2006 FEI European Pony Championships in Saumur, France

The world-renowned National Riding School “Le Cadre Noir” in Saumur was the latest venue for the 2006 FEI European Pony Championships in the following disciplines: Dressage, Jumping and Eventing.

DRESSAGE

Following brilliant performances, the German team was victorious again, with a total score of 224.48%, while Holland maintained their second place (211.17%). First appearance for Denmark (207.74%) on the podium, in third place, only marginally ahead of Britain (204.95%).

Team: 1- Germany
2- Holland
3- Denmark

Undeniable domination in the dressage events saw Lydia Camp (GER) and Dulcia awarded first place in the 2006 Individual Pony Dressage Championships following a remarkable presentation that was rewarded with a score of 77.30%. With the success stories, come the disappointments, namely that of the famous duo, Konrad 15 and rider Sanneke Rothenberger (GER) where the nerves of both the rider and horse played a major role in their demise. Second place was awarded to the experienced duo Dornick B and Louisa Luttgen (GER) with a score of 75.45%, while Power & Paint and Angela Krooswijk (NED) came third with a score of 72.85%.

Individual: 1- Lydia Camp / Dulcia (GER)
2- Louisa Luttgen / Dornick B (GER)
3- Angela Krooswijk / Power & Paint (NED)

JUMPING

Following what has been described by all participants as a long and challenging course, as well as alternating weather patterns of rain and sunshine, Great Britain emerged victorious; nabbing both first and third place in the Individual ranking. Germany came second, while France was awarded the bronze medal, 19 years after their Jumping victory in Saumur.

Team: 1- Great Britain
2- Germany
3- France

First place was awarded to Daniel Nielson (GBR) aged 16 on Micklou Madness, while second place went to Wouter Vos (NED) on Hertogin and in third place, came Louise Saywell from Great Britain riding Kadia Mouche.

Individual: 1- Daniel Neilson / Micklou Madness (GBR)
2- Wouter Vos / Hertogin (NED)
3- Louise Saywell / Kadia Mouche (GBR)

EVENTING

Much suspense throughout the Eventing stages, with teams and individuals swaying in and out of reach of the podium as the days wore on. Following very consistent performances by the British rider, Libby Soley, it was the jumping leg which let her down – with three obstacles overturned, she was relegated to second place. While Franca Lüdeke (GER) on Hillery became the new 2006 FEI European Pony Champions in Eventing. With only one bar down, Kelly Vercauteren (BEL) and Crack Drum VH Juxschot were awarded Bronze.

Despite the errors which occurred in the jumping leg, the German team was victorious with a healthy lead in front of the Belgian team while Great Britain came third.

Team: 1- Germany
2- Belgium
3- Great Britain

Individual: 1- Franca Lüdeke / Hillery (GER)
2- Libby Soley / Noble Springbok (GBR)
3- Kelly Vercauteren / Crack Drum VH Juxschot (BEL)