| 16/3/2004 |
FEI World Cup Dressage Final, Düsseldorf 1–4 April 2004 Participation and Wild Cards – Special Announcement The FEI has announced the following participation in the World Cup Dressage Final 2004 - The World Cup Champion, Debbie McDonald (USA) riding Brentina. From the Central European League, winner Elena Sidneva (Russia) with Artax-Condor, and runner-up Irina Lys, who will ride Problesk for Belarus. Kristy Oatley-Nist (AUS) and Don Bolero 3 have been awarded a wild card to represent the Pacific League. Belinda Trussell and Royan II, winners of the Canadian League Titleholder in the US League Debbie McDonald, Leslie Morse who was the Reserve Champion of the US League on Kingston and Guenter Seidel and Nikolaus who placed third. The Western European League will conclude with the results of the FEI World Cup qualifier at Indoor Brabant, 's-Hertogenbosch (March 25-28). Due to the exceptional high level shown during the Western European league in this nineteenth season of the World Cup dressage, it has been decided that in addition to the best eight in the points standings, an additional three riders will be granted starting places in the Final. This will however, take into account the rule of a maximum of three riders per nation. All national federations have been informed of this decision in order for them to prepare riders for possible starting places. The full list will be announced directly after the final qualifier at Indoor Brabant, which promises to be an edge- of- seat, thrilling finale to the qualifying season and an exciting precursor to the Final, which takes place in Düsseldorf from 1-4 April. FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League 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 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 Vilhelmsson (SWE) 29 13, Antoinette Falandt (NED) 27 14, Kyra Kyrklund (FIN) 25 For full standings visit www.horsesport.org For further information on 's-Hertogenbosch, visit www.indoorbrabant.nl World Cup Dressage Final: www.duesseldorf-masters.de |
| 22/2/2004 |
German Riders Steal the Show - and Mares Show The Way in Neumünster Hubertus Schmidt and Wansuela Suerte won their second FEI World Cup qualifier of the season in Neumünster, almost certainly booking a ticket for April's FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Düsseldorf. "I was very happy with Wansuela here", said Schmidt, "She was hot at the beginning but the canter work felt very good and we worked well to the music." As best German here, Schmidt will now consult with team trainer Holger Schmezer, but expects to concentrate on the Final, which takes place from April 1-4. Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff is back in the hunt after her lovely mare Wahajama-Unicef showed growing maturity for second place, just half a point over Isabell Werth's Apache. With only three riders per nation able to ride at the Final, the two ladies are heading to the last qualifier, Indoor Brabant, on March 25-28. Werth is in a strong position, now third in the points' standings behind Schmidt and leader Heike Kemmer, but with Linsenhoff on 41 to her 58 points, she must take it to the wire to be certain. Werth was happy with Apache, who she rode here to Antony's music rather than the 11-year-old's usual classical programme. "There were a few little mistakes" she said, "but I am so happy with his development this season. Of course there are things to improve, but I feel he is heading the right way." The surprise of the competition was newcomer Isabel von Wendorff's fourth place on Legacy. While not in the FEI World Cup hunt, the local rider on the 11-year-old Holstein gelding she bred and trained herself made the most of her opportunity to ride at this show, especially as she had just one week's notice. British rider Emma Hindle was the only non-German to make a serious inroad into the prizes placing fifth on Wie Weltmeyer. She now shares equal fourth place in the standings with Holland's Anky van Grunsven on 57 points. Twelve starters scored over 70 per cent, and the winner, on 77.81, was a unanimous verdict but as the sell out crowd produced a huge atmosphere - standing ovations have become the in thing this year - there were no faultless tests. Judge at H, Volker Moritz commented: "It was a very exciting class, but the standard was not as high as we expected. The winner, Wansuela Suerte, can earn 80 per cent when she is really good. She got better and better as the test went on, but she was tense in the beginning. Wahajama-Unicef did a good job today, it is all coming together more." He agreed with FEI Dressage Committee Chairman, and Ground Jury President, Mariette Withages that one of the most exciting aspects of the class was the number of good young horses. Mme Withages said: "It was interesting and promising for the future. Legacy in particular produced a good picture and has lots of potential." It was all appreciated by the crowd, and just two days prior to this penultimate FEI World Cup dressage qualifier, the show reported that next year's Sunday performance is already sold out. Result: FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle to Music Qualifier, presented by Volksbank Raiffeisenbank eG, Neumünster, dnd the Deutschen Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank AG 1, Hubertus Schmidt GER (Wansuela Suerte) 77.814 2, Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER (Wahajama-Unicef) 75.683 3, Isabell Werth GER (Apache) 75.142 4, Isabel van Wendorff GER (Legacy) 74.381 5, Emma Hindle GBR (Wie Weltmeyer) 74.171 6, Martin Schaudt GER (Losdau's Loriot) 73.98 7, Gina Capellman-Lutkemeier GER (Amando) 71.86 8, Elena Sidneva RUS (Artax Condor) 71.64 9, Wolfram Wittig GER (Breitling W) 71.58 10, Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig-Lehn DEN (Esprit) 71.50 FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League Points Standing (after six of seven 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 For further information: CDI-W Neumünster http://www.reitturnier.de FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2004 http://www.bcm.nl or http://www.duesseldorf-masters.de FEI http://www.horsesport.org For rider biographies http://bios.horsesport.org |
| 20/2/2003 |
The Road to Düsseldorf - Into the Home Straight The penultimate qualifying round of the FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League takes place at Neumünster, Germany this weekend, where fans are due another top quality 'dressage feast'. As expected, entries are dominated by a strong German contingent. Heike Kemmer can sit this one out as she is still sitting pretty at the top of the points standings after two wins, one second and a third place this season. Berlin winner Hubertus Schmidt, former title winner Isabell Werth and Ann-Kathrin Linsenhof are all out to increase their hold, as only two more German riders will be able to compete at the Düsseldorf final (a maximum of three per nation are eligible). Talented Danish rider Nicole Ahlefedt Laurwig-Lehn, currently in ninth place in the standing, and Sweden's Louise Nathhorst, another former titleholder in eighth, are entered for Neumünster and can take advantage of the opportunity to gain points and move up the standings past the absent contingent of strongly placed Dutch riders. For British star Emma Hindle, the Dutch absence should enable her to regain second place in the standings, as she restarts her season after giving her horses a rest. Russia's Elena Sidneva is having a run here, but as the winner of the FEI World Cup Central European League, she is already qualified for the Final, which takes place in Düsseldorf from 1-4 April. Timings: FEI World Cup Dressage presented by Volksbank Raiffeisenbank eG, Neumünster, And the Deutschen Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank AG Grand Prix Saturday 21st February 07.45 Freestyle to Music Qualifier for the FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League Sunday 22nd February 09.20 For further information: CDI-W Neumünster http://www.reitturnier.de FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2004 http://www.bcm.nl or http://www.duesseldorf-masters.de FEI http://www.horsesport.org For rider biographies http://bios.horsesport.org |
| 4/2/2004 |
FEI BCM World Dressage Riders' Rankings Ulla Salzgeber (GER) leads the FEI BCM World Dressage Riders Rankings with a score of 80.158. Only one change in the Top Ten: Beatriz Ferrer-Salat (ESP) goes up one place and is now 4th with an improved score of 76.793. The Spanish rider finished second in the Grand Prix and the Kür to music last week-end in Amsterdam on Beauvalais. Anky van Grunsven emerged victorious from a top class field in Amsterdam last week-end, winning her second FEI World Cup qualifying competition of the season. Van Grunsven's young horse Gestion Salinero, only nine years old, kept his head in a hot-house atmosphere to produce moments of brilliance in the 80 per cent-scoring test. Anky van Grunsven is still far away in the rankings (57) as she only has 9 results to count. No doubt that next month, we will find her very close to the top of the rankings. The FEI BCM World Dressage Riders Rankings can be found at http://www.horsesport.org/fei/consult/consult_02/con_02_02.html |
| 1/2/2004 |
Dutch Heroine Wins Again Anky van Grunsven emerged victorious from a top class field in Amsterdam today, winning her second FEI World Cup qualifying competition on the trot. Van Grunsven's young horse Gestion Salinero, only nine years old, kept his head in a hot-house atmosphere to produce moments of brilliance in the 80 per cent-scoring test. "Gestion Salinero actually felt better in the Friday's grand prix when he was more relaxed, and today at times I just had to try and keep it quiet, but there were some moments where I knew that with more experience he could be a great horse". Beatriz Ferrer-Salat rode Beauvalais with her customary vivacity for second place. Her World Cup season has been curtailed by other commitments, and Beauvalais caught a fever late last year, so the Spanish rider is now concentrating on the outdoor season, unlike Germany's Isabell Werth who is out to win a place at the World Cup Final in April. Werth and Satchmo, another exciting young prospect at ten years old, produced moments of breathtaking expression for third place. Werth was happy: " Satchmo was more relaxed today than in the grand prix and apart from some misunderstanding in the canter at the start, he did not make any big mistakes." In fourth place for Holland, Edward Gal and Gestion Lingh started with real brilliance, but tension crept into the second half of their test causing some mistakes and loss of synchronicity with the music. With eight riders from the Western European League able to qualify for the final (Dusseldorf, April 1-4), Werth currently lies sixth in the points standings behind compatriot Hubertus Schmidt, whose mare Wansuela Suerte also felt the tension here for sixth place. Heike Kemmer, the current leader on 72 points, had to withdraw Albano when he trotted out lame this morning, but the German rider is still way ahead. Anky van Grunsven, now on 57 points, has risen one place to overtake British rider Emma Hindle (50), while Holland's Sven Rothenberger is well placed at fourth on 46 points. Edward Gal is lying seventh with 39 points to date. These riders will want to hold their standings, as a maximum of three riders per nation can ride at the Final. President of the Ground Jury, Wim Ernes remarked on the high standard of competition. He said: " This class was exciting for the crowd and also exciting for the judges. We saw some exceptional horses and impressive rides. There were mistakes here and there but the top nine all scored over 70 per cent." World Cup Director Joep Bartels underlined the depth of quality and talent seen throughout this FEI World Cup season. " It used to be that an Olympic year could be a weak World Cup year, but this time it is not the case. That is really positive." Returning to the calendar after a two-year break, the Amsterdam show is taking place at a new Hall in the RAI complex, and the FEI World Cup freestyle to music enticed a sell out crowd. The remaining two qualifiers take place in Neumunster, Germany (February 20-22nd) and 's-Hertogenbosch, Holland (March 25-28th). Results: 1, Anky Van Grunsven NED (Gestion Salinero) 80.45% 2, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat ESP (Beauvalais) 77.15% 3, Isabell Werth GER (Satchmo) 76.47% 4, Edward Gal NED (Gestion Lingh) 75.45% 5, Antoinette Falandt NED (Jarwo) 74.92% 6, Hubertus Schmidt GER (Wansuela Suerte) 73% 7, Sven Rothenberger NED (Barclay II) 72.7% 8, Louise Nathhorst SWE (Guinness) 71.8% 9, Kyra Kyrklund FIN (Andiamo Tyme) 70.55% 10, Per Sangaard DEN (Zancor) 69.27% FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League Standings after 5 of 7 competitions 1, Heike Kemmer GER 72 2, Anky van Grunsven NED 57 3, Emma Hindle GBR 50 4, Sven Rothenberger NED 46 5, Hubertus Schmidt GER 44 6, Isabell Werth GER 43 7, Edward Gal NED 39 8, Louise Nathhorst SWE 37 For further information visit www.jumpingamsterdam.nl |
| 29/1/2004 |
FEI World Cup Dressage News All to play for in Amsterdam With just three qualifiers to go before the final (Dusseldorf April 1-4th), the high quality competition that has been a feature from the start of this 2003/4 FEI World Cup Dressage season is set to continue in Amsterdam this weekend. Standings leader Heike Kemmer, way ahead on 72 points, is out to cement her lead with her experienced campaigner Albano. Dutch diva Anky van Grunsven, in third place on 37 points after her resounding victory in Maastricht, brings Gestion Salinero to the Amsterdam party, while Sven Rothenberger, in fourth place on 36, again campaigns Barclay, a full brother to World Cup winner Brentina. While Emma Hindle, currently second in the standings, is still taking a break, the two other British riders due in Amsterdam were thwarted by snowy weather. Both Richard Davison's mount Ballaseyr Royale and Carl Hester's Escapado were bandaged up ready to be transported from Davison's stable in Staffordshire when the snow came, and kept coming. Said a disappointed Davison, "I kept in contact with Organiser Chris van Dam, so when we realised it was too risky to make the show on time, we thought it was better that he could invite two wait-listed riders." Kyra Kyrklund did make it from England, but she sent Andiamo Thyme a day earlier. The Finnish former World Cup champion's prime objective this year is to qualify, through the rankings, for an individual slot at the Athens Olympics. Despite her second place at the Stockholm qualifier, however, and her world cup record last year with Andiamo Thyme, which resulted in the offer of a wild card for the final, Kyrklund said she has found it difficult to get starts this season. Another colourful combination, Spanish European silver and bronze medal winners Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauvalais in their first qualifier this season, will also turn the heat up on the Dutch and German combinations. For Germany, Berlin winner Hubertus Schmidt and Ann Kathrin Linsenhof will be challenging on their lovely mares Wansuela Suerte and Wahajama-Unicef respectively. With Isabell Werth, who rides Anthony FRH here, on level points with Sweden's Louise Nathhorst and Holland's Edward Gal just two points above Linsenhoff in the standings, the margins are small and winning points in Amsterdam is crucial for those in the hunt for a ticket to Dusseldorf. It all starts with the Jumping Amsterdam Prijs, tomorrow's qualifying grand prix, with the main contest to the sound of music on Saturday. Timetable: Friday 30th January, 08.30-12.00, Jumping Amsterdam Prijs Grand Prix Saturday 31st January, 15.00-17.30, FEI World Cup Dressage Freestyle Qualifier Further details |
| 23/1/2004 |
FEI Olympic Rankings The intermediary Olympic Rankings for Dressage are now available on the FEI website. The FEI Olympic Rankings will include results from 1 January 2003 to 2 May 2004 and be used for the purpose of qualifying individual riders for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As of 31st December, Ulla Salzgeber was leading on 79.814 points.Leading the Australians is Ricky MacMillan, on 68.179 points with Kristy Oatley-Nist behind her on 67.968 points. Download a PDF of the latest rankings from here. |
| 30/12/2003 |
Spirit of Song accompanies Salinero to victory at Mechelen Anky van Grunsven showed she is back on top form with a resounding victory in the FEI World Cup Dressage Qualifier in Mechelen. The Dutch ace rode her young talent Gestion Salinero to victory here last year, but disaster was to befall her weeks later when injuries sustained in a fall at home put paid to her competitive hopes for much of the year. Here this year, the nine-year-old Salinero exhibited a new level of accomplishment and surety in a breathtaking performance to a new freestyle programme L'Esprit Chanson designed by Cees Slings and Viktor Kerkoff. The whole package could only be described as brilliant. Van Grunsven, the reigning Olympic champion who won the World Cup a record five times on her wonderful partner Gestion Bonfire, has now risen to third place in the season's rankings, and is on course for a place at the final in Dusseldorf (April 1-4 2004). For Edward Gal and Gestion Lingh, also trained by Anky's partner and trainer Sjef Janssen, second place rewarded a new level of concentration and partnership for this comparatively inexperienced but talented partnership. Gestion Lingh's extended trot showed real brilliance and while he had every reason to be sensitive, as he can be, in this huge atmosphere and in front of a sell-out crowd, he put his trust and co-operation with his rider. With Antoinette Falandt in third place on Jarwo, followed by Sven Rothenberger and Marlies van Baalen, Mechelen proved the place where the tide of Dutch fortune turned. The team failed to come home with a European medal, but as the New Year dawns with Athens on the horizon, prospects for a strong Dutch contribution to the World Cup Final on the way to Olympic heights are looking very rosy, given good fortune. For the home crowd too there was hope for the future as Belgium's Jeroen Devroe turned in a promising performance for seventh place behind top Swiss rider Christian Plaege. The next FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier takes place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Jan 29th - Feb 1st 2004) For further information: http://www.jumping-mechelen.com (including full results and latest rankings) www.horsesport.org |
| 29/12/2003 |
FEI World Cup Dressage CDI-W Mechelen 26-30th December 2003 Tomorrow in Mechelen, Belgium the Dutch invasion on the FEI World Cup dressage rankings is set to take place. In today's qualifying grand prix, places were won and the grid positions decided for tomorrow's freestyle to music, where the big business of accumulating ranking points towards a place in the FEI World Cup Final (Dusseldorf April 1-4) commences. Five-time World Cup winner and reigning Olympic champion Anky van Grunsven swept to a clear victory with Gestion Salinero in the qualifying grand prix today, with stable mate Edward Gal in second place with Gestion Lingh and in third, Antoinette Falandt, who scored the highest for Holland at the European Championships, riding Jarwo. So far the German competitors, punctuated by young British rider Emma Hindle's assault, which has put her second so far, have dominated the rankings. Points leader Heike Kemmer had decided to sit this one out, as did Hubertus Schmidt (3rd), but Isabell Werth, another former Cup winner in equal fourth place with Sweden's Louise Nathhorst, had intended to compete here. Sadly Werth's veteran ride Antony FRH went lame just before they were due to travel. The field is open after today's clean sweep for Holland. Van Grunsven only returned to the international grand prix arena in Maastricht earlier this month, having been sidelined through injury for much of this year. At only nine years old, her horse Salinero, has little experience, and their performance today says much for the trust between horse and rider, which is essential at this, the highest level of equestrian competition. Van Grunsven commented: "It is not an easy arena here. The crowd were very nice and it was very busy, though that is not the easiest for horses. Salinero is very inexperienced, although he did not feel like that today. I am so happy with him, and he has already improved since Maastricht. It is great to be back." On home ground, it was right that the Belgian riders made a good showing. Although sadly their current No 1 Johan Zagers was unable to start due his horse having a 'flu, Jeroen Devroe's sixth place proved promising for the country, which has not fielded a full team internationally since 1995. Nearly New Year it is, and while there are hopes to be fulfilled in future, tomorrow, in Maastricht, in a season where every qualifier is proving a top class contest for points, there are hopes and dreams concentrated on the World Cup in possibly its most competitive season to date. For further information: http://www.jumping-mechelen.com www.horsesport.org |
| 22/12/2003 | EFA 2004 Dressage Rules and Tests Available> Equestrian Federation of Australia CEO Franz Venhaus has announced the availability of the 2004 dressage rules and tests. Announcing their availability, Mr Venhaus said, “Please bear two things in mind: The materials are copyright and are available to EFA members and member organisations only. Secondly, the files are big and your printer will be busy for a while printing altogether more than 150 pages. So you may wish to think about purchasing a set including the folder for $39 (or $29 without the folder).”> The new Australian dressage rules and tests are available now for download from: http://www.efanational.com/content/documents/rules.htm However, if you are going to print them for use by judges, you should probably buy a set of professionally printed rules and tests. You can download the order form from: http://www.efanational.com/content/attachments/shop/rules.pdf The printed version of the combined rule book/tests will be available as soon as the national office re-opens on 5th January. |
| 16/12/2003 |
Crisp Shines Ricky MacMillan and Crisp had a convincing win in the Grand Prix at Dressage and Showjumping with the Stars in Victoria last weekend. The combination scored 1602 in the Grand Prix B for a percentage of 66.75 and first place. She then scored 72.56 and first placing in the Kür to cement their position as the best in Australia. Kelly Layne and Amoucher were sixth in the Grand Prix with a score of 1381 and 57.54%. This combination improved to fourth in the Kür with a score of 64.58. Other Queenslanders performed well in the Young Horse classes, with results as follows: 4 y.o. 1 Nicole Magoffin and Jaybee Amelia 4 Fairbanks Forever and Shane Davidson 6 UQ Anapavlova and Connie Bookless 5 y.o. 4 Fairbanks Pavarotti and Shane Davidson 6 Duneden and Libby Welch 6 y.o. 2 Jaybee Alfredo and Bennet Conn |
| 14/12/2003 |
FEI World Cup Dressage CDI-W Maastricht, Netherlands, 11-14th December 2003 Germany's Heike Kemmer cemented her lead in the FEI World Cup Western European dressage league table with a close fought victory in Maastricht today. Less than one point separated Kemmer and Bonaparte, a now nine-year-old Hannoverian gelding found by her father Joachim as a foal, from local heroine Anky van Grunsven riding Gestion Salinero. This was the Olympic champion van Grunsven's first international grand prix competition in a year where most of her time has been spent recovering from a serious thigh fracture sustained in a training accident at home. With Isabell Werth, Kemmer's team mate on the gold-medal winning German European squad, in third place on her young talent Satchmo, the top three riders performed at a very high level on exciting young horses. Ground Jury President Stephen Clarke (GBR) commented: " The top three were very close. Bonaparte showed beautiful basic work with wonderful extended trots, but could show more expression still in piaffe and passage. Anky and Salinero showed brilliant interpretation of the music and Isabell's Satchmo was so expressive - the test had real highlights." Hubertus Schmidt, winner of the Berlin qualifier on the ten-year-old chestnut mare Wansuela Suerte, placed fourth here after a few mark-costing mistakes. But the German rider is well on course to gain a place at next year's World Cup Final in Dusseldorf (April 1-4) as he has climbed to third place in the rankings after just two competitions, behind British rider Emma Hindle. Antoinette Falandt and Jarwo, the leading Dutch partnership at the European championships last summer, placed second in the qualifying grand prix but were disqualified from the freestyle for performing a triple pirouette, a movement disallowed in the rules for freestyle tests. Stephen Clarke explained that the rule was brought in to protect dressage horses from potential overstrain. "While it may be possible for the top riders to perform a triple pirouette, the rule is there to protect the not so good riders' horses." Again the season's high standard was maintained here at the first of three Dutch qualifying shows. With four qualifiers to go, the next takes place at Mechelen, Belgium, from 26-30 December. Grand Prix Freestyle 1, Bonaparte (Heike Kemmer) GER 80.175 2, Gestion Salinero (Anky van Grunsven) NED 79.975 3, Satchmo (Isabell Werth) GER 77.00 4, Wansuela Suerte (Hubertus Schmidt) 75.40 5, Barclay II (Sven Rothenberger) NED 73.125 6, Guinness (Louise Nathhorst) SWE 72.45 7, Idocus (Marlies van Baalen) NED 72.275 8, Gestion Lingh (Edward Gal) NED 72.25 9, Solos Carex (Tinne Vilhelmson) SWE 70.30 10, Mr G de Lully (Jasmine Sanche-Burger) SUI 69.25 Western European League Standings after 3 competitions 1, Heike Kemmer GER 72 2, Emma Hindle GBR 50 3, Hubertus Schmidt GER 33 4= Isabell Werth GER and Louise Nathhorst SWE 28 6, Nicole Ahlefeldt Laurvig Lehn DEN 26 8, Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff GER 24 9, Sven Rothenberger NED 23 10, Jan Brink SWE 21
For further information: |
| 10/12/2003 | Maastricht CDI-W December 11-14 The next 'hot bed' in the FEI World Cup Dressage Season….And Anky is back The third leg of the FEI World Cup dressage Western European league season, which takes place in Maastricht, The Netherlands this weekend, promises to be a hot bed of excellence and excitement. Olympic and five-time World Cup champion Anky van Grunsven makes her return to the international grand prix arena in Maastricht, nearly a year after sustaining a complex fractured to her thigh in a fall while training. Riding the nine-year-old Gestion Salinero, with whom she won the freestyle here last year, van Grunsven will debut a brand new programme created by her music gurus, Cees Slings and Victor Kerkof, entitled 'L'Esprit Chanson'. The Dutch heroine faces a tough challenge; German team riders Heike Kemmer and Isabell Werth are both bringing their European gold medal horses, Bonaparte and Satchmo, Berlin winners Hubertus Schmidt and Wansuela Suerte are also starting in Maastricht and Holland's top European championship rider Antoinette Falandt will make her world cup season debut with Jarwo. Van Grunsven is ready. "I have competed in two national shows with Gestion Salinero, so we could get going again, and he has been really good in training, but of course it is very different in a big atmosphere, and he is still 'a baby'. The new Kür is completely different and really good, and I just want to see how it goes and to get into the rhythm of it again." She and her Gestion team mate Edward Gal, who starts in Maastricht with Gestion Lingh, are both out to get the final in Dusseldorf next April. After Maastricht, Mechelen in Belgium, and both the Dutch shows Amsterdam and Indoor Brabant, are on their agendas. Heike Kemmer, who heads the rankings on 52 points, will be out to increase her lead and could draw well ahead in the absence of her closest rival, Britain's Emma Hindle, who is now resting Wie Weltmeyer having achieved 50 points. So far, this world cup season has been remarkable for the very high standard, with nearly all competitors scoring 70 per cent or over in the freestyles. In Maastricht, the qualifying grand prix (Friday 12th December, 10.45) will be nail biting as 21 riders from eight nations fight for the fifteen places in Sunday morning's freestyle to music. For further information: www.jumpingindoormaastricht.nl
Extra: L'Esprit Chanson: An insight into the creation of Anky's Kür. |
| 30/11/2003 |
19th FEI World Cup 2003/2004 WESTERN EUROPEAN LEAGUE DRESSAGE Stockholm (SWE) - November 28-30, 2003 Stockholm's Globe arena was filled to capacity with an audience screaming and applauding in pop-concert fashion to watch local hero Jan Brink, Sweden's European individual silver medallist, triumph in the FEI World Cup dressage qualifier. " I have never felt an atmosphere like it, the audience raised the roof", said Brink, who also won the grand prix on Bjoersells Briar. " And as I said to German riders Heike Kemmer and Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff, it was such a high quality field here that it was success even to get into the first five or six", he added. It was also a great birthday present for Finnish rider Kyra Kyrklund to come second, even though it meant being beaten by her pupil, Jan Brink. However, Kyrklund also saw another former pupil, Britain's Emma Hindle, who spent five years studying with her at Flyinge Stud, place fourth. Kyrklund, who is currently based in England but is buying her own place in Sweden close to Jan Brink, also scored over 80 per cent for a fault free performance on Andiamo Tyme, the impressive grey gelding she rides for American owner Linda Fowler. Germany's Heike Kemmer still heads the points' standings after a valiant third place on Albano. Both she and Emma Hindle, who was second in the Grand Prix to Brink, and fourth in the freestyle with Brookhouse Stud's Wie Weltmeyer are out in front with 52 and 50 points respectively. Emma Hindle (28), in her first World Cup season, was really happy this stage in her quest is for a place at the final. " Wie Weltmeyer was more relaxed on the second day, but we are still both gaining confidence in the freestyle" she said. The European team bronze medallist is working on a new Kuer to Elton John music, with a more difficult ground pattern. She will try it out at the dressage gala evening prior to the Olympia show jumping event next month, but will first use in competition at the Neumunster qualifier (20-22 February 04), after she and Wie Weltmeyer have had a well-earned break. Hindle added: "It is great to be No. 2 on points, and to beat any of these riders I have admired for years is an honour, but we will have to see what the Dutch riders do in Maastricht, then Mechelen. Watch this space...."
>Stockholm CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle Results
>19th FEI World Cup 2003/2004 WESTERN EUROPEAN LEAGUE DRESSAGE |
| 28/11/2003 |
FEI World Cup Dressage Stockholm International Horse Show 28-30 November The second leg of the FEI World Cup dressage western European league takes place at the Stockholm International Horse Show this weekend. The result of tomorrow morning's grand prix will decide the starting positions for the main event, the FEI World Cup freestyle, which takes place Sunday at 1p.m. Points leaders Heike Kemmer (Germany) and Emma Hindle (GBR) are both aiming to increase their lead. Currently Kemmer, a member of the European gold medal winning team, and Hindle who led Britain to bronze, have a clear lead on 37 points apiece. Both are determined to qualify for the final in Dusseldorf next April (1-4). Finland's Kyra Kyrklund, who won the World Cup Final in 1991 on the great Matador, has a busy day tomorrow as first she rides Andiamo Tyme in the grand prix, before taking over the microphone to commentate and interview her fellow riders - an informative treat for the Stockholm audience. Kyrklund is working to gain a high enough individual ranking for a ticket to next summer's Athens Olympics. The Finnish rider sadly missed out on this chance at the European Championships when Linda Fowler's powerful grey gelding was diagnosed with a poisoned foot just before the event. The home side is issuing a strong challenge; European silver medal hero Jan Brink, who at Hickstead won Sweden's first individual dressage medal since 1956, is a mighty contender with Bjoersells Briar. Stockholm-born Louise Nathhorst 's appearance on Tristan Ask will also thrill the home crowd. They are joined by their remaining two European team colleagues, Helena Larson and Minna Telde, and former Swedish team rider Lianne Wachtmeister. For further information: www.stockholmhorseshow.com |
| 17/11/2003 |
Young Rider Trans Tasman Challenge Squad Announced The Australian National Dressage selectors have announced the team of young riders that will represent Australia in the Young Riders Trans Tasman Challenge to be held in Auckland, New Zealand 10-11 January 2004. The riders, their horses and level that they will compete are listed below: Prix St Georges – Joanna Clarke (VIC) and Silvermunda Advanced – Brett Davey (NSW) and Argentille Shamada Medium – Kylie Woodyatt (ACT) and Silkston Elementary – Tiffany Joose (VIC) and Dutch Marine Joanna Clarke and Brett Davey will also compete in the derby competition on borrowed horses. The newly appointed National Young Rider Co-ordinator Jenny Carroll will be the team Chef d’Equipe. The team will travel to New Zealand in early January to compete against the New Zealand Young Rider Team. |
| 16/11/2003 | German Victor Emerges From Top Class Field in Berlin Hubertus Schmidt and his lovely Hannoverian mare Wansuela Suerte got the FEI World Cup Western European League off to a great start with a convincing victory in the opening Berlin qualifier. A fluent and harmonious freestyle from the German partnership gained a score of just under 80 per cent to beat compatriot Heike Kemmer and her seasoned Grand Prix mount Albano. Schmidt, a professional trainer who has ridden the ten-year-old mare for most of her career under saddle, was delighted with her performance. He said: "Wansuela Suerte looked around a little at the beginning of our test, but in this, her second season at Grand Prix level, she gives me a really good feeling and just gets better and better." Schmidt is determined to reach the final in Dusseldorf (April 1-4 2004) and is now aiming to win further points at the Maastricht, Amsterdam and Neumunster qualifiers. Heike Kemmer, a native of Berlin who began her international career here as a young rider, felt Albano benefited from the big atmosphere. " With a lot of spectators watching, even at the warm up arena, he shows himself off better." She is also aiming to qualify Albano to the final, while her European team gold medal horse Bonaparte will be reserved for the outdoor season. Kemmer and British rider Emma Hindle, who placed third on her impressive stallion Wie Weltmeyer, now jointly head the European league standings on 37 points. Both ladies had a head start having won points at Central European league shows. Hindle, the highest placed British rider and team bronze medallist at the European championships last August, secured a brilliant and emotional victory in Saturday's Hotel Intercontinental Berlin Grand Prix class. After the Freestyle, the 28 year-old who is based in Germany and runs Brookhouse Stud, blamed the small mistakes on herself, lavishing all her praise on her horse. "Wie Weltmeyer was so difficult when I first got him in '99, but now he gives me a superb feeling and really wants to work, " she said. Having been a spectator at several World Cup finals, Hindle promised herself some years ago that one day she would take part herself. With that aim in mind, the next class on her calendar is the Stockholm qualifier on November 30th. Ground jury chairman Volker Moritz had high praise for the standard - all fifteen riders scored over 69 percent - and for the improved conditions at CHI Berlin. He added: " We saw excellent sport and it was very good to see some new faces and new young horses on the World Cup scene."
FEI World Cup Dressage CHI Berlin
>Western European League Standings after 1 of 7 competitions (following end of Central European league and CDI-W Berlin) |
| 13/11/2003 |
FEI World Cup Dressage Star riders in Berlin for the first Dressage World Cup of the Western European League The Western European League of the FEI Dressage World Cup opens this weekend in Berlin, Germany . A star-studded cast will grace the Messegelande for the qualifying grand prix on Saturday 14th November, followed by the FEI World Cup Freestyle on Sunday morning. German riders are out in force, led by European team gold medallist Heike Kemmer, who has a head start of 20 points gained from her win at the Central European league show in Zaposvar, Hungary. She is joined by, among others, former World Cup and Olympic champion Isabell Werth and Olympian Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff. British rider Emma Hindle, who led her team to bronze medal at this summer's European Championships, is starting her first serious World Cup in Berlin. She has 22 points already from the Central league, thanks to a second place behind Kemmer in Hungary and an early season place in Zsiaz, Poland. Russian rider Elena Sidneva finished the Central European league at the top of the rankings. She heads to Berlin, but has already booked her ticket to the final. Former World Cup winner Louise Nathhorst is travelling from Sweden to take part, and Holland's Sven Rothenberger, another former World Cup champion, heads a strong Dutch challenge. The Western European league season comprises seven qualifying events. After Berlin, the roadshow moves to Stockholm (SWE 20-30 November), Maastricht (NED11-14 December) and Mechelen (BEL 26-30 December). In the New Year, it is back to Holland for Amsterdam (29th January - 1st February), followed by Neumunster (GER 20-22 February) and s-Hertogenbosch (NED 25-28 March). For the final, we return to Germany. In Dusseldorf (1-4th April) the top ranked Western league riders will be joined by Central League winner Elena Sidneva, the two best US riders from their final in California, the winners of the Canadian qualifier, Belinda Trussell and Royan, and the winner of the Australian final. As Ulla Salzgeber lost her automatic right to start along with the 2003 title as a result of the recent FEI Judicial Committee ruling, she will have to qualify through the rankings if she wishes to win a place in Dusseldorf. US rider Debbie MacDonald, who was second at the last final in Gothenburg, now assumes the title and the opportunity to defend it in Dusseldorf. For further information: www.reitturnier-chi-Berlin.de www.horsesport.org |
| 12/11/2003 |
FEI Judicial Committee Decides on Rusty The Judicial Committee of the FEI has today issued its decision in the medication control case involving the horse Rusty 47 and the rider, Ulla Salzgeber (GER) (the PR), submitted to the Judicial Committee for decision on October 23 2003. The complete decision of the Judicial Committee was submitted to the parties and shall be published in due course. The PR has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sports. Rusty 47 was selected for sampling at CDI-W Final Göteborg (SWE) on 28 March 2003. Analysis of the urine and blood conducted by LAB, the FEI‚s approved central laboratory, revealed the presence of Testosterone above the threshold level. A confirmatory analysis has not been requested. Testosterone is the principal endogenous androgenic-anabolic steroid in horses and men. It is used for therapeutic purposes but can also be abused. Testosterone is a prohibited substance pursuant to Article 1013 and Annex IV of the Veterinary Regulations of the FEI. The evidence revealed that 13 days before the start of CDI-W Final Göteborg, the PR‚s veterinarian had administered RUSTY 47 25 mg Testosterone Propionate to treat an assumed hormonal imbalance in Rusty that may have caused patchy hair loss. The veterinarian had not made this fact known to either the veterinarian of the German NF or to the PR. The Judicial Committee accepts that the PR did no know that Rusty 47 had undergone any treatment prior to the event. The Judicial Committee is satisfied that the complete LAB reports supported by the evidence of the Director of the Drug Surveillance Group at HFL Newmarket reflect that the tests were accurately performed in an acceptable method and that the findings of LAB are accurate and show the presence of the prohibited substance, Testosterone, at a level which exceeds the threshold level for geldings of 20 ng/ml. The Judicial Committee is also satisfied that the internationally acknowledged threshold levels for Testosterone in geldings and mares as established by the international racing authorities and adopted by the FEI Veterinary Committee for FEI events and included in the FEI Veterinary Regulations since 1988 are supported by analytical research and were not arbitrarily established. The Judicial Committee determines that the various minor procedural irregularities highlighted by the PR‚s counsel cannot reasonably be considered to have affected the results of what is a valid test and should, therefore, only be taken into consideration in the determination of the sanctions and imposition of costs. The Judicial Committee determines that the PR has not taken any intentional action to deliberately affect the performance of the horse. The PR had established a system that was supposed to make treatments transparent and disclosed. According to the PRs statements, the PR‚s veterinarian has not followed such procedures in the present case. There is no evidence in this case that the PR had actual knowledge of the treatment given to Rusty 47 by her veterinarian. There is also no evidence that Rusty received a specific competitive advantage as a result of the administration of the prohibited substance which ˆ according to the PR's vet - was connected to a legitimate medical procedure. Nevertheless, the PR has failed to ensure that Rusty has no prohibited substances in its systems during an international event. Since this is a strict liability offense that does not require intent or even specific knowledge, the PR did not comply with General Regulations Art. 146 and RUSTY 47 with its rider, Ulla Salzgeber, must be disqualified from the event and that all prizes and prize money won at the event must be forfeited in accordance with GR 174.7.1. The FEI has a strict liability policy or no-fault system which means that no intention is required in order to establish a doping offence. The mere presence of a prohibited substance in the horse‚s systems is sufficient. Additionally, The FEI is not required to demonstrate any competitive advantage to the PR resulting from the presence of the drug. The intent and competitive advantage issues are only taken into consideration in the determination of the sanctions to be imposed. This system of strict liability has been reconfirmed time and again and it must prevail when sporting fairness to all competitors is at stake. Under the FEI judicial system the competitor, as the person responsible, is responsible for all matters relating to his or her mount, including competing on horses which are 'drug free'. It is similarly the responsibility of competitors to inform themselves of all substances fed or administered to horses which are destined for participation in international events and to ensure that such horses do not have any prohibited substances in their systems or that such treatments are disclosed prior to the start of the competition and authorized in advance. Competitors should, therefore, seek information and should discuss all treatments with owners, veterinarians and other caretakers of all horses which are destined for participation in international events in order to avoid contravening FEI rules and regulations. Procedures aimed at ensuring that such information is fully disclosed must be established by all competitors and the expectation is that competitors that compete at the highest levels of the sport should have an established system that would prevent even an inadvertent unauthorized medication of a horse participating in international events. The Judicial Committee does take into account the facts that the PR did not have actual knowledge of the treatment, did establish a mechanism to learn ahead of international events regarding such treatments, did not clearly obtain competitive advantage, has a blameless record as an international rider and the hardship caused to the PR as a result of the delays and procedural mistakes and therefore determines that there should be no suspension in this case despite the type of drug and its grade. In accordance with General Regulations Art. 174.7.3 the Person Responsible is fined CHF 2,500.- The Judicial Committee has taken into consideration the incomplete documentation initially provided to PR‚s counsel and has limited the costs payable to the FEI by the PR towards the costs of the judicial procedure, in accordance with General Regulations Art. 174.12, to CHF 1,000.-. It should be emphasized that, in deciding against the PR and imposing the penalties, the Judicial Committee is not claiming that the PR knew about the treatment, authorized it or received any advantage as a result thereof. Therefore, the PR's prominent reputation must stay unaffected. Nevertheless, this case should again emphasize the vital importance of medication control and the need for all caretakers to be conservative in their assessments and more importantly to report to the PR all treatments and allow the PR to make the required determination whether to enter the horse in an international event or request an authorization to compete despite a prior treatment. This is the system established by the FEI which is aimed at establishing fair and equal conditions for competitors. |
| 28/10/2003 |
New Press Service for FEI Dressage World Cup The FEI is launching a news press service for the FEI World Cup Dressage. Based in Great Britain, Bernadette Faurie will ensure the press service of the Dressage World Cup. She has a wide experience in equestrian sport and the Dressage discipline in particular and regularly writes for well-known publications such as Horse International. A press release will be sent out prior to each World Cup Qualifier of the Western European League to present the event (preview) as well as a report at the conclusion of the World Cup competition. To subscribe to the FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CUP NEWS, send any message to fei.wcdressage-on@horsesport.org The new season of the Western European League includes eight events and will start in Berlin from 13 to 16 November 2003. The 2003/2004 Final will take place in Düssedorf (GER) from 1 to 4 April 2004. |
| 13/10/2003 |
Highlights of the Global Dressage forum There were many highlights at the third Global Dressage Forum, which was held on 6 and 7 October at the Dressage Academy in Hooge Mierde (NED). European champion Ulla Salzgeber gave an exciting interview, followed by a perfect demonstration of top riding. Arthur Kottas, ex chief rider of the Spanish Riding School, showed the real art of working horses Œin hand‚. TheAustralian Œsit trainer‚ Richard Weis talked about body dynamics and body awareness. Many interesting discussions took place between top trainers and judges, chaired by the President of the FEI Dressage Committee Mariette Withages. The Global Dressage Forum was presented by the international dressage rider Richard Davison and the President of the Trainers, David Hunt. During her clinic at the Forum Ulla Salzgeber rode her horse Wall Street and explained the details of her preparation for a big international dressage class. Hans van Zetten, an expert in gymnastics, gave a lecture on the practice of judging other Olympic sports. He explained the necessity to have an extensive handbook, or so called Œcode of points‚, where the details of every movement and the possible mistakes have to be explained in details. After an interesting discussion with the audience, it was the current Olympic champion Anky van Grunsven, who concluded Œwe must think about what we can learn from the experiences of other artistic sports. On the second day of the Global Dressage Forum, ex-Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School, Arthur Kottas gave an impressive demonstration of work 'from the ground' (hand work). Kottas trained a horse in hand, demonstrating the skill and kindness that is essential to get a relaxed horse working through its whole body. Afterwards, the horse was ridden by Kottas‚ daughter with her father explaining his training methods. Arthur Kottas himself went into the saddle during the second clinic of the day, which was presented by Richard Weis from Australia. He is an Alexander therapist and specialized in the correct seat of the rider. Weis explained his work as a therapist and trainer, and even managed to get the whole audience of 250 persons moving around, and jumping to do some exercises. The afternoon session was presented by the German Equestrian Federation (FN). Veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschman gave a lecture on the anatomy of the horse. Christoph Hess and Holger Schmezer, national trainer, presented four horses and riders from top national young rider level to Grand Prix. At the end of the Forum, the President of the Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC) David Hunt presented the IDTC award to Wiltrud Duckeck, who had been running the Trainers Club with her late husband Hermann for many years. |
| 9/10/2003 |
Paralympics in Athens – Dr Doulittle Appeal Following the excellent results achieved by Jan Pike at the World Dressage Championships in Belgium, the horse she rode there – Dr Doulittle – has been purchased. an appeal is being organised to bring Dr Doulittle to Australia so that Jan can prepare for the Athens Paralympics on him. Click here to download a Word document containing the full details of the appeal. |
| 21/8/2003 |
QLD DRESSAGE SQUADS ANNOUNCED FOR 2nd TERM, 2003. The selectors apologise as they have been unable to select new squads for this term. This was due to unforseen technical problems. Therefore the squads shall remain the same as for last term. The B Squad will now be commenced in 2004, as will the Pony Squad. Click here to download the full squad list. |
| 19/8/2003 | EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP IN HICKSTEAD (GBR) Ulla Salzgeber retains her European title During a highly successful championship held in Great Britain for the first time in 16 years, Ulla Salzgeber's Rusty led Germany to Team Gold and finished with a total score of 244.092, after having made an extraordinary score of 85.44% in the Freestyle to Music (Kür). 2 sets of medals were awarded: three for the European Championship and three for the Open European Championship, which included competitors from outside Europe. Ulla Salzgeber and Rusty won both gold medals. Spain earned the Team Silver medal and Great Britain the Team Bronze. With a total score of 235.332, Lisa Wilcox (USA) finished second and earned the silver medal of the Open Championship, followed by Jan Brink (SWE) and Beatriz Ferrer-Salat. Great Britain, Austria and Canada qualified a team for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, joining Germany, USA, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands which earned their qualifications already last year at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez. Ireland qualified one individual, as Heike Holstein, who finished 20th of the overall individual classification, was the best placed individual in the Grand Prix not yet qualified through the World Equestrian Games 2002.
Individual medals |
| 12/8/2003 |
Pan American Games In Santo Domingo (DOM) Dressage Leslie Reid (CAN) led all the way, winning the Prix St-Georges and Intermediate 1, to capture the individual gold medal. Bernadette Pujals of Mexico was 2nd in the freestyle and captured the Silver medal while Yvonne Muniz (DOM) had to settle for Bronze. A record number o 43 competitors and 10 teams participated in the Wednesday and Thursday sessions of the Prix St George counting for the Team medals. USA won the team Gold ahead of Canada, only 0.25 behind, who earned the Silver medal followed by Mexico who grabbed the Bronze. The Jumping competitions of the Pan American Games will start tomorrow 13 August. www.santodomingo2003.com |
| 8/8/2003 |
JR Easy Traveller/ Winergy Queensland Dressage Championships (press release) Dressage Queensland has reluctantly had to cancel the CDI-W for this year. The Gold Coast City Council has advised the Committee that because of unforseen construction difficulties, the new Equestrian Centre at Carrara will not be completed in time for the October competition. Despite exhaustive efforts to obtain another suitable venue the Dressage Queensland Committee regretfully has had to cancel the CDI-W. The Queensland Dressage Championships will go ahead as planned from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th October 2003, but the venue has been changed to the Caboolture Dressage Group Grounds, Alex Barr Oval, Caboolture. This will include all classes from Preliminary to Grand Prix (yes, a Preliminary Challenge has been added to the program) and the freestyle classes will run in the indoor arena on Saturday afternoon and evening. Full details of the changes will be included in the next edition of Salute and will also be placed on www.dressageit.com/schedules <http://www.dressageit.com/schedules> . For further information you can ring: Sally Wilde (07) 3878 9963, Ave Plummer (07) 3820 6784 or Wendy Cooke (07) 3206 8667. Dressage Queensland sincerely apologises to all riders for any inconvenience resulting from this change of venue. Meanwhile, we hope you will all send in your entries to make this year's Queensland Championships a great success. |
| 8/8/2003 | Qld State Championships changes With the Carrara grounds not ready in time for the October 10-12 event, Dressage Queensland has had to make some hard decisions about the State Championships and CDI-W. They have released a newsflash and revised schedule, both of which are available on this site. Click on the links above to download Acrobat files. |
| 5/8/2003 | FEI BCM World Dressage Riders Rankings Ulla Salzgeber Still Number One Ulla Salzgeber still leads the FEI BCM World Dressage Riders Rankings with an unchanged score of 80.293. She is followed by two US riders Lisa Wilcox (78.788) and Debbie McDonald (77.544). Most of the riders are preparing for the European Championship to start in Hickstead this week and only a few events were organised last July. The only important change in the July 2003 ranking list is the spectacular fall of Rafael Soto Andrade who goes down from 6th to 56th place. This is due to the fact that the Spanish rider now only has 9 results counting for the rankings, as he did not return to CDI *** Balve (GER) this year and dropped the results achieved there last year. Website for the European Dressage Championship in Hickstead >http://www.edc2003.com/ Complete rankings available shortly on http://www.horsesport.org/fei/consult/consult_02/con_02_02.html |
| 29/7/2003 |
European Dressage Championship for Juniors and Young Riders L‚Ecole Nationale d'Equitation de Saumur (FRA) successfully organised the European Dressage Championships for Juniors and Young Riders from 22 to 27 July 2003. The Netherlands and Germany confirmed their supremacy in Dressage and shared most of the individual and team medals. Germany earned the Young Riders European team title with a total of 4756 points, ahead of the Netherlands (4710) and Belgium (4493), while the Netherlands won the Junior Championship with a total of 4086 points ahead of Germany (4056) and Sweden (3786). Thamar Zweistra (NED) on Hexagon‚s Kyrian earned the Gold medal of the Young Riders‚ Championship, ahead of Jan Andreas Vierbrock/Directeur (GER) and Jessica Werndl/Duchesse (GER). The Junior individual title went to Angela Van der Berg (NED) and Mix while the Silver and Bronze medals went to German riders Dirk Vierbrock/Willi the Kid and Christina Sprehe/Wyoming. Hundred-six riders from 20 nations competed in the Championship, which also saw some stars of Dressage in the public, such as Olympic champion Anky Van Grunsven. Complete results on www.cadrenoir.fr |
| 25/6/2003 |
2006 World Equestrian Games The countdown has begun: In the course of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2003, the fixed date as well as the official logo for the FEI World Equestrian Games Aachen 2006 were presented. The World Championships in seven equestrian disciplines will take place from 22 August to 3 September 2006 on the traditional tournament grounds of the Aachen-Laurensberger Renverein e.V. (ALRV). The organisers await 800 participants with 875 horses and more than 500.000 spectators. IN 2005, two new tribunes are planned to be built in the jumping stadium. At the Eastern side of the stadium, a completely new tribune with an integrated press centre will be built, furthermore it is planned to re-design the main Tribune. The event's budget amounts to 36 Million Euro. Half of it is made up of sponsoring, ticketing, TV-rights, the shopping street, hospitality or licensing. The prize money during the event will amount to 1.353.000 Euro. |
| 27/4/2003 | FEI Bureau meeting in Madrid The FEI Bureau just held its spring meeting on 26 and 27 April 2003 in Madrid (ESP) on the invitation of the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation and the City Council of Madrid. Further to the cancellation of the 2003 General Assembly, the Bureau took a number of important decisions which could not be delayed until next year. The following items were discussed, decided and/or will be referred to at the FEI 2004 General Assembly... >Full text is on this site. Click here to download an Adobe Acrobat file. It contains interesting and important information on the development of Dressage. |
| 15/4/2003 | Top hats back for FEI dressage tests The EFA national office reports that the EFA insurers have waived the requirement for the wearing of helmets for official FEI tests. This means that '...riders competing in official FEI tests (Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate II and Grand Prix-level tests, and FEI Eventing Dressage tests) may wear a top hat in accordance with FEI rules.' Details on the EFA Web site. |
| 24/3/2003 |
(Reproduced from FEI Bulletin I/2003, p. 53) FEI Policy Statement concerning Alcohol and Cannabinoids: In accordance with current medical opinion, and in the best interest of horse and rider, the FEI strongly cautions against the use of Cannabis and or Alcohol prior to or during the course of a competition. It is recognised that the use of such, and similar substances, may impair judgement and coordination with attendant risks to competitors, officials and spectators. FEI Warning on Oral Contraceptives Please be advised that while oral contraceptives are allowed both in and out of competition, we have received information on the birth control pill called YASMIN, which contains a diuretic that may be used as a masking agent. Diuretics are considered prohibited substances for both in and out of competition. All competitors in FEI events are advised to check the status of their individual oral contraception to ensure that they are not violating the anti-doping rules and regulations. |
| 21/3/2003 | The EFA has announced the 2003 National Elite, Holding and Talent squads for dressage. Click here to see the details. |
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