2006 FEI World Equestrian Games Update: Driving

After the first phase of the Driving competition, which began yesterday and continued today, Chester C. Weber (USA) is in the lead with 75.8% (38.78 points). Ysbrand Chardon (NED) is second (41.22 points – 74.2%) and Germany’s Michael Freund is third only 0.2% behind (74% - 41.60 points).

Chester Weber was very pleased with his horses who had performed a remarkable test despite the somewhat deep footing. Ysbrand Chardon also congratulated Chester on his performance. This test had a peculiar meaning to Michael Freund, for whom this is the very last international competition. Having competed for over 30 years, 12 of which had seen him as one of the world’s most successful drivers, he had announced his resolution to withdraw a few years ago. And today, under the warm applause of a full stadium, this decision is coming into effect. “Better to leave the party when it is at its best,” Freund commented. The father may be leaving but the next generation is knocking on the door. Michael’s nine-year old son is already in the sport, driving Shetland ponies.

The team classification corresponds exactly to the individual one: the USA are in the lead (82.04 points), followed by Belgium (88.07) and Germany (88.19). In Driving, a team consists of a minimum of two and a maximum of three riders. The two best scores are added together to produce the team score.

The object of the Driven Dressage Test, is to judge the freedom, regularity of paces, harmony, impulsion, suppleness, lightness, ease of movement and correct bending of the horses on the move. Competitors are also judged on style, accuracy, and general control of their horses. The dress as well as the condition of the harness and vehicle and the presentation of the whole turnout are taken into consideration. Jackets or national dress, driving aprons, hats and gloves are obligatory for competitors. Grooms must wear jackets or national dress, hats and gloves.

The second and very exciting part of the competition, the marathon will take place tomorrow. The course is very technical with eight highly imaginative and colourful fences. Preparation for the marathon was been rather complex given the fact that the land where it is built does not belong to the ALRV, organiser of the event. It is the property of local farmers and is used only under very strict conditions. Therefore, sanding, which would have been of help because of the heavy rain, was absolutely out of the question. The track, 10 m wide and 6 km long, is the same as for the Eventing Cross Country. In agreement with the landowners and the city of Aachen, the ground underwent extensive preparation to make it stable and reliable.