Category Archives: Championships

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

Hungary to Host FEI Driving World Championship at State Stud Farm

FEI Driving World Championship 2022 – EXELL Boyd (AUS) during Marathon phase B on 24 September 2022. Copyright FEI / Christophe Tanière

World class Driving returns to its historic heartland for the 26th FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand when the Hungarian Equestrian Federation will welcome 43 athletes from 14 nations to the State Stud Farm at Szilvásvárad, a breeding centre for the country’s ‘national treasure’ Lipizzaner horses.

It’s 40 years since the 7th World Championship was held here at a time when Hungarian drivers dominated the horse fours – the home team won gold and all three individual medals. The nation last hosted the World Championship 20 years ago in Kecskemét, when they also won team and individual golds. Two of those athletes from 2004 will return, winner Zoltán Lázár and teammate József Dobrovitz, whose son József Jnr. is also now a regular member of the Hungarian squad.

President of the HEF is Zoltán’s brother, Vilmos, himself a former World Champion, who states, “This will be a jubilee event, like the 1984 World Championship in Szilvásvárad, which was the pinnacle of the sport. The main goal for this event is to have the same significant impact it did 40 years ago, and to give this wonderful sport new momentum.”

Record Breaking Defending Champion

For the individual gold, the expectation is that Boyd Exell (AUS) will extend his record breaking run as he aims for a 7th consecutive world title. It was a close contest between him and Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) in Pratoni (ITA) two years ago, but Boyd judged his cones round perfectly to stay in front, despite the torrential rain. It will be his 10th World Championship and this season he has continued his hard-to-beat form.

“We at Team Exell are excited and looking forward to the World Championship in Hungary. I’ve driven there many times and really enjoy the energy created by the knowledgeable people who have a passion for driving, which they take very seriously.

“We are going in quietly confident with an experienced team of horses, and I will have my trusted international crew with me as support. However, you can never underestimate the Chardons, and Chester is producing some fantastic dressage this year, so I will be watching out for them!”

Dutch Favourites to Retain Team Title

Of the 11 national teams, The Netherlands is favourite to win an unprecedented 12th world title, one they first took in Apeldoorn (NED) in 1982. Ijsbrand was on the team back then, and has been on every winning team since, taking four individual titles too. Also on the Dutch squad are his son Bram – current FEI World Cup™ and European Champion – plus long-term teammate, Koos de Ronde.

They will be pushed hard by the other nations, including the consistently successful Germans, who took silver in 2022. Their team selectors have six combinations with great experience to draw on, such as 2022 bronze medallist Michael Brauchle, former gold medallist Christoph Sandmann, his daughter Anna, and dressage queen Mareike Harm.

After taking gold at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon (USA), the Americans have a team again with James Fairclough and Chester Weber, who have been winning world medals together since the Jerez (ESP) FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2002. Belgium took bronze in Pratoni, so will be aiming for the podium again, boosted by a return to form for Glenn Geerts. Throughout the squads the family theme is a strong one, not least for the Hungarians who also have father and son Ferenc Galbács Snr and Jnr, and for the Czech Republic, with brothers Radeck and Jiri Nesvacil Jnr.

As hosts, Hungary is permitted to enter nine combinations, and it would be a dream come true to reward the passionate home crowd with more medals, as they have done in the past. Not only is this a landmark event for the horse-loving nation, but it will be a showcase for the variety of breeds that are used.

Vilmos Lázár – “In the last 40 years, Driving has evolved into a truly professional sport and in addition, the safety and wellbeing of the horses has come to the forefront. The domestic audience has been spoiled in recent decades because we have regularly rewarded them with podium finishes, especially in horse pairs, and most often with gold medals.

Nowadays, the quality of the horses is incredible. We can admire the wonderful Nonius team from the Mezőhegyes Stud Farm, or the two Lipizzaner teams from Szilvásvárad driven by István Váczi and Ferenc Galbács Jnr. We also have the youngest member in the field, Péter Juhász, who thanks to the Federation’s sports development programme and the support of the military, has been able to assemble his team of horses.”

It’s anticipated that gold medals will go the same way as they did two years ago in Italy. But where some nations have entered a larger squad, which athletes will take those valued three team places may not be revealed until everyone is at the venue. For those who visit Szilvásvárad, it will be an opportunity to bask in the rich Hungarian heritage with horses, in a stunning setting nestled at the foot of the Bükk Mountains.

Provisional programme

Wednesday 4 September
10:00 – Horse Inspection
17:00 – Opening Ceremony

Thursday 5 September
10:00 – Dressage Day 1

Friday 6 September
10.00 –Dressage Day 2

Saturday 7 September
10.00 – Marathon

Sunday 8 September
10.00 – Cones
15.30 – Award Ceremony

Full Entries can be seen here.

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Strzegom

France and Ireland Lead the FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders

Lisa Gualtieri and A D’aunis. Photographer: Mariusz Chmieliński.

The cross-country trial introduced a considerable reshuffling of the leaderboard at the European Young Riders and Juniors Eventing Championships held in Strzegom.

The French broke the dominance of the British and after successful cross-country rounds become the new leaders in the young rider category. France is represented by: Lucas Brun and Anapurna De Soulac, Valentin Quittet Eslan and Casanova D’ems, and riders who went clear: Alizee Bourgue and Cesar Des Hauts Crets, and Lisa Gualtieri with A D’aunis, who also takes the lead in the individual classification – 25.1.

The leader after dressage, British Jasmine Underwood riding Indian Girl G, crossed the finish line with a seven-second overtime, which dropped her to second place – 26.4. Her compatriot Isabelle Cook with Mexican Law jumped up into third place after a clear run – 27.5.

In the team standings, second place belongs to Germans: Isabel Kristin Dalecki and Caruso Jh, Mathies Rüder and Bon Ton, Emely Kurbel and Entertain You, and the best in the team, Zoe Deusing and Alemania – 90.2. The Brits sit in third: Darcy Zander and My Eastwood Brightside, Isabelle Cook and Mexican Law, and Jasmine Underwood with Indian Girl G – 92.5.

After the cross-country, the home nation of Poland is currently in seventh place – 218.8. The best result in the team belongs to Weronika Król with Chinuk R – 35.0. Clear on the fences, although late by nine seconds, she made her advance from 24th place after dressage to 16th. Zuzanna Borkowska with Gracja, who were the highest ranked of the team after the first trial, were less lucky. Adding 75 penalty points for mistakes on obstacles and exceeding the time allowed, she ranks 39th – 105.9.

In the junior category, the lead in the competition belongs to the Irish – 85.7: Matthew Love and DSL Allegra, as well as three riders with clear XC rounds: Oleana Cowan and RCA Royal Mist, Alex Connors and Ols King Aragon, and the best in the team and first in the individual classification – Tom Nestor and Cooley Diamond Dancer – 25.5. The same score belongs to France’s Rachel Weiler with Riviero – 25.5, and third is Germany’s Ella Krueger with Koenigsblauer – 27.3.

The Germans are moving up to second place: Mathis Huisinga and Carlotta, Pita Schmid and Favorita V, Matti Garlichs and Ludwig 282, and Hannah Busch and Crystal-Annabell – 91.1.

Third place belongs to the British, whose entire team, Coco Lanni and Porsche, Martha Hall and Kbis Starburst, Araminta Spencer-Churchill and Neds Legacy, and Pippa Royle and My Dream H, went clear and brought their dressage score to the finish line – 95.2.

The Polish team lies in fourth with 106,4. Karolina Miś with Go Jack went double clear and went up to 11th with 31,6.

On Sunday, showjumping trials will be held to determine the new medalists of the FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors.

Online results: https://results.strzegomhorsetrials.pl/event.php?event=29#CHEUYT

Contact:
www.strzegomhorsetrials.pl
press@strzegomhorsetrials.pl

Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Strzegom

European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Eventing to Be Held in Poland

Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński

The European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in the Eventing discipline will be held from 22 to 25 August at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom.

The competition will begin on Tuesday, 20 August, with an opening ceremony attended by all qualified teams. On Thursday and Friday, the athletes will present themselves in the dressage test, on Saturday they will compete in cross-country, and on Sunday it is time for show jumping.

The riders will compete for the titles of European champions in two categories: juniors – from 14 to 18 years of age, and young riders – from 16 to 21 years.

“Despite their young age, the athletes will have to demonstrate great experience in all aspects of horsemanship, as well as excellent knowledge of their horses’ capabilities. Their rivalry will be a true showcase of this demanding and spectacular sport,” says Marcin Konarski, organiser of the event.

Additional CCIU254*-S and CCIJ1*-Intro competitions aimed at the younger and older youth age groups will be held alongside. These will allow the riders who may be joining the ranks of their national teams in the following years to acclimate to the atmosphere of a championship-level event.

This will be the seventh European Championship event organised by LKS Stragona Sports Club. The first one was held in 2012 in the junior category, then in 2015 – for young riders, in 2017 – for seniors, and in 2019, 2021, and 2022 – for pony riders.

Contact:
www.strzegomhorsetrials.pl
press@strzegomhorsetrials.pl

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

A Sensational Final for France

Team France © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

The FEI Vaulting World Championships came to a close with the ultimate battle of the nations.

In a record-breaking finale, Team France won back-to-back Nations Team titles, scoring 9.239. The combination of the French squad with Yannick Kersulec and Orlof de Conde, Quentin Jabet with Ronaldo 200 NRW, and Andrea Boe and Theo Gardies, Sir Sensation and Sebastien Langlois proved impregnable. They led from the start with each combination scoring over 9 points.

Team Germany collected the silver medal in a close fought competition, 8.923. Switzerland had pulled ahead after their two individuals; however, the German squad performed with precision and left Team Switzerland with another Bronze medal, 8.104.

FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters

Germany dominated the Individual Young Vaulter final. Rising from an overnight 5th place, Lisa Marie Wagner moved in unison with family horse Cascais to take home the bronze medal with Mum Katja Wagner lunging (8.118). Sarah Krauss expertly lunged Max for the final two competitors. Gianna Ronca kept her round one silver position (8.364), but it was Mona Pavetic who had the audience on the edge of their seats, creating unique shapes with her movements and earning the top artistic score of the day and with it the European title (8.532).

In the Male category Paul Ruttkovsky improved his round one placing to scoop the bronze medal for Austria (8.104). After a smooth freestyle program, he knocked Germany’s Ben Lechtenberg into fourth. The silver medal went to Frenchman Tom Menand (8.185), but the gold was reserved for Germany once again. Arne Heers added a second European title to the Pas de Deux one he won on Friday. Leading from the start, he was completely in harmony with Cleiner Onkel T OLD and wins his first individual FEI medal, along with lunger Sven Henze.

A phenomenal final saw Germany take home the Junior squad title. The undeniable masters vaulted almost to perfection aboard Captain Claus with Gesa Bϋhrig, 8.311. Silver was for Switzerland, 7.899, with Sweden sweeping the bronze for their first Junior squad medal.

It was a sensational week of high-class Vaulting competition in a fabulous venue. The horses shone on the circle and provided magnificent partnerships for the athletes. Medals were won and memories made as we crowned the 2024 FEI Vaulting champions.

FULL RESULTS

by Joanne Littlejohn

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

Gardies Takes Men’s Title Back to France

Theo Gardies (FRA) and Sir Sensation © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

It was medals galore on what was super Saturday at the FEI Vaulting Championships. Five nations picked up gold medals in a day full of spectacular horse sport.

In a mind-blowing Senior Female final, Austria’s Eva Nagiller took home the Senior World title. She connected with borrowed horse Bastion and lunger Tomasz Ogonowski to produce a gentle and strong freestyle, 8.786. The silver medal went to Germany’s Alina Ross whose connection with family horse Baron R was obvious as she effortlessly performed her zombie Free test, 8.635.

For German sisters Alice and Helen Layer, it was a dream come true at their first Senior Championship. Alice held her nerve throughout her routine and was rewarded with the bronze medal, 8.546. Nadja Bϋttiker had to settle for sixth place for the home nation after a time penalty proved incredibly costly.

It was a nail-biting finale in the Men’s competition. Once again, impeccable Vaulting led to an impressive final. Germany’s Thomas Brϋsewitz won his first Senior World medal, performing with character to take home the bronze, 8.636. Then it was all down to France. Theo Gardies entered second to last and with musicality and precision he earned top scores from the judges, piling the pressure onto teammate Quentin Jabet. Jabet moved seamlessly and was fully engrossed in his concept; however, it wasn’t enough to hold the gold. Theo Gardies became the World Champion aboard Sir Sensation lunged by Sebastion Langlois (8.881), with the silver medal going home with Quentin Jabet for the second time (8.859).

There was glory for Switzerland in the Pas de Deux, with Zoe Maruccio and Syra Schmid stunning even themselves as a near flawless performance saw them sweep the silver medal (8.491). Germany’s Gisa Sternberg and Linda Otten had some performance errors dropping them one place but winning the bronze medal at their first Championships (8.397). The world title went home to Germany for the third consecutive time. Diana Harwardt and Peter Kϋnne proved themselves too good to be beaten (8.761).

FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters

It was an historic day for Denmark as Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielsen vaulted her way to victory, winning the Danes their first Junior gold medal, 8.621, with Hanne Hagen Hansen and Tophoejs Geleto Lieto. Mara Hofer delighted the home crowd, and with a delicate performance, she rose to the occasion and finished in second place 8.329. The bronze medal went to German youngster Amari Santamaria Diaz, 8.280. No mean feat for the thirteen-year-old.

The Male final had a more tense ending. Small errors crept in to the performances of the final competitors, leaving everyone on edge ahead of the results. Jakub Roguski won the bronze medal and the first FEI Junior medal for Poland, 8.115, only a fraction behind Germany’s Lukas Heitmann. Heitmann’s horse trotted at the end of the test before the final dismount; however, he managed to complete the test in time and just held on to the silver medal for Germany, 8.177.

The gold went to Sam dos Santos from the Netherlands, and he now has a European title to add to his two world titles. Doemaar struggled a little; however, Sam’s impeccable body control saw him through, and he was the clear winner with 8.490.

FULL RESULTS

by Joanne Littlejohn

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

All That Glitters Is German

Team Germany on Ecuador 28 © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

On the third day of vaulting competition in Bern (SUI), Germany gave their all and were handsomely rewarded.

The first medals of the FEI Vaulting World Championships were presented in the Squad competition in one of the best ever finals. The Swiss squad were eye-catching and crammed everything into their routine; it was a pleasure to watch and won them the Bronze medal (8.267). The French went big on dismounts and individuality, but it was only enough for the silver medal, 8.556, as the team from Germany combined high level intricate moves with a near perfect performance to take the gold medal and World title once again, aboard Ecuador 28 with Alexandra Knauf lunging (8.677).

Germany dominated the Senior Pas de Deux, due to a series of unfortunate events for the Italian pairing, Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella. They overbalanced in the buildup to a very difficult move and fell from the horse; unable to recover their routine and their score, they are sadly out of contention. Diana Harwardt and Peter Kϋnne (GER) showed their skill and won the round with 8.666. They are ahead of compatriots Gisa Sternberg and Linda Otten (8.329). Currently sitting in third are Swiss duo Zoe Maruccio and Syra Schmid. With 8.263, they are on track to win their first FEI medal if they perform another solid round.

FEI European Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters

In an incredibly impressive and expressive class of Junior Males, Sam dos Santos (NED) now has a commanding lead. He showed impeccable body control throughout his Free Test, winning round one on a total score of 8.458. The German youngster Lukas Heitmann scored only a fraction behind the Dutchman. His dramatic and flexible program boosted him into silver medal position overnight (8.208). Jakub Roguski dropped one place, into third, after a penalty for exceeding the time limit. His first-round score is 8.157 and he is looking likely to receive a medal for Poland.

There was a change at the top of the Female Young Vaulter leaderboard after the Technical tests. Despite performing well executed routines, the three Swiss contenders couldn’t find themselves in the top three. Mona Pavetic (GER) stole the lead from teammate Gianna Ronca. Pavetic was fluid throughout her performance and earned top exercise scores (8.292). She leads Ronca by only 0.2. The two girls, competing on Max lunged by Sarah Krauss, will go head-to-head in Sunday’s final. Slovakia’s Sara Solteszova showed a tidy test earning the third best score of the day and propelling her into third (8.042).

Arne Heers held his gold medal position for Germany in the Male Young Vaulter division. With a confident Technical program, he has extended his lead over the rest of the men (8.127). Tom Menand (FRA) was gentle and creative and keeps hold of second in the overnight rankings (7.896) just ahead of Germany’s Ben Lechtenberg, who has crept closer to the silver medal (7.863). Austrian Paul Ruttkovsky has put himself in a good position to potentially land on the podium on Sunday. He is fourth currently with a score of 7.838.

Germany’s Junior Squad, Fredenbeck blew everyone away in the Free test. With absolute precision and attention to detail, they captivated the audience, scoring a huge 8.654 and are absolutely running away ahead of the rest of the competition (7.801). The squad from Switzerland had some small errors leaving them in second place, 7.397, and Italy has improved their interim position, pulling up into third place after a creative freestyle (7.389).

The final Junior class of the day saw the first medals of the FEI European Championships awarded. The Junior Pas de Deux took to the stage and performed much better than the day before. There was no change at the top and Great Britain achieved their first junior medal since 2013, with Milly and Evie Jessett claiming the Bronze (7.967). First and second place went to Germany. Felix Wöhe and Mia Bury won the round and the Silver medal (8.120), but they couldn’t catch Arne Heers and Mia Bury, who took home the Gold (8.307).

The Post Finance Arena is proving to be a top-class venue for Vaulting competition, and the horses are excelling under the energetic atmosphere created by the vaulting fans.

FULL RESULTS

by Joanne Littlejohn

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

Success So Far for Switzerland

Nadja Büttiker (SUI) with Rayo de la Luz © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

It was a great beginning for the Swiss as the FEI Vaulting World Championship 2025 got underway in Bern (SUI). Switzerland’s Nadja Bϋttiker is the overnight leader in the female class with Frenchman Quentin Jabet ahead in the males.

The luck of the draw saw all the top placed females perform in the second half of the competition. The leader changed frequently as one outscored the other by minimal margins. Alina Ross (GER) gave a confident and clean performance and raised the bar, earning 8.323 from the judges. In the end it was only enough to place third.

Eva Nagiller entered right after Ross and despite a late horse change, her new steed, Bastion, proved to be an excellent match and allowed her to steal the lead for a while, scoring 8.384. To the delight of the home crowd, Nadja Bϋttiker exuded strength and poise; with her dynamic exercises near flawless, she flew to the top on 8.466. The young German, Alice Layher, currently sits in fourth place 8.178.

Excellence was in abundance throughout the men’s competition, as the top 10 males all scored over eight points. Theo Gardies (FRA) took the lead early on. He showed incredible execution throughout his test, posting a hard to beat 8.653. His horse, Sir Sensation, was the highest scoring of the class.

Germany’s Thomas Brϋsewitz and Jannik Heiland came close, but each had a very small error and they could only manage third (8.546) and fourth (8.415), respectively. French favourite Quentin Jabet entered second to last and had to cope with a mildly unsettled Ronaldo. Andrea Boe worked hard to soothe and settle him from the middle of the circle, allowing Jabet to complete a not quite perfect compulsory test, but impressive enough to win him the round and place him marginally ahead of his teammate with a score of 8.698.

FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters

In the FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters, the Junior squads got off to an exciting start, and Swiss team Montmirail gave the home fans something to smile about. They stormed into the lead, scoring 7.174 after a tight and tidy performance aboard Livanto Cha CH with Mirjam DeGiorgi lunging.

Germany found themselves in second place on 6.948. They were not in complete harmony with Captain Claus and had some errors throughout. Just a fraction behind, the squad from Italy finished the compulsory test in third (6.891). Their horse Robert Redford 5 was not completely relaxed in the beginning; however, Nelson Alcides Vidoni connected with him from the centre and allowed the team to show their best.

In the Young Vaulter Male category, Frenchman Tom Menand entered first and laid down the gauntlet posting a score to beat of 7.768. It held until Arne Heers competed. Representing Germany with his horse Cleiner Onkel T OLD and lunger Sven Henze, he was the only vaulter to score over 8 points, receiving 8.073 and taking the lead. His teammate Ben Lechtenberg completed the competition and the top three. Despite a collapse in his mount, he finished on 7.691.

The female competition was a much closer affair, but Germany took the top spot once again. Gianna Ronca scored 8.124, vaulting on Max, lunged by Sarah Krauss. Also on Max, Mona Pavetic (GER) performed excellent dynamic exercises taking her into second, 8.099. Noemi Licci brought Switzerland another overnight podium position and she sits close behind on 8.063.

The final FEI European Championship class of the day was the Junior Female compulsories. Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielson earned the lead for Denmark, impressing the judges and scoring 7.947. The talent came early in the class of forty-four as Zara Cvetkovic showed her strength and precision, gaining Slovakia their first top three finish for the day. She lies third on 7.791.

At only 13 years old and the youngest competitor in the individual competition, Germany’s Amari Santamaria Diaz showed her quality; with an excellent test, she squeezed into second place on 7.897, only hundredths of a point behind first.

FULL RESULTS

by Joanne Littlejohn

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, FEI, Hunter/Equitation, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Dujardin Dances to Victory on Second Day of London International Horse Show

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) riding Imhotep @LondonInternationalHorseShow/Ashley Neuhof

Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep set the ExCeL alight on day two of the London International Horse Show as they took the victory in the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd supported by Horse & Hound. The International Arena also saw action from the Extreme Driving supported by Karen and Hugh Scott-Barrett and the Yeti Under-25 British Show Jumping Championship.

Meanwhile, in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, Showing kicked off with highlights coming from the Rising Star of Cob Type Championship, and the Rising Star of Hunter Type Championship. Spectators were also treated to the first of the LeMieux Masterclass series, ‘Dressage Unwrapped’ featuring FEI Eventing World Champion, Yasmin Ingham, Richard Davison, and Gareth and Ruby Hughes.

FABULOUS FREESTYLE

The pinnacle class of Thursday’s schedule came from the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music, which saw a packed International Arena wowed by perfect piaffes and exceptional extensions.

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and the 10-year-old chestnut stallion Imhotep followed up on their Grand Prix victory, and produced a breathtakingly beautiful performance to the sheer delight of the home crowd to take the win with a score of 89.465%.

It was once again a British top three, with double FEI World Championship gold medallist Lottie Fry claiming the runner-up spot. Fry, who was last to go in the competition with the stunning black stallion Everdale took to the arena with a brand-new Freestyle routine that featured numerous highlights including their phenomenal final line. It was a father-son one-two, with the success of Everdale, the sire of Charlotte’s Imhotep, proving the strength of this bloodline.

Third place went to Becky Moody and her homebred Jagerbomb with a score of 83.675%. The combination was not only making their debut at the Show, but also in the FEI World Cup Qualifier Series. The highest placed international rider was Denise Nekeman, who scored a personal best of 77.035% to claim the fourth spot.

Speaking on her win, Dujardin stated: “This was Imhotep’s first indoor show, and it was a full house tonight; you could hear the crowd in the warm-up, which was really incredible. I was so proud of him; he has never been in that kind of atmosphere before, and so it was a great learning experience for him. Even though he was nervous, he was still with me, which is all I can ask for. He is still a young horse and has so much more to give. I am very excited for what is to come next year!”

Third placed Moody continued: “You dream about riding at this Show. It is somewhere that we all aspire to compete at. I was incredibly nervous in the buildup, and my horse is a legend. Being on the podium with Lottie Fry and Charlotte Dujardin is amazing. They both inspire me on a daily basis. They are incredible role models, and it is incredible being sat next to them. But I do have every intention of beating them in the future!”

THE STARS OF THE FUTURE

24 British pairings faced the challenging 1.45m course in the Yeti Under 25 British Show Jumping Championship. The difficulty of the course became evident as the initial three combinations encountered issues with early faults. The fourth participant, Oliver Fletcher, son of Tina Fletcher – one of Britain’s leading female riders of recent decades – rode Hello William, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, securing the first flawless performance of the competition. The second faultless round was delivered by Alexander McLean and Gino F, who wisely steadied their stride in the triple combination towards the finish, a section that posed challenges for many. The third clear round came from the winner of the 2023 Ella Popely Award, the Shane Breen-trained Lauren Caroline, riding Gait L.

By halfway – after Nicole Lockhead Anderson, with the small but mighty chestnut stallion I Am a Harley, and Jennifer Billington, with Flipper Darco Uk Z, both jumped clear rounds – it meant only those with a faultless first round score would progress to the jump-off. To take the total number of second-round contenders to eight, there were three more clears from Jessica Hewlett, followed by London International Horse Show Ambassador and the Show’s 2022 leading rider, Jodie Hall McAteer, as well as Antonia Platt and Marvin van de Waterhoeve – 2023’s Royal Windsor Horse Show Under 25 Grand Prix winners.

The eight-fence jump-off had the audience gripped to their seats, with the young riders giving their all to win. The number of strides between the penultimate and last fence proved to be the differentiating factor in overall time. Jennifer Billington and Flipper Darco Uk Z led from the outset, being the only clear with the next to follow all having four faults – often, including the likes of Oliver Fletcher, heartbreakingly at the last fence. The only other clear round came from Scotsman Alexander McLean and the meticulously careful Gino F, who, building on their intelligently crafted first round, jumped fence one on an angle, taking out one stride to the second fence, resulting in them becoming champions.

Speaking on his win, McLean said: “I am over the Moon. I didn’t think we were going to be anywhere near fast enough, but we battled hard and performed under the pressure. I’m so proud of Gino; he has done so much for me over the last two years and is the horse of a lifetime. The atmosphere at the London International Horse Show is fantastic; it’s my second time competing here and I love this show – it’s one of the best shows in Britain by far, with a great Christmas feel to it.”

STUNNING SHOWING TO START THE NEW SERIES IN THE NEW HORIZON PLASTICS LONDON ARENA
Written by Nicola Jane Swinney

It is appropriate that the Showing programme for the London International Horse Show began with the Rising Stars sections — looking forward to the New Year with some names to watch.

Sections include Hunters and Cobs, and there was plenty to like. Sarah Moreland, who won the opening class for Small and Lightweight Hunter Types, was quite overcome, kissing her beloved horse before pulling herself together to comment, admitting she was “quite emotional.”

Coulthard, a bay gelding bred in Aberdeenshire, means everything to Sarah, not least because when buying him four years ago, she had to choose between him and a car.

“He is incredible,” she said. “He does everything. He also jumps so we are doing the Working Hunter class on Saturday.”

The judges, Robert Walker and Jenny Banks, clearly agreed with Sarah’s opinion of her splendid horse, awarding him the Rising Stars Hunter Type Championship over the Middleweight and Heavyweight winner, Eleanor Liddle riding Val Doidge’s Cu Chulainn Carrabawn Rebel. A former hunt horse, Bruce — which is much easier to say — has taken to showing with aplomb, although he hasn’t always been easy. Hunt horses are not used to standing still!

Relishing the atmosphere at the London venue, Carly Chapman and Frazer Foxes Covert headed the Rising Stars Heavyweight Cob class and claimed the Championship.

“It was a fantastic experience; the ring is absolutely great and he gave me a great spin in the go-round, so I’m really delighted,” said Carly. She was enthusiastic about the new venue at the ExCel, the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, saying the atmosphere was “really buzzy.”

The Maxi Cob class and reserve went to Alex George and his six-year-old Paulines Boy, who, he says, “has done very well for a young horse, very well behaved. He’s a good boy.”

The electric atmosphere at this centre is appreciated by riders, horses, and the public alike, and the showing classes over the next few days look set to end 2023 on a high note.

More information about The London International Horse Show can be found at www.londonhorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact: Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, USDF

Brittany Burson Dominates with Five Regional Champion Titles en Route to 2023 US Dressage Finals

Brittany Burson and Fiorenza. John Borys Photography

October 13, 2023 – Lexington, KY – The second of three weekends of 2023 Great American Insurance Group (GAIG)/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Regional Championships, held across a total of nine USDF regions, offered more riders the chance to pick up qualifying berths for the 2023 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® at the Kentucky Horse Park on November 9-12.

Five for Burson at Region 4

At Fourth Level it was Furst Emilio’s turn in the spotlight — once he overcame his fear of the spotted horse in the warm-up arena. Patricia Joy’s 13-year-old gelding by Fürst Fugger is another bought from Germany unseen during the pandemic, and was intended for Joy, but he can be complicated, so Burson is sharing the ride with his 70-year-old owner.

Linda Phifer’s seven-year-old Leonardo Z delivered Burson’s fifth victory. The Glamourdale son clinched the Third Level Freestyle with 74.688% and was reserve champion in the opening class with 71.188%. Leonardo has recently jumped up the levels.

Growing and Winning Together in Region 4

It was a memorable weekend for Adult Amateur (AA) Casey Eiten. Not only did she and the 14-year-old Eschaton win the Region 4 Intermediate II Championship title with 60.074%, but they also contested their first ever Grand Prix, gaining a score towards the rider’s USDF Gold Medal in one of the warm-up recognized classes that ran alongside the Regional classes. Eiten, who is 28 years old now, was 15 when she and her parents bought Eschaton, and they have climbed the competition ladder together.

“We didn’t know very much about what kind of baby horses we were looking for,” admitted Eiten, who liked the look of the young son of Sir Sinclair. “He was actually born and bred at the farm where I took lessons, and the breeding seemed right. I was out there every day when I was younger, getting him used to all the little stuff, like brushing and bringing him in.

“We started him, and I was the first person on him. It’s kind of crazy because I went through high school and college and now my adult career and life with him; he’s been there with me through it all. I feel really lucky that he turned out the way he did.”

Allen’s Four Wins Dominate Region 5

Adult Amateur Andria Allen had a stellar show at the Region 5 Championships on September 29 – October 1 in Scottsdale, AZ with her two horses. She scooped three Regional Championship titles and a reserve with the six-year-old Dutch-bred Mardeaux (Ferdeaux x Connoisseur) and Keno SSF (Governor x Contango).

Her double champion Mardeaux — at Second and Third Level — was yet another bought unseen from the Netherlands two years ago, mid-pandemic, and has been a little challenging since he arrived.

A fresh approach to saddle fitting has been the key for Allen’s other ride, the eight-year-old Keno SSF, whom she bought in-vitro from Shooting Star Farms.

“He’s such a big powerful horse, and as a five-year-old he was so naughty,” she explained. “We found a little bit of kissing spine, not much, but it needs managing. My Colorado trainer rode him in a different saddle — a Dresch — that sits further forward so the scapula can go underneath it. It puts my weight about four inches further forward, and it’s been an absolute game changer for Keno.”

Stacey Knox and Frosty Fox led an enormous Region 4 Second Level AA class, putting down an unassailable 71.429%, which was the only score above 70% out of the 25 starters. The seven-year-old Hanoverian by Floris Prince finished third at the Region 4 Championships in 2022 at First Level, and will be making his first trip to Finals.

The 2023 US Dressage Finals will be held November 9-12 in Lexington, KY at the Kentucky Horse Park, and is a national championship competition that showcases the Adult Amateur and Open divisions. Classes run at Training Level through Grand Prix, plus divisions for Junior/Young Riders at Training Level through Fourth Level. There is $120,000 in prize money up for grabs over the four days. Learn more at www.usdf.org/usdressagefinals/index.asp.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a non-profit membership organization dedication to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org or e-mail usdressage@usdf.org

By Alice Collins for Jump Media/USDF

Championships, Competitions, Driving, FEI

Titles Shared between Nations at the FEI Driving World Championship for Young Horses

Fabrice Martin (FRA) & Idromel Noir – FEI/FFE/Mélanie Guillamot

Venturing outside Hungary for the first time since the event was established in 2016, the 7th FEI Driving World Championship for Young Horses was held at the superb equestrian centre Parc Equestre Fédéral at Lamotte-Beuvron, south of Orleans (FRA).  It has been a busy time for the French as the event followed the FEI World Pairs Championship in Haras-du-Pin in Normandy last weekend.

First to be crowned World Champion on a bright Sunday morning was Swiss singles supremo Mario Gandolfo in the 6-year-old class with the Franches-Montagnes Lemmy-K, owned by Lisby Bastin.  Maintaining the winning momentum he showed last year to win the 5-year-old title in Szilvásvárad (HUN), the powerful Swiss bred gelding was in front at each stage of the competition to end on 15.93. Mario is currently ranked number two in FEI Singles.  Runner-up was Lars Krüger (GER) with the German Sathu mare Salome on 14.80, and in third was Sabrina Melotti (NED) driving the KWPN mare Melotti Texel with 13.67.

The next class to find a new champion was for the youngest category, the 5-year-olds.  Fabrice Martin (FRA), driving for the host nation, also led at each stage with the stunning black Selle Français mare Idromel Noir, owned by the IFCE, and they topped the leaderboard with 15.30.  Matching his position from the previous class, runner-up once again was Lars Krüger with the Sathu stallion Valentino on 14.12.  Trading a first for third, Mario Gandolfo drove his own Franches-Montagnes gelding Johnson Du Signal to take the remaining podium place with 12.98.

Despite a slight delay to the start of Sunday’s competition due to water problems in the arena, by late lunchtime, the third title of the weekend had been awarded in the 7-year-old category to Marie Schiltz (LUX).  Currently ranked number three in FEI Singles, Marie was another to lead throughout the competition, driving her father Franz’s Oldenburg mare Freaky Friday 12 to end on 14.53, who impressed the judges with her supple and uphill movement.  Franz drove the mare two years ago in the 5-year-old category, but he is also a previous world title winner in the 7-year-old category, which he took at the first World Championship in 2016 with his Oldenburg stallion Frodo, who Marie now drives.

Placed second was Wilbrord Van Den Broek (NED) with his own KWPN gelding Love to Dance with a total of 12.46, marginally ahead of Agnes Paulovics (HUN) with Józef Vida’s KWPN stallion L-Grappa-WK on 12.31.  As well as appearing at the last two Young Horse World Championships, where he was third last year in the 6-year-old class, this versatile horse also drives in Józef’s Four-in-Hand, and with Agnes competes in Horse Singles classes.

The competition, like other championships, takes place over four days, after the initial ‘fit to compete’ inspection.  However, in all other areas the format is different.  On Thursday, athletes and horses enter a qualifying ‘Aptitude Test’ which combines a series of Dressage movements and a sequence of Cones. The top 50% proceed to the Dressage on Saturday, but on Friday, the lower 50% drive again to try again to gain a place in the final phases.  The number permitted to through after the second qualification is determined by the officials, but there is a maximum of ten athletes in the final rounds for each class.

Sunday’s Combined Marathon takes place in one arena and consists of two Marathon type obstacles plus Cones, but the course varies between the classes to alter the complexity depending on the age category, for example in the 5-year-old class, only one of the Marathon obstacles was used.  The course designer was Josef Middendorf, who also designed at the Four-in-Hand World Championships in Pratoni (ITA) last year.

The marking system is also different from most Driving competitions, which are penalty based, so the lowest overall score wins.  Here it is the highest score which wins and marks are awarded together by the four judges, who decide collaboratively what mark out of 10 will be given, which is then averaged to give a single mark at the end of each phase.  For the final placings, two marks count, which are from the Dressage and the Combined Marathon.  Penalties are deducted from the total and can be for a knocked ball, which is 0.3, or for time and other errors, such as a groom down.

“Having the judges sit together allows for really good discussion around the way of going expected from the age range.  The key point is this is judged around the performance of the horse, not a series of Dressage movements. It is refreshing to look at the horse according to age and have a good discussion between colleagues. It is also important to understand how we train horses correctly, giving them time to develop and mature. It’s such a special event, being able to look at some amazing horses and really getting into the movement, training scale, and minds of some wonderful equines,” said Andrew Counsell, President of the Ground Jury.

In total, 50 athletes and 50 horses came forward from 10 nations.  Athletes compete as individuals and there is no team competition.  Each athlete can enter two horses per age category.  Throughout the event, the emphasis is on the performance of the horse. Marks are given in accordance with the scales of training in the context of the age and stage of its development.

FULL RESULTS

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org