The FEI can confirm that the cancelled Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier in Las Vegas, part of the North American League (NAL) for the 2024/2025 season will not be replaced.

The decision not to replace the event was made due to the limited time frame available to organise a new qualifier. This would not allow for sufficient preparation to ensure the high standards of competition and venue logistics that the NAL demands. Additionally, commercial and broadcast commitments already in place would have posed significant challenges, and adding a replacement qualifier would have created difficulties in maintaining consistent coverage and partnership agreements.

As a result, the 2024/2025 season will now feature seven NAL qualifiers, with the same qualification in place having four results count, culminating in the series final in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Looking ahead, the FEI will be opening the bidding process for the 2025/2026, 2026/2027, and 2027/2028 seasons. Organisers interested in hosting a North American League qualifier will have the opportunity to submit their proposals and become part of the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ series.

Todd Hinde, FEI Director of Jumping, expressed confidence in the future of the series, stating:

“While it is unfortunate that we will not be able to replace the cancelled qualifier for the 2024/2025 season, we believe this decision is essential to maintaining the competitive integrity of the league.  We look forward to the upcoming bidding process and to working closely with organisers to ensure that future events meet the high standards of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™.”

More information about the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ series and the North American League can be found HERE

The inaugural Longines League of Nations™ Final is set to be a thriller when it takes centre stage at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain on October 6 with eight of the world’s best teams vying for their place in history. 

There was much speculation when the long-established Nations Cup Jumping format was altered for the new series which got underway in early 2024, but at the end of this first season it has proven a big winner with fans who have been kept on the edges of their seats as the action played out. The three-per-team format with all scores counting in the second round has ratcheted up the tension and excitement like never before.

The countries that have made the cut into the Final are Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA and they will be joined by the hosts from Spain who will be making a guest appearance.

With all three individual medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games joined by four of the top 10 in the latest world rankings, the series finale promises a fierce fight for the honour of becoming the very first country to claim the prestigious new title.

Stole the show

It was Team Germany who stole the show at the opening leg of the series in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in February where the top-10 ranked nations set out on in their quest to qualify amongst the best eight and thereby make the cut into next week’s finale.

The Germans pipped the Irish who were ranked first in the world as the year began but who had to settle for runner-up spot ahead of Sweden in third.

“It’s a super start to the Olympic season and I’m very proud of my four riders!”, said German Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker. And that proved quite prophetic because one member of his side, Christian Kukuk, would go on to clinch individual gold in Paris six months later.

The Irish had their revenge when coming out on top at the second leg in Ocala, USA in March where they pinned Switzerland into second place ahead of USA in third. This was another mighty battle in which the new three-per-team in the second-round format ensured another gripping finish. 

Last Irishman into the ring, Cian O’Connor had not jumped the first round and a fence down would have led to a jump-off with the Swiss, but with just a single time fault he clinched it.

In the balance

The third leg scheduled to take place in St Gallen, Switzerland in June was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, so qualification was still very much hanging in the balance at the final leg in Rotterdam later that month where Team France came out on top.

In a super-tight contest Simon Delestre, Julien Epaillard, Kevin Staut and Olivier Perreau produced seven flawless performances for victory over Sweden in second and Great Britain in third. However, it was all too late for the British at this stage in the series as, along with Belgium, they failed to qualify for the Final just a few weeks before Great Britain went on to win Team gold in Paris.

Top

Ireland finished top of the inaugural League table and Chef d’Equipe, Michael Blake, sends Daniel Coyle, Denis Lynch, Cian O’Connor, Michael Pender and Mark McAuley to Barcelona next week. 

Sweden finished second in the League, and Henrik Ankarcrona will expect a big result from Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Amanda Landeblad, Peder Fredricson, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, and longtime world number one Henrik von Eckermann - the latter three in the side that finished sixth in Paris.

Led by newly-crowned individual Olympic champion Christian Kukuk, Otto Becker’s German crew that also includes Jörne Sprehe, Andre Thieme, Jana Wargers and Richard Vogel looks nothing short of formidable. And the Swiss are also super-strong - Martin Fuchs has been on fire with big results of late while reigning individual European champion Steve Guerdat reminded the world of his class when claiming individual silver at the Paris 2024 Games. This pair will be joined in Barcelona by Alain Jufer, Pius Schwizer and Géraldine Straumann.

Brazil finished equal-fifth with France in the Longines League of Nations™ rankings, and reigning Pan-American individual champion Stephan de Freitas Barcha will be flying the Brazilian flag along with Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, Yuri Mansur, Pedro Veniss and Luciana Christina Guimarães Lossio. The French however may prove the ones to beat as Henk Nooren sends out his full side that claimed team bronze on home ground in Paris - Simon Delestre, Olivier Perreau and Julien Epaillard - and with Kevin Staut and Olivier Robert also in his selection. 

Tied

Meanwhile the USA and The Netherlands tied for seventh spot on the final series leaderboard, and they too are coming out next week with all guns blazing.

The Americans are on form after victory in Dublin (IRL) last month, and Robert Ridland brings three of that side - Lucy Davis Kennedy, Aaron Vale who also finished third in the Dublin Grand Prix and Spencer Smith who produced a brilliant double-clear in the Nations Cup. Completing the US line-up are Alex Matz and the legend that is Laura Kraut who was a member of America’s silver-medal-winning team in Paris. It is quite clear that this is a side that means business.

The Dutch however will definitely be ones to watch. They finished fourth in Paris, squeezed off the third step of the team podium by an agonising half a second when sharing a seven-fault result with the French. 

Kim Emmen was hugely impressive in the team competition at Versailles when double-clear with her lovely grey, Imagine, while Maikel van der Vleuten and the brilliant Beauville Z won individual bronze at their second consecutive Olympic Games. Harrie Smolders picked up just a single time fault in the team competition and with Kevin Jochems and Lars Kersten also on call-up this Dutch side is a powerhouse of potential.

So don’t miss a hoofbeat…..

Full details HERE

Kent Farrington (USA) was the first to crack the code to a clear round over a technical course in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City—the first leg of the 2024-25 North American League season. He'd remain "first" for the rest of the day.

First to return for the jump-off. First to jump double-clear. Ultimately, first on the leaderboard.

Farrington and his talented mount Greya bested a seven-horse jump-off to earn an important five-star victory and valuable qualifying points toward the World Cup Finals in Basel (SUI) next April. The accomplished pair simply could not be caught over Alan Wade's (IRL) short course, with a winning time of 37.19 seconds.

Samuel Hutton (GBR) and Melusina Bvl Z came closest—within two-tenths of a second—and finished second (37.36s). They were followed by Alise Oken (USA) and Gelvera, who boldly left out a stride to the penultimate line and appeared ahead of the pace before fanning wide and losing ground to the final two fences (38.44s).

"[Going] first, I thought the [jump-off] would be fast, but I didn't think it would be wild," Farrington said. "The first part of my round was secure, and then at that point going to the last jump, I thought I played it a bit safe.

"I thought I had done a pretty aggressive round that someone would have to try hard to catch. It got a little closer than I would have liked, but we had luck on our side today."

Kent Farrington (USA)

Natural footspeed, an ground-saving track, and efficiency over the fences proved keys to victory. Farrington weighed the option of leaving out a stride in the first line, but it wasn't the correct option for his partner. Instead, he planned for an extra stride and a tight, time-saving turn to the next fence.

"My strategy was to ride [Greya's round] and try to put the pressure on the ones behind me," Farrington explained. "I took the chances where I thought I could. I maybe could have done one less [stride] up the first line...but it wasn't there [for me]. My short eight [strides] ended up very quick."

Farrington began to eye the NAL opener as a target following his return from the Paris Olympic Games. Farrington and Greya were selected to represent the U.S. for the assignment, but Farrington made the decision to withdraw when his horse developed a cough. 

"First I had to get her feeling better. She had a bad cough that made us unable to compete," he shared. "I had to give her 10 days of no riding, let her get some antibiotics and get her back to America. From there, we said, 'Let's just see how she goes, at her own pace.' I let her feel good with some tiny rounds last week, and then we built up this week. Today she felt great, and I thought she performed great. I'm exciting to get going."

Farrington has always thought highly of Greya, first discovering the mare as a 5-year-old in Europe. He elected to keep her overseas for a year before importing her and beginning to work with the mare in his stable. From there, it's been a careful, calculated and exciting development process.

"She's a sensational horse," he gushed. "She was always extremely, extremely careful. She had a bit of a wild personality, but she's always been an exceptional athlete and a special horse. I'm very proud of what she's developed into. We're still at the very start of her career. I'm excited to see where it goes."

Currently the world's 10th-ranked jumping athlete and a former World No. 1, Farrington has competed in the World Cup Finals on seven occasions, but his best finish came at Riyadh (KSA)—with Greya and Toulayna, who competed in the opening day's speed competition. 

"We went to World Cup Finals last year, and it went great. It was a big step up for [Greya]," Farrington reflected. "I would like to do it [again] with two horses, like I did last time. I would say [Basel] is definitely in my sights. Hopefully my horses are in good form when that time comes around."

Farrington has assumed an early lead in the North American League standings with 20 points. Oken sits second with 17 points, followed by Daniel Bluman (ISR) with 15 points. 

FULL RESULTS
STANDINGS

The FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final took place in Lier (BEL) today after four days of hard-fought competition amongst some of the world’s top young riders. There was a strong showing for Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium in particular, but each of the athletes and horses showed exceptional skill and talent for the future.
 
In each category, four athletes competed for each team, with the top three scores counting towards the team’s total each day. In the one-round final today, all teams started with a clean slate of zero  points, with the potential for a jump-off if teams were tied after the first round.

Children

The top six teams competing for the title were Sweden, Poland, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, and Italy. It was nail-biting until the very end, with the outcome hinging on the very last fence. There was a possibility for a straight win, or a two, three, or four-way jump off all possibilities until the fourth rotation of riders. In the end, it was the Dutch team who took the title for the third time in a row, on a perfect score. In second place was Great Britain and the Irish team in third.

Sweden kicked off the action. Maisie Riley and Lorenzo of Great Britain faced a setback with a refusal at the water, giving them 15 penalties in total and putting some pressure on the remaining team members with the best potential score of four from their opening rider Emily Gulliver’s score. 

The team from The Netherlands finished on a total of zero, with only one rider – Joep Schaap – picking up four penalties in total. The final Dutch rider, Stella Heijligers, had retired from yesterday’s competition to save her horse for the final. A clear would ensure that the Italians had to go clear too, having lost one rider to elimination and therefore having no dropped score available to them. Her decision was a good one, with a clear securing their place on the podium. 

Gabriel Zagni Minucci had no wiggle room whatsoever, knowing that a clear would secure a jump-off, whereas two poles would completely put them out of medal contention. He was clear until the very last and then a hesitation from the pair and four faults plus time penalties put them into fourth place overall. 

Ponies

The pony teams competing for glory were Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, Great Britain, Belgium, Sweden, and The Netherlands.

Great Britain emerged victorious with a consistent performance, finishing with just one fault across the entire three rounds of jumping. This victory follows their success at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Ponies. Neighbours Ireland came in silver, and Belgium third. 

The Netherlands - always hot favourites at any Jumping event - ended up fourth after a shaky start. First rider Bethany Vos and third rider Mienie Vos had expensive rounds with 23 and 10 penalties respectively – putting one of the favourite teams out of medal contention despite a stellar start to the competition earlier in the week.

The Swiss team had an unlucky day at the office, with an elimination and two expensive rounds putting them on a final score of 24, at the bottom of the table. The Irish, having won the competition four times in the past, were hoping to add a fifth gold medal to their tally. Their six penalty score, however, wouldn’t be quite enough to take another win. 

Third last to go was Robin Vermier, who had the luxury of being able to finish ahead of the Dutch even with one pole down. Her calm, collected clear aboard Kristal Sparkle Van Begeveld secured a podium finish.

Young Riders

In the young rider category, the six teams competing for glory were Belgium, Austria, the USA, Great Britain, Italy, and Switzerland. The Young Rider winning team - Belgium - was crowned after a three-way jump off for the podium positions with each team’s total points and time counting towards the win.

The Austrians were at a disadvantage with only three available riders throughout the day. Despite that, they managed to advance to the jump-off but faced immense pressure without a discard score when it reached the second round. 

Belgium’s Mathieu Guery set the tone for the jump off with a clear round on Callac de Cyrmanol, helping his country to a third win at home in Lier for the FEI Nations Cupfor Young Riders Final, with the first rotation riders for Italy and Australia chalking up clears too - albeit slower. 

Antonia Weixelbraun of Austria clocked up a fast round with four penalties. Both the Belgian and Italian teams had three clear rounds on the board by the conclusion of the jump off, automatically putting Austria into bronze medal position without the ability to drop Weixelbraun’s four-penalty round. Italy’s final combination; Martina Simoni and Dalvaro 2, needed to jump an incredibly fast clear to clinch first, shaving off over three sounds. They delivered a collected and well-ridden round without a pole, but weren’t fast enough to match the pace, meaning Italy had to settle for silver. 

Juniors

The final competition of the day was the Juniors title, which was contested by the USA, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden. Once again, the order of the podium came down to the very last set of riders, in an ‘anything could happen’ race to the finish line which ultimately saw the USA take gold, Sweden silver, and the Czech Republic bronze. 

A flurry of clear rounds from early on kicked off the event in style, with teams USA and Netherlands edging themselves out as contenders for the win with a perfect zero on the scoreboard for both teams following the third rotation of riders. 

The penultimate rider, Jules Denutte of Belgium, required a clear to stay ahead of The Netherlands and the Czech Republic, keeping them on the podium. One fence came down, which edged the Czech Republic into bronze place thanks to their quick pace. 

Elise Stephens, as the USA’s fourth rider, delivered a clear to force Sweden’s hand. The last rider of the day, Liam Nilsson, couldn’t afford even a time penalty if they were to secure a jump off for the gold. When Nilsson cantered into the arena, the challenge was simple - jump a clear and secure the jump off with the USA. Have a pole or penalty, and the USA would take the victory. Having ridden in three European championships, he’s no stranger to pressure - but faced a setback when his mare Ulla Bella Hastak got strong into the double and tipped a rail, meaning the Swedes would settle for silver. 

FULL RESULTS

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Organising Committee for the Las Vegas qualifier of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – North American League has decided to cancel the event for the 2024 – 2025 season. 

The FEI is evaluating the situation and will prepare a proposal on the way forward, taking into account the calendar, sport and commercial implications, which will be presented to the FEI Board for their final decision.

We understand that this last-minute cancellation is unfortunate, and may impact those who have already made their plans to attend. We sincerely apologise to all stakeholders, including riders, officials, sponsors, and fans, for any inconvenience caused, and are committed to ensuring a strong and successful series moving forward.

Todd Hinde, FEI Director of Jumping said;
“We are deeply disappointed by the cancellation of the Las Vegas leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League. However, we respect the decision of the Organising Committee and our priority now is to ensure the continued success of the series, providing top-level competition for athletes and fans across the remaining qualifiers. We’re looking forward to an exciting season, and a spectacular final in Basel next year.” 

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League kicks off this weekend in Traverse City (USA).

We are excited for what promises to be a thrilling series, culminating in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, and we look forward to welcoming the equestrian community for a fantastic season of competition leading to the grand finale.

More information about the upcoming events and the series can be found HERE

After four days of competition, it was a chestnut clean sweep and a showcase of the quality of Dutch and German breeding specifically at this year’s Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses 2024 in Ermelo (NED).

Among the top 15 horses—five in each age category—six were German-bred and five were Dutch-bred. 
The 5 -,6-, and 7-year-old winners were all chestnuts too; a distinct change from the dark bay Dressage horses the world has become accustomed to. For those who follow this event every year, there were plenty of familiar faces Dressage enthusiasts will recognise, including a two-time world champion in Life Time FRH.

5-Year-Olds

The 5-year-old test is always the most hotly-contested category and due to the focus on potential - rather than schooling - technicalities, it tends to attract stud farms wanting to show off their top progeny. Of the 46 five-year-olds in this year's field, 22 were stallions, 9 mares, and 15 geldings. 

The KWPN stallion Red Viper (Romanov x Sir Sinclair) led from start to finish, with a win and 92% in the preliminary test and a convincing win in the finals yesterday. Ridden by the Dutch jockey Bart Veeze and bred by Coen Kerbert, he scored 93.800% for the win – the only score above 90 in the class – thanks to impressive marks of 9.4 for trot, 8.8 for walk, a competition high 9.7 for canter, 9.2 for submission and 9.8 for perspective. The horse was almost faultless, with the judging panel saying the trot displayed exceptional elasticity and shoulder freedom, the canter as balanced, powerful, and uphill.

The second placed combination - Westfalen stallion Glamdale WP NRW (Glamourdale x Millennium) with Germany’s Stefanie Ahlert - were over 3% behind on 90.2%. Jeanna Hogberg piloted the Swedish stallion Severucci HT (Secret x Rubinrot) to third on 90.000%. 

6-Year-Olds

Danish Warmblood mare Valerie B, ridden by Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen, topped the 6-year-old first qualifier, scoring an outstanding 90.800%. In 2023, Valerie B won the Preliminary rest for 5-year-olds, but was beaten out in the finals by Quinn G and Carl Hedin’s Instagram sensation, stallion Skyline to B. 

Merita Hagren and Alkaline (Secret x Zalmiak Firfod) were one of the surprises during the final round, clocking up a huge 92% with 9s and 9.5s across the board to finish with a second place. Despite only placing in 6th during the preliminary test, the chestnut stallion was described as "lovely, springy, and elastic” by judge Peter Storr. Talking about the canter, he said “it has a lot of airtime, and it’s truly elastic and energetic. We did have an argument about where to go with the marks and decided on a 9.5.”

The pressure was on for the remaining few combinations, as Alkaline was followed immediately into the ring by winners of the preliminary test, Valerie B and Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen. Unable to replicate their preliminary performance, the pair finished fourth in the final with 87.2%. Despite scoring a perfect 10 for her trot, mistakes in the flying changes and canter cost her valuable points. Having placed second in the first round, the chances of a podium finish looked excellent for Segantini 6 with Olympian Dorothee Schneider aboard, but some small mistakes put them out of the placings too.

The penultimate combination of the day was Quinn G, winner of last year’s 5-year-old final. Having claimed a tied 4th pace in the preliminary final, Fiona Bigwood rode a foot perfect test aboard the DWB mare by Quaterhit/Fassbinder. The mare was destined to be a two-time champion, scoring an incredible 95, including a perfect 10 for both the walk and the trot with very little for the judges to offer other than praise for an “overall, lovely horse.”  The KWPN mare Nice Touch W (Dettori/Florencio) took third place, ridden by Charlotta Rogerson. 

7-Year-Olds

It’s always wonderful to watch the progression from 5-year-old classes to 7-year-olds in terms of schooling, balance and collection. 44 combinations took to the arena on the first day.

Charlott-Maria Schürmann of Germany dominated both the preliminary and final tests with her Hanoverian stallion, Life Time FRH. Bred by Johannes Hesselink, Life Time FRH (by Livaldon x Fürstenball OLD) earned a score of 81.175% in the preliminary round. In the final, they went even further, chalking up an impressive 84.129%, with standout scores including a 9.5 for walk, 9.5 for submission, and a 9.5 for perspective. The judging panel said “we think you had a nice feeling on your horse today. We had that feeling too” and immediately praised the stallion’s “beautiful frame and correct education.”

Second was Leonie Richter of Germany, riding the Hanoverian stallion Vitalos FRH (by Vitalis x De Niro), the silver medallist of the six-year-old horses in 2023 and the five-year-old horses in 2022. Vitalis FRH had placed fifth in the preliminary round but moved up to secure second place in the final with a score of 83.222%.

Vitalos FRH, bred by Josef Bramlage, received a perfect 10 for trot in the final. Hans Peter Minderhoud of the Netherlands retained his third-place position from the preliminary round in the final, scoring 80.993% with the KWPN stallion Glock's Massimo (by Glock's Toto JR. x Bretton Woods).

For the first time in the history of the FEI Endurance World Championships, teams from China and Malaysia secured a spot on the podium, taking second and third places, respectively, while host nation France took gold.

The individual medals went to Melody Théolissat (France) riding Yalla de Jalima (bronze), Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi (United Arab Emirates) with Castlebar Cadabra (silver), and HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Bahrain) with Everest la Majorie (gold). HH Sheik Nasser retained his world title, which he won at the 2022 FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb (UAE) with his horse Darco la Majorie.  

“I intended to ride Darco here in Monpazier, but he got a slight injury,” the champion said the day after the competition. Instead, he decided to ride Darco’s half-brother, Everest la Majorie. This 10-year-old gelding finished second at last year’s test event in Monpazier, just 25 seconds behind Darco. “I knew Everest was also a top-level horse, but I didn’t expect us to win.”  

When asked what the public can expect from him at the next FEI Endurance World Championship in Al Ula (2026), he replied with a spontaneous laugh: “Doing this a third time?”

French team retains World Title
The team world title stayed with France as the French team successfully defended their top position they claimed in Butheeb in 2023.  Ahead of the competition, national coach Jean-Michel Grimal admitted he had a tough time selecting his final team of five from the seven rider-horse combinations available. “They’re all good, and the horses are in perfect condition. There’s no reason to favour one combination over another. But only five can compete, so I had to choose. I based my decision on instinct. On Saturday night, we’ll see if my instinct was right.”

The rest is history: his instinct was rewarded with a gold medal. “It’s been a great sports summer. First the Olympic Games in Paris, with lots of medals for France (fifth place in the medal table) and then the FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier, with gold for our team and bronze for Melody Théolissat with Yalla de Jalima.”

Father and daughter from China make history
China’s performance was a surprising highlight, considering this year marked only the second time the country had fielded a team at the FEI Endurance World Championship. Among the team were father Bo Sui and daughter Jiahe Sui. At 15 years old, Jiahe was the youngest competitor at this year’s Championship. “Incredible” and “never expected”, she said after their victory. “Our goal as a team was simply to finish the ride and try to be in the top five, so securing second place is fantastic!”  

The ride, which started at 5:30 am, had a challenging beginning for the young rider. “It was still dark, and it was pouring rain. All the horses were steaming. Because of the mist and the heavy rain, I couldn’t see anything except the rider in front of me. I completely trusted my horse (Eiwa de Bozouls), and she did brilliantly.”  

Jiahe’s love for equestrian sport runs in the family; her father is a true horseman. He owns a stable in China with 70 Arabian horses and was the first Chinese rider to complete the world-famous Tevis Cup Endurance ride in the United States back in 2018. He began his equestrian career with western riding. “But I prefer Endurance because the rides are longer, which means I can spend even more time with my horse. From western riding, I’ve learned how to relieve my horse with the correct posture and seat.”

Slowing down secures bronze
Malaysia was determined to reach the podium, but their ride didn’t start as planned. Rider Tengku Muhammad Syukri Tengku Mahmood said “We wanted to follow the French team, but … the rain pouring down and the mud on the ground … it was impossible for us to keep up with France. So, we decided to ride at a slower pace.” That approach earned the team a well-deserved bronze.

Results Here

The odds of defending champion Boyd Exell (AUS) winning a record-breaking 7^th consecutive world title look stronger than ever after his display of dominance on the marathon.  Using a team of experienced horses who are marathon specialists, including one from his indoor team, he produced a foot perfect round over a demanding course to win on 110.4.  Added to his dressage score of 33.53 from yesterday, his running total of 143.93 propels him 9.2 points ahead of Chester Weber (USA) who slips to second on 153.13.

Although the European Champion, Bram Chardon (NED) has not yet won an individual world medal.  But he has given himself a great chance to change that after his strong and consistent round which saw him score 114.62 for second.  Combined with his dressage mark, he rises up the standings to third on 157.74, 4.61 behind Chester.

Hopes were high for marathon maestro Michael Brauchle (GER) who is often a winner in this phase.  On the course immediately after Boyd, they split the spoils between them with four quickest times each through the eight obstacles.  But a few hesitations and a late penalty ball in number seven kept him off the top spot for third on 115.73 and eighth going into the cones.  

Fresh from his win in Austria in mid-August, Glenn Geerts (BEL) was one of the last out of the day. He drove a confident round for fourth on 117.16 which elevated him to fourth overall and puts him in sight of an individual medal. Another one who can go into Sunday’s cones with medal hopes is Germany’s Georg von Stein who was fifth on 118.75 to move into fifth overall, despite adding four penalty points to his times with two knockdown balls. 

Always competitive on the marathon, Koos de Ronde (NED) contributed to the change in team order as his score combined with Bram’s put The Netherlands in the lead on 320.74.  With only two on the team, the pressure was on Tor van den Berge of Australia to drive well which he did to keep them in contention on 323.59. But there’s no room for cone or time penalties as the strong German team are only 0.18 behind on 323.77, although they have some breathing space as they are ahead of the Belgians who are lying fourth on 336.17. 

Organisers believe there were 16,000 spectators who came to watch the marathon which was set on hilly ground above the town and stud.  Despite it being another hot and dusty day, hordes of fans arrived early to enjoy the spectacle, clustering around the obstacles which were arranged on either side of a central gravel track.  With music playing there was a festive feeling, and the loudest cheers were reserved for the nine Hungarian drivers, two of which were driving Lipizzaner horses that are kept at the Stud Farm.  The team has also improved their chances of a medal thanks to the typically bold rounds from father and son Jόzsef Dobrovitz Snr and Jnr who contributed to their success.

Two more Individual gold medals on the final day of Freestyle crowned the United States’ best ever Para Dressage performance at a Paralympic Games as they topped the medal table at Château de Versailles. Fiona Howard, partnering Diamond Dunes in Grade II, and Rebecca Hart with Floratina in the concluding Grade III, both won their third golds at Paris 2024 after also triumphing with Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H in Friday’s Team event. That took the USA’s tally to seven medals overall - five golds, one silver and one bronze – to smash their previous Paralympic Games best of two golds and a bronze achieved at Atlanta 1996 and Tokyo 2020.   Saturday also brought the second Individual gold medals of these Games for Demi Haerkens (NED) and Daula in Grade IV, Michèle George (BEL) with Best of 8 in Grade V and Rihards Snikus (LAT) on King of the Dance in Grade I. Haerkens’ double gold, and a third silver medal in Paris for Rixt van der Horst and Royal Fonq in Grade III, saw the Netherlands finish second in the Para Dressage medal table for the third successive Paralympic Games, with six overall. Haerkens hits mark again in Grade IV The first of the final day’s five events saw Haerkens confirm her status as a rising star of Para Equestrian as she and the chestnut mare Daula backed up their gold in the Individual test with a personal-best Freestyle score of 83.840%, featuring music from Vangelis and Era. “It's insane,” said the 26-year-old, who also won a silver in the Team event on her Paralympic Games debut.  “It's very intense, long days, but it’s so good to be here and to perform in that beautiful arena with so many people, with the music you choose. It feels amazing that everything was on point. I think she enjoyed it as much as I did.” Anna-Lena Niehues (GER) and Quimbaya 6 scored 80.900% to take silver, adding to their two bronzes in the Individual test and Team event. Kate Shoemaker (USA) and Vianne set a challenging target of 80.170%, but had to settle for bronze, Shoemaker’s first individual Paralympic medal after a Team bronze in Tokyo, leaving defending champions Sanne Voets (NED) and Demantur fourth, with 79.880%. George reigns supreme in Grade V George (BEL) claimed her seventh Paralympic Games title and fourth successive Freestyle gold, having won on FBW Rainman in Grade IV in 2012 and 2016 and current horse Best of 8 in Grade V at Tokyo 2020. The combination earned a mark of 81.470%, but the 50-year-old indicated she would be looking for a new partner before Los Angeles 2028 comes around. “This is the last time that I ride Best of 8 in a Paralympic Games, so it was emotional,” she said. “She's 14 and will still participate in competitions because every morning she wants to train and it’s a real pleasure. I love it. But for LA she will be too old, so this means a lot. Making the incredible happen at the right time, it's so important.” Regine Mispelkamp (GER) and partner Highlander Delight’s posted 80.100% to take a second Individual silver at Versailles, and were also part of the German team which won Team bronze. Sophie Wells (GBR), on LJT Egebjerggards Samoa, won her 10th Paralympic Games medal and second Individual bronze of Paris 2024 with a score of 75.445%, mirroring the podium from the Individual test. ‘Best ever’ Snikus doubles up in Grade I Snikus (LAT) upgraded Individual silver from Tokyo 2020 for gold for a second time at Paris 2024 as he partnered King of the Dance to victory in the Grade I Freestyle. The 36-year-old and his bay gelding scored 82.487% to a joyously uplifting soundtrack. “We chose happy music because we are a happy team,” said Latvia’s equestrian chef d'equipe Daria Tikhomirova, speaking on behalf of Snikus. “I get an artistic pleasure to see him, like in the theatre when you hear a good opera or see a wonderful performance. It’s the result of a huge effort by his technical trainer and the whole team. I think it was his best Freestyle ever. It was just amazing.”   Sara Morganti (ITA), going last on Mariebelle, earned her second medal of these Paralympic Games by taking silver with 81.407%, upgrading her bronze from the Individual test and taking her overall Paralympic tally to four medals. Mari Durward-Akhurst (GBR) responded well after a disappointing Individual test on her Paralympic Games debut to claim bronze on Athene Lindebjerg, scoring 77.747%. Howard’s way holds sway in Grade II  The day ended with two more golden moments for the USA, Howard and Diamond Dunes delivering another remarkable personal-best performance in their debut Paralympic Games to triumph in the Grade II Individual Freestyle. The 25-year-old and her chestnut stallion earned a score of 81.994% to back up their gold in the Individual test and contribution to the USA’s victory in the Team event.    “When I came into these Games, I just wanted to put down the best tests I could,” Howard said. “It was my first Paralympic Games and I just wanted to do my best and help out the team. But this has gone above my expectations. “On the third day, you have to dig a little deep because my muscles are definitely tired, but I have such a great partner in Diamond Dunes and he knows his job. He gave me everything, just like the past two times. I couldn’t have asked for any more.” Georgia Wilson (GBR) and Sakura won silver with 79.374%, adding to their bronze in the Individual test, while 69-year-old Heidemarie Dresing (GER) - the oldest Para Dressage athlete at Paris 2024 - won her first Paralympic Individual medal after three previous fourth places, taking bronze on Dooloop with 76.127%. All Hart in Grade III but heartbreak for Van der Horst Hart rounded things off by clinching her second Individual gold with Floratina – and third overall including the Team event – in a tense finale to the Grade III Freestyle. The 39-year-old and her bay mare, going last, kept their nerve to score 83.534%, the highest individual score of the four days of competition in Versailles. “That was so wonderful,” said Hart. “I was a little concerned when we started cantering but I was like ‘she will come back to me, she always does’. It’s just electric. I told her she was fine. She went ‘are we OK?’ and I said ‘yes, we’re fine’ and she said, ‘OK, I trust you’ and it was such a magical moment. Then we hit the markers the way we needed to.” It was tough on Van der Horst, who had posted a superb score of 83.007% with Royal Fonq but had to settle for a third successive silver medal at these Paralympic Games and a fifth overall, to go with three bronzes. “It was not good for my heart,” she said of watching the final combination deny her gold. “I was so eager to get gold today and a bit disappointed it didn’t work out, but we can be really proud. Three silver medals is pretty good.”   Natasha Baker (GBR) also signed off with a second Individual bronze in Versailles on Dawn Chorus with a mark of 77.140%, and a 10th Paralympic Games medal overall.   FULL RESULTS

The United States continued their best Para Dressage performance at a Paralympic Games by edging Netherlands for gold in a dramatic conclusion to the Team event at Château de Versailles.

Personal best scores by Individual gold medallists Fiona Howard – a stunning 80.000% on Diamond Dunes in Grade II - and Rebecca Hart, who scored 78.567% with Floratina in Grade III, proved critical after another strong Grade I performance by Individual silver medallist Roxanne Trunnell on Fan Tastico H.

That left the USA on a total of 235.567, beating the Dutch tally of 232.850, with Germany taking bronze on 223.751.

The United States’ previous best Paralympic medal haul was two golds and a bronze at both Atlanta 1996 and Tokyo 2020. They now have three golds and one silver at Paris 2024, with the five Individual Freestyle events still to come on Saturday.

USA also became the first nation other than Great Britain to win a Para Dressage Team event at a Paralympic Games.

But it was a tense finale after the Grade IV duo of Sanne Voets on Demantur (76.567%) and Demi Haerkens with Daula (78.216%) had set the early pace for Netherlands.

Trunnell, the first USA athlete to go, scored 77.000% with Fan Tastico H in Grade I before Howard and the stallion Diamond Dunes delivered the highest individual score of Paris 2024 to date, eclipsing Sara Morganti’s 79.458% on Mariebelle for Italy in Grade I earlier in the day.

While there was excitement around Versailles that it could be a new Paralympic record, due to changes in the tests since the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, it is not possible to make direct comparisons or officially recognise it as a record, but it undoubtedly remains a remarkable achievement.

“I came out the ring and thought, ‘that felt really good’, but you never know,” said 25-year-old Howard, who now has two golds in her first Paralympic Games. “Whatever the score was, I was super proud of him.

“He felt amazing and did everything I could have asked. But then seeing it reflected on the scoreboard was just the cherry on top. What a horse…he is so special.”

That superlative display nudged the USA ahead going into the concluding Grade III, but when Rixt van der Horst and Royal Fonq scored 78.067% for the Dutch, Hart entered the arena on Floratina knowing she needed a personal best score to take gold.

“It’s always a bit intense being the ‘closer’ for your team and it was a very pressure-cooker situation,” said the 39-year-old, who along with Trunnell and Kate Shoemaker, was part of the USA team that took bronze at Tokyo 2020.

“I was definitely doing the math. I think my previous best was a 75-something, so it was a jump. Rixt was right before me and I knew they had put in a solid first two rides and that she was going to deliver too. I had a quick peak at the board and went ‘OK, let’s go, game on’. I knew we had to do something pretty special.

“It was quite electric out there. She (Floratina) was feeling the atmosphere and feeling good and feeling fresh. I just needed to make sure I took all that energy and used it in a positive manner.”

The combination’s score of 78.567% brought the USA home, leaving Van der Horst with mixed feelings after winning her second silver medal of these Games.

“It was a tense feeling going into the test,” she said. “I knew I had to deliver a really good test. For myself, I set the goal of at least 78 or something, hopefully a little bit more, and I achieved it, so that was good."

Germany earned their third medal at Versailles by edging out Italy for bronze. Anna-Lena Niehues and Quimbaya 6, who took Individual bronze in Grade IV, scored 75.351%, before Grade V Individual silver medallist Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delight’s earned 75.500%.

There was also a first Paralympic medal – after three previous fourth-place finishes in Individual events - for the oldest Para Dressage competitor in Versailles, 69-year-old Heidemarie Dresing. She scored 72.900% with Dooloop in Grade II to give Germany a total of 223.751, with Italy on 223.166 despite Morganti’s 79.458% with Mariebelle.

“It’s incredible,” said Morganti. “She really listened to me and we were one single thing together, which is what we worked for. You can always improve but today, in my condition and her condition, it was perfect.” 

France finished fifth while Great Britain, who had won all seven previous Para Dressage Team events since Atlanta in 1996, finished sixth.

“We've been in front for such a long time,” said GBR’s Natasha Baker, who scored 75.367% on Dawn Chorus in Grade III. “We didn't expect to be bringing home the Team gold in Tokyo so that was unreal. The rest of the world has caught up with us now. It's just going to be a case of us trying to find ways that we can sneak back to the top again.”

Norway’s Jens Lasse Dokkan, the only Para Equestrian athlete to compete at all eight Paralympic Games since Atlanta in 1996, confirmed that Paris 2024 is likely to be his swansong.

“I felt the emotion today,” said the 63-year-old. “I knew this would be my last Paralympics. I haven’t made a final decision about carrying on riding, but right now, I feel I want to retire.”

The final day of Para Dressage competition on Saturday will see the top eight in all five Grades from the Individual events earlier in the week contesting the Individual Freestyle, with Grade IV kicking off proceedings at 09:30 and the concluding Grade III starting at 16:03.

FULL RESULTS