Campus
Disciplines
Your Role
About the FEI
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 13th 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.
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.
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.
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
Chromatic BF had returned to the stables after competition on the evening of 18 April and unexpectedly collapsed. He was immediately attended to by the US Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians but was unable to be resuscitated.
In line with the FEI Veterinary Regulations, samples have already been taken from the horse, and a full postmortem in line with FEI protocols will be conducted.
The FEI, the Organising Committee and the SAEF send their deepest condolences to the rider, owners, groom and connections.
In a dream scenario for the Swedish contingent, defending champion Henrik von Eckermann and his great gelding King Edward pipped compatriot Peder Frecricson and Catch Me Not S to win the opening competition at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight.
It was like deja vu for von Eckermann who also won the first class on his way to victory in Omaha, USA 12 months riding the incredible 14-year-old gelding that has put him on top of the world - literally - for much of the last two years.
“I have to say this round was ten-times better than Omaha’s round. It felt much, much better. It’s funny isn’t it, the result can be the same but the feeling can be completely different!”, he said with a big smile tonight.
With results converted into points he goes into tomorrow night’s second test with a two-point advantage over tonight’s runner-up Fredricson, while Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher is just one point further adrift in third and Frenchman Julien Epaillard and America’s Kent Farrington share fourth place. There’s only a whisper between them, but the defending champion is holding all the cards right now.
Clever
German course designer, Frank Rothenberger, set them a track that British star Scott Brash described as clever. “I don’t think it’s massive but it’s tricky. There’s plenty in there, and for experienced horses there’s an inside turn to the wall (at fence 8) but it’s quite tight, so even for experienced horses there are question marks. But it’s a fair course and the course-builder has done a great job”, he said after crossing the line with Hello Valentino in 73.73 seconds which would eventually leave him in eleventh place.
It was Epaillard who set the first real target despite lowering the vertical at fence five with the 11-year-old mare Dubai du Cedre. Only the super-fast flying Frenchman who took individual bronze at last summer’s European Championships could still be out on front after adding the three-second penalty for a fence down to put it up to the rest of them in 69.69 seconds. In an extraordinary turn of fate however, Kent Farrington matched that precisely with a great clear round from his 10-year-old mare Toulayna just a few horses later.
But the American pair were immediately followed by Germany’s Dreher and his magnificent grey gelding Elysium who galloped home more than a second quicker with a brilliant run to take a new lead. The 13-fence track, which began with a triple bar, included three doubles and had plenty of twists and turns, but despite his size the tall Elysium took it all in his stride and was the first to do just six strides from the penultimate vertical to the final oxer.
“I had such a good round and I think I also had a good ride, and the atmosphere here is unbelievable!”, a delighted Dreher said. It was class pathfinder and compatriot Marcus Ehning, one of two riders chasing a fourth World Cup title this week and who finished 19th after a fence down with Coolio, who advised him to go for the six strides to the last instead of the seven most others were opting for.
“I wasn’t sure I could do it but I had a really good run to number 12 (the second-last) so I kept going for the six. Elysium is normally not such a fast horse but with this course today I could turn him with his huge stride so it was perfect for him. He’s really big, he’s a superstar and I love him!”, said the 52-year-old athlete enthusiastically.
Drama
Only two others would be quicker, but before they took their turn a little drama unfolded when Frenchman Kevin Staut, attempting to make that tight inside turn to the wall at eight, drifted right-handed with Visconti du Telman who misunderstood his instructions and jumped the right-hand standard of fence four before the pair turned back to continue on course. But the bell rang for elimination.
With just four left to go the excitement was ratcheted up even further when Fredricson produced a copybook run with the evergreen 18-year-old grey Catch Me Not S to stop the clock in the new leading time of 67.40 seconds. It looked pretty unbeatable and when reigning Olympic champion, Great Britain’s Ben Maher, hit the penultimate vertical with Dallas Vegas Batilly in a round that was otherwise seriously threatening, then only von Eckermann and young American Skylar Wireman stood between Olympic and World team gold medallist Fredricson and the top of the opening night’s leaderboard.
But von Eckermann was not to be denied. Setting off with absolute determination he and his extraordinary little horse were in complete harmony as they wound their way around the course, and even had enough time to put in seven strides down the last line to still finish more than a second ahead in 66.28 seconds for what would be the winning time. Wireman produced a lovely last-to-go clear with Tornado that would leave the 19-year-old a very creditable tenth at the end of the day.
Pipped at the post
It was frustrating for Fredricson to be pipped at the post but he was delighted with the performance of Catch me Not S. “We know each other inside out and it’s an advantage to have a horse you know really well in a course like that where there’s a lot of atmosphere and some spectacular fences and difficult lines. I think I had a fairly rhythmical round. I added a few strides where I felt I needed it but also I left a few out. In a class like this you need to ride fast and keep the horse jumping”, he explained, adding, “and this has been a great day for Sweden!!”
“Peder was super-fast but not quick enough!”, von Eckermann said with a big smile tonight. Hans-Dieter Dreher’s round was the last he saw before his warm-up, but he decided to stick with his own plan. “Even Henrik (Ankarcrona, Swedish Chef d’Equipe) started to talk about what Dreher did, but I said I don’t want to listen to it! I know my plan and I’m really happy that I stuck to it!”
“I kept myself calm, and from one to two I didn’t over-ride I just let him drift because if you attack him the risk is he gets a little shy and gets too careful”, he explained. As it happened it all worked out perfectly.
Now he needs to do it all again tomorrow, but tonight’s victory means the rest have to catch him and the magical little horse that has carried him to glory on so many occasions during their wonderful career together.
The second final competition is a two-round affair and begins at 18.50 local time tomorrow evening, so don’t miss a hoofbeat….
Reigning individual world champion, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, secured a clear victory in the Grand Prix to get the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this afternoon.
Partnering her Tokyo Olympic ride, the 15-year-old stallion Everdale, Fry was top choice of all seven judges when scoring 75.388 to pin Sweden’s Patrik Kittel into second place with Touchdown while Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Don Olymbrio finished third.
The surprise of the day was the fourth-place finish for German legend Isabell Werth whose test with DSP Quantaz was undermined by costly errors. Fifth spot went to her young compatriot Raphael Netz riding Great Escape Camelot while the third German contender, Matthias Alexander Rath, slotted into sixth with Destacado FRH.
Headed
Skodborg Merrald, a member of the historic Danish side that took the World team title in 2022 and who finished second at last year’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Omaha, USA with Blue Hors Zepter, headed the group of six riders to compete before the first break when putting 72.904 on the board.
Her 16-year-old chestnut stallion, Blue Hors Don Olymbrio, was full of himself in the arena today. “He was a little bit excited and was looking a bit here and there which I didn’t expect because normally he never looks around, but he was just fresh! I really liked it actually that he was a bit fresh and excited because he’s so much fun to ride! We could have done without the small mistakes but overall I’m very happy with him”, she said.
Second to go of the next group, Netz posted 72.003 to slot in behind her but, two horses later, Kittel went right out in front when scoring 73.292 for a really consistent performance with the 12-year-old Touchdown.
The three-time Olympian said “he was quite spooky when we were training the last few days because they were still building in the arena, but today he handled it really well, he was very calm and he did a super-nice test so I’m just happy. He was quite mistake-free”.
Looking forward
He was glad to have the Grand Prix done and dusted and already looking forward to Friday’s title-deciding Freestyle.
“When you’ve done the test and it’s your first start you can build up to the Freestyle, and that’s quite a relief as a rider. Because I’m quite nervous so for me it’s good to just breathe out and go. With such a great score and such a good presentation I couldn’t have been more thrilled!”, he pointed out.
He has a big soft spot for the 12-year-old gelding Touchdown. “For me he is like a horse that never lets me down. He won in Herning, he was third in Amsterdam, he’s done everything for me and I’m really so thankful to him that he does what he does. He’s my reliable horse, I can always go to him. He’s a really kind soul and I’m very fond of him, but of course I’m fond of all my horses! We couldn’t do this sport if we weren’t immensely fond of our horses”, he added.
The Swede stayed out in front of the rest of the field until, with just three left to go, Fry set off with Everdale.
Talking about her ride, the British star said the stallion - who is something of an attention-seeker - was also a bit keen this afternoon. “He loves arenas like that and sometimes he can barely contain his excitement but he just about managed it today! He loves to go in and show off and loves his job so it’s an honour to be able to ride him in arenas like this. It’s pretty special. We make a really good team together because we love events like this. It’s just so much fun for both of us!”, she explained.
Far from decided
The Grand Prix result was far from decided however until Werth and DSP Quantaz took their turn, and, second-last into the ring, their test was looking very promising indeed until it all fell apart in the two-tempi changes before more mistakes also crept in. To disbelief from the sidelines the scoreboard showed 72.236 to squeeze them into fourth place between Skodborg Merrald and Netz.
Kittel admitted that it took him completely aback to find himself in runner-up spot.
“I’ve done a lot of Finals but I’ve never been second!”, he pointed out. “I’m a bit surprised because I thought OK you know The Queen (Isabell Werth) is coming. But then I saw she had some mistakes which is a bit unusual for her and then I got a message that I was second and of course I was happy about that!”
Anyone who has followed Werth’s career however knows that if anyone can bounce back it is this lady who is the most decorated athlete in the history of equestrian sport. She endured a similar experience with her great mare Weihegold in Paris (FRA) in 2018 but came back to take the title on Freestyle day. So she may be down this evening, but she most certainly isn’t out….
From today’s startlist of 17 a total of 15 have qualified for Friday’s Freestyle which will decide the destination of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2024 title.
Moldova’s Alisa Glinka and Abercrombie have not made the cut after scoring 62.873 in the Grand Prix while The Netherlands’ Thamar Zweistra and Hexagon’s Ice Weiss were eliminated under the blood rule.
Friday’s action begins at 17.15 local time, so don’t miss a hoofbeat….
Spanish athlete Borja Carrascosa will be first to go in the Grand Prix when the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 gets underway at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tomorrow afternoon.
This evening’s draw was conducted by competitors Ben Ebeling from the USA and Lithuania’s Justina Vanagaite who will line out twelfth and fifth respectively. A total of 17 riders from 12 countries will compete for the coveted title.
The final three to enter the arena will be Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, Germany’s Isabell Werth and New Zealand’s Melissa Galloway. Werth will be chasing the sixth title of her incredible career.
Raphael Netz has qualified for the Final in his very first FEI Dressage World Cup™ season, and during today’s familiarisation in the main arena the young German was spotted circling his horse, Great Escape Camelot, around the trophy which was on display.
“It was the first time for me to see the beautiful World Cup and for Camelot too, and he made some big eyes at it!”, said the 25-year-old who has been based for eight years with world number one Jessica von Bredow-Werndl but who next week moves out into his own enterprise near Munich.
Asked if the Olympic and European champion, who is also a double World Cup winner, had offered him any advice coming to Riyadh this week he replied, “she said just enjoy it!” And that’s what he intends to do.
He will be to eighth into the ring when the action begins.
Don’t miss a hoofbeat……
Full starting order here…..
Some facts and figures:
Riyadh 2024 presents the 37th FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final.
A total of 17 athletes from 12 nations will compete.
The countries represented are Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the USA.
The very first FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion was Denmark’s Anne-Grethe Jensen who came out on top in ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands in 1986 partnering Marzog.
Germany’s Isabell Werth is chasing her sixth title and this will be the 25th FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final of her extraordinary career.
Werth posted her first win with Fabienne in Gothenburg (SWE) in 1992, her second with Warum Nicht in Las Vegas (USA) in 2007 and then won three-in-a-row with the great mare Weihegold FRH in Omaha (USA) in 2017, Paris (FRA) in 2018 and Gothenburg (SWE) in 2019. She brings DSP Quantaz to Riyadh.
Also competing is Charlotte Fry partnering the black stallion Everdale with which she claimed team bronze for Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. With her other stallion, Glamourdale, she helped secure team silver and both Grand Prix Special and Freestyle gold at the World Championship in 2022.
Ground Jury President in Riyadh is Denmark’s Hans Christian Matthiesen.
The competition begins with the Grand Prix tomorrow, Wednesday 17 April, at 13.15 local time.
The Grand Prix Freestyle, which decides the destination of the 2024 title, will take place on Friday 19 April at 17.15 local time.
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.
By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.