12 June 2014

25-year-old German eventer Benjamin Winter fell off his horse during the 4* cross-country track at CCI4* Luhmuehlen (GER) while jumping obstacle No. 20 – the ‘Ariat Table’- with his second horse Ispo. He had already finished his first round staying clear with his horse Wild Thing Z. Benjamin Winter was transported to hospital where he died of his injuries.

14th june 2014

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

All eyes will be on Cannes this evening as best show jumpers in the world each take to the spotlight for Round 5 of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2014 season. 2011 and 2012 Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) is currently leading the charge at the top of the LGCT Ranking with 114 points, but Ludger Beerbaum (GER) and Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) are right behind her with 91 and 78 points, respectively.

Olympic medallists, World and European Champions will be competing for the €300,000 prize fund in the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes Grand Prix, presented by Haras des Grillons. Last year’s victor and hot favourite for the 2014 Championship title win, Marcus Ehning (GER) heads up the glittering field of challengers, which includes Scott Brash (GBR), Ben Maher (GBR), Daniel Deusser (GER), Kevin Staut (FRA), Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) and Doda de Miranda (BRA).

The ranking battle is a close affair, with different riders winning the first four legs of the Championship series so far. The eyes of the equestrian world will be on the glamorous French Riviera tonight for an adrenaline-fuelled fifth round competition. Weeks ago, the stars of Hollywood were only a few hundred metres away on La Croisette, tonight the stars of equestrian sport will take to the spotlight.

“It’s tough to pick the winner, maybe Scott or Ben,” said Emanuele Gaudiano. “They are still on fantastic form.” Riders showing form in Cannes so far include homestar Pénélope Leprevost, Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and World No1 and 2 Scott Brash and Ben Maher, who have all made the podium. After a slow start to the LGCT season, Scott Brash produced a class performance in round three in Hamburg to take a Bronze medal podium finish – Brash told GCT TV that defending his Championship crown was definitely a target for this year.

The man it seems Brash most needs to defend his crown from is his 2012 Olympic teamate World No2 Ben Maher, currently 4th on the Leaderboard to the World No1′s 20th. The rivalry between the fellow Brits is certainly apparent after Maher took another 3rd place behind Brash in last night’s main class. Maher told the media at the Hamburg Grand Prix press conference that the Tour was one of his ‘targets this season’, so watch this space, as tonight’s big class could well be pivotal in Maher’s quest for the crown.

One man who could well stir it all up at the top of the Championship table is the maestro Marcus Ehning, last year’s winner of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes Grand Prix and already a Silver medallist on the Tour this season. Marcus is in great form, lying 5th on the Ranking, but with two other German titans, Ludger Beerbaum and Daniel Deusser, currently sitting in the LGCT Top Ten following some great performances, he could well have to fight off his countrymen if he is to retain his Cannes title this year.

Watch the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes live this evening from 7pm local time on GCT TV, ClassHorseTV and Equidia Life, on beINSports 3 from 9.45pm and on Eurosport from 9.30pm local time.

source: wwww.globalchampionstour.com

15 June 2014

The penultimate class of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes was won by Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Riesling du Monselet, who put in a truly brave performance as the rain began to fall on the French Riviera. Second place went to Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and VDL Groep Eureka and 3rd to Doda de Miranda (BRA) and AD Amigo B.

The speed class was full of the all the big names preparing for the feature Grand Prix this evening. Before the weather turned, the twisting Uliano Vezzani course was causing problems at many points with rails falling throughout, but 14 of the 40 starters cleared the course without fault.

Gregory Wathelet came from the middle of the draw to take the lead just as the heavy rain began to fall in a time of 54.44s. Maikel van der Vleuten came closest with his fast grey, stopping the clock at 55.14s but the deteriorating conditions were not in his favour. Gregory accepted his prize to apprecative applause as the rain clouds rolled by and the the arena crew prepared for the evening’s feature class – the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes Grand Prix.

Watch the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes live this evening from 7pm local time on GCT TV, ClassHorseTV and Equidia Life, on beINSports 3 from 9.45pm and on Eurosport from 9.30pm local time.

Source: GCT

15 June 2014

The first round of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes Grand Prix began in heavy rain this evening and finished in beautiful sunshine, as 15 clear rounds went through to the 2nd round, with three on four faults also progressing as part of the top 18.

Talented young US rider Jessica Springsteen was all smiles as she delivered a superb clear on her bay mare Lisona, watched by her parents Bruce and Patti, and their friends, from the VIP area. Also clear are home riders Pénélope Leprevost, last night’s big winner, and Kevin Staut, as well as fan-favourite Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and Ireland’s Denis Lynch.

Championship Ranking Leader Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) is on track for another great result at the beautiful Cannes arena, going through to the next round on a zero score with Ego van Orti. Rising Qatari star Bassem Hassan Mohammed and Victoria also produced a strong performance to join the clears, while Thursday night’s winner Luciana Diniz and Fit For Fun continued her fine form to finish with a zero score.

World No1 Scott Brash (GBR) has been a man on a mission since missing out on a few early legs of this year’s Tour. The Scotsman looked determined as he rode a foot-perfect round with his 2012 Olympic ride Hello Sanctos to join the other big names in the 2nd round.

Despite a dramatic thunderstorm raising the curtain on the 5th Grand Prix of the 2014 Championship race, the downpour did not deter fans who filled the grandstands to watch Top 30 ranked riders in the world go into battle. Hollywood actress Marion Cotillard and her husband Guillaume Canet were among the glamorous parade of guests on the red carpet alongside the VIP lodge.

The sky has once again turned blue as we look to the next round. With 2013 winner Marcus Ehning out of the running with 4 faults in the first round, we will certainly crown a new victor this year in the Cannes Grand Prix. Could Edwina Tops-Alexander, Scott Brash or Rolf-Goran Bengtsson go higher on the podium here and claim their first Gold of the season?

Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT

Source: GCT

15 June 2014

Competition continued in the Meadows on the Green on Saturday at the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament with the $85,000 Talisman Energy Cup 1.50m. Richard Spooner rode Cristallo to victory and was second with Chivas Z. The ‘Continental’ CSIO 5* Tournament concludes on Sunday with the $210,000 CP Grand Prix.
There were 55 entries in the competition, and they contested a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of the United States. There were just five in the jump-off after a tough first round with a skinny vertical at the end of the ring that caught many horses and riders.
Spooner and Cristallo, a 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Caretino x Cicero owned by Show Jumping Syndication Intl, were the first to find the key to a clear round and came back in the jump-off to set the pace. Slithering over each jump and flat-out galloping in between, they showed how it is done by going clear in 33.11 seconds.

Richard Spooner and Cristallo

McLain Ward (USA) and Dulien van de Smeets were next in, but a rail down in 36.36 seconds left them in fifth place at the end of the class. Richie Moloney (IRL), part of last night’s winning Nations Cup team, gave a good try with Equinimity LLC’s Alsvid in 35.30 seconds, which slotted into third place.

Spooner was next in with Chivas Z, a 15-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Cumano x Lord Gotthard. Spooner was just off his own winning pace in 33.71 seconds to finish one-two in the class. There was a late bid from the final competitor, Conor Swail (IRL) on Martha Louise, who was faster in 31.12 seconds, but they had a rail down in the combination for fourth place.
Spooner shakes his head and smiles when talking about his partner Cristallo, who is still extremely competitive and pulling him around the course at 16 years old. “How do you beat that horse? He’s a freak of nature, an unbelievable animal,” he described.

While there was a long gallop to the last fence, Spooner felt he was faster from the skinny wall to the combination in the jump-off course. “Actually, I slowed him down (to the last oxer),” he revealed. “I was faster in the dash across to the combination. Because of his experience, I’m able to do what other horses really shouldn’t and can’t do into a combination like that. But he can kind of do that with one eye closed, just because he’s done it so many times. That’s one advantage of having an aged horse.”

Spooner has known Chivas Z since he was purchased as an eight-year-old by Ashlee Bond Clarke. “Every once in a while she would have me ride Chivas, if there was a problem or I needed an extra horse,” he said. “She moved on from Chivas and sold him to Simon Nizri. Then Simon was nice enough to sell him to me. I’ve always wanted the horse. I was finally able to afford him last year.”

Richard Spooner and Chivas Z

After an absence from Spruce Meadows last year, Spooner is happy to show here again. As the fourth-ranked rider in the Spruce Meadows Top 20 Prize Money Winners (having now earned $2,348,596), Spooner is a fan favorite as well.

“It feels great being back in the winner’s circle,” he remarked. “It feels fantastic to be back at Spruce Meadows. It’s a special place, and it’s a wonderful place for show jumping with nice, big fields, good footing, and good prize money.”

Richard Spooner raises the winner’s trophy with Bob Rooney,
Executive Vice President, Corporate & General Counsel, Talisman Energy.

Spooner will continue to show at the rest of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

Final Results: $85,000 Talisman Energy Cup 1.50m

1. CRISTALLO: Holstein / G / 16 Caretino x Cicero
RICHARD SPOONER (USA), Show Jumping Syndication Intl: 0/0/33.11

2. CHIVAS Z:Zangersheide / G / 15 Cumano x Lord Gotthard
RICHARD SPOONER (USA), Steve Bond: 0/0/33.71

3. ALSVID: Hanoverian / G / 13 Escudo 1 x Adonca
RICHIE MOLONEY (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 0/0/35.30

4. MARTHA LOUISE: Swedish Warmblood / M / 10 Maloubet de Pleville x Wolfgang
CONOR SWAIL (IRL), Susan & Ariel Grange: 0/4/31.12

5. DULIEN VAN DE SMEETS: Belgian Warmblood / M / 11
MCLAIN WARD (USA), Carl Rijcken: 0/4/36.36

6. HEROS DE PAPIGNIES Z: Zangersheide / S / 10 Heartbreaker x Ahorn Z
KIRSTEN COE (USA), Paillot Equine Consulting: 2/84.88

7. LEAP OF JOY: Holstein / G / 13 Lovari x Silbersee
CHARLIE JACOBS (USA), Deeridge Farms: 4/74.45

8. DYNAMO: Belgian Warmblood / G / 11 Skippy II x Veritas
MEAGAN NUSZ (USA), Amalaya Investments: 4/74.53

9. TRIPPLE X III: Warmblood / S / 12
TIFFANY FOSTER (CAN), Artisan Farms LLC: 4/75.59

10. VALESKA: Belgian Warmblood / M / 9 Vigo d’Arsouilles x Heartbreaker
CHARLIE JAYNE (USA), Pony Lane Farm: 4/76.47

11. VALDATO: Dutch Warmblood / G / 12 Emilion x Caretino
CARA RAETHER (USA), Trelawny Farm LLC: 4/77.62

12. IMOTHEP: Dutch Warmblood / S / 11 Indoctro x Calvados
DARRAGH KENNY (IRL), Hyperion Stud LLC: 4/77.70
The ‘Continental’ Tournament finishes tomorrow with the highlight class, the $210,000 CP Grand Prix. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services

Source: Spruce Meadows

15 June 2014

This evening’s Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes Grand Prix was won by 2013 LGCT Champion Scott Brash (GBR) following a heart-stopping jump-off as the electric French Riviera leg came to a close in a storm of world-class sport. Silver medal position went to a thrilled Luciana Diniz (POR) and Bronze to home favourite Kevin Staut (FRA). The heavy rain of the afternoon was forgotten as the three medal winners rose to their podium positions. A vocal French crowd cheered each rider as they accepted their prizes under the colourful arena lights. The result reinforced Edwina Tops-Alexander’s (AUS) position at the top of the LGCT 2014 Ranking taking her over 50 points ahead of her nearest rival.

The cream of the crop rose to the top in Cannes this evening as only those foot-perfect with every step progressed to the 3rd round deciding jump-off. The first round of Uliano Vezzani’s Grand Prix course contained tough distances and awkward lines. Many riders had the first fence down and the remains of the heavy rain earlier in the afternoon made the conditions testing. A few of the top names opted to save their star mounts for another day, retiring after lowering a rail or two.

The second round saw 18 of the top riders from the first round come back for another test. This course required care and precision, and a run of double clears in the middle of the draw belied the difficult nature of the gauntlet laid down by the Italian course designer. More than once, the tall set of planks on a related distance early in the course caught out even the most experienced horse and rider combinations. But each and every one of the nine riders that went through to the final jump-off looked to be on winning form.

The jump-off offered a sweeping, galloping course with one tight turn-back, primed for an attacking ride. Edwina Tops-Alexander was the pathfinder, jumping clear in 36.57s. Bassem Hassan Mohammed, on the form of his life, shaved 0.07s off Tops-Alexander’s time from 2nd in the draw. The top names not competing in the final round gathered by the arena entrance to watch the tense action unfold.

Kevin Staut entered the arena third and wiped nearly three seconds from the leading time. But the fastest time was bettered one again by World No1 Scott Brash, who dared his horse at every turn, to take the lead in a time of 31.99s and setting a pace that could not be caught. Luciana Diniz added another great result to her tally moving into 2nd place with 32.68s.

The next round of the 2014 season is just around the corner and the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco (26-28 June) will be another fantastic exhibition of sporting excellence. Edwina Tops-Alexander has well and truly asserted her dominance over the leaderboard – will anyone catch up with her in Round Six on the Longines Global Champions Tour 2014 series?

Press Conference

Present:

Jan Tops – President Longines Global Champions Tour

Francois Bourey – President Jumping Cannes

David Lisnard – Mayor of the City of Cannes

Scott Brash (GBR) – LGCT Cannes Grand Prix Gold medallist

Luciana Diniz (FRA) – Grand Prix Silver medallist

Kevin Staut (FRA) – Grand Prix Bronze medallist

Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) – LGCT Ranking Leader

Scott Brash – “I’m used to the weather, so it was a an advantage to me today. All credit to Uliano Vezzani, the course builder, he build a great course and it turned out a really good class – the courses were hard but fair. The first round was pretty wet, but it dried out a lot for the second round, it was a tough course when I walked it but the horses jumped fantastic. It was very exciting for the public. All credit to the organisers, it turned out to be a great class. My program now is I have a week off and I do a national show in the rain and then I go to Monte-Carlo, and then Paris and Estoril. There are so many good shows right now.”

Luciana Diniz – “One day I will get there to the top of the podium! My horse is a young horse and I am really happy today. This is her second GCT Grand Prix and she did really well showing her consistency in the big sport. I can only thank my team to have a horse like this. And Uliano did a great job today saving our horses, so thank you.”

Kevin Staut – “I am really happy. I was at the beginning of the jump-off and I did my best, but it was not good enough. We were lucky today that the rain stopped and I would like to congratulate everybody on a super show like this. It’s a fantastic feeling to ride here for the public, the atmosphere was fantastic, like every year in Cannes.”

Edwina Tops-Alexander – “I’m really happy with my horse today. Last week, being second was a better result, but today I did maximum effort and my horse gave maximum effort – I couldn’t have done anything better, there were just too many clears! There is still a long way to go in the Championship and everyone is hot on my tail. How I have won in the past is by being consistent and Ego has been placed in all three GCT Grand Prix he has jumped in so I couldn’t be happier.”

Jan Tops – “As we say in Holland, after rain comes sunshine. The second round and third round today was great sport again, with the number one in the world winning and Luciana and Kevin giving great performances. Here at this event there are very knowledgable people, and they are very enthusiastic and its a great atmosphere. The partnership between us, the show organisers and the mayor of the city is fantastic – it’s all about partnership. Every year our team is working better together. And it’s also about the partnership with our sponsors, especially with Longines – without them, none of this would be possible.”

Francois Bourey – “I always say it is a very special place here in Cannes. Today at 6pm I had the fright of my life with the rain, but I must say thank you to Jan Tops, he really did a great job, a great Grand Prix. We have been very lucky to be with the GCT for all these years and it is a pleasure to still be involved.”

David Lisnard promised an even more glamorous red carpet event next year and said – “It is very, very important for the city of Cannes to welcome this event where you have sporting performance, media and logistics. Cannes is an international brand and we must always reinforce this. And Cannes will be re-defined as the capital of elegant sport.”

Lord Harris, co-owner of Hello Sanctos, was in Cannes to watch Scott Brash’s Grand Prix victory and said: “It was a fantastic Grand Prix and the horse is fantastic. He has jumped 24 rounds clear out of 25. And Scott is a great rider. I always said David Broome is my best rider, but I think there is very little to choose between them and the sport is more competitive now. You have to have a special horse every time.”

Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT

Source: GCT

15 June 2014

These days, the Nations Cup tournament of young riders “Future Champions” at the Hof Kasselmann in Hagen at the Teutoburg Forest is well worth a visit. Otto Becker, German national coach of German adult show jumping riders, feels the same; as after all Germany’s equestrian future would gather here. “This is of course reason enough for me to drop by for a general view.”

Beeke Carstensen (Sollwitt) with Venetzia, winner of the Children’s Championships – photo: Mark Große Feldhaus

The 13-year-old Beeke Carstensen from Sollwitt in Schleswig-Holstein competed the first time at Future Champions this year. She rode with her nine-year-old mare Venetzia to winning the Children’s Championships on Saturday noon.  “I had never thought that it would be that perfect the first time,” the new owner of a Future Champion-winner’s blanket happily said. “I simply had to snatch it at this fantastic tournament.”

The French Elisa Mellec and Renarde Rumel were only 0.9 seconds slower and finished second today after she had won the opening competition in the children’s division on Tuesday evening. Third place went to Britt Roth (Freimersheim), another German rider in the saddle of the Holstein gelding Acontenonce. “The performances are simply fantastic, some of the juveniles ride like old stagers, even at this young age,” Otto Becker was pleased about the high level of the young German show jumping riders.

Anna-Christina Abbelen to win the freestyle final in the junior division

Anna-Christina Abbelen (Kempen) with First Lady, winner of the junior rider freestyle final – photo: Mark Große Feldhaus

„Sometimes my mare is a bit crazy when competing in front of a huge audience, but today, she was well-tempered and fought hard for me,” Anna-Christina Abbelen from Kempen was delighted about her victory in the freestyle final of the junior division with First Lady. To the music of Sister Act and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the eight-year-old black mare with the Württemberg pedigree by Florencio I – Donnerhall brought her charming rider the final score 74.58%. Jessica Krieg from Heinsberg finished with only three points behind, scoring 74.44% with Revers Side. Team colleague Franziska Schwiebert already declared Abbelen to be favourite to take victory in this age-group on Wednesday. Schwiebert came in third with her Fuerst Rohan.

Results Saturday:

14 CSIO P Int. two-phase jumper class (1.25 m) consolation test for horse/rider-duos that do not compete at the Nations Cup, prize of the care hire company Autovermietung Brehe GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück:1. Adam Carey (SWE), Horseware Flamingo Fly, 0.00/25.24; 2. Charlotte Ash (GBR), Killack King, 0.00/26.61; 3. Harry Charles (GBR), Scoubidou 9, 0.00/27.16; 4. Faye Adams (GBR), Rainbows Mocha, 0.00/28.39; 5. Franziska Müller (Hückeswagen), Benjamin 386, 0.00/28.74; 6. Antonia Ercken (Herten), Amacho 2, 0.00/30.95;

59 LVM Masters of the regional associations (LV) young riders jumper class S*-level, prize of the insurance company LVM Versicherung, Münster:1. Jan Andre Schulze Niehues (LV Westfalen), Credo’s Jumper, 0.00/64.89; 2. Philipp Brodhecker (LV Hessen), Capriole 36, 0.00/65.19; 3. Philipp Brodhecker (LV Hessen), Canabis B, 0.00/65.69; 4. Maximilian Wricke (LV Berlin-Brandenburg), Pink Panther 15, 0.00/65.87; 5. Julia Baur (LV Baden-Württemberg), Cosa Nostra 10, 0.00/66.63; 6. Bastian Müller (LV Schleswig Holstein), Clark 14, 0.00/66.79;

23 CSIO Ch Children’s Championships, int. jumper class incl. jump-off (1.20 m), prize of the company Hörnschemeyer Dächer GmbH & Co. KG, Wallenhorst:1. Beeke Carstensen (Sollwitt), Venetzia, 0.00/43.92; 2. Elisa Mellec (FRA), Renarde Rumel, 0.00/44.21; 3. Britt Roth (Freimersheim), Acontenonce, 0.00/44.67; 4. Harry Allen (IRL), Wild Thing L, 0.00/45.13; 5. Lorenzo Sciacca (ITA), Webster 251, 0.00/47.37; 6. Mathis Burnouf (FRA), Pour L’Histoire, 4.00/42.80;

41 CDI J Freestyle – Final junior riders, prize of the Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger-Foundation:1. Anna-Christina Abbelen (Kempen), First Lady 212, 74.583%; 2. Jessica Krieg (Heinsberg), Revers Side, 74.333%; 3. Franziska Schwiebert (Kattendorf), Fuerst Rohan, 72.208%; 4. Kristine Koch Bejstrup (DEN), Cavaler 2, 71.500%; 5. Julia de Ridder (Aachen), Comtessa 103, 70.667%; 6. Aleksandra Maksakova (RUS), Scampalo 6, 70.625%;

63 LVM Masters of the regional associations (LV) dressage young riders, prize of the insurance company LVM Versicherung, Münster:1. Jonas Schmitz-Heinen (LV Rheinland), Wells Fargo 14, 68.991%; 2. Lea-Catharina Baar (LV Schleswig-Holstein), Anuk 8, 68.772%; 3. Larissa Deecke (LV Hannover), Don Vitus, 68.640%; 4. Anna-Lisa Theile (LV Weser-Ems), Florenctino, 68.289%; 5. Anouk Teeuwen (LV Rheinland), Whycocomagh, 68.026%; 6. Luisa Otto (LV Rheinland-Pfalz), Aspen 9, 67.675%;

48 CDI P Qualifier for the pony rider final, prize of the Hof Kasselmann GmbH & Co. KG, Hagen a.T.W.:1. Anna-Lena Vosskötter (Ostbevern), Uniek 7, 71.789%; 2. Vivien Lou Petermeier (Twistringen), Don Dai Quiri, 70.691%; 3. Kim Burschik (Iserlohn), Now and forever Feivel, 70.528%; 4. Esmee Donkers (NED), Botticelli 13, 70.163%; 5. Rianne Kooistra (NED), Diamond’s are forever, 69.959%; 6. Zoe Kuintjes (NED), Elin’s Noncisdador, 69.512%; 6. Linda Erbe (Krefeldi), Dujardin B, 69.512%;

42 CDI J Freestyle – small final junior riders, prize of the Performance Sales International GmbH, Hagen a.T.W.:1. Victoria E. Vallentin (DEN), Zaragossa 2, 74.917%; 2. Franziska Schwiebert (Kattendorf), Hogholm’s Facel-Vega, 72.625%; 3. Leonie Richter (Bad Essen), Babylon 26, 69.917%; 4. Marie-Claire Pöppelmann (Nottuln), Duna Luna, 68.875%; 5. Daria Marchenko (RUS), Lord Fantastic, 66.917%; 6. Timofei Rusakov (RUS), Freixenet 63, 66.500%;

Future Champions live on the Internet:

The equestrian sports portal ClipMyHorse.TV broadcasts Future Champions live. The dressage and show jumping competitions will be available all days at www.clipmyhorse.tv.

For all results, information and impressions, please click on www.future-champions.de.

Source: PSI

15 June 2014

Caledon ON (CAN)

Jumping

201. 12-14 Equitation Flat

202. 12-14 Equitation Over Fences

203. 12-14 Equitation Over Fences

208. Rider’s Habit/Grand Prix Children’s Medal

61. Children’s Hunter Over Fences

62. Children’s Hunter Over Fences

65. Children’s Hunter Under Saddle

93. Non Pro Schooling Hunter

367. Amateur Owner 3′ Hunter Over Fences

368. Amateur Owner 3′ Hunter Over Fences

267. Adult Amateur 36+ Hunter Over Fences

268. Adult Amateur 36+ Hunter Over Fences

218. Junior Amateur Equitation Over Fences

185. Low Junior Amateur Hunter Over Fences

186. Low Junior Amateur Hunter Over Fences

189. Low Junior Amateur Hunter Under Saddle

73. Amateur Owner Hunter Over Fences

74. Amateur Owner Hunter Over Fences

77. Amateur Owner Hunter Under Saddle

207. Rider’s Habit/Grand Prix Junior Medal

79. Junior Working Hunter Over Fences

80. Junior Working Hunter Over Fences

209. Rider’s Habit/Grand Prix Amateur Medal

67. Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter Over Fences

68. Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter Over Fences

71. Adult Amateur 18-35 Under Saddle

28. Beginner Child/Adult Hunter Over Fences

29. Beginner Child/Adult Hunter Over Fences

31. Beginner Child/Adult Hunter Under Saddle

30. Beginner Child/Adult Hunter Over Fences

339. Junior/Amater 0.90m Immed JO

340. Junior/Amater 0.90m Power & Speed

139. Junior 1.0m – Table A Immediate Jump Off

239. Amateur 1.0m – Table A Immediate Jump Off

141. Junior 1.0m – Power & Speed

241. Amateur 1.0m – Power & Speed

147. Junior / Amateur 1.10m Power & Speed

145. Junior / Amateur 1.10m Table A Immediate Jump Off

213. OHJA Jumper Medal

212. CET Medal

181. $7500 Modified Grand Prix

170. $5000 Ride & Drive Team Event

15.June 2014

Sommerstorf (GER)

Jumping

Preis der Deutschen Kreditbank AG
CSI2* – Trost-Springprüfung
FEI Art. 238.2.1 (Fehler/Zeit) – 1.40 m

Preis der Firma Fürst Bismarck Mineralbrunnen
CSI Amateure Kat. B – Small Tour
FEI Art. 274.5.3 (beide Phasen mit Zeitwertung)  – 1.15 m

Preis der Firma Fürst Bismarck Mineralbrunnen
CSI Amateure Kat. A – Medium Tour
FEI Art. 274.5.3 (beide Phasen mit Zeitwertung)  – 1.35 m

Preis der Firma Fürst Bismarck Mineralbrunnen
CSI Amateure Kat. A – Large Tour
FEI Art. 274.5.3 (beide Phasen mit Zeitwertung)  – 1.40 m

Preis der Sparkasse Ostprignitz-Ruppin
CSI2*
FEI Art. 274.5.3 (beide Phasen mit Zeitwertung)  – 1.40 m

Preis der Firma Chefs Culinar
CSIYH1* – Finale Youngster Tour für 7- u. 8jähr. Pferde
FEI Art. 238.2.2 (mit Stechen) – 1.40 m/1.45 m

GROSSER PREIS VON SOMMERSTORF
präsentiert von den KMG Kliniken und der Fa. Rosier Stendal
CSI2* -  FEI Art. 238.2.2 (mit Stechen)  – 1.45 m/1.50 m
Die Prüfung zählt für LONGINES Ranking Gruppe D

Wiener Neustadt – Lake Arena (AUT)

Jumping

CSI2* – Small Tour

Obstacle: 125 cm

CSIYH1* – 5 year old horses

Obstacle: 115 cm

CSI2* – Elite Tour

Obstacle: 115 cm

CSI2* – Grand Prix of Wr. Neustadt – Lake Arena

Obstacle: 145 cm

CSI2* – Good Bye Competition

Obstacle: 140 cm

Caledon ON (CAN)

Jumping

369. Amateur Owner 3′ Hunter Over Fences

370. Amateur Owner 3′ Hunter Over Fences

371. Amateur Owner 3′ Hunter Under Saddle

271. Adult Amateur 36+ Hunter Under Saddle

269. Adult Amateur 36+ Hunter Over Fences

270. Greenhawk Adult Amateur 36+ Hunter Stake

215. Children’s Equitation Flat

216. Children’s Equitation Over Fences

63. Children’s Hunter Over Fences

64. Greenhawk Children’s Hunter Stake

198. 15-17 Equitation Flat

199. 15-17 Equitation Over Fences

200. 15-17 Equitation Over Fenes

187. Low Junior Amateur Hunter Over Fences

188. Low Junior Amateur Hunter Over Fences

211. Jump Canada Medal

81. Junior Working Hunter Over Fences

82. Greenhawk Junior Working Hunter Stake

83. Junior Working Hunter Under Saddle

75. Amateur Owner Hunter Over Fences

76. Greenhawk Amateur Owner Hunter Stake

69. Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter Over Fences

70. Greenhawk Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter Stake

36. Low Child/Adult Hunter Over Fences

37. Low Child/Adult Hunter Over Fences

39. Low Child/Adult Hunter Under Saddle

38. Low Child/Adult Hunter Over Fences

217. CET Mini Medal

341. Junior/Amater 0.90m Table C Speed

342. Junior/Amater 0.90m Immed JO

142. Junior 1.0m – Table A Immediate Jump Off

242. Amateur 1.0m – Table A Immediate Jump Off

140. Junior 1.0m – Table C Speed

240. Amateur 1.0m – Table C Speed

153. $1500 Junior / Amateur 1.20m Stake

156. $1500 Junior / Amateur 1.30m Stake

159. $1500 Junior / Amateur 1.40m Stake

148. Junior / Amateur 1.10m $1500 Stake

180. $35,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix

16 June 2014

On the final day of the ‘Continental’ Tournament CSIO 5* at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, the $210,000 CP Grand Prix drew a large crowd to watch top sport. They were treated to an exciting jump-off with McLain Ward (USA) taking the top spot on the leaderboard with Rothchild over Yann Candele (CAN) riding Showgirl and Eric Lamaze (CAN) on Powerplay.

Today’s competition wrapped up the second of five weeks in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, which continues with the ‘Canada One’ CSI 4* Tournament on June 26-29, featuring the $125,000 Imperial Challenge 1.55m on Sunday, June 29.

Watch an interview with McLain Ward!

There were 35 entries in the $210,000 CP Grand Prix, and five of those moved on to contest the jump-off for speed. The course, a challenging one set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of the United States, had 14 numbered obstacles including a difficult line with the open water to an oxer, followed by a triple combination.

D’Ambrosio noted, “I thought it was a good results, a good challenge. There were several different ways to solve the problems out there. I put more emphasis on rideability and a little bit less on sheer scope. It was a good day of show jumping.”

Lamaze added, “I think it was a very technical course. It just came very quick at you. It was well-built. The horses just needed to pay attention today. That was the difference for people who had success, their horses were very attentive.”

First to go in the jump-off was Canada’s Yann Candele and Showgirl, owned by Watermark Group. They set down a quick, clear round in 45.77 seconds, which would finish in second place.

Yann Candele and Showgirl

“I know all of them, I knew they would be faster than me,” Candele stated. “The key was for me to stay clear. McLain tried to create some pressure and create some mistakes. He created the mistake for everybody else, that’s why I got second. Everybody was faster than me today. With the big gallop, it’s a little bit of an illusion. People think we’re sometimes faster than we are. My turns were a little slow, and that’s where I lose a lot of time. We don’t know each other that long.”

Ward and Rothchild, owned by Sagamore Farm, were next in. They sped around the shortened course, completing a great inside turn from an oxer to the “CP planks” and stopped the timers in 43.29 seconds to go into the lead.

Ward recounted, “I was lucky. Going first in the jump-off like that is tough, for Yann. I thought he took a pretty good route. His horse looked like it was slowing just a little bit as he was trying to press her on. Rothchild is a hot little horse. I felt if I could do the same track, it would be quicker and put the pressure on the ones behind me. I certainly think that I left enough room that if someone put in a hell of a round to beat it, it wasn’t unbeatable. You put a little pressure, and people are trying very hard. A little mistake here and there, and once in a while things go your way.”

It was that CP planks jump that would play a big part in the last three competitors’ rides. Lamaze and Powerplay, owned by Artisan Farms LLC, took down three of the top planks after their inside turn didn’t go as planned. Their time of 43.29 seconds slotted them into third place.

Eric Lamaze and Powerplay

Lamaze said of his rail down, “I was fast one to two. I carried the speed into the next oxer, and then I felt I needed that turn. It’s sort of what came up, distance-wise. I was committed to the turn, and there was a distance in front of me. I just rolled back on it and at the end, I was underneath the plank, and I was too short. But that’s the risk you’ve got to take in the jump-off.”

Christine McCrea (USA) and Romantovich Take One, owned by Candy Tribble, completed the turn but just tapped the top plank for four faults for fourth place in 43.87 seconds. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC’s Verdi III had four faults at the jump before the planks and had a slip through the turn, pulling up before the plank jump. They attempted three more fences before retiring on course for fifth place.

Lamaze said that he was very happy with Powerplay, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Casall x Limbus. The pair has only been together for a year, and Lamaze feels that Powerplay is now learning how to go with speed. He agreed, “I’m very happy with my horse. I never even thought a year ago that I could take a shot at McLain’s round with that particular horse. But he has learned to be much faster so that I could try and compete. Unfortunately today we had one down. If I can think of the biggest progress that horse has made, he’s learned to carry a little speed and jump the fences, which a year ago he wasn’t able to.”

It is also a newer relationship for Candele and Showgirl, a 14-year-old Selle Francais mare by Gold de Becourt x Elf III. Showgirl was purchased for Candele with the goal of qualifying for the Canadian team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in August. With that in mind, Candele’s main goal this week was a strong performance in Friday’s Nations Cup.

But Candele does feel that Showgirl has improved, and their relationship has become stronger since the beginning of the year. “We consider that it takes six months to a year to know the horses that we are riding. There’s a lot of things, like bridle, tack, know the personality. I made some major mistakes in Florida at the beginning, but through the season there was progress,” he acknowledged. “These mistakes are disappearing because we understand more who she is. I understand more who she is. We know which way we need to go. It just takes time.”

McLain Ward and Rothchild

Ward has seen Rothchild, a 13-year-old SBS gelding by Artos Z x Elegant de L’le, step up to become a top 1.60m horse in their five years together, and it took understanding what Rothchild was willing to give. “He’s a little special. You’ve got to be his friend. Through the years, he’s really become my friend,” Ward said. “I believe in this horse. You have to give in a little bit to his personality traits, but he tries for you. I think we would all agree that we would much rather (have) a horse that does it their own way, but gives you what he has, than something that is super talented and always finds a way to knock a jump down. He has a lot of heart, this horse.”

When Ward needed Rothchild to step up as his top horse, the determined pair made it happen. In addition to today’s grand prix, they won the Antwerp Grand Prix in April. “He’s gotten better and better at it, and probably I’ve gotten to believe in him more and more. The result is a more consistent performance at this level. This year in Florida, he performed beautifully and I made a few mistakes in jump-offs trying to win too hard. This summer I tried to just take a step back and ride his round, and the result is that he’s now won two big grand prix,” he remarked.

Following the ‘Canada One’ Tournament (June 26-29) is the ‘North American’ CSI 5* Tournament on July 2-6, featuring the $210,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 5. The $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic 1.50m Derby will be the highlight on Sunday, July 6. There will also be the $85,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.55m competition on Wednesday, July 2, and the $85,000 Progress Energy Cup 1.55m on Thursday, July 3, as well as the $85,000 TD Cup 1.50m on Saturday, July 5, and the $85,000 Enbridge Cup 1.50m on Sunday, July 6.

Concluding the summer tournaments, the ‘Pan American’ CSI 5* Tournament will run July 10-13, featuring the $400,000 Pan American Cup presented by Rolex on Sunday, July 13.

McLain Ward raises the CP trophy with Keith Creel, President & Chief Operating Officer, CP.

Final Results: $210,000 CP Grand Prix

1 ROTHCHILD: SBS / G / 13 Artos Z x Elegant de L’le
MCLAIN WARD (USA), Sagamore Farm: 0/0/43.29

2 SHOWGIRL: Selle Francais / M / 14 Gold de Becourt x Elf III
YANN CANDELE (CAN), Watermark Group: 0/0/45.77

3 POWER PLAY: Holstein / G / 10 Casall x Limbus
ERIC LAMAZE (CAN), Artisan Farms, LLC: 0/4/43.52

4 ROMANTOVICH TAKE ONE: Dutch Warmblood / G / 14 Numero Uno x Karandasj
CHRISTINE MCCREA (USA), Candy Tribble: 0/4/43.87

5 VERDI III: Dutch Warmblood / G / 12 Hors la Loi III x Cantus
TIFFANY FOSTER (CAN), Artisan Farms, LLC: 0/Retired

6 VOYEUR: Dutch Warmblood / G / 12 Tolaro Vant Riethof x Goodwill
KENT FARRINGTON (USA), Amalaya Investments: 4/77.81

7 STAR POWER: Dutch Warmblood / G / 13 Quick Star x Calvados
IAN MILLAR (CAN), Team Works: 4/80.07

8 CONCONCRETO SANCHA LS: Studbook La Silla / M / 11 Chin Chin x Polydor
DANIEL BLUMAN (COL), Daniel Bluman: 4/80.56

9 TIC TAC: Belgian Sport Horse / S / 11 Clinton x Darco
LESLIE HOWARD (USA), Jane Clark: 4/80.98

10 SLIEVEANORRA: Irish Sport Horse / G / 12 Voltaire x Flagmount Diamond
RICHIE MOLONEY (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 4/81.06

11 WITH WINGS: Dutch Warmblood / G / 11 Larino x L Rinald
KAREN POLLE (JPN), Karen Polle: 4/81.07

12 QUIN CHIN: Holstein / G / 16 Quantum x Gambiona
JUAN CARLOS FRANCO (MEX), Juan Carlos Franco: 4/81.36

For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

16 June 2014

Tracy Fenney rode MTM Timon to the $30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix victory on the final day of the Showplace Spring Spectacular II.

Silence fell on the crowd at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II as Texan Tracy Fenney raced around the jump-off track aboard MTM Centano. A rub down the double-combination of the final line had spectators on the edge of their seats, but the rail stayed in its cups as Fenney dashed across the final oxer in 31.456 seconds to win the $30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix at the Lamplight Equestrian Center.

“Centano is kind of deceiving because he has such a big stride, and he turns super tight. He looks like he is going super slow, like a hunter, so people never think that he is actually going that fast, but he doesn’t spend much time in the air and turns quick,” Fenney explained of her winning mount. “People always think he is a big, slow and stupid horse, but he is really nervous inside and has a lot of energy-very spooky. His angles to the verticals were amazing today, and we made such good slices. It was a really fun jump-off.”

Tracy Fenney and MTM Centano

The bay Holsteiner gelding, owned by MTM Farms of Flower Mound, TX, is 14 years old, and Fenney has owned Centano since he was a 5-year-old.

“I am really lucky that I have two very special horses,” Fenney smiled as she spoke of MTM Centano and MTM Timon. “They are both 14, and they owe me nothing. I have had Centano since he was 5, and Timon since he was 7 going on 8 years old. They are my veterans, and they know their jobs out there. If they don’t want to jump another jump, I will happily turn them out to pasture with our other retirees.”

Fenney almost rode to a one-two finish with MTM Timon clocking in at 31.658 seconds; however, the last rail fell for the eventual sixth place. “I was nervous about leaving out a stride on Timon down the final line. I knew Centano could do it, but I probably should have ridden Timon to the final oxer in seven strides. I just sort of let the reins go, and he got a little flat.”

Lisa Goldman fell only 2/10ths of a second behind Fenney, riding Centurion B to the second place finish. Theo Genn and Paradox, owned by Thomas Bruinsma of Ada, MI, captured the third place with a clean round posted in 33.361 seconds. Wilhelm Genn and Welcome COR, owned by Ann Anastasio of Wayne, IL, laid down a clear and conservative ride in 35.621 seconds for the fourth place.  Local young talent Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise posted the quickest time of the class in 31.448 seconds, but four faults at the final oxer knocked her into the fifth place.

Fenney commented on the day’s track saying, “It’s funny because the course designer [Catsy Cruz] is so totally different from the course designer last week. The triple was in a difficult place, but she used a lot of straight lines. I really liked the variety of the courses, it allows for other horses with different strengths to show off.”

The Showplace Spring Spectacular II came to a conclusion today, but Showplace has added a third week to the schedule. This Tuesday, June 17, 2014 the long-anticipated hunter derby day will kick off the third week of the series. Riders can look forward to the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the WCHR week. More prize money has been added to the schedule, including the $40,000 Weatherteach Grand Prix.

For more information please visit www.showplaceproductions.com. 

$30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix
result    entry #    horse / owner    rider
1    313    MTM Centano   MTM Farm    Tracy Fenney
2    606    CENTURION B   Mary Goldman    Lisa Goldman
3    642    PARADOX   Thomas Bruinsma    Theo Genn
4    640    Welcome COR   ANN ANASTASIO    Wilhelm Genn
5    517    G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise   Giavanna Rinaldi    Giavanna Rinaldi
6    312    MTM Timon   MTM Farm    Tracy Fenney
7    605    MOROCCO   Lisa Goldman    Lisa Goldman
8    318    S & L Elite    S & L Farms    Dorothy Douglas
9    632    Bugatti   Eduardo Leon    Wilhelm Genn
10    537    Athena   Pony Lane Farm    Kelsey Thatcher
11    645    Cookie Monster   Wilhelm Genn    Ryan Genn
12    455    Zippo Z   Messenger Hill    Freddie Vazquez

Source: Phelps Media Group

16 June 2014

„I am very satisfied,“ was organizer Ulli Kasselmann’s summary about the six days full of top sports with the best young riders worldwide in Hagen. The performance level of the countries was incredible, and therefore, there couldn’t have been better competitions. The show jumping director at the World Equestrian Federation FEI John Roche also attended the event to convince himself. “Roche will draw his conclusion and I hope that we will now have a more advantageous position with the FEI,” Kasselmann said.

Following the catastrophic beginning with thunderstorm and heavy rain, Kasselmann particularly praised the team of Future Champions. “We have a fantastic team that stepped into the breach and that has balanced all the unfavourable circumstances. And the riders honoured this commitment.”

Besides Horses & Dreams meets Australia in April and Future Champions in June, the Hof Kasselmann will also host the Dressage Riders Nations Cup CDIO in July in 2015. “It is an additional challenge, but also an opportunity to enhance the reputation of the county of Osnabrück and the horse country Lower Saxony,” the equestrian expert and businessman from Hagen explained. He had already hosted the 2005 European Dressage Championships within two weeks only.

Laura Klaphake to win for Germany

Laura Klaphake (Steinfeld) with Nifrane de Kreisker, winner of the Young Rider Championships – photo by name Mark Große Feldhaus

The last show jumping contest on Sunday evening was a final triumphant success for the German young riders. The ribbons for the places one to four went to the host country of Future Champions with Laura Klaphake from Steinfeld and Nifrane de Kreisker occupying the leading position in competition. Simply unbelievable for the 20-year-old rider. “Future Champions is simply a very special tournament with fantastic, perfect conditions. I already won the team Nations Cup in Hagen twice, but I have been eternal second right until now in the individual scoring.” Maximilian Lill from Antdorf, Marten Witt from Friedrichskoog and the Lastrup rider Guido Klatte jun. claimed the following places behind Klaphake. “The German duos showed fantastic performances. This is indeed very satisfactory when considering that the EC will be held in a few weeks,” Markus Merschformann, German national coach of junior and young riders concluded.

The Norwegian Lisa Ulven and Cevin III won the individual scoring with the pony riders, followed by Clara Hallundbaek from Denmark. Gerome Graefe from Salzbergen finished third as best German rider with Bartez.

Rothenbergers to sweep the board

Semmieke and Sönke Rothenberger from Bad Homburg were simply unbeatable the final day in Hagen, winning the pony and young riders final for Germany. Sönke achieved almost 80% in the young rider freestyle test, earning a final result of 79.375%. Vivien Niemann from Mannheim came in second with her Hanoverian gelding Compliment Wirsol’s Cipollini and 73.91%. Third finished Maja Andreasen from Denmark with her 11-year-old Skjoldsgaard Monte Vo. Another Danish rider ranked between the German Semmieke Rothenberger and Paulina Holzknecht in the pony final. Rothenberger and Paso Double convincingly won the test with 76.75%, closely followed by Karoline Rohmann (DEN) with 76.45% and Holzknecht taking third place with 74.70%.

Results Sunday:

17 CSIO P Pony Rider Championships, int. jumper class incl. jump-off (1.35 m), prize of Bankhaus Lampe KG, Osnabrück: 1. Lisa Ulven (NOR), Cevin III, 0.00/36.64; 2. Clara Hallundbaek (DEN), Saorsie, 0.00/40.35; 3. Gerome Graefe (Salzbergen), Bartez, 0.00/40.96; 4. Isabelle Bendriss (NOR), Ewald 12, 0.00/41.33; 5. Kathrin Stolmeijer (Emsbüren), Neila 4, 0.00/41.56; 6. Sean Monaghan (IRL), Attyrory Rebel, 0.00/47.13;

50 CDI P Freestyle – small final pony riders, prize of Hof Kasselmann KG, Hagen a.T.W.: 1. Anna Sophie G. Sörensen (DEN), Klooster’s Eltino 2, 71.792%; 2. Sandra Kristoffersen (DEN), Grenzhoehes My Ken, 70.625%; 3. Elin Mattsson (SWE), Bodo 66, 70.458%; 4. Magali Goergen (LUX), Brantops Dreamcatcher, 70.208%; 5. Esmee Donkers (NED), Heidehof’s Don Diego, 69.625%; 6. Anna-Lena Vosskötter (Ostbevern), Steverheides Wulkano, 68.833%;

49 CDI P Freestyle –pony rider final, prize of the company Johannsmann Transport-Service GmbH, Steinhagen:1. Linda Erbe (Krefeld), Dujardin B, 73.333%; 2. Esmee Donkers (NED), Botticelli 13, 73.000%; 3. Kim Burschik (Iserlohn), Now and forever Feivel, 72.792%; 4. Zoe Kuintjes (NED), Elin’s Noncisdador, 72.083%; 5. Rianne Kooistra (NED), Diamond’s are forever, 71.417%; 6. Helen Erbe (Krefeld), Dylight 2, 71.250%;

17 CSIO P Pony Rider Championships, int. jumper class incl. jump-off (1.35 m), prize of Bankhaus Lampe KG, Osnabrück: 1. Lisa Ulven (NOR), Cevin III, 0.00/36.64; 2. Clara Hallundbaek (DEN), Saorsie, 0.00/40.35; 3. Gerome Graefe (Salzbergen), Bartez, 0.00/40.96; 4. Isabelle Bendriss (NOR), Ewald 12, 0.00/41.33; 5. Kathrin Stolmeijer (Emsbüren), Neila 4, 0.00/41.56; 6. Sean Monaghan (IRL), Attyrory Rebel, 0.00/47.13;

38 CDIO P Freestyle – small final pony rider, prize of the company LH Medien- und Werbetechnik GbR, Wallenhorst: 1. Charlotta Rogerson (SUI), Vincento Royal, 68.667%; 2. Alicja Karczmarczuk (POL), Cassandra 306, 66.500%; 3. Alicja Trawinska (POL), Rocardo 4, 62.917%;

37 CDIO P Freestyle – pony rider final, prize of the company Reitsport-Anlage Sonntag, Bielefeld: 1. Semmieke Rothenberger (Bad Homburg), Paso Double, 76.750%; 2. Karoline Rohmann (DEN), Adriano B 2, 76.458%; 3. Paulina Holzknecht (Solingen), Carlos WE, 74.708%; 4. Daphne van Peperstraten (NED), Don Camillo Du Bois, 74.542%; 5. Celine König (Duisburg), Daddy’s Daydream, 74.250%; 6. Sara van Deurs Petersen (DEN), Farbenfroh 18, 73.583%;

33 CDIO Y Freestyle – small final young riders, prize of the company van der Valk Hotel Melle-Osnabrück:1. Genevieve Kirk (AUS), First Wish, 67.458%; 2. Lea Mertens (LUX), Satton Finch Louis, 63.792%; 3. Viktoria Ladoshkina (RUS), Kalabria, 63.167%;

32 CDIO Y Freestyle – young rider final, prize of the company August Gründker Bauunternehmen und Bedachnungen GmbH, Glandorf: 1. Sönke Rothenberger (Bad Homburg), Cosmo 59, 79.375%; 2. Vivien Niemann (Mannheim), Wirsol’s Cipollini, 73.917%; 3. Maja Andreasen (DEN), Skjoldsgaard Monte Vo, 73.208%; 4. Florine Kienbaum (Lohmar), Don Windsor OLD, 73.125%; 5. Mille Larsen Warncke (DEN), Langkjaergaard’s Dionna Fetti, 72.000%; 6. Lea-Elisabeth Pointinger (AUT), CM’s Gino, 71.292%;

10 CSIO Y Young Rider Championships, int. jumper class incl. jump-off (1.40 m), prize of Performance Sales International GmbH, Hagen a.T.W.: 1. Laura Klaphake (Steinfeld), Nifrane de Kreisker, 0.00/41.82; 2. Maximilian Lill (Antdorf), Eragon 6, 0.00/43.49; 3. Marten Witt (Friedrichskoog), Celtic 14, 0.00/47.41; 4. Guido Jun. Klatte (Lastrup), Collado, 4.00/42.72; 5. Benedikte Serigstad Endresen (NOR), Super Sox, 4.00/47.40; 6. Abigail Mc Ardle (USA), Cade 2, 17.00/66.27;

Future Champions live on the Internet:

The equestrian sports portal ClipMyHorse.TV broadcasts Future Champions live. The dressage and show jumping competitions will be available all days at www.clipmyhorse.tv.

For all results, information and impressions, please click on www.future-champions.de.

Source: PSI

16 June 2014

New Zealand rider Tim Price is enjoying a purple patch of form and he produced an outstanding display of Jumping to win his first CCI4*, at Luhmühlen (GER), presented by DHL Paket, the fifth and penultimate leg of the FEI Classics™ 2013/2014.

New Zealand’s Tim Price and Wesko finished on their Dressage score to claim the honours at the German CCI4* at Luhmühlen (GER), presented by DHL Paket, the fifth leg of the FEI Classics™ series. Photo: www.eventingphoto.com /FEI.

Riding the Wesko Syndicate’s Wesko, an 11-year-old Dutch-bred gelding by Karandasj, Price was the only competitor to finish on his Dressage score, of 43.8, in a thrillingly tight finale.

The Cross Country leader, Michael Jung (GER), looked the picture of concentration as he had fischerRocana FST jumping on springs, but a groan from the crowd signalled that a pole had fallen – the first part of the double at 12a – and that it was not to be a German victory.

Price was evidently thrilled to win, but he was quick to acknowledge the host nation in a gracious acceptance speech, in which he dedicated his victory to the young German rider Benjamin Winter (GER), who died as the result of a fall on the Cross Country yesterday.

“I would like to dedicate this win to Benjamin. It was a very sad day yesterday,” he said. “And I’d like to thank the organisers at Luhmühlen for making us all so welcome. I first came here as a visitor eight years ago and I’ve been waiting ever since to ride here.”

Instead of a lap of honour, the leading riders, all wearing black armbands in honour of Winter, were escorted quietly from the arena.

Boyd Martin (USA) proved to the American selectors that he is fully recovered after breaking his leg in the spring by finishing in with third place on new ride Shamwari 4 and 15^th on Otis Barbotière.

Martin picked up just one time penalty to rise four places from seventh on Shamwari 4. This exciting prospect was bought from Swedish rider Ludwig Svennerstal by a syndicate during the winter, but this was Martin’s first opportunity to try out the horse at an international competition.

Oliver Townend (GBR) hit fence 10 on the 13-year-old Black Tie, but he remained in fourth place and left the ring with a broad smile on his face.

Indeed Townend has plenty to smile about: this was the second time this year that he has been the highest-placed British rider at a CCI4*, having finished as runner-up at Badminton on Armada. As a result, he has now leapt into second place in the FEI Classics™, just 10 points behind William Fox-Pitt (GBR), which means that the series will go right to the wire at Burghley in September.

Elaine Pen (NED) must be delighted with her first CCI4* performance. She rose three places to fifth on her former Young Rider horse Vira with just one rail down.

A four-fault round was good enough to move Andreas Ostholt (GER) and So Is Et up five places to sixth, while the USA’s Phillip Dutton (Mighty Nice, seventh), Germany’s Bettina Hoy (Designer 10, eighth) and Australia’s Bill Levett (Improvise, ninth) all dropped down the order with three rails down each.

The up-and-coming Belgian rider Lara de Liedekerke, riding Quella Langonnaise, enjoyed her second 10^th placing at CCI4* level this year, following an excellent Badminton debut.

Tim Price found Wesko “by chance at the end of a long, cold day” in a Jumping yard where he was being competed by British rider Siobhan Edmonds. The white-faced bay gelding proved “flawless” in his early Eventing competitions and went on to win twice at three-star level, at Blair Castle (GBR) CCI3* last year and at Tattersalls (IRE) CIC3* a fortnight ago. The pair contested Badminton, but took an early ducking in the Lake.

“I’m thrilled for my horse. This is his first four-star completion, and my first visit here, and I certainly didn’t expect to be standing here as the winner,” he said.

New Zealand has provided the winners of eight CCI4*s since Sir Mark Todd set the ball rolling at Badminton in 2011. Now this tiny country with such a huge legacy of horsemanship has another hero to salute.

About the winner

Tim Price, 32, grew up on a farm near Canterbury in New Zealand’s South Island and began his riding career in Jumping, up to FEI World Cup™ level, before deciding that most of his horses were better suited to Eventing.

He paid for his first trip to the UK by selling a good horse, Vortex; they were later reunited and competed at CCI4* level together, finishing 20^th at both Badminton and Pau in 2009.

This year he was ninth at Badminton on Ringwood Sky Boy and a member of the winning New Zealand team in the FEI Nations Cup™ at Houghton (GBR).

He is now based in Wiltshire in the UK with his wife Jonelle (nee Richards), another South Islander, and a yard full of horses; Jonelle was a member of New Zealand’s bronze medal team at the London 2012 Olympic Games and finished 12^th (Classic Moet) and 16^th (The Deputy) at Luhmühlen.

Final Results

1 Tim Price/Wesko (NZL) 43.8 + 0.0 + 0 = 43.8

2 Michael Jung/fischerRocana FST (GER) 41.5 + 0.0 + 4 = 45.5

3 Boyd Martin/Shamwari 4 (USA) 47.8 + 0.0 +1 = 48.8

4 Oliver Townend/Black Tie (GBR) 45.0 + 0.0 + 4 = 49.0

5 Elaine Pen/Vira (NED) 43.2 + 4.8 + 4 = 52.0

6 Andreas Ostholt/So Is Et (GER) 50.5 + 0.0 + 4 = 54.5

7 Phillip Dutton/Mighty Nice (USA) 46.0 + 0.0 + 12 = 58.0

8 Bettina Hoy/Designer 10 (GER) 43.3 + 1.2 + 15 = 59.5

9 Bill Levett/Improvise (AUS) 47.7 + 0.0 + 13 = 60.7

10 Lara de Liedekerke/Quella Langonnaise (BEL) 50.2 + 0 + 12 = 62.2

Full results on www.luhmuehlen.de

FEI Classics™ 2013/2014 Leaderboard (after 5 of 6 events)

1 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 30 points

2 Oliver Townend (GBR) 20

3 Tim Price (NZL) 17

4 Sam Griffiths (AUS) 15

5 Christopher Burton (AUS) 15

6 Phillip Dutton (USA) 15

7 Maxime Livio (FRA) 12

8 Lauren Kieffer (USA) 12

9 Michael Jung (GER) 12

10 Sonja Johnson (AUS) 12

See full standings here.

FEI Classics™ 2013/2014 calendar

1 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) – 23-27 October 2013

2 Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) – 14-17 November 2013

3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) – 23-27 April 2014

4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) – 8-11 May 2014

5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL Paket (GER) – 12-15 June 2014

6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) – 4-7 September 2014

Source: FEI