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The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.
In this case, the horse Elijah Solam (FEI ID 107JS65/BRN), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CEI1* 100 Fontainebleau (FRA) on 14 October, 2022.
The trainer, Jameel Ebrahim Ramadhan (FEI ID 10103145/BRN), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the trainer; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,000.
The full Decision is available here.
Notes to Editors:
FEI Clean Sport - human athletes
The FEI is part of the collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport led by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The aim of this movement is to protect fair competition as well as athlete health and welfare.
WADA’s Prohibited List identifies the substances and methods prohibited in- and out-of-competition, and in particular sports. The substances and methods on the List are classified by different categories (e.g., steroids, stimulants, gene doping).
As a WADA Code Signatory, the FEI runs a testing programme for human athletes based on WADA’s List of Prohibited List of Substances and Methods and on the Code-compliant FEI Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA).
For further information, please consult the Clean Sport section of the FEI website here.
FEI Equine Prohibited Substances
The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are medications 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.
Information on all substances is available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database.
There’s never anything quite like a big win in front of the home crowd, and this afternoon Britain’s Scott Brash set the London ExCel arena alight when producing a spectacular victory with Hello Jefferson at the eighth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League.
Just seven of the 37 starters managed to unravel the questions over the first-round track set by Portuguese course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral, and in a sensational jump-off it was Germany’s Daniel Deusser who clinched runner-up spot with Killer Queen VDM while young British star Jodie Hall McAteer wowed the home crowd when finishing third with Salt ’n Peppa.
Classy
The jump-off was filled with classy horse-and-rider partnerships, and pathfinders Max Kuhner and Elektric Blue P from Austria set the pace when breaking the beam in 42.00 seconds but leaving the first part of the triple combination - now reduced to a two-effort test - on the floor.
Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten then set the first real target with a super clear from the characterful 10-year-old mare Elwikke whose bucking and kicking antics kept the spectators highly entertained first time out. Crossing the line in 41.21 seconds they were now the ones to beat, but Brash then raced home in 39.67 seconds to really raise the bar.
His run to the last was breathtaking, Hello Jefferson easily leaving a stride out although Brash said afterwards he wondered if he might have been even quicker.
“The fences came up good. I was actually trying to go one less stride from fence one to two but at the same time I have to make sure Jefferson is not too quick at the start of the course because he does gets sharp, but I think it was a good balance overall. The double came up well, he jumped amazing and when I let him run to the last he’s so careful that I can trust him and it paid off!”, explained the 37-year-old Scotsman.
Threatening
He was followed by Germany’s Daniel Deusser and the always-speedy Killer Queen VDM who looked seriously threatening until a bit cautious down the last line before breaking the beam just 0.06 seconds slower. And then double world champion, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, set off with the relatively novice nine-year-old mare Dzara Dorchival who looked well in touch until clipping the oxer three from home.
Second-last to go, Ireland’s Denis Lynch and the 10-year-old Cornets Iberio posted four faults in 41.65 before the crowd went into a frenzy as Jodie Hall McAteer took her turn.
The diminutive 22-year-old, who was a member of the British team at this year’s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona (ESP), has always been a gritty competitor. She took team gold and individual silver at the FEI Pony European Championship in 2015 with the legendary Tixylix, and her partnership with the 13-year-old gelding Salt ’n Peppa has firmly established her at Senior level.
Setting off with gusto the pair produced a brilliant round in 40.14 to finish third, just ahead of three-time Olympian van der Vleuten and close behind 2016 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ champion Deusser in second place while London 2012 Olympic team champion Brash stood top of the podium.
Slightly open
Talking about his winning ride, Brash said, “I might have done one stride less between fences one and two, I thought maybe I’d left the door slightly open there but I don’t think I could have done much other than that. Daniel did one stride less there and he was very close, but luckily everything else was tight and smooth and it paid off”.
He described Hello Jefferson as “an incredible horse, he has all the attributes you need to win any Grand Prix in the world so it’s just about trying to control his sharpness, he is quite a sharp horse which is good, he’s a quick thinker and it’s good to be quick in a jump-off but you have to be able to control that”, he explained.
And he said the 13-year-old gelding is “becoming more the finished article now. He’s more settled in a big atmosphere and he’s starting to really enjoy it. In fact I think the bigger the atmosphere he’s starting to be even better so that’s the sign of a talented horse”.
He was full of praise for his young compatriot Hall McAteer who produced a brilliant performance against the toughest of opposition today. “She’s fantastic, a great competitor, I’ve know her for many years, she’s determined, hard-working, she upped sticks and went over to Holland to train with the Schroeders, she’s working hard and she’s really committed so she really deserves to be there today and I think there’s a lot more to come from her!”, he said.
Delighted
Hall McAteer was delighted with her result. “It was unbelievable!”, the happy young lady said. “I grew up coming to this show every year since I was 10 years old. Coming back this year and finishing third is a dream come true! Hearing the crowd is amazing - I didn’t think I was quick enough or that close, but when I heard the crowd before last fence I had to give it a try. I am a little annoyed at myself because I could have been faster but I’m very happy and very proud of my horse. I will definitely come back and try to win next time!”, she said.
Runner-up Deusser said “I would of course have loved to win, but I am not disappointed at all. When I saw Scott I knew his horse was naturally quicker than Killer queen. I had to take a few strides here and there and maybe if I was a bit more motivated after the last fence I would have won today, but I am happy I have some points already and the pressure (of qualifying for the Final) is getting a little less. I will now focus on Mechelen which is my home show”.
Mechelen in Belgium will present the ninth round of the 14-leg Western European League series on 30 December, and it is world number one von Eckermann who currently stands top of the league table ahead of Great Britain’s Harry Charles in second and French athletes Kevin Staut and Julien Epaillard in third and fourth places.
Today’s result has moved Deusser up to fifth, and with 45 points already collected he looks well on the way to the Longines Final 2023 in Omaha (USA) next April even before his home event gets underway in just over a weeks’ time.
Don’t miss a hoofbeat……
Daniel Coyle (IRL) has had to be patient when it comes to World Cup competition. During the 2019-2020 North American League season, he recorded two victories and was preparing to go to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final when the global pandemic forced the event's cancellation.
Two years later, Coyle is ready for another chance, and he's bettered himself. After taking a World Cup win at Toronto (CAN) and finishing second in Las Vegas (USA), Coyle won again Saturday night at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth (USA) with Legacy.
The pair bested a three-horse jump-off, crossing the timers of Anderson Lima's (MEX) short course in 31.47 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) and Callas settled for second (32.60 seconds), with Erynn Ballard (CAN) third (34.94).
"Legacy had to learn to go fast, and thankfully now I think she's one of the faster horses I have."
Daniel Coyle (IRL)
Up until this year, Coyle had placed an emphasis on making championship teams for Ireland, and he and Legacy represented their nation at both the 2021 European Championships and the 2022 FEI World Championships. This year, he aimed to improve their jump-off prowess. He has seen his efforts rewarded, utilizing newfound gears Saturday to surpass a swift standard set by Ward. He and Legacy ultimately secured their victory over the final three fences.
"The way the sport has [evolved], you have to be able to go so fast," Coyle explained. "In the beginning, [Legacy] was always fast, but she didn't really understand what she was doing. As the night shows, you have to be able to do everything to beat [your competitors]."
Coyle has now assumed the lead in the NAL standings with 66 points. Fellow Irishman Conor Swail (IRL), also with two victories this season, sits second (56 points), while Daniel Bluman (ISR) is third (54).
"I don't know that being first or second or third in the league [standings] brings you anything when you get to the Finals," Coyle said, "but it assures you get there, so that's always good, too!"
The North American League resumes on 28 January 2023 in Puebla (MEX) before concluding in March at Ocala (USA).
Billed as the first ‘Clash of the Titans’ since Leipzig’s (GER) final in April, the question on all lips was, ‘Who would win in London – Bram or Boyd?’ Fresh from victory last weekend in Geneva (SUI), Bram Chardon (NED) knew that his first appearance as a competitor in London would be a challenge, and trying to break Boyd Exell’s (AUS) incredible run this season would be tough. But how close he came.
While Boyd produced the winning round in the final drive-off on Saturday night with a score of 147.89, it was Bram who had the fastest time of 142.05, 1.84 seconds ahead. Whereas Boyd had one ball down to add four, Bram rolled two balls and added eight, which was enough to push him into 2nd place. But with Boyd as the Wild Card entry, alongside British driver Daniel Naprous, Bram was able to take the full 10 points for the ranking table so after only two events, now sits in 3rd, surely securing his place in Bordeaux (FRA) and a chance to defend his FEI Driving World Cup™ title.
“I am a few runs behind the other guys, and I think I need one or two more shows. I am happy how the horses moved and that they showed an extra gear, so I am really pleased with the time. And it was great to be competing in London for the first time!” – Bram Chardon
Challenging closely over the three days of Driving in London was an on-form Koos de Ronde (NED), who, like Boyd, was the only one of the seven drivers to be a finalist at each of the three competitions – something unique to London. Precise and positive from start to finish, he said that he thought he was as close as he has been all season to a win, but admitted that perhaps he pushed a little too hard at the end and added an expensive 12 penalties to his time of 147.9. Like Bram, he tallied valuable ranking points and will, with only two more legs to go, surely be another cert for the final. A firm favourite with the crowd, his loyalty over the years as a regular competitor at the popular pre-Christmas show, Koos was rewarded by a groundswell of voluble support which must have helped propel him and his horses into a suitably speedy sphere.
Dries Degrieck (BEL), who was in drive-off territory in the prelim round on Thursday afternoon, after a good Geneva, couldn’t quite keep up with the pace and with only three drivers forward for the drive-off in competition one, missed out on his chance to go again. As did a much-improved Chester Weber (USA), who was more assured than last weekend, his rounds being more fluid with less faults to add. His Lipizzaner horses are based for the season with the Chardons in Holland, so Chester made the most of walking the course alongside Bram and their collective match play experience must have benefited them both.
Getting used to his new, svelte bay Lusitano horses, Benjamin Aillaud (FRA), a consummate horseman and trainer, stayed in the bottom half of the order but will come away from London pleased with the improvement that the combination has made, not only over the three days, but the series as a whole. Whether they have done enough to in a qualification place for the final remains to be seen, but there is always the chance that as a French athlete, he may gain a Wild Card place in Bordeaux.
Juggling his Wild Card slot with providing dare-devil riding entertainment at the show, Daniel Naprous admitted that as a driver who might only appear once in the series, he is a little rusty. Despite the lack of match practice in comparison to his compatriots, his times were perfectly respectable and with his notoriety in the film business, remains a crowd-pulling favourite. Admitting that he would love to compete in the series as a qualified driver, the logistics for Dan to attend enough European based events to gain the points and results are prohibitive.
In contrast to the capacious arena in Geneva, the smaller dimensions of the ExCel venue create an intimacy that really involves the family-based crowd, who are so close to the action. It also requires a different approach when trying to save time on the turns and lines, as opposed to the fast running and ground cover which comes with a bigger space.
A designer who confesses to building his courses by feel and instinct, Jeroen Houterman (NED) has created five of the six courses so far this series and has managed to ask something new of the drivers each time, tailoring his layouts to suit the place, the equipment available, and that unique ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes these events so magical.
Next up is Mechelen (BEL), just after Christmas. Then, for the final leg in Leipzig, all the big guns will be out. Not only will they be securing their Bordeaux places, but they will also be marking their cards as to where they would like to be in the final order. Can Boyd maintain his peak performance? Had Bram gauged his ascent correctly? Or will Koos and Ijsbrand release their full potential and upset the order? We can’t wait to see!
With their best-ever Freestyle score of 90.995, Great Britain’s Lottie Fry and the super-stallion Glamourdale stormed to victory in front of their home crowd at the fifth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League in London (GBR) tonight.
The sensational duo who claimed individual double-gold and team silver at this summer’s Blue Hors Dressage World Championship in Herning, Denmark simply sparkled throughout a performance that oozed confidence and pure class as Glamourdale showcased the magnetic quality and extraordinary athleticism that sets him apart from the rest.
At the World Championship they put 90.654 on the board to win the Freestyle, and Fry said she was amazed to do even better than that this evening despite a blip in the one-tempi changes. Her nearest rival was her Herning team-mate Gareth Hughes who produced a lovely test from the mare Classic Briolinca for second place, while Germany’s Ingrid Klimke steered Franziskus into third and her compatriot Helen Langehanenberg lined up in fourth with Annabelle.
Perfect start
Tonight got off to the perfect start for the host nation when, second to go, Andrew Gould posted 78.065 for a lovely test from the youngest horse in the class, the nine-year old stallion Indigro whose piaffe/passage work on his debut at this level of the sport was seriously impressive. And the 42-year-old athlete from West Sussex held onto the lead until Hughes set sail with just five left to go.
Hughes’ 16-year-old mare, Classic Briolinca, presented a charming picture highlighted by her beautiful balance and tempi-changes that were straight as an arrow. And despite failing to execute her final halt their score of 84.950 gave them a significant lead at this stage.
Athletes from nine different nations lined out tonight, and 2016 series champion Hans Peter Minderhoud from The Netherlands moved into runner-up spot when posting 79.305 with Glock’s Dream Boy when next into the arena. But that would only be temporary as the final three gave the scoreboard another good shake-up.
Fry was third-last to go, and as she said afterwards Glamourdale was more than ready to strut his stuff in front of his adoring audience once again. This was his first big outing since Herning and he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to remind the world just how good he is. He posted a runaway victory in yesterday’s Short Grand Prix and he was about to do it all over again.
Great form
“After last night I could feel he was in great form, he has really strengthened up since Herning and tonight he was so keen that he tried to go into the ring before he was supposed to because he was so excited!”, Fry said tonight.
Showcasing his incredible power and rideability, and his trademark extended canter that is guaranteed to draw gasps from the sidelines every time, Glamourdale pranced his way to the top of the scoreboard and was never going to be challenged.
The crowd were still going wild with delight as Klimke and Franziskus, winners of the third leg of the Western European League on home ground in Stuttgart (GER) last month, prepared to begin and the stallion was on edge because of the noise before starting his test. But the phenomenal German athlete just kicked on to produce a score of 83.170 which would be good enough to slot into third behind Hughes before, last to go, 2013 series champion Langehanenberg put 82.135 on the board to fill fourth place ahead of Minderhoud in fifth and Gould in sixth.
Support
“The support from the crowd tonight was incredible, and to end this amazing year here is wonderful! It is almost impossible to sum up 2022 - it has been incredible and coming to London and performing in front of my home crowd is the best feeling and the best way to end the year!”, Fry pointed out.
Talking about Glamourdale’s performance tonight she said “I had such an easy, fun ride. He is better than he was in Herning and we keep improving so I can’t wait for the years to come. Paris (Olympic Games 2024) is for sure the goal, and we will see how it goes until then”.
Her compatriot Hughes was quite happy with his runner-up finish. “To come second to the world champion was a win for me, and my horse is amazing!”, he said. “I never did indoor competitions with her before because she was very difficult with the atmosphere so we kept her for the Championships, but we thought as she improved this year we’d give it a try after Herning”, he explained. That has proven a good decision.
Multiple medallist
As for the super-talented Klimke who is best known as a multiple medallist in the sport of Eventing, she said her result today felt just as good as a win.
“Being third after these two amazing riders is incredible. I am very proud of my horse tonight, he has improved so much over the last months. It was good to start in Poland (Zakrzow, where she won also with Frankiskus in October) but I did not expect my horse to be so good in Stuttgart and now he is doing it again. I am really pleased!”, she said after moving into pole position on the Western European League table ahead of Morgan Barbancon from France in second place and Germany’s Benjamin Werndl in third.
Next stop in the 11-leg qualifying series is round six in Mechelen (BEL) on 29 December where today’s winner, Fry, is entered with her other top ride, Everdale.
Don’t miss a hoofbeat…..
For all the latest information about the FEI Dressage World Cup™ season 2022/2023 check out the new Series Hub here
Stay up to date with results, articles, interviews, videos and much more while following the action all the way to Final.
FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 15 December 2022
Butheeb (UAE) hosts successful Test Event for the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 just one month following allocatio
Organisers for the 2022 FEI Endurance World Championship - which was only recently reallocated to Butheeb (UAE) at the FEI General Assembly in Cape Town (RSA) last November - pulled out all the stops to provide an open-house invitation for National Federations (NFs) and teams to experience first-hand the facilities on offer at the Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV).
The Test Event was held from 8 to 11 December, using an existing event in the FEI Calendar, and included three competitions from 1* to 3* with a healthy mix of international combinations taking the top positions - including Uruguay, Portugal and Great Britain, alongside the host nation UAE.
President of the Ground Jury and Chair of the FEI Endurance Committee Christian Lozano (FRA) was very impressed with the outcomes of the Test Event, explaining “the OC had just under one month to prepare for this test event, but they were keen to go ahead as this was an ideal opportunity to test all the systems in place and give the chef d’equipes the opportunity to get to know Butheeb and provide feedback on the facilities, the different logistical preparations as well as the track and footing.
“While this was used as a test event for the World Championship to be held from 20-26 February next year, this was not a test event of the World Championship track itself; for example, the 160km competition on Friday 9 December was held over 5 loops, unlike the Championship competition which will be held over 6 loops, giving the horses more recovery opportunities between loops.”
Technical Delegate Sharon Du Plessis (BOT) reiterated the intention of the Test Event, adding “we were able to see the full spectrum of the terrain on offer at Butheeb, with good, natural, wide tracks, fully secured and very little deep sand, with just five kilometres of deep sand areas to be modified for the Championship track – among other improvements to be made in the coming weeks.
“The whole community has been asking for more technical and slower tracks – and this is what they will get in Butheeb.”
In addition to testing the sporting and technical infrastructures, the OC held a hybrid information session for Chef d’Equipes on 10 December which proved very popular with approximately 60 participants, including fourteen NFs represented at the meeting in person, and a further 12 NFs joining online. The debrief began with members of the OC including Mustafa Mafoudi, and UAE National Federation representatives, Dr. Ali Tweisi, Mahmoud Zyoud and Abdullah Al Naqbi, Director of Administration and Support Services, Head of Media and Communication Department, presenting the venue and discussing some of the more logistical details.
FEI Endurance Director Christina Abu-Dayyeh (JOR) as well as FEI Director Technology and Sport Services Gaspard Dufour (FRA), alongside President of the Ground Jury Christian Lozano (FRA), Technical Delegate Sharon Du Plessis (BOT) completed the line-up, providing a broad panel to answer any questions or concerns raised by the participants.
With a little over two months to go, the OC actively encouraged the Chef d’Equipes to provide their feedback in a bid to find effective solutions for many of the more logistical and operational questions. Overall, the National Federations expressed their satisfaction with the conditions and facilities on offer, and the success of the Test Event, noting the further modifications to be made to the track prior to the Championship, with the six loops providing additional rest points and veterinary checks, and the additional water points as agreed during the meeting.
Executive Board Member and Chair of Group VII Sami Al Duhami (KSA) provided the closing remarks and noted the positive efforts and great collaboration with the Organising Committee and the UAE NF to deliver the Championship in February.
Following the Test Event and to quell any remaining concerns regarding the terrain, internationally renowned footing expert and Professor at the Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Lars Roepstroff has been commissioned to assess the Championship track in January of 2023. Roepstroff, who also has a background as the Swedish Team Veterinarian for Endurance, will then deliver a report to the FEI and the Organising Committee, with relevant feedback on the terrain and any potential improvements that might need to be made prior to the Championship.
“There is no “standard” terrain, this is a World Championship, and world-class riding and fitness is required in order to be successful and to ensure both horse and rider complete the course in good condition”, said FEI Endurance Director Christina Abu-Dayyeh (JOR).
“It’s important that a certain percentage of the track is natural and in keeping with the local environment, wherever that may be, and as you would expect at this level, every athlete taking part will need to plan and manage their ride and pace according to the conditions and according to their horse.
“We are confident the horses will be very well looked after, with great facilities and an experienced Organising Committee in Butheeb, ensuring all the veterinary checks and processes in line with the FEI Rules are fully adhered to.”
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 sorts 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.
FEI contact:
Olivia Robinson
Director FEI Communications
olivia.robinson@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 35
Paul Stretton
Senior Manager, Sports Communications & Media Operations
paul.stretton@fei.org
+41 78 661 66 53
FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 15 December 2022
Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 Europe Division 1 team allocations confirmed
The allocation of teams for Europe Division 1 events in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 series have been confirmed this week.
Europe Division 1 will start with 8 teams for the 2023 season – defending champions Belgium, along with Ireland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Each team can earn qualifying points at its allocated four of the six Europe Division 1 events. The seven best-ranked teams will qualify for the Final, which takes place in Barcelona (ESP) from 28 September to 1 October 2023. The Division 1 opening qualifier takes place in St. Gallen (SUI) from 1 to 4 June 2023.
The allocations table indicates the venues where eligible teams will be chasing FEI Nations Cup™ points, but the starting field at these events will not be restricted to those countries alone. Other nations can also compete in legs of the series throughout the Europe Division 1 season.
Further information on the Division 1 allocations can be viewed here.
The season calendar for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 series can be viewed here.
Photo caption: Olivier Philippaerts, Peter Weinberg (Chef d’Equipe), Jérôme Guery, Koen Vereecke, Gregory Wathelet and Gilles Thomas from Team Belgium celebrates the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2022 Final at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona (ESP). (FEI/Richard Juilliart)
About the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ series
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ is equestrian sport's most prestigious team challenge, with teams from around the world competing for one of the most coveted prizes in the Olympic discipline.
Celebrating 114 years of team competition in 2023, the Final will be held in the beautiful city of Barcelona (ESP), at the Real Club de Polo, where up to 18 teams will have the opportunity to battle it out to hold the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ trophy aloft!
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 sorts 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.
FEI contact:
Didier Montes
Manager, Sport Communications & Media Relations
didier.montes@fei.org
+41 787 50 61 21
Crown prince and reigning FEI Driving World Cup™ champion Bram Chardon (NED) set out on his crusade to retain his title in undisputed style in Geneva. Scorching past his rivals, he defiantly seized both rounds and his brilliant performance has injected another shot of excitement into an already electrifying 2022-23 series.
In this 5th leg, the next chapter in a gripping adventure so far, the ‘Hollywood for Horses’ setting of the 61st CHI Geneva was a fitting and festive backdrop for Bram’s first indoor outing since he beat Boyd Exell (AUS) in Leipzig (GER) in April. Without Boyd in the line-up, there was always going to be a new winner and the safe money was on Bram, especially after his opening round in front of a packed house on Saturday lunchtime, where he finished 15.06 ahead. On Sunday, despite a wobbly first round – by his standards – where he knocked a ball in obstacle four and missed taking a couple of loops on point, which put him into 2nd, his drive-off was so slick that his time of 152.45 was 4.68 seconds faster than his closest challenger.
“Last year I also had an incredible drive-off here in Geneva. Today, I made an unusual mistake in the first of the marathon obstacles in round one, so I made a change and then I was able to take revenge!
It is great to have the next generation of drivers here, although I am lucky to have my family around me, including my father (Ijsbrand Chardon) who is still in great shape, plus my five month old son, and my sister and mother.
The public here in Geneva really helps and I’d like to ask them to come to the finals in Bordeaux too!” – Bram Chardon
But the fairy tale nearly didn’t turn out as expected and the narrative briefly arced in a different direction when Germany’s Michael Brauchle added a twist by improving so much between his bottom placing on Saturday, so starting first on Sunday, to going into the final drive-off as the fastest qualifier. Having clearly had an effective word with himself overnight and after making a few harness adjustments to his left leader who was strong, his speedy bay team, so keen and much more together than earlier in the season, produced an impressive first round. As he said afterwards, it wasn’t ideal opening the competition on day two, but conversely, he was able to take risks and put his foot to the floor without worrying about times clocked by the others – and it worked. Finishing in 2nd, after a clear in 157.13, he shaved over 3 seconds off his quick first run.
Another driver who found his form was Belgian Dries Degrieck, who in his second indoor season, states that for him it is still a learning curve, and he is building up his experience all the time. His Geneva was much more consistent than his other events in the series and the flat out gallop he was able to ask from his horses, which they gave him, while also being able to produce some of the tightest lines and turns of the two days, showed a new maturity coupled with boldness. As he prepares for the journey to England, he will surely be happy with his 2nd place on Saturday and 3rd on Sunday which seals his bid for a place in the final in Bordeaux (FRA).
One driver who must be asking what more he can do to match the winners is Glenn Geerts (BEL). His lythe bay horses were fit, eager and fast, and Glenn is on top form at the moment. Perhaps the long runs up and down one of the biggest arenas on the circuit, with the addition of a bridge and water splash, didn’t benefit his bouncy, high stepping horses, who didn’t have their usual impulsion along the final stretch through the last three obstacles of Jeroen Houterman’s (NED) flowing course. After a solid drive on day one to finish 3rd, he was just behind Dries after the first round on Sunday and missed out on a drive-off place which, on day two, is only for the fastest three.
Buoyed by an emotional and vocal home crowd, Jérôme Voutaz (SUI), with his Swiss Freibergers, was the Wild Card entry and another who did everything right, finding precise lines in the two marathon style obstacles, but was just off the pace in comparison to the others. He stated that the distances in the arena didn’t suit his horses quite so much, as they are compact and turn well, and tend to shine more over a course in a smaller area where different questions are asked. Finishing in 4th and 5th over the two days, he remained delighted with his team, while also keeping the audience totally engaged in the event.
Lady Luck didn’t favour outdoor whizz Chester Weber (USA) who wasn’t where he usually is in terms of placings. Juggling a transatlantic schedule and dividing his time between Florida and Europe, his indoor Lipizzaner horses are based for the season with the Chardons in Holland. As a strategist who thinks a great deal about factors like fitness, nutrition and training, he will hope to produce a sharper performance at their next outing.
The anticipation for the 6th leg in London (GBR) has reached boiling point, as Bram and Boyd will go head-to-head for the first time this series. Bram’s muscular and compact grey Lipizzaners, with plenty of fuel in their tanks, will be up against Boyd’s lean and primed equine maestros, who have an additional supersonic speed when the pressure is on. Both teams operate as a homogenous unit, from the ends of their noses to the tips of their tails, and both drivers have a hawk-like focus and hunger for victory that must be sated.
And both know what it takes to win – so who will it be?
Santiago Varela Ullastres (ESP) and Gregory Bodo (FRA) have been appointed as Co-Course Designers for the Jumping and Jumping Eventing Competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its last teleconference for 2022 held on 6 December.
Santiago Varela, 54, is a 4* Technical Delegate and Course Designer in Jumping and is one of the sport’s most respected officials.
He was introduced to horses as a child and began designing courses at the Club de Campo de Madrid in 1984 at the age of 14. A year later, he qualified as a “Local Course Designer”. In 1993 Varela was promoted to International Course Designer status. In 2011 he designed the FEI Jumping European Championship in Madrid (ESP) and in July 2013 he achieved FEI Level 4 Course Designer status. That same year he was appointed as Course Designer for the first Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona (ESP) and has built courses at numerous events of all levels across the world. These include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifiers at Lyon (FRA) and La Coruña (ESP), the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals 2018 and 2019 as well as various championships for Children, Juniors, Young Riders, and U25.
Santiago Varela served as Technical Delegate for Jumping at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy (FRA) in 2014, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2017 in Omaha, NE (USA) and the FEI Jumping European Championship 2017 in Gothenburg (SWE), among many others.
Despite his many achievements in the sport, Varela is perhaps best known for his work as Course Designer for Jumping and the Jumping test of Eventing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where his designs were lauded for their vibrant colours, creativity, sensitivity to Japanese culture as well as the challenges they set for riders while remaining respectful of horse and athlete welfare.
Frenchman Gregory Bodo, 44, has being building Jumping courses internationally for over 20 years. He officiated as the Assistant Course Designer at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, where he first cooperated with Santiago Varela, and the FEI Jumping European Championships for Children, Juniors, and Young Rider 2017 held in Šamorín (SVK).
In 2017 Bodo built his first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier in Lyon (FRA), where Santiago Varela was Assistant Course Designer. Since then, Bodo and Varela have held these roles every year except for 2020 when the show was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2018, Gregory Bodo was Assistant Course Designer at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Paris (FRA), working once again alongside Santiago Varela, who officiated as Course Designer. Later that year he designed the FEI Jumping European Championships for Youth in Fontainebleau (FRA). He was Assistant Course Designer at the FEI Jumping European Championship 2019 in Rotterdam (NED), the FEI Jumping European Championship 2021 in Riesenbeck (GER) as well as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where he worked in cooperation with Varela once again.
In 2019 Bodo was promoted to 4* Technical Delegate and Course Designer status, the highest level for an FEI official. He is currently one of only two French Course Designers in Jumping to have achieved this degree of excellence.
“We are delighted to have appointed Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo as the Jumping Co-Course Designers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“As is always the case for the Olympic Games, we went through a thorough evaluation process and selected two individuals both of whom hold a wealth of experience and are renowned for their dedication and impeccable work ethic. The designs created by Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo are stunning and combine huge expertise with unique local flavour. Most importantly, they always put the horse at the core of their thought process and produce courses mindful of the welfare of both our equine and human athletes.
“Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo have worked together on numerous occasions and will make a great team. I am convinced that with their knowledge, creative spirit, and professional attitude, the equestrian community, the spectators and the fans around the world can expect Jumping courses of the highest quality. With the equestrian events scheduled to be held in Versailles with the historical château as the uniquely beautiful backdrop, these are set to be truly exceptional Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Photo caption: Gregory Bodo (FRA), left, and Santiago Varela (ESP) have been appointed as Co-Course Designers for the Jumping and Jumping Eventing Competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. © Personal archive of Santiago Varela
The FEI has made changes to the existing rules regarding maternity leave in order to introduce further flexibility and give athletes the option of adapting the duration of their maternity leave to their individual situation. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its last teleconference for 2022 held on 6 December.
The previous minimum period for a medical and maternity leave, which had been included in the Ranking Rules for Jumping, Dressage, and Driving, was six months and the maximum period 12 months.
Following various opinions expressed by athletes, who wished to have the flexibility to return to competition from maternity leave earlier than six months, the Board took the decision to shorten the minimum period to three months, without changing the maximum period, which remains 12 months. In addition, athletes will now have the possibility to come back earlier than originally indicated when they initially requested the leave. To do so, they will need to give a four-week notice for Dressage and Driving. For Jumping, a 10-week notice is required if riders want to be eligible to receive an invitation under the FEI Online Invitation System, but only four weeks if the athlete intends to participate in the event further to another kind of invitation, such as an OC invitation or a wildcard.
The relevant changes to the wording of the respective Ranking Rules will be published in the Jumping, Dressage, and Driving rules sections on the FEI website.
The provisions for medical leave remain unchanged, the minimum period being six months and the maximum period 12 months.
The Board also approved the incorporation of medical/maternity leave provisions (as updated) into the FEI Endurance and FEI Para Dressage Ranking Rules for the first time. The respective Ranking Rules will be published under the Endurance and Para Dressage rules sections on the FEI website.
The FEI Eventing Committee has considered including medical and maternity leave provisions in the Eventing Ranking Rules but is currently not in favour for risk management reasons.
Maternity and medical leave provisions for Vaulting are currently being examined by the Technical Committee and updates will be provided in due course.
“It is good news that the Board has allowed for greater flexibility regarding maternity leave,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The FEI was one of the first international sports organisations to introduce provisions for maternity leave in April 2010 and we remain committed to protecting the welfare of our athletes. These rules had been first put in place for Jumping and were gradually extended to Dressage and Driving. This had been done in order to allow athletes, who have had a baby, not to lose all their Rankings points while off the circuit.
“The FEI has listened to the riders who have expressed the desire to have the option of returning to competition earlier than six months and the FEI Board is very much in favour of supporting athletes wishing to achieve the best possible balance between family life and a high level sports career. The Ranking Rules in all the FEI disciplines are living documents and we will keep on reviewing the maternity and medical leave provisions to make sure they remain relevant and fair.”
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