FEI European Pony Championship, Freudenberg (GER), 17 - 22 July 2007

Just as Germany are a myth, legend, rock in Dressage, so are Great Britain in pony Jumping, who today at the 2007 FEI European Jumping Championship celebrated their eighth team title. With on their team James Smith and Mr Nice Guy, the only combination to score a double clear over the technical Nations Cup course, they finish on an overall score of only 8 penalties. Team silver goes to the Netherlands (19) and bronze to Ireland (22).

Individually, James Smith is logically in the lead. With 4 penalties five riders are tied for 2nd place - Mie Daugaard Reimer (DEN) on Edenside Sunshine; Carolin Zell (GER) on Wombel 17; Constant van Paesschen (BEL) on Angel 30; Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) on Top Chiaro di Luna; and Frank Shuttert (NED) on Top Chiaro di Luna.

The general favourite Dexter Liam Pondi, a magnificent grey Connemara pony who may very well be the offspring of a unicorn, has unfortunately withdrawn from the competition. Belonging to French owner Catherine Chambaud and ridden by Filippo Marco Bologni of Italy, Dexter literally flew over the course to win the first qualifier for the individual final which took place on Thursday 19 July. However, the pony, who had been in the holding box after the pony inspection, was found uneven in his trot. Having twisted a shoe, he has withdrawn from the remaining competition to the greatest disappointment of owner, rider and spectators alike.

It is interesting to note that this year, on the request of Chefs d’Equipe, NFs and NFs, a new Jumping format in line with the one used for Juniors is being experimented. It was felt that the previous format, consisting of a relatively simple Warm-up competition on the Thursday followed by a much more technical and complex Individual Final on the Friday and back again to an easier Nations Cup on the Sunday, did not offer for real progression and maximum opportunities for riders and ponies.

The format that is used on a trial basis this year consists of a first qualifier (125/130 cm) counting for the Individual Final; second qualifier / Nations Cup 130cm counting for the Individual Final; and an Individual Grand Prix 125cm with the possibility of a Jump Off 135cm. The first qualifier is open to all riders; the second qualifier is open to all those who have completed the first qualifier. The points from the first and second qualifiers are added to those obtained in the Final and the sum dictates who goes through to the jump off. Qualifying over three rounds allows riders the possibility of making up for errors made in one poor round early in the week.

The modification is met positively by the participants.

The full results are available on the 2007 FEI European Championship Official website www.euro07.de