by just three points.

The Furusiyya Rider of the Day award is presented to the horse & rider combination that is judged to have best displayed qualities such as harmony, partnership, balance and skill throughout their two rounds; values represented and embodied by Furusiyya. The award was judged by Frank Rothenberger, Course Designer at the CHIO Aachen.

– At the 2012 FEI General Assembly in Istanbul, it was announced that Furusiyya would become sponsor of the FEI Nations Cup until 2016.

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

– The new structure of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping has come about through intense consultation between the Saudi Equestrian Fund and the FEI with the sport’s stakeholders around the world.

– 39 countries have signed up to take part in the 2013 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping and 21 Nations will host qualifiers.

– The Saudi Equestrian Fund was created by HM King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz by Royal Decree in November 2009 to give the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a lasting legacy in equestrianism through sport and cultural events.

– The Saudi Equestrian Fund supports the Kingdom’s national show jumping team, Saudi Equestrian, which won a team bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

– The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping is now a genuinely international competition which gives all nations – whether from developed or developing countries – the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and qualify for a highly prestigious Final.

– The Final of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping will be staged at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 26-29 September 2013.

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
T: +44(0)207 592 1207
E: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Dutch Win at Aachen and Soar Up the Furusiyya Rankings

June 28, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Gerco Schroder produced the only double-clear performance of the competition to help The Netherlands to victory in the Mercedes Benz Prize. Photo: FEI/Kate Houghton.

Aachen (GER), 27 June 2013 – The Netherlands won the Mercedes Benz Prize, part of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Aachen, Germany tonight. In yet another thrilling leg of this inaugural season, the result lay in the hands of the final few riders. And it was Gerco Schroder’s double-clear with the fabulous stallion London, the only one recorded on the day, that proved pivotal for the winning side when a last to go mistake from Ludo Philippaerts saw it slip from Belgium’s grasp.

This was always going to be an almighty clash, with the home team determined to rack up as many points as possible in their quest to qualify for the series final at Barcelona, Spain in September. The Dutch had a terrible day on their home turf in Rotterdam just a week ago where Germany reigned supreme, but tonight revenge was sweet as the host nation had to settle for third place behind Belgium and it was the flag of The Netherlands that was flying high over the hallowed Soers Arena.

Eight Nations

A total of eight nations lined out, and France slotted into fourth ahead of Ireland in fifth, Switzerland in sixth, Great Britain in seventh and Saudi Arabia in eighth place. There were only three team members in the Saudi Arabian side so they were always going to be under pressure, and they were already lying bottom of the order after the opening round as Frank Rothenberger’s imposing 12-fence track took its toll.

Even the opening vertical claimed a significant number of victims, while the rustic-coloured oxer at fence four also proved influential. However, it was the line from the oxer at fence six to the following open water and on to two further verticals that posed one of the biggest questions of the day. Time and again horses seemed a little startled at the open water which had an unusual looking turreted take-off board, and Belgian chances took a heavy blow when pathfinder, Gregory Wathelet, returned with 20 faults on the board after Desteny van het Dennehof seemed to give himself a fright here. The last vertical in this line also fell regularly when the distance didn’t come up comfortably while the penultimate triple combination, with its opening planks and long stretch to the final oxer, played a significant role.

Halfway Stage

Despite Wathalet’s big opening score however it was the Belgians who were out in front at the halfway stage, counting just the single time fault from Dirk Demeersman and Bufero van het Panishof after both Nicola Phillipaerts (Cortez) and his father Ludo (Challenge V Begijnakker) went clear. They had a significant six-fault lead over the French who were lying second even though Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize were eliminated at the triple combination, both Patrice Delaveau (Orient Express HDC) and Eugenie Angot (Old Chap Tame) collecting just a single time fault while anchorman Kevin Staut (Quismy des Vaux HDC) returned with five faults on his first tour of the track.

Germany lay third carrying eight faults, Christian Ahlmann and Codex One providing the only clear as Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna put a foot in the water and collected a time fault for the discard score while Daniel Deusser (Cornet d’Amour) and Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara) each made a single mistake.

The Dutch were in fourth and seemed to be already consigned to a minor placing with 14 on the board after nine-fault efforts from both opener Marc Houtzager (Sterrehof’s Tamino) and third-line rider Harrie Smolders (Emerald), a five-fault effort from Leon Thijssen (Tyson) and their only clear from anchorman Schroder. Ireland were in fifth with 21 faults, the British were in sixth with 22, the Swiss were next in line with 23 while Saudi Arabia were already burdened with 34 faults as the second round got underway.

Under the Lights

But how fortunes would change as the second round evolved under the lights. The Belgian lead looked vulnerable when Wathelet didn’t appear this time. “My horse was maybe a bit injured after the jump at the water. We tried him over a few fences in the warm-up and he wasn’t happy so we decided he wouldn’t jump again,” the rider explained afterwards. So when Nicola Philippaerts left the two verticals following the open water on the floor they would now be obliged to add those eight faults to their tally. Demeersman steadied the ship with a great clear from Bufero however, and by now the French had disappeared from reckoning with an additional 16 faults, Guillon bravely returning to the ring but unable to assist his side when collecting 18 faults with Lord de Theize this time out.

The Germans meanwhile could not produce a single clear at their second attempt, Ahlmann picking up five faults, Deusser collecting four at the bogey vertical at fence nine, Michaels-Beerbaum’s Bella Donna again putting a foot in the water while her brother-in-law Ludger, hero of the day in Rotterdam a week earlier with Chiara, lowered the oxer three fences from the finish line.

Rallied

The Dutch however really rallied with brilliant clears from Houtzager and Thijssen. Smolders nine-year-old stallion went into the water and lowered the first element of the triple combination but when Schroder and London produced the second of their spectacular fault-free performances then all the pressure was transferred to Belgian anchorman Ludo Philippaerts.

As he entered the ring for a second time the Dutch tally stood at just those 14 first-round faults while the Belgians had victory in their sights with only nine on the board. Ludo could even afford a fence down and they would still come out ahead by a single point, and that’s how it seemed it would end as he rode down to the last with just the poles from the oxer at fence four on the ground. But in his haste to get to the finish he saw a very long stride to the final vertical and the packed stadium of spectators gasped as he struck the fence. “I rode for the time after the triple combination and went forward, but the horse backed off the last and it was too far; we had no chance,” a disappointed Philippaerts said afterwards.

Plenty to Celebrate

There was plenty to celebrate in the Dutch camp however. Tonight’s success has earned the valuable 100 maximum points and moved them up two places to third spot on the Europe Division 1 leaderboard which continues to be headed by the Swiss followed by France in second place. It was “mission accomplished” for Dutch Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens, who said, “We had mistakes in the first round but we fought back and the team did a marvellous job in the second round. I’m very happy about that!”

It was a particularly great day for Schroder who took the Furusiyya Rider of the Day award for his classic double-clear with the very handsome 11-year-old stallion London with which he claimed double-silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games. “I had two fantastic rounds. London was in great shape yesterday; I was going to jump him in a small class but I decided to go in the bigger one and he was brilliant. I’m really happy with him,” he said tonight.

His team-mate, Harrie Smolders, said, “It was fantastic how we came back in the second round. This morning we had some problems with our horses and my nine-year-old had to compete in his first Nations Cup of his life, so to win in Aachen is fantastic.”

Talking about the course, Smolders said, “It was great, but not a typical Aachen course because the fences came up very quickly and the course was not so long. For us though it was a great day!” Schroder agreed with Smolders’ assessment of Frank Rothenberger’s test. “It was a nice course; maybe everything came a little faster than we are used to; the time was quite short and if you lost time it was expensive – that made it more difficult,” he explained.

French team anchorman, Kevin Staut, said, “When we come to Aachen everyone is expecting a place on the podium, so we are down a bit. We had some good rounds from Patrice, and Eugenie jumped really well. My horse didn’t have any Nations Cup experience at all, and a big foot in the water jump in the first round coupled with Olivier’s horse not being completely in the competition meant that we finished where we did.”

“It’s an amazing atmosphere, and it’s always nice to ride in a Nations Cup in Aachen. I thought that this year was especially difficult, although it was two fair rounds with strong teams, and it was great that there was suspense right until the end.”

It was certainly another great day in the history of the sport of Nations Cup Jumping and, with the Europe Division 1 series now really hotting up with only three further legs to go, the next round will take place in Falsterbo, Sweden in two weeks’ time. There will also be a leg of Europe Division 2 taking place on the same afternoon at Budapest in Hungary so there is another feast of equestrian action in prospect on Friday 12 July.

For information on the fourteenth leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series at Aachen (GER), check out website www.chioaachen.de or contact Press Officer Niels Knippertz at Email niels.knippertz@chioaachen.de, Tel +49 241 9171 182. The next two legs take place on Friday 12 July – at Falsterbo, Sweden, Europe Division 1 continues and for all information on the Swedish fixture go to website www.falsterbohorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Elisabeth von Schrowe, Email elisabeth@falsterbohorseshow.com. Budapest, Hungary hosts the next leg of Europe Division 2. Check out website www.csiobudapest.hu or contact Press Officer Dorottya Strobi, Email strobi.dorottya@lovasszovetseg.hu.

Facts and Figures:

The World Equestrian Festival at CHIO Aachen presents Germany’s largest and most prestigious sporting event.

During the 10-day fixture, organisers are expecting over 350,000 visitors and 112,000 had already attended by Wednesday evening.

The event has attracted 557 horses and 375 athletes from 30 nations who are competing for 2.67million euros in prize-money.

CHIO Aachen presents Nations Cups in five disciplines since 2008 – Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving and Vaulting.

The main stadium where the Jumping events takes place has a seating capacity for 40,000 spectators.

8 teams competed in today’s Europe Division 1 leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series at Aachen.

4 teams were chasing qualification points for the Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September – The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and France.

Sweden won the first-ever Nations Cup at Aachen staged in 1929.

France claimed the FEI Nations Cup honours in 2012.

Today’s team from Saudi Arabia consisted of just three riders while all the other nations fielded teams of four.

The oldest horse in today’s class was the 16-year-old mare Tinka’s Serenade ridden by Ireland’s Billy Twomey.

The youngest horses were both nine-year-olds: Never Last ridden by Switzerlands’ Werner Muff and Quismy des Vaux HDC competed by Kevin Staut for France.

1 double-clear performance in tonight’s competition – from The Netherlands’ Gerco Schroder and London.

2 eliminations – Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize (FRA) in round one and Great Britain’s Tina Fletcher who had a fall at the water with Unique IX in the second round.

Quotes:

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) – “I went into the water in both rounds. After the first round we analysed it – I had been too deep, so I tried not to be too deep the next time and I came too big! It’s Bella’s first Nations Cup at Aachen and her first under lights. I’m hoping to improve her water jumping for sure.”

German Chef d’Equipe, Otto Becker, talking about his team’s performance – “We didn’t have enough clear rounds. You need clear rounds, especially in the second round; we were not good enough today.”

Standings – Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping, Europe Division 1 after today’s competition HERE.

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

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

By Louise Parkes

Media contacts:

At FEI:

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

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

At Aachen:

Niels Knippertz
Niels.Knippertz@chioaachen.de
press@chioaachen.de
+49 241 9171 182

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

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

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summer Classics Highlights

June 28, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photos: Flashpoint Photography.

The mood was festive last week in Conyers at the Georgia International Horse Park when the Classic Company produced the first-ever USHJA Child/Adult Jumper Regional Championships. This latest addition to the USHJA’s list of innovative competitions was a huge success!

Thirty-nine horses passed their inspection and were ready to go in Thursday’s opening round of team competition.

Six teams in the Children’s Jumpers representing eight states took on the technical challenges created by Olympic course designer Steve Stephens. Team Florida I with Chef d’Equipe Tinker Tindley captured the Gold medal. The team riders included Natalie Hughes, Morgan Gravely, Maaike Bentzon and Lauren Zavodney. The Silver medal was awarded to the combined Team of Virginia, South Carolina and Alabama which included riders Annie Bolling, Crawford Anderson, Caroline Ford and Michael Mahoney with Chefs d’Equipe J. Michael Halblieb and Ann Thal. The Bronze medal was presented to the combined Team of North Carolina and Maryland with Tracy Magness and Liz Hodges sharing Chef d’Equipe duties of riders Victoria Hoft, Gabby Hensley, Kimberley Paige Burton and Nikki Prokopchak.

The Adult Amateurs had four talented teams who tackled the course designed by Steve Stephens. But it was Chef d’Equipe Tracy Magness’ Team Maryland members Wendy Libert, Cathleen Driscoll, Ericka Caslin and Kellie Regan who were declared the winning team and received the Gold Medal. The Silver went to Team South Carolina with Chef d’Equipe Ann Thal and riders Heather Crespo, Elizabeth Porath, Lynn Seithel and Tracy Slaughter. The Bronze medal was awarded to Team Florida members Rachel Williams, Sarah Pauels, Andrea Randell and Cynthia Screnci along with Chef d’Equipe Tinker Tindley.

The individual Children’s section saw 23 in the starting field. By the final round six riders found themselves in a jump off for the Bronze medal, while Michael Mahoney of Haymarket, Virginia and Gabby Hensley of Clarksburg, Maryland battled it out for the gold. Each dropped a rail so time decided their final standings with Mahoney receiving the gold; Hensley accepted the Silver and Nanny McFadden of Germantown, Tennessee was awarded the Bronze medal.

As an added bonus, Mahoney was awarded a spot in a USHJA Emerging Athletes Program 2014 Regional Clinic of his choice. Each of the individual children’s gold medalists from the remaining three regional championships will be presented with this same opportunity.

Sixteen Adult Amateurs competed for individual honors. Ericka Caslin had solid rides throughout the three days of competition, and in the last round found herself winning a three way jump off for the Bronze medal. Heather Crespo of Aiken, South Carolina came into the final round ahead in the standings with only six faults, but picked up four additional faults for a total of 10 faults overall and the Silver medal position. Andrea Randell of Monticello, Florida claimed the gold medal.

Chris Murphy, USHJA Zone Jumper Coordinator, commented, “I started with this task force about two years ago. The concept was first proposed at an annual meeting, and after much work on the original proposal and with the help of a working group, the proposal was approved. Registration for the event just happened a bit ago and overall, we have more than 300 applications. The South region had a really short qualifying time but we had a very positive response and about one third of our registrants hail from the South. I think that all and all, the weekend went really well; the kids and adults really enjoyed it,” she added. “I really want to thank Janet McCarrol and Bob Bell for helping to make this a huge success. We are always open to suggestions from trainers and riders to continually improve upon this event.”

The Adequan Pre-Green Classic was won by David Pelligrino's Outspoken, ridden by Emily Hertz — *The Adequan Pre-Green Classic was won by David Pelligrino’s Outspoken, ridden by Emily Hertz*

The $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic saw 38 pony and rider combinations compete for the prize money and honors, but it was All Natural, owned and ridden by Storm McCormick of Parker, Texas, who took the championship ribbon and $3,000 first place check. In second place was Steal the Crowd, owned by Don Stewart and ridden by Bernadette Chungunco from Fairfax, Virginia, while third place was awarded to Tantalon Co-Captain, owned by Cecilia D’Amore and ridden by Lilly Bennett of Alpharetta, Georgia. For more information on the winners in this class, click here: http://horseshowsonline.com/ClassResults.aspx.

IN OTHER HIGHLIGHTS NEWS:

Devin Seek and Libby Gordon won the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant.

The debut of the Freestyle Equitation saw 18 compete over a course personally orchestrated to the rider’s choice of music. “What a fun class!” commented Gulf Coast Classic Coordinator Janet McConnell.

The Classic Company is heading to the beach! That’s right, it’s time to jump the jumps AND the waves all at the Classic Company’s Charleston Summer Classics. Surf and standards are the perfect combination for your family vacation that kick off July 10. And this year the Classic Company celebrates with back to back $25,000 grand prix classes. Make sure to get your entries in now because this is the horse show and vacation destination the entire barn will enjoy.

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

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

US Dressage Team Storms to Third Place in Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at Aachen CDIO5*

June 28, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

The U.S. Team (Shannon Brinkman)

Aachen, Germany – The U.S. Dressage Team emphatically marked their resurgence with a podium finish in Wednesday’s Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at the Aachen CDIO5*. The U.S. Team of Steffen Peters, Tina Konyot, Jan Ebeling and Shelly Francis earned a third place finish on a team total of 217.298.

“Our Nations Cup riders came here for a medal and they did not disappoint. Each of them showed why they are among the best in the world,” said Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover. “Led by Steffen Peters, who is, in my opinion, one of the greatest show ring riders of all time; Legolas 92 was simply fantastic, placing 5th overall, a great feat for such a young horse. Tina Konyot and Calecto V looked elegant and composed and are one hundred percent on the road toward a huge score, very soon. The same must be said for both Jan Ebeling riding the great mare, Rafalca, and Shelly Francis on her Doktor.”

Peters (San Diego, CA) rode in his familiar position as anchor for the U.S. Team and, as he has done so many times, delivered when the stakes were at their highest. Riding Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92 the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games dual Bronze medalist scored a 75.298% in the FEI Grand Prix Test to finish in fifth place individually in the Preis der Familie Tesch.

*Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (Shannon Brinkman)*

The pair performed a fluid, elegant work to collect top marks throughout their test, highlighted by the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding’s proficiency in the piaffe and passage. Legolas 92 also demonstrated a matured partnership with Peters as the pair executed improved flying changes, a movement that had hampered their scores in the past.

Konyot (Palm City, FL) and her own 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion Calecto V finished on a score of 71.064% for a 16th place finish in the Preis der Familie Tesch. The combination is among the most experienced on the international circuit, having represented the U.S. at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and 2012 Olympic Games, and demonstrated their capability throughout their test in the Deutsche Bank Stadium.

Calecto V once again performed the accurate and expressive flying changes that have earned him high marks throughout his career. The veteran pair also received top scores for their reinback. A mistake in the piaffe-passage-piaffe transitions on the final centerline kept Konyot from finishing higher up the individual leaderboard.

Finishing right behind Konyot in 17th place was her London Olympic Games’ teammate Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) and Ann Romney, Amy Ebeling, and Beth Meyers’ Rafalca. The 16-year-old Oldenburg mare executed a consistent test and earned high marks for their final centerline. The three-time FEI World Cup Final veterans finished on a score of 70.936%.

Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) had the unenviable position of being the first competitor down centerline in the Deutsche Bank Stadium on Thursday. Undeterred by her starting spot the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games veteran guided Patricia Stempel’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Doktor to one of their best performances of the year, scoring 69.596% for 20th place. The combination was rewarded with high scores for their piaffe and reinback.

*Tina Konyot and Calecto V (Shannon Brinkman)*

All four U.S. riders have qualified to ride the FEI Grand Prix Special Test in Saturday’s MEGGLE-Prize.

“With all four of our combinations going forward to the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, I am thrilled they all placed in the top 20 at this, the strongest show in the world,” said an elated Dover. “Tonight, our team will ride together into the main stadium in front of 65,000 people to receive the bronze medal for America. Thanks must go to them, their horse owners, trainers, grooms, vets, assistants, supporters and Jenny Van Wieren-Page, our super manager!”

Germany took home top honors in the Lambertz FEI Nations Cup with a score of 232.150, led by reigning Reem Acra/FEI World Cup Final Champions Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill who scored 81.128% to also place first in the Preis der Familie Tesch. Second place went to the team from Denmark with a total of 223.043.

To learn more about the CHIO Aachen, visit: http://www.chioaachen.de/en/programm-sport.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

By Helen Murray

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

Confident German Victory in FEI Nations Cup Dressage at Aachen

June 27, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Helen Langehanenberg led the German team to victory in the third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage series at Aachen, Germany today. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

Aachen (GER), 27 June 2013 – The German team secured a crisp, clean victory in the third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 series on home soil at Aachen today. The powerful side were favourites from the outset and lived up to expectations when topping the winner’s podium by a margin of more than seven percentage points over Denmark, while the USA finished third. A total of nine countries were represented at this penultimate leg of the pilot series, which will come to a conclusion at Hickstead, Great Britain in early August.

Reigning Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage champion, Helen Langehanenberg, headed the individual rankings and left the team result in little doubt with yet another lovely performance from the stallion Damon Hill NRW as the competition was drawing to a close. The runners-up from Denmark were well-pleased however. As hosts of the Ecco FEI European Championships in Herning in eight weeks’ time they came to Aachen with the intention of making the best possible impression and they succeeded, with Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and Digby bolstering their position when slotting into third place ahead of team-mate Anna Kasprzak and Donnperignon in fourth.

However, it was Anabel Balkenhol’s solid ride with Dablino FRH, 13th of the 37 starting combinations to enter the arena that set Germany on the road to success. Posting a score of 77.043 with her 13-year-old gelding, she provided her side with a solid platform and when Isabell Werth steered Don Johnson FRH to a mark of 73.979 and then Langehanenberg produced the only score over 80 percent – 81.128 – that clinched it. Fabienne Lutkemeier’s 71.830 with D’Agostino was the discard score, as the best three scores counted, but German Chef d’Equipe, Monica Theodorescu, said afterwards: “Fabienne is not happy because she made a few mistakes, but she deserved to be on the team and I’m proud of her!”

Bolstered

The American effort was strengthened by a fifth-place finish for Steffen Peters and the 11-year-old Legolas. The rider, who is based in Del Mar, California, has had Aachen in his sights all season, bringing the horse to Hagen (GER) in April and then flying them both back to the US before crossing the Atlantic again for this latest event in their calendar. He is enthusiastic about the concept of FEI Nations Cup Dressage, and Legolas, who has been partnered with Peters for last 18 months, continues to demonstrate an impressive level of improvement every time out, today scoring 75.298 percent.

Sweden finished fourth with The Netherlands in fifth and Belgium in sixth place. Both Spain and Finland fielded just three riders, finishing seventh and ninth respectively. The British, winners at the second leg of the series in Rotterdam (NED) last week, only managed eighth place on this occasion.

Drama

The German win was not without its moments of drama. While Lutkemeier set the stage and Balkenhol followed with a score that would take quite some beating, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the multi-medalled Werth, who had what Chef d’Equipe Theodorescu described as “a little time error in the warm-up”. Werth admitted afterwards that she didn’t keep an eye on her watch – “I thought there were three riders before me but I had 10 minutes too much; I was ready 10 minutes too early and he (Don Johnson FRH) was a bit over the point!”

Theodorescu could see the funny side of it. “Things happen, especially to riders who don’t do many shows and don’t have much experience! I know for the future better will happen and she made a lovely ride and the best of the situation – it happened….” the team manager said with a twinkle in her eye.

Theodorescu continued: “It is a new situation for me to have the honour to be part of this team. Helen and Damon Hill were prepared really well; they were very precise, very elastic and on the point. The horse was fit and supple and harmonious.” She said Werth “had a very good ride with no mistake and showed all her skills”, and when asked what was the biggest surprise of her day, she replied, “Well it wasn’t really a big surprise but it was Annabel getting to show what is in her horse; I’m very happy for her,” she said. Theodorescu will name her team for the European Championships on Sunday.

Well-pleased

Danish coach, Rudolf Zielinger, was well-pleased with the result achieved by his pathfinder Lone Bang Larsen with Fitou L. “Lone had a great start in Stadl Paura and Hagen… the whole combination looks very secure. They can handle the pressure; their highlights are the piaffe and passage and they have three good basic gaits. Lone was brave today, going in first and on her first time in Aachen.”

Looking forward to the forthcoming European Championships, he continued, “I’ll be happy if we are second or third in Herning. We will have a strong team and will be going for a medal in the team but there is England, Holland and Germany who are very strong. Anna took really high risk today and there is a little chance to go higher. Lone, our first rider, was a little nervous and could have been more powerful, but I believe we can be very competitive for the Europeans.”

However, it was Germany’s Langehanenberg who stole the limelight yet again, consistently scoring over 80 percent throughout her test and finishing with the squarest of square halts. As she leaned forward to give her stallion a big hug he shook his head as if to say, “Yes, that was pretty good, all right!”, and there is no doubt that this pair are the ones to beat on the circuit right now.

Talking about Damon Hill NRW, Langehanenberg said: “He will have a break after Aachen. The time between the German Dressage Championships (at Balve three weeks ago) was quite short. When he has a break he goes jogging but doesn’t have any dressage training. Hopefully we can look forward to Herning, but first he will get a rest now. I had a great feeling today; he felt fresh and willing to go in and was moving forward; it was a pleasure to ride him and I had fun – and I think he did too!”

As the FEI Nations Cup Dressage pilot series moves towards its conclusion at Hickstead on 4 August, the Dutch hold the lead. But they have only a two-point advantage over Sweden at the top of the leaderboard, while Germany lies third after today’s victory, another eight points further adrift.

Detailed results here.

Facts and Figures:

9 teams competed in today’s third leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 pilot series.

2 teams – Finland and Spain – fielded just three riders.

The German team included 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title-winning partnership of Helen Langehanenberg and the stallion Damon Hill NRW, who scored the highest individual mark of the day – 81.128.

The Netherlands continues to head the series table going into the final leg at Hickstead, Great Britain on 4 August, but have only a two-point lead over Sweden in second spot while Germany lies third, another eight points behind.

Quotes:

Rudolf Zielinger, Danish team manager – “The competitions that will decide the Danish team for Herning are the Danish Championships, Rotterdam and Aachen.”

Anna Kasprzak, Denmark – “I am happy with our test today; the timing between the Danish Championship and here was quite short but he (her horse Donnperignon) was fresh today and I had a really good feeling in canter. I’m getting to know him better now.”

Annabel Balkenhol (GER), when asked if she thought she had booked a place on the German team for the Ecco FEI European Championships in Herning with her performance today – “I’m very happy; we showed no mistakes and he showed his quality. I will be trying to make it happen for the Special on Saturday – two good rides and we go from there.”

FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2013 – Standings after third leg in Aachen (GER) are here.

The FEI Nations Cup Dressage is a new FEI series open to national teams. The inaugural trial season, taking place between May and August 2013, consists of four outdoor CDIO events held at Vidauban (FRA), Rotterdam (NED), Aachen (GER) and Hickstead (GBR). Each FEI Nations Cup Dressage fixture must host either a Grand Prix or Grand Prix Freestyle competition in which the teams can earn points towards the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Standings. Each event is of equal standing and all four competitions count towards the final result.

A minimum of four teams will take part in each event for the event to count for the series standings. A team consists of a minimum of three and maximum of four athlete/horse combinations. There is no maximum limit to the number of FEI Nations Cup Dressage events in which athletes and horses can take part.

This pilot project has been initiated in an effort to assess the attractiveness of this type of event to organisers, athletes, National Federations, spectators, the media and potential sponsors. If there is a positive evaluation at the conclusion of the 2013 season, then an official long-term series may be created.

The series detailed calendar, complete rules, and organisers details are available here.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At FEI:

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

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

Dressage, FEI, USEF

Veteran US Team Ready for Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at Aachen CDIO5*

June 26, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Tina Konyot and Calecto V (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – The U.S. will be represented by a veteran team in Wednesday’s Lambertz FEI Nations Cup, one of the feature competitions of the 2013 Aachen CDIO5*. All three members of the U.S. Team from the 2012 London Olympic Games will be competing at the prestigious German competition, along with a 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games veteran. The Aachen CDIO5* will run June 26-30 as part of the CHIO Aachen.

Jan Ebeling, Shelly Francis, Tina Konyot and Steffen Peters were all awarded training and competition grants for European CDIs. They will use these grants to test themselves against many of best European combinations this week in Aachen. The funding for these grants was made possible by the USET Foundation.

Ebeling, Konyot and Peters join forces once again for the U.S. a year after competing together in London. Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) once again will ride Ann Romney, Amy Ebeling, and Beth Meyers’ Rafalca, who he has represented the U.S. three times with at the FEI World Cup Finals in addition to their Olympic appearance.

Konyot (Royal Palm Beach, FL) brings her 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and 2012 London Olympic Games veteran Calecto V to Aachen. The 2010 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Grand Prix National Dressage Champions look to showcase the form that earned them two second place finishes at the Schloss Achleiten CDI3* two weeks ago.

*Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (SusanJStickle.com)*

Peters (San Diego, CA) enjoyed an epic sweep of all three tests at the Aachen CDIO5* in 2009 with longtime partner Ravel. In 2013, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games dual Bronze medalist brings Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92. The pair has been together little over a year but has already earned the 2012 USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Champion title as well as top finishes both in the U.S. and abroad.

Rounding out the U.S. Team for the Aachen CDIO5* is Francis and Patricia Stempel’s Doktor. Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) has used her vast experience, including representing the U.S. at the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome, to develop the talented gelding into a future American star. In March, they helped the U.S. earn victory in the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm.

Francis will be the first competitor in the ring at 9:00am CEST, Ebeling will follow 10:03am CEST, with Konyot first after the lunch break at 1:15pm CEST. Peters will ride in his familiar role as team anchor at 3:15pm CEST.

To learn more about the CHIO Aachen, visit: http://www.chioaachen.de/en/programm-sport.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Eight Teams at German Qualifier in Aachen

June 26, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Lausanne (SUI), 26 June 2013 – The 14th qualifier of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 will take place at the Aachen CSIO 5* in Germany this Thursday 27 June attracting a field of eight teams.

The starting order, which was determined by a draw held at Aachen today, will be as follows:

Switzerland
France
Great Britain
Germany
Belgium
Saudi Arabia
The Netherlands
Ireland

Four teams – France, Germany, Ireland, and The Netherlands – will be eligible for Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping points in Europe Division 1. The standings at the half-way stage in that division are available here.

Tomorrow’s competition will begin at 19.30 CEST (local time in Germany, GMT+2 hours) and will be broadcast live on FEI TV, FEI’s official online video platform.

The FEI is providing a wide range of online information resources in connection with the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping.

Dedicated webpage

Our dedicated webpage gives you access to useful information, including the calendar, latest results, updated standings, rules and news from the series.

Social Media

The FEI is posting news, images and videos on YouTube www.youtube.com/feichannel, Facebook www.facebook.com/the.fei, and Twitter www.twitter.com/myfei_home. Please follow us and share our content.

Our signature Twitter hashtags are: #Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup #Jumping.

Media contacts:

At FEI:

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

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

At Aachen:

Niels Knippertz
Niels.Knippertz@chioaachen.de
press@chioaachen.de
+49 241 9171 182

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

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

Horses in the South – An Equine News Publisher

Category Archives: Competitions

Germans Are Invincible in Aachen Again

Charleston Summer Classic Update

Friday Night at Alltech National Horse Show Honors Equestrian Aid Foundation

Gerco Schröder, Winner of the Furusiyya Rider of the Day Award at CHIO Aachen

Dutch Win at Aachen and Soar Up the Furusiyya Rankings

Atlanta Summer Classics Highlights

US Dressage Team Storms to Third Place in Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at Aachen CDIO5*

Confident German Victory in FEI Nations Cup Dressage at Aachen

Veteran US Team Ready for Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at Aachen CDIO5*

Eight Teams at German Qualifier in Aachen

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