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Outstanding performance by German athletes, earning 9 out of 18 medals (three golds) and securing podium positions in all categories. Great Britain got two golds and Denmark secured one gold at the FEI Dressage European Championships for U25 and Young Riders 2023 held in Pilisjászfalu (HUN).Check the podium winners:
Dressage U25 Team Podium
1° Germany (Selina Söder & Zaire-E / Felicitas Hendricks & Drombusch 2 / Helen Erbe & Carlos FRH / Semmieke rothenberger & Farrington)
2° Denmark (Caroline T. Elsner & Alskenz Firford / Sara Aagaard Hyrm & Atterupgaards Cooper / Thea Bech & Dionisos / Karoline Rohmann & Jakas Don Louvre)
3° Netherlands (Zoë Kuintjes & Cupido / Daphne van Peperstraten & Greenpoint’s Cupido / Thalia Rockx & Golden Dancer de la Fazenda / Marten Luiten & Fynona)
Dressage Young Riders Team Podium
1° Denmark (Kristian Würtz & Bovbjers Zhivago / Alexander Yde Halgstrand & Belantins / Frederikke Gram Jacobsen & Ryvangs Zafina / Sophia Ludvigsen & blue Hors Elliott)
2° Germany (Anna Middelberg & Blickfang HC / Valentina Pistner & Flamboyant OLD / Lucie-Anouk Baumgürtel & ZINQ Ferati FH / Jana Lang & Baron)
3° Great Britain (Lily Laughton & Skovborgs Romadinov / India Durman-Mills & escade 7 Jessica McConckey & Lady Gaga / Annabella Pidgley & Espe)
Dressage U25 Individual Podium
1° Felicitas Hendricks (GER) & Drombusch 2
2° Marten Luiten (NED) & Fynona
3° Helen Erbe (GER) & Carlos FRH
Dressage U25 Individual Freestyle Podium
1° Helen Erbe (GER) & Carlos FRH
2° Felicitas Hendricks (GER) & Drombusch 2
3° Marten Luiten (NED) & Fynona
Dressage Young Riders Individual Podium
1° Annabella Pidgley (GBR) & Espe
2° Valentina Pistner (GER) & Flamboyant OLD
3° Jana Lang (GER) & Baron
Dressage Young Riders Individual Freestyle Podium
1° Annabella Pidgley (GBR) & Espe
2° Alexander Yde Helgstrand (DEN) & Belantis
3° Jana Lang (GER) & Baron
Photo Caption: FEI Dressage European Championships 2023 for Young Riders - Individual medals: Valentina PISTNER (GER), Annabella PIDGLEY (GBR), Jana LANG (GER)
Photo Copyright: FEI / Lukasz Kowalski
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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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Didier Montes Kienle
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+41 78 750 61 21
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 season is proving a happy hunting ground for Team Switzerland who today posted their second win of the Europe Division 1 series at Falsterbo in Sweden.
On home ground at St Gallen last month they repeated the success they also enjoyed at their own event a year earlier, with the result clinched by anchorman Martin Fuchs in a two-way jump-off against Brazil’s Yuri Mansur.
And today Fuchs was the hero once more. Last to go in the second round, only a clear from his horse Conner Jei would prevent another jump-off, this time against Great Britain and Team USA. And again the man who claimed the individual European title in 2019 and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ title in 2022 held his nerve to do it. It was an extra birthday gift for Fuchs who just turned 31 yesterday.
Comfortably
Germany’s Frank Rothenberger built a 12-fence track that jumped very comfortably in the early stages, but with plenty of height and width and including a triple combination that stretched many over the oxer on the way out.
The wavy planks at fence four and the double of oxer to vertical three fences from home also claimed plenty of victims, but 11 horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear in round one, and 16 left all the timber intact at their second attempt while a total of six posted double-clears. At the end of the day when Fuchs and team-mate Steve Guerdat with Dynamix de Belheme produced two of these that would give the Swiss the edge.
In front
They were already out in front at the halfway stage with clears from Guerdat, second-line rider Elian Baumann and Little Lumpi E and from Fuchs, Janika Sprunger’s single error at the planks at four spoiling an otherwise foot-perfect run with her nine-year-old mare Orelie.
However The Netherlands and USA were close behind on four faults apiece while Belgium and Great Britain were just another fence adrift carrying eight each.
The Dutch fell away with the addition of eight second time out while the Belgians also drifted when forced to add the four picked up by Nicola Philippaerts and H&M Luna van’t Ruytershof Z. And it was a disappointing day for the Swedes who finished well down the line in seventh place on a final tally of 16 faults, just ahead of the French who finished last with 18 on the board despite a double-clear from Kevin Staut and Dialou Blue PS.
Put the pressure on
It was fantastic second-round performances from the British and Americans that really put the pressure on the Swiss. Robert Ridland’s US side was boosted by a brilliant double-clear from pathfinder 24-year-old Natalie Dean, a multiple medallist in North American Youth Championships who showed she is absolutely ready to step up with her 10-year-old mare Acota M.
Alise Oken and Gelvera collected just four faults in the second round while Alessandra Volpi and Berlinda, who faulted twice at their first attempt, went one better with only a single mistake in round two. So when Karl Cook and Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet stayed clear at their second attempt then only one of the four-fault results had to be added for a final total of eight.
Meanwhile the exciting British side were very impressive when all four jumped clear in round two. They were already on eight after Samuel Hutton (Oak Grove’s Laith) and Sienna Charles (Stardust) collected four faults each first time out while Robert Whitaker (Vermento) had two down and Sienna’s older brother Harry Charles (Casquo Blue) was clear. Harry was only jumping for ranking points second time out because his team-mates had done such a good job.
In the balance
So by the time Fuchs returned to the ring as last rider to go, today’s result was hanging in the balance.
Guerdat’s second clear got them off to the perfect restart but a mistake from Baumann and Little Lumpi E, and then another from Sprunger who made it all the way to the very last fence before a pole fell, meant that unless Fuchs could go clear they would also be moving onto an eight-fault scoreline and would face a three-way battle for the win.
But the Prince of Pressure did it again, bringing the feisty Conner Jei home with an enormous leap at the last to clinch it.
“It was a lot of pressure to go into the arena as last rider but I was confident that if I had one down Steve would go in the jump off and be fast. But I still really wanted to ride clear! Conner was great today. I always need to control his temperament as he is very hot, but today it was good”, Fuchs explained.
Guerdat too was delighted with his horse’s performance.
“My mare is really amazing. When I ride her I try to be as as concentrated as I can so she can just deliver. I am really happy how she developed lately and I I have really big hopes for the future with her. This is our first NC win together today but I am sure that if I keep riding well we will have many more”, he said.
And for Sprunger, today’s result was really special. She was filled with emotion at the prizegiving ceremony. “It has been five years since I was last time in a 5-Star Nations Cup and I am so happy they took me with them today with my young mare. It did not work out for a clear this time but I hope to be back soon!”, she said this evening.
In the final analysis the British got the edge for runner-up spot when combined times left them almost four seconds ahead of the third-placed Americans on that eight-fault scoreline.
Praise
Daniel Etter stepped in as Swiss Chef d’Equipe today and was full of praise for his whole team.
“They did a great job!”, he said. “Janika is back in the team with a young horse, unfortunately an unlucky fault on the last obstacle (in round two) but she had two great rounds. Elian has two great rounds as well with a clear and one down. And the double clears of Steve and Martin speak for themselves. They were brilliant today again!”
For the Swiss, this Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ season is extra critical because when it comes to the series Final in Barcelona (ESP) at the end of September they may still be chasing the Olympic qualifying spot on offer for Paris 2024 if they haven’t earned one of the slots up for grabs at the FEI European Championships in Milan (ITA) four weeks earlier.
Looking ahead to the Championships in Milan, Etter said today “we still want to keep some secrets for the European team but most likely Steve and Martin will be on the team and we will see for the last three riders”.
The Europe Division 1 series now moves on to the penultimate leg at Hickstead (GBR) in two weeks time where the French, Irish, British and Italians will all be hoping to move themselves out of the danger-zone at the bottom of the leaderboard which is now led by the Swiss ahead of Germany in second and Belgium and The Netherlands in joint-third.
Don’t miss a hoofbeat….
Todd Hinde (AUS), 35, has been appointed as the new FEI Director of Jumping.
Hinde, who holds a wealth of experience in Jumping as an athlete and chef d’équipe of the Australian team, comes to the FEI from Equestrian Australia where he has been serving as High Performance Jumping Manager since 2019.
Horses have always been an important part of Hinde’s life. From a very young age, he would accompany his uncle and grandfather, who both competed successfully in Jumping, to shows around Australia. Over these formative years, Hinde would gain extensive experience, with several horses on the go by the time he had turned 18, and a solid understanding of the equestrian landscape. When he finished school, he would go on to become an accredited Auctioneer for Real Estate, Stock and Station and worked as a stock agent auctioneer in Albury in New South Wales for five years. Throughout his time in Albury, he would continue to ride and compete as often as possible.
Hinde’s next move was to Sydney where he worked at a performance horse stable, which led to a relocation to Europe for three years. From 2012 to 2015, he would also compete actively in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and Spain going up to CSI3* level.
After relocating back to Sydney at the beginning of 2016, Hinde took up a position managing an equestrian business in the Hawkesbury region of New South Wales, before securing the role of chef d’équipe in 2017 for the Australian Jumping team in the build up to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018. Despite the challenges linked to flooding and issues with the groom’s accommodation in Tryon, the tenure proved very successful with the Australian team placing sixth overall and securing Olympic qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
After WEG 2018 and prior to his appointment as High Performance Jumping Manager for Equestrian Australia in 2019, Hinde focussed on developing performance plans and monitoring the progress of top competitors nationally and internationally, whilst also serving as chef d’équipe for two trans-Tasman Young Rider Challenges in New Zealand and the Australian Nations Cup Team in the USA, where they would secure top placings.
“We are delighted to welcome Todd Hinde to the FEI,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “After the sad passing of former Jumping director and friend Marco Fusté earlier this year, we conducted an extensive recruitment process, which was open to candidates worldwide. Todd came on top as the obvious choice given his success as an athlete, chef d’équipe, and administrator.
“Todd joins the FEI at a crucial moment for the sport of Jumping, with preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in full swing alongside the imminent re-launch of the FEI’s oldest and most prestigious series - the Longines League of Nations – in 2024, and the emergence of new nations and regions at the top level, among others.
“His Australian roots, international experience, and dynamic outlook will undoubtedly prove hugely beneficial as he prepares to pick up where Marco left off, and create a new legacy for the future of FEI Jumping.”
"It is with great honour that I take up this position in the sport that I am so passionate about,” newly appointed FEI Director of Jumping Todd Hinde said. “I look forward to working with the FEI Team and all the sport’s stakeholders, to ensure that we continue to develop the discipline of Jumping together with integrity and horsemanship at the core of all endeavours.”
Todd Hinde will start at the FEI in his new role in principle in September.
Photo caption: Todd Hinde (AUS) has been appointed as the new FEI Director of Jumping
FEI Media Advisory
Lausanne (SUI), 5 July 2023
Central American and Caribbean Games 2023 results available online
The 24th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games, held in San Salvador (ESA), showcases top-level and diverse representation from across the Central American continent.
Jumping Individual Podium
1° Juan Manuel Bolaños Barrios (ESA) & Zilouet Mystic Rose
2° Alberto Sanchez - Cozar (MEX) & Abril Hilcha Z
3° Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Condara
Jumping Team Podium
1° México - Juan Martin Del Campo & La Costa / Alberto Sanchez-Cozar & Abril Hilcha Z / Jorge Canedo & Jacks O / Carlos Moina & Eavantus C
2° Colombia - Camilo Rueda & Indus van het Keysereyck / Juan Gallego & Conbago / Jorge Barrera & Explosive TV / Joseph Bluman & Diabolo de San Isidro
3° Venezuela - Pablo Barrios & Igor Chavannais / Luis Larrazabal & Condara) / Michelle El Masri & Chaplin / Juan Ortiz & Odiel Vdm
Dressage Individual Podium
1° Yvonne Losos De Muñiz (DOM) & Idwinaretto
2° Juliana Gutierrez Aguilera (COL) & Flanissimo
3° Carlos Maldonado Lara (MEX) & Frans
Dressage Team Podium
1° Colombia - Mariana Atehortua Yepes & Justify AS / Juliana Gutierrez Aguilera & Flanissimo / Andrea Vargas & Homerus P / Raul Corchuelo & Maverick
2° México - Carlos Maldonado Lara & Frans / Marcos Santiago Ortiz Diez & Dagasus / Jose Luis Enrique Padilla Liekens & Twan Van Plexat / Antonio Rivera Galarza & Fite
3° Costa Rica - Olger Gerardo Gomez Jimenez & Zarcero AG / Sergio Andres Quesada Lopez & Tango AG / Ronald Mauricio Masis & Zar AG / Gloriana Herrera & Vampiro de Pereto
Eventing Individual Podium
1° Lauren Shady (PUR) – Can Be Sweet
2° Luis Ariel Santiago Franco (MEX) – Egipcio II
3° Fernando Parroquin Delfin (MEX) – Beldad
Eventing Team Podium
1° México - Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez & Balanca Sdn / Guillermo German de Campo M. & Quelite / Luis Ariel Santiago Franco & Egipcio II / Fernando Parroquin Delfin & Beldad
2° Colombia - Mauricio Bermudez & Quinta Real Jmen / Esteban Bermudez & Las Lomas Chestal / Lucero Desrochers S & Gama Castellon / Andres Felipe Gomez Sanabria & Caroline
3° Centro Caribe Sports - Sarka Kolackova De Mendez & Galia / Oswaldo Mendez Kolacek & Rouen / Carlos Sueiras & Valentina RN / Andrea Mendoza Kruger & Tallador Ems
For more information about the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games click here
Photo Caption: Winning Jumping Team Mexico - Carlos Moina, Alberto Sanchez-Cozar, Jorge Canedo and Juan Martin Del Campo during the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games
© FHM Productions
The first drafts of the proposed FEI Rule changes have been published and are now available online here.
In accordance with the FEI Periodical Rules Revision Policy, the FEI Endurance Rules are the only ones undergoing a full revision but some modifications of lesser scope have been introduced to the other FEI Rules and Regulations as well. The focus of this year’s changes is on horse welfare with strong proposals featured in the FEI General Regulations, the FEI Veterinary Regulations, and several discipline rules.
“At the heart of the FEI's mission lies an unwavering commitment to horse welfare,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “This year, we have been fortunate to receive insightful horse welfare-oriented proposals from the National Federations and Stakeholders alike. Our Technical Committees and Headquarters have attentively listened to the community and incorporated many invaluable proposals into the fabric of the Rules.
“An important development is the proposed addition of an Equestrian Charter to the FEI General Regulations as Appendix O, whereby all those involved in horse sport adhere to the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse, and acknowledge and accept that at all times the Welfare of the Horse must be paramount by pledging to the FEI Equestrian Charter.
“Another key proposal, made by the FEI further to the recommendations of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, is the introduction of a general provision harmonising the approach to measuring the tightness of nosebands across all FEI Disciplines using an FEI Objective Measuring Tool.
“A new Appendix L reflecting the concept of Key Event Requirements, related to horse welfare and horse and human safety, will be added to the General Regulations.
“Important changes are being introduced to in the FEI Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Vaulting Rules and new proposals specifically linked to horse welfare have been included in the FEI Endurance Rules, which are undergoing a full revision.
“The National Federations and Stakeholders have seven weeks to revert to the FEI with their feedback on these proposals and I look forward to an exciting and fruitful dialogue,” the Secretary General concluded.
The main changes related to horse welfare by discipline are listed below.
Jumping
(memo detailing all the proposed changes to the FEI Jumping Rules is available here)
Article 241.4 Eliminations of the FEI Jumping Rules has been reworded to clarify that the Ground Jury has the clear authority to eliminate a combination when it would be in the best interest of the wellbeing and/or safety of the horse and/or athlete to do so.
In addition, it is now clarified via the Tack Equipment Database that comb spurs are not permitted given that they have the potential to harm horses.
Dressage
(memo detailing all the proposed changes to the FEI Dressage Rules is available here)
Article 431.4 Dress – Spurs proposal to modify this article to specify that spurs are optional but when they are used, they must be made of metal.
Driving
(memo detailing all the proposed changes to the FEI Driving Rules is available here)
New Article 911.10 Principles – Horse Welfare on the Field of Play
In line with the recommendations of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, the FEI Driving Committee has proposed the addition of a clause concerning horse welfare on the field of play. This empowers the Ground Jury to promptly intervene and eliminate an athlete if this would be in the best interest of the wellbeing and/or safety of the horse and/or athlete.
New Article 933.2.4 – Horse Welfare - Definition and Penalty for Horse Falls
Since the current version of the FEI Driving Rules lacks a clear definition and penalties for instances of a horse falling during a competition, the FEI Driving Committee has put forward a specific wording and sanctions applicable to the discipline.
New Dangerous Driving Annex (Annex 10)
This new Annex is in line with the introduction of a Driving Recorded Warning. The Dangerous Driving Annex lists all the instances that qualify as Dangerous Driving, and the penalties according to the severity of the infringement.
Vaulting
(memo detailing all the proposed changes to the FEI Driving Rules is available here)
Article 703.1 – Qualification for FEI Championships
Based on the feedback received from the FEI Vaulting Forum 2023 and the survey on the future of the discipline conducted ahead of the Forum, the FEI Vaulting Committee has proposed new qualification criteria for squad members and horses to compete at FEI Championships. These changes aim to address concerns raised regarding safety and horse welfare.
Article 719.2.5 Equipment – two side reins
Based on the interim report of the “side reins study” conducted by the IFCE (Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation) in partnership with the French Equestrian Federation and the FEI, the FEI Vaulting Committee has proposed to allow draw reins in competition only as described in the rule proposal. Standing reins or auxiliary reins are not permitted.
Endurance
(memo detailing all the proposed changes to the FEI Endurance Rules is available here)
The Endurance rules are undergoing full revision this year and it is proposed to modify/add/expand the following articles addressing horse welfare.
Article 801 Horse Welfare
Multiple additions clarifying the notion of Horse Abuse have been made to this article.
Article 816.6.1 Vet Games – Hart rate assessment
The maximum recovery time of each loop as well as the heart rate parameter for Championships have been decreased.
A new Article 816.6.6 specifying that at the first Vet Gate and onwards, except for the Final Inspection, all horses entering with more than 10 minutes recovery time must pass a compulsory re-inspection, has been added.
Article 816.8.1 Vet Gates – Hold Time
The hold times for loop distances ranging from 20 to 29km will be increased to at least 30 minutes.
Article 825.2.5 Tack and Equipment – Permitted tack
The article has been expanded to clarify that any evidence of soreness, lacerations and/or wounds in the mouth, must be recorded on the Vet Card and that if participation or continuing in the Competition is likely to aggravate any such soreness, lacerations or wounds or in any way endangers (or risks endangering) the welfare of the horse, the horse will not be allowed to continue and will be designated 'Failed to Qualify – Minor Injury' (FTQ-MI).
A new Article 825.2.12 regarding the use of curb chains has been added.
A new Article 833.3.1.1 (CEI Qualifications) stating that all six-year old horses entering in their first CEI1* must complete it with a speed restricted to no more than 18 km/hour has been added.
New Annex 9: FEI Endurance Awards
In order to reward a wider range of positive achievements of horses and athletes, a new Annex 9 The Endurance Awards is being introduced. It includes the Combinations Award, Consecutive Completions Award, and Best Condition Award.
FEI Veterinary Regulations
(memo detailing all the proposed changes to the FEI Veterinary Regulations is available here)
Article 1007 Veterinary Services
The proposed new wording clarifies that horse ambulance must now include a winch for the loading of recumbent horses.
Article 1008 Stables – I. Stable Area Requirements
A clarification has been made to the provision of stables for Vaulting horses. With respect to their size, the FEI proposes that they are all stabled in larger stables measuring at least 4m x 3m for their welfare.
Article 1008.6 has been largely expanded to include improvements in stable lighting, ventilation, standard of drinking water, safe movement of horses and people, and increased fire precautions. These improvements are part of the Key Events Requirements concept and will be referenced in the newly introduced Annex L of the FEI General Regulations.
New Annex X – Stable Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol
The FEI has proposed another new annex in support of the Key Event Requirements project. The aim of the new annex is to ensure FEI stables are cleaned and disinfected correctly and to harmonise these procedures.
Article 1010 Examination on Arrival Area
Clarifications have been made to the existing rule to support the highest levels of equine welfare. Unloading of horses upon arrival must now be carried out within one hour of arriving at the venue and the footing on which the Examination on Arrival takes place must be safe and non-slip.
Article 1027 Biosecurity at FEI Events
Proposals to strengthen biosecurity at FEI events have been made. Grooming, tacking-up of horses, and any other similar activities must not take place in stable aisles. The VC/VD may request the horse’s temperature is taken at any time during the Event on their request and must organise supervised temperature-taking of 5% of horses each day at events where horses are stabled for more than one week.
Annex VI – Sanctions in case of FEI Veterinary Regulation violations
Proposed new sanctions for falsification of a temperature record and recording a horse’s temperature using a method that is not FEI approved have been added.
Next steps
The following timeline will be applied regarding the next steps in the FEI Rules Revision Process:
16 August 2023: National Federations and Stakeholders are given seven weeks from the moment of the publication of the first draft of the proposed rule changes to review them and make comments and/or propose any changes in relation to the amendments referenced in the first draft only.
24 October 2023: Final draft of the proposed rules changes to be provided to National Federations and Stakeholders.
20 November 2023: Rules Session in the framework of the FEI General Assembly 2023
21 November 2023: Voting of Rules at the FEI General Assembly 2023
The podium looked nearly identical in the FEI Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special as Germany, Denmark and Great Britain battled for top honors in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ at Aachen (GER), and as the start list reached its end in the Special, only the top two athletes in the FEI Dressage World Ranking remained—Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) and Charlotte Fry (GBR).
The reigning individual Olympic and FEI Dressage World Cup™ Champions, von Bredow-Werndl and DSF Dalera BB took their second victory of the week Saturday at the World Equestrian Festival, receiving 81.021% in the Special to go along with a Grand Prix win Thursday (82.304%). Those scores clinched a fourth Nations Cup victory of the 2023 season for Germany.
Led by von Bredow-Werndl, Isabell Werth (DSP Quantaz), Frederic Wandres (Bluetooth OLD), and Sönke Rothenberger (Fendi). Germany's winning total was 468.285 points, the sum of the team's top three scores in both tests. Denmark finished second with 460.097 points, followed by Great Britain (459.756 points).
"For me, it is not as much about winning, but instead about the development. It still feels like there is room for improvement. [TSF Dalera BB] felt so, so good."
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl
The Grand Prix Special was particularly impressive for Germany, who did not have a rider finish outside of the top 10. For Rothenberger, the test was especially meaningful, as he and his 9-year-old stallion Fendi improved their score by nearly five percentage points after having some tense moments in the Grand Prix.
"In preparation for the [Grand Prix], I had a really good feeling. He was super training in the main arena, and I underestimated the atmosphere [during competition]," Rothenberger said. "I don't have a spooky horse, but I could feel he was getting quite tense, and I couldn't support him how I would have liked to support him."
"It took two and a half days in between [the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special] to give him security in the arena. That was my main goal, and I'm really happy with the confidence we could give him. This was the third Special [Fendi] has ever done, and I'm really happy with how well I could get him back on my side. I'm really proud of him."
Sönke Rothenberger
Ultimately, consistency was the deciding factor when it came to separating the world's top combinations. Great Britain's Charlotte Dujardin (Imhotep) and Charlotte Fry (Everdale) were repeatedly on von Bredow-Werndl's heels, but Wandres and Werth were never far behind, either.
"It's always a good thing when you can show consistency, especially in team competition and especially with Bluetooth OLD. In the Grand Prix, he had a very harmonious and exceptional round," Wandres said. "The feeling we started with [in the Special] in the extended trot to passage, forward and backward, he felt so amazing. I'm proud of him to shine in an arena like that."
Germany extended its lead in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings with 56 points. Sweden sits second with 32 points, followed by Denmark with 28 points.
The 2023 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ season concludes at Falsterbo (SWE) on 16 July 2023.
The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in two cases involving Prohibited Substances.
In this case, the horse Blanch (FEI ID 107VD44/LTU), ridden by Nerijus Šipaila (FEI ID 10044738/LTU), at the CSIYH1* in Kunkiai (LTU) 25-28 August 2022, and the horse Cindy NSO (FEI ID 107XY33/LTU) ridden by Vilte Kasiulyte (FEI ID 10129107/LTU) at the CSIYH1* Vasgaikiemis (LTU) 1-4 September 2022, tested positive for the prohibited substances Morphine and Oripavine.
Both positive findings were initially treated as Atypical Findings under the FEI Atypical Findings Policy. Due to the failure of the athletes in establishing the source of the Prohibited Substances, at that point in time, the cases were pursued as Equine Anti-Doping Rule Violations following an ATF Panel’s Decision.
Upon notification of the Rule Violations, both horses were provisionally suspended for 2 (two) months.
The FEI Tribunal was satisfied that the athletes established, on a balance of probabilities, that the Morphine and Oripavine entered the horses’ systems through oats contaminated with the poppy flowers of the Papaver species. In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal ruled that the athletes bear no fault or negligence for the rule violations and shall not incur any fines. The results of both athlete and horse combinations obtained at the Events, where the horses’ samples were collected, are disqualified.
The full Decision is available here.
Notes to Editors:
FEI Equine Prohibited Substances
The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned (doping) Substances should never be found in the body of the horse and are prohibited at all times.
In the case of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for a Banned Substance, the Person Responsible (PR) is automatically provisionally suspended from the date of notification (with the exception of certain cases involving a Prohibited Substance which is also a **Specified Substance). The horse is provisionally suspended for two months.
**Specified Substances
The FEI introduced the concept of Specified Substances in 2016. Specified Substances should not in any way be considered less important or less dangerous than other Prohibited Substances (i.e. whether Banned or Controlled). Rather, they are simply substances that are more likely to have been ingested by horses for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance, for example, through a contaminated food substance. Positive cases involving Specified Substances can be handled with a greater degree of flexibility within the structure of the FEI Regulations.
Information on all substances is available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database.
No less than 18 organisers from Europe, North America and the Middle East have submitted bids to host one of the five qualifiers and Final of the newly created Longines League of Nations™, which will launch in 2024.
The month-long bid process, which began on 22 May and concluded on 23 June, was for the 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons and proved very successful. It attracted a strong response from existing and new organisers confirming the importance of the prestigious series.
“We are delighted with the level of interest the newly established Longines League of Nations™ has attracted,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “We are thrilled to have received such enthusiastic feedback from many of the world’s best organisers but are well aware of how challenging it will be to make a choice given the outstanding quality of all the bids. We will take our responsibility to select the most suitable hosts for world’s best series in team Jumping. I would like to thank all the bidders for embracing the new concept so willingly and for their hard work. Our sincerest thanks go also to the FEI’s Top Partner Longines for their confidence and commitment.”
In the coming days, the FEI Headquarters will consult with the relevant National Federations, send out the Host Agreement to each of the bidders, clarify any outstanding questions, and go through a comprehensive evaluation process, including a thorough technical assessment by the FEI Jumping Committee. Based on the evaluation and upon the receipt of the signed host agreements, a recommendation will be made to the FEI Board, who will make a final decision on the allocation at its teleconference on 18 July.
The following deadlines will be applied for the review of the bids and allocation of the five qualifiers and Final:
June 2023
June – July 2023
Friday, 14 July 2023
Tuesday, 18 July
Monday, 31 July (in principle)
The Longines League of Nations was created following a six-month consultation phase with a dedicated Task Force, which was set up to review and redefine the iconic Nations Cup series and included all the key equestrian stakeholders. It will give a fresh start for the century-old equestrian team series and will see a full makeover starting in 2024.
The new series will feature a unified and global format, where the top 10 nations compete at five top venues in order to qualify for a Final where the best eight teams go head-to-head to be crowned the Longines League of Nations™ Champion.
The format, which was approved unanimously by the FEI Jumping Committee, will be unique to the Longines League of Nations™. It consists of two rounds, whereby in the first round, all four athletes from all 10 teams (and potentially the host nation) participate with the three best scores to count, followed by a second round where the best eight teams compete in reverse order - carrying forward their penalties from the first round - however with only three athletes per team and no drop score.
The same format will be applied for the Longines League of Nations™ Final with all eight teams qualified competing across both rounds with only three riders and no drop score in the second round.
The rules for Longines League of NationsTM 2024 were approved by the FEI Board at its in-person meeting on 6 and 7 June and are available here.
A demanding cross-country test shook up the order at the fourth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ which took place at Strzegom (POL) this weekend. Strong performances in this phase meant that The Netherlands walked away as the worthy winners. Despite having one rider eliminated on the cross-country, the Dutch finished on a final score of 133.8 with their other three riders finishing inside the top ten riders. Team USA were runners-up on 142.8, whilst Belgium finished in third on 166.1 penalties. Nine teams came forward to compete including host nation Poland who did not have such a happy time with none of their three riders completing the competition.
Dutch Chef d’Equipe Andrew Heffernen was delighted with the result. “These guys performed so well. It was a really tough competition and it was really refreshing to see such a strong and forward thinking and demanding cross-country course. It also gave us good pictures. There were no nasty falls or moments and that was really good for the sport. These guys performed fantastic and that is why we won. I am very proud.
The Germans led the first phase with the Dutch team in third after the dressage but this would certainly not prove to be a dressage competition. Germany slipped to eight after the cross-country course designed by Marcin Konarski took its toll on so many combinations. Konarski has been designing international courses at Strzegom for 20 years and his accolades include World Cup Finals and Senior European Championships. The venue is famed for its technicality and big bold jumping efforts and this year was no exception. “This year’s course has a lot of technical questions. There are also a couple of very bold jumps where the horses have to show a lot of bravery” he said.
Experienced Dutch rider Merel Blom-Hulsman who has been a mainstay of the Dutch team for over a decade, summed up the challenge. “It was hard to get this win. It was a difficult course with a lot of technical questions and big jumps in between so I think we all really had to push to the end so it was quite a difficult challenge.”
The Dutch team lost their fourth member Stephen Hazeleger, who was one of 13 athletes to come to grief on the cross-country. Fortunately their other three team members achieved fast and clear cross-country rounds to put them well ahead of the rest of the field going into the final phase. Although they had a 25 penalty margin ahead of USA in second, the pressure was still on with all three athletes’ scores to count in the jumping phase, who held onto their nerves as well as first place.
There was further pressure on the result this year, as the Series takes on extra significance as the last chance to earn a single Team slot to Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Five of the nations competing today are not yet qualified including The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Austria. The FEI Eventing European Championship at Pin du Haras (FRA) this August and the 2023 Pan American Games at Santiago (CHI) in October will provide further chances for nations to qualify.
Like many other nations who are not yet qualified, the Dutch selected a more experienced team on good horses. Their sole objective this season is Olympic Qualification explains Blom-Hulsman. “There is not a bigger motivator than Paris. We stand up every morning just pushing for Paris and we will keep pushing until we are there, for sure. ”
Heffernen reinforced this notion; “We have two Nations Cup competitions coming up in the next few weeks, one in France and one in Switzerland and of course there is the European Championships so we are concentrating on those three competitions now, so hopefully we can repeat this performance.”
The FEI Eventing Nations Cup will now move to Haras de Jardy (FRA) which runs from 13-16 July. The Belgians lead the Series at this halfway stage, with a total of 350 points, whilst the Dutch now move up to second with 285 points. The Series concludes in Boekelo (NED) from 4-8 October, where the final team place for the Paris Olympics, will be allocated to the highest placed nations not already qualified.
Photo Caption: Janneke Boonzaaijer (BEL) rides ACSI Chanp de Tailleur during the Cross Country at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 - Strzegom (POL)
Copyright © FEI/Libby Law
History was made Saturday in Rotterdam, as France recorded a convincing victory in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ of The Netherlands—a first for the nation in the event.
Led by Chef d'Equipe Jean Morel, the four-rider squad of Alexandre Ayache (Jolene), Pauline Basquin (Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce), Corentin Pottier (Gotilas du Feuillard) and Morgan Barbançon (Habana Libre A) finished the FEI Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle tests with a winning total of just 11 points.
Germany finished second with 38 points, followed by Sweden (44 points). Each point is equivalent to a finish position of a team athlete, with each team receiving one drop score in the Grand Prix and between the Special and Freestyle tests.
Basquin, Pottier and Barbançon each made the podium at least once, with Basquin recording a personal best (73.468%) aboard the 13-year-old gelding Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce to finish as the highest-ranked team rider (second individually) in the Special. Pottier also finished second in the Freestyle (78.220%) with Gotilas du Feuillard.
But it was Barbançon who led the way, winning both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle with her 11-year-old gelding, Habana Libre A.
"[Habana Libre A] is the best I've ever ridden. He has a great mind, three very good gaits, and he always wants to work. He keeps getting better."
Morgan Barbançon (FRA)
While the Grand Prix test was a familiar one for the pair, the Freestyle offered new challenges. Performing their routine for just the second time, they flirted with 80%, receiving 79.820% from the judges.
"[My horse] was a little bit more tense [in the Freestyle]. It was only our second time riding this Freestyle; I tried it a couple weeks ago for the first time," Barbançon said. "He was concerned to start, because the atmosphere was extreme, and I was a little scared about how he would react. After the first halt, he relaxed and listened to me. I'm very, very proud of him."
France's performance was so dominant, the Nations Cup title had already been secured when Pottier entered the arena for his Freestyle. That put the rider in a unique position, and a second-place finish provided a most memorable bonus.
"That was a bit peculiar, knowing that we had won but still having to ride myself, but it was also quite a special feeling," he said. "I was here for the first time last year with the team. Then, we finished fourth, so to now be the winners is a really nice improvement."
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be hosted on home soil for France, making them a primary objective for the French squad. For Chef d'Equipe Jean Morel, a Nations Cup victory served as evidence that his team is on the right track.
"This was real teamwork today. It was more than a year of work together that led to us picking the fruits of our labour today. I hope we can keep improving and keep growing."
Jean Morel
France now sits third in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings with 18 points. Germany continues to lead the rankings with 31 points, while Sweden is second with 25 points.
The 2023 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ season continues at Aachen (GER) on 1 July 2023.
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