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German riders simply swamped the opposition on home ground at the third leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League in Stuttgart today led by horsewoman extraordinaire, Ingrid Klimke.
The daughter of Dressage legend Reiner Klimke is best known as a five-time Olympian and multiple championship medallist in the sport of Eventing. But the 54-year-old athlete who competes in all three equestrian Olympic disciplines demonstrated her exceptional talent when pinning her compatriot and five-time FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion, Isabell Werth, into second place while the remainder of the German contingent lined up behind them.
Having dominated in yesterday’s Grand Prix, the last five starters in today’s Freestyle were all from the host nation and Frederic Wandres went into the lead when putting 81.580 on the board with a lovely performance from the 12-year-old Bluetooth OLD when fifth-last to go. But Klimke immediately demoted him when next in with the fabulous Franziskus FRH.
On fire
The 14-year-old stallion was on fire from the outset, his entrance already racking up big scores, and the pair who competed on Germany’s bronze-medal-winning team at this summer’s ECCO FEI World Championships at Herning in Denmark put 83.440 on the board to go way out in front.
“Franziskus is 14 years old now but is still improving. Since Herning he seems to be enjoying himself even more and making more progress. He was so calm and listening to me today and his two-tempi changes on the centreline were amazing as well as the last piaffe on the turn and the extended trot at the very end”, Klimke said.
That extended trot was executed with just one hand on the reins and the crowd loved every moment of it. “I’m so happy and the spectators were fantastic! They were cheering like we won before we even went in!”, she said with a laugh afterwards.
She was followed by Tokyo 2020 team gold medallist Dorothee Schneider riding the 14-year-old gelding Faustus who put 80.290 on the board, and then compatriot Benjamin Werndl partnering Daily Mirror whose minor error in the two-tempis was followed by wonderful one-tempi changes for the second-best score to date of 81.885.
Frenzy
But the crowd were in a frenzy of excitement as the last pair took their turn. Isabell Werth is such a showgirl and is adored by dressage fans wherever she goes. At home that adoration reaches a whole new level, and the atmosphere in the packed Stuttgart stadium as she began her test with DSP Quantaz was electrifying.
To the sound of Bonnie Tyler the 53-year-old superstar threw down a great performance despite a blip in a canter pirouette and the two-tempi changes. The tension as her score was being calculated was palpable, and although 82.030 would leave her behind Klimke in pole position she was quite happy.
“My horse was electric tonight but was still very much focused and gave his best. The music makes me happy and I think it works for the public as well. Ingrid rode a beautiful mistake-free test tonight and I did not. This makes the difference and I am not disappointed at all. I should have ridden better with no mistakes to win. This is the sport”, said the lady who looks well set to chase down her sixth title at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Omaha (USA) next April and who has qualifying legs in Basel (SUI) and Amsterdam (NED) in January in her sights.
The top nine finishers in the Western European League will make the cut to the 2023 Final.
No expectations
Delighted with her result, Klimke said this evening, “I drove here with no expectations, I would have been happy being fifth!” With additional points for a win at the qualifier in Zakrzow in Poland two weeks ago she has now rocketed up to second place on the Western European League leaderboard, just ahead of Werth who is just three points behind in third but 10 points adrift of Benjamin Werndl at the head of affairs.
Klimke now plans to compete at the qualifying legs in London (GBR) in December and then Amsterdam (NED), Neumunster (GER) and possibly ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) in the new year.
Asked how tonight’s victory compares to the many successes she has enjoyed in the sport of Eventing she said “of course if you win at Aachen (GER) or Luhmuehlen (GER) it’s also very, very exciting. I finished fifth in Burghley (GBR) and have done lots of other wonderful things but competing indoors is different and I like it a lot. When I was younger I watched my father doing it and tonight brought memories of him back for me. This was very special night…..”, she said.
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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.
In his opening to the first Session of the day on the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWB), FEI President Ingmar De Vos said “Today’s session is part of a process. It’s an important marker in the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s overall framework, and this is why it is important that you are present here (and online) because we need all of you to really make it count. There is more that can be done, and more that must be done when it comes to protecting the welfare of the horse.”
He went on to say, “We need to reconfirm and strengthen the position of equestrian sport in modern society. And to do this, we need to have the courage to look in the mirror and accept not only what we see, but also what the general public sees, unbiased without any filters.”
The independent EEWB Commission was created in June 2022 to focus on ways that the FEI equestrian community can strengthen its social licence to operate in light of growing public concern related to the welfare and wellbeing of horses in sport.
Chair of the Commission and internationally recognised animal behaviour and welfare scientist Professor Dr. Natalie Waran took the floor to provide delegates with a general overview of different aspects of social license to operate. She then outlined different aspects of the Commission work, in particular the approach that is being taken by the Commission to analyse the different aspects of equine welfare that can affect social license to operate in the context of the FEI’s activities, with the ultimate goal of recommending a practical course of action.
“We are all equestrian stakeholders,” Dr. Waran said in her address to the General Assembly. “As the Commission, we will be blunt, we will be direct and we will tell you the truth. But in the end we will be here with you. There is change that needs to happen and we are here to develop a strategy, provide objective advice, make recommendations and then see how these recommendations can be put into operation.”
As part of an evidence based approach to their work, the Commission carried out two surveys of equestrian stakeholders and the general public in order to determine the wide spread perception of the use of horses in sport. Fellow expert and Commission member Professor Kathalijne Visser then took delegates through the analysis of the data from these two surveys.
In the third and final part of the presentation, Dr. Waran provided an initial structure of an Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Strategy to address Social License to Operate issues which is based on six main support pillars:
There was wide spread agreement that horse welfare and strong scientific research should be the basis on which the community takes decisions regarding equine wellbeing practice.
The Q&A session generated open discussions between members of the Commission and delegates in attendance and online. There were a broad range of subjects that were considered including the early recommendations provided by the Commission on double bridles and bits, ways to communicate to improve the image of the sport and horse activities more generally, the methodology behind the surveys and other research carried out by the Commission, and matters relating to measuring the emotions of horses, and the direct and indirect influence of the FEI even outside the sports area.
After the discussion on the EEWB Commission, the Sessions then moved on to clarifications on the proposed modifications to the General Regulations and Calendar related proposals, Discipline Rules, Veterinary Regulations and the Paris 2024 Rules. The Dressage, Para Dressage, Eventing and Veterinary Rules went through a full revision this year.
The Sessions provided National Federations with a final opportunity to discuss the proposals that will be put forward to the FEI Hybrid General Assembly. Delegates will be required to vote to approve General and Discipline specific Rules and Regulations.
The FEI Hybrid General Assembly commences at 09:00 CET and will be available to watch on livestream here. All proposed Rules amendments will be voted on at the FEI Hybrid General Assembly on 13 November 2022 and updated on Inside.FEI.org here in due course.
After a supremely confident performance at the 36th Stuttgart Masters, Boyd Exell (AUS) is undoubtedly on some of the best form of his career and the question is, can he be beaten this season?
At the third outing over three consecutive weekends of the FEI Driving World Cup™ 2022-23 series, it was ‘Super Saturday’ at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle and leading from the front on both days, Boyd ended the third leg drive-off with 4 penalties to add. But his electrifying, galloping horses covered the ground so efficiently that he had a clear margin timewise, finishing on 143.77 seconds and a total of 147.77.
Having felt that his team were working at about 80% last season, Boyd says they are now nearer 95%, with the addition of the new leader ‘Maestoso Jupiter’ who is totally in sync with his partner on the left, Bajnok, the 19 year old stalwart of the indoor team. Whereas other drivers might have to push their horses forward, his has to hold his keen and fast team who are as one, improving with each round as they too learn the routes.
The closest challenger to Boyd’s supremacy was the Swiss Jérôme Voutaz, who built on his first outing of the series in Lyon (FRA). Coming closest to Boyd’s time during Friday’s finale, he was 10 seconds behind in Saturday’s drive-off, with 8 penalties to add, ending on 161.76.
Back on form after a sticky performance by his standards in Maastrich (NED) was the consistent Glenn Geerts (BEL), who finished third on both days. With a costly 12 penalties to add, he was just behind Jérôme on 163.08, although his time had been 2.68 seconds faster.
The ‘nearly man’ of the competition was the home nation’s Wild Card, marathon specialist Michael Brauchle. Like Glenn, his horses were much more in tune with him this week and with 4 to add to his time of 156.64 after day two’s first round, there was only 1.47 between them, but it was enough to put the Belgian into the drive-off and consign Michael to a frustrating fourth.
The USA’s supremo Chester Weber, back on the indoor circuit this season with an eye-catching team of grey Lipizzaners, wasn’t on point on day one so was the first to go on Saturday when he took a more measured approach and produced a clear in 163.69. Following him was Benjamin Aillaud (FRA), who like Boyd has been at the first three legs of the series, and with 8 to add in a slower time than Chester, ended sixth on 177.00.
Also making his third appearance of the series was course designer Jeroen Houterman (NED), who had more space in the Stuttgart arena to lay out the 13-obstacle course. Adding to the exhilaration – and post-round clean-up operation – was a watersplash on one of the corners which flicked sticky sand onto the people and carriages. All the horses boldly dived into it twice on each round and it added to the wow factor for the crowd.
"It was a course for speed and fluency with options for different lines for the drivers, all designed for the good of the horses. I was happy with how it drove – nice and flowing, and a fast course. Always on the second day it looks better when the horses and drivers know where to go and they can take 4 to 5 seconds off their times. As for Boyd, he is driving a team of very good horses and he made an amazing 90° turn into the A gate which was unbelievable" Jeroen Houterman, Course Designer said.
The next leg of the FEI Driving World Cup™ 2022-23 series in Stockholm (SWE) is at the end of November. Having taken a break after two excellent results, Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) makes a welcome return, alongside Glenn, Michael, Dries Degrieck (BEL) and host nation Wild Card, Fredrik Persson (SWE).
But Boyd will also be in Sweden, hungry for another win to maintain his 100% record. This weekend he’s cemented his position at the top of the series ranking and must surely be the favourite for an unprecedented 10th World Cup title. But Bram Chardon has yet to launch his campaign to defend his title, and when he does, an already fantastic series will get even more exciting.
The world renowned Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV) is set to host the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022, following a decision made by the FEI Board during its meeting in Cape Town (RSA) today.
The BIEV venue, which was strongly recommended by the FEI Endurance Committee, is situated approximately one hour from Abu Dhabi’s city centre will be the venue for the rescheduled World Championship. In September 2022, the FEI terminated the Host Agreement with Isola della Scala in Verona (ITA) that was originally scheduled to host the biennial event from 19 to 23 October 2022. This decision also included the provision to reopen the bid process in order to find a new host for the Championship.
With October to March being the winter season in Abu Dhabi and the period for outdoor and equestrian events, the World Championship will now take place from 20 to 26 February 2023, with the ride itself scheduled for Saturday, 25 February.
“We are very pleased with the decision to award the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 to Butheeb,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“The FEI Board was impressed with the world-class permanent infrastructure and facilities offered by the BIEV and the proven ability of the Organisers to guarantee all the logistical organisation for our human and equine athletes in a short period of time.
“The safety and security of human and equine athletes is the FEI’s top priority, and the Organiser’s track record of commitment to horse welfare was a key factor in the decision to award this Championship to Butheeb.
“We are confident that the Organisers will give our athletes a Championship to remember and that the venue will deliver on all its promises.”
Since 2004, around 147 FEI and 153 National Endurance events have been held at the BIEV which will host the FEI Endurance World Championship for the first time ever.
The venue has earned global recognition for its modern and well-equipped clinic that has digital x-ray, ultrasonography and other diagnostic services, highly qualified veterinary staff and laboratory technicians. Located close to the Central Vet Gates and the Holding Area, the clinic includes examination areas, stables for in-patient treatment as well as observation and administrative areas.
The track, which passes through a forestry reserve, is designed to naturally regulate pace and to challenge the skill of the riders. The BIEV is known for producing technical rides that prioritise horse welfare.
Under the guidance and support of the late former deputy UAE Prime Minister H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Butheeb Protocol Initiative was implemented in BIEV and other venues around the world to ensure that the welfare of the horses and horsemanship prevail. Another initiative guided by the vision of Sheikh Sultan is the Butheeb Academy, which trains young Endurance athletes by teaching proper riding techniques and the basics of horsemanship.
For the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022, the BIEV will offer prize money to all finishers including a prize category for Best Condition. The total prize money for teams, individuals, horses in best condition and all finishers is AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000).
Also agreed at the FEI Board meeting today was the allocation of the Mexican qualifier of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2022 to a new venue, San Miguel De Allende from 26 to 30 April 2023.
Breido Graf zu Rantzau, the well-known President of the German Equestrian Federation for 16 years, passed away on 6 November, aged 73 following an illness
Graf zu Rantzau was born on 25 October 1949 in Breitenburg, a political and cultural centre in Schleswig-Holstein since the 16th century. He held a degree in business administration and, after serving as Vice President of the German Equestrian Federation since 2001, he was elected as the organisation’s President four years later. He held this position for 16 years until his retirement in 2021, when he was appointed Honorary President.
His years in office were intense ones given the significant differences of opinion between the umbrella organisation and the member associations at the state level. Graf zu Rantzau showed great commitment in finding consensual solutions and demonstrated the ability to address controversial issues heads on.
His term of office coincided with major sporting events such as the highly successful FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2006 in Aachen (GER) and the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the equestrian events of which were held in Hong Kong. Equestrian sport in Germany and internationally was thrown into turmoil following the doping and medication cases which occurred at these Games. Under the leadership of Graf zu Rantzau, an impartial investigation commission was set up, all the federal squads were disbanded pending a review of the events, and a comprehensive package of anti-doping measures was established nationally. At the international level, he was a tireless champion of clean sport and will be remembered for his uncompromising interventions at many FEI General Assemblies.
As President of the German Equestrian Federation, Graf zu Rantzau was very aware of many social and political issues facing the sport. In 2013, he became one of the founding fathers of the Stiftung Deutscher Spitzenpferdesport (German Top Horse Sport Foundation), for which he fundraised tirelessly. He championed popular sport, campaigned against the introduction of a horse tax, and promoted prevention of sexual violence and alcohol excesses.
Prior to engaging in sports administration and even during his years as National Federation President, Breido Graf zu Rantzau was a successful rider, who competed until the age of 60. In 1965, he had placed third in the German Junior Championships in Dressage. Following this success, however, he quickly switched to Jumping, winning a silver medal at the German Junior Championships in 1967 and gold at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Juniors the same year. In 1985, 20 years after his first major success, Graf zu Rantzau finished fifth in the German Show Jumping Derby in Hamburg Klein-Flottbeck. The following year, he was awarded gold at the German Jumping Team Championships. He celebrated numerous successes in international Jumping competitions as well, including representing Germany at three Nations Cups.
Breido Graf zu Rantzau was also a renowned horse breeder having produced more than 60 registered sport horses, some of whom enjoyed international success. From 1986 to 2007 he was the Chairman of the Holstein Breeding Association and from 1999 to 2005 he officiated at the Vice President of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH).
“Breido was a strong personality, very honest and always straightforward,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “He was a real horseman with a great heart for equestrian sport and breeding. He made the German Equestrian Federation the modern and dynamic organisation it is today. I am especially grateful to Breido for all his support. Without him I would not be where I am today. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and we’ll remember him as a great man”.
The FEI expresses its sincerest condolences to Breido zu Rantzau’s family, to the German Equestrian Federation, the German equestrian community, and his many friends in Germany and beyond. May he rest in peace.
Photo caption: Breido Graf zu Rantzau (1949 – 2022). Honorary President and former President of the German Equestrian Federation. Former Vice President of the WBFSH. © German NF/Foto Kaup
World number one Henrik von Eckermann and his super-steed King Edward showed the pure class that helped them earn Team gold for Sweden along with the Individual title at this summer’s ECCO FEI Jumping World Championships when posting a definitive victory at the fourth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League in Verona, Italy today.
On a tough day at the office, when only seven of the 40 starters found the key to the 13-fence first-round track set by Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani, the Swedish duo returned a jump-off performance that was smooth as silk to clinch it.
Austria’s Gerfried Puck produced the only other double-clear of the competition when last to go with the nine-year-old Equitron Naxcel V to fill second place while young British star, Harry Charles, lined up in third with Romeo 88 who was quickest of all but left the final fence on the floor second time out.
Testing
Vezzani’s first track was certainly testing, the biggest bogey being the double at fence five where the hedge underneath the opening oxer seemed to distract many horses who kicked out the top pole and sometimes faulted again at the following vertical.
The time-allowed of 79 seconds didn’t present too much difficulty, but with six of the 13 fences at maximum height there was no let-up on the course and the triple combination at fence nine stretched them out while the tight three-stride distance between the water-tray oxer at fence 11 and the vertical of planks at 12 required gymnastic ability before turning right-handed to the final oxer that often didn’t come up on a perfect stride.
The seven who made the cut into the deciding round were from seven different nations, and Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts was pathfinder with Katanga v/h Dingeshof. Hitting the first fence however the 29-year-old rider and his 12-year-old mare who finished individually eighth at the World Championships in Herning, Denmark crossed the line with four faults in 42.36 seconds. And then 23-year-old Charles scorched home in 39.95 seconds only to leave the door still open when kicking out the final oxer.
Really impressive
Third to go, The Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling had two down with the 11-year-old Fiumicino van de Kalevallei who had been really impressive first time out before von Eckermann and King Edward set off to a gasp of excitement from the crowd.
The pair who never touched a pole on the way to securing team gold and individual fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and whose World Championship performances this year were nothing short of breathtaking made it look relatively easy as they cruised home clear to take the lead in 40.55 seconds. As Von Eckermann explained afterwards he’d seen those before him making mistakes and he wasn’t going to take any big risks. It was the right decision when Ireland’s Mark McAuley had two down when next in with his promising nine-year-old stallion Django Ste Hermelle, Mexico’s Fernando Martinez Sommer and High Five hit the second fence before stopping the clock on 43.99 seconds and last man in, Puck, opted for a careful clear to wrap it up.
The jumping exhibition the winning pair put on today was a joy to watch, their balance, symmetry and mutual understanding as they twisted and turned around the jump-off course demonstrating the essence of their extraordinary partnership. Von Eckermann was well pleased because it has taken a little time to get back on track after the World Championship.
Break
“We gave King Edward a bit of a break and we struggled to get back to the good form we had. Verona was normally not in my plan but I felt he needed one more show because he did just four classes in three months and I have two big shows coming up. So I thought I’d take him here to get him going a little bit more and today he was fantastic again! In the jump-off I had a good opportunity, I saw the other ones before me had faults so I thought OK, I don’t need to overdo it. I’ll go a little bit on the safe side and he jumped fantastic. King is a genius horse….he proves it again and again!”, he said.
Second-placed Puck was more than happy. “I’m really proud to be second to a horse and rider combination like King and Henrik and I hope my horse in the next years will be just as famous - he has all the potential for the future!”, he said. And today’s result means he may change his plans for the coming months, “because after getting many points today maybe I will go to Madrid or La Coruna!”, he pointed out.
His busy year has included “a small break in the summer as we bought a new stables and moved the horses. Then we went to San Giovanni and my horse was third in the 3* Grand Prix. Lyon was our first World Cup and 5* and we had one fence down, today was his second World Cup and he was clear so I am very happy!, he added.
Points
Harry Charles was understandably disappointed that his super-fast time didn’t clinch it for him today but he was also happy about picking up valuable qualifying points on the road to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023 Final which will take place in Omaha, USA next April.
“When you get into the jump-off and come so close it’s a bit gutting but that’s how it goes. It’s a good start to the season and next week I go to Stuttgart with Romeo again so hopefully it will go a bit better there! I’ve got some points on the board and I’ll try to build on that”, said the talented 23-year-old who finished fourth at the 2022 Final in Leipzig and who helped Great Britain to world team bronze in Denmark this summer. He’s also been heading the U25 world rankings for the past year.
“That’s not as cool as Henrik being world number one, but maybe one day my turn will come!”, the ambitious young rider pointed out this evening.
Reflected
Meanwhile von Eckermann reflected on today’s competition.
“I always put pressure on myself no matter if I am world number 1 or not. I always try to win the big classes and I am very happy I won! The course was very good, seven clears and quite a lot on four faults. I prefer to have jump offs with seven riders rather than too many”, he pointed out.
Today’s victory has rocketed him up to fourth place on the the Longines Western European League table behind first-round winner Bryan Balsiger from Switzerland in third, Jur Vrieling in second and Norway’s Victoria Gulliksen who continues to top the leaderboard going into the fifth of the 14 qualifying rounds at Stuttgart, Germany next Sunday.
Don’t miss a hoofbeat…..
Standings For all the latest information about the LONGINES FEI Jumping World Cup™ season 2022/2023 check out the new Series Hub HERE h
Stay up-to-date with articles, interviews, videos and much more while following the action all the way to the Final.
Demolishing the opposition, world number one Boyd Exell (AUS) was in a league of his own as he triumphed for the second consecutive weekend in the next leg of the FEI Driving World Cup™ in Maastricht (NED). The only driver of the six not to add any penalties to his times and have four clear rounds during Friday and Saturday nights’ competitions, he steered his razor sharp horses to yet another victory in his glittering international career.
In a repeat of the drive-off line ups in Lyon (FRA) last week, on both nights Boyd was joined by the legendary Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) who finished 2nd, and 3rd placed Koos de Ronde (NED), the Dutch drivers boosted by the support of the home crowd.
With the passion and flair that has made him one of the sport’s most decorated competitors, Ijsbrand laid down a drive-off performance which should have been a winning one, clear in a time of 141.83. But it simply wasn’t enough to fend off Boyd as he and his incredible team blasted past the start gates and sped through the obstacles without knocking any balls to shave a staggering 6.85 seconds off and finish on 134.98.
“Normally on the second day you go three or four seconds faster, but this time we were nearly seven seconds faster – my horses are so fast and they are a strong and fun team to drive.
I remember in 2008 George Bowman said to me you have to learn how to lose before you can learn how to win and that has stuck with me! Like in Lyon, Ijsbrand did a very good round and we were able to match it. I concentrated on my own job and tonight I think my navigator Emma wanted it more than me as she was keeping me so focused!” – Boyd Exell
Competition one on Friday night saw the top three athletes go again and end on a cumulative score after the two rounds, having dropped the ‘F’ gates from the two marathon-style obstacles. For Saturday’s second competition, the running order was determined by Friday’s placings and although the same three athletes qualified to drive again, they ran over the full course, but their scores started from zero. As in Lyon, the designer was Jeroen Houterman (NED) who set the teams a twisting but flowing 800 metre course with 13 obstacles, including a bridge.
Also competing was Lyon’s wild card entry Benjamin Aillaud (FRA) with his Lusitano horses who ended in 5th, ahead of Michael Brauchle (GER) who had a successful night on Friday to sit just outside the drive-off, but on Saturday caught a rein and made uncharacteristic mistakes to put himself out of contention this time.
Another driver making his series debut was Belgium’s Glenn Geerts, bronze medallist in last season’s FEI Driving World Cup Final in Leipzig (GER) in April. Slightly off the mark on Friday, he found another gear on Saturday to steer his big horses into 4th position.
Next week Boyd and his crew will be travelling to Stuttgart for the third of eight legs in an already gripping series. All bets will be on him making it three wins in a row – tune in to find out if he can do it again!
Heading into the jump-off for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Lexington (USA), Daniel Bluman (ISR) did not want to take a big risk to the third fence in the short track, a spooky wall. But then his competitive spirit took over. Bluman's bold turn to the fence put him on track to victory over a seven-horse jump-off with his longtime partner, Ladriano Z.
"Jump number three was a very, very difficult fence in the jump-off, because my horse looks at the wall," he said. "My plan was not to take a big risk, but then then I just did!"
The duo crossed the timers of Guilherme Jorge's (BRA) jump-off track in 35.13 seconds. Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) and Cornet's Cambridge galloped furiously to the last fence to finish a close second (35.47 seconds), with Hunter Holloway (USA) and Pepita Con Spita third (35.99) on a night of top sport at the 139th National Horse Show.
"You see the people in the crowd - the kids having fun and cheering. Many years ago, we were those kids watching the National Horse Show and cheering for the riders we liked. It's always cool when people show up and the class turns out to be an exciting one, like it was tonight."
Daniel Bluman (ISR)
Bluman has been partnered with 14-year-old Ladriano Z for more than five years, and the pair has represented Israel at multiple championships. But Lexington's win was especially meaningful after the bay missed a year of competition due to injury, between 2020 and 2021.
"We weren't really sure what was going to happen [with] his career," Bluman said. "Last year, this was the first grand prix [back] that he jumped, and he finished third, and since then he's had a pretty good run. He doesn't show that often. He's been second multiple times and third, but tonight he won. I'm really happy that he gets to put his name [in the history books] at a prestigious horse show."
Having also finished second at Washington (USA) with Gemma W, Bluman moved into second in the NAL standings with 37 points, behind only Conor Swail (IRL), who has 40 points. Devin Ryan (USA) sits third with 26 points.
"If I do go [to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final], I will go with both [Ladriano Z and Gemma W]," Bluman said.
The North American League continues at Toronto (CAN) on 12 November 2022.
The FEI Tribunal issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance and a Controlled Medication.
In this case, the horse Azibo de Moran (FEI ID 107UB68/ESP), tested positive for the Banned Substance Reserpine and the Controlled Medication Altrenogest, following samples taken at the CDIYH, Segovia (ESP) 07-10 July 2022.
The athlete, Maria De Las Mercedes Gonzalez Abad (FEI ID 10139475)/ESP), 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 athlete; the provisional suspension she already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. She was also fined CHF 500.
The full Decision is available here.
In the second case the FEI Tribunal issued its Final Decision in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.
The horse Fine Cut Gold (FEI ID 106HE48/CAN), ridden by Alex Shampoe (FEI ID 10143173/USA) and trained by Valerie Kanavy (FEI ID 10014017/USA) tested positive for the Banned Substance Capsaicin, following samples taken at the CEIYJ3* 160, Shamong NJ (USA), on 2 October 2021.
The trainer admitted unknowingly using a roll on cream containing Capsaicin. She explained that she usually uses the tube form of this cream, which does not contain any prohibited substances.
In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal imposed an ineligibility period of 12-months on both the athlete and the trainer starting from the date of the Final Decision. The provisional suspension of each, which came into effect on 3 November 2021, has been credited against the ineligibility period, meaning both are eligible to compete and officiate again as of 3 November 2022. In addition, the athlete was fined CHF 1,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 750. The trainer was fined CHF 3,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,500.
The full Decision is available here.
The FEI Tribunal issued a second Final Decision, this time in a case involving the violation of a suspension.
Mr Hicham Gharib (FEI ID 10033790/SYR) was imposed a one-year suspension by the FEI Tribunal for Incorrect Behaviour in relation to Abuse of Horse. The suspension came into effect on 2 February 2002 and lasts until 1 February 2023.
It was brought to the FEI’s attention that Mr Gharib might not be complying with the terms of his suspension. Following an investigation the FEI decided to open new disciplinary proceedings against him based on his alleged violation which, among others include having taken part in events under a false name.
The FEI Tribunal ruled that Mr Gharib had violated his suspension. Consequently, will be suspended for an additional period of one year, meaning that he will be ineligible until 31 January 2024. He was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to pay the costs of CHF 2,000.
The full Decision is available here.
Separately, the FEI has announced new adverse analytical findings (AAF) involving equine Prohibited Substances. The cases involve *Banned Substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).
In the following Endurance case, the athlete has been provisionally suspended until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.
Case: 2022/BS07
Horse: Eryn (FEI ID 105SX59/SUI)
Person Responsible: Melania Vanina (FEI ID 10160936/SUI)
Event: CEI1*100 - Oberstammheim (SUI) 20 August 2022
Date of sample collection: 20 August 2022
Prohibited Substance(s): Flufenamic acid
Date of notification: 26 September 2022
Details on this case can be found here.
In the following Jumping case, the athlete has been provisionally suspended until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.
Case: 2022/BS08
Horse: Meadowvale Cruise (FEI ID 106CQ68/USA)
Person Responsible: Hector Florentino Roca (FEI ID 10009161/DOM)
Event: Bolivarian Games-S-Bogotá (COL), 24 June to 05 July 2022
Date of sample collection: 2 July 2022
Prohibited Substance(s): Testosterone
Date of notification: 13 October 2022
Details on this case can be found 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 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.
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.
Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces on 24 February, the FEI set aside a CHF 1 Million Solidarity Relief Fund to aid the equestrian community in the country as well as those who have left the embattled nation. In the months that followed, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) also joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI for projects approved by the USEF.
Support to the equestrian community in Ukraine has been ongoing since February and through the summer months. Working closely with the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (UECF), the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund has established a number of programmes and activations with the help of the Charity Foundation providing invaluable insights and logistical support on the ground.
A key area that required immediate action was assistance in the relocation of horses from conflict zones.
“Our general approach has been about supporting and leading initiatives to provide relief to the Ukrainian equestrian community rather than distributing money. When the conflict began and there was a desperate need to relocate horses, we initially set up a logistical hub in Granat, located in western Ukraine between the city of Lviv and the Polish border, to prepare horses for transfer into the European Union,” FEI Solidarity Director Jean Philippe Camboulives explained.
“However, as time went on, we quickly realised we could provide a lot of relief to horse owners by helping them keep their horses in safer regions within Ukraine, and for this, we purchased a number of horse boxes which have been set up in strategic hubs around Ukraine, providing hundreds of horses with a safe place to stay. Funding and distribution to regional hubs of critical horse supplies such as feed, bedding, and medication are also among the initiatives the FEI is supporting through the Solidarity Relief Fund. We have been able to identify the specific needs and direct our assistance thanks to the great collaboration with the UECF, whose guidance we rely upon and who are our eyes and ears on the ground.”
From a sporting and talent perspective, and in a bid to assist aspiring athletes in their quest to reach their goals, the Fund has also supplied athlete scholarships and has provided training support for young athletes.
An encouraging development was the participation of Danylo Konovalov, 17, and Diana Borovyk, 21, in this summer’s FEI Dressage European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders held in Hartpury (GBR). Both athletes had been selected to receive scholarship grants based on the existing FEI Solidarity Athlete Scholarship scheme to support training and competition-related preparation with the ultimate goal of representing Ukraine at FEI Championships in 2022 and 2023.
In addition, Diana Borovyk received a personal invitation to participate in the CDIY organised in the framework of CHIO Aachen 2022. She took part in the event, which she described as “a dream come true”, placing 12th in the individual class. Borovyk survived the blockade of Sumy, a town located in north-eastern Ukraine, which was among the first to be invaded by the Russian troops in March. She took up residence in her local equestrian centre to be with her horses while the war raged around her.
Assistance was also provided to five young Vaulting Athletes – Polina Shovkova (14), sisters Katya (14) and Jenya (11) Panasenko, Sonia Shulga (14) and Marta Lopaienko (15) – who became the first team to ever represent Ukraine in international Vaulting Event when they participated in CVI1* in Kaposvár (HUN) from 20 to 22 May.
The team’s participation in Kaposvár came just a few short months after fleeing their hometown of Poltava in central Ukraine to escape the war. They stayed and trained in Bernolákovo, a suburb of Bratislava (SVK), where they were welcomed wholeheartedly by members of the local Vaulting community and were supported financially by the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.
Another noteworthy initiative was the purchase of equine medicines and veterinary supplies for distribution to Ukrainian veterinarians. Prior to the launch of this project, the UECF had reached out to almost all the equine veterinarians in the country to map the situation of horse welfare and to understand the level of help required. Numerous problem areas were highlighted, including the lack of medicines, such as painkillers, anaesthetics, sedatives, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs; essential equipment such as portable x-ray, ultrasound, and endoscope machines; as well as the very limited financial resources of horse owners to pay for treatment. The FEI Solidarity Relief Fund in cooperation with the USEF stepped in to help.
The most needed medications and supplies worth USD 100,000 were commissioned in Europe and delivered to a warehouse in Poland. From there, they were dispatched to Ukraine, where the UECF coordinated further transportation and delivery.
Some 7,400 kg of veterinary supplies were distributed with the help of 22 veterinarians throughout Ukraine to treat common conditions such as colic, infections, and lameness for 5,700 horses.
“Help in key areas has been provided, but the needs are dire,” FEI President and Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos said. “We are headed into an uncertain winter and are confronted with strong demand for aid and shelter. The price of hay has skyrocketed and thousands of horses in the war zones are at risk of starvation.
“Such a drastic situation can only be alleviated through solidarity and cooperation. The European Equestrian Federation, and National Federations such as Great Britain, Poland, and Slovakia have stepped in to assist in various domains. Every bit counts and we appeal to all those who can to join the effort.
“We had hoped the situation on the ground would improve by the end of this year but things have in fact worsened. We are very aware that we are in for the long run and we are conscious that this war will have long-lasting repercussions on the Ukrainian people and their sporting industries. The entire region will suffer, and not only do we need to continue to assist Ukraine during the war, but we have to plan for the future as well when the war will end and equestrian sport in Ukraine and the region will have to be rebuilt.
“Sport is a network which relies and thrives on team spirit and camaraderie and it is through solidarity, cooperation, and friendship that we can offer support and make a difference to the people of Ukraine in these challenging times. They can count on our continuous and tireless support,” President De Vos concluded.
Additional information on the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund for Ukraine and explanations on how to apply for aid are available here.
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