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Laura Andre (SUI) was rewarded for her incredible consistency in three classes over four days here at Mechelen (BEL) this week when she took victory in the FEI Jumping Ponies’ TrophyTM Final this afternoon in front of a packed stadium with her brilliant grey mare Clementine.
The top 20 international athletes after four qualifying legs were invited to compete at the FEI Jumping Ponies TrophyTM Final in Mechelen. Following the first two competitions their placings were converted to penalties. The top 15 athletes from this ranking qualified to start in round one of today’s final two- round competition, carrying forward their converted points. Following round one, only the top 10 combinations proceeded to the final round, another full course of 1.35m fences.
Andre came into today’s final in second position on a converted penalty score of two, having finished faultless in second place in both qualifying classes. Bethany Vos (NED) dominated both of these, winning the opening speed class and day two’s jump off class to lead the standings on a score of zero going into today’s final two- round competition with the 13-year-old gelding Still Got Me. A fence down in round one and an uncharacteristic 10 faults in round two saw Vos drop dramatically out of the top six.
Vos’s four faults in the opening round gave Andre the opportunity to head the standings going into the final round and another polished performance from the Swiss athlete saw her do just that. In form combinations James Darwin (IRE) and Katie Bradburne (GBR) were looking dangerous going into round two in third and fourth position breathing down the necks of the leaders, but to the surprise of many, poles fell for both dropping them out of podium contention.
Hannah Blandfort (GER), lying in ninth position and carrying forward 10 penalties coming into today’s competition produced the only double clear of the day to shoot up the order and claim second place with the 15-year-old Karim van Ochid S, her Team Silver Medal winning partner at this year’s FEI Jumping European Championship for Ponies. Selma Hundborg Dresler (DEN) also remained faultless in the final round to climb up from seventh position after round one to take the final podium position with the 9-year-old Clounamon Coco.
Andre, 16 years old and in her final year on ponies was delighted with the win and the performance of her long-term partner, the eye-catching grey mare Clementine who lowered just one pole all week in five testing rounds of Jumping. The experience gained here this week and over the FEI Jumping Ponies’ TrophyTM series will undoubtedly put her in great stead for a successful youth and senior career, as former winners of this prestigious Final such as Ireland’s Seamus Highes Kennedy and Rhys Williams have gone on to achieve.
First staged in 2017, the FEI Jumping Ponies’ TrophyTM Final was devised in light of the Olympic Movement’s aim to focus on the development of youth sport. With four qualifying legs held this year in Herning (DEN), Lyon (FRA), Stuttgart (GER) and Salzburg (AUT) the series gives aspiring athletes the opportunity to compete in the midst of their idols, Jumping’s elite athletes, benefit from their help and experience the electric atmosphere or a full stadium of fans. Mechelen has hosted the Final since it first began.
Mechelen Sport Director Peter Bollen is a huge supporter of the FEI Jumping Ponies’ TrophyTM Final from the beginning and has enjoyed watching the series grow in popularity and status year upon year. The series will be back for 2025 with Mechelen set to play host to the final once more.
Image: Laura Andre (SUI) and Clementine - winners of the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy Final 2024 - Mechelen (BEL) ©FEI/Dirk Caremans
Germany’s Hans- Dieter Dreher propelled himself to the top of the podium in the ninth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Western European League staged in Mechelen (BEL) this afternoon with the 15-year-old gelding Vestmalle des Cotis. From penultimate draw of the 10 athletes through to the jump-off, he set off in determined fashion to topple long term leader, the host nation’s Gilles Thomas from the top spot, with a clear round in a time of 36.14 seconds.
Gilles Thomas (BEL) and the incredible 10-year-old stallion Ermitage Kalone had set what looked to be an unbeatable time in the second round against the clock from second position as they produced the first faultless round of the jump-off in 36.22 seconds, a time that was good enough to hold the lead after six further combinations had tried to better it. When ‘Hansi’, as he is affectionately known amongst his peers, shaved 0.08 seconds off Thomas’s time, he held onto second place with just one rider remaining. Pieter Devos (BEL) with his exciting homebred nine-year-old mare chased hard with another foot perfect round to cross the finish in a sensational time of 36.26 seconds, just 0.12 seconds behind the leading time. On this occasion, that performance that looked good enough to win most classes, saw him have to settle for the final podium position in third place.
Bart Vonck and his course building team set an up to height but fair track for the 40 pre qualified riders in this ninth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Western European League. The field ranged vastly in experience with horses ranging from eight to 16 years old, from 1.60m debutants to seasoned campaigners and former winners of Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM qualifying legs. Athletes ranged from 964th in the current Longines Rankings to 1st, with reigning Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Champion and World Number One Henrik von Eckerman (SWE) poised to challenge his 39 rivals in a bid to qualify for the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Final in Basel (SUI) next year.
Vonck had the unenviable task of reducing the field for round two against the clock without punishing the less experienced athletes. When 25% of the field proceeded to the jump-off he had achieved just that. Having estimated that 12 athletes would answer all the questions to his first-round track, he must have been delighted that 10 did just that, whilst 12 combinations came home with just four faults and only one combination did not complete the course when electing to retire after a couple of early rails.
The home crowd had much to cheer about when the first three clear rounds of round one were delivered by three of their heroes Jos Verlooy, Gilles Thomas and Gregory Wathelet. Edourad Schmitz (SUI) ensured that Switzerland were represented in round two when producing the fourth clear round. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and the athletic Precious Dwerse Hagen bolstered the chances of a home side win with an immaculate clear round from the mare that is just nine years old.
Willem Greve (NED) with his great partner Highway TN N.O.P added their names to the jump-off start list and were followed in quick succession by Sweden’s Erika Lickhammer- Van Helmond, Germany’s Sandra Auffarth and Hans- Dieter Dreher. Pieter Devos further raised the spirits of the Nekkerhall’s knowledgeable and hugely appreciative crowd when producing the 10th and final clear round of round one with another exceptional nine-year-old mare, Casual Dv Z.
With a stellar line up of combinations waiting in the wings Jos Verlooy had little option but to post a quick time for the remaining athletes to chase. One fence fell in his attempt to do this however with what is surely another hugely exciting prospect for future Belgian teams, the nine-year-old mare Junius vid Heffinck Z.
Then it was the turn of Gilles Thomas and Ermitage Kalone, a combination held in the highest esteem around the globe already at this early stage in both their careers. Thomas’ intentions were clear long before the start line as he set Ermitage into a formidable pace. There was a split second where the Nekkerhall held its breath as Thomas asked his partner to take off for the first fence some distance away. A moment of hesitation ensued where Ermitage appeared to question the sanity of his pilot, but such was the conviction of Thomas, his belief in his mount and the strength of the trust between them, that Ermitage grew wings and cleared the fence seemingly without effort. A series of breath-taking turns followed and a gallop to the last fence saw them break the beam faultless in a time of 36.22 seconds to take an early lead.
Gregory Wathelet and his winning partner of the first leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM
Qualifier in Oslo (NOR), Bond Jamesbond de Hay gave their all but a time of 36.76 wasn’t enough to demote Thomas and saw them finish in fourth place. Schmitz and Philippaerts produced tidy rounds of Jumping in times of 38.20 and 38.31 that didn’t trouble the leader but saw them take final fifth and sixth positions respectively.
Willem Greve presented perhaps the greatest threat of the jump-off, partnered with the lightening quick Highway TN N.O.P. Such was the pressure applied by Thomas’ early target, Greve knew he had to do something spectacular to better it. An unbelievably tight turn back to the double of verticals nearly paid off but a light touch here ended their hopes of victory.
Erika Lickhammer- van Helmond stuck to her plan of sacrificing speed in order to give her relatively inexperienced mare I. Comme Tessa Vhl a confidence boosting experience and give her the time to negotiate the fences. She did just that as she expertly guided the exuberant daughter of Comme Il Faut around Vonck’s shortened second round track without touching a fence in a time of 43.83 seconds to take seventh place. Her smile once again lit up Mechelen’s Nekkerhall as she showered the mare with pats and appreciation in front of a full house.
From penultimate position Dreher set off like a man on a mission with his faithful partner of four and a half years, Vertmalle de Cotis. Making use of Vestmalle’s experience and stride he went one stride less than Thomas from the second to third fence of the jump-off, a plan he had made in the collecting ring and delivered in the arena. At the half way stage he was fractionally down on Thomas’ time, but a forward shot to the penultimate fence and committed gallop to the last saw him stop the clock in 36.14 seconds and deny the partisan crowd of a Belgian victory with just one athlete remaining. Despite Casual Dv Z being just nine years old Devos produced an incredibly quick round of 36.36 seconds which was good enough to complete the podium in third position.
‘I am really happy today!’ Beamed Dreher, whose smile never left his face since checking his finishing time and seeing a big number one flash up beside his name on the score board.
‘My horse jumped amazing and now I have a fast horse. I did a stride less from two to three (fence one and two of the jump-off). He is a very sensitive horse; the most important thing is that he stays calm! Every year he wins a lot but this is his first World Cup win and the best win of his career’.
Hans- Dieter Dreher
(GER)
Dreher acknowledged the ‘amazing’ crowd and their support for all of the riders which make it so special to win here in Mechelen. ‘It is so impressive to win here, I have all my family here today too so it really means everything’ he concluded graciously.
Thomas was delighted with the performance of his horse, but understandably disappointed to be so close to victory. ‘He is maybe not the fastest yet as he is not the most experienced in the jump-off but he is getting faster and faster each time’.
Of his heart-stopping moment at fence one Gilles explained ‘It was a bit my fault. I took too much risk on (fence) one. I saw my distance from far and was really far off. I even asked myself what shall I do! I’m a little disappointed in myself because if I had started better, we could have done better’ he self- critiqued in the manner of an elite athlete hungry for perfection.
Devos was full of praise for his young homebred star. ‘She is only nine and has a lot of pressure all along the season. I think the future will be amazing with her and that is what I take with me today.’ Having finished fourth last year and third here today Pieter added ‘I will keep coming until I win!
Of his next plans he told ’She (Casual Dv Z) will now have a break and we will build her up again for the final. I think I now have enough points to qualify.
After nine legs of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Western European League 2024/ 2025, Robert Whitaker (GBR) and Kevin Staut (FRA) retain their position as joint leaders with 60 points each. Gregory Wathelet holds onto third place with points today seeing him close the gap between himself and the leaders as he sits on 56 points. His win today sees Dreher jump from 10th to fourth position with 51 points whilst Devos’ consistency sees him move up from ninth to fifth on 47 points just ahead of Germany’s Richard Vogel in sixth position on 42.
The Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Western European League 2024/ 2025 season moves on to Basel (SUI) for leg 10 of 14 on 12 January to kick off 2025. Leipzig (GER) then plays host to the 11th leg on 19 January 2025 before the series moves on to Amsterdam (NED) on 26 January 2025 for leg 12 of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Western European League 2024/ 2025.
Image: Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) and Vestmalle des Cotis - winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2024/25 qualifier in Mechelen (BEL) © FEI/ Dirk Caremans
The final FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier of the year in Mechelen (BEL) turned into an exciting contest between Dutch and Belgian combinations. In the festive arena, the home crowd witnessed Belgian dressage performances of a calibre rarely seen before. Ultimately, it was Dinja van Liere (NED) and Hermès N.O.P. who disrupted the Belgian celebration with a winning score of 83.240% in the Freestyle.
The FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier in Mechelen was the sixth leg of the season and gave the home audience much to cheer for. The excitement started early in the Grand Prix on Saturday, when Justin Verboomen (BEL), World Cup-debutant and first combination of the day, delivered a sensational performance with the only eight-year-old Zonik Plus. They posted an impressive score of over 74%, which held up against even the most experienced athletes, including Olympians Dinja van Liere and Larissa Pauluis (BEL).
Van Liere bounces back in the Freestyle
Dinja van Liere brought her top horse Hermès N.O.P. (owned by Joop van Uytert) to Mechelen. The pair achieved fourth place at the Paris Olympics, but Hermès found the atmosphere in the Mechelen Grand Prix overwhelming, leading to costly mistakes and a fourth-place finish. “In the Grand Prix, we really lost each other,” Van Liere explained. “He was scared and spooked, so it was a difficult ride.”
However, Van Liere restored order in the Freestyle. Despite minor errors in the two-tempis and one pirouette, Hermès appeared far more settled, delivering a relaxed and harmonious performance with outstanding piaffe and passage-work, to claim victory. Their score, though impressive, remained around 5% below their Olympic peak.
A vibrant arena
Mechelen’s arena, with the crowd close to the action and a lively and noisy atmosphere, proved challenging for several horses. Among those who managed to excel was Camille Cheret Judet (FRA), who rode the energetic Herelja Higgins (owned by Francoise Bourgeois and S.A.S. Pamfou Dressage) to a score of 76.295%, finishing eighth. Belgian Olympian Domien Michiels raised the bar further with Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof (owned by Marc Steeno), delivering a precise and correct Freestyle for 77.305% and sixth place.
Belgian pride: Pauluis shines
Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis, riding her Olympic partner Flambeau, gave a near-flawless performance in the Freestyle. Their expressive freestyle with well-fitting rhythmical music earned them a score of 79.920%, securing third place. Reflecting on her horse’s development, Pauluis said,
“It’s taken me years to get where we are today, and he keeps improving. In the beginning of our career, he was very difficult to ride in the double bridle, but the contact keeps getting better. I’m so proud of him.”
Larissa Pauluis
(BEL)
A rising star: Verboomen and Zonik Plus
The most memorable moment of the weekend came from Justin Verboomen and his own Zonik Plus. Competing in just their second international Grand Prix and their first World Cup competition, the pair delivered a standout performance. After winning the Grand Prix on Saturday, they scored a sensational 81.730% in the Freestyle, finishing second.
Verboomen discovered Zonik Plus as a 2.5-year-old in Portugal and has since developed him into a rising star. The stallion already has impressive achievements under his belt, including sixth place in the six-year-old finals at the Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. Now, he looks poised to become a world-class competitor.
Reflecting on his journey together with the talented stallion, Verboomen said, “It’s been an incredible journey, and his best years are still ahead of him. He’s such a generous horse, full of courage and always in a good mood.”
Final highlights
Dorothee Schneider (GER), the last athlete in the Freestyle, also delivered a strong performance with her Grand Prix star Dayman (owned by Lian-United GmbH). After placing third in the Grand Prix, they had errors in the one-tempis and one piaffe in the Freestyle, earning 77.325% for fifth place. Schneider was narrowly surpassed by Corentin Pottier (FRA) and Gotilas du Feuillard (owned by Maryse Pottier, Herve Pottier and Camille Judet Cheret), whose harmonious and error-free performance earned 77.340% and fourth place.
Borja Carrascosa (ESP), fifth in the Grand Prix, slipped down two places after the Freestyle. Riding the elegant stallion Frizzantino FRH (owned by the athlete and Alexander Brenninkmeijer), he earned 76.985%, with slight mistakes in the extended trot and some transitions affecting their score.
Looking ahead
With Van Liere now fourth in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ standings after her Mechelen victory, she is eyeing a spot in the Finals but is yet to decide which horse she will take: Hartsuijker or Hermès N.O.P.
The next leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ is scheduled for Basel (SUI), on January 2025, so don’t miss a hoofbeat…
Darragh Kenny made a childhood dream a reality this evening when taking victory in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of London (GBR) aboard the 12-year-old gelding Eddy Blue. In doing so he took the crown from the reigning ‘King of London’, Great Britain’s Ben Maher, a two-time winner here and the victor in 2023, this time riding the talented 10-year-old stallion Point Break.
Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR) assisted by the exciting young course building talent Colm Quinn (IRE) made full use of the extra space available at London’s relatively new host venue of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™. Having been held in Olympia’s Grand Hall for 49 years, The London International Horse Show, along with its hugely popular leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League, moved from the traditional but spatially constricted Grand Hall of Olympia to the vast and modern Excel arena in 2021 where athletes have the luxury of bigger competition and warm up arenas.
Costa Cabral set a technical, original but fair course with 12 obstacles consisting of a combination as well as two doubles in succession. He displayed his incredible talent for whittling down a field of world-class riders using an imaginative array of fences in meticulously thought-out succession by testing the obedience of horse, technical abilities of the athlete and concentration of them both without building a course of huge fences. He masterfully produced a first round course whose technicality produced just five faultless rounds from the 37 starters, whilst 12 combinations crossed the line with one fence down and not a single elimination was recorded.
Six on-form combinations faulted before an inspired Tim Gredley (GBR) and Imperial HBF answered all of Costa Cobral’s thought-provoking questions to produce the first clear round of the class and raise the roof of London’s Excel arena. Having cleared the fences but accrued three time faults in the fourth leg of the FEI Jumping World Cup™ in Stuttgart last month, it was clear that Gredley was not going to let a place in the jump-off elude him again as he kept up a strong pace around the track to allow for Imperial’s extravagant technique, the only downfall of which being that he can lose time in the air.
Darragh Kenny (IRL) ensured a jump-off when producing the second clear from ninth draw as the athletic Eddy Blue effortlessly adjusted his stride seamlessly to his pilot’s seemingly invisible commands. Kevin Staut (FRA), leading the standings of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League going into this eighth leg of the series, was one of a number of victims to fall foul of 9a, the 1.58m part ‘A’ of the double of verticals. Coming four quiet strides after an imposing oxer with a width of 1.65m and water tray beneath it, this delicate double of verticals constructed entirely with pale blue poles, required horses to regain their balance, composure and exhibit extreme care and respect immediately after demonstrating the required explosive power to negotiate the fence proceeding it. Such was the technicality of the course however, this single mistake in a quick time saw Staut finish in sixth position and add to his points in the 2024/2025 series.
Sophie Hinners (GER) contesting her second Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Qualifier of the series, produced the third clear round with her winning partner from Verona, the striking grey gelding Iron Dames My Prins. Thirteen combinations faulted before Ben Maher (GBR) and the 10-year-old gelding Point Break added their names to the start list for round two against the clock with a typically polished performance without fault. Following suit also on home soil and to equally rapturous applause from an appreciative home crowd, Robert Whitaker (GBR) and his Helsinki winner Vermento produced the fifth and final flawless performance of round one.
Tim Gredley opened the jump-off with the big jumping 11 year old gelding Imperial HBF. A single fence down in a time of 40.09 seconds saw them finish in fourth place. Kenny, who had already made his intentions ‘to win!’ clear in his interview following the first round, set off as if he believed this outcome was guaranteed. He skilfully guided his mount around Costa Cobral’s jump-off track, omitting a stride down the first two lines, taking fence one to two in six strides and fence eight down to the second element of what was the double at fence nine, on five strides without breaking his rhythm or balance. He stopped the clock in 34.76 to set the standard for his remaining rivals to chase.
Maher, vying to repeat his win of 12 months ago with Enjeu De Griejen, took a similar path to Kenny but opted not to take out a stride down the second line from fence eight to nine. This and a playful buck from Point Break around a turn saw him leave the fences standing in a fractionally slower time of 35.15 and take second place with one athlete remaining.
"I’ve been watching this show since I was four years old, to get the opportunity to even compete at this level is fantastic, so to win this is just amazing"
Darragh Kenny
(IRL)
Hungry for his second win of the season and aware of what was required here tonight to do so, Whitaker set sail but when the first fence hit the floor, his chances of victory were gone. He finished on four faults in 37.89 to take the final podium position in what has been an incredible run of form for himself and the homebred stallion Vermento.
Kenny, on realising that he had achieved a lifelong dream in winning The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier in London, leapt up and punched the air in elation, showing just how much it meant to him.
‘I’ve been watching this show since I was four years old, to get the opportunity to even compete at this level is fantastic, so to win this is just amazing’ Kenny explained. He was full of praise and admiration for the course building team here in London.
‘I’m a big fan of Bernardo (Costa Cabral) and have been for a long time. This week the courses were excellent. The World Cup today wasn’t really hard for the horses, but it was hard for the riders. They did a brilliant job with the course, the time allowed was perfect, it was delicate and technical and it took a real good horse to jump a clear round today.’
He concluded that Eddy Blue was ‘maybe the best horse I’ve ever had’.
When asked where he lost time in the jump-off, Maher said that he chose not to take out a stride down the second distance as he didn’t feel it was within the best interest of Point Break at this stage of his career. He also suggested that Point Break’s little moment of exuberance may have wasted a fraction of a second, but was quick to credit Kenny, saying that the buck wasn’t an excuse for not winning. Maher graciously concluded in a jovial manner, demonstrative of the true sportsman that he is, ‘Darragh just rode faster!’
After eight legs of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League, Kevin Staut (FRA) remains at the top of the provisional Western European League Standings but is joined in equal first place by Robert Whitaker (GBR) with 60 points apiece. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) lies in third position with 43 points just ahead of Richard Vogel (GER) in fourth on 42 points. Steve Guerdat (SUI), Max Kühner (GER) and Ben Maher (GBR) round out the top six.
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League crosses the English Channel for the 9th leg of the series where Mechelen plays host to the last of the 2024 qualifiers on 30 December before handing over the reins to Basel who open 2025 with Leg 10.
The legendary Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) showed that age is no barrier to victory for one of the most exciting wins in his long career at the sixth leg of the FEI Driving World Cup™ – his first win in London (GBR) since 2017. Producing lightning-fast rounds over two days of competition, he electrified the packed arena with his passion and energy to race home clear in 153.86 in Saturday evening’s drive-off.
Having added eight to his first round on Saturday, it looked like he had left himself too much to do for a drive-off place but the acceleration he found over the second part of the course kept him in contention – to add to his third place on Friday.
The 63-year-old seemed to plug into the power generated by a full house that noisily responded to the spectacle of Driving’s most decorated champion doing what he has done so uniquely for decades. Using the versatile Casper in the right lead, coupled with the clever mare Kendi in the left lead, who is a stalwart of his son Bram’s team, Ijsbrand deftly manoeuvred the four horses through the course with such speed and panache that they couldn’t be caught.
“It was a perfect day and the level was really high. You could see it yesterday when Dries was first, Boyd second and I was third. But today, when I had two balls in the first round in number five, I thought maybe at this level I might be out of the competition. But my team was really, really fast and my daughter Lianne was behind me and she said, ‘Papa, faster, faster, go, go, go!’
The horses were so fantastic and it was a really good day for them. In the last round I didn’t make any mistakes and the speed was great. Dries had a good time in front of me, and with Boyd behind me, I had to make a good job with no mistakes. We were so near each other which made the competition so close.” – Ijsbrand Chardon (NED)
Although Boyd Exell (AUS) was last to go in Saturday’s drive-off and was faster on time in 150.16, he had an early ball. That, plus a hasty veer left at speed to make the finish gates, meant he fell behind by only 0.3 on 154.16. He had also been second on Friday by another narrow margin of 1.98. Having completed his four qualifying legs, he came to London as a wild card and already has the maximum 30 points to top the rankings table after six legs.
“It's a proud second to be 0.3 behind Ijsbrand, with a mistake, and my horses were great. Congratulations to Ijsbrand because Bram has been winning a lot and Dries recently has been winning a lot. Ijsbrand is 63, so I hope I’m winning in ten years’ time as well.” – Boyd Exell (AUS)
Dries Degrieck (BEL) has said the two wins in Lyon (FRA) and Stockholm (SWE) this series have been a dream come true and his win on Friday made it seem like there might be another perfect ending. As the last driver in the first round, he had the weight of expectation and like Ijsbrand had 8 to add, although was only 0.2 behind on time. After the break to prepare the arena, he was first in for the drive-off and had 4 to add to his time of 157.76 (161.76). But it wasn’t going to be easy to replicate the success of the previous events as he had to replace his leader Hunter at the last minute with a new horse, Frankie.
“I am really happy with the horses, especially the new horse, but tonight Boyd and Ijsbrand were too fast for me. But I couldn’t wish for better.” – Dries Degrieck (BEL)
Koos de Ronde (NED) recovered well for fourth place on Saturday with a clear in 166.12 after his leaders took a surprising turn away from the bridge at number four at the last minute on Friday. It added time, then an additional 20 later in the course meant that he was out of contention and ended seventh.
Anna Mareike Meier (GER) was consistent throughout the weekend at her fourth event of the series, finishing fifth on both days. After adding 8 on Friday, she was clear in 171.64 on Saturday. Fredrik Persson (SWE), at his third event in the series, drove clears on both days for fourth on Friday and sixth on Saturday (174.50).
Wild card Daniel Naprous (GBR) is a popular fixture each year in London and was sixth on Friday. He started well on Saturday, only to be stopped by the bell when a wheeler trace broke and trailed on the ground. The grooms down to fix the problem added five, then a malfunction of the harness added 10, plus there were two balls, so Daniel was disappointed with seventh on 198.73 after achieving fourth place last year.
Jeroen Houterman’s (NED) course provided appropriate challenges for the three-quarter stage in the series. There was plenty of drama to keep fans glued to the action as they followed the rapid changing of fortunes which delivered a surprise result.
Dries now sits second in the rankings table on 27 and Ijsbrand has risen to third on 17 having earned a maximum 10 points to help his goal to reach Bordeaux (FRA). With two more legs to go, the next venue is Mechelen (BEL) after Christmas when Dries and Koos will be joined by Bram Chardon (NED), Geog von Stein (GER) and Jérôme Voutaz (SUI).
But the weekend belongs to the iconic Ijsbrand Chardon, who radiated pure joy and infectious enthusiasm. Showing that nobody does it better, the ending was a fitting Christmas present for devotees of the FEI Driving World Cup™.
The live action in Mechelen will be on FEI TV on 29 -30 December.
The wonderful venue at London’s ExCeL centre was transformed into a Christmas wonderland, extending to the crowd’s lively enthusiasm. Spectators clapped along to the music during the final lines of many routines, and Fry’s home performance alongside Glamourdale (owned by the athlete and Van Olst Horses) drew the loudest cheers. “I cannot thank the audience enough for their support,” Fry said. “Not just now, but also throughout our journey to Paris and during the Olympic Games. It’s emotional to be riding here in England again.”
Van Liere sets the bar high
Earlier tonight, Dinja van Liere (NED) had set the bar high with an energetic freestyle aboard the chestnut gelding Hartsuijker (owned by Jan Pieter Dalsem). The Dutch athlete delivered a precise routine free of errors, with the passage, flying changes, and pirouettes particularly shining. Her 80.225% score elevated her from sixth in the Grand Prix to third in the Freestyle rankings.
Fellow Dutch athlete Marieke van der Putten rode Torveslettens Titanium RS2 N.O.P. (owned by Jacques Lemmens and Saskia Lemmens-Reijnen) directly after the break, but couldn’t catch up with Van Liere’s score: their polished piaffe- and passage tour made them finish seventh with 77.615%. Their Dutch compatriot Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Toto Jr. (owned by Glock Hpc NL B.V. and Nicole Werner) did not surpass the 80% they achieved earlier this season in Lyon. The duo settled for sixth place with 78.900%.
Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) also displayed technical precision aboard the active Blue Hors St. Schufro. Despite a spirited ride, the black stallion could settle down a bit more in the environment. They scored 79.910% for fifth place.
High expectations for Moody and Jagerbomb
The crowd’s anticipation peaked when Becky Moody (GBR) entered the arena with her home-bred gelding Jagerbomb. Smiling broadly, Moody began her Beatles-themed freestyle with high expectations after their Grand Prix win. However, her smile faded when Jagerbomb faltered in the canter pirouette, breaking into trot while riding out and taking a moment to recover. Despite this, they delivered a lovely trot tour, with their beautiful connection and steady contact earning them 80.160% and fourth place.
Isabel Freese (NOR), riding Total Hope OLD, entered the arena as the last competitor. The black stallion has an extraordinary pedigree: sired by Totilas and out of Isabell Werth’s former champion Weihegold OLD. Their piaffe and passage were executed with metronomic precision, and despite an error in the two-tempi changes, the pair’s dynamic Sher-freestyle earned them a personal best of 83.270% and second place.
“This exceeds all my expectations,” said an emotional Freese after the ride. “I am so proud. It has always been a dream to compete here. I’ve just been eight weeks out of the saddle after a surgery, which made this result even more special. My groom took exceptional care of Total Hope, and perhaps the break was beneficial for both of us. He is in fantastic form.”
Van Liere was equally pleased with her ride on Hartsuijker. “He felt amazing, though he was a bit tense during the warm-up due to the noise. But once we entered the arena, he settled and gave me a wonderful ride,” she reflected.
Glamourdale Feels Like Flying
It was, however, Charlotte Fry who had the most to celebrate. The reigning World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist was competing in London for the first time since the Olympic Games in Paris. After mistakes in the double-counting pirouettes during the Grand Prix, Fry was focused on delivering a flawless Freestyle. The 28-year-old guided the imposing Glamourdale through their ‘Best of Britain’ freestyle, set entirely to British songs, which delighted the home crowd. Glamourdale’s piaffe and passage were rhythmic and light, and his canter tour, as always, was breathtaking. A minor error in the one-time changes and a touch of tension in the two-time changes were mere blips in an otherwise stellar performance. Their score of 86.645% was more than enough to secure victory.
“This was the perfect end to the year for Glammie and me,” Fry beamed after the prize-giving ceremony. “It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before. He was absolutely on fire, and performing like this on home soil is incredible. Riding him feels like flying.” Fry revealed that Glamourdale had enjoyed a short holiday after Paris before being trained up again with London in mind. “He was a little tense yesterday when we entered the arena, but his excitement is a good thing. He’s fresh and still improving,” she explained. Looking ahead, Fry remains undecided about her plans for the rest of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ season.
The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier takes place in Mechelen, Belgium, on 28-29 December. So don’t miss a hoofbeat…
The 2025 series of the Longines League of Nations™ will once again showcase the top 10 ranked nations as they compete in one of the most prestigious team Jumping events in equestrian sport. As we look towards the first leg in Abu Dhabi (UAE) from 11-15 February 2025, we will count down the weeks by taking a look at each of the qualified nations. First up, Italy.
Nine nations have retained their spots from the previous season: Ireland, France, USA, Great Britain, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, and reigning champions Germany, who secured their position by triumphing at the 2024 Final in Barcelona, Spain. However, the standout news is the inclusion of Italy, claiming the 10th and final qualification spot, and replacing Brazil in the elite lineup. This marks a significant milestone for Italy’s equestrian community, reigniting enthusiasm and patriotism.
A Boost for Italian Equestrianism
Marco Di Paola, President of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE), shared the nation’s pride and delight at this achievement, while highlighting the team support pivotal to this first step:
"We extend our gratitude to our athletes, their horses, the supportive owners, and the national team coach for this prestigious accomplishment. We have returned to the top of the sport, and equestrian fans will have the chance to cheer on the Italian national team in the most prestigious events of the 2025 international Jumping season."
Italy’s participation in the Longines League of Nations™ is expected to inspire a new wave of interest in equestrian sport. Jumping holds a rich tradition in Italy, boasting numerous internationally recognised athletes, from 1960 Rome Olympics gold medallist Raimondo D'Inzeo, to current international stars such as Emanuele Camilli and Lorenzo De Luca, who contributed 2,051 and 2,050 points respectively to Italy’s success for this 2025 qualification. The country is home to prestigious venues such as the Hippodrome de San Siro, hosts of the FEI Jumping European Championship 2023.
Italian Passion for Longines League of Nations™ 2025 Vision
As Italy makes it's series debut, they bring more than just technical skill. "What Italy will definitely bring to the field will be its ‘hunger’ to do well, the grit to always give its best, and the team spirit that characterises the team," said Di Paola. "We’ll also bring fun, joy, and happiness to the series."
As part of the ten nations, the “azzurri” will have the chance to compare themselves with the best teams in the world, and FISE believes that this opportunity will excite the many Jumping fans in Italy. Of course, high performance sport of this calibre also presents national federations with the opportunity to get new athletes interested in equestrian sports, increasing further chances of high-level competitive spirit and support.
The Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season featuring four qualifying legs and a Final kicks off in Abu Dhabi on 11 February 2025, with only the top eight teams making it through to the Final in Barcelona in October.
It’s been three years since Boyd Exell (AUS) last appeared in Geneva (SUI), but he returned triumphant to see off stiff competition from the best of the rest to show yet again why he is a multiple champion. He has now completed his four qualifying rounds of the 2024-2025 series and sits at the top of the ranking table after three wins and a second place.
Winning both competitions in this fifth leg of the series in front of a packed Palexpo Arena, the Australian felt the pressure from a measured but strong Bram Chardon (NED) who saved his best ‘til last for the second drive-off. But Boyd and his powerful horses propelled their performance to another level when last to go, they went clear in 155.66; s5.51 seconds faster than Bram’s clear.
Ever the controller, Boyd could be heard talking to all four horses in succession – his stalwarts Bundy and Barney, plus Max and ‘Duch’ the new mare. The whole crew were back on tight and disciplined form after the penalty heavy rounds in Stuttgart (GER) and the second place in Stockholm (SWE), and they dominated from start to finish through Michael Mayer’s (SUI) testing course, producing fast, clear rounds each time.
“They are fantastic horses. I didn’t think I was going to get a 155; we thought we might be doing 159, 160, but not five seconds faster and the horses were flying. Nobody has a faster team than my team!”
Boyd Exell (AUS)
It was the second outing of the series for current champion Bram after the second leg in Maastricht (NED). He was trying out two new horses in the team and wanted to see if the strategy worked over the two days. He finished third after competition one, despite having a bell ring and an extra 10 penalties in the first drive-off due to knocking a cone which he hadn’t yet driven through. Going into Sunday’s drive-off in second place, he raised his game and asked more of his horses who worked well together to go clear in 161.17. It was the fastest time so far over the full course, and it looked like he might have done enough to win – but Boyd can never be discounted when he is pushed and with the advantage of being the final one out, he amended his route in the first marathon obstacle number 4 and shaved even more off the clock.
The on-form Jérôme Voutaz (SUI) was the wild card and gave the home crowd a thrilling drive-off on Sunday to finish third on 166.18, adding 4 penalties to his time of 162.14. He seemed to put the disappointment of the extra 20 penalties for a corrected error of course from Saturday’s drive-off behind him and played to the supportive audience. He had been second placed going into the first drive-off and produced a quick round, but an extra loop which took him through the E gate in the second marathon obstacle number 10, meant he slipped to sixth place. But all was forgotten as he grinned and acknowledged his fit and willing horses who gave him their best throughout each of his four rounds.
Only by the narrowest of margins did Koos de Ronde (NED) miss out on the second drive-off as a frustrating 0.39 separated him from Jérôme Voutaz, and he finished fourth on 173.94 having added 4 to his time of 169.94. A loss of momentum for his big horses in the tight turns of number 10 meant that he was slightly slower on the clock, and with 4 to add he slipped out of contention. His Saturday night had gone to plan, and he was second despite adding 8 to his time of 154.55.
Fredrik Persson (SWE) and his new Lipizzaner team were much more attuned to each other after their debut in Stockholm (SWE) two weeks ago. They produced a harmonious, clear drive-off in 162.37 on Saturday night but as both scores counted towards the final places because all the drivers returned for the drive-off, their slower time and 8 penalties from the first round put them fourth behind Bram. With only the top three eligible for the drive-off on day two, the Swedish combo were outsiders for a place in it, but another smooth clear pleased the crowd and bodes well for their appearance in London (GBR).
Georg von Stein (GER) was fifth on Saturday and sixth on Sunday and tallied ball penalties on all his rounds. He managed to quickly reorganise his reins after his leaders jumped out of the speed box on Sunday which contributed to his 20 penalties and added to his time, gave him 197.11.
The festive themed events continue as the sixth leg is next Friday and Saturday in London. Boyd will be there as the wild card, alongside Daniel Naprous (GBR). It will be fascinating to see if Dries Degrieck (BEL) can maintain his winning ways against Boyd who is back on fearsome form and will be boosted by a crowd that always gets behind him. Joining them are Koos, Fredrik, Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) and Anna Mareike Meier (GER).
Image: FEI / Massimo Argenziano
Ingmar De Vos, President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), was unanimously elected as the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) President, and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), was elected as the IHSC Vice-President at the IHSC General Assembly in Hong Kong on 6 December 2024.
“It’s a big honour for me to serve as the IHSC President during the last two years of my term in office as the FEI President,” the newly elected IHSC President Ingmar De Vos said.
“I would like to thank Winfried for his leadership and for the many new initiatives that have been developed during his presidency and I look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation.
“The need for both our organisations to work together in the framework of the IHSC and alongside the World Organisation for Animal Health is more relevant than ever before. The main focus for the coming years will be on preserving horse wellbeing and I look forward to the initiatives that we will develop together in this domain,” he concluded.
IFHA Chair Engelbrecht-Bresges is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), and the Chair of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), which comprises 29 national racing authorities and racing-related organisations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.
“I am very pleased with Ingmar’s election as the new IHSC President and I strongly believe that the Confederation will benefit greatly from his capable leadership,” IHSC Vice-President Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges commented.
“The IHSC’s efforts have been vital to ensure the sustainable development of horse sports. I look forward to supporting Ingmar in continuing the important work done by the IHSC, in particular around equine welfare and international movement of horses, during what is an exciting, but challenging, time for both equestrian and racing globally.”
The IHSC was established in 2013, when the FEI and the IFHA joined forces to create the first formal vehicle for cooperation between the world’s leading bodies for equestrian sport. 
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