*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping, Spruce Meadows

Martin Fuchs Wins CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows

Martin Fuchs ©Rolex/Thomas Lovelock

Geneva, 9 September 2024 –Martin Fuchs delivered a supreme performance to win the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament 2024 to claim a back-to-back victory. Competing against the world’s top show jumpers, Fuchs and his grey gelding, Leone Jei, triumphed after three demanding rounds, defending their title and becoming the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

Regarded as one of the sport’s toughest challenges, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix demands the greatest levels of precision, agility, and excellence from both horse and rider. Fuchs and Leone Jei exhibited these qualities in abundance, navigating each round with remarkable skillfulness to secure the coveted title.

Out of 38 starters, the top 12 progressed to the second round, including previous victors of the title – Steve Guerdat in 2021 and Daniel Deusser in 2022. Richard Vogel also advanced to the second round with the fastest four-fault score, alongside Kevin Staut.

Of the 12 who advanced, five jumped clear, with only Martin Fuchs, Darragh Kenny, and Daniel Deusser successfully navigating Leopoldo Palacios’ challenging second-round course to secure the double clears needed for the final jump-off. Fuchs was first to tackle the shortened jump-off course, and despite four faults, his final score was enough to secure his fourth Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major title. Kenny, riding VDL Cartello, followed with six faults, while Deusser and Killer Queen VDM finished third with eight faults.

The equestrian world now turns its attention to the CHI Geneva in December, where Fuchs uniquely claimed sequential victories in 2019 and 2021. This year, he will return to his home Major aiming for a third Rolex Grand Prix win at the CHI Geneva, while also continuing his pursuit of the sport’s ultimate challenge – the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. This prestigious prize is awarded to any rider who consecutively wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors: The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva.

The highlights film can be seen here:

Victoria Carles
Rolex SA
victoria.carles@rolex.com

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com

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

7th Consecutive Individual Gold for Exell and 12th Team Gold for the Netherlands in Szilvásvárad

Bronze CHESTER WEBER of the United States pours champagne over gold BOYD EXELL of Australia. Copyright FEI/Martin Dokupil

History was made in Hungary as Boyd Exell (AUS) and The Netherlands won record breaking gold medals in front of passionate crowds at the State Stud Farm.

Boyd’s quest for his 7th consecutive gold seemed assured after the dressage on Friday afternoon, when he was only kept off the top spot by Chester Weber’s (USA) mesmerising test. But the Australian had done enough to stay in touch, knowing he had brought specialist marathon horses to Hungary, selected after he attended the test event last year.

As expected, they dominated Saturday’s demanding marathon over undulating ground and through the eight obstacles to take a commanding lead. With such a huge advantage coming into the final cones phase, victory was never in doubt, even if one ball rolled for three penalties, which gave him a total of 146.93. To add to the already fantastic day for the Australians, Boyd and Tor van den Berge won their first world medal with bronze (340.77).

“It’s super! There should be special congratulations for Tor, and I am so impressed with how it went because with two members on a team, there’s no drop score and everything has to count. We’ve been close before, and we’ve been knocking on the door, but it’s finally happened at a World Championship.

“The public here made it really memorable, especially during the marathon with such huge crowds who stayed all day. And it was great to see a full stadium during the opening ceremony and again today. I have worked with the Hungarian drivers for the last one and a half years to improve their performances, so I feel very comfortable here.”

“What a wonderful experience this has been at a World Championship as it can be really tough. But being in front of a crowd like that was incredible and I am very lucky to have a teammate like Boyd,” said van den Berge.

Another who helped secure his podium place after the marathon was Bram Chardon (NED), who won his first individual world medal with silver, helped by a winning double clear cones round. His total of 157.74 contributed to the unprecedented 12th team gold for The Netherlands, which gave his father Ijsbrand his 32nd world medal and 14th gold. Together with Koos de Ronde, they won the team competition on 322.69.

“The training at home has been good and we made the right choices, bringing some new horses who gave extra impulsion on the marathon, and especially today in the cones, the young horse was fantastic. After a rough season this is the best possible outcome,” said Chardon.

“I think it was an excellent event. The arena and the stabling were super, and the marathon was a true World Championship one with great obstacles and the unbelievable spectators. So, I have a very good impression about it all,” said de Ronde.

Dressage winner Chester Weber (USA) kept his cool to maintain a podium place for the bronze despite rolling two balls in the cones to end on 159.13. Fredrick Persson (SWE) was 4th overall on 166.97, helped by his double clear cones for 3rd place. Second in the cones was Jérôme Voutaz (SUI), who was one of the first to drive in the morning on an eliminated score after the marathon, and he produced a double clear that was not matched until the day’s last session.

All three German team members drove in the final cones session as the top eight drivers came forward in reverse order. There were no individual medals for them, but a well-deserved silver team medal on a score of 330.33 for Mareike Harm, Michael Brauchle, and Georg von Stein (who was 5th on 169.49).

“A few days before the show, my good dressage leader had a foot abscess so he couldn’t come, and as dressage is my strongest phase, it was a bit disappointing. So, we had a marathon horse in the lead and he did his very best, so it was a great outcome for us to come 6th and then for the team to get silver too. The show was fantastic, and we enjoyed being in the town and had fun here too,” said Harm.

Dreams of another medal for the hosts didn’t come true, but they finished 5th behind Belgium in the team event, helped by a strong cones round from Jόszef Dobrovitz (HUN), who responded emotionally to the cheering crowd at the end. He later said in the press conference that the organisation and preparation of the event were brilliant, and that the Hungarian audience is the best in the world!

It has been a triumphant 26th Four-in-Hand World Championship and the stadium buzzed with a 6,500-capacity crowd who relished the spectacle at the State Stud Farm. The organisers were thrilled to host the event 40 years after the historic 7th World Championship in 1984, when Lászlό Juhász won double gold. As the test driver here, he was celebrated alongside his fellow legendary Hungarian drivers throughout, from the opening to the closing ceremonies.

by Sarah Dances

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

Multiple Medal Glory on Final Day as USA Tops Para Dressage Medal Table

L-R: Sara Morganti (ITA), Rihards Snikus (LAT), and Mari Durward-Akhurst (GBR), Individual Freestyle Grade I © FEI/Liz Gregg

Two more Individual gold medals on the final day of Freestyle crowned the United States’ best ever Para Dressage performance at a Paralympic Games as they topped the medal table at Château de Versailles.

Fiona Howard, partnering Diamond Dunes in Grade II, and Rebecca Hart with Floratina in the concluding Grade III both won their third golds at Paris 2024, after also triumphing with Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H in Friday’s Team event.

That took the USA’s tally to seven medals overall – five golds, one silver, and one bronze – to smash their previous Paralympic Games best of two golds and a bronze achieved at Atlanta 1996 and Tokyo 2020.

Saturday also brought the second Individual gold medals of these Games for Demi Haerkens (NED) and Daula in Grade IV, Michèle George (BEL) with Best of 8 in Grade V, and Rihards Snikus (LAT) on King of the Dance in Grade I.

Haerkens’ double gold, and a third silver medal in Paris for Rixt van der Horst and Royal Fonq in Grade III, saw the Netherlands finish second in the Para Dressage medal table for the third successive Paralympic Games, with six overall.

The first of the final day’s five events saw Haerkens confirm her status as a rising star of Para Equestrian as she and the chestnut mare Daula backed up their gold in the Individual test with a personal-best Freestyle score of 83.840%, featuring music from Vangelis and Era.

“It’s insane,” said the 26-year-old, who also won a silver in the Team event on her Paralympic Games debut.

“It’s very intense, long days, but it’s so good to be here and to perform in that beautiful arena with so many people, with the music you choose. It feels amazing that everything was on point. I think she enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Anna-Lena Niehues (GER) and Quimbaya 6 scored 80.900% to take silver, adding to their two bronzes in the Individual test and Team event.

Kate Shoemaker (USA) and Vianne set a challenging target of 80.170%, but had to settle for bronze, Shoemaker’s first individual Paralympic medal after a Team bronze in Tokyo, leaving defending champions Sanne Voets (NED) and Demantur fourth, with 79.880%.

George (BEL) claimed her seventh Paralympic Games title and fourth successive Freestyle gold, having won on FBW Rainman in Grade IV in 2012 and 2016 and current horse Best of 8 in Grade V at Tokyo 2020.

The combination earned a mark of 81.470%, but the 50-year-old indicated she would be looking for a new partner before Los Angeles 2028 comes around.

“This is the last time that I ride Best of 8 in a Paralympic Games, so it was emotional,” she said. “She’s 14 and will still participate in competitions because every morning she wants to train and it’s a real pleasure. I love it. But for LA she will be too old, so this means a lot. Making the incredible happen at the right time, it’s so important.”

Regine Mispelkamp (GER) and partner Highlander Delight’s posted 80.100% to take a second Individual silver at Versailles, and were also part of the German team which won Team bronze.

Sophie Wells (GBR), on LJT Egebjerggards Samoa, won her 10th Paralympic Games medal and second Individual bronze of Paris 2024 with a score of 75.445%, mirroring the podium from the Individual test.

Snikus (LAT) upgraded Individual silver from Tokyo 2020 for gold for a second time at Paris 2024 as he partnered King of the Dance to victory in the Grade I Freestyle.

The 36-year-old and his bay gelding scored 82.487% to a joyously uplifting soundtrack. “We chose happy music because we are a happy team,” said Latvia’s equestrian chef d’equipe Daria Tikhomirova, speaking on behalf of Snikus.

“I get an artistic pleasure to see him, like in the theatre when you hear a good opera or see a wonderful performance. It’s the result of a huge effort by his technical trainer and the whole team. I think it was his best Freestyle ever. It was just amazing.”

Sara Morganti (ITA), going last on Mariebelle, earned her second medal of these Paralympic Games by taking silver with 81.407%, upgrading her bronze from the Individual test and taking her overall Paralympic tally to four medals.

Mari Durward-Akhurst (GBR) responded well after a disappointing Individual test on her Paralympic Games debut to claim bronze on Athene Lindebjerg, scoring 77.747%.

The day ended with two more golden moments for the USA, Howard and Diamond Dunes delivering another remarkable personal-best performance in their debut Paralympic Games to triumph in the Grade II Individual Freestyle.

The 25-year-old and her chestnut stallion earned a score of 81.994% to back up their gold in the Individual test and contribution to the USA’s victory in the Team event.

“When I came into these Games, I just wanted to put down the best tests I could,” Howard said. “It was my first Paralympic Games and I just wanted to do my best and help out the team. But this has gone above my expectations.

“On the third day, you have to dig a little deep because my muscles are definitely tired, but I have such a great partner in Diamond Dunes and he knows his job. He gave me everything, just like the past two times. I couldn’t have asked for any more.”

Georgia Wilson (GBR) and Sakura won silver with 79.374%, adding to their bronze in the Individual test, while 69-year-old Heidemarie Dresing (GER) – the oldest Para Dressage athlete at Paris 2024 – won her first Paralympic Individual medal after three previous fourth places, taking bronze on Dooloop with 76.127%.

Hart rounded things off by clinching her second Individual gold with Floratina – and third overall including the Team event – in a tense finale to the Grade III Freestyle.

The 39-year-old and her bay mare, going last, kept their nerve to score 83.534%, the highest individual score of the four days of competition in Versailles.

“That was so wonderful,” said Hart. “I was a little concerned when we started cantering, but I was like, ‘She will come back to me; she always does.’ It’s just electric. I told her she was fine. She went, ‘Are we OK?’ and I said, ‘Yes, we’re fine,’ and she said, ‘OK, I trust you,’ and it was such a magical moment. Then we hit the markers the way we needed to.”

It was tough on Van der Horst, who had posted a superb score of 83.007% with Royal Fonq, but had to settle for a third successive silver medal at these Paralympic Games and a fifth overall, to go with three bronzes.

“It was not good for my heart,” she said of watching the final combination deny her gold. “I was so eager to get gold today and a bit disappointed it didn’t work out, but we can be really proud. Three silver medals is pretty good.”

Natasha Baker (GBR) also signed off with a second Individual bronze in Versailles on Dawn Chorus with a mark of 77.140%, and a 10th Paralympic Games medal overall.

FULL RESULTS

by Bryn Palmer

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Competitions, Show Jumping, Spruce Meadows

Vogel Takes the Victory Once Again in the CANA Cup

Photo: Spruce Meadows Media

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping crossed the Atlantic Ocean for the third Major of the calendar year – the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Taking place from 4-8 September, the world’s leading horses and riders are gathered in the breathtaking venue for five days of top international sport.

As one of the most anticipated competitions in the equestrian calendar, Thursday’s pinnacle class – the CANA Cup – brought together 44 combinations in a thrilling display of skill, precision, and stamina. The world-class field were not only aiming to claim this prestigious prize but also hoping to earn a spot in Sunday’s coveted CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.

It was a star-studded line-up that included the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, André Thieme, three-time Olympic gold medallist, Ben Maher, as well as last year’s victors of CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei.

First to master Leopoldo Palacios’ beautifully crafted course was Canada’s Erynn Ballard – much to the delight of the home crowd. She was soon joined by teammate Tiffany Foster who ensured there would be a jump-off after a faultless and fast round. At the first break, eight additional riders had successfully produced clear rounds including Kevin Staut and Daniel Deusser, as well as the American duo of McLain Ward and Lillie Keenan.

Several class favourites including Britain’s Scott Brash – the only rider thus far to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – and Ireland’s highest-ranked rider, Daniel Coyle, did not quite produce the rounds they would have desired with time faults and one pole, respectively.

In total, 17 riders cleared the 1.55m course faultlessly, with one rider – Armando Trapote – electing not to jump off. Entering the ring in the same order that they jumped in the first round, it was first to go, Erynn Ballard, who once again set the standard for the following riders with a clear in a time of 43.41 seconds. Known for his speed, Britian’s Matthew Sampson and his grey stallion Daniel looked to have beaten Ballard’s speed; however, he added strides down to the final white CANA oxer left combination in second place.

Ballard held the lead, until thirteen to enter into the iconic International Ring, Max Kühner, came home 0.76 seconds faster than the Canadian. His lead was quickly usurped by next to jump, Richard Vogel and the huge-striding stallion United Touch S, who took the lead by over one second. The remaining three riders, which included Steve Guerdat and Ben Maher, the World Nos. 2 and 3, could not match the performance of the young German, meaning that he claimed the class once again.

Speaking on his victory, Vogel stated: “I am thrilled with how United Touch S jumped – he loves the atmosphere and the arena here. He felt very good, and so we will be trying to continue this form into Sunday’s Grand Prix. I don’t have to push him too much in the jump-off as he has such a powerful stride and gallops very easily. It is our biggest advantage – he can just jump out of his rhythm. We try to use this advantage as much as possible, and today luckily it turned out well.”

Read more here.

© 2024 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Championships, Competitions, Driving, FEI

Boyd Exell Storms into Lead after Marathon

BRAM CHARDON with his horses – FREDDY, JAMES BOND, JUVENTUS, and MAESTRO © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

The odds of defending champion Boyd Exell (AUS) winning a record-breaking 7th consecutive world title look stronger than ever after his display of dominance on the marathon. Using a team of experienced horses who are marathon specialists, including one from his indoor team, he produced a foot perfect round over a demanding course to win on 110.4. Added to his dressage score of 33.53, his running total of 143.93 propels him 9.2 points ahead of Chester Weber (USA), who slips to second on 153.13.

The European Champion Bram Chardon (NED) has not yet won an individual world medal, but he has given himself a great chance to change that after his strong and consistent round which saw him score 114.62 for second. Combined with his dressage mark, he rises up the standings to third on 157.74, 4.61 behind Chester.

Hopes were high for marathon maestro Michael Brauchle (GER) who is often a winner in this phase. On the course immediately after Boyd, they split the spoils between them with four quickest times each through the eight obstacles. But a few hesitations and a late penalty ball in number seven kept him off the top spot for third on 115.73 and eighth going into the cones.

Fresh from his win in Austria in mid-August, Glenn Geerts (BEL) was one of the last out of the day. He drove a confident round for fourth on 117.16 which elevated him to fourth overall and puts him in sight of an individual medal. Another one who can go into Sunday’s cones with medal hopes is Germany’s Georg von Stein who was fifth on 118.75 to move into fifth overall, despite adding four penalty points to his times with two knockdown balls.

Always competitive on the marathon, Koos de Ronde (NED) contributed to the change in team order as his score combined with Bram’s put The Netherlands in the lead on 320.74. With only two on the team, the pressure was on Tor van den Berge of Australia to drive well which he did to keep them in contention on 323.59. But there’s no room for cone or time penalties as the strong German team are only 0.18 behind on 323.77, although they have some breathing space as they are ahead of the Belgians who are lying fourth on 336.17.

Organisers believe there were 16,000 spectators who came to watch the marathon which was set on hilly ground above the town and stud. Despite it being another hot and dusty day, hordes of fans arrived early to enjoy the spectacle, clustering around the obstacles which were arranged on either side of a central gravel track. With music playing there was a festive feeling, and the loudest cheers were reserved for the nine Hungarian drivers, two of which were driving Lipizzaner horses that are kept at the Stud Farm. The team has also improved their chances of a medal thanks to the typically bold rounds from father and son Jόzsef Dobrovitz Snr and Jnr who contributed to their success.

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

USA Maintains Gold Rush with Para Dressage Team Triumph in Versailles

L-R: Team Nederlands (silver medal) Team USA (gold medal) and Team Germany (bronze medal). © FEI/Liz Gregg

The United States continued their best Para Dressage performance at a Paralympic Games by edging Netherlands for gold in a dramatic conclusion to the Team event at Château de Versailles.

Personal best scores by Individual gold medallists Fiona Howard – a stunning 80.000% on Diamond Dunes in Grade II – and Rebecca Hart, who scored 78.567% with Floratina in Grade III, proved critical after another strong Grade I performance by Individual silver medallist Roxanne Trunnell on Fan Tastico H.

That left the USA on a total of 235.567, beating the Dutch tally of 232.850, with Germany taking bronze on 223.751.

The United States’ previous best Paralympic medal haul was two golds and a bronze at both Atlanta 1996 and Tokyo 2020. They so far have three golds and one silver at Paris 2024. USA also became the first nation other than Great Britain to win a Para Dressage Team event at a Paralympic Games.

But it was a tense finale after the Grade IV duo of Sanne Voets on Demantur (76.567%) and Demi Haerkens with Daula (78.216%) had set the early pace for Netherlands.

Trunnell, the first USA athlete to go, scored 77.000% with Fan Tastico H in Grade I, before Howard and the stallion Diamond Dunes delivered the highest individual score of Paris 2024 to date, eclipsing Sara Morganti’s 79.458% on Mariebelle for Italy in Grade I earlier in the day.

While there was excitement around Versailles that it could be a new Paralympic record, due to changes in the tests since the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, it is not possible to make direct comparisons or officially recognise it as a record, but it undoubtedly remains a remarkable achievement.

“I came out the ring and thought, ‘that felt really good’, but you never know,” said 25-year-old Howard, who now has two golds in her first Paralympic Games. “Whatever the score was, I was super proud of him.

“He felt amazing and did everything I could have asked. But then seeing it reflected on the scoreboard was just the cherry on top. What a horse… he is so special.”

That superlative display nudged the USA ahead going into the concluding Grade III, but when Rixt van der Horst and Royal Fonq scored 78.067% for the Dutch, Hart entered the arena on Floratina knowing she needed a personal best score to take gold.

“It’s always a bit intense being the ‘closer’ for your team and it was a very pressure-cooker situation,” said the 39-year-old, who along with Trunnell and Kate Shoemaker was part of the USA team that took bronze at Tokyo 2020.

“I was definitely doing the math. I think my previous best was a 75-something, so it was a jump. Rixt was right before me and I knew they had put in a solid first two rides and that she was going to deliver too. I had a quick peak at the board and went ‘OK, let’s go, game on’. I knew we had to do something pretty special.

“It was quite electric out there. She (Floratina) was feeling the atmosphere and feeling good and feeling fresh. I just needed to make sure I took all that energy and used it in a positive manner.”

The combination’s score of 78.567% brought the USA home, leaving Van der Horst with mixed feelings after winning her second silver medal of these Games.

“It was a tense feeling going into the test,” she said. “I knew I had to deliver a really good test. For myself, I set the goal of at least 78 or something, hopefully a little bit more, and I achieved it, so that was good.”

Germany earned their third medal at Versailles by edging out Italy for bronze. Anna-Lena Niehues and Quimbaya 6, who took Individual bronze in Grade IV, scored 75.351%, before Grade V Individual silver medallist Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delight’s earned 75.500%.

There was also a first Paralympic medal – after three previous fourth-place finishes in Individual events – for the oldest Para Dressage competitor in Versailles, 69-year-old Heidemarie Dresing. She scored 72.900% with Dooloop in Grade II to give Germany a total of 223.751, with Italy on 223.166 despite Morganti’s 79.458% with Mariebelle.

“It’s incredible. She really listened to me and we were one single thing together, which is what we worked for. You can always improve, but today, in my condition and her condition, it was perfect.”

France finished fifth while Great Britain, who had won all seven previous Para Dressage Team events since Atlanta in 1996, finished sixth.

“We’ve been in front for such a long time,” said GBR’s Natasha Baker, who scored 75.367% on Dawn Chorus in Grade III. “We didn’t expect to be bringing home the Team gold in Tokyo so that was unreal. The rest of the world has caught up with us now. It’s just going to be a case of us trying to find ways that we can sneak back to the top again.”

Norway’s Jens Lasse Dokkan, the only Para Equestrian athlete to compete at all eight Paralympic Games since Atlanta in 1996, confirmed that Paris 2024 is likely to be his swansong.

“I felt the emotion today,” said the 63-year-old. “I knew this would be my last Paralympics. I haven’t made a final decision about carrying on riding, but right now, I feel I want to retire.”

FULL RESULTS

by Bryn Palmer

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Community/Charity, Competitions, London International Horse Show, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Decorated Olympian Ben Maher Announced as London International Horse Show Ambassador

Three-time Olympic gold medallist, Ben Maher, has been announced as an Official Ambassador of the 2024 edition of London International Horse Show, which this year runs from 18-22 December at ExCeL London.

The British Show Jumper, who is currently ranked World No. 2, was part of this summer’s gold medal winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games aboard his stunning 11-year-old mare, Dallas Vegas Batilly. This sensational result added to his two previous gold medals, having won team gold at London 2012, and individual gold in Tokyo 2020, means Maher holds the title of the most decorated British Olympic Show Jumper of all time.

This December, Maher will return to ExCeL London to defend his Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ title, having secured the victory last year in one of the most exhilarating jump-offs to ever take place at the Show. Last to go in the class, and riding Enjeu de Grisien, Maher produced a textbook round to take the win from teammate Scott Brash by just 0.62 seconds.

Show Jumping commences at ExCeL London on Wednesday 18th December with The Ivy Stakes in the afternoon followed by the return of the LeMieux Puissance in the evening, which was last year won by specialists Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky for the third year running. The Christmas Pudding Speed Stakes takes place on Thursday afternoon and the famous London Grand Prix on Friday evening – a class visitors will not want to miss. The weekend is then capped off in style with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ on Sunday 22nd December where the finest horse and rider combinations will gather to compete for the prestigious prize.

Speaking on his role as an Official Ambassador for the Show, Maher stated: “I am delighted to be an Ambassador at this year’s London International Horse Show. As riders we travel around the world, so it is incredibly special to be back in England for our final competition before Christmas. The atmosphere is fantastic, and having all our friends and family supporting is a truly amazing experience.”

As an ambassador, Maher will extend the narrative of the Show beyond the event itself, providing an insight into how a rider prepares for such a prestigious event. Through activities such as an appearance on the Show’s Live Zone, Maher’s ambassadorial role will enable fans to experience exclusive behind the scenes content and will facilitate unique insights into the life of a top international Show Jumping competitor.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, stated: “We are delighted to announce Ben Maher, one of the country’s finest Show Jumpers, as an Official Ambassador. He has had so much success at the Show and is always a crowd favourite when he enters the arena. Following his recent success in Paris over the summer, we are thrilled to be welcoming him back to London ExCeL and look forward to watching him be a part of more unmissable sporting moments.”

In addition, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the British equestrian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Show will welcome the Team GB Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian heroes, including Maher, in a medal parade which will take place during the evening performance on Wednesday 18 December.

To purchase your tickets to the London International Horse Show 2024, please click here.

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

Championships, Competitions, Driving, FEI, FEI

Sandmann Takes the Lead after Day One at Szilvásvárad

Anna Sandmann (GER) with her horses Fredie U, Harley, Iwan Van De Martha Hoeve Texel, and Max Van Het Rodeland – © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

After the first day of competition of the FEI Driving World Championship Four-in-Hand in Szilvásvárad (HUN), Germany’s Anna Sandmann took the lead on 40.99 after a polished test, which pleased all the judges, ahead of her father Christoph Sandmann, who closed the late morning session on 46.78. Both were coached ahead of their tests in the warmup arena by current World Champion Boyd Exell (AUS).

As a member of the Hungarian team that won the nation’s last gold in Kecskemét in 2004, József Dobrovitz was last to go on the opening day. He delighted the home crowd with a return to form score of 51.38 to take third place. Only a slight deviation in his final walk movement detracted from what was otherwise a well-rewarded test.

Joining him on the national team is his son József Jnr, who opened the second session of the morning with a solid mark of 57.44 for eighth place. Keeping the host’s hopes alive of a return to the podium, father and son have put the team into the lead overnight, although only they the French had two drivers compete on day one.

The Dutch challenge for a 12th gold team medal started well with Koos de Ronde finishing fourth on 51.91. His long-legged Dutch Warmbloods produced a consistent test, but they are marathon specialists and their strength lies in the fast times they clock through the obstacles. Another marathon maestro and the first of the German team to drive, Michael Brauchle slotted just behind in fifth with 52.77.

Hosts Hungary also have six individuals, and they included Ferenc Galbács Jnr and István Váczi, who are based at the Stud Farm and drove teams of Lipizzaners to finish 11th on 59.83 and 16th on 62.16. Hungary also fielded the youngest athlete of the event with 18-year-old Peter Juhász, who already has international experience as a young driver and is now supported by the Hungarian Military.

In the team competition, France’s Maxime Maricourt scored 57.30 for seventh, and the experienced Benjamin Aillaud with his Lusitano horses scored 57.90 for ninth. Of the two Americans, veteran driver James Fairclough made a return to the world stage after the team gold at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon (USA) six years ago. Driving Dutch Warmbloods, one of which belongs to teammate Chester Weber, his mark of 60.23 put him into twelfth.

Judge Barry Capstick said afterwards: “Anna Sandmann did a fabulous test, and her father wasn’t far behind her! The venue is tremendous, the surface is good, and for a Thursday, what a great attendance in the stands. Everything about it so far is super.”

At an event and venue where the passion for driving and sense of history is everywhere, the morning session opened with 73-year-old legend Lászlό Juhász as test driver. It was a special appearance as he was a member of the winning team 40 years ago when Szilvásvárad last hosted a Four-in-Hand World Championship.

Friday’s first morning session opens with Wieslaw Sadowski for Poland, followed by current European Champion Bram Chardon (NED). In the second session, Chester Weber (USA) promises to produce another winning test, but come the afternoon, Boyd will pull the stops out to set himself up for his 7th consecutive title.

Dressage supremo Mareike Harm for the German team is also likely to be in the top three with a sub-40 mark. Ijsbrand Chardon (NED), who has competed at more World Championships than anyone else, is also in the final session of the day. But there’s no doubt that the home crowds will be eagerly awaiting 2004 champion and Hungarian hero Zόltan Lázár, who rounds off the second morning session.

FULL RESULTS

by Sarah Dance

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

Haerkens Heralds New Era as George Shows Enduring Class

Individual podium Grade V. L-R: Regine Mispelkamp (GER), Michèle George (BEL), and Sophie Wells (GBR) © FEI/Liz Gregg

Demi Haerkens (NED) confirmed her status as a rising star of Para Dressage as she claimed Grade IV gold with Daula on her Paralympic Games debut on the second day of Individual medal events at Château de Versailles. The 26-year-old, who came to the fore by winning European Championship gold last year, excelled in the sunlit arena to finish with a score of 78.722%.

Defending champion Sanne Voets (NED), partnering Demantur again after they won double gold and team silver at Tokyo 2020, had to settle for silver with 76.528%, taking Voets’ overall Paralympic medal tally to five.

The one-two lifted Netherlands into second place on the Para Dressage medal table at Paris 2024 with a gold and two silvers, behind USA on two golds and a silver.

“It feels amazing,” said Haerkens, after waiting for 11 other combinations to go before her gold medal was confirmed. “She (Daula) really deserved this gold. My horse was a superstar today. We have been together three years now and every year our bond grows.

“It was such a lovely ride. She was so focused, with such lovely quality and softness. We didn’t make any mistakes. She was with me and dancing with a lot of quality. She was amazing. Now I want to go to the stable and give her big cuddles.”

Voets, 37, said a tour of the royal stables at Château de Versailles last year had resonated with her as she prepared for a fourth Paralympic Games.

“They showed me a lot, and how they still work with horses every day, with such a beautiful motto,” she said.

“They work with the belief that our horses don’t owe us anything, that the horses are not an instrument for us to reach our goals and reach our ambitions, but that we are an instrument for our horse to develop them into beautiful, strong, healthy, happy athletes.”

Anna-Lena Niehues (GER), who took time off in 2023 to give birth to daughter Nelly, took bronze on Quimbaya 6 with 75.222%, edging Frenchman Vladimir Vinchon on Pegase Mayenne into fourth on 72.889%.

World number one Kate Shoemaker (USA) finished out of the medals in fifth after her horse Vianne spooked during their performance.

“It is the first spook she has ever had with me,” she said. “Something must have caught her eye. It was just an unfortunate moment. But horses are horses, and if we wanted to ride motorcycles, we would ride motorcycles.

“Regardless, I love her more than anything in the world and she is certainly forgiven because there are going to be a lot of beautiful days in future.”

Michèle George (BEL) showed her enduring class as she won her sixth Paralympic gold medal, defending her Grade V Individual title on Best of 8.

The 50-year-old, who won double individual gold at Tokyo 2020, finished well clear with a superb score of 76.692% to take her overall Paralympic medal tally to seven.

“I’m incredibly happy. She (Best of 8) was amazing. For me, it felt like a gold medal because I had nearly no mistakes and she was really dancing with me. I enjoyed every second of it. It means a lot,” she said.

George will aim to repeat her Tokyo feat of winning both Individual Grade V golds in Saturday’s Individual Freestyle event. “I really look forward to showing people how she can dance with our music, because she adores it,” she added.

Regine Mispelkamp (GER), partnering Highlander Delight’s, added a silver medal to her individual Freestyle bronze from Tokyo, scoring 73.231%.

The 53-year-old, who coaches athletes and trains horses for Dressage at her own stables near Kerken (GER), hopes to continue for possibly two more Paralympic cycles.

“I have two young horses who are coming on, so I am thinking about 2028 and maybe 2032,” she said. “It is the best thing I do and when I do it, I am not thinking about my illness.”

Sophie Wells (GBR), partnering LJT Egebjerggards Samoa after her original horse Don Cara M was ruled out, won her ninth Paralympic medal by taking bronze – Great Britain’s third of these Games – with 72.257%, adding to her previous four golds and four silvers.

“It’s not ideal,” she said of her late change in horses. “But she was so brave going into that arena. She got a little bit nervous, but she is eight years old. I held her hand through the whole test. She listened to me and I couldn’t be prouder of her for that.”

After a rest day on Thursday, Para Dressage resumes at Versailles on Friday with the team event, with three athlete/horse combinations from each nation joining forces in a bid for a place on the podium.

Great Britain have won all seven team golds since 1996, but will face strong competition from the likes of USA and Netherlands if they are to maintain that sequence.

The final set of Individual medals will be decided on Saturday, 7 September, as the top eight from the Individual tests in each of the five Grades compete in the Freestyle events.

FULL RESULTS – GRADE IV

FULL RESULTS – GRADE V

by Bryn Palmer

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

USA Earn Their Stars and Stripes on Opening Day in Versailles

L-R: Katrine Kristensen (DEN), Fiona Howard (USA) and Georgia Wilson (GBR), Individual Podium – Grade II © FEI/Liz Gregg

Team USA enjoyed a superb opening day of Para Dressage action at Paris 2024 with two golds and a silver in the first three Individual medal events at Château de Versailles.

Rebecca Hart on Floratina (Grade III) and Fiona Howard, partnering Diamond Dunes (Grade II), both struck gold before Roxanne Trunnell, double gold medallist from Tokyo 2020, took silver on Fan Tastico H in Grade I behind Rihards Snikus (LAT) and King of the Dance.

The trio of medals already makes Paris 2024 Team USA’s most successful Paralympic Games in Para Dressage, after just three of the 11 events across four days of competition.

They surpassed the two golds and a bronze won at Atlanta 1996 and at Tokyo 2020, where Trunnell – on Dolton – won the USA’s first two individual golds for 24 years and also won team bronze alongside Hart on El Corona Texel, and Kate Shoemaker with Solitaer 40.

Hart, 39, kick-started the gold rush by winning her first individual medal at her fifth Paralympic Games on Floratina, having previously finished fourth in Beijing and fifth at London 2012.

“It’s been 25 years of trying to get to this point and being close many, many times,” she said. “To actually get it, I feel like I’m going to wake up at any moment. It’s just surreal. It feels like a dream.

“This is my first gold ever. We’ve worked so hard as a country with my fellow athletes to really develop our programme and step up our game. Four years later, here we are.

“It’s a huge venue and the entire atmosphere was phenomenal. I was just trying to stay with her and focused, because it felt so easy. I just needed to stay on my game and get the test done.”

Hart and Floratina were the penultimate combination to enter the arena in the morning rain and they claimed the win with a score of 77.900%.

Rixt van der Horst (NED) took silver with 76.433% – her sixth Paralympic medal overall at her third Games – on new horse Royal Fonq, her partner since December.

“He’s really special,” she said. “He has such a kind and honest character. His quality is amazing. I think we click really well and have developed a really special bond in the short time we have had together.”

Natasha Baker (GBR), in her first Paralympic Games since becoming a mother last year, took bronze – her ninth Paralympic medal after six golds and two silvers – on Dawn Chorus with 73.167%.

“I had 20 months out of competition when I had Joshua, and a year out of the saddle,” said the 34-year-old. “That’s the longest I’ve ever had out of the saddle. I’m just super, super happy with her.”

Howard, 25, maintained the USA momentum as she took Grade II gold on Diamond Dunes in her debut Paralympic Games with a superb performance to finish on 76.931%.

“We haven’t been a partnership for that long – only since March when we did our first competition,” she said. “I just trusted him, and he gave me everything in there. I am so proud of him. He’s never let me down.”

Katrine Kristensen (DEN), who also became a first-time mother last year after winning double gold at the FEI World Championship in 2022, took silver on Goerklintgaards Quater with a score of 73.966%.

“I was crying a lot because this is so huge. After becoming a mom, I have worked very hard to gain my physical strength again and to balance being a mom and training at this level. But I succeeded.

“I have never ridden in such a beautiful arena as this before, with all the audience. I promised myself when I finished to just look up and enjoy it, and I did,” said Kristensen.

Georgia Wilson (GBR), on Sakura, added another Paralympic individual bronze to her collection after two at Tokyo 2020, scoring 73.414%, with 69-year-old Heidemarie Dresing (GER), the oldest athlete in Versailles, edged into fourth place on Dooloop.

The final event of the opening day saw an emotional triumph for Rihards Snikus (LAT) in his fourth Paralympic Games, going one better than Tokyo 2020 to take gold in Grade I. The 36-year-old, who won silver in both the Individual and Freestyle events in Tokyo, turned in a brilliant display partnering King of the Dance to triumph with a score of 79.167%.

“It was a really beautiful performance; we enjoyed watching it,” said Latvia’s chef d’equipe Darja Tikhomirova, speaking on behalf of Snikus, who is also the reigning Grade I world champion and an active DJ in his spare time. “I think it was one of Rihards’ best ever performances. After Tokyo, we came home and said, ‘okay, next time let’s get gold.’

“It’s great for para sports in general in Latvia, because people can see it’s not only classic sports we know, like athletics or cycling. Equestrian is also a sport for people with disability, where they can improve how strong they are, how perfect they can ride, how wonderful technically they can be. It’s always great to show that you have no limit.”

Trunnell (USA), the double individual gold medallist from Tokyo, had to settle for silver on Fan Tastico H after finishing on 78.000%.

She paid tribute to the influence on US fortunes of Michel Assouline, who spent 12 years as head coach of Great Britain’s para equestrian team before joining Team USA in 2017 as head of para equestrian coach development and high-performance consultant.

“He is really good,” Trunnell said. “He got us all straightened up, training harder, with better horses. We have evolved our training and been working so hard. It’s nice to see it pay off.”

Sara Morganti (ITA), on Mariebelle, collected her third Paralympic Games bronze medal – after two in Tokyo partnering Royal Delight – on a score of 74.625%.

FULL RESULTS

by Bryn Palmer

press@fei.org
www.fei.org

Your Southern Source for Everything Horse

Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Copy link
CopyCopied