FEI PRESS NEWS 23/03
28 JULY 2003
- EU Pony Championships in Necarne Castle (IRL)
- EU Dressage Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Saumur (FRA)
- Samsung Super League
- FEI Open European Endurance Championship - change of date
- Press conference in Dublin to present the EU Championship in Eventing and
Endurance
- Big media interest in the Europeans Jumping
- FEI/PSI Jumping and Dressage Challenge
- World Driving Pairs Championship in Jardy (FRA)
- Congratulations to Jack Pemberton
- FEI World Reining Masters Series
- Israeli rider wins an International Grand Prix
- Pippa Funnel leads the Eventing World Riders Rankings
- Sports development: seminar in Jamaica
- In Memoriam Karl Bodenmüller
EUROPEAN PONY CHAMPIONSHIP IN NECARNE CASTLE
The 2003 European Pony Championship in the three Olympic discipline was
organised from 22 to 27 July in Necarne Castle (IRL).
SHOW JUMPING -
Great Britain dominated the Jumping championship. This is their sixth
consecutive team victory and they were untouchable.
Sophie Broome, the niece of David Broome, riding Spottie Dot Com was without
doubt the most exciting British partnership - she is a tiny little girl and
the pony was huge! Denmark was going for Silver into the second round but
fell apart, leaving the battle between the Dutch and Irish team for the
remainder of medals. The very strong Dutch team finally earned the Silver
medal in front of an Irish team delighted to earn a medal on their home
turf.
The Individual winner is Swiss: the 15 year old Julie Delaporte lives in
Geneva. Her pony, Sabra, was quick in all competitions and had just that
much extra speed in the five-pony individual jump-off in which Hannah
Paul/Mister Amontilano (GBR) took silver ahead of Sophie Broome and Spottie
Dot Com. The height of the fences in the final leg of the individual
competition was no less than 1m40.
The sensation of the Jumping Championship came from French-owned Connemara
pony Dexter Leam Pondi ridden by 13 year old Alice Chambaud who won both of
the early qualifying rounds and who looked like he could clear 1m60 with the
greatest of ease. The pony was very strong in the individual final and
Alice had some difficulty with him - he is a stallion and has bred some
foals - but he put in a stunning double-clear in the team competition on the
final day.
EVENTING - German Dressage expertise won the day by a considerable margin.
Necarne is in County Fermanagh which is a very hilly country and some of the
ponies ran out of steam on the hills and had problems to finish the cross
country. Fence 15, a double of corners just four fences from the end of the
course, proved the most influential obstacle as it required very accurate
riding.
Germany earned the Team Gold medal ahead of France and Belgium. German team
members Julia Weiser and Charlotte Offeney took the individual Gold and
Silver medals respectively. The home crowd was delighted when Dubliner, Sara
Glynn, took the Bronze with Aero Flyer, a pony consistently placed in these
championships over a number of years. Germany took four of the top five
individual places.
DRESSAGE - The standard of Dressage was incredibly high. Not surprisingly,
Germany took the Team Gold medal, but the Dutch team, which included
Marrigje Van Baalen, a niece of Coby Van Baalen, finished a close second,
just 12 marks behind. British team, in bronze medal position, included
Lorna Edmonds, daughter of well-known British TV personality Noel Edmonds.
She also finished individually sixth.
All Individual medals went to Germany, with the Gold to Katharina Winkelhues
who was defending her title.
The facilities at Necarne Castle were excellent. The sand arena in Walled
Garden was an ideal location for Dressage. The cross-country course is truly
all-weather and had been significantly altered for the championships.
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
SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE
British Brilliant on Home Ground at Hickstead!
The British stormed to victory on their home ground in Hickstead today,
catapulting themselves into third position on the Samsung Super League
leaderboard and firmly underlining their return to the top level of
international show jumping.
Their hunger for a win had been clear since early in the season and, despite
a disappointing result in Aachen, they looked to be ever-improving in recent
months but today they were simply the best, although they were almost forced
into a jump-off with France.
The French were unlucky when a mistake from Michel Robert and Galet D'Auzay
at the very last fence denied them a two-way jump-off with the eventual
winners and it was a close-fought thing right to the end.
As has happened so many times over the years, the derby-style Hickstead
fences produced plenty of surprises and Belgium's chances were shattered
when Dirk Demeersman's Clinton simply refused to take on the water-jump and
then Jean Claude Vangeenberghe also suffered elimination as Richebourg
appeared to become anxious after clearing the water and jammed on the brakes
at the following double.
Nick Skelton has made a remarkable recovery from the career-threatening neck
injury he suffered two years ago and his double-clear rounds with Arko were
absolutely classic.
Scott Smith and Cabri d'Elle had a fence down in each round but Richard
Davenport and Luc almost matched Skelton's perfection as they floated around
the ring first time out and only the middle element of the double caught
them out at their second attempt.
Robert Smith and Mr Springfield sealed the early advantage when fault-free
in round one and with just eight faults on the board after three riders had
completed their score could not be improved and the Yorkshireman did not
have to return to the ring as the result was already confirmed.
"This was a tremendous morale booster" said British Chef d'Equipe
afterwards.
"Our main objective for this year is to qualify for the Olympic Games and
then to stay in the Samsung Super League for next season but we always
wanted to win this one - its special to us" he said. "I only got nervous
when I thought we really had a chance - I would have been happy if we had
been within the top three so I'm really delighted - this is a good feeling
and great for British show jumping" he added.
After Hickstead France still heads the Samsung Super League leaderboard with
only a half-point advantage over the Irish while the British have rocketed
to third ahead of Germany in fourth, Belgium in fifth and Holland, Sweden
and Italy further down the order.
More news and quotes on www.samsungsuperleague.com
To subscribe to the SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE press news list: send any message
to fei.superleague-on@horsesport.org
Results:
1. Great Britain - 8 faults: Nick Skelton/Arko 0+0, Scott Smith/Cabri d'Elle
4+4, Richard Davenport/Luc 0+4, Robert Smith/Mr Springfield 0+DNS.
Equal 2. Ireland - 12 faults: Kevin Babington/Carling King 0+4, Cian
O'Connor/Waterford Crystal 0+0, Billy Twomey/Luidam 4+4, Peter
Charles/Corrada 8+4.
France - 12 faults: Michel Hecart/Quilano de Kalvarie 4+4, Edouard
Couperie/For de la Hardiere 4+16, Reynald Angot/Tlaloc M 0+0, Michel
Robert/Galet d'Auzay 0+4.
4. Holland - 16 faults
5. Germany - 32 faults
6. Sweden - 32 faults
7. Italy - 36 faults
8. Belgium - Eliminated
SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE LEADERBOARD
1. France - 37 points
2. Ireland - 36.5 points
3. Great Britain- 26 points
4. Germany - 21 points
5. Belgium - 13.5 points
6. Holland - 10.5 points
7. Sweden - 10 points
8. Italy - 8 points.
SAMSUNG NATIONS CUP SERIES
Switzerland leads the standings of the Samsung Nations Cup Series with 28
points ahead of Spain (21 pts) and the USA (19 pts). The next events of the
Series will take place this week-end in Lummen (BEL) and Budapest (HUN).
The best team of the Samsung Nations Cup Series at the end of the season
will be promoted to the Samsung Super League 2004.
FEI EMIRATES AIRLINE OPEN EUROPEAN ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS CHANGE OF DATE
The 2003 European Endurance Championship, to be held in Punchestown (IRL) in
conjunction with the European Eventing Championship, will take place on
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2003.
The Organising Committee, representatives of the FEI and the Ground Jury met
last week to consider the implications of a change of date requested by a
certain number of NFs. The original date for the ride was Sunday 21st
September. After considering the various issues involved (including the fact
that the World Young Riders Endurance Championship takes place in Italy the
following week) the decision was made in the interest of the competitors and
the further development of Endurance to run the event on Friday 19th
September 2003.
The modified programme is available on the official web site of the event
(www.sporthorseshow.com ). The schedule will be posted on the web site on
Tuesday 29 July and entries in principle will be required by Wednesday 6
August 2003.
PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN DUBLIN TO PRESENT THE EUROPEAN EVENTING AND
ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The International Sport Horse Show is pleased to invite the media
representatives to a press conference to present the Sport Ireland IFG
European Eventing Championships and The FEI Emirates Airline Open European
Endurance Championship that will take place in Punchestown, Ireland, from
18th to 21st September 2003.
The press conference will take place on Friday, 8 August at 1.00 p.m. in
Conference Room 3 at the Royal Dublin Society Showgrounds. The entrance
door is to the right of the Cafe facing Ring 2. Go upstairs and turn left,
following the ISHS signs.
All media attending the Dublin Horse Show are invited to the press
conference during which representatives of the Organising Committee and the
sponsors will give a general update on preparations for the championships.
For further information please contact Lucia Montanarella, Press Officer,
International Sport Horse Show, ph. +39 335 6165415, e-mail
press@sporthorseshow.com
BIG MEDIA INTEREST FOR THE EUROPEAN JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP
Some 20 days before the start of the 2003 European Jumping Championship to
be held in Donaueschingen (GER), about 220 journalists from 17 countries
have applied for accreditation.
Donaueschingen is the fourth German town to host a European Jumping
Championship. Aachen (four times), Munich (twice) and Mannheim have also
been locations for an EC in show jumping. European Championships have been
held since 1957, and will be carried out for the 27th time. A team ranking
will be decided for the 16th time.
The European Show Jumping Championship on the Internet:
www.chi-donaueschingen.de
FEI/PSI WORLD JUMPING AND DRESSAGE FINALS
The FEI/PSI WORLD JUMPING & DRESSAGE CHALLENGE FINALS including the best
riders of the 2002 season of the FEI/PSI worldwide Challenge, will be
organised for the third consecutive year at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen a.T.W.
Germany from 7 - 10 August, in conjunction with the International Riders
Festival.
This year, the Final of the Dressage Children's competition will be held
using the same format as for the adults, i.e., a Final on Sunday with change
of horses.
Spectators will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special exhibition on
the theme Horses & Dreams.
For more information: PSI Show Office, Tel : +49 5401 89200 ; Fax: +49 5401
9417; e-mail: info@psi-sporthorses.de. Web: www.psi-events.de
WORLD DRIVING PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP IN JARDY
Two months before the World Pairs Championship in Jardy (FRA), 15 nations
have announced their participation: Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium,
the Netherlands, Australia, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Argentina,
Germany, Hungary, Netherlands Antilles, France and Luxembourg.
The nominated entries and composition of teams will be known on 19 August.
The Championship will be held from 17 to 21 September in conjunction with a
CSI****. The Marathon will be held on Saturday 20 September as of 9:00.
Complete programme and more information on www.aso-equitation.com
TALKING ABOUT DRIVING.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JACK PEMBERTON
The Chairman of the FEI Driving Committee, Jack Pemberton (CAN) turns 80
today. Highly respected Official International FEI Judge, Jack Pemberton
represented Canada at the founding meeting of FEI Driving in 1968. Past
President of the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair in Toronto, Jack Pemberton
has been the founding Director of the Canadian and American Driving
Societies. He is the Chairman of the FEI Driving Committee and Bureau Member
since 1994.
Happy Birthday from the FEI Bureau and Secretariat in Lausanne!
FEI INTRODUCES THE WORLD REINING MASTERS SERIES
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) today announced a new
competition for the discipline of Reining- the FEI World Reining Masters-
developed by the FEI Reining Committee.
"The purpose of the World Reining Master Series is to develop a program that
will encourage the continued growth of Reining internationally, hopefully
leading up to Olympic participation," says FEI Reining Committee Chairman
Frank Costantini. "It will definitely preview the up-coming excitement of
the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.
"One of the goals of this program is to introduce Reining to even more
countries than participated in its debut at the 2002 World Equestrian Games
in Jerez, Spain where eleven countries participated. We are hoping that a
minimum of fifteen countries will participate in the Reining Masters Series
in 2004," Costantini said.
In 2004, the FEI World Reining Masters Series will offer qualifying events
for individual riders competing on horses that are six-years-old and older.
There will be significant prize money and prestige as well as the
opportunity for the leading money earner from each National Federation to
compete at the World Reining Masters Series Finals, held in conjunction with
the 2004 NRHA Futurity & Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK. In 2005,
the World Reining Masters Finals will be held in Europe at a venue yet to be
announced.
"The FEI is very proud to announce these opportunities for Reining," said
FEI Sports Director Michael Stone. "Building on the momentum Reining created
during the 2002 World Equestrian Games, the Reining Masters Series will be
an effective tool in the continued development and promotion of
International Reining events."
In 2000, Reining was accepted by the FEI for international competition.
Participation in the 2002 World Equestrian Games was a huge step forward for
the sport. The FEI Reining Masters Series will further promote Reining
internationally as well as provide the means for reining horses,
competitors, owners, breeders and enthusiasts around the world to enjoy the
recognition and appreciation they so richly deserve. Assisting the FEI with
the implementation of Reining as its seventh discipline have been the
National Reining Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse
Association.
"The FEI Reining Committee was challenged to provide a plan to stoke the
embers of excitement and enthusiasm worldwide that Reining garnered at the
2002 World Equestrian Games," says Costantini. "The World Reining Masters
Series is primed to meet the challenge."
There will be a press conference "call-in" session at 9:00 a.m. CDT on
Thursday, July 31, 2003. The FEI Reining Committee Chairman Frank
Costantini, FEI Sports Director Michael Stone, NRHA Executive Director Dan
Wall and AQHA Executive Director of Marketing and Membership Services Don
Treadway will be available to answer questions.
The Teleconference Dial-in Numbers are as follows: United States: (800)
230-1092; International: 001-(612) 288-0340
"Reining Masters Press Conference" Confirmation Number: 693739: Tom
Persechino, AQHA Sr. Director of Marketing.
ISRAELI RIDER WINS A TOP INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIX
For the first time, in the history of equestrian sports, an Israeli rider
won a top International Grand Prix: Elad Yaniv, on Dayment Dayliete achieved
this important result for his country in San Patrignano. The 25-years-old
Israeli rider, who has been competing with this horse for only three months,
climbed on the top place of the podium at the "Wind - Challenge Vincenzo
Muccioli Grand Prix" concluding the San Patrignano CSI.
In the second round - where the 11 riders who went clear in the first round
competed - he preceeded the Swedish rider Henrik Hankancrona, second on
Candelight and the French lady rider Dominique Robert, who placed third with
Auleto.
Complete results on www.sanpatrignano.org
PIPPA FUNNEL LEADS THE FEI EVENTING RIDERS WORLD RANKINGS
Pippa Funnell (GBR) leads the FEI Eventing Rankings with 455 points, ahead
of William Fox-Pitt (GBR) (389 pts) and Philip Dutton (AUS) (379 pts). Pippa
Funnell, who won CCI **** Lexington (USA) and CCI**** Badmington (GBR) is
leading the rankings since the beginning of 2003. Her runner-up, William
Fox-Pitt, went up from 3rd to 2nd place thanks to his 1st place in CCI*** in
Luhmühlen (GER).
The FEI Eventing Rankings are dominated by British riders who take five of
the Top Ten places. The lady riders are very well placed with 5 places in
the Top Ten. The complete rankings are published on the FEI website, section
consult, Eventing (direct link
http://www.horsesport.org/fei/consult/consult_02/con_02_03.html)
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
SEMINAR FOR JUMPING JUDGES AND COURSE DESIGNERS IN JAMAICA
The FEI Development Fund has financed a seminar for Jumping Judges and
Course Designers from the Caribbean NFs, which was efficiently organised on
the initiative of the Jamaican Equestrian Federation. It took place in
Montego Bay, in the Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club from 27 to 29 June.
The seminar was brilliantly conducted by the Florida based José Gamarra of
Bolivia, FEI International Judge and Course Designer , notably of the 2003
FEI World Jumping Challenge. National and FEI Candidate Judges and Course
Designers as well as coaches and riders from Jamaica, Bermuda, Barbados,
Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and the Caiman Islands took an active part in it.
The Seminar began with the review and interpretation of the new FEI Jumping
Rules effective 1 January 2003. The second day was devoted to the course
design and started by a theoretical part, followed on the third day by a
clinic using the facilities of Mrs Trina Delisser in Montego Bay. Among
other subjects, Mr Gamarra showed the importance and effect of the shape and
colour of the obstacles on the horses. He also explained how to make good
obstacles using the material available.
The participants were also given the opportunity to meet with Jacqueline
Braissant, FEI Development Project Manager. Their concerns were mainly
related to the FEI World Jumping and Dressage Challenge, the rules of which
were discussed
The representative of Haiti showed an interesting video on the Haitian
equestrian activities, which are definitely competition oriented, and the
progress accomplished over ten years. Their strategy is based on good
quality horses, well qualified international trainers and exposure of riders
in competitions held in Florida or Europe. It is should also be noted that
Dressage riders from Barbados and Trinidad and Jumping riders from Haiti
will participate in the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo.
The Seminar was held in a very friendly atmosphere reinforcing the
communication and cooperation between the Caribbean NFs.
IN MEMORIAM
Karl Bodenmüller, a former Chef d'Equipe of the Swiss Nations Cup Jumping
team, died on 25 July 2003, aged 82. After a successful business career and
considerable successes as a Jumping rider, Bondenmüller was the Chef
d'Equipe of the Swiss Jumping Team from 1973 to 1976.
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Muriel Faienza, FEI Communications
FEDERATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE
