Tag Archives: Beezie Madden

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden and Breitling LS Win $137k Wellington Regional Medical Center Grand Prix CSI3*

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Beezie Madden and Breitling LS. © Sportfot.

January 16, 2021 – Wellington, FL – In the first international grand prix of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit, U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Breitling LS won the $137,000 Wellington Regional Medical Center Grand Prix CSI3* on Saturday, January 16, at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

There were 44 entries in the grand prix, competing over a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) and Andy Christiansen Jr. (ECU) consisting of 13 numbered obstacles. Just three were able to find the clear path to the jump-off in the first of four grand prix events under the lights for the 2021 circuit.

Alexander Goet Pilots Calvanos to the Win in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal

Nineteen equitation riders entered the South Ring on Saturday to compete for the top prize in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal. After a first round course and a flat phase, Alexander Goet, of Delmar, NY, rode his own Calvanos to the blue ribbon.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Awards, Jump Media, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden Dominates Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Standings During WEF Nine

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Beezie Madden riding Darry Lou. Photo by Jump Media.

Wellington, FL – Beezie Madden won her first Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award of the season on Saturday night, March 7, during week nine, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, at the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

A four-time U.S. Olympic medalist, Madden led the week-nine standings from wire to wire after finishing second in the $137,000 Equinimity WEF CSI5* Challenge Cup Round 9, and placing fourth in the $401,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate CSI5* Grand Prix. Both finishes came aboard Darry Lou, 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Nabab de Reve) owned by Abigail Wexner.

“It’s always great to be recognized for consistency throughout the week, and the prizes are super,” said Madden, who also won a Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award during week three of the 2019 WEF season. “It’s nice to have a unique award to keep things interesting, and I’ve always loved winning it.

“[Darry Lou] had a great week,” continued Madden, 56, of Cazenovia, NY. “This was the first week where I expected him to be fit enough and had enough competitions under his belt to be able to produce some good rounds. I’m really pleased with what he did; he tried really hard tonight and was fabulous all week.”

Throughout WEF, the Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award, given in memory of fellow realtor and horseman Dale Lawler, is presented weekly to the high-score female rider based on performances in the weekly WEF Challenge Cup Series and grand prix events. During the 12th and final week of competition, the Martha Jolicoeur Overall Leading Lady Rider Award will be presented to the female rider who accumulates the most points throughout the season. So far this season, Lillie Keenan, Jessica Springsteen, Adrienne Sternlicht, and Kirsten Vanderveen of the United States, as well as Great Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire and Alexandra Thornton, and Canada’s Vanessa Mannix, have won the weekly award. These talented female riders are now joined by Madden in contention for the overall title.

Contact: Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

Show Jumping

Beezie Madden and Jiva Open CSI5* Competition at WEF

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Beezie Madden and Jiva. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2020 – Four-time U.S. Olympic medalist Beezie Madden claimed victory in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI5* aboard Jiva to open week seven at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Wednesday, February 19.

Madden and her lightning-fast mare bested a field of 73 over courses set by Santiago Varela (ESP). The top three in Wednesday’s feature class were all separated by less than a half of a second. Madden’s time of 46.52 seconds bumped Ireland’s Jordan Coyle and Kristen Vanderveen (USA) to a tie for second place with matching times of 46.81 seconds. Coyle piloted Centriko Volo for Celtic Park LLC, while Vanderveen rode Bull Run’s Divine Fortune, owned by her own Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC.

“It feels great,” said Madden of kicking the week off with a win. “This is the first time Jiva has come out and tried to be competitive [this season].”

Jiva has been resting since the fall show season and has not competed in the FEI ranks since the National Horse Show in November. “I’m really pleased that she stepped right up and won her first class,” continued Madden of the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Concorde x Nonstop). “She’s really a speed specialist, so this is her class. It’s fun and always good for me to go in and go fast to try to keep up with all these riders in the speed.”

Georgina Bloomberg and New Mount Balotelli 5 Find Victory

Kicking off CSI5* competition earlier in the day, Georgina Bloomberg (USA) rode a new mount to the pair’s first FEI victory together, topping the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m CSI5*. Besting 35 other contenders, Bloomberg and Balotelli 5 stopped the clock at 34.58 seconds over Sweden’s Petronella Andersson and Cassini Bay, owned by Stephex Stables. Their time of 35.85 seconds was just ahead of Catherine Tyree (USA) in third riding BEC Lorenzo in 36.69 seconds for owner Mary Tyree.

“I’m still getting to know him, so I didn’t go super fast,” said Bloomberg of her first CSI5* outing with Balotelli 5, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Balou du Rouet x Contendro I). “I still tried to do some of the inside turns so I could learn a little about him, and he’s a naturally quick horse. We are taking it slow, but he has a lot of talent.

“I’m learning to trust him a lot,” continued Bloomberg. “He is a little spooky but very honest at the jump. He’s definitely a horse for the big classes.”

Balotelli 5 joined Bloomberg’s string in the fall of 2019 after competing with amateur rider Julia Plate (GER). “She was riding with Jos Lansink, and several people had told us about the horse,” said Bloomberg. “It was the right time for us and for her to be able to sell him. We were lucky.”

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Inside the Rolex Grand Slam: Special Live Contender Edition

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Beezie Madden (Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof)

Exclusive interview with Rolex Grand Slam live contender Beezie Madden

The CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is notoriously difficult to win – were you confident ahead of the class?

I have to say I was having a really good week with Darry Lou. He won the big class on Friday, so he felt like he was on good form which gave me confidence that he would be good on Sunday too. He is such a consistent horse, so although it’s always hard to win at The Masters, I thought I might have a good chance.

How did this victory feel compared to your previous Grand Prix win 14 years ago?

The first time I won the big Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows, the weather was really bad and there was controversy surrounding the Nations Cup the day before, so it was great that I ended that week on a good note. This year the weather was so good to us and I felt that the horse deserved a really big win, so it was exciting and certainly a moment I really remember for years to come.

How do you stay at the top of your game?

I think I’m very lucky that I have a great team behind me. From my husband, to the owners and the sponsors – they make my life so much easier. I’m able to work with some very good horses so it’s always exciting and inspiring for me. Obviously, a little financial backing helps as well. Some members of our staff have been with us for over 20 years, so we have an amazing team and that’s a constant support for me.

How has the sport evolved since you started competing professionally?

The breeding, the types of courses, and the universality of the sport have all changed massively. So many riders from all over the world are now riding with similar styles, the horses are lighter going than in the past, and the courses are more careful and technical. Because of the technicality of the sport, it takes longer to develop a top Grand Prix horse. Many years ago, you might see a 6-year-old in a Grand Prix, but those days are over. Also, the prize money has skyrocketed which makes the sport even more competitive and more commercial.

Could you talk about the time you needed to win prize money to fly home?

Well my husband had a sales business, so only one of the horses we had was owned by someone else. However, we were paying all the expenses on that horse and the others who we owned at least part of. So, when we took our first trip to Europe to compete, we had enough money to get there, but after that, we had to win enough money to get to the other shows and to get home – no pressure! Luckily, we were able to help our team win the Nations Cup in Rome and went on to win some classes at other shows. I think we went home with money to spare.

How has the travel of horses affected the sport?

The ability to fly horses all around the world has made it possible for many more countries to have top sport. When riders and horses were more confined to staying within their country or continent, they weren’t able to compete against each other. Now many more riders are exposed to top sport and able to raise their level of riding to compete at the top. When we are able to easily ship horses in and out of places like India and China, our sport will grow rapidly.

How has the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping enhanced the sport?

The Grand Slam is a great concept that certainly creates further excitement within our sport. It also has brought incredible prize money to the sport and encouraged other competitions to increase their prize money. I think the Grand Slam involves some of the best shows in the world, so every rider wants to win the Grand Prix at any single event of the series which makes it all the more special. The riders don’t just go to the shows because they have to in order to win the bonus; they go to the shows because they are special, and the possibility of a bonus is even more incentive.

Can you talk a bit about Darry Lou, his personality, and what he’s like back home?

Darry Lou is a really special horse. He is very confident in himself, but at the same time, he is very sweet and always wants to please. I think he had a wonderful upbringing in Mexico, so it was an easy transition when we became partners. One thing he loves to do is roll. I don’t know if he likes the rolling or just likes to be dirty, but he is a professional roller.

How important is the role of owners in the sport?

The owners are a very important part of our sport. These days more than ever, we all need good financial backing to have the horses it takes to compete at a high level. Even buying young horses is more difficult than say 10 years ago. When we find one and develop it, then we need to be able to afford to keep it also. So even though I feel it still can be done without a huge budget on occasion, the owners who support us so loyally are essential to our success in the sport.

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I think it’s a little tough to break into this sport in some ways, but the sport is growing all the time which opens up more and more opportunities for people. I think it’s important for young people to always try to make a good impression on other people. You never know who your future employer or sponsor or partner might be. You can definitely help create your own opportunities.

What is your earliest riding memory?

When I was probably four or five years old my brother and I got ponies for Christmas and my mum had a small horse truck that was parked outside our house. So, on Christmas morning we met our new ponies and went for a ride. It was so exciting!

Is there a sportsman/woman outside riding that you admire?

It’s hard to say, but I am a Green Bay Packers football fan, so I would have to go with Aaron Rogers.

How will you be preparing for Geneva?

I have done three indoor shows in North America with my horses Coach and Garant to prepare for Geneva. Now they have a short break before they travel to Europe where they will do a 2* in Sentower Park as a warmup for Geneva. The plan is to bring both Garant and Coach to Geneva for the Rolex Top Ten Final and of course the Rolex Grand Prix.

© 2019 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Community/Charity, Publications/Media, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Top Stars to Sign USET Foundation’s “Riding for the Team” Book at WIHS

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Olympic show jumper Margie Engle on her pony at five years old.

Gladstone, NJ – The U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation announces a unique opportunity for fans of equestrian sport with a book signing for the coffee table-style book, Riding for the Team, at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on Saturday, October 26, at 6:15 p.m.

The 302-page hardback volume contains memories, images, and stories from 47 top riders and drivers in all eight international equestrian disciplines who competed and won medals for the U.S. over the last 30 years, including show jumping stars like McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Margie Engle, and more.

Copies of Riding for the Team will be available for purchase at WIHS at the US Equestrian booth on the concourse of the Capital One Arena and will be sold in line during the autograph signing. Some of the riders featured in the book will join fans next to the Land Rover booth on the concourse on Saturday night of WIHS to sign copies of the book.

In the book, McLain Ward recounts just what went through his mind at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as he walked into the ring knowing that the U.S. team’s medal depended on his performance. “[I] took a moment to tell myself, ‘Okay, it’s a little bit disappointing. But now there’s a job to be done, and I have to focus on the things I can control and let the bigger outcome sort itself out.’” Ward gives readers of the book an insightful glimpse into the mental aspect of the sport.

Renowned equestrian journalist Nancy Jaffer compiled and edited the first-person accounts from the athletes for Riding for the Team. Along with stories of athletes at major games competition, the book features fantastic photographs, including behind-the-scenes moments and images of top riders in their younger years, such as Margie Engle’s pony ride as a five-year-old and Phillip Dutton in his Australian Pony Club days.

“The compelling stories collected in this volume, as told by the athletes who have become part of equestrian history, demonstrate how to make dreams reality, while acknowledging sacrifice as the other side of achievement,” Jaffer writes in the opening introduction. “Those who compete at the highest level share several characteristics in addition to the love and appreciation of the horse. All have demonstrated singular focus to achieve excellence, putting aside other pursuits as they strive to represent their country.”

The book is a sequel to Riding for America, published in 1990 and also compiled by Jaffer. Riding for America highlighted key figures on the American equestrian scene from 1976 to 1990. It followed the tradition of the 1976 volume, The USET Book of Riding: The First Quarter Century of the USET, which was produced by the late USET chairman emeritus and Olympic show jumping gold medalist, Bill Steinkraus.

Published by Trafalgar Square Books, Riding for the Team is available for pre-order on the USET Foundation website. A rare opportunity to learn more about the stars of American equestrian sport, the book also makes an excellent gift and is sure to be a treasured addition to any horseman’s library.

Proceeds benefit the USET Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that helps provide funding for the High Performance competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America’s elite and developing athletes and horses in partnership with the national federation, US Equestrian.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Madden Is Magnificent with Another Longines Victory in New York

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Beezie Madden and Garant. (FEI/Barre Dukes)

Twice a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final Champion, Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden (USA) has ridden some exceptional horses, but even she admitted that her expectations were exceeded when 8-year-old Garant jumped her to another Longines victory in New York (USA).

Madden and the chestnut gelding topped a jump-off field of six to win the $210,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ New York CSI4*-W, the first east coast qualifier of the 2019/2020 North American League season. Using her mount’s footspeed and athleticism to her advantage, Madden crossed the timers of Alan Wade’s (IRL) shortened track in 40.89 seconds. Last to jump, Karl Cook (USA) and Caillou finished second on a time of 41.25 seconds, while Katie Dinan (USA) completed an American sweep of the podium with Brego R’n B. The only other double-clear performance, they finished in 41.94 seconds.

“He’s a young horse. The plan was to step him up this fall. He jumped on Friday, and he went so well, we decided to go [today]. I wasn’t even sure I was doing this class this week when we came here. For him to come through like that today is amazing.” — Beezie Madden (USA)

Seven combinations produced a clear first round, but Nicole Shahinian-Simpson (USA) elected not to return for the jump-off with Akuna Mattata, leaving a field of six. Dinan was the first to add a second clear to her scorecard, before Madden shaved more than a second off her time. The two-time Olympic gold medalist simply could not be caught.

“He has tremendous jumping talent, which as we all know is not everything,” Madden said. “I also think he’s incredibly smart. He knows he’s not supposed to hit the fences! He then proceeds to know how to run fast and jump high, and I have no idea why!”

Madden has now skyrocketed to the top of the North American League’s east coast sub league standings. She boasts 35 points, having also finished fourth in Vancouver. Vancouver’s winner, Daniel Coyle (IRL), sits second with 20 points, while Dinan moved into third with 15 points.

By Catie Staszak

FEI Media Contact:

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping, Spruce Meadows

Beezie Madden Becomes New Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender

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(Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof)

In contrast to Saturday’s BMO Nations’ Cup, which was bathed in warm early autumn sunshine, the International Ring was overcast and chilly for the final day of the 2019 CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. An unprecedented 48 horse and rider combinations contended the week’s showcase class, the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, for the enviable title of becoming a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner and securing a place in equestrian history.

Spruce Meadows’ veteran Venezuelan course designer, Leopoldo Palacios, and his assistant, Peter Grant, set the riders from 22 nations a typically tough set of challenges, with the first round consisting of 17 obstacles and the second round 14. Of the 48 starters, 12 riders progressed to the second round, including eight, who were faultless after round one.

But it was the current world number six-ranked rider, American Beezie Madden, and her 11-year-old chestnut stallion, Darry Lou, who triumphed, adding just one time fault to her clear first round in a time of 66.94 seconds, and claimed her first Major as part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Also clear in round one was Australian Rowan Willis and his 13-year-old chestnut mare, Blue Movie, who put one fence down in round two to finished in second place in a time of 65.93 seconds, while Austria’s Max Kühner and his 12-year-old grey stallion, Chardonnay 79, slotted into third with a total of five faults in a time of 66.78 seconds.

A delighted Beezie Madden commented: “It feels amazing. This is such an amazing place; it’s just an honour to be here. Any win is fantastic, but I have to say, this one is pretty special.

“I kind of have a feeling that Darry Lou is the fans’ favourite because he’s so cute. The fans here are great. Obviously, they’re very loyal to their Canadian riders, but they appreciate great sport.

“Today, he [Darry Lou] was just about right. I thought I left him a little too fresh when I was warming up the other day, but I got away with it and he was great anyway. It’s nice when you have a plan and it actually works out that way. If anything goes wrong, it’s my fault because he does absolutely everything I ask him to do. He has a beautiful gallop and a beautiful jump, and his temperament is amazing. He’s careful and scopey, and he’s really a pleasure.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to go there [CHI Geneva] or not, but I guess this might seal the fact that I do want to go there. Winning this is amazing, and trying to win the Rolex Grand Slam, or even a portion of it would be amazing.”

© 2019 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Jump Media, Show Jumping

Star-Studded List to Compete at Longines Masters of New York

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New York, NY – Thirteen Olympians and four of the top-ten riders in the world will ascend on the northeastern United States for the Longines Masters of New York, running April 25 through 28, 2019, at NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum.

The Longines Masters of New York features the 2019 edition of the Longines Grand Prix of New York and the fourth leg of the innovative Riders Masters Cup, which pits Riders Europe and Riders USA teams against each other in multi-phase transatlantic duels. All the action will be made even better with decorated riders representing 12 countries across the globe coming to New York with their very best equine athletes to compete.

From world No. 2 rider McLain Ward and four-time Olympian Beezie Madden of The United States to former world-ranking leader Harrie Smolders of The Netherlands and Darragh Kenny of Ireland, equestrian powerhouses will turn out in full force for the Longines Masters of New York. But they will be contested by some of the sport’s rising stars in Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts, France’s Edward Levy, and Egypt’s Nayel Nassar, as well as Adrienne Sternlicht, Lillie Keenan, and Jennifer Gates of The United States.

See The Masters One Riders.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Dressage, FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

Graves Takes Second in FEI Dressage World Cup Final Grand Prix

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Laura Graves and Verdades (Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photo)

Gothenburg, Sweden – In an exciting day of competition, U.S. dressage and jumping combinations found their rhythm at the FEI World Cup™ Finals. Laura Graves and Verdades earned second in the FEI Dressage World Cup Final Grand Prix, while Beezie Madden and Breitling LS advanced to fourth after the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final II.

With poise and grace, the U.S. dressage combinations trotted down centerline on Friday ready to represent American dressage. Their hard work and dedication paid off, resulting in all three combinations placing in the top eight in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final Grand Prix. Laura Graves and Verdades led the way for the U.S., placing second on 80.109% closely behind Germany’s Isabel Werth.

Graves (Geneva, Fla.) and her own and Curt Maes’s 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding found their rhythm in the large Scandinavium Arena in front of a knowledgeable Swedish audience.

“I thought [feeling super]. He was super rideable today,” said Graves. “I think tomorrow will be an interesting competition for everyone, and, hopefully, my horse gives me the same great feeling that he did today… I feel really, really confident in how we have prepared him for this competition.”

Madden Moves Up, Tied for Fourth after Round II of Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final

With ground to cover, the U.S. combinations headed into Friday evening’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final II looking to improve their positions in the second round of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final. Round II saw a shift in the leaderboard, and Madden and Breitling LS jumped a commanding and nearly flawless round to place fifth in the class and fourth overall.

After jumping a clear round on a time of 76.41 seconds, Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Abigail Wexner’s 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion headed into the jump-off with seven other top combinations. Their jump-off time of 34.75 seconds was the fastest of the round but a rail at the final jump cost them the double-clear. Sitting on just three penalties, and tied for fourth with Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels and Olivier Philippaerts, as well as Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Madden and Breitling LS sit less than one rail from the current leader headed into Sunday’s final.

By US Equestrian Communications Department

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

It’s Not Going to Be Easy for Beezie in Gothenburg

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Beezie Madden secured her second Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ victory in 2018 riding Breitling, and she goes for a hat-trick at next week’s 2019 Final in Gothenburg (SWE). (FEI/Liz Gregg)

She’s going for a hat-trick of titles and America’s 12th when the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2019 gets underway in Gothenburg (SWE) next week. However, US superstar Beezie Madden will be under no illusions about what lies ahead of her. She may have double Olympic gold, World Championship team and individual silver and two World Cup titles under her belt, but the world no. 8 rider knows that there is a host of European rivals determined to stand in her way. And amongst them is a rock-solid and on-form German contingent.

Although the USA held the advantage over the early years, Germany became the most dominant nation in the Jumping World Cup series in more recent times, with Daniel Deusser posting his country’s tenth victory in Lyon (FRA) in 2014. But McLain Ward put the USA on level pegging when coming out on top in 2017 and last season’s win by Madden pushed her country out in front. Deusser, however, has had a stormer of a season in the 2018/2019 Western European League qualifiers, with three sensational wins backed up by several other great performances to leave him with a massive 99 points at the head of the league table. He’s a force to be reckoned with right now.

And cementing the German strength, fellow-countryman Christian Ahlmann, champion with Taloubet in 2011, finished second in this series. He brings one of the most exciting horses you can expect to see next week, the gorgeous 10-year-old grey Clintrexo Z, who showed spectacular athleticism when clinching a last-to-go victory at Mechelen (BEL) in December. This stallion’s confidence, balance, and turning skills will play a big role as rideability, courage, and quick decision-making will be key to success over the courses designed by Spain’s Santiago Varela in the tight confines of the Scandinavium Arena. Rounding up the German contingent is 1993 champion, Ludger Beerbaum.

The host nation is also well-armed with reigning European champion Peder Fredricson, the talented Irma Karlson and Henrik von Eckermann all flying the flag. And Von Eckermann has a score to settle. He might have forced Madden into a jump-off for the title at last year’s Final in Paris (FRA) but for a last-minute mistake which dropped him to third. But he brings out the brilliant Toveks Mary Lou once again, and on current form they are a very significant threat.

The star-studded line-up includes so many of the top names, and it’s difficult to look past Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, but the Final is also about seeing new faces from far-flung places along with the developing younger generation.

Gothenburg is the end of a very long journey for South Africa’s Lisa Williams and her horse Campbell. They’ve experienced a series of incredible complications since leaving their home country to travel to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon (USA) last year, but they overcame them all and deserve a very special welcome when they ride into the ring next week. They qualified for this Final two years ago, and Sweden is the end of the line before the 52-year-old rider heads back home.

America’s Eve Jobs (20) and Kelli Cruciotti (21) will be two of the youngest riders in action, and the five-strong US line-up is completed by Georgina Bloomberg and last year’s runner-up, Devin Ryan. Americans filled three of the top four places in 2018, so nobody is taking them for granted this time around and American ladies have an exceptional record.

Only five female athletes have taken the title in the history of this prestigious series that every rider wants to win, and they all have one thing in common. Melanie Smith (1983), Leslie Burr Lenehan (1986), and Katharine Burdsall (1987) all flew the American flag, while three-time winner Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum from Germany (2005, 2008, 2009) was born in Los Angeles, California. Madden became the fifth lady champion when pipping Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat in a thrilling jump-off back in 2013 and she will be flying the US flag with her 2018 winner, Breitling LS, when the action gets underway next week.

She’ll have to go like the wind in Thursday’s (4 April) first competition and then jump big and clean again on Friday (5 April) to qualify for Sunday’s (7 April) title-deciding showdown.

Full details here.

Gothenburg Horse Show website here.

By Louise Parkes

Media contact:

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