Tag Archives: International Bromont

Competitions, Show Jumping

Ali Ramsay & Hermelien VD Hooghoeve Shine in Bromont

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Ali Ramsay & Hermelien VD Hooghoeve. Credit Tom von kap-Herr.

Bromont, August 3, 2018 – Ali Ramsay (CAN) and Hermelien VD Hooghoeve stayed in the lead in the FEI Assante Classic this Friday at the International Bromont.

5 Canadians in the Top 10
28 rider-horse pairs took part in the fifth FEI event of the two weeks of competition at the International Bromont. Ten would make it to the jump-off, including Ali Ramsay who won the Welcome Opening event of the first week last year at the International Bromont.

Ali Ramsay and her mare Hermelien VD Hooghoeve (Tangelo Van de Zuuthoeve x Djakarta) had the edge right from the start: the first round: second pair on the course, they execute the first clear round. We have to wait until Mario Deslauriers on Amsterdam 27, seventh pair on the course, to ensure a jump-off. Mario Deslauriers also qualifies for the second round with Bardolina 2. They are joined by Susan Horn (CAN) & Lilly Fee, Jonathan McCrea (USA) & Aristoteles V, Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) & Cor Bakker, Leslie Howard (USA) & Donna Speciale, Lisa Carlsen (CAN) & Malbec, Cormac Hanley (IRL) & Copain Z as well as Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) & DHI Zulu.

Of the 10 pairs qualified for the jump-off, nine will finally take the course. First to come back, Ramsay and Hermelien again establish the time to beat with a perfect round in 34.64 seconds. They stay on top of the final standings, and are joined by Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) and DHI Zulu (2e position) as well as Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Aristoteles V (3e position) in the Top 3.

About International Bromont
International Bromont presents its 43rd edition in the picturesque setting of the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, at the heart of the beautiful region of the Eastern Townships. For more information on the schedule, visit our Web site at www.internationalbromont.org.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Lucy Deslauriers Wins Again in Bromont

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Lucy Deslauriers & Kaspara. Credit Tom von kap-Herr.

Bromont, August 2, 2018 – American rider Lucy Deslauriers has once again taken victory at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park with Kaspara in the FEI opening event in the second week of the International Bromont.

A long and demanding course
Course designer Michel Vaillancourt offered a long and demanding course for this opening event: with 13 obstacles for 16 efforts, including a double and a triple combination, athletes had to be precise when approaching the obstacles.

The slalom course covered a long distance and forced the athletes to play on the amplitude of the stride while manoeuvring with skills all turns to for optimal impulsion and balance of the horse. Of the 35 rider-horse pairs registered, twelve qualified for the jump-off, including Canadian Lisa Carlsen, Julia Madigan, Susan Horn, and Mac Cone, American Jennifer Kocher, Leslie Howard, Catherine Tyree, and Lucy Deslauriers, as well as Cormac Hanley (IRL), Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX), and Maria Victoria Perez (PUR).

First out on the jump-off course, Catherine Tyree and Catungee clock in the time to beat in the second round with a double clear in 37.68 seconds. Nobody seems able to equal them. Cormac Hanley with Copain Z tries to cut the distance going to the 15th obstacle and while getting a better time, a bar on the ground puts them behind Lisa Carlsen/Malbec, Julia Madigan/Farfelu du Printemps, & Mac Cone/Zaia di San Giovanni

In it to win it
Last on the course with Kaspara, a Swedish half-blood mare, young rider Lucy Deslauriers, 19 years old and twice a winner last week at the International Bromont with her other mount Hester, fights for victory. Lucy Deslauriers shows how well she masters the sport and takes advantage of Kaspara’s (Hip Hop x Siden) qualities, a very fast and agile mare, executing a double clear round in a record time of 35.37 seconds, thus ensuring a third consecutive victory in the international events of the Bromont competitions.

About International Bromont
International Bromont presents its 43rd edition in the picturesque setting of the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, at the heart of the beautiful region of the Eastern Townships. For more information on the schedule, visit our Web site at www.internationalbromont.org.

Competitions, Show Jumping

International Bromont 2018: Ireland Dominates in the FEI Open Welcome

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Brian Cournane. Photo courtesy of Tom von Kapherr Photography.

Bromont, Quebec – July 27, 2018 – The FEI Open Welcome at the International Bromont ended with an excellent performance from Irish riders, who took four of the five top places out of the 44 horse and rider pairs participating.

A fair challenge

FEI CSI4* American course designer Anthony d’Ambrosio set up a course that had 12 obstacles for 14 efforts, including two double combinations. The course, featuring broken lines and tight turns, required control and attention as well as precision from the riders.

In addition, the time allowed of 71 seconds in the first round presented an additional difficulty, as nearly half the participants were unable to execute their round within the set time.

Seventeen riders successfully qualified for the jump-off with 16 finally taking part. The time to beat was established by Christine McCrea, on her mount Jasmin, with a double clear in 43.35 seconds. However, American rider Andrew Kocher was the one who overtook her on Kahlua stopping the clock at 39.10 seconds. Irishman Conor Swail, on Domino van de Valhoeve, gets close to the time, but not close enough, with 39.73 seconds, and they are top 2 in the standing.

Captain Brian Cournane comes out in the ring with Armik, a 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Armitage x Rikina II) and goes all-in and finishes in a time of almost one second ahead of Kocher, thus taking the lead and winning the class.

Qualified for Sunday’s Grand Prix

All riders and their mounts are qualified for the Quebec Original Grand Prix that will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. The event will follow the always-popular Canine-Equine Challenge planned for around 11 a.m.

About International Bromont

International Bromont presents its 43rd edition in the picturesque setting of the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, at the heart of the beautiful region of the Eastern Townships. For more information on the schedule, visit our Web site at www.internationalbromont.org.

FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Jonathan McCrea and Special Lux Earn Victory in Season Opener at International Bromont

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Jonathan McCrea and Special Lux. (FEI/Debby Jamroz)

Bromont, Quebec, Canada, 31 July 2016 – Against a backdrop of clear, blue skies and a record-breaking number of spectators, the United States’ Jonathan McCrea piloted Special Lux to the top of the podium in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Bromont at Bromont International CSI3*-W. The picturesque Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park played host to its 41st edition of the competition and to the launch of this season’s Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.  A starting order of 19 horse-and-rider pairs contested Brazilian course designer Guilherme Jorge’s track, his final design, before flying to his home country for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 1.60 metre course, with 13 obstacles and 16 jumping attempts, featuring long, galloping lines, wide oxers, and large, sweeping turns that utilized the expansive, outdoor arena, prompted riders to remark that it was certainly “big enough” during the course walk. In particular, a demanding, vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination, off a tight, right-hand turn, near the final portion of the track would go on to force multiple rounds to record at least four faults.

“It’s always a big pleasure to be back in Bromont,” Jorge said. “As you may know, it was my first show in North America back in 1998.  For 18 years I have been coming regularly here. It’s always nice to see the improvements on the venue: the new footing this year, the quality is always getting better, and it’s always nice coming here to see the sign from the ’76 Olympic Games. It’s always nice to be in a venue like this.”

“The number of riders was not that big, but we had really good quality and I was able to build a course to the standards of a World Cup Qualifier, and it was a good jump off for the crowd,” he added. “There’s always a good crowd here in Bromont so I think it’s a very good start for the North American League.”

Veteran rider Peter Leone (USA), riding 10 year old gelding Wayfarer (Languster x Angel), was the first to enter the ring and nearly delivered a fault-free round save for a rail at the A element of the triple combination. But a clear round came soon after, when USA’s Alison Robitaille and 11-year-old, Dutch Warmblood gelding Ace (Berlin x Irco Polo) crossed the timers without a single fault as the third pair in the order.

Six additional clear first rounds throughout the class ensured a competitive jump off of seven: Andrew Kocher (USA) and 15-year-old gelding Uppie de Lis (Andiamo x Landsieger I), Keean White (CAN) and 11-year-old gelding For Freedom Z (For Pleasure x Baloubet du Rouet), Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Special Lux, Ljubov Kochetova (RUS) and 10-year-old stallion Balou du Reventon (Cornet Obolensky x Continue), Todd Minikus (USA) and 11-year-old mare Babalou (Balou du Rouet x Silvio I), and Leslie Howard (USA) and 10-year-old gelding Gentille van Spieveld (Heartbreaker x Capital) followed Robitaille with their own clear efforts, respectively.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Longines because without a partner like that, [this competition and League are] impossible,” said Roger Deslauriers, manager of the Bromont Equestrian Park and Bromont International. “It’s not always easy, but we want to do good for the sport. Three weeks ago, we tried to finish the footing in the main ring and we really worked hard to make it happen because we really like to make the effort for the riders, to give the best conditions. We’ve been working hard to make it happen.”

Pressure ride

The seven riders returned for the final, deciding round. The short track of seven obstacles with eight jumping efforts utilized a tight rollback turn from a vertical to another vertical, set at an awkward angle. The top of the jump-off order – Robitaille, Kocher, and White, couldn’t cross the timers without dropping rails. And as McCrea entered the ring, he knew he had to keep the jumps standing, but with a competitive time that would put the pressure on Minikus, who rode late in the order.

“With Special Lux, if you make a jump off, going slow is not an option,” McCrea said. “I knew with Todd and Leslie coming behind me, I had to put the hammer down. Right before I went in, my wife [Christin McCrea], who rides with me and against me, said to me as I came down the hill [into the ring], ‘There’s no clears.’ I’m like, ‘Well, I could go for a clear [but if] I take one off, a slow four is not going to go well.’ She said, ‘You know, the horse you’re on is fast. Try and put the pressure on Todd. He has a lot of experience with that horse, and he’s won a lot.’ So going for a slow, clear round wasn’t an option.

“Knowing my horse as well as I know him, you go to win. I’m lucky to have a horse as careful and fast as him.”

And true to form, McCrea masterfully navigated the rollback turn slightly wider than the former competitors in order to set himself up for an angled slice over the vertical to make a direct, eight strides to the following oxer.

“On those kinds of roll backs with him, I like to go a little wider to go back in a little closer to jump it,” McCrea said. “He’s very careful on the vertical.”

Kochetova followed McCrea’s fast, double clear, and although she managed to keep the rails standing, her time of 51.26 seconds was far behind McCrea’s 42.24 seconds. “[Balou du Reventon] is my best horse right now, and he’s getting enough experience and getting better,” Kochetova said. “I hope we can qualify for the World Cup Final. We’ll try.”

All eyes looked to Minikus to better McCrea’s time. In April, the United States Equestrian Federation had named Minikus and Babalou to the short list for the Rio Olympics. But after narrowly missing the US Team, Minikus has shifted his sights toward the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final. Chasing McCrea’s time, Minikus made a tighter rollback turn that then forced the rail. He did have the time at 41.29 seconds, but the four faults kept him off the podium with a 4th-place finish.

The final rider in the jump off, Howard had seen both clear rounds and made the conscious decision to rider for the runner-up position with a clear round at 49.58 seconds.

“I saw both Ljubov and Jonathan go, and I knew if I tried to catch Jon, there’d be a good chance I would have a rail because my horse is not as naturally fast as his,” said the two-time Olympic medalist. “I got to see Ljubov go, and I thought I could shave off a little time off hers. They’re both similar horses [mine and Ljubov’s]: big, scopey, slow moving horses. And I thought maybe a little neater turn here and there, I could shave off her time. So it was really advantageous to be able to see both of them go, and it worked out well for me.”

World Cup quality

McCrea’s mount is no stranger to winning the bigger classes. Originally purchased from Billy Twomey, McCrea’s friend from his original home country of Ireland, about three years ago, the Irish Sport Horse gelding was already competing at the Nations Cup level for Ireland with Twomey’s colleague, Anthony Condon.

“Anthony did a great job with the horse,” McCrea said. “I got lucky when I heard about him – I tried him, liked him, and he’s been great. The first year I had him, he won a bunch after just getting thrown in at the deep end. [In 2013], we placed in the World Cup Qualifiers in Washington and in Kentucky.

“We had a successful Wellington and did his first Nations Cup for America in Mexico, where he was clear and four [faults] on the team and 3rd in the Grand Prix. Then at Spruce Meadows he was 2nd in the $400,000 Grand Prix the first week. He’s not a stranger to winning and jumping these classes.”

But in the middle of the 2014 season, Special Lux incurred a stifle injury that required surgery and an entire year off from competition. The majority of that time, McCrea and his team of veterinarians and grooms carefully rehabilitated the talented horse. When Special Lux returned to the competition ring, he won two back-to-back, grand prix classes at HITS Saugerties and Tryon CSI3* to mark the occasion.

“I am not the most stylish rider in the world, and he jumps a little unorthodox but he thrives off a gallop,” McCrea said. “I wasn’t brought up in the United States with the equitation and I tend to ride what I feel. It’s a real partnership, but we tend to get it done.

“I was surprised when I walked the course that it was big. The course builder did not go soft today. I felt relaxed and my horse was jumping good. He felt good in the jump off, and we stayed relaxed.”

McCrea will next head to Saugerties, New York with other horses in his string before a stint in Europe, gearing up for the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5* at the start of September. But with the win today, plans for Special Lux will most likely adjust to maximize World Cup points.

“It’s everybody’s goal [to qualify], but I try to go one day at a time,” he said. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll get up and hope my horse is sound and healthy. Obviously with 20 points in the bag, it’s something I have to take a look at and pay attention to and especially on home soil – to have the World Cup Final in North America is the ultimate advantage. I’ve never been in position to win the first Qualifier [of the year] so now I have to give it more attention and obviously I’d love to go.”

All roads

McCrea’s fellow competitors also voiced their collective hopes to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final to take place in Omaha, Nebraska from March 27 to April 2, 2017. All efforts from the North American League will qualify the top seven US athletes from the East Coast sub league, the top three US riders from the West Coast sub league, and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, alongside the qualified riders from the 13 other leagues from around the world.

“I would like to go back to the World Cup Final this year,” said Leslie Howard. “It would be my 22nd or 23rd World Cup Final. I haven’t been there in two years. I have a nice, great, young string of young horses coming along that should be about ready to do some serious stuff by the time the World Cup comes around.”

The top-placing Canadian rider, Keean White, also has his sights set on riding in the championship event.

“[My horse] jumped the first round very well; he tried very hard,” White said. “He’s a horse that I’ve been working with for a few years. At the beginning, maybe he was a bit too careful so we’ve had to work through a few things. But in the last few months, he’s jumped very solid, and we’re hoping to guide him toward the World Cup Final.”

Thirteen events remain in the second year of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, and much is sure to change as the season progresses. But the riders earning points from the start currently hold the advantage. All roads will lead to Omaha, and only time will tell if the top competitors will have the opportunity to jump for the title.

Full results: http://www.longinestiming.com/#!/show-jumping/2016/1207/html/en/longinestiming/resultlist_320.html

About Bromont International

The Bromont Equestrian Park was created to host the equestrian events for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. Following the Games, the site managed to keep its initial vocation. To this day, the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park remains one of the rare Olympic venues to maintain its activities.

The International Bromont celebrated its 41st edition from July 20 to 31 by setting new attendance records, in the heart of the beautiful Eastern Townships region.

Live FEI TV Action

For those unable to attend the NAL events, tune in to live action of all fourteen of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League qualifiers on FEI TV, the FEI’s official video platform: www.feitv.org. The additional FEI classes at these competitions will be available to view via livestream on the FEI’s YouTube channel. Visit www.youtube.com/user/feichannel to view the full details on the livestream.

FEI Social Media

The FEI will post news, images, and videos for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League throughout the season on YouTube www.youtube.com/feichannel, Facebook www.facebook.com/the.fei, Twitter www.twitter.com/FEI_Global, and on Instagram www.instagram.com/fei_global. Be sure to follow along with all the action on the platforms and via the official hashtag, #FEIWorldCupNAL.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

A total of 14 athletes from the new North American League will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

The North American League boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series, and offers the best Jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than US $1.4 million (€1.3 million) on offer annually at the Final.

The new league was launched by Beezie Madden, the most decorated US female equestrian athlete of all time, American Gold Cup winner and FEI Solidarity Ambassador Jessica Springsteen, and Hannah Selleck, team and individual gold medalist at young rider level and one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. Full launch release here: https://goo.gl/kCIsyW

Share images, video, experiences using hashtag #FEIWorldCupNAL

By Esther Hahn

FEI Media Contact:

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

Competitions, Show Jumping

International Bromont Is Getting Ready for Its 41st Edition

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Schuyler Riley and Dobra de Porceyo Photo by: Cealy Tetley.

Bromont, June 24, 2016 – As entries for the International Bromont will soon close, the organizing committee is proud to count on the support of many riders for its 41st edition.

Bromont, proud to welcome riders

Quebec riders will represent a large portion of the field during the two weeks of the event next July. To date, David Arcand, Laurie Bucci, François Lamontagne and Josée Turcotte, to name a few, will participate in the two weeks of competition. Many Canadians, including Lindsay Bradshaw, Keean White, Erynn Ballard, Jill Henselwood and Mac Cone, will also compete. Mario Deslauriers and his daughter Lucy will also take part in the competition.

Mexico and Colombia have already entered riders for the CSI2*, July 20 to 24, 2016, including Fernando Martinez (MEX), Claudia Ballesteros (MEX), Carlos Ramirez (COL) and Juan Manuel Gallego (COL).

American riders Leslie Howard and Andrew Welles have also registered for the CSI3*-W, July 27 to 31, 2016.

Stay the course

“The competition world has changed a lot over the last 5 years, and with the arrival of new competitions, we, the organizers, have to go the extra mile and offer athletes top-notch facilities, a warm welcome and a smooth and efficient organization. It is a challenge for all organizers as we have to continually better ourselves,” remarked Roger Deslauriers, the show manager. “We are touched that riders chose Bromont to compete: the venue is unique and magnificent and riders’ participation allows us to continue our improvements. We maintain our objectives: in the end we will have new outdoor rings along Gale Road, new stables, as well as an indoor arena.”

In 2016, we have invested for a new footing in the international and national rings, as well as in the warm-up rings. As for the hunter rings, although they cannot be moved for 2016, a mix of sand and fibre was added to improve the existing footing. Moreover, the temporary stables will be installed in a way that will provide wider aisles.

Places available
Riders can still register via email or fax.

INTERNATIONAL BROMONT 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

What:

$110,000 CAD International Bromont CSI 2*
$84,085 CAD International Bromont I GOLD
$172,800 USD International Bromont CSI 3*-W Longines FEI World Cup™
$79,585 CAD International Bromont II GOLD

When:

July 20 to 24, 2016
July 27 to 31, 2016

Where:

Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, 450 chemin de Gaspé, Bromont, Quebec, J2L 2P4

Main attractions:

Friday, July 22, 2016 – $35,000 CAD Open Welcome CSI 2* Table A with jump-off
Saturday, July 23, 2016 – $15,000 CAD Modified Grand Prix Table A with jump-off
Saturday, July 23, 2016 – $7,500 CAD Gambler’s Choice. Art. 270.11
Saturday, July 23, 2016 – $5,000 CAD Hunter Derby
Sunday, July 24, 2016 – $5,000 CAD Royal Canin Challenge
Sunday, July 24, 2016 – $75,000 CAD Bromont Grand Prix CSI 2*, Table A with jump-off
Thursday, July 28, 2016 – $36,400 USD Open Welcome CSI 3* Table A with jump-off
Friday, July 29, 2016 – $36,400 USD FEI Classic CSI 3* Table A with jump-off
Saturday, July 30, 2016 – $15,000 CAD Modified Grand Prix, Table A with jump-off
Saturday, July 30, 2016 – $10,000 CAD Team Cup
Sunday, July 31 – $5,000 CAD Royal Canin Challenge
Sunday, July 31 – $100,000 USD Longines FEI World Cup TM Jumping Bromont

General admission $10 per person, always free for children 12 and under.

VIP tables

VIP tables seating 4, 6 or 8 available.

For information and reservations, thank you for contacting Chelsea Korman at (450) 534-0787 or ckorman@internationalbromont.org.

Parking
Available on grounds

Directions

Visitors:
From Autoroute 10 take exit 78 and follow Boulevard de Bromont. Turn right on Shefford, then left on Chemin de Gaspé for about 5 km.
The Olympic Equestrian Park will be on your right.

Horse trailers:
From Autoroute 10 take exit 74 towards Bromont and follow Pierre Laporte Boulevard. Turn left on Chemin de Granby which becomes
Chemin des Carrières then turn right on Chemin de Gaspé. The Olympic Equestrian Park will be on your right.

Partnership Opportunities

The International Bromont is a non-profit organization. All profits are reinvested in equestrian activities, the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park and equestrian sports.

Roger Deslauriers – 450-534-0787
Alexandra Hill – 450-534-0787 alexandra@internationalbromont.org
Information, Advertising & Media
Alexandra Hill – 450-534-0787 alexandra@internationalbromont.org

Hotels

A list of recommended accommodations is available at www.bromontbromont.org.

Management

Association équestre Centaure
450, chemin de Gaspé, CP98
Bromont, Québec, Canada J2L 1A9
Tel: 450-534-0787 Fax: 450-534-0417

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Driving, Phelps Media Group

International Driving Celebrates Its 15th Edition

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Photo by: Tom von kap Herr.

Bromont, June 24, 2016 – As the 15th edition of the International Driving officially opens Saturday, all horses have passed the officials’ veterinarian inspection.

Over fifty teams

Over fifty driving teams will participate in this 15th edition, including 4 Four-in-hand teams, respectively driven by Darryl Billing (ON), James Fairclough (NJ), Eugen Hug (QC) and Paul Maye (VA).

Small equines will also be a part of the show with three entries in the preliminary division.

World Championships selection

The Bromont International Driving will also serve as a selecting event for the FEI World Championships for Four-in-Hand in Breda, Netherlands as well as the FEI World Championships for Singles, to be held in Piber Köflach, Austria.

A unique competition

The Bromont International Driving is one of the seven events in all North America, and with Bécancour (QC), one of only two Equine Canada sanctioned driving competitions in Canada, and the only FEI sanctioned one in the country.

Directions

Visitors:
From Autoroute 10, take exit 78 and follow Boulevard de Bromont. Turn right on Shefford Street and left on Chemin de Gaspé for about 5 km.  The Olympic Equestrian Park will be on your right.

Partnership Opportunities

The International Bromont is a non-profit organization. All profits are reinvested in equestrian activities, the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park and equestrian sports.

Roger Deslauriers – 450-534-0787
Alexandra Hill – 450-534-0787 alexandra@internationalbromont.org
Information, Advertising & Media
Alexandra Hill – 450-534-0787 alexandra@internationalbromont.org

Hotels

A list of recommended accommodations is available at www.bromontbromont.org.

Management

Association équestre Centaure
450, chemin de Gaspé, CP98
Bromont, Québec, Canada J2L 1A9
Tel: 450-534-0787 Fax: 450-534-0417

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Schuyler Riley Claims Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League Opener in Bromont

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Schuyler Riley (USA) and Dobra de Porceyo. (Debbie Jamroz/FEI)

Bromont (CAN), 10 August 2015 – Schuyler Riley (USA) and Dobra de Porceyo were the winners of the inaugural class of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League at the Bromont International, when 16 horse-and-rider combinations took on the challenge.

Sunny, blue skies welcomed a large crowd of almost 5,500 that flocked to the international-level event at the newly revamped show grounds. A welcoming, first-round course, designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio, with 13 obstacles and 16 jumping attempts, allowed for half of the class to go double clear and into the jump-off.

Speed and accuracy were the deciding factor in the second round. The eight-obstacle course, which included a double combination, presented multiple options in terms of striding and inside or outside turns. Every rider in the jump-off chose to take the tight, inside turn to the combination’s wide oxer to varying degrees of success.

America’s Peter Leone was the first to go and had an unexpected stop with his home-bred mount, Wayfarer. Russia’s Ljubov Kochetova and Urus 2 showed an excellent inside line that allowed them to meet the oxer straight on for a clear in a time of 46.08 seconds, and that foot-perfect round was immediately replicated by America’s Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star, with an improved time of 44.43 for a temporary hold on the lead.

But it was the final pair that meant it was the American flag that rose at the event’s end. Schuyler Riley and Dobra de Porceyo produced the winning round in 41.31 seconds with aggressive inside turns and carefully managing strides, leaving them out and adding them in to keep the clock down but the rails up.

“We really know each other,” Riley said of her nine-year-old chestnut mare. “I could tell in the warm-up ring that she was ‘on’ today. The jump-off track was really fun to ride – a gallop, roll back, gallop, again – and the footing felt great. The event was a huge success, and I’m grateful for Longines to sponsor it and for Bromont to host it.”

Risk factor

Faster isn’t always better in the jump-off, as proven by the two rounds with faster times than Riley’s, but at the expense of rails down. Colombia’s Daniel Bluman rode Conconcreto Believe to a blisteringly fast time of 40.87 seconds, but the fast pace cost the pair in carefulness and resulted in eight faults.

America’s Quentin Judge and HH Copin van de Broy met a similar fate on their way to a fast time of 41.01 seconds, but with a rail and four faults.

“Sometimes, there’s a ‘too fast’ in show jumping,” said Geoff Morgan, the class’s sportscaster. “But you have to take the risk.”

“I knew going in, I had some really fast riders coming behind me, in Daniel, Schuyler, Quentin, so I wasn’t just going to go for a slow clear. I wanted to put a little pressure on without necessarily going break-neck,” said runner-up Charlie Jacobs. “My goal was to go tidy fast but not crazy.”

Home turf

In a happy coincidence, or possibly by fate, Mario Deslauriers, Bromont’s hometown hero, drew first in the order of go. Deslauriers is the son of Roger Deslauriers, the show manager of the International Bromont, and the last name is synonymous with the show grounds, purpose made for the 1976 summer Olympic Games.

Lucy Deslauriers, Mario’s daughter, and her horse Hester were also showing, winning the Quebec Original FEI Welcome Qualifier on Thursday and placing second in Friday’s Assante FEI Welcome Qualifier. But she was absent from the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League class as, at 16 years of age, she’s two years shy of the age requirement.

Her father Mario still holds the record as the youngest ever rider to win the FEI World Cup™ Final when he claimed the honours in 1984 at the age of 19. He was also the first Canadian to win the FEI World Cup™ Final.

“Lucy doing well here, this week – it’s the cherry on the cake,” Roger Deslauriers said of his granddaughter.

Strategic planning

All horse-and-rider pairs must compete in an FEI class earlier in the week at a show hosting the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League in order to enter into the FEI World Cup™ qualifier.

“I think it’s really important to always make a horse jump a class before the Grand Prix because it puts everyone on a level playing field,” Riley said. “You have to show up and execute a plan. That’s how the World Cup finals are – you can’t get away with a bad day.”

“I expected the horses to be jumping well,” D’Ambrosio said. “They had two competitions at 1.50 meter earlier in the week, and they were confident and went into the ring with positive feelings. I was very happy that we ended up with 16 riders. Some of the riders had younger horses that have never done a 1.60-meter Grand Prix before, and they felt that they could give a World Cup qualifier a shot. I’m very happy with that.”

See full results: http://internationalbromont.org/en/results.

Facts and Figures

The course designer was Anthony D’Ambrosio. He designed the course for the most recent Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Las Vegas in April 2015. His next confirmed course design for the Longines FEI North American League is at the Washington International Horse Show on 24 October.

Sixteen riders earned their places in the Bromont qualifying event with eight double clears in the first round. There were six four-fault rounds and two eight-fault rounds. There were no eliminations in the class.

Seven riders in the field are Olympians: Peter Leone and Leslie Howard competed for America, Jill Henselwood, Mac Cone and Mario Deslauriers (now an American citizen) competed for Canada, Ljubov Kochetova competed for Russia and Daniel Bluman competed for Colombia.

The footing at International Bromont was expertly prepared for the event by Oliver Hoberg (GER).

Quotes

Schuyler Riley: “I’ve had (Dobra de Porceyo) for three years, and I got her as a six-year-old. She was rather unruly. I got her because not a lot were able to stay on her. I took my time with her – she’s a chestnut mare, and you can’t force them to do anything. Once she realized I was never going to hurt her, or force her into anything, she’s actually become so easy and so lovable and such a sweet character.

“We have a very special bond. We basically have worked out a level of communication where she gets what I want and I get what she wants. We have an amazing relationship. I really feel like she loves the sport. I’ve been blessed to have her come across my path.

“(The North American League) is a brand new format. I have not had a horse in a long time that I felt was ready to go to the World Cup so I’m sort of starting at the beginning. Obviously, this is a great start. I think it does cater to people who have one or two horses instead of a string, so that you can plan and strategize to peak at the right moments with your horse. On the day, when it’s required for you to perform, you have to perform, just like at the Finals.”

Charlie Jacobs: “(The North American League) has really made the league that much more elite and special. There are only 14 of these events in North America. And thank you to Longines (for making) these events really, truly special.”

Ljubov Kochetova: “I jumped here all the three weeks. This horse jumped the first week very good and he had one week rest and he feels very good. I always love to jump here because the weather is perfect, very big ring, and the horse feels good and we jumped double clear.”

Roger Deslauriers: “I was a little nervous last week because I didn’t want to make any mistakes and I wanted to be ready to receive FEI and Longines. All the personnel were fantastic and worked so well with the crew (at Bromont). It was hard but fun work, and everything happened great.”

Anthony D’Ambrosio: “I knew that we were working with a smaller group of riders, that we had a World Cup qualifier, and I wanted the standard to be right up there and we achieved that. My plan was to keep it real, but to keep it encouraging.

“I built a 1.60-meter track but not overly technical. It was inviting. There was nothing that I felt anyone felt they were sorry that they put their young horse out there. It was a positive experience, and that’s what I expected.”

International Bromont

International Bromont presented its 40th anniversary show edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park from 5-9 August 2015 with three FEI classes and live broadcasts. The venue will host the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

A total of 14 athletes from the new North American League will qualify for next year’s prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden on 23-28 March 2016.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

Share images, video, experiences using hashtag #FEIWorldCupNAL.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

The new North American league was launched by Beezie Madden, the most decorated US female equestrian athlete of all time, American Gold Cup winner and FEI Solidarity Ambassador Jessica Springsteen, and Hannah Selleck, team and individual gold medallist at young rider level and one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. The full launch release is available here: https://goo.gl/kCIsyW.

The North American League boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series, and offers the best Jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than US $1.4 million (€1.3 million) on offer annually at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

By Esther Hahn

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

Competitions, Show Jumping

Charlie Jacobs and Cassinja S Capture Modified Grand Prix at International Bromont

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Charlie Jacobs and Cassinja S.

Bromont, Quebec – August 8, 2015 – The International Ring at the Parc Équestre Bromont, host of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, was alive with excitement as athletes competed in Saturday’s Modified Grand Prix. Eight horse and rider combinations qualified for the jump-off, but it was Boston’s Charlie Jacobs that captured the winning honors with Cassinja S, out-racing Olympian Leslie Howard and Julia Madigan.

Madigan was the first to break the 35 second barrier in the jump-off, setting the pace to beat at a clear 32.57 seconds with Farfelu Du Printemps. Mario Deslauriers attempted to catch her time aboard Cherrypop, but fell just short with a clear round in 32.95 seconds.

Leslie Howard was out to take the win from the first jump with Balboa 6, leaving out a stride in the first rollback and racing to the final oxer. With all the rails intact they broke the beam at 31.10 seconds, but their leading time would not hold up for long.

Charlie Jacobs knew that he would not be able to leave a stride out in the first line, but he did race down the second line with Cassinja S, and the risk paid off. They stopped the clock at 30.79 seconds with a faultless effort to lead the victory gallop.

“To come here and have her run like she did, that big stride just eats up so much ground,” smiled Jacobs after his win. “I couldn’t be happier with her and she’s only 9, so I think she has better days ahead hopefully.”

This is Jacobs first time competing at International Bromont, and he has been very happy with the experience. “The venue looks fantastic to me,” he commented. “I was talking to Roger [Deslauriers] about all the improvements they plan to make for the WEG in 2018 and it sounds like it’s only going to get better. What a place!”

Sunday, Jacobs will compete in the CSI3* event’s major highlight, the Longines FEI World Cup. It marks the first qualifying event for the new North-American League. Starting at 2:30, equestrian sport fans will be able to view the event on FEITV.

Jacobs will be competing aboard Flaming Star, who just returned from Falsterbo, Sweden, where the talented gelding jumped double clear for the U.S. Show Jumping Team in the Nations Cup competition.

“There is a lot of pressure,” admitted Jacobs. “I want to go to Gothenburg and this is where it all starts. I am looking forward to it. There are some really nice horses here, but I am lucky to be sitting on one of them, so hopefully we will have a good day tomorrow.”

Francois Lamontagne and Vigo Massuere Master Gamblers Choice

In the afternoon, Quebec’s own Francois Lamontagne captured a victory in the International Ring, piloting Vigo Massuere to victory in the Gamblers Choice.

Francois Lamontagne and Vigo Massuere
Francois Lamontagne and Vigo Massuere

Kaila Robert set the pace to beat as only the second rider in the ring aboard Rojak, chasing down 730 points, as well as clearing the 200 point “joker fence” for a total score of 930. Halfway through the class though, Lamontagne was able to take over the lead with Vigo Massuere. The pair cleared 10 obstacles, all with point values of 90 or higher, and with the addition of a clear joker fence they earned a total of 1080 points.

Jerome David was the only other rider to earn more than 1000 points, finishing on 1030 with Cassano Z to place second. The final rider to tackle the track, Natasha Begin Fry, took over third place from Robert with Evening Rose, earning a total of 990 points, but it was Lamontagne taking home the top honors.

Lamontagne has been coming to International Bromont since he was 9 years old, and he was excited to have a win on such a special mount. “Vigo Massuere is only 6 years old, so I think it was a little crazy to do this class,” he noted. “But he’s so special and careful that I knew that it was not going to be a problem for him. He’s the easiest horse I’ve ever had.”

About International Bromont
International Bromont presents its fortieth anniversary edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park August 5 to 9, 2015. International Bromont would like to thank the Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, as well as the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec for their support. General admission: $ 10 per person, free for children younger than 12 years old. Preferred admission: $25 per ticket.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League
A total of 14 athletes from the new North American league will qualify for next year’s prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg (SWE) on 23-28 March 2016.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US, and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for next year’s Final, alongside winners of 13 other leagues around the world.

Information:
Alexandra Hill, communications – International Bromont, T. 450-534-0787 | F. 450-525-2716
communications@internationalbromont.org

Competitions, Show Jumping

Daniel Bluman Prevails over Lucy Deslauriers at International Bromont

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Daniel Bluman and Conconcreto Believe. Photos By: Cealy Tetley.

Bromont, Quebec – August 7, 2015 – Lucy Deslauriers looked to be on her way to a second win in the FEI Assante Open Jumper event tonight with Hester. However, Colombian rider Daniel Bluman stole the victory by a few tenths of a second with Conconcreto Believe, a nine-year-old KWPN mare.

The initial course, designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA), was comprised of 12 obstacles for 15 efforts: with its three double combinations and long lines, only eleven horse-rider pairs made it to the jump-off, including yesterday’s highlight event winner, Lucy Deslauriers (USA) and Hester.

By a Few Tenths of a Second

Jill Henselwood (CAN) and Quidam Blue, the third pair in the jump-off, posted the first clear round, marking the time to beat at 40.81 seconds. Young Deslauriers took over the lead two rounds later with Hester in a time of 39.68 seconds. However, Bluman, with Conconcreto Believe, scored the victory, beating Deslauriers by 0.31 seconds in a clear jump-off round, mastering the course in this Assante qualifier event.

The Park Is Outstanding

“The park is beautiful,” declared Bluman in an interview. In his first appearance at the Bromont show the rider was able to bask in the historical atmosphere of the Olympic site, and concluded, “It’s great to be here.”

Melissandre Lincourt and Just Stella L
Melissandre Lincourt and Just Stella L

Party Time in Bromont

Quebec rider Mélissandre Lincourt celebrated her birthday in style with Just Stella L, producing a clear jump-off round in 43.26 second to take home fifth place in the FEI Assante Open Jumper event.

It is her best finish to date, and she added, “The mare was exceptional and I hope we can do the same on Sunday.”

Competition Ends on Sunday

The 40th edition of the International Bromont will end this Sunday with the presentation of the very first qualifying event for the North-American League of the Longines FEI World Cup.

Starting at 2:30, equestrian sport fans will be able to view the event on FEITV.

About International Bromont
International Bromont presents its fortieth anniversary edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park August 5 to 9, 2015. International Bromont would like to thank the Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, as well as the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec for their support. General admission: $ 10 per person, free for children younger than 12 years old. Preferred admission: $25 per ticket.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League
A total of 14 athletes from the new North American league will qualify for next year’s prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg (SWE) on 23-28 March 2016.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US, and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for next year’s Final, alongside winners of 13 other leagues around the world.

Results – FEI Assante 1m50

  1. Daniel Bluman (COL) / Conconcreto Believe 0-0, 39.37
  2. Lucy Deslauriers (USA) / Hester 0-0, 39.68
  3. Jill Henselwood (CAN) / Quidam Blue 0-0, 40.81
  4. Katherine A. Dinan (USA) / Bijou de Balou 0-0, 41.59
  5. Melissandre Lincourt (CAN) / Just Stella L 0-0, 43.26
  6. Elizabeth Gingras (CAN) / Zilverspring 0-4, 41.23
  7. Mario Deslauriers (USA) / Scout de la Cense 0-4, 43.78
  8. Susan Horn (CAN) / Balintore 0-4, 45.02

Information:
Alexandra Hill, communications – International Bromont, T. 450-534-0787 | F. 450-525-2716
communications@internationalbromont.org

Competitions, Show Jumping

Lucy Deslauriers Takes 1.50m Welcome Victory at International Bromont

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Lucy Deslauriers and Hester, Quebec Original FEI Open Welcome – Photo By: Tom von Kap-herr.

Bromont, Quebec – August 6, 2015 – Sixteen-year-old Lucy Deslauriers won the opening FEI event, the Québec Original 1.50, today with Hester, at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park in the last week of the International Bromont.

Nine riders qualified their horses for the jump-off, including Daniel Bluman (COL), Leslie Howard (USA), Ali Ramsay (CAN), Elizabeth Gingras (CAN), Jill Henselwood (CAN), Quentin Judge (USA) with his two mounts, Susan Horn (CAN), and Lucy Deslauriers.

Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) put the athletes to the test in the jump-off, especially with a tight turn towards the second-to-last jump, a large oxer. First in the jump-off, Columbia Daniel Bluman went for the lead; however, a small slip by his mount Conconcreto Believe opened the door for his competitors. Quentin Judge on HH Copin van de Broy, second pair in the jump-off, established the time to beat at 37.25 seconds. Judge took the lead again a few rounds later, this time on HH Memphis, with a clear effort in 35.83 seconds. Eighth on the course, Coup de Chance, ridden by Elizabeth Gingras, took the lead with less than 0.26.

The Deslauriers rule in Bromont
Lucy Deslauriers and Hester were the last out for the jump-off: with nothing to lose, the pair went for the win. “I am extremely proud of Lucy,” said Roger Deslauriers, moved to see his grand-daughter win in Bromont. “With Hester, she has had a great season so far, and it is a pleasure to see her perform here, in Bromont.” With a clear round and a little more than one second difference with their closest competitor, Lucy Deslauriers and Hester won the first FEI event of this week.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League starts in Bromont
Riders will have another chance to chase Longines World Ranking points on August 7, 2015 in the FEI Assante 1m50 class in order to participate Sunday, in the last Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

LIVE – Bromont – Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping – FEI Welcome Qualifier
International Bromont invites you to see the Bromont – Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping – FEI Welcome Qualifierlive streaming. The webcast can be accessed through the International Bromont website (www.internationalbromont.org) and on FEI YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZZP254C80M.

The equestrian fans will be able to follow online the Bromont – Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League on Sunday August 9, starting at 2h30p.m. on FEITV.

About International Bromont
International Bromont presents its fortieth anniversary edition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park August 5 to 9, 2015. International Bromont would like to thank the Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, as well as the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec for their support. General admission: $ 10 per person, free for children younger than 12 years old. Preferred admission: $25 per ticket.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League
A total of 14 athletes from the new North American league will qualify for next year’s prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg (SWE) on 23-28 March 2016.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US, and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for next year’s Final, alongside winners of 13 other leagues around the world.

Results – FEI Québéc Original 1m50

  1. Lucy Deslauriers (USA) / Hester 0-0, 34.49
  2. Elizabeth Gingras (CAN) / Coup de Chance 0-0, 35.57
  3. Quentin Judge (USA) / HH Memphis 0-0, 35.83
  4. Quentin Judge (USA) / HH Copin van de Broy 0-0, 37.25
  5. Leslie Howard (USA) / Gentille van Spieveld 0-0, 37.32
  6. Liubov Kochetova (RUS) / Urus 2 0-0, 40.45
  7. Susan Horn (CAN) / Lilly Fee 0-0, 40.72
  8. Jill Henselwood (CAN) / Quidam Blue 0-4, 36.13

Information:
Alexandra Hill, communications – International Bromont, T. 450-534-0787 | F. 450-525-2716
communications@internationalbromont.org