FEI PSI World Challenge Finals Report- 29 June to 4 July 2004

As every year since 2001, the idyllic Hof Kasselmann hosted the FEI/PSI World Jumping and Dressage Challenge Finals during the last week of June. From the moment they arrived on 28 June, the 50 riders qualified for this event enjoyed an active programme combining both competition and entertainment.

The day after the arrival was dedicated to the selection of horses. Who better than Ullrich Kasselmann and Paul Schockemhle could offer high quality horses to the 50 riders? Two days later, the riders began the Qualification competitions with the assistance of highly skilled trainers. The Children's Dressage Final organised indoor took place on 3 July, while the adults fought for their titles on 4 July. It was noted with great satisfaction that the level of the Children had increased compared to last year's. Well seated and riding forward, Brigette Learmonth (NZL), Giuliana Gasparin-Lucchesi (BRA) and Chara Pouli (GRE) performed well the test which had been reviewed for this occasion and found totally satisfactory.

The Jumping and Dressage Challenge Finals for Adults with change of horses were as always very exciting and well attended. In Jumping, four riders battled for the three first places. Mauricio Garcia Ballesteros (PUR) was unfortunately eliminated and saw his dream for a medal vanish. In Dressage, the best three riders qualified after the 2nd Qualifier fought with passion for the first place. Finally, Andrea Harrison (RSA) proved to be the best and took the lead ahead of Akoele Roachford (BAR) and Brigitte Davidow (NAM).

Unfortunately, the weather was the spoilsport and the wind, rain and cold gave everyone an autumn feeling. However, an impressive crowd got over the bad climatic conditions and came to watch the various competitions organised in the frame of the Internationales Reiterfestival Hagen 2004 including, among others, a CSIOJY, a CDIY, the German Championship of Professional Trainers as well as the wonderful exhibition Horse and Dreams dedicated to the lovers of country and lifestyle.