For a very long time the London International Horse Show has been one of the most popular events on the European indoor circuit, and today almost 10,000 spectators nearly lifted the roof off the ExCel arena in the London (GBR) Docklands when Britain’s Ben Maher won the eighth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League with Enjeu de Grisien.

A year ago his compatriot and friend, Scott Brash, stood top of the podium at the same venue after winning with Hello Jefferson. But today the 2012 Olympic team gold medallist Brash had to settle for runner-up spot with his 14-year-old gelding when reigning individual Olympic champion Maher, and the young horse he calls Jazz, snatched victory from his grasp with a spectacular last-to-go run.

And if the crowd were screaming with excitement during the 11-horse jump-off against the clock, none were screaming louder than Irishman Daniel Coyle’s grandmother Ita who didn’t hold back when the Derry-born, Canada-based rider put it up to the final two contenders with a brilliant performance from his 13-year-old mare, Legacy, that finally left them in third place.

All the ingredients were there for another epic leg of the series that never fails to delight. And it was 2017 European champion Peder Fredricson from Sweden who filled fourth place ahead of 2023 European bronze medallist Julien Epaillard from France in fifth while Britain’s Matthew Sampson slotted into sixth.

Plenty to do

Course designer, Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge, gave them plenty to do over the 13-fence first-round track, but from the startlist of riders from 16 nations there were still eight countries in contention second time out.

Ireland’s Conor Swail led the way in the decider with Casturano who clipped the vertical at fence nine, three from home, but speed-master Epaillard followed with the first real target when clear in 39.20 seconds with Donatello d’Auge.

Portugal’s Duarte Deabra and the handsome grey Dourados 2 hit the penultimate oxer and Brazil’s Pedro Junqueira Muylaert and Quax 76 lowered the first of the two remaining elements of the triple combination which, now the third obstacle on the course, was a pivotal point on the new track. 

Then Max Kuhner returned a clear in 39.57 with EIC Up Too Jacco Blue to slot in behind Epaillard before Britain’s Sampson and Ebolensky immediately nudged the Austrian pair down the order when almost a quarter of a second quicker. But the excitement was only really starting.

Tail on fire

Next in, Coyle who turned 29 years old earlier this month, set off like his tail was on fire, and taking a stride out between the second element of the double and the following water-tray vertical, he raced home with his brilliant mare in 37.99 seconds to change the whole shape of the competition. 

Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca and Cappuccino 194 lost their chance when turning too tight to the first element of the double, but Fredricson and Hansson WL produced a very tidy clear in 38.42 seconds which slotted them in behind Coyle. However the last two would have the final say.

Brash and Jefferson are always lightning-fast, and when they stopped the clock on 37.80 seconds it seemed all but impossible that could be beaten. Maher however was having none of it. Despite the fact that he was riding a horse that is just nine years old he could feel the time was right to ask for what he needed, and Enjeu de Grisien shaved more than a half-second off his rival’s time to clinch it with a foot-perfect run that drove his home crowd into a frenzy. Just 0.62 seconds separated him from Brash, while Coyle was just 0.19 seconds further off the mark for third place.

Different animal

“This time of year for some reason my mare just seems to become a different animal, and if I can ride her correctly she usually jumps like she did today. I really wish sometimes she didn’t jump so high, you lose a bit of speed that way! Obviously to beat these guys you really have to nail it and there were a few places I maybe could have turned back tighter, but after I’d gone I felt like - if it wins great, and if it doesn’t it’s not meant to be! There wasn’t a whole lot in it, but these guys are brilliant and I’m sure I’ll get them again!” Coyle said, knowing that he had been involved in a momentous battle against the very best.

Brash could have been forgiven for thinking he was about to make it a back-to-back London double before Maher set off for a second time. But he insisted he wasn’t too disappointed with his second-place finish.

“I was actually very happy because Jefferson has been my main contender for the last two years really, he’s been having to do the big shows himself. I thought he jumped fantastic in Calgary (Spruce Meadows 5* in September) but after that I gave him a break and it was the worst thing I could have done because he lost a bit of muscle and it took time to get him back going. 

“But in Geneva last week he jumped good, maybe not as good as he can, but here he felt right back on form so I’m very delighted that he’s back to where he can be again!”, the 38-year-old Scotsman pointed out.

Very special

Even happier however was Maher who described today’s win as “very special for me”. That’s partly because he had a tough start to 2023 that included being out of action for four months with a shoulder injury.

“It’s been a difficult year for us as a family and a team with a few things that have gone on behind the scenes. It’s nice to get to the end of the year in one sense, but it’s nice to finish on a highlight like this and I really enjoy when Sophie my wife is here and our son Cooper”, said the 40-year-old rider. 

He already enjoyed a Western European League win in Verona (ITA) in November partnering another of his mighty string of horses, Dallas Vegas Batilly, and in Madrid (ESP) three weeks ago he finished second with today’s winning ride Enjeu de Grisien.

“I’ve brought him along carefully since he was seven years old, he had four months off at the beginning of the year when I wasn’t able to ride and today was one of those jump-offs where I didn’t have to be too quick over the first three jumps. But then I used his stride really to go, and in the end you don’t have that opportunity (to win) every week or every year. It’s about taking the opportunities when they are there, and today he was ready!”, he explained.

One less stride

He didn’t see Brash’s round “but I know he’s quick, and I knew roughly where I had to be on the course, and that I could do one less stride to the water tray (8). So I just tried to stay a little bit focused and calm and to ride the round that I knew I could ride with my horse, and fortunately it was quick enough today!”, he added. 

Maher congratulated Coyle and Brash on their placings in today’s competition, reflecting on the fact that you win some, and you lose some. “When you ride out of the ring you cross paths (with other riders), and it’s tough when you ride a round like Scott did and then someone goes in and beats you, but it has been the other way around many times before! 

“That crowd though!”, he added, “and this class, it’s one that everyone wants to win because it’s a great time of year, everybody’s happy, everybody is enjoying it and today that was as good sport as there’s been in a very long time!”, he added.

He has now taken over pole position on the Western European League table ahead of fellow-countryman Harry Charles in second and Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann in third going into the ninth of the 14 legs of the series in Mechelen (BEL) in two weeks time.

Don’t miss a hoofbeat…. 

Result

Standings

Less than two weeks after the Swedish Warmblood Tornado was made a permanent member of Skylar Wireman's (USA) string, the pair topped the first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of their respective careers. 

In front of an enthusiastic crowd at Fort Worth's Will Rogers Coliseum (USA), 19-year-old Wireman and Tornado bested a six-horse jump-off and were one of just two double-clear efforts on the evening. 

The winning time was 36.54 seconds. Nicolas Gamboa (COL), in his own right just 23 years old finished second with NKH Mr. Darcy (36.79 seconds). Jill Humphrey (USA) and Chromatic BH finished third for the second consecutive leg after earning the same finish last out in Las Vegas (USA); the pair finished with a single knockdown in 34.69 seconds.

"It doesn't feel real. It's incredible. That horse is incredible. Every time I've jumped a bigger track, he's just gotten better and better." 

Skylar Wireman (USA)

After a foot-perfect first round, things did not go entirely to plan for Wireman in the jump-off. Humphrey navigated Anderson Lima's (MEX) short course first and put pressure on those behind her after executing a bold inside turn to the jump-off's fourth fence. Wireman planned to replicate the turn, but she ended up leaving out a stride to the fence that preceded it, making the turn more difficult.

When Tornado struggled to execute the move, Wireman made a split-second decision to bypass the effort and go swiftly around a fence to the next vertical. 

"[My coach Peter Wylde] told me to go around if I did six [strides]. Apparently I missed that note! He said to do seven [strides] and go inside, but I saw six, and I tried to still go inside and quickly rerouted."

Skylar Wireman (USA)

While some time was lost in the moment, Wireman made up enough before and after to fend off Gamboa—along with a pair of Irish Olympians in Shane Sweetnam and Darragh Kenny, both of whom incurred faults with RR Combella and VDL Cartello, respectively.

"[Tornado] was just flying," Wireman said. "I just [thought], 'I better stay on!'"

Wireman has only been partnered with Tornado since June, when fellow rider Nick Haness (USA) asked the young professional to campaign the horse with an aim to sell him. Haness had injured his wrist and was unable to ride, and Wireman produced three clear efforts with the gelding at their debut show in California. But then she suffered an injury of her own.

"I ended up getting hurt, but Nick was nice enough to let me keep him through that time. Then [I recovered and] we jumped our first bigger classes," Wireman explained. "Just recently, some close family members helped me keep him, forever.

"Honestly, he has the biggest heart of any horse I've ever had," she added.

In her first year as a professional rider, Wireman has made a smooth transition from the junior, young rider and U25 ranks to contend at the senior international level. She is undaunted.

"I've had great fun [with the transition]," Wireman shared. "The more you challenge me and the more you dare me, the more I push harder and want it more."

After six legs, Daniel Bluman (ISR) leads the North American League standings with 43 points. Sweetnam second (41 points), while Humphrey moved into third (39 points). 

The NAL resumes at Puebla (MEX) on 27 January 2024.

Full results

Standings

In an electrifying event at the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands, Boyd Exell (AUS) blazed to victory on three occasions – but only just.  In the closest contest of the FEI Driving World Cup™ 2023-24 series so far, the reigning champion was pitched against his two old adversaries, Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) and Koos de Ronde (NED), all on career-best form.  

By Saturday evening’s final drive-off, the top three were so finely tuned that they produced rounds which were only two seconds apart.  But it was Boyd’s experienced combination of horses that was marginally faster, and he steered them through a clear course to finish on a time only score of 145.41.

“In indoor driving you can have one ball at any moment so you can never take the pressure off.  If you go slow and then have a ball later in the course, you will get punished twice. The sport here has definitely grown and now the public really gets behind it which means a lot.  And as far as the drivers are concerned, this is a fantastic venue.”

Add quote person Boyd Exell (AUS)

Marking the three-quarter point of the series, the London leg is the sixth qualifying event and has an established extra “Extreme Driving” competition the day before the FEI World Cup.  Using a different course, also designed by Jeroen Houterman (NED), it is a standalone class and one that gives a taster for what is to come.  After two clear rounds, Boyd was the winner, with Koos second and Ijsbrand third.  
The warm-up event means that by Friday’s opening World Cup competition, the horses are more attuned and although the course is different, the arena and ambience are familiar.  In a nail-biting drive-off, it looked as if Ijsbrand was going to win as Boyd was down on the split time but spurred on by a cheering crowd, his horses found an extra, explosive gear and edged ahead by only 1.02 seconds.

By the third competition on Saturday evening, expectation was high for another tightly fought contest – which it was.  The same three qualified for the drive-off and each driver managed to shave seconds off their already impressive times over the same course.  And like the night before, it went down to the wire as last-to-go Boyd knew that he had only a tiny amount of wriggle room after both Dutchmen knocked a ball to add four seconds.  Aware of their scorching speeds - Ijsbrand’s 146.99 and Koos’ 147.37 seconds - Boyd was pushed hard every step of the way.  

Delighted with his performances in London, Ijsbrand said, “This is my first competition since Stuttgart (GER) and I had a really good second place.  To keep up with the tempo of Boyd and Koos, I had a new horse for London and he’s not so experienced, but he was perfect and I am very, very happy with him.  At this stage in the series, the level is really high and we have four or five people who are doing very well.”

Keeping the home crowd enthralled, wild card Daniel Naprous (GBR) ended his weekend in fourth.  Feeling that there was room for improvement after his opening round on Thursday, he went out on a high note by producing a fast, clear round on Saturday to jump up the placings.  

Afterwards he said, “I am so proud of my horses today!  To be on the coattails of these legends is a phenomenal feeling.  I flew in from filming on Sunday and then we came to London, so they did really well.  The sport is so great because after I struggled a bit on the first day, Boyd was gracious enough to give me a few tips and it was appreciated.  Tonight, luck smiled on me and the balls stayed on top.”

Completing the London line up were Glenn Geerts (BEL), Mareike Harm (GER) and Georg von Stein (GER). Glenn’s best result was fourth on Thursday, a position also taken by Georg on Friday, while Mareike was sixth on both Friday and Saturday.

Ijsbrand took the maximum ten points for the rankings as Boyd was also a wild card so not eligible. The two titans are now in first and second place with only a point between them as Ijsbrand pushed his son Bram Chardon (NED) into third place.

The next leg is in Mechelen (BEL) after Christmas where Boyd and Bram will go head to head again as qualified drivers. They are joined by Michael Brauchle (GER) who will be hoping to repeat his Stockholm (SWE) success and Dries Degrieck (BEL) who shone in Geneva (SUI). Completing the qualified drivers line up is Jérôme Voutaz (SUI) with Glenn and Koos as the wild cards.  

After the two most recent events, if Boyd and Bram maintain their form, it is going to be a very close call in Belgium as both will put maximum pressure on to unseat the other.  As Boyd said, “I never count the titles because you are only as good as your last competition.  Indoor driving’s quite hard on your confidence – if you have a great performance you just keep riding higher and higher, but if you start making mistakes and floundering, then it really pounds you!” 

Results Here 

Image: FEI/ Jon Stroud

Not for the first time in her career, Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin set the arena alight when steering Imhotep to victory at the fifth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League in London (GBR) tonight. And, mirroring the result of yesterday’s Grand Prix, compatriots Lottie Fry with Everdale and Becky Moody with Jagerbomb filled second and third places. 

Dujardin is always a crowd-puller, her spectacular record in the sport guaranteeing big audiences and plenty of profile. And once again this evening she didn’t disappoint.

From a starting field of 14, she stood out from the rest when putting a score of 89.465 on the board with the horse with whom she has great hopes. Not since her glory days with the magnificent Valegro has the 38-year-old rider seemed so excited about the future as she continues to build her partnership with the 10-year-old gelding who is known at home as Pete. 

At the FEI European Championship 2023 in Riesenbeck, Germany in September, where the pair helped their country to team gold before claiming  both Grand Prix Special and Freestyle bronze, Dujardin was already delighted with the progress being made by her relatively unexposed chestnut horse. She made no secret of the fact that she is targeting the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with him, and tonight’s indoor event was another big step along that road. He rose to the challenge magnificently.

“This is Pete’s first indoor show so he felt a little bit nervous with the atmosphere which was absolutely buzzing tonight. I was so proud of him, yesterday he was a little bit tense but tonight he felt a bit better, he’s just not got that experience of doing these shows, so I was so pleased with how he dealt with everything here - he never lets me down, he tries so hard and he’s a horse I just love to bits, and there’s so much more to come!”, she said.

Brilliant night

On a brilliant night for British dressage, Lewis Carrier took the lead with a mark of 76.195 as the second-half of the competition got underway with a lovely performance from the 15-year-old Diego V who was settled, secure and light in his rider’s hands.

Belgium’s Flore de Winne overtook them with the elegant black stallion Fliynn FRH who belied his nine years of age with a very polished presentation that earned 77.020. And then French rider Morgan Barbançon squeezed fractionally further ahead when scoring 77.025 with the veteran Sir Donnerhall ll OLD who, at 17, is a full eight years older.

But then Dujardin and Imhotep blew the competition away, consistently scoring 8.5s and 9s, and earning three maximum score of 10 for Choreography and four more for Music and Interpretation. All five judges - Henning Lehrmann (GER), Susanne Baarup (DEN), Andrew Gardner (GBR), Jacques van Daele (BEL) and Magnus Ringmark (SWE) were in complete agreement as they put the pair well out in front.

Next in, 43-year-old Becky Moody wasn’t intimidated however, throwing down a spectacular test with her home-bred nine-year-old gelding Jagerbomb who showed remarkable maturity in the security of his passage and piaffe, and who stormed through extended trot to put 83.675 on the board.

And then, last into the ring, Lottie Fry and Everdale who helped bring home Olympic team bronze in Tokyo and European team silver later in 2021, pushed Moody and her young star ride down to third when scoring 85.040 to decide the final line-up. Everdale is Imhotep’s sire, so it was a horse-family affair at the post-competition prizegiving.

Incredible

Runner-up Fry described the atmosphere in the ExCel arena tonight as “incredible and like no where else!” And she was pleased with her result. “I think this was one of my favourite tests I have ridden. With this new music it was amazing to ride, and Everdale was just brilliant tonight!”, said the Olympic, World and European medal-winning rider.

Talking about her experience tonight, Moody said “you dream about riding at this show, it is somewhere that we all aspire to compete at. I was incredibly nervous in the build-up and my horse is a legend. Being on the podium with Lottie Fry and Charlotte Dujardin is amazing! They both inspire me on a daily basis. They are incredible role models, and it is incredible being sat next to them. But I do have every intention of beating them in the future!”

Dujardin described Moody as “fantastic, it’s been an incredible show for her and it’s great to have her now as a back-up for the team next year”, which is quite some confirmation with Paris 2024 now very much on the horizon.

Talking about her own test tonight, Dujardin said, “the first transitions to piaffe, they could have been a bit better but at the start we didn’t quite get going where I needed him, but then he settled into it and really took it in his stride. But that’s where he’s still a bit green and I’ve only done that floor-plan once before. 

“My pirouettes felt fantastic and the degree of difficulty in that test is phenomenal, it’s way beyond a 10! The two’s into the one’s into the piaffe/pirouette, he’s only 10 years old but you ask him a question and he’s answering it. There’s so much to be proud of with him!”, she concluded.

The Western European League now moves on to Mechelen, Belgium in two weeks’ time for round six of the 11 qualifiers on the road to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2024 Final which will be staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next April.

Don’t miss a hoofbeat….

Result

Western European League Standings

Delighting the passionate crowd at the Palexpo Arena, Bram Chardon (NED) swept to victory at the 5th leg of the FEI Driving World Cup™ 2023-24 series in Geneva (SUI).  It was his third win in a row at the Swiss event which he states is one of his favourites and his first choice when selecting his fixtures ahead of the season. 

The warm sentiment is reciprocated by the show where large images of the Dutchman and his horses are featured on the walls around venue.  
Surprising even himself with his time of 141.97 in the drive-off over Johan Jacobs’ (NED) technical course, Bram said that he had anticipated improving on his times from the first day but hadn’t expected to be quite so fast on his final round.  With no penalties to add, he ended on a time only score, 11.16 in front.

When asked during the press conference what was the secret to his speedy but smooth drive-off, Bram replied, “I saw the other drivers and they gave me a little space because Dries had a knock-down at the last obstacle and Koos made a mistake in the first marathon obstacle, so they didn’t put full pressure on me.  I felt in the first round the horses were very sharp and now later in the season, I definitely want to push them more, which I tried today in the drive-off – but I wasn’t expecting to be 3 seconds faster! The public helped to cheer the horses on and it was a good, technical course to drive.  My team are now in very good shape!”

The margin between first and second place in competition one on Saturday afternoon was much tighter - only 0.17 - as Bram and second placed Dries Degrieck (BEL) both knocked a ball and added four penalties to their closely matched times.  On Sunday, Dries maintained his consistency and secured another drive-off place in competition two, and although the time was his quickest, he caught the edge of the last cone to add four and end on 153.13.

“In my first round today I really tried to be in the top three, but we couldn’t give our all because we needed to be a little bit safe.  In the drive-off I tried to do my best, but I had a knock down at number 15.  But I’m really happy and we did really well.” – Dries Degrieck (BEL)

Third slot on both days went to Koos de Ronde, who changed horses between the competitions in response to the requirements of the course, which included a hill and two runs through the water.  Despite a promising start in the drive-off on Sunday, he went through the D-gate in marathon obstacle number five directly after A, so added 20 penalties to the two balls and time, and end on 189.33.

“Dries drove a good round (in the drive-off) and my team felt very good in the first round so I thought okay, I’m going to go for it!  In the beginning it was great but in the first obstacle I had a small miscommunication with the horses and we didn’t turn sharply enough.  The leaders were thinking so quickly that they thought they had to go into the D-gate and because we were going so fast, we were too late to correct it and we got 20 penalties, so all I could do was go on and finish the course!” – Koos de Ronde (NED)

One of the biggest grins of the weekend came from fourth placed Anthony Horde (FRA) who had the wild card ticket.  Improving on his first day placing of fifth and building on the experience gained at the opening event in Lyon (FRA), his smile stayed in place from the end of his round until he exited the arena after the prize giving.

A firm favourite with the patriotic audience, Jérôme Voutaz (SUI) and his Swiss horses were up on the clock but slightly off lines and the errors added 40 to his time on Sunday to put him fifth.  Sixth place on both days went to Georg von Stein (GER) who had a better first day than second, and alongside Koos, will be travelling to London (GBR) for the sixth leg next weekend. Also in London will be Ijsbrand Chardon (NED), Glenn Geerts (BEL) and Mareike Harm (GER), joined by Boyd Exell and Daniel Naprous (GBR) as the wild cards.

The Geneva results have changed the order in the series ranking with Bram propelled into second place having earned a maximum 20 points from his two recent wins as a qualified driver.  Boyd remains in front on 25 after three eligible events, with Koos and Michael tying in third on 17, and Ijsbrand fourth on 14.  The places will undoubtedly change until the last round at the last leg in Leipzig (GER) in mid-January, but on current form, it looks like it will be a tussle between recent champions Bram and Boyd for the first position going into the final.  It’s possible that they will tie for top place, but that will be decided in due course.  

After two successful weekends when he and his horses have been in top form, Bram will take a break until his next event at the 7th leg in Mechelen (BEL) at the end of the year.  There he will go head-to-head with Boyd, but they will be challenged by the on-form Dries, Michael and Koos.  With only three places in a drive-off, the competition for podium places is going to be fierce.

Results Here 

An international expert panel gathered by the FEI Medical Committee has put forward a set of key proposals to strengthen the current testing standards for equestrian helmets as a means to enhance the safety of athletes in equestrian sport.

Tasked with reviewing current equestrian helmet testing standards and related scientific literature, the FEI Helmet Working Group was established in April 2023 and is made up of a panel of international experts including engineers, standards experts, medical doctors, helmet manufacturers, athletes and representatives from horse racing.

“While the FEI continues to work on reducing horse and rider falls, measures are needed in parallel to reduce the risk of significant injury when falls do occur. The FEI Helmet Working Group focused on how helmets could be even more effective at reducing the risk of serious head injuries,” FEI Medical Committee Chair Dr. Mark Hart explained.

“There are currently different testing standards around the world for equestrian helmets, with different criteria. Moreover, some of the protocols currently used for testing helmets may not reflect the research and technological advancements that have been made over the past several years.

“Helmet requirements are very sport specific. And, as the International Federation for equestrian sport, we believe that it is our duty to take the lead on assisting manufacturers with creating helmets that specifically cater to the demands of our sport and better protect our athletes’ heads. 

“The Working Group has diligently reviewed the existing testing standards as well as the relevant scientific literature, and we are confident that their conclusions will provide a clearer and more robust framework for manufacturers producing helmets in the equestrian industry.”

Following an initial in-person meeting and frequent online discussions, the FEI Helmet Working Group arrived at the following key conclusions:

1. Scientific testing criteria needs to be improved through new computer modelling and simulations which better reflect real life accidents. This will allow for a change in helmet standards that offer athletes better protection from head injuries.
2. Additional testing measures and updated brain energy transmission thresholds must be incorporated into the current testing protocols to better account for the varied forces that occur in equestrian falls. The FEI Helmet Working Group recommends that these new testing protocols are introduced as a requirement by the FEI around 2027 in order to allow manufacturers the time to make the necessary adjustments to their production lines.
3. A new and improved injury reporting system should be established in order to track head injuries, and measure and evaluate the effectiveness of changes to the testing procedures.

The FEI Helmet Working Group’s technical recommendations, which are published on the FEI’s website, will now be shared with the helmet manufacturing and testing industries for feedback. The FEI intends to work collaboratively with manufacturers and helmet standard bodies to achieve these goals, which should be viewed as a new, quickly achievable step forward in allowing helmets to further reduce the transmitted energy to the brain when a fall occurs. Meanwhile, the FEI Helmet Working Group will continue their efforts to improve helmet effectiveness as new research and technology become available.

"The progress made by the Working Group represents a significant leap forward not only for athletes in our sport, but also for the entire equestrian industry”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“Our vision is that the FEI Helmet Safety Working Group’s conclusions marks the start of a journey that will see the international sport governing body contributing to the elaboration of increasingly safer helmet testing standards meeting both the athletes’ needs and the interests of the manufacturers.”

Editor’s note

As part of the FEI's commitment to athlete safety, the FEI has supported since 2012 the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, which has been held every four years since 1997. A peer-reviewed consensus statement is published six months after each meeting, summarising evidence-informed principles of concussion prevention, assessment and management, and emphasises the areas requiring more research. The FEI was a member of the conference Organising Committee for the 2016 and 2022 editions.

 

The highly-anticipated Longines League of Nations™ series proudly unveils the ten equestrian nations set to compete in this brand-new international team Jumping spectacle. This groundbreaking series, set to kick off in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in February 2024, reimagines the storied history of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ with a unique, unified, and global format.

The revamped series is set to make history, introducing a fresh approach to the age-old tradition of nation vs. nation competition, which dates back to 1909. The Longines League of Nations™ will see the top ten teams from around the world competing at four qualifying events, culminating in the grand Final, where the top eight teams will vie to become the first in history to hoist the Longines League of Nations™ trophy.

10 Teams in the Spotlight

At the top of  the Longines League of Nations™ Ranking is Ireland, a nation with extensive experience and success in the history of the Nations Cup. Following closely behind are the United States of America, France, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, and Brazil, each bringing their unique blend of talent, skill, and national pride, and setting the stage for an intense series. 
The ten confirmed teams, along with their ranking points which secured their participation in the Series, and the Chefs d’equipe are:

1.     Ireland (IRL) – 13834 pts. Chef d’equipe:  Michael Blake
2.     United States of America (USA) – 13532 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Robert Ridland
3.     France (FRA) – 12890 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Henk Nooren
4.     Germany (GER) – 12876 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Otto Becker
5.     Switzerland (SUI) – 12514 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Peter Van Der Waaij
6.     Great Britain (GBR) – 12045 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Di Lampard
7.     Netherlands (NED) – 11957 pts.  Chef d’equipe: Jos Lansink
8.     Belgium (BEL) – 11552 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Peter Weinberg
9.     Sweden (SWE) – 10237 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Henrik Ankarcrona
10.   Brazil (BRA) – 9289 pts.  Chef d’equipe:  Pedro Paulo Lacerda

The full rankings can be seen HERE.

National Pride, Global Competition, Universal Enthusiasm

In anticipation of the series that kicks off in February 2024, the National Federations have expressed their enthusiasm at being a part of the inaugural season, recognising its significance and value for the global equestrian community.

As second-highest qualifiers, USA’s Chef d’equipe Robert Ridland said,

"We have always believed that Nations Cups form the bedrock of the sport of Jumping, and from the beginning we have been tremendously supportive of the FEI’s initiative to revitalise and strengthen the Longines series” 

Robert Ridland  (USA)

He added that they would be using the team events both as valuable experience for both younger riders, as well as incorporating those competitions into the preparation process for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Incoming Swiss Chef d’equipe Peter de Waaij echoes this, and is looking forward to his team navigating the thrill and challenge of new venues such as Abu Dhabi and Ocala, whilst pursuing a podium spot at their home venue of St Gallen.

“The new format with four riders in the first round and three riders in the second round adds an extra challenge as well, and definitely does not make it easier for a Chef d’equipe! It could lead to some difficult decisions and it is hard to predict the outcome; we have seen over the years many times that the result in the first round is no guarantee for the second round. It is an interesting new aspect to the Nations Cup format, and fans will find it very exciting to see if their nation can climb the ranks.”

The Brazilian National Federation sees this invitation as one of significant importance, as the Secretary General Tatiana Gutirrez points out that “it provides us with the opportunity to compete on par with the best nations globally, especially on the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympics,”. 

British Chef d’equipe Di Lampard voiced optimism for the series, emphasising the crucial role the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ has traditionally played in their championship preparations.

“This new team competition format will provide fresh opportunities to develop our athletes – both human and equine – against some of the best Jumping nations in the world, and I look forward to seeing what they can bring to the table,” Lampard says, adding that their focus will be on maintaining momentum and securing a hotly-contested place at the Longines League of Nations™ Final in Barcelona (ESP). 

The Belgian National Federation says that “The prospect of the top 10 countries competing in four competitions promises top-class sport, and we are honoured to be part of it as a country," anticipating the upcoming series as “the most beautiful competitions”, which are very much alive and followed in Belgium, as well as in Netherlands, where Sports Director Iris Boelhouwer promises that  “[TeamNL] will do everything possible to get a strong competitive team at all the events, with the Final in Barcelona as our main goal.”
This sentiment is supported by the Germans through Chef d'equipe, Otto Becker, who says this series “represents the most important format, in my opinion,” with general secretary Soenke Lauterbach rightfully praising “the tremendous support of Longines” in the Series.

Henrik Ankarcrona, the Swedish Chef d’equipe, promises a stronger-than-ever team to be joining the 2024 league, saying that they have been improving steadily and look forward to the experience that the upcoming series will offer, while emphasising their prioritising of the equine athletes in line with FEI’s code of conduct;

“Our goal is obviously to win as much as possible - it always is - with the best horse-rider combinations presented in a good way to always put the horse first. This series is exciting and unique and we also hope the media will pick this up and share the excitement building up towards a big final.” 

Henrik Ankarcrona  (SWE)

Sophie Dubourg, Technical Director at the French Equestrian Federation, emphasised their delight at being able to compete as a measure of the excellent work and continued dedication throughout the year of athletes, horses, teams, owners, sponsors, and staff.

“For any athlete, being able to defend their country’s colours is an honour, and with the new simplified series format, we are up for this dynamic and competitive challenge where national pride is on the line.”

For top qualifier Ireland the pressure is on - and Horse Sport Ireland Show Jumping High Performance Director Michael Blake says they are ready.

“To win a Nations Cup has always been up there for me as the highest honour, and Ireland will be looking forward to putting our best foot forward to cement that position throughout the Longines League of Nations™. As always, it will be exceptional competition, and I’m excited to be pitting my wits against the best Chefs d’equipe in the world,” in what Blake anticipates to be fantastic and fierce sport in 2024.

Stronger Together 

FEI President Ingmar De Vos said; 

“We are delighted to confirm that all the invited nations have accepted to take part in the inaugural series of the Longines League of Nations™. Being one of the ten is a remarkable achievement, and a testament to the athletes, owners, grooms, Chefs d’equipe, support teams, trainers, and National Federations working together. This is a team effort and is what the Longines League of Nations™ is all about, working together to achieve something greater than any individual performance. My congratulations go to all contributors.

“We anticipate a thrilling series and are collaborating with Organisers to provide the optimal platform for this showcase of team talent. I extend thanks to our esteemed Top Partner, Longines, for their support and commitment to this historic series, symbolising everything we hold dear in our equestrian community."  

Ingmar De Vos. (FEI President)

As we eagerly count down the 63 days to the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ series, the excitement and anticipation for this revolutionary chapter in equestrian history continues to build. With ten powerhouse nations poised to showcase their equestrian prowess on the global stage, the series promises a unique and exhilarating blend of tradition and innovation.

Longines League of Nations™ 2024 Schedule

11 February:  Abu Dhabi (UAE)
23 March:  Ocala, FL (USA)
31 May:  St. Gallen (SUI)
21 June:  Rotterdam (NED)
6 October:  Barcelona (ESP) - Final

Check the Longines League of Nations Hub here

In a puzzling competition that seemed to defy any logic, Britain’s Harry Charles and his 10-year-old gelding Sherlock won through with a thrilling last-to-go run at the seventh leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League at A Coruña in Spain tonight.

Even the super-talented 24-year-old rider who has twice made the cut to the series Final and who is currently ranked 14th in the world was taken by surprise with how things worked out today. After leaving Javier Trenor’s 13-fence first course intact he already felt he had achieved a lot with his relatively untried horse. 

“He’s very green at this level, it’s only his second or third 1.60m class so I’m delighted to have a clear with him and I’m just going to give him a nice trip in the jump-off. 

“I’m not going to try any heroics and try and win or anything. It’s more a building round for the future for him. We’ll see how the others go in front of me, I’ve got a good draw and I’ll try and jump another clear and be tight where I can. But I won’t be a danger to any of the other guys!”, he said.

He was so wrong. 

By the time he would return to the ring only two of the 14 that made the cut into the second round had managed to leave all the fences up, so Austria’s Max Kuhner and EIC Julius Caesar were already guaranteed at least second spot with the quickest round to date in 45.69 seconds. And Spain’s Armando Trapote was already guaranteed at least third when foot-perfect once again with the feisty little Tornado VS who crossed the line in 45.98. At the end of the day that’s where they would both stay.

Target

The jump-off began with an eight-fault result for Switzerland’s Barbara Schnieper and Carnice and then Belgium’s Pieter Devos looked like setting a strong target with Mom’s Toupie de la Roque only to leave the very last fence on the floor. From there on it would be the turn to the two remaining elements of the triple combination at fence seven that would create most difficulty, Italy’s Emanuele Camilli (Odense Odeveld), Sweden’s Evelina Tovek (Moeboetoe v/d Roshoeve), Spain’s Santiago Nunez Riva (Chakira Z) and The Netherlands’ Leopold van Asten (VDL Groep Iron Z) all faulting there before world number one, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann (Glamour Girl) lowered just the second fence, the vertical at fence three, in a fast time of 42.17 seconds.

With seven still to go it seemed a clear must surely be soon on the horizon, but both Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (Mandato van de Neerheide) and Spain’s Mariano Martinez Bastida (Belano vd Wijnhoeve Z) didn’t get it right at the oxer off the turn from fence three, while it was the bogey first element of fence seven that penalised Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca (F One USA). 

With four left to go the crowd went wild when Armando Trapote brought the aptly-named Tornado home with the first clear of the jump-off in 45.98 seconds, and then Kuhner and Julius Caesar followed suit in the faster time of 45.69, their super turn to the third-last giving them the advantage. The penultimate pair, Dutchman Willem Greve and Highway TV NOP, looked set to take a mighty lead only to hit the very last in 42.57 seconds, and then it was down to Charles. 

History

He has some history with this leg of the Western European League at A Coruna which this year was celebrating its seventh edition. Twelve months ago, in stark contrast, just two horse-and-rider combinations made the cut to the jump-off and, riding Casquo Blue, the young Briton had to settle for runner-up spot behind Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Messi van’t Ruytershof. He was suddenly presented with the opportunity to put that to rights.

“These are the jump-offs you always find yourself sitting and watching but you never seem to be in it, but luckily today I was in it and I couldn’t quite believe it - poles were coming down all over the place! 

“When I saw that then my perspective started changing, maybe we could do something here, but it was still a very big ask to get him to go in and do what he did - I really can’t believe it. I’m lost for words for Sherlock! He’s just an incredible horse!”, said Charles after storming to victory with a clear in 44.92 seconds.

“It probably wasn’t the prettiest round I’ve ever ridden, I had to hustle and bustle a little bit and when I finished the emotion came out a little bit but I couldn’t really help it because I couldn’t quite believe it!”, he added after punching the air with delight.

Kuhner also has some history with this event, finishing third behind Charles last year with Up Too Jacco Blue. He was more than pleased with his second-place finish today with his promising nine-year-old.  

There were no clears posted before the Austrian rider set off, twelfth to go in the jump-off, but he said he has great trust in this horse and he was determined to show his potential. “He’s young but he has a lot of quality so usually he really likes to be clear. So I speeded up a little bit but I didn’t take a big, big risk and he jumped fantastic again! He has all the rideability, I just need to let it out. He’s really a horse for the future”, said the world number nine rider.

Impression

Third-place Armando Trapote is at the other end of the spectrum, currently ranked 264 but making a huge impression over the last year thanks to some great performances with the sparky 12-year-old gelding Tornado VS.  

After jumping clear in the first round the Spanish rider said with great modesty “my horse is really fast and he’s really good, the doubt is if I’m good enough to be as good as the other riders because I’m not even close to them! But I have a good horse and I will try!”

Tornado certainly didn’t let him down. “It’s fantastic and I’m very proud of him, he gave everything and I tried my best, it was a fantastic result for me! I was eleventh to go and there were no clears so I just tried to be clear. A little bit fast but not crazy and that’s what I did!”, said the man whose ranking however belies the individual 15th-place finish he achieved together with his slight little gelding at the FEI Jumping European Championship 2023 in Milan (ITA) this summer. They haven’t come out of nowhere.

Meanwhile Charles was delighted with his win with a horse who is still only learning his trade. “He’s like my baby, I’ve had him since he was a five-year-old and I’ve done everything with him. I can’t tell you how proud I am of him!

“Maybe he came up a bit quicker than I thought he would. I really used the last few shows as developing shows for him and he had two down in Madrid last weekend but the feeling was actually really good and he did it with ease. And then straightaway next weekend he comes and wins this one! In another six months he’s going to be a very dangerous horse to have!”, he said, very happy to have added another big winner to his string.

The British rider has now moved into pole position on the Western European League table ahead of fellow-countryman and reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher in second place while defending series champion and world number one, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, lies third going into the next leg in London (GBR) in two weeks’ time.

Don’t miss a hoofbeat…..

Result

Standings

Declared “King of Stockholm” by the announcer in the Friends Arena in Stockholm (SWE), Bram Chardon (NED) earned the honour after an incredible win in the 4th leg of the 2023-24 FEI Driving World Cup™.  

Although it was Bram’s second event of the series following his wild card ticket in Maastricht (NED), it was his first opportunity as a qualified driver to earn ranking points towards a coveted place at the final in February.  

Accurately steering his supple, on-point grey horses through the course while maintaining a business-like pace and keeping all the elements in place, Bram drove four clear rounds to finish on time-only scores.  After winning competition one on Friday night by a well-judged but slim margin, he went even faster on Saturday to win the all-important second drive-off at the Sweden International Horse Show.

“This was a unique experience and I now understand why the drivers are so keen to come to Stockholm.  The course was very nice, the organisers did everything to make us perform well and the public was spectacular!

The other drivers put the pressure on, but I knew there was a little window after yesterday and I took 10 seconds off my time which was a bit of a surprise, but if the horses want to go, then you have to let them and you don’t hold them back.
This was my first competition for the points, and I have collected the full ten points towards Bordeaux, so I am on my way – but I’m not there yet!” Bram Chardon said.

From his opening round time of 161.48 over Johan Jacobs (NED) 15-obstacle course, Bram finished Saturday’s drive-off on 151.01.  His horses worked consistently as a united team and there were no questions or errors, unlike his final drive-off in Maastricht when an extra loop in the first marathon-style obstacle handed victory to his old adversary Boyd Exell (AUS).

Despite three wins in the first three events of the current series and having won in Stockholm for the last six years, a seventh win seemed likely, but it wasn’t to be Boyd’s weekend.  He was only 0.6 seconds behind Bram in Friday’s drive-off and although the time difference between them was small, the psychological difference was large, as the tables turned in Bram’s favour.  

With only the top three drivers in both drive-offs, Boyd made Saturday’s final round by a slim margin over Belgium’s Glenn Geerts.  While Boyd is often at his most competitive when coming from behind, this weekend the pressure seemed to tell and he clipped cone number four followed by another ball in marathon obstacle number five, which added eight points to his decent time of 152.85.    

Following him into the arena was Germany’s Michael Brauchle who is always fast. Putting the error of course from Friday night’s drive-off behind him, when he finished third despite an additional 24 points added to his time, on Saturday’s final round he left the balls in place and got the routes right.  Speeding through the finish gates in a time of 160.29, he beat Boyd’s total by a mere 0.56.  It was enough to give Michael a career-high second place and seven ranking points towards his quest to reach the final.

Mareike Harm (GER) and Glenn Geerts (BEL), two drivers who use their outdoor horses on the indoor circuit, traded fourth and fifth places between the two competitions.  Both have been featured in short, behind-the-scenes films and both talk about the value of the close bonds they share with their horses. 

Completing the line-up was wild card Fredrik Persson (SWE) who had a better first night than second but held his own admirably against the five qualified athletes.

It was a long, snowbound road to Stockholm for the Driving entourage who endured freezing conditions as winter arrived in Northern Europe.  Despite the chill, the Christmas decorations in the Friends Arena helped to create a warm and festive family-friendly tone which added to the appreciative atmosphere amongst the 10,000 strong crowd.  

Bram’s interviews during the prize givings on both nights gave a glimpse into how much the wins at his first event in Stockholm meant.  He said that next year it’s going to be a fight between him and his father Ijsbrand to decide who gets to drive there!

Next weekend the series moves to the glitzy CHI de Genève when Bram will be up against Koos de Ronde (NED), Dries Degrieck (BEL), Georg von Stein (GER), Jérôme Voutaz (SUI) and Anthony Horde (FRA). Geneva is a special show for Bram as he has won there for the last two years and after this weekend’s masterclass, it would be hard to bet against him repeating the success, earning another ten points and edging closer to the final.  

As to what happens when Boyd and Bram next meet?  We will have to wait and see…

FULL RESULTS

Chilean athletes showcased exceptional performance in the Valparaíso region (CHI) competition, securing their dominance. Local contenders clinched an impressive three out of the four gold medals up for grabs. The Brazilian Young Riders & Juniors team, however, thwarted a potential clean sweep by Chile, securing the remaining gold medal.

Check the full podiums:

Individual Podium - Seniors

1° Martin Garcia Lazo / Si Quililche (CHI)
2° Lukas Buckel / Chella Angostura (CHI)
3° Jose Caio Frisoni / Stud Brasil Itajara (BRA)

Full results here

Team Podium - Seniors

1° Chile (Martin Garcia Lazo & Si Quililche / Lukas Buckel & Chella Angostura / Vicente Mayol & Alcazar Praga / Josefina Paz Maturana & Suffa / Cristobal Larrain & Jota)

Full results here

Individual Podium – Young Riders & Juniors

1° Vicente Larrain / HF Eva (CHI)
2° Amelia Larrain / HC Tia Haydee (CHI)
3° Diogo de Oliveira / CP Latifa (BRA)

Full results here

Team Podium – Individual Riders & Juniors

1° Brazil (Diogo de Oliveira & CP Latifa / Rodrigo Storani & Miranda Rach / Helena Haaland & Valente Heb / Arthur Leonel Machado & Mojito HSSK)

Full results here

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About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org   

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance and Vaulting.

The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para Dressage and Para Driving.

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