They’ve had it all their own way at the last two editions of CSIO St Gallen, but Team Switzerland face a mighty task in their quest to make it a hat-trick of victories on home ground when the third leg of the brand new Longines League of Nations™ 2024 gets underway in ten days' time.

The ten competing countries are battling it out for the eight places on offer at the inaugural Final which will take place at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain on 6 October. And after two thrilling legs so far, the leaderboard is headed by Ireland, winners in Ocala, USA in March while Team Germany who came out on top in the opening leg of the iconic new series at Abu Dhabi, UAE in February lie close behind in second place. 

Switzerland lies third ahead of USA, Brazil, Sweden and The Netherlands. But already battling it out for that eighth and last place with only two more legs to go are Belgium, France and Great Britain. Just ten weeks ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games every nation wants to look strong, so it’s no surprise that amongst the athletes signed up for next week’s penultimate qualifier are the top three in the world rankings who, between them, hold the individual Olympic, World and European titles.

Selection

The British selection includes Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher along with Harry Charles, Tim Gredley and Robert Whitaker, and they know they have a job to do to move their country off that bottom end of the LLN leaderboard. 

The same applies to Team Belgium, and Chef d’Equipe Peter Weinberg sends out a sharp side with Abdel Saïd joined by rising star Gilles Thomas and the experienced duo of Koen Vereecke and Gregory Wathelet, the latter a member of the bronze-medal-winning team in Tokyo three years ago.

The French meanwhile are also sharing that eighth and last place with just 85 points racked up to date, and Henk Nooren has chosen Francois Xavier Boudant, Marc Dilasser, Aurelien Leroy and Olivier Perreau to buoy up their chances at the next leg. 

The Dutch need to add to the 115 points they have collected in order to stay well out of the danger zone and with Willem Greve, Harrie Smolders and the Van Asten brothers Leopold and Mathijs on call-up this time around they look well set to do just that. 

Just five points ahead of The Netherlands are Team Sweden who finished third in the opening leg of the series but ninth last time out. World number one, double World Champion and the man who collected his second successive Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ title in thrilling fashion in Riyadh, KSA last month, Henrik von Eckermann was on both of those teams, jumping double-clear in Abu Dhabi but picking up eight faults in Ocala where Henrik Ankarcrona’s side failed to make it into the second round. They’ll be expected to be back to their normal level of brilliance in St Gallen where von Eckermann will be joined by Wilma Hellström, Amanda Landeblad and Fredrik Spetz. 

Fifth

In fifth place on the leaderboard are Team Brazil, and although St Gallen is known as something of a fairytale town in Swiss folklore it was no fairytale for the South American visitors last year when they lost out to the hosts in a two-way third-round jump-off against the clock. They’ll be wanting to put that to rights this time out, and with Luciana Diniz, Santiago Lambre, Yuri Mansur and Pedro Veniss saddling up they look ready to present powerful opposition to the rest of the field.

The Swiss are taking no chances either however. It was Martin Fuchs who clinched that 2023 victory, all the more sweet for the fact that it was two-in-a-row after a drought of 22 years for the host nation. And the world number five rider is backed up by 2012 Olympic gold medallist, multiple World Cup champion and reigning individual European champion Steve Guerdat once again next week along with Alain Jufer and the rock-solid Pius Schwizer. The home team won’t be giving anything away easily that’s for sure.

They lie a comfortable third on the leaderboard, with a 15-point advantage over the fourth-placed Americans who carry 135 points. Robert Ridland’s US team consists of Natalie Dean, Katie Dinan, Callie Schott and Spencer Smith who will be aiming to improve on that running tally.

At the top

At the top of the League table the Irish have a 30-point advantage over Germany in second place, but German team manager Otto Becker is bringing out more of his big guns in an effort to alter that. His very much on-form foursome of Hans-Dieter Dreher, Andre Thieme, Richard Vogel and Jana Wargers are a formidable force, and Michael Blake’s Irish side of Bertram Allen, Denis Lynch, Mark McAuley and Cian O’Connor will probably need to be at their very best to keep them from moving ahead before the final qualifier in Rotterdam in The Netherlands at the end of June.

Of course the format for the newly minted Longines League of Nations™ adds a whole new level of pressure for every team, with only the top eight sides and only three of the four team members returning to decide the result in the second round. 

Tense, fiercely competitive, fascinating and completely unpredictable the series has already produced superb sport, and you can watch it continue to unfold in St Gallen on Friday 31 May when the excitement begins with the Parade of Nations at 15.30 local time.

Don’t miss a hoofbeat…..

Following the FEI’s previous announcement regarding the withdrawal of Rotterdam (NED) and Falsterbo (SWE) competitions from the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 calendar, the FEI can confirm that both Organising Committees have requested to revert to the original plan of hosting a leg of the series. This decision comes after both Organising Committees have communicated to the FEI their inability to accommodate a regular CDIO scheduling format this year.
 
The FEI has supported this request, facilitating the reinstatement of the CDIO-NC at both venues for 2024. As previously communicated, all stakeholders will meet following the conclusion of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 and review the series for the coming year.
 
After the withdrawal of team Spain, the Organising Committee for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ qualifier in Pilisjászfalu (HUN) has informed the FEI that they will not be hosting the event this weekend - 8 to 12 May 2024 - and will therefore be withdrawing from the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 calendar.  

The dates of the remaining legs of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 are:

• Rotterdam (NED) - 20 to 23 June 2024

• Falsterbo (SWE) – 11 to 14 July 2024

• Long-term FEI and WBD agreement will scale coverage of the world’s best riders to millions of viewers across 75 markets in Europe and Asia 
• Equestrian sporting action brought to fans through Eurosport, discovery+ and Max
• Trojan Paillot: “We enjoy a highly successful long-term relationship with the FEI and have a proven track record of exposing new fans to different sports” 

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has agreed a new multi-year partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) that will see major events on the international equestrian circuit screened in 75 markets across Europe and Asia.

These include the entire Longines FEI League of Nations™ season until at least 2027; the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League until at least the 2027/2028 season; the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League (NAL) until at least 2027/2028; and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals until at least 2028.

Live and Highlights coverage of all events will be showcased on Eurosport’s television channels in addition to live and on-demand streaming access for discovery+ and Max* subscribers. The agreement means equestrian is positioned alongside other world-class sports as part of the most varied live content offer and further demonstrates WBD’s commitment to screening more Olympic sports than any other broadcaster while telling the stories of its athletes through a year-round narrative.

Trojan Paillot, SVP Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndications at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: “As a premium multi-sport broadcaster, our mission is to offer the greatest choice through a compelling content offer for fans. In our role as the Home of the Olympics in Europe, including being the only place to watch all of Paris 2024, LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032, our ambition includes telling the stories of Olympic sports and its athletes throughout the year, not just during the 19 days of competition during the Games.

“We are pleased to harness our deep sports expertise in tandem with our unmatched reach and ability to engage the widest audience across all platforms to help further grow sports such as equestrian. By working as a trusted partner to federations such as the FEI, where we enjoy a highly successful long-term relationship, we have a proven track record of exposing new fans to a plethora of different sports while keeping them engaged throughout the year.”

Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, at FEI, said: “This multi-year partnership between the FEI and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is a natural progression in a working relationship that has been built through mutual respect for the knowledge and expertise that each partner brings to the table.

“The FEI's deep understanding of equestrian audiences, coupled with WBD's unparalleled expertise in TV Broadcast to deliver the stories of athletes and the sport, has proven to be an ideal combination.  Crafting compelling content is not solely about catering to equestrian enthusiasts worldwide; it is also about sparking curiosity and interest among a broader range of fans, and to foster deeper connection with the sport.

“With the launch of the new Longines League of Nations series and the excitement surrounding the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup and the Olympic Games, there is no better time than this year to take our working relationship to a next level.”

WBD showcases more live action from Olympic and Winter Olympic sports than any other broadcaster. As the Home of the Olympics in Europe, WBD holds the rights to the Olympics in Europe for the next eight years, covering four Olympic Summer Games and Olympic Winter Games, to Brisbane 2032, and its platforms will be the only places in Europe to watch all of the Olympics live. This includes every minute of the Eventing, Dressage and Jumping events from the Château de Versailles at Paris 2024 taking place from 27 July to 6 August.   

 

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Notes to editors

*discovery+ is currently available in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK and Ireland.

From Spring 2024, Max will initially launch in 25 countries in Europe that currently offer HBO Max, integrating Eurosport content and replacing discovery+ or the Eurosport App.

 

About Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports Europe represents WBD’s portfolio of sports brands, channels, and platforms in Europe. It collectively reaches 130 million people every month, engaging fans and broad audiences in more than 200 markets and in 20 languages across all platforms where consumers are spending time: free-to-air TV, pay-TV, streaming, online and social. 

WBD Sports Europe includes the much-loved consumer brands Eurosport, Global Cycling Network (GCN), Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN), Golf Digest and TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, as well sports programming and content on WBD’s free-to-air TV networks and streaming on discovery+ and Max from Spring 2024 in an initial 25 markets. They connect audiences with the greatest sporting events in the world. This includes being the Home of the Olympics Games in Europe; tennis’ Grand Slams; cycling’s Grand Tours, more than 300 days of live cycling per year, the UCI Track Champions League, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series; the PGA TOUR year-round in some markets; The Ocean Race; the Snooker World Tour; the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship; the FIM Speedway GP, Speedway of Nations and Speedway World Cup; and every major winter sports World Championship and World Cup event. 

WBD Sports Europe completes a full 360° offer with its Events management and promotion division, which oversees 35+ events across four global championships each year and has achieved the ISO20121 certification for sustainability of event management practices.

Each year, Danish chef d'equipe Anne-Mette Binder has her high performance riders make a wish list: In which events would you most like to compete? When she weighed the wishes with the results, she came up with her three-rider squad for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ of Compiegne (FRA).

It proved to be a winning formula.

Denmark captured an impressive win Saturday in the CDIO5* Nations Cup event, a key component in Binder's "milestone plan" ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (FRA). Daniel Bachmann Andersen (Vayron), Nanna Skodborg Merrald (Blue Hors St. Schufro), and Carina Cassoe Krüth (Heiline's Danciera) bested a competitive field of nine teams with a winning point total of 225.500. Sweden finished second (218.239), with the home nation third (215.261).

"It's a very important competition here for us. This is in our 'milestone plan'—so we call it—where we watch the riders, and then from all the events that we have put into our milestone plan...we will select the final [Olympic] team."

Anne-Mette Binder (DEN)

The Danish trio excelled in what could have been viewed as a tryout of sorts for Paris. Leadoff rider Bachmann Andersen shined brightest in the Grand Prix test, scoring 76.152% aboard Vayron, his mount from the 2023 European Championships (GER). The personal best score was also good enough for second individually in the competition. Danish riders, in fact finished second, third and fourth individually.

"Daniel is very experienced, and Vayron was also in Riesenbeck for the European Championships. But still, they as a pair are relatively new for these bigger events and championships. [Daniel] really fulfilled our hopes and expectations."

Anne-Mette Binder (DEN)

Bachmann Andersen has only been paired with the 13-year-old Westphalian stallion for two years, but they found success almost immediately when stepping into international competition together. Since their championship debut last summer, Bachmann Andersen has focused on fitness and building up his partner's strength, particularly in his extension.

"He came to me when he was 11, and he hadn't done the real Grand Prix yet," Bachmann Andersen said. "I've been working a lot with getting him [stronger] and getting more stable and really being able to lengthen his frame and extension, and all of that succeeded really well [today].

"The transition out of the piaffe was better than it's ever been, and I think almost my entire counter-canter was very convincing," he added. "I think he was really with me, and it was really nice."

Krüth and Skodborg Merrald showcased the strengths of long-term partnerships. Their scores nearly mirrored one another, with Krüth earning marks of 74.913% and Skodborg Merrald receiving 74.435%. Krüth was also a part of the squad that won this same competition a year ago.

"I have been riding [Heiline's Danciera] since she was four years old. She actually had her own foal when she was four, so she was a little bit late in her education," Krüth shared. "But she's quite a fast learner, and she's not a big horse, so she's quite easy in her body, and she's always been very practical in her movements...I've been riding her forever. It's like a marriage."

World No. 4 Skodborg Merrald recently finished second in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final with Blue Hors Don Olymbrio. With a strong group in her stable, she brought out Blue Hors St. Schufro for stallion's first international start of 2024. 

"I've been riding him since he was seven," Skodborg Merrald said. "It's quite a longer relationship with him now, and he's just super nice to ride. It's a lot of fun every day with him."

Winning the lone five-star event of the 2024 season, the Danish catapulted themselves up the series leaderboard to sit third after two events on 15 points. Sweden leads the way after finishing third in Wellington (USA) and has 20 points. Wellington's victors, Germany follows closely behind in second with 19 points.

The 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ series concludes in Budapest (HUN), 8-12 May.

Full results

The second and final day of the FEI Sports Forum 2024 kicked off with a three-hour session on FEI Championships. FEI Deputy Legal Director Áine Power opened the session with a thorough review of the topic, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Tim Hadaway, FEI Director Games Operations. The conclusion reached during the discussion was that maintaining the existing Championships is very important for the community and that the FEI needs to look at the economic model and requirements to preserve their future.

 

Providing the National Federations with key information to establish a national safeguarding policy was the objective of the second session of the day, which was presented by FEI Safeguarding Advisor Lucy Trochet. FEI Safeguarding Webinars for NFs will take place on 23 May 2024 at 09:00 and 16:00 CEST and National Federations were invited to save the date and sign up.

 

The Sports Forum 2024 ended on a high note with an inspirational discussion on equity, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in equestrian sport, moderated by Jessica Kürten, FEI Athletes Committee Chair and FEI Executive Board Member.

 

In his closing remarks, FEI President Ingmar De Vos reviewed the key points for each session. He thanked the panellists and moderators for the level of the presentations and thanked delegates for the quality of the debate. He also thanked the FEI HQ Team for organising another successful edition of the FEI Sports Forum.

 

Sessions summaries

Summaries from each of the day’s three sessions are available at the links below:

Session 4: FEI Championships review

Session 5: Safeguarding – what the National Federations need to know

Session 6: Equity in equestrian: assessing gender equality across key roles and levels

 

Presentations

The PowerPoint presentations made at each Session are available in pdf format in the FEI Sports Forum 2024 online hub (Session Documents section).

We encourage you to download them and use and distribute them widely.

 

Watch on replay

All the Sessions can be viewed on replay here.

 

Photographs

A selection of photographs is now available for download here.

Photo caption: Jessica Kürten, FEI Athletes Committee Chair and FEI Executive Board Member, moderating the session on equity and gender equality. (c) FEI/Richard Juilliart

The 13^th FEI Sports Forum at the IMD Business School in Lausanne (SUI) opened today, with more than 230 delegates in attendance and more joining online. 

In his opening remarks, FEI President Ingmar De Vos recognised key sporting accomplishments of the year, notably the launch of the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ (LLN) and the hosting of the FEI World Cup™ Finals. He commended the Organisers for their efforts in delivering exceptional events, specifically highlighting the success of the LLN legs in Abu Dhabi and Ocala, as well as the historic significance of holding the FEI World Cup™ Finals in the Middle East – in Riyadh (KSA) - for the first time.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, De Vos focused mainly on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic and urged National Federations to actively participate in a digital campaign aimed at promoting equestrian sport in the Games in Paris, emphasising the significance of showcasing the sport and advocating for the well-being of horses on the world’s greatest sporting stage.

The FEI President also encouraged all delegates to contribute their ideas for an action plan based on the findings of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission. He emphasised the urgency of addressing existing challenges within the equestrian community and underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in driving positive change.

As is customary at the FEI Sports Forum, an IMD representative addressed the audience and this year Cyril Bouquet, Professor of Strategy and Innovation at IMD, delivered a captivating and interactive keynote address, demonstrating how alternative approaches to problem-solving could benefit the equestrian industry. He urged delegates to embrace innovative thinking and experimentation, advocating for the exploration of new and unconventional solutions. Bouquet also highlighted the importance of testing ideas, learning from them and moving on in a rapid cycle of continuous improvement.

The first of the day’s three sessions was on the Final report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission and proposed action plan, followed by Sustainability – a call for action, and FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Regulations.

Grooms charter

The first day of the FEI Sports Forum also saw a group of equestrian athletes, organisers, owners, trainers and officials’ stakeholder organisations sign the FEI Grooms Charter. This document, which is built around the principles of horse welfare, integrity, education and safety, was created to ensure that grooms have the tools they need to provide the highest level of care for the horses in their charge, and that they are respected and supported in their role.

Sessions summaries

Summaries from each of the day’s three sessions are available at the links below:

Session 1: Final report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission and proposed action plan

Session 2: Sustainability – a call for action

Session 3: FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Regulations

Presentations

The PowerPoint presentations made at each Session are available in pfd format in the FEI Sports Forum 2024 online hub (Session Documents section).

Photographs

A selection of photographs is now available for download here.

Photo caption: FEI President Ingmar De Vos delivers the opening address at the FEI Sports Forum 2024. (c) FEI/Richard Juillard

Recently, the first-ever FEI Para Dressage World Challenge in Uruguay successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the sport both in the country and the region. The National Director of Para Equestrian Sports in Uruguay - Gustavo dos Santos - sheds light on the journey leading up to this historic event and its broader impact on the Para Dressage community.

Historical Inauguration of the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge in Uruguay

Reflecting on the inspiration behind hosting the event, dos Santos stated; "For several years, we have been developing the discipline of Para Dressage in Uruguay and in the region. We had been considering the possibility of the discipline having a [FEI World Challenge] format like classical Dressage. We were thrilled when the FEI included our discipline in this format, and we did not hesitate to nominate our country to organise the first event in Uruguay."

Uruguay's hosting of the event made history as the first-ever country to inaugurate this Challenge format in Para Dressage, which sees athletes around the world being able to compete against international comrades from their own country. 

Challenges and Opportunities

Dos Santos acknowledges the issues faced during the organisation of the event: "The challenges were many in order to meet all the administrative and logistical requirements of the event in the two phases required by the format of the Series." 

Despite these difficulties - or perhaps in response to them - the feedback from the local equestrian community was overwhelmingly positive. Dos Santos highlighted the event's significance, saying, "It was a great opportunity for our [athletes and athletes] of the region. We requested the FEI to invite friends from South America to participate in this important event, offering [athletes] from other countries the chance to compete at a lower cost without the high costs of transporting horses internationally."

Evolution of Para Dressage in Uruguay

When asked for some insight into the development of Para Dressage in Uruguay, Dos Santos explains, "For more than 20 years, equestrian rehabilitation centres and horse therapy for people with disabilities have been successfully and professionally developed in our country." 

From there, a natural evolution of the discipline was born, including the establishment of the Federation of Equestrian Sports (FUDE) Dressage Secretariat in 2010, and the invaluable contributions from professionals such as the Director of the equestrian centre Professor Lydia Lercari, and international judge Lilan Ianone, both of whom have passionately shared their expertise and time. (FEI Solidarity has supported FUDE from 2017 to 2020 with a focus on growing Para Dressage in the region, appointing Canadian Para Dressage coach Clive Milkins to spearhead the project.)

Dos Santos also highlighted the inspirational role of high-performance athletes such as Argentinean athlete Patricio Guglielmelli, and his own experience as a delegate at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, speaking to the motivation that high-performance sport offers athletes around the globe. 

Solidarity in Para Dressage Development

Dos Santos expressed gratitude for the support received from the FEI Solidarity to help develop the discipline, stating, "Thanks to all the support [from FEI Solidarity through various development] projects in our country and in the region, we have been able to fulfil and materialise many dreams and expectations that at some point we saw as impossible to develop and professionalise Para Dressage." 

The scope of Uruguay’s project's contributions went even further, however, including training for trainers, classifiers, and judges, as well as the establishment of an annual competition calendar for national athletes, all essential components of a structured and successful sport development plan.

Achievements and Ambitions 

Dos Santos anticipates a positive impact on the Para Dressage community in Uruguay, stating, "This is a unique opportunity for our under-resourced [athletes] to compete and gain experience in an international event.”

Throughout the event, National Federations, with the guidance of the appointed experienced FEI Officials, were able to nationally classify their athletes before being judged in the Challenge as part of the two-phase format of the series.

He emphasised the event's alignment with broader goals of promoting inclusion in equestrian sports.

Reflecting on success stories, dos Santos became emotional, stating, "Over the years, there have been many incredible stories of athletes who overcame all kinds of adversity and have managed to succeed in the sport and in their lives." He expressed pride in seeing them progress from therapeutic programmes to independent riding, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Collaboration and Support in Organising the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge

Dos Santos acknowledged the collaborative efforts of local, national, and international stakeholders in organising the event. He highlighted the contributions of the FUDE Para Dressage Commission, the FUDE Board led by President Colonel Julio Sanchez, and collaborators such as the Escuela de Equitacion del Ejercito, the Club Hipico Uruguayo, and the Fundacion Sin Limites. Dos Santos also extended special thanks to FEI officials - often unsung heroes - Jana Kulichova and Arnaldo Conde Filho for their professionalism and support.

Dos Santos emphasised the event's commitment to values of healthy competition, enjoyment, love, and passion for Para Dressage along with the highest respect for equine welfare, ensuring a memorable experience for participants, spectators, and equines alike.

Future Plans for Para Dressage in Uruguay

Looking ahead, dos Santos shared ambitious plans for the growth and development of Para Dressage in Uruguay, stating, "We want to keep moving forward and galloping hand-in-hand with FEI Solidarity." 

He revealed plans to form a national Para Dressage team, with the goal of participating in future international events, including the Pan American Games 2028. Events like the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge are certainly on the path to this objective. 

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Note for Editors

The aim of the FEI World Challenge series is to offer athletes who under normal circumstances cannot take part in international competitions due to various factors (travel cost and distances, for example) the opportunity to compete internationally without having to leave their own country. These "hybrid" competitions are meant as a bridge between the national and first international level of competition and are meant to help NFs develop the various disciplines in their country. 

FEI World Challenges exist in Jumping, Dressage and Para Dressage, Eventing, Vaulting and Driving 

The full Rankings can be found HERE

For the second year in a row Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and the extraordinary King Edward reigned supreme at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight.

In Wednesday’s opening competition they threw down the gauntlet when taking the early lead, and then they left the rest in their wake once again with a brilliant jump-off performance in Thursday’s second competition.

Tonight however it turned into a whole different contest. A fall in the warm-up before going into the first round of the finale would have rattled any rider’s confidence, even one seated on a mighty steed that has carried them to Olympic and World Championship glory.

But the 42-year-old athlete held his nerve, reassured his brave chestnut gelding and climbed back into the saddle to clinch it with two more unforgettable performances. 

Compatriot Peder Fredricson was lying second as today’s action began, but a single mistake with Catch Me Not S allowed Frenchman Julien Epaillard and Dubai du Cedre to overtake him. Two superb final-day courses from Frank Rothenberger ensured the steps on the podium would only go to the very best of the best.

First course

Just seven of the 27 starters jumped clear over the first course, with the time-allowed proving difficult for many to get and the triple combination at fence four particularly influential. Fredricson’s mistake came at the following oxer and he jumped the rest of the course with a broken martingale. That dropped him to level-pegging along with America’s Kent Farrington and Greya, with Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher (Elysium), Britain’s Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly) and Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet (Ace of Hearts) stacking up behind them.

Epaillard’s clear moved him up to second, and although Fredricson returned to produce a peach of a ride on his 18-year-old grey Catch Me Not S in round two during which Farrington faulted, it just wouldn’t be enough to retrieve second position because Epaillard was fault-free once again so he would have to settle for third at the end of the night.

As von Eckermann returned to the ring for the second time it was all hanging in the balance. One fence down and he’d be facing a jump-off against the Frenchman whose reputation for speed riding is second-to-none. Any more than that and the game was up. But he withstood the pressure.

King Edward was tense over the oxer at fence two but von Eckermann supported him every inch of the way and as they crossed the line to finish on a zero scoreline after five rounds and three tough days of jumping the Swedish rider dropped the reins and raised his arms in celebration. They had done it again, and the crowd went wild.

Two times winning 

“It’s something I could never have dreamed of when I was younger that I would be here two times winning!”, said the exhausted Swede afterwards. 

He explained how he managed to pull off yet another title victory after the upset of his fall.   

“It doesn’t help to get nervous or stressed, because the horse feels everything and King Edward is anyway a very, very sensitive horse so for him when that happened I just said don’t worry, let’s stay calm and don’t let him feel that everything is a little not like it should be!”, he explained. 

“It went well and we’ve been together so long and know each other so well that I had the biggest confidence in him, and that helped to have that feeling that, even with this mistake, what happened happened and that it was still zero on the scoreboard and that’s what counts! So I just focused on that”, he added.

He reckoned his strong ride to the final fence to win Thursday’s class may have explained King Edward’s stop in the warm-up ring that dislodged him from the saddle today.

“In the end to the last fence (on Thursday) maybe I exaggerated a little bit, but I was so fed up being second at other shows, I did three 5-Stars and he was second in every one of them. I always had the feeling I was a little bit on the safe side at the last (fence at those shows) and I was second. I didn’t want to be second again, but in the end it was a little bit too much and then I paid the price of that today”, he said.

Nonetheless his bold, brave superstar horse didn’t let him down when it really mattered.

Amazing final

Runner-up Epaillard was really pleased with the performance of his 11-year-old mare but felt he could have done better. “It was totally my fault, I didn’t start good and on Thursday we had a little fault in the jump-off but today she did an amazing final!”, he said. “We came here with the idea of doing another Championship with her before the Olympics to see what we have to work on, and I think I can have a nice programme for the Olympics now”. 

He explained that managing Dubai du Cedre’s enthusiasm is his biggest challenge. “She has a lot of energy….I try to get her to use this energy with me, not to be not with me, and I think now she is more quiet now and she understands better when to use that energy. It has been a lot of work, but with horses like this it’s finally easy to find a way”, he added, knowing that he has more than proven their worth as a partnership. 

Fredricson was also delighted with Catch Me Not S whose second round today was one of the very best exhibitions of jumping, and horsemanship, throughout the entire week.

He treasures the gelding he knows so well. “To have a horse like that gives you everything, he’s very special”, he said.

He was delighted for von Eckermann doing the double. “I’m really proud of Henrik, he’s such a fighter and he’s been jumping really well the whole weekend. Wherever you go when you have Henrik and King Edward with you it’s like you have extra power! I’m really happy for his win, he really deserves it!”, he said.

The new double-champion meanwhile said he was exhausted after the drama of the day, but the joy on his face as he held the trophy aloft for the second time in a row was undeniable. He came, he saw and with the help of the wonder-horse that is King Edward he conquered once again at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2024.

Final Standings

Patrik Kittel made history tonight as only the second Swedish rider to stand on the top step of the podium at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Partnering the 12-year-old gelding Touchdown he was the very last athlete into the arena on a night when the sport had plenty of twists and turns. And he nailed it with the performance of a lifetime, pinning Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Don Olymbrio into second place and German superstar Isabell Werth into third with DSP Quantaz.

This was the ninth Final of his career and his first time on the podium. “I cannot believe it - seriously! My trainer Louise (Nathhorst) won it the first time for Sweden and I’ve won it for Sweden again. I just want to thank everyone for supporting us - I’m very overwhelmed!”, he said.

In the end the contest could hardly have been closer, with just 0.257 percentage points separating the top three in an almighty battle for the treasured trophy that was first won by Denmark’s Anne-Grethe Jensen and Marzog in 1986.

Took the lead

Seventh of the 15 starters, Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath and Destacado FRH took the lead on a score of 77.850 and was still out in front with just four left to go. 

That final group of four was led by reigning World Champion, Great Britain’s Lottie Fry, and her Tokyo Olympic ride Everdale who, after winning Wednesday’s Grand Prix, looked set to do the double. But as the pair prepared to enter the arena, Ground Jury President, Denmark’s Hans Christian Matthiesen, drew the rider’s attention to an issue in the horse’s mouth. An FEI statement tonight explained…. 

British athlete Charlotte Fry and her horse Everdale were eliminated from the Grand Prix Freestyle competition today at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Riyadh (KSA).

A minor bleed originating from the front gum mucosa was found in the mouth of the horse by the Judge at C, and in accordance with Article 430.7.6 of the FEI Dressage Rules, this results in elimination.

Elimination under this rule does not imply there was any wrongdoing but the rules are in place to protect the welfare of all competing horses.

So suddenly the hot favourite was out of the picture and it was down to the last three to overtake Rath and push for a podium placing.

Fresh and feisty

Skodborg Merrald’s Blue Hors Don Olymbrio had been fresh and feisty in Wednesday’s Grand Prix, but tonight the 16-year-old stallion was much more focused and, to a brand new musical score, lifted the level of competition with the first over-80% result when putting 81.429 on the board - their flying changes and canter pirouettes proving particularly pleasing to the judges.

Second-last into the ring would be Werth, a longtime legend in her own lifetime who was chasing the sixth World Cup title of her sparkling career but whose stallion, DSP Quantaz, was edgy in the Grand Prix two days ago. When he entered the arena tonight the 14-year-old horse again found it very challenging as the seven-time Olympic gold medallist explained.

“It was very hard for him because he was really a bit scared about the advertising screens and also the people in the white clothes - it was really hard for him to concentrate! But he was really with me and he tried his best”, she said, after slotting in marginally behind Skodborg Merrald on a mark of 81.404.

Last to go

Now it was down to Kittel, last to go. He’s long been something of a Freestyle specialist, but as he pointed out tonight he’d never been last into the ring at a major event and it was a lonely feeling in the warm-up beforehand. He really came into his own this evening however.

His new James Bond themed music is a more gentle accompaniment than usual, and there was something special about his performance, Touchdown really rising to the occasion to put the biggest score on the board when just fractionally ahead of Skodborg Merrald at 81.661 to clinch it.

“I think this moment is something I will never forget!”, he said afterwards. 

He talked about watching his trainer, Louise Nathhorst, seal that only other Swedish World Cup victory as a young boy 24 years ago in Gothenburg and the inspiration it gave him. 

And reflecting on what he achieved tonight he said, “I cannot believe it - seriously! Touchdown just flew with me today. I had to try to control my nerves all day but he was just unbelievable! The power and the fighting spirit that he showed for me is the biggest win. The winning of the show is unbelievable but to go in with so much atmosphere - before I came in the audience was going crazy - but he just stayed with me and I cannot thank him enough!”, he added.

Second

This was the second year in a row for Skodborg Merrald to finish as runner-up.

“It’s unbelievable finishing second for one more year”, she said, “but my horse felt so great in there and I’m super-thrilled being able to be second between those two super rounds (winner Kittel and Werth in third).”

As always, Werth simply relished the battle. “It’s such fun when you have three on the podium with 0.257 between them, it was very close and it was very exciting! Of course Quantaz was a bit affected by the atmosphere but I’m very happy with him.

“This is what I love to do, I’m a real competitor and I like it especially like this when it is so close, with so much energy and so many emotions, that’s what makes the sport really exciting. Today any one of the first three could win and that was what made it so great also for the public”, she pointed out.

For Kittel it was a lifetime goal realised, and he was filled with joy.

“To stand here as World Cup champion! You always hope, you always want to win, but to actually win??!! That’s just so awesome!!”, he said. 

Result

Defending champion Henrik von Eckermann and Swedish compatriot Peder Fredricson held on to the top two places in the standings after finishing first and second, for the second day in a row, at the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2024 last night.

America’s Jill Humphrey and Chromatic BF produced a brilliant performance to finish third, but tragically after returning to his stable the 13-year-old gelding later collapsed and could not be resuscitated. For further details, see the FEI Statement here.

Belgium’s Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z lined up in fourth ahead of French star Julien Epaillard in fifth with Dubai du Cedre, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet finished sixth with Ace of Hearts and three-time title-holder Germany’s Marcus Ehning filled seventh place with Coolio in this second of the three deciding competitions.

The Final concludes tomorrow (Saturday) with two more rounds of Jumping. Less than a fence separates Von Eckermann from Fredricson when the action resumes, with Epaillard a single fence behind closely followed by America’s Kent Farrington.

Result Final ll here

https://results.hippodata.de/2024/2430/docs/r_02.pdf

Standings after Final ll here

https://results.hippodata.de/2024/2430/docs/standings_after_final_2.pdf