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6th January 2006
The 2006 Sydney CDI 3-Star
The Sydney CDI 3-Star will be held from the 4 to 6 May 2006.
Two O level Judges will officiate this year – Dr Volker Moritz (Germany)and Mrs Cara Whitham (Canada). Other international judges from NZL and the Asian region will form part of the judging panel.
The event is the final selection/qualifying event in Australia for the WEG that will be held at Aachen in August 2006. Will AUS have a Dressage Team at WEG? we shall see!
The programme includes: International Dressage from Prix St Georges to Grand Prix, the IRT Advanced Cup Tournament and the NSW Young Dressage Horse Championships.
Information and entry forms are available from the Sydney CDI web site; or contact Toni Venhaus if you would like a hard copy sent to you.
Closing date is 22 March 2006.
The Organising Committee are also looking for suitable loan horses for invited International Riders to compete on in the small tour. The document outlining how the loan horse scheme works is available for download from this site.
Enquiries: Toni Venhaus 02 8824 8065 or email: tvenhaus@tpg.com.au
After the CDI, a Seminar for Judges with Dr Moritz will be held at the venue on Sunday 7 May. Seminar enq: Deirdre Stock on 02 4573 6336
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14th October 2005
INCREASED IMPORTED ENTRIES INTENSIFY THE COMPETITION AT THE 2005 AUSTRALIAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Imported horses showcase their appeal at the Australian Dressage Championships with over 40 imports qualifying and competing at this year’s event.
Also of significant impact is the appearance of Australian bred dressage horses, utilising the now common breeding technology using imported frozen semen.
Nearly 30% of horses entered at this year’s Championships are either imported or bred using frozen semen from predominantly European stallions. It was not so long ago that it was a real novelty to see an imported dressage horse competing in Australia.
In the FEI levels (Prix St Georges to Grand Prix), 35% of horses competing are either imported or bred from frozen semen. That’s over 20 horses!
The Prix St Georges Championship will see two of Australia’s International riders, Rozzie Ryan and Olympian Rachael Sanna competing head to head on Dutch bred full brothers Jive Magic and Chatham Park Jac. Both horses are by the famous Dutch stallion Jazz out of the mare Kind of Magic, with Jive Magic born in 1996 and Jac born in 1998.
A competition featuring Jive Magic and Jac is must-see viewing, particularly in context of next year’s World Championships in Germany and the Beijing Olympics a few short years away. With their riders as seasoned international competitors, these two horses are touted as serious contenders for Australian representation.
For the future, it appears the significance of imported/frozen semen dressage horses will only increase. This year’s Novice competition has close to half the competitors from imported or frozen semen lines, and of the 11 horses in the six year old National Young Horse Final, only three are bred using stallions here in Australia. That’s 72% of the competition bred from overseas stallions!
With many of the imported/frozen semen horses kept entire, and still breeding while actively competing, the future standard of Australian Dressage looks very exciting!
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7th October 2005
EQUITANA returns to Brisbane with an open air program and a brand new entertainment extravaganza!
Daytime Program: 19 & 20 November
2 days of exciting competition including Dressage, Showjumping, Rodeo, Driving, Vaulting and Pony Club Sports. The program also features education sessions, featuring top Australian experts and trainers, demonstrations, a breed expo, jousting, trade stands and much more at the RNA Showgrounds. Tickets only available at the gate. For event details visit Equitana Open Air
Evening Program: 19 November
Cavalcade – Reins of Fire, Brisbane Entertainment Centre. For details visit www.cavalcade.net.au
Download the full program
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12th July 2005
FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP 2005
FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP MOVES TO HAGEN (GER)
Following the decision to withdraw the 2005 FEI European Dressage Championships from Moscow (RUS) several NFs offered to provide a host for the event.
During the discussions over the last weekend the GER NF and the organiser of Hagen, Mr Ulli Kasselmann and Paul Schockemöhle, offered to stage the championship on the same weekend as the cancelled event (26–31 July). This will enable the riders to maintain their training schedule, cause minimum disruption to the FEI Calendar and will ensure that the TV schedules are not interrupted.
The FEI is very pleased to accept this offer and has allocated the FEI European Dressage Championship 2005 to Hagen.
Organiser’s details will be available as of Wednesday, 13 July, on www.psi-events.de
A link will also be provided from the FEI website www.horsesport.org
7th July 2005
FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP WITHDRAWN FROM MOSCOW
The FEI has taken the decision to withdraw the 2005 FEI European Dressage Championship from Moscow. The event was due to take place from 29 to 31 July in Bitsa.
The Russian Equestrian Federation and the Organising Committee were unable to provide the necessary funding to guarantee the proper organisation of the Championships
‘I feel very sorry for the hard working organisers of the championship’ stated Mariette Whitages Chairman of the Dressage Committee. ‘All technical matters could have been arranged and the site of Bitsa would have played a beautiful host to the championship. However, without the necessary guarantee, the FEI could not take the risk of shipping the top Dressage horses in Europe to an event where there were question marks surrounding a number of areas’.
5th July 2005
FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP IN MOSCOW
FEI sets deadline for financial guarantee
Following the change of the presidency at the Russian Equestrian Federation, the venue and the Organising Committee (OC) of the 2005 FEI Dressage Championship to take place from 29 to 31 July 2005 was changed to Bitsa several weeks ago.
The FEI was informed that the financial structure originally in place had to be re-organised. The OC had a number of problems raising the finances to organise the Championship. The FEI received letters from the Government of the Region and of the City of Moscow giving assurance of their support to the championship but no concrete financial guarantee has been received yet.
The FEI is aware of the importance of this Championship for the Russian Equestrian Federation, however it will not take the risk of letting the championship be organised without the necessary funding.
Consequently, the FEI has asked the OC and the Russian Equestrian Federation to show their financial security by providing financial guarantees, for this championship by Thursday 7 July 2005 at 14:00 (Swiss time).
In addition, the FEI requires the following conditions to be fulfilled for the same deadline:
– Proof of payment for the chartered aircraft for competing horses and traffic rights for the aircraft to be delivered to the official transport agent Peden
– written confirmation that the necessary horse feed supplies has been contracted and permits organised.
– Written confirmation of the quarantine waivers
– Photos of the trucks for transporting the horses from the airport to the show ground
If all these requirements are not fulfilled by the set deadline, the FEI will be forced to cancel the Championship.
24th April 2005
La Vegas hosts the best final ever!
The saying goes ‘What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas’, but if what happened here in the FEI World Cup Dressage Final spreads further abroad, the sport of dressage will be hitting the jackpot, big time.
Anky van Grunsven won her seventh World Cup title, but she was chased to the wire by pupil Edward Gal on Geldnet Lingh while no less than four riders scored over 80 percent denoting the highest standard ever seen. Van Grunsven’s score of 86.725 may not have rung up a new level — she’d achieved that mark with the legendary Bonfire — but four of the five-strong ground jury awarded artistic totals over 90 percent. And that was not just for the winner — Gal rang up three 90 per cent plus marks and the USA’s Debbie McDonald hit the big ‘90’ twice from the judges at E and B.
The winner, who rode to her evocative ‘L’Esprit Chanson’ music, said: ‘It is the most special win for me as I am not only proud of my own horse but also of Edward and Lingh. I was shocked when they beat us in the grand prix but after today, they can stay in training with me. It’s very special to have two Dutch riders at the top here.’
For the crowd, Edward Gal was the special favourite as they clapped and cheered to the high points in his freestyle. He said, ‘When the crowd did that Lingh really felt it and gave even more — he loved it.’
The USA riders put on a fabulous show. Debbie McDonald and Brentina wowed the crowd to Aretha Franklin’s Respect and that’s what they got in return. ‘It was my goal to have fun out there,’ said McDonald, ‘and it was pretty obvious that we did.’
In fourth place, Robert Dover and FBW Kennedy glided through a fine performance to a freestyle programme Dover had adapted from way back in 1987 when he won the Western European League on Federleicht. With the help of Marlene Whitaker, Dover ‘resurrected’ music he has always loved including ‘Hey Big Spender’ to accompany an expressive programme that was adored by the crowd from the minute the pair walked in the joint.
Judge at C Uwe Mechlem commented: ‘The level was unbelievably high, each rider would come in and we’d think that test could not be beaten, but it kept getting higher. It was a hard job to find the winner for us, especially when the public anticipated, and we had to try hard not to be influenced by that, but we were so busy giving our marks.’
After the public appeared to expect Gal to emerge victor, Mechlem explained: ‘Anky has the most fascinating choice of music for her freestyle. I awarded a 10 for her music as I can’t imagine it could be better. Edward showed an example of effortless and elegant dressage — the rider always together with his horse — but for me the choice of music was slightly heavy for this horse.
FEI Dressage Committee Chairman Mariette Withages stated, ‘That was the best ever FEI World Cup Dressage Final. To have all the top riders score so high is unique.’ Las Vegas will be a hard act to follow.
Results
FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2005, presented by Offield Farms
Freestyle to Music
1. Keltec Salinero (A van Grunsven NED) 86.725
2. Geldnet Lingh (E. Gal NED) 85.225
3. Brentina (D. McDonald USA) 83.450
4. FBW Kennedy (R. Dover USA) 80.10
5. Blue Hors Cavan (A. Helgstrand DEN) 78.50
6. Kingston (L. Morse USA) 78.475
7. Bjorsells Briar (J. Brink SWE) 77.375
8. Aramis (H. Schmidt GER) 77.20
9. Barclay II (S. Rothenberger NED) 75.25
10. Escapado (C. Hester GBR) 73.475
11. Hardthof’s Ludewig G (L. Joergensen DEN) 72.275
12. Aragon (G. Seidel USA) 70.65
For further information
05 April 2005
2005 National Dressage Squads Announced
Following Ulla Salzgeber’s recent visit to Australia, and her assessment of the current state of the sport in this country, it has been decided to radically alter the National Dressage Squad structure and criteria to take a longer view for the future of the sport.
For full details on the squad selection criteria visit the EFA National web site
Now that the Athens Olympic Games has come and gone, it is time to focus on the major objective in 2006 — the World Equestrian Games in Aachen. 2006 is also an opportunity for Dressage to lay the foundation for success at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and to sow the seeds for the next generation of elite athletes and coaches through a nationally coordinated approach to athlete and coach development.
The recruitment of an internationally-recognised trainer is a key part of the overall High Performance strategy for the Equestrian Federation of Australia.
The new squads are as follows:
A-Squad
Centaur — Ann Serrao
Crisp — Ricky MacMillan
Greenoak Dundee — Heath Ryan
Amoucheur — Kelly Layne
A-Squad Holding List
Don Bolero — Kristy Oatley-Nist
Quando Quando — Kristy Oatley-Nist
B1 Squad
Cinderella — Matthew Dowsley
Neversfelde Feuer — Maurice Bruce
APH Romarn — Denise Rogan
B2 Squad
Port Said 10 — Mary Hanna
Glencoe Manhattan — Nicole Tough
Donna Carrera — Rozzie Ryan
Welfenadel, Weltklasse — Lesley-Ann Taylor
Classico II — Glennis Barrey
Northern Invader — Vickie Robertson
23 March 2005
Ulla Salzgeber to Return as Dressage Training Adviser
Following a successful visit in January, German multiple Olympic medallist and World Cup Dressage champion Ulla Salzgeber has agreed to return to Australia in the capacity of Dressage Training Adviser.
Following Ulla Salzgeber’s initial assessment of the talent, training and breeding in Australia and following discussions with the Dressage High Performance Panel, it has been decided to radically alter the National Dressage Squad structure and criteria to take a longer view for the future of the sport.
Now that the Athens Olympic Games has come and gone, it is time to focus firmly on the major objectives in 2006, the World Equestrian Games in Aachen (Germany).
2006 is also an opportunity for Dressage to lay the foundation for success at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and to sow the seeds for the next generation of elite athletes and coaches through a nationally-coordinated approach to athlete and coach development.
The recruitment of an internationally-recognized trainer is a key part of the overall High Performance strategy for the Equestrian Federation of Australia.
Our National Squads will be updated at regular intervals. These squads will gain access to nationally-coordinated squad camps with our Dressage Training Adviser Ulla Salzgeber.For full details on the new Dressage Squad structure and selection criteria, please visit the EFA National site.
18th January 2005
Queensland Judges’ Conference
Details of the programme for the 2005 Queensland Judges’ Conference have been announced.
Date: 12th February, 2005
Venue: Riverside Hotel, Fleet St., South Brisbane
Programme:
8.30 Registration, tea and coffee
9.00 Dr. Julian Wilmore: role of the FEI vet
9.30 Mrs. Mary Seefried: NOAS
10.45 Morning Tea
11.15 Dr. Grace Pretty: Sports psychologist
12.00 Mrs. Susie Hoevenaars: Young Horse
12.45 Lunch
1.30 Mrs. Mary Seefried: The Happy Athlete
2.00 Mrs. Susie Hoevenaars: video German Young Horse
2.30 Questions and discussion
3.00 Afternoon Tea
3.20 Narelle Stubbs (to be confirmed)
Cost: $55. Cheques to be payable to Dressage Queensland, and it would be appreciated if they could be sent to Jane Blomfield, 50 Whittings Rd, Guanaba. 4210 beforehand.
Any queries, please ring Jane 07 55337841.
Source: Dressage Queensland news release
17th January 2005
Call for Nominations
A reminder that nominations for positions on the committee of Dressage Queensland close on 7th February. The new committee will be announced at the Equestrian Queensland AGM on 23rd March. The Dressage Queensland AGM is on April 13th.
You may remember that when you received your EFA membership renewals, there was a nomination form included. Don't worry if you have misplaced it; just get the EFA office to fax or mail you one.
There are two positions becoming vacant: Clem Kelly's and Meredith Miller's three year terms are expiring.
If you wish to nominate someone please do so ASAP, or at least before February 7th! New faces, new ideas, are always very welcome.
Times and locations for both AGMs are available from the EFA office, phone (07) 3891 6611 or e-mail efaq@efaq.com.au
Source: Dressage Queensland news release
29th December 2004
Carl Hester scores landmark win in Mechelen
Carl Hester and Escapado held off all opposition to win their first ever FEI World Cup Qualifier in Mechelen. It was the first time a Briton has headed a World Cup Qualifier line up since 1991.
Escapado, whose spookiness at the start of the Grand Prix left the British pair in sixth place, raised his game to the music and while Hester had a long wait to see if their score of 74.50 would be enough, the British national anthem finally rang out across the Nekkerhal followed by a standing ovation from the crowd.
‘It was amazing’, said Hester. ‘Escapado found it a difficult arena in the grand prix – his eyes were popping out of his head! He’s hot but doesn’t usually get scared, but then it is the same for everyone. In the freestyle the one real error was mine, and he was great in the piaffe and passage. By the time the national anthem played though, he stood like a rock and watched the flag rise! The crowd was really lovely and I appreciated their support.’
With Carl in the prize giving was Athens team mate Richard Davison, in third place after Gwendolen Mayer’s Ballaseyr Royale produced a foot perfect test. ‘She was gorgeous’, said Davison. ‘There wasn’t a single “dodgy moment”. I didn’t see Carl’s test but when he told me he had gone well but with a few “blips”, I thought I’d really go for it, and “Bird” was with me all the way.’
Such was Hester’s surprise at his triumph, he had no time to change his original plan to dash to the airport directly after the prize ceremony, so he left Davison to do the honours and collect his trophy, rug and prize money. He did, however, depart with a grin and the knowledge that he is now second in the Western European League standings on 50 points.
The British sandwich had a Swiss filling as Marie Line Wettstein gained her best international result to date with Le Primeur. ‘I’m singing like a bird’, said the delighted Wettstein, whose daughter Amelie was also riding in Mechelen and gained a clear round in the pony jumping. The Swiss pair’s freestyle, to Joe Cocker music, came closest to Hester’s score on 74.10. Together for some eighteen months, Wettstein and Le Primeur will now contest Neumunster and while she would love to book a ticket to the Las Vegas Final in April she commented: ‘I’ll try, but the main aim is to do our best and have fun. Leo’s best quality is his character, and after my husband and children, he’s the best thing that has happened to me in my life.’
While some riders got the best belated Christmas presents, others fared less well. Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat sadly had to withdraw before the competition when Beauvalais developed a cold, and Sven Rothenberger and Barclay II failed to reproduce their Grand Prix winning style in the freestyle where they finished fourth.
Belgium’s sole representative Jeroen Devroe had the crowd in uproar when he rode Paganini into the arena carrying his whip. The luckless rider didn’t hear the warning shouts and incurred elimination, but Ground Jury President Mariette Withages allowed the pair to perform for the home crowd anyway. It was particularly bad luck, as from January 1st a new rule states that riders will have to leave their whips in the collecting ring anyway!
Ground Jury President Mariette Withages commented: ‘It has been an exceptional day. The top riders rode well and to see new countries at the top is an evolution, although they have been building up for a long time.’
Results, 29 Dec
FEI World Cup Dressage, Freestyle to Music Qualifier
Presented by Nashuatec
1, Escapado (Carl Hester GBR) 74.50
2, Le Primeur (Marie Line Wettstein SUI) 74.10
3, Ballaseyr Royale (Richard Davison GBR) 73.25
4, Barclay II (Sven Rothenberger GER) 72.70
5, Amando (Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier GER) 72.70
6, Hexagon’s Ollright (Laurens van Lieren NED) 72.40
7, Gribaldi (Edward Gal NED) 71.55
8, Willibaldi’s Don Debussy (Peter Gmoser AUT) 71.475
9, Ludewig G (Lone Joergensen DEN) 71.325
10, Roi de Coeur (Dominique D’Esme FRA) 69.425
For further information
http://www.jumping-mechelen.com
15th December 2004
FEI World Cup Dressage – London Olympia’s inaugural FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier an unqualified success
Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beavalais put on a sparkling performance to win Olympia’s inaugural FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier. Last to go, the Spanish combination showed how Olympic team silver and individual bronze were won with their technically difficult and superbly choreographed freestyle to music. “Beauvalais was looking around a bit tonight but not as much as in the grand prix. It was a great atmosphere – but difficult for the concentration – with fabulous spectators and the best surface in Europe”, said Ferrer-Salat.
As British rider Carl Hester assumed the lead earlier on 77.175 the audience raised the roof in appreciation. While he and Escapado put on their best performances yet – gaining the runner-up slot in both the Grand Prix and Freestyle, there is so much more to come for the 11-year old half thoroughbred gelding who has grown in confidence since opening his FEI World Cup account just last weekend with fourth place in Maastricht. “This was my best ride ever and I can only be delighted”, said the Gloucestershire-based rider who was best Briton in the dressage event in Athens. “Escapado has matured so much since the Olympics, and while I thought I would try the World Cup and see, now I am definitely out to play the game and get to Las Vegas for the Final.”
Third place with Wahajama-UNICEF ensured Germany’s Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff keeps the lead in the Western European League standings on a massive 65 points. All Linsenhoff’s horses carry the UNICEF suffix and their prize money has helped over 70,000 children in crisis-torn areas receive aid and education. She said: “Wahajama loved performing here – she listens to the music and is such a diva, I love riding her.”
Judge at C, Britain’s Stephen Clarke, commented: “Congratulations to the winners who produced such high quality performances. The audience (of over 6000) appreciated them and I could feel the atmosphere while judging. It was a wonderful class to judge.”
The Olympia organisation hopes the FEI World Cup Dressage will return next year. FEI Dressage Committee chairman Mariette Withages was impressed. She said: “Congratulations to Olympia for organising such a successful World Cup qualifier. At last the World Cup has returned to England, but to have the event as well organised as this was very special. I certainly would award ‘10’s’ to this show!”.
Results: FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle to Music Qualifier, supported by The Berkeley Group and Horse and Hound
1, Beauvalais (Beatriz Ferrer-Salat ESP) 79.57
2, Escapado (Carl Hester GBR) 77.17
3, Wahajama UNICEF (Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER) 76.70
4, Ballaseyr Royale (Richard Davison GBR) 73.97
5, Amando (Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier GER) 73.55
6, Ludewig G (Lone Jorgensen DEN) 73.25
7, Albano (Heike Kemmer GER) 73.05
8, Gambrinus (Peter Storr GBR) 71.25
9, Lorenzo (Wayne Channon GBR) 70.85
10, Ratino H (Martina Hannover – Sternberg GER) 70.10
For further information
http://www.olympiahorseshow.com
13th December 2004
Fierce Contest in Festive Atmosphere Expected at Olympia
For the first time ever, the famous London Olympia show will open its doors early to host an FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier.
A strong field of 25 riders from nine countries has arrived in London to contest the fourth leg of the Western European League season, which commences tomorrow evening with the first round Grand Prix. The fifteen best combinations then go through to the FEI Freestyle to music qualifier on Wednesday evening, which will take place against a backdrop of traditional Olympia festive spirit.
Spain’s team silver and individual bronze Olympic medallist Beatriz Ferrer-Salat will be hard to beat with her vivacious partner Beauvalais. But Germany’s Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff, who currently heads the league standings on 50 points, has arrived in London intending to extend her ten-point lead with the ten-year-old mare Wahajama-UNICEF.
Compatriot Heike Kemmer, who has 28 points on her account, will partner Albano, and as Isabell Werth has withdrawn, the German contingent is down to four with Martina Hannover-Sternberg and Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier making up the quartet.
Especially after his fourth place in Maastricht last weekend, an encouraged Carl Hester can be relied on to pull out the stops with Escapado. The eight-strong British contingent also includes team trainer Ferdi Eilberg who takes up the reins on Teutone, and his daughter Maria who got a late ticket to ride Two Sox when Finland’s Kyra Kyrklund withdrew Max. The nine-year-old suffered a stiff neck just before Stockholm and is still not match-fit.
Fiona Bigwood is due to unveil her recently acquired new ride Mr G de Lully, formerly ridden by Switzerland’s Jasmine Sanche-Burger and having just moved over the Channel to Belgium, Wayne Channon is heading back to campaign Lorenzo.
By no means least Richard Davison, who placed eleventh in Maastricht on Ballaseyr Royale’s first outing since Athens, reports the mare is tuned up ready to compete on home ground.
Davison, who is also Olympia’s technical advisor, reported today: “I've been a big fan of the World Cup for years and it is very exciting that it has come to Olympia for the first time. There’s always a special Christmas atmosphere here and although the spirit is very competitive – this season’s Final in Las Vegas is going to be very strong – everyone is clearly in a party mood.”
TIMETABLE
Tuesday, December 14th
6.30pm
FEI WORLD CUP DRESSAGE – GRAND PRIX
supported by The Berkeley Group and Horse and Hound
Wednesday, December 15th
8.10pm
FEI WORLD CUP DRESSAGE – GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE TO MUSIC
supported by The Berkeley Group and Horse and Hound
For further information
http://www.olympiahorseshow.com
12th December 2004
German Head to Head Sees Schmidt Emerge Victorious while New Contenders Impress
Two German Olympic team gold medal-winning combinations battled it out for the top slot in Maastricht where Hubertus Schmidt and Wansuela Suerte narrowly snatched victory over Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte by a fraction of a point.
In Wansuela Suerte’s first outing since Athens, she and Schmidt took command in both the Grand Prix and the FEI World Cup Freestyle qualifier. "I was very, very happy with the grand prix, but Wansuela felt a little tired for the freestyle”, commented Schmidt, who now takes a break until resuming his Las Vegas-bound campaign in Amsterdam (Jan 27-30 2005).
Kemmer and Bonaparte’s freestyle had just one mistake in the one-tempi changes, but their dramatic extended canter down the centre line earned a maximum ‘10’ from judge Volker Moritz at H. “In Düsseldorf” [the 2004 World Cup Final, where they finished fourth] “in this movement I took a little too much risk, and Bonaparte changed legs at the end. Dr Moritz was at C that time, and this time it was perfect so I think that was why he gave us the top mark”, said Kemmer, adding, “Bonaparte gave me a really good feeling today.” Kemmer now takes her veteran campaigner Albano to London for the Olympia qualifier.
Switzerland’s Silvia Ikle, in third place, was delighted with the performance of her ten-year-old Sinclair gelding Salieri CH, who she has been training since he was three. A member of the five strong Swiss elite squad for next year, Ikle said: “Salieri can be hot and used to be nervous, but today he was so concentrated on me, and felt so forward and light, I had a wonderful ride.”
Carl Hester and Escapado placed fourth rising six places from their grand prix rank of tenth. Hester was delighted. “Escapado just felt unbelievable” said the British rider, who made such an impression in Athens with this horse in finishing 13th overall. “I am totally excited. He gave me such a lovely feeling, and to experience such a transformation in his confidence. There is so much more to come.”
Another up and coming combination placed highest for the home side. Madeleine Vrees was “happily astonished” with the performance of Punto Blanco’s Madorijke, a ten-year-old mare she has trained from a youngster. The pair, in training with Tineke Bartels, is currently on the Dutch B squad and tipped for higher things next year.
Compatriot Edward Gal finished sixth on the Trakehner stallion Gribaldi, one of Holland’s most successful stallions.
Judge Volker Moritz summed up the competition, the third leg of the FEI World Cup dressage Western European League season. “It was a very close competition with no clear winner. Wansuela Suerte was best in the pirouettes, piaffe passage and half passes. While perhaps Bonaparte’s freestyle could have shown a higher degree of difficulty, he showed excellent gaits. Silvia Ikle’s Salieri showed very good piaffe and passage, but was not so brilliant in the walk or extended trot. I was very happy to see Carl Hester’s Escapado show a smooth test with a lot of elasticity and great harmony. There was a little misunderstanding but as this was between movements it did not need to lose marks. The standard was very good at the top, but I would not say outstanding.”
The next qualifier takes place at London Olympia (December 14-15th).
Results: FEI World Cup Freestyle Qualifier, Presented by Nashuatec
1, Wansuela Suerte (Hubertus Schmidt GER) 78.55
2, Bonaparte (Heike Kemmer GER) 78.475
3, Salieri CH (Silvia Ikle SUI) 77.05
4, Escapado (Carl Hester GBR) 75.50
5, Punto Blanco’s Madorijke (Madeleine Vrees NED) 75.40
6, Gribaldi (Edward Gal NED) 74.60
7, Just Mickey (Tinne Vilhelmson SWE) 73.30
8, Barclay II (Sven Rothenberger NED) 73.05
9, Guinness (Louise Nathhorst SWE) 72.52
10, Ludewig G (Lone Jorgensen DEN) 72.30
For further information
http://www.jumpingindoormaastricht.nl
9th December 2004
Vale Jim O’Farrell: Queensland Dressage Loses a Long Time Supporter
Dressage rider and qualified coach Jim O’Farrell died on Tuesday night after a long illness. Jim, who started riding competitive dressage in the late sixties, was a kind, gentle man who endeared himself to all who knew him. His most famous competition horse was Benalbyn Classic, who died earlier this year.
Jim's funeral will be held tomorrow (10th December). Details of the funeral arrangements are in today’s Courier Mail.
8th December 2004
CDI-W Maastricht: Holland Hosts Hot Competition, as More Stars Join the Route to Las Vegas
The Netherlands hosts the third round of this season’s FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League at Jumping Indoor Maastricht this weekend. New riders are entering the fray here to challenge for places at next April’s FEI World Cup final in Las Vegas.
Edward Gal, who was runner up at the 2004 FEI World Cup final but sadly missed his Olympic trip to Athens when Gestion Lingh injured himself just before travelling, takes up the reins again to make a strong challenge. Sven Rothenberger, also representing the home side, rides Barclay II, his ride for the runner up slot at this season’s opening qualifier in Aarhus.
From Germany, Hubertus Schmidt, who placed third in the final this year but excelled further in Athens to win team gold and place individual fifth, brings his partner in those successes, the "prima ballerina" Wansuela Suerte. His team-mate Heike Kemmer, who was narrowly fourth at the final and opened her points account for this season in Stockholm on Albano, here rides her top horse Bonaparte. Isabell Werth, a World Cup doyenne who won the title in 1992 and has been placed at each of the past seven consecutive finals, starts her season’s campaign at Maastricht with Satchmo.
Carl Hester, best Briton and individual 13th in Athens, is out to mount his first serious World Cup challenge this season with Escapado. Team-mate Richard Davison, a great World Cup participant, rides Ballseyr Royale and, also riding for Great Britain, the youngest rider of the field, nineteen-year-old Laura Bechtolsheimer, makes her FEI World Cup debut here with her parents&rsquo Douglas Dorsey.
The first round Grand Prix takes place on Friday, in the glamorous atmosphere of the show’s Ladies Day, and suitably a special prize will be presented to the best lady rider by Tschuggen Grand Hotel Arosa, Switzerland.
Overall sponsor of the Grand Prix and Sunday morning’s FEI World Cup Freestyle to Music qualifier is Nashuatec. For the first time, the company is to sponsor no less than three western league qualifiers – at Maastricht, Mechelen and Indoor Brabant.
Timetable
FEI World Cup Dressage, presented by Nashuatec
Grand Prix
Friday December 10th, 11.15
Freestyle to Music, Qualifier for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final
Sunday December 12th, 10.25
For further information
http://www.jumpingindoormaastricht.nl
28th November 2004
Triumph for Danes as personal best puts Helgstrand in the driving seat
Andreas Helgstrand and Blue Hors Cavan claimed their second successive victory in the FEI World Cup Western European League with a sparkling freestyle performance in front of an enthusiastic audience of over nine thousand.
The Danish pair, in performing ‘their best freestyle to date’, saw off a challenge from the hotly tipped Spanish combination of Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauvalais to claim first prize of a Mitsubishi Outlander, on a score of 79.47%. ‘I hope I can keep it, I need a new car’ said the winner.
Cavan, who also won here in 2000 and 2001 with his previous rider Lars Petersen, now holds the record as the Globen Arena’s most successful dressage horse. ‘He could not have gone better today, he was working with me all the way’, said Andreas Helgstrand, who only started riding Cavan at international level in May this year. ‘It was daunting to start riding a horse with such an impressive record’, he added, ‘but he had a great grounding and he has no bad points.’ The combination is currently standing second in the league on 40 points and well on the way to a place for April’s FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Helgrstrand also intends to start his promising younger stallion Don Schufro in the World Cup next year.
Ferrer-Salat, team silver and individual bronze medallist at the Athens Olympics, finished one and a half per cent in arrears. She was happy, but noted that although the arena has a great ambience the atmosphere was hot for the sometimes spooky Beauvalais. Olympia is her next outing, having opened her account with 17 points and ninth place in the current standings.
It was a great day for the Danes as Per Sandgaard and Zancor also performed their best ever freestyle for third place on 76.37%. Sandgaard, who is based in Sweden, only started riding the 13-year-old gelding three years ago. ‘He was only at elementary level in dressage and had only done five shows’, said Sandgaard. ‘He was for sale at the time – though he isn’t now – and he was and still is very sensitive. It took time to get close to him and we are still developing our relationship.’ The Danish rider, on 15 points and standing joint 11th with Germany’s Isabell Werth and Holland’s Sven Rothenberger, is now encouraged to try for a ticket to Las Vegas. Their freestyle was a crowd pleaser to a medley of music from the 1980’s: ‘That time was the partying period of my life, and I’m happy every time I ride to that music.’ Sandgaard added.
Without Jan Brink, whose star stallion Bjorsells Briar is being brought back slowly to work following a knock to his knee, former World Cup champion Louise Nathhorst placed highest for the Swedish home side in eighth place on the stallion Guiness, but she was only just ahead of Brink’s fiancée Minne Telde, who had a super ride on the sometimes tense Bjorsells Sack for ninth. The top twelve riders all scored over 70 per cent. Ground jury President, Sweden’s Birgitta Bergsten commented: ‘Almost all the horses went better today, being calmer than they were in yesterday’s grand prix.’
The next leg of the FEI World Cup dressage takes place in Maastricht, Belgium, on 11-12th December. Germany’s Ann-Katrin Linsehoff, who placed fourth in Stockholm on Renior-UNICEF, still heads the standings on 50 points.
Results:
1) Blue Hors Cavan (Andreas Helgstrand, DEN) 79.47
2) Beauvalais (Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, ESP) 77.95
3) Zancor (Per Sandgaard, DEN) 77.95
4) Renoir Unicef (Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff, GER) 74.60
5) Amando II (Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier, GER) 74.00
6) Albano (Heike Kemmer, GER) 73.65
7) Esprit de Valdemar (Jon D. Pedersen, DEN) 73.20
8) Guinness (Louise Nathhorst, SWE) 73.15
9) Bjorsells Sack (Minne Telde, SWE) 72.40
10) Donatha S (Ellen Schulten-Baumer, GER) 70.97
Further information from:
Stockholm International Horse Show
FEI World Cup Dressage
26th November 2004
National Young Rider Dressage Squad
Applications are invited from young riders for selection onto the National Young Rider Squad for 2005. Interested young riders are required to complete the application form and return it to their EFA State Branch. After consultation with the State Dressage Committee and State Selectors, the Branch will forward 5–6 ranked applications to the EFA National Office. The National Selectors will then select the National Squad from the riders nominated by the Branches.
Riders must have the completed applications to the State Branches by 7 January 2005. The National Selectors will announce the National Squad in early February 2005.
The form is available for download from the National EFA web site or from the DressageIT site.
24th November 2004
Stockholm International Horse Show
The second of nine Western European League qualifiers for the FEI World Cup dressage takes place this weekend in Sweden at Stockholm’s Globen arena. Not only are vital qualifying points at stake, but also one of three Mitsubishi Outlanders up for grabs at the show will go to the winner of Sunday afternoon’s FEI World Cup Freestyle.
Germany’s Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff currently leads the points’ standings very comfortably, having won the Central league qualifier at Marianske Lazne in August then placed second in the Western European league opener in Aarhus last month. Linsenhoff, who has entered Renoir UNICEF for Stockholm, has the chance to further cement the foundations of her route to the Las Vegas Final next April.
Andreas Helgstrand, who leads a strong Danish challenge, brings Blue Hors Cavan, who he partnered to victory in Aarhus. Helgstrand is joined by his Athens team-mates Per Sandgaard (Zancor) and Jon D. Pedersen on the evergreen Esprit de Valdemar.
Sadly last year’s popular winner on home ground, Jan Brink, has had to withdraw Bjorsells Briar, who sustained a knee injury before Aarhus. The stallion has recovered well, but is not match-fit.
Also sitting this one out, although she will be in Stockholm presenting ‘Kyra’s Corner’ which will include interviews with all the top riders after Saturday morning’s Grand Prix, Finnish ace and Brink’s trainer Kyra Kyrklund had postpone her World Cup campaign when Max suffered a very stiff neck, probably from rolling in his stable. Although he is better, and on form to recommence at Olympia next month, Kyra’s vet advised against the long journey from England at this time.
For the home side, newly crowned Swedish Champion Tinne Vilhelmson has entered Just Mickey, and Jan Brink’s partner Minne Telde will compete Bjorsells Sack. Louise Nathhorst also represents the home side with Guinness,
A big challenge can be expected from Spain’s Olympic bronze medallists Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauvalais, who make their World Cup debut this season in Stockholm. Germany’s Heike Kemmer, another former finalist, also makes Stockholm her first World Cup appearance this season with Albano.
Further information from:
Stockholm International Horse Show
FEI World Cup Dressage
1st November 2004
NSW Championships—third day results
The final day of the NSW Dressage Championships CDI-W at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre saw even more success for Vickie Robertson and Ann Serrao in the two FEI freestyle events and the prestigious Prix St Georges Challenge.
The GP Freestyle was taken out by Ann Serrao on Centaur, following on from their victory in the GP only the day before. Centaur danced through his country music themed freestyle showing excellent extensions and changes. Ann said Centuar, “felt absolutely beautiful at times through the test, although I was a little disappointed with the few mistakes.” Ann and Centaur scored 67.475% ahead of Heath Ryan on Greenoaks Dundee (66.7%) and Sue Hearn on Manhattan (65.75%).
Ann is excited about Centaur’s future as one of this country’s best GP horses. “More time and more strength should give him and myself more confidence, but he consistently improving at each outing.” Ann was also impressed with the SIEC facility.” I love competing here. It’s the best facility in Australia with a fantastic atmosphere. The organisers know how to run a show, if there are any glitches we as riders don’t feel them.”
A CLEAN SWEEP OF THE SMALL TOUR BY VICKIE ROBERTSON AND NORTHERN INVADER
Vickie Robertson capped off an incredible competition by winning the Intermediate Freestyle and the PSG Challenge in fine style. On her huge gelding, Northern Invader, Vickie dominated the FEI small tour events, winning both PSG classes and the Inter I/Inter Freestyle classes.
The PSG Challenge was contested by the best PSG combinations from across Australia.
Vickie said her test on Northern Invader which scored 66.2% “felt fabulous coming into the arena. There was perhaps a small amount of tension but he was really trying his best. As the pressure is increasing he is becoming more stable and more consistent which is encouraging for the future.”
“The Intermediate II will be sometime next year, I’m not putting a time limit on myself, just when he feels right.” Vickie added.
In second place in the PSG Challenge was Rozzie Ryan on the beautiful Donna Carerra with 64.9% and third was one of the most attractive combinations of the entire event, Shane Ackerly and his divine stallion Tallyho Jupiter with 63.5%. Shane said of his ride, “I was really happy with it, almost glowing after the final halt. It is encouraging to know that with more and more large competitions being held indoors that your horse is comfortable in that situation. It’s (the PSG Challenge) is a great concept that encourages growth in the sport. The calibre of horses has shot upwards and the depth of good horses is encouraging for the future of Australian dressage.”
SIX YEAR OLD CLASS
The other highlight of the final day of competition was the six year old young horse event. The competition was won by the beautiful imported Rohdiamant son, Rhodes, ridden by Matthew Dowsley. In second place was APH Gia by APH Lubeck ridden by Carolyn Henley, and in third place was the Sandro Hit imported mare, Schwarze Sonne, ridden by TerryAnn Drysdale.
Full results of the third day of competition can be downloaded from the results page
30th October 2004
NSW Championships—second day results
Two of the most exciting and interesting contests of the 2004 NSW Dressage Championships were contested today at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
In the Grand Prix CDI-W, Ann Serrao on her charming gelding Centaur took out the Grand Prix. With their score of 64.458% Ann and Centaur showed a very accurate test in which the horse was very relaxed and willing.
Of the test Ann said, “he (Centaur) felt fabulous, he went in there and felt better in the test than he did in the warm up, so you can’t ask for better than that. There is still a lot of room for improvement yet, but we’ll get there. But he was very happy today, and I’m happy.”
This win follows closely behind Ann’s success at the recent CDI-W in Queensland where the pair was also victorious in the Grand Prix. Ann and Centaur are certainly making their prescence felt in the GP ranks in recent months.
Second in the GP was Sue Hearn on her lovely TB, Manhattan, who presented a very confident and pleasing test for a score of 64.125% Third was the prolific Heath Ryan on Greenoaks Dundee in a very dynamic test. “The test was good, not world shattering, but the horse has produced that sort of high class of work in training. He’s certainly consolidated at this level and he’s very exciting for the future. He’s a wonderful horse and I always pinch myself everytime I ride him thinking how lucky I am”, Heath said after his GP test on Dundee. Fourth in the GP was Queenslander Kelly Layne on the brilliant and beautiful but still a little spooky, Amoucheur.
One of the most fascinating highlights of the State Championships has been the young horse competitions. The results of the four and five year old classes heralds a new era for Australian dressage, one that will be dominated by the most successful and prestigious European bloodlines.
Most of the big name sires in Europe are represented in these classes. The four year champion with an outstanding score of 76.9% was the divine mare, FF Welton Fyne (Weltmeyer) ridden with great tact and expertise by Brett Parbery and owned by Flora Freeman. The imposing mare was incredibly soft and forward and showed three exceptional paces. The fabulous sire Sandro Hit was represented by the fourth place getter, Samsara Hit, imported only very recently from Europe and also ridden by Brett Parbery
“Welton Fyne is just a flawless mare. Bred for the job, she’s inherited a lot of Weltmeyer traits and the maturity she showed here, it was only the second event she has ever been to, was outstanding. The Sandro Hit horse was broken-in in Germany and this was only her tenth ride in Australia,” Brett said after an incredibly successful day atop some amazing horses (his third horse PPH Racqel by Rotspon out of Northern Silicia also placed in the four year old class).
“We have some very good young horses in Australia, the next five years in Australian dressage are going to be very exciting.” he added.
Second in the four year old class was another Weltmeyer horse, Fairbanks Whitney ridden by Shane Davidson and third was the lovely Gracefield Rozpon by Rotspon ridden by Carolyn Henley. Amazingly the top four horses in the four year old class were all mares. This bodes well for future breeding programmes in this country.
The five year old class was dominated by another superior European line, won by the stunning import PSI De Caprio by De Niro, ridden by Judy Dierks and owned by Andrea Beatty. Judy and PSI De Caprio scored an incredible 79.5%. Second in the five year old class was Wolkenbruch by Wolkenstein ridden by Suzanne Doyle with a score of 75%. Third place was Neversfelde Julia by the KWPN Jann out of Neversfelde Farika ridden by Jane Bruce. Fourth was BB Flemmington by Flemmingh ridden by Graham Chapple.
The Medium/Advanced Freestyle was won by the delightful pairing of Sally Evans and her gorgeous stallion, A’Seduction, with a score of 71.719%. Sally has had a very successful programme so far on A’Seduction and is competing on Sunday in the PSG Challenge.
The other big name currently in dressage sires, Florestan 1, was represented by the elegant and beautful moving Freecell, who, with owner/rider, Sally Latona, dominated the Elementary classes, winning the 3.3 and coming second in the 3.4.
The PSG was won in fabulous style by Northern Invader ridden by Vickie Robertson. The test was very soft, forward and accurate, scoring 66.350%. Second was Donna Carrera ridden by Rozzie Ryan and third was Challenger Aachilles ridden by Brett Parbery.
A big programme is scheduled for Sunday with both the GP and Intermediate Freetyles, the PSG Challenge and the six year old young horse class.
Full results of the second day of competition can be downloaded from the results page
29th October 2004
NSW Championships—first day results
There were some first day nerves at Horsley Park on the first day of the NSW Championships and CDI-W. However, competition was fierce, with some excellent percentages recorded by the top combinations.
In the Novice classes, Claire Wallace and Jaybee Awesome were the best-performed of the Queenslanders, being placed 3rd in the 2.3 and equal 3rd in the 2.4. Others to place in the 2.4 were Jenny Gehrke and Femme Sateen in sixth, and Alex Berns and Jaybee Allegro in equal seventh.
Novice Championship winner Tarsha Hammond, riding Messiah, was very happy with her performance and the result. “He was great, he’s an awesome horse, he was just consistent in both tests, he didn’t put a foot wrong and I was really happy with him.”
Judy Dierks and PSI De Caprio were Reserve Champions.
Results in the two Advanced classes were more variable, with 5.3 winner Heath Ryan and Rdgareez Moi slipping to fifth in the 5.4, which was won by Brett Parbery and Challenger Aachilles. The Championship was won by Kate Taylor and Oscar B with Challenger Aachilles as Reserve. Brett Parbery admitted to some nerves in the first test: “I’d just come off having a mistake in the 5.3; he felt fantastic in the next test. Everything seemed to flow nicely, the best test he’s given me. He’s always had that problem in the first test that he’s a bit nervous, I’m probably a bit nervous and we seemed to make an error, but as the weekend goes on he’ll get better and better.”
The Intermediate I was won by Vicki Robertson and Northern Invader, with a score of 67.2 percent. Second, and Reserve Champion, was TorVan Den Berge and H.R.H. with 66.1 percent. A very happy Vicki Robertson said after the event, “I was really pleased with him; he stayed soft, he was really good, very happy with him. I’m generally really pleased with him and his progress, things are improving all the time, I’mm delighted with today.”
Best of the Queenslanders was Alex Berns and Jaybee Acrobat, who placed 12th with 62.2 percent.
Competition for first position and Championship in the Intermediate II was fierce, with Heath Ryan and DP Christopher just pipping Ann Serrao and Centaur (winners of the Brisbane CDI-W three weeks ago) for first place. Best of the Queenslanders was Di Jenkyn and Snowy River Blackwood in sixth position with 62.390 pecent, followed by Kelly Layne and Amoucheur in seventh with 61.415 percent. Kelly was very pleased with Amoucheur after her test. “I was very happy with that, I think it was a very flowing test from start to finish, which is what you want. The changes were good, but I think we can do even better,” she said.
Full results of the first day of competition can be downloaded from the results page
29th October 2004
Queensland Teams for NSW Championships
Dressage Queensland has selected the following riders for the teams event at the NSW State Championships being held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from 29th to 31st October:
National:
Shane Davidson and Paravotti—Elementary
Anjanette Harten and Don Ricardo—Medium
Nicole Tough and Glencoe Manhattan—Advanced
FEI:
Alex Berns and Jaybee Acrobat
Jenny Gehrke and A.P.H. Magma
Kelly Layne and Amoucheur
28th October 2004
The Road to Las Vegas starts in Denmark
The FEI World Cup Dressage season begins in earnest this weekend when Denmark hosts the opener of eight Western European League qualifiers. With the Final to be held next April (20–23) in Las Vegas, USA—only the second time the Final has been held outside Europe, and the first ever time the Dressage and Jumping finals will be contested at the same time and venue—it is no surprise that a top class field of early birds have flocked to start at Vilhelmsborg, Aarhus.
Of the top ten riders at the Athens Olympics, two are taking part here. Sweden’s European individual bronze medallist Jan Brink (7th) will be hard to beat with the magnificent Bjorsells Briar, while the Danish contingent is led by Andreas Helgstrand and the perennial Blue Hors Cavan (9th).
From Germany starters include Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff, who placed fifth at the 2004 Final with her mare Wahajama-UNICEF, and 25-year old MBA student Ellen Schulten-Baumer. Well-known trainer Martina Hannover-Sternberg joins them on her World Cup debut with the 10-year-old mare Inara. Dutch Olympic team member Sven Rothenberger will campaign his Olympic mount Barclay II.
The British-based Finnish rider and top trainer Kyra Kyrklund is starting her own and Yvette Conn's exciting prospect Max, son of Master, on whom she won the Aarhus World Cup qualifier in 1997, and placed fifth in the following year's Final in Gothenburg. At just nine, Max has only competed twice before in Grand Prix (winning at Hickstead CDI this summer), but, well, that victorious 1997 start was his father's first ever!
Schedule:
Saturday October 30th 12.30
Grand Prix qualifier
Sunday October 31st 14.00
FEI World Cup Freestyle to Music
For further information:
21st September 2004
Paralympic Games Athens 2004
Favourite Lee Pearson and Blue Circle Boy wins Grade I competition
Defending champion Lee Pearson (GBR) defended his Paralympic title in the Individual Dressage Championship in Grade I. He won his fourth Paralympic gold medal at the opening day of Equestrian Competition at Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre. The British rider was the second to go and took a commanding lead ahead of the rest of the competitors. PEARSON received a total of 77.263% from the five judges and did a faultless perfomance riding Blue Circle Boy.
The silver medal was awarded to Australia’s Jan Pike. Dr Doolittle, her British Warmblood horse, helped his rider to achieve a total of 71.895%.
There was a lot of drama concerning the rider who was going to earn the bronze medal. Keith Newerla (USA) was holding it in his hands towards the end of competition, but Sophie Cristiansen, the incredible youngster from Great Britain had something else on her mind. With a personal best performance of 70% he beat Newerla’s marks of 69.684% and gave the Team of Great Britain an unpredictable one-three in the medals podium.
GRADE III
First Gold for Criddle (GBR)
Deborah Criddle (GBR) added the Paralympic Gold medal in Individual Championship to her illustrious collection of silverware. The British rider was victorious in Grade III, as she was awarded with 74.400% by the judges for her programme. She is the now the current Paralympic, World and European Champion in her Grade.
The spectators who visited the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre today and watched the afternoon session witnessed a high-standard competition. The top five riders went over 70% in their marks.
Criddle prevailed ahead of Bianca Vogel (GER), the Silver medallist, who won the first Paralympic medal in her career. The 72.240% mark the German rider received by the judges almost guaranteed her a medal at the end of the day. She edged out compatriot Bettina Eistel, who finished in third place. Eistel was the winner in yesterday’s Warm-Up phase and shewas hopeful that she could claim the Gold medal. It wasn’t to be though, as she gathered a total of 71.120%. That was good enough to put her in the Bronze medal position and to push Bert Vermeier (BEL) off the medal podium. The Belgian received 70.960% to finish in fourth place, while Jose Letartre (FRA) got 70.160% to close the top five in the competition.
For the first time in Paralympic history, Greece was represented in Equestrian. Nikolaos Sigkas (GRE), with no experience in major competitions, was ranked 15th with 60.160%. His perfomance delighted the crowd, who cheered during his programme execution.
More info, news and results on the Paralympic Games: visit The Athens Olympic site
TOMORROW 22 SEPTEMBER
In Grade II, competition starts at 10:00 hrs with the participation of 20 riders which makes it the biggest field in the four Grades. A great battle is expected between the gold medallist of Sydney, Joop Stokkel(NED) and the bronze medallist of the previous Paralympic Games, Nicola Tustain from Great Britain.
The event in Grade IV starts at 14:00 hrs with the participation of 16 riders. Among the competitors of Grade IV is Sydney gold medallist Jayne Craike (NZL) and Sydney silver medallist Ann Cathrin Lubbe (NOR).
Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games. The competitions are held over five days, between 21 and 26 September 2004.
The riders are assessed according to their impairment and functional profile and they classified into one of the four distinct grades – Grade I, Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV.
Grade I: Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and or impairment of function in all four limbs, or no trunk balance and good upper limb function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all four limbs.
Grade II: Mainly wheelchair users or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with good to mild upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment.
Grade III: Usually able to walk without support. Moderate unilateral impairment, or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes, or intellectually impaired. Blacked out glasses or blindfold must be worn by Profile 36 riders.
Grade IV: Impairment in one or two limbs, or some visual impairment
The classification also takes into account a weighting system for the body areas most important for riding.
18th September 2004
Australia loses top Dressage Horse
It is with great sadness that we report the tragic death this morning of Mary and Rob Hanna’s wonderful horse Limbo.
Limbo was in quarantine in Great Britain on his way home from the Athens Olympic Games when he succumbed to a temperature and subsequent complications.
The dedicated and committed veterinary team at the quarantine station, as well as UK-based Australian Team Vet, Graham Potts, left nothing to chance over the past week with around-the-clock monitoring and expert care. Unfortunately, however, Limbo’s condition worsened early this morning and Mary and Rob were left with no alternative but to the make the most difficult of decisions.
Mary and Limbo have been together since 1998 and were members of the Australian Dressage Team in Aachen 1999, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the 2002 World Equestrian Games Jerez, the 2003 Open European Championships in Hickstead and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games where they achieved a personal best at an International competition.
Closer to home they competed successfully in every major competition in Australia as well as the 2004 CDI-W in New Zealand earlier this year.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mary, Rob and Limbo’s groom and friend Simone Bell.
20th August 2004
Germany is leading the Dressage Team competition at the end of the first day of Olympic competition
Twenty-six riders out of 56 have competed in the first session of the Grand Prix Team competition, which also serves as 1st qualifier for the individual medals. The German team achieved 71.813 % after their two first riders Heike Kemmer / Bonaparte and Hubertus Schmidt / Wansuela Suerto. With a combined score of 69.146 %, United States lies in second place after rides from Günter Seidel and Lisa Wilcox, who has only recently returned to competition, after six months out with an injury to her horse Relevant 5. Close followers are Great Britain (69.084%), bronze medallist at 2003 European Championship and Spain (68.771%).
The best score of the day was achieved by Spanish rider Rafael Soto on his grey 15 year old Andalusian stallion Invasor with 72.792%. ‘I am proud of my horse and of what we did today’ he said at the end of his test. ‘I am glad that in our third Olympic Games, my horse and I achieved our best result ever. Ever since I was young, I admired the German in Dressage, and I wanted to do what they did, but with an Andalusian horse. This will be the last Olympic for Invasor, though.’ The 47 year old Spanish rider had the time of his life at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, which took place in his home town of Jerez de la Frontera, where the Spanish team achieved their first ever medal at a World Championship.
Hubertus Schmidt (GER) finished on second position with 72.333 % on his 11 year old Hannoverian mare Wansuela Suerte by Warkant and St.Pr Westika. ‘I am very satisfied with what we did’ he commented, ‘My horse felt very loose. I was afraid it would be too hot today but this was not the case.’ This is the first Olympic participation for 45 year old Hubertus Schmidt, who placed 3rd in the FEI World Cup Final in April this year.
Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte are placed third on the Intermediate result list with a score of 71.292 %.
The second part of the Grand Prix competition will start tomorrow 21 August at 8:30 and decide on the Dressage Team medal, to be awarded at 13:15, Greek time.
16th August 2004
Ricky and Crisp arrive in Athens
In a text message just in from Ricky MacMillan, she reports that she and Crispie have arrived safely in Athens, and that Anne-Marie has the stable all ready with fans blowing to alleviate the heat of a Greek summer.
14th August 2004
Alexandra Korelova (RUS) and Balagur to compete in Dressage
On request of the FEI, the IOC today confirmed its agreement to increase the number of Individual riders allowed for the Dressage competition of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, in order to include the rider Alexandra Korelova (RUS) and her horse Balagur.
On 13 August, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted the appeal of the Russian Olympic Committee with regard to the qualification of a second individual Dressage rider from Russia. The CAS decided in favour of the rider, through a wider interpretation of the qualification procedure.
Therefore, there will be two individual riders to compete for Russia in the Dressage competition which will start on Friday 20 August (the first Russian rider is Elena Sidneva with Condor).
13th August 2004
Number of Nations Allowed in the Grand Prix Special
On request of the International Olympic Committee and in order to comply with the Olympic Charter, which allows a maximum of three athletes per nation in any individual competition, the FEI Executive Board today confirmed that a maximum of three riders per nation would be allowed in the Grand Prix Special. This decision was communicated this morning to the International Olympic Committee.
2nd August 2004
Send your ‘HeroMessage’ to our riders in Athens
Telstra, one of the sponsors of the Australian Olympic Team, is now making the HeroMessage service available. This allows you to send inspirational messages to our Aussie athletes competing at the 2004 Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games. Messages of encouragement from home really do make a difference – so send your message to our Australian sporting stars today! Instructions at the HeroMessage site
30th July 2004
List of Definite Olympic Competitors
The lists of the definite rider entries for the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens (GRE) have been published on the FEI website
21st July 2004
List of Eligible Olympic Competitors
The lists of riders and horses eligible to particpate in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens (nominated entries) are now available from the FEI website.
The deadline set by ATHOC for Final Entries is today 21 July. The FEI will publish the List of Final Entries as soon as received by ATHOC.
16th July 2004
Kristy is out, Mary is in
A concern for the general wellness of Quando-Quando at the CHIO Aachen has forced Kristy Oatley-Nist to vacate her spot in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Dressage competition.
Kristy advised that it had been in the best interests of the sport to make this decision now as any delay may have prevented the reserve combination from taking her place.
This will enable Mary Hanna and Limbo to join Ricky MacMillan and Crisp as the Australian Dressage representatives.
Our commiserations to Kristy and congratulations to Mary.
15th July 2004
Ricky goes to Athens!
The impossible has happened: Australia will have two horse and rider combinations competing in Dressage at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. This follows advice from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) that Finland had withdrawn from the Olympic Dressage competition, making Australia eligible to participate with 2 individuals (2 riders and 2 horses).
Kristy Oatley-Nist and Quando-Quando have already been nominated. Finland’s withdrawal means that Ricky MacMillan and Crisp will also be able to compete at Athens.
This is great news for Australia and Australian Dressage.
17th May 2004
Vale Benalbyn Classic
Queensland elder statesman dressage horse Benalbyn Classic died on Thursday 13th May.
Bobby, as he was known to his legions of friends and admirers in the dressage world, was bred by the late Marcia Smith in 1986, and ridden for many years by Jim O'Farrell. Always the gentleman, Bobby was a kind and honest horse who always gave his best in dressage competitions.
Bobby's current rider, Nicole Magoffin, says that he had been suffering recurring bouts of colic, and surgery showed an inoperable tumour.
Bye, Bobby. You'll be missed by many.
11th May 2004
Dressage grading in Australia
The National Dressage Committee has published a survey asking for views on the re-introduction of grading points for Preliminary competition and on the grading system as a whole. You can download the survey from www.efanational.com
5th May 2004
Australia gains Individual Dressage spot for the Athens Games
After the close of the FEI World Dressage Rider Rankings on 02 May 2004, the outlook for Australian Dressage representation at the Athens Olympic Games seemed less than rosy: Our top-ranked rider had missed out gaining the all-important third position by just 0.042 percent. However, due to a vacancy in another Olympic qualifying route, Australia has been offered a position as a result of the good world ranking positions.
EFA CEO Franz Venhaus commented: “This is absolutely marvellous news and means that Australia will be represented in all three disciplines in the Equestrian events at Athens.”
It is still possible to get a second Dressage entry at the Games, however it is not clear how other nations like Australia, France and Russia, which have qualified for a single individual entry so far, may be able to take advantage of their ranking on the World List. The FEI will advise by 15 June whether additional places are available however two other deadlines exist for Australia to gain a second position (30 June and 21 July).
With different methods used for determining replacements, Australia's chance will depend on which nations do not accept their position. Therefore, we may not know until as late as 21 July if we have gained a second position.
Australian Selectors will now face the difficult task of deciding who will take the individual spot (or possibly two) at the Olympic Games. The top three world-ranked riders for Australia are Ricky MacMillan, Mary Hanna and Germany-based Kristy Oatley-Nist.
4th May 2004
FEI BCM World Dressage Riders’ Rankings
Ulla Salzgeber still in the lead, World Cup Champion Anky Van Grunsven back to Top 3
With a total of score of 79.762, Ulla Salzgeber (GER) is leading the FEI BCM World Dressage Riders Rankings including events starting from 1 May 2003 to 30 April 2004. She is followed by American rider Debbie McDonald with 77.852.
The 2004 World Cup Champion Anky Van Grunsven is back to the top and has progressed from 6th to 3rd place. With 9 year old Gestion Salinero, Anky had achieved a spectacular score of 83.45% in the Freestyle to Music (Kür) of the FEI World Cup Final early April.
Heike Kemmer is now 4th with 76.919. She scored 78.65% in the Düsseldorf Final to finish 4th.
Ricky MacMillan leads the Australians, having moved from 94 to 38 following excellent results in the National Championships and Sydney CDI***. Mary Hanna is on 40, and Kristy Oatley-Nist on 47.
Complete rankings can be downloaded from the FEI website www.horsesport.org
2nd May 2004
Ricky Does it Again
Gold Coast rider Ricky MacMillan has won all three events in the “big tour” at the Sydney CDI*** conducted at the Sydney Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park from 29th April–2nd May. Riding her horse Crisp, MacMillan achieved the combination’s highest ever freestyle score of 75.275%, and close to their best Grand Prix score ever. Completing the hat trick for the combination was a winning 66% in the Intermediate II.
The electrifying performance in the Freestyle had the usually sedate Sydney crowd clapping in time to Crisp’s piaffe and passage movements. Olympic judge Stephen Clarke commented afterwards, “This performance had the hair standing up on the back of my neck.”
The Sydney result follows a clean sweep by Ricky and Crisp of all three events at the Australian National Dressage Championships and CDI-W held at Werribee in Victoria from 1st–4th April.
Ricky and Crisp are now firmly established as the best Grand Prix combination currently competing in Australia.
4th April 2004
Anky wins again
Anky van Grunsven won the FEI World Cup Final for a record breaking sixth time in Düsseldorf today with her new star Gestion Salinero. The Dutch rider was the unanimous victor with all five judges, and on 83.45 per cent, scored three per cent higher then her pupil Edward Gal who took runner up position on the Dutch stallion Gestion Lingh.
“I could not believe it could go so well”, said van Grunsven, who admitted to feeling nervous at the start of her winning freestyle, which was the nine year-old Salinero’s best performance yet. She had to wait for both Gal and Guenter Seidel (USA) to ride before her victory was confirmed and joked afterwards that she had told Gal he could be very good as long as he did not beat her!
For Edward Gal, this was a thrilling result at the Dutch rider’s first ever FEI World Cup Final. He said: “It was great just to be here. I had a good feeling in Friday’s Grand Prix, and in the freestyle Lingh was even better.”
For third place, German rider Hubertus Schmidt produced a harmonious performance with the mare Wansuela Suerte to narrowly beat his compatriot Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte.
All the finalists scored over 70 per cent. Dr Volker Moritz, the judge at C, commented: “It was a fascinating competition, fantastic sport. Everyone went better than in the grand prix and the winners produced both power and harmony.”
Flashquotes
The top three horses:
Anky Van Grunsven on Gestion Salinero: “He’s a perfectionist like me!”
Edward Gal on Gestion Lingh: “He’s an athlete, his own person. He works when necessary but whenever he can, he rests.”
Hubertus Schmidt on Wansuela Suerte: “She’s a prima ballerina, she needs her space, and she loves carrots!”
Results
FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2004
Presented by Yorn
1. Gestion Salinero (Anky Van Grunsven NED) 83.45
2. Gestion Lingh (Edward Gal NED) 80.62
3. Wansuela Suerte (Hubertus Schmidt GER) 78.87
4. Bonaparte (Heike Kemmer GER) 78.65
5. Wahajama UNICEF (Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER) 77.27
6. Nikolaus (Guenter Seidel USA) 76.97
7. Blom’s Idocus (Marlies van Baalen NED) 76.90
8. Artax Condor (Elena Sidneva RUS) 75.80
9. Apache (Isabell Werth GER) 74.70
10. Just Mickey (Tinne Wilhelmson SWE) 72.47
11. Wie Weltmeyer (Emma Hindle GBR) 72.45
12. Guinness (Louise Nathhorst SWE) 71.97
2nd April 2004
Top Sport, Top Stars open FEI World Cup Final
The nineteenth FEI World Cup Dressage Final opened today at Düsseldorf’s Phillipshalle. Finalists from across the world competed in stage one of the competition, the FEI Grand Prix, which decides the starting order for the Freestyle finale on Sunday.
Holland's Anky van Grunsven, the record-breaking five-time winner of the World Cup title on her star horse Bonfire, set down the gauntlet with a win on her up and coming ten-year-old Gestion Salinero. “I was very happy with Salinero today.” said van Grunsven. “He was more relaxed in the warm up and he just wants to do the job. He cruised through the test – he doesn’t want to make mistakes.” As van Grunsven spent most of last year out of the saddle due to a fractured thigh, she is even more astonished at the progress of the young Hanoverian. For Sunday’s freestyle, she has perfected her new programme entitled ‘L’Esprit Chanson’, which she has already shown to be a winner during the qualifying season.
In second place, Germany’s Heike Kemmer rode Bonaparte, the lovely chestnut gelding her father Joachim picked out as a foal. Kemmer said of the now eleven-year-old gelding: “Bonaparte is a happy horse and wants to do his best, but he needs a bit of time to get used to the indoor atmosphere. Although there were small mistakes I felt he was working at a very high level.”
Kemmer has covered every detail in her preparation. Bonaparte used not to eat up when staying in show stables, but here in Düsseldorf that potential problem has been solved as Bonaparte’s stable-mate Ferragamo is next door to him to keep him company.
Anky van Grunsven’s pupil Edward Gal shone here also as he rode Gestion Lingh to third place. This eleven-year-old stallion by Flemmingh showed moments of brilliance in an exciting and dramatic test.
US rider Guenter Seidel produced Dick and Jane Brown’s Nikolaus beautifully for fourth. “There are always places we could improve, especially in the first ride at an indoor show, but I am very happy with this start.” said the California-based professional trainer.
The top twelve from this class will go forward to contest the FEI World Cup Freestyle on Sunday, which will be televised live in Germany, Holland, Sweden, Russia and France, followed by a highlights programme to be broadcast by Eurosport on April 14th.
The winner will receive a car donated by Ssan Yong Motors Germany.
The FEI World Cup Final 2004, presented by Yorn Fashion, is scheduled to begin at 11.20 on Sunday after the ‘B’ final (for the riders placed 13-18 in today’s grand Prix).
Tomorrow evening at 21.00 (Saturday), there will be a presentation for the League winners.
Results
FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2004 Grand Prix
1. Gestion Salinero (Anky van Grunsven NED) 75.79
2. Bonaparte (Heike Kemmer GER) 74.87
3. Gestion Lingh (Edward Gal NED) 72.66
4. Nikolaus (Guenter Seidel USA) 71.33
5. Wansuela Suerte (Hubertus Schmidt GER) 70.00
6. Artax-Condor (Elena Sidneva RUS) 69.25
7. Wahajama UNICEF (Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER) 68.87
8. Just Mickey (Tinne Vilhelmson SWE) 68.75
9. Blom’s Idocus (Marlies van Baalen NED) 68.29
10. Apache (Isabell Werth GER) 68.25
11. Wie Weltmeyer (Emma Hindle GBR) 67.458
12. Guinness (Louise Nathhorst SWE) 66.75
13. Rosemount Quando Quando (Kristy Oatley-Nist AUS) 66.45
14. Kingston (Leslie Morse USA) 65.87
15. Barclay II (Sven Rothenberger NED) 65.62
16. Royan II (Belinda Trussell CAN) 64.66
17. Esprit (Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn DEN) 62.41
18. Problesk (Iryna Lis BLR) 60.37
For further information
www.duesseldorf-masters.de
26th March 2004
Anky Sweeps to top of the League
A superb performance from Anky Van Grunsven and Gestion Salinero secured the Dutch diva victory in the final qualifier of the FEI Western European League in front of an ecstatic home crowd at Indoor Brabant.
With wins at Mechelen and Amsterdam under her belt plus a second on her initial outing at Maastricht, the five-time World Cup winner goes into the Final next week as Queen of the League.
“Gestion Salinero was great, the best he has been so far” said van Grunsven. “The atmosphere here was brilliant, very special as always, and we are having a big party tonight for sure!”
The special reason for a party was the Gestion team’s clean sweep of the top three places. Van Grunsven’s pupil Edward Gal rode Gestion Lingh to second place on 78.45 per cent, securing his ticket to Düsseldorf next week, and third marked the return to top form of Gestion Goliath for a delighted and emotional Arjen Teeuwissen for third on 76.42.
In fourth place, Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff did a great job with her beautiful mare Wahajama-Unicef to finish the League in seventh place. However, there are three German riders ahead of her – Heike Kemmer, Hubertus Schmidt and Isabell Werth, who finished sixth here on Apache to cement her fourth place in the standings four points above Linsenhoff.
Due to the high quality seen throughout this Western European League season, it had already been decided that three further Final places would be awarded instead of the normal eight. Sweden’s Louise Nathhorst and Danish dental student Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn secured their places here as expected.
However, unforeseen circumstances arose this week with the withdrawal of the title-holders Debbie McDonald and Brentina, and while Finland’s Kyra Kyrklund had qualified under the new arrangements, the former titleholder has retired from the fray.
Therefore the FEI World Cup Director Joep Bartels has announced the increase to twelve of qualified Western League riders with the availability of two further wild cards, one for a thrilled Linsenhoff and, for balance, one for Dutch rider Marlies van Baalen standing in thirteenth after her ninth place here on Blom’s Idocus. Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmsson, 14th on points, completes the quota.
A capacity crowd of 8,000 watched the last FEI World Cup qualifier of the season. Just before the prize-giving World Cup Director Joep Bartels was honoured for his exceptional contribution to the World Cup, as he is retiring as Director at the end of this season.
The competition was fierce, but in a wonderful finale to a fantastic season, all the prize-winners made an impromptu ‘show’, taking the applause in passage in one impressive cadre down the arena.
But the show is not over yet. Düsseldorf here we come.
Results
FEI World Cup Qualifier
Freestyle to Music presented by Nashuatec
1, Gestion Salinero (Anky van Grunsven NED) 81.40
2, Gestion Lingh (Edward Gal NED) 78.45
3, Gestion Goliath (Arjen Teeuwissen NED) 74.42
4, Wahajama-UNICEF (Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER) 74.36
5, Barclay II (Sven Rothenberger NED) 74.07
6, Apache (Isabell Werth GER) 73.95
7, Andiamo Tyme (Kyra Kyrklund FIN) 73.32
8, Paganini (Jeroen Devroe BEL) 71. 97
9, Blom’s Idocus (Marlies van Baalen NED) 71.85
10, Zancor (Per Sangaard DEN) 71.60
11, Guinness (Louise Nathhorst SWE) 70.12
12, Esprit (Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn DEN) 69.07
FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League Points Standings (after 7 of 7 competitions)
1, Anky van Grunsven NED 77
2, Heike Kemmer GER 72
3, Hubertus Schmidt GER 64
4, Isabell Werth GER 58
5, Emma Hindle GBR 57
6, Edward Gal NED 56
7, Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER 54
8, Sven Rothenberger NED 48
9, Louise Nathhorst SWE 37
10= Kyra Kyrklund FIN and Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn DEN 35
12, Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier GER)
13, Marlies Van Baalen NED
For full results:
www.indoorbrabant.nlFEI World Cup Final 2004 website
www.duesseldorf-masters.de
26th March 2004
Brentina out of FEI World Cup Final
FEI World Cup Champion Debbie McDonald has had to withdraw Parry and Peggy Thomas’s chestnut mare Brentina from next week’s Final in Düsseldorf due to injury.
After their warm up competition at CDI Dortmund two weeks ago, where they won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, Brentina was found to have a slightly swollen leg. Despite careful monitoring, hopes that the US combination could defend their title were dashed when leading veterinarian Dr Peter Cronau diagnosed a mild tendon strain. While not serious for the mare’s future, this would however make any performance during the next few weeks inadvisable.
McDonald said: “We consulted with Dr Cronau and Brentina’s vet at home, and both vets agreed that for Brentina to compete on full power could do far worse damage in the long run. The World Cup Final is not a place to go half measures, so in the horse’s best interests we could not risk it. We came all this way to defend the title, we were ready for it, so it is just awful, especially as a week or two later it may have been OK.”
USET trainer Klaus Balkenhol said: “The horse’s health must always come first, but everyone involved is very sad for Debbie and her team, for the organisers and for us, especially as Düsseldorf is our home town.”
McDonald will be at the FEI World Cup Final next week to support her compatriots Günter Seidel and Leslie Morse, while Brentina will rest before returning home to the USA.
26th March 2004
Queensland teams for the National Championships
Dressage Queensland has selected the following horse and rider combinations for the teams competitions at the Australian National Championships to be held in Victoria from April 1–4
EFA
Ele: Don Ricardo – Anjanette Harten
Med: Glencoe Manhattan – Nicole Tough
Adv: Dudley-Do-Right – Jessica Greelish
res: UQG Galahad – Alyssa Webb
FEI
PSG: UQG Galahad – Alyssa Webb
res: Dudley-Do-Right – Jessica Greelish
INT I: River Range Copenhagen – Linda Shore
INT II: Crisp – Ricky MacMillan
res: Snowy River Blackwood – Di Jenkyn
The Chef d'Equipe is Rosie Webb.
Horse and rider combinations from Queensland entered at the Nationals are:
Nov
Adloo Lyon – Di Jenkyn
Ele
Don Ricardo – Anjanette Harten
Fairbanks Gangster – Jayden Brown
Masuren Winter Feuer (Res) – Caroline Philpotts
Med
Glencoe Manhattan – Nicole Tough
Adv
Glencoe Manhattan – Nicole Tough
A.P.H. Romarn (Scratched) – Denise Rogan
Dudley-Do-Right – Jessica Greelish
UQG Galahad – Alyssa Webb
PSG
River Range Copenhagen – Linda Shore
UQG Galahad – Alyssa Webb
Dudley-Do-Right – Jessica Greelish
Int I
River Range Copenhagen – Linda Shore
Int II
Crisp – Ricky Macmillan
Snowy River Blackwood – Di Jenkyn
GP
Crisp – Ricky MacMillan
Snowy River Blackwood – Di Jenkyn
Amoucher – Kelly Layne
26th March 2004
Dressage World Cup 2004 – The Final Countdown!
The last competition of the FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League takes place this weekend at Indoor Brabant,’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, and the result of Saturday afternoon’s Freestyle to Music will decide which riders have succeeded in winning places at the 2004 FEI World Cup Dressage Final.
It is more important than ever, as now a further three riders from this League will be allowed to take part in Duesseldorf next week (April 1–4). There is also the question of who will top the League yet to be answered.
For Anky van Grunsven Indoor Brabant is the scene of many triumphs and of course of Bonfire's retirement ceremony in 2001 after winning Olympic Individual Gold. The great horse on whom Anky won the FEI World Cup a record five times gave her some worry this week when he was admitted to veterinary hospital with stomach pains, but she is relieved to report that it is nothing serious and that ‘Bonni’ will be returning home tomorrow, though he and his companion, the pony Jolly Jumper, will miss their display planned for Sunday evening.
Here Anky rides Salinero, on whom she has already this season won two qualifiers and placed second in the other. On 57 points, equal with Britain's Emma Hindle (who is not competing here), if she wins again, she could win the League. At any rate after losing much of last year due to injury she is delighted to be back. She said: “Indoor Brabant is ‘my show’ as it is so close to home, and I am very happy to be competing here again. For me, as my first ‘big thing’ after a long time, I am very excited about the Final. It is very exciting this season with so many good horses and riders – not only from Europe.”
The US challengers are in training with USET team coach Klaus Blakenhol in preparation for Duesseldorf. Titleholder Debbie McDonald led the contingent in a warm up, winning the Special tour in fine style with Brentina at CDI Dortmund. As with German standings leader Heike Kemmer and Hubertus Schmidt in second, they are sitting this one out.
Isabell Werth, in third place in the standings, is riding to make sure of her Final place above compatriot Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff in seventh as only three riders per nation may take part.
The extra allowance for the Western European League – in recognition of the high quality this season – also should give Scandinavia a stronger showing at the Final, depending on the results here. Former titleholder Louise Nathhorst is in ninth spot and standing tenth, if all goes well for Danish dental student Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn in this final qualifier, she should be riding her Trakehner gelding Esprit in her first final, in her first World Cup season, just a few days before her 25th birthday.
Timetable
Friday March 26th 13.00
BV Brabanthallen-Prijs FEI Grand Prix presented by Nashuatec
Saturday March 27th 12.00 (following Grand Prix Special)
FEI World Cup Freestyle to Music presented by Nashuatec
Further information: www.horseshow.nl
FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League Points Standings (after 6 of 7 competitions)
1, Heike Kemmer GER 72
2, Hubertus Schmidt GER 64
3, Isabell Werth GER 58
4= Emma Hindle GBR and Anky van Grunsven NED 57
6, Sven Rothenberger NED 46
7, Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER 41
8, Edward Gal NED 39
9, Louise Nathhorst SWE 37
10, Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn DEN 35
11= Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier GER and Tinne Vilhelmson SWE 29
13, Antoinette Falandt NED 27
14, Kyra Kyrklund FIN 25
15, Marlies Van Baalen NED 22
16= Martin Schaudt GER and Patricia Callaghan NED 21
18, Dominique D'Esme FRA, Jan Brink SWE and Thamar Zweistra NED 20
