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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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The FEI has suspended British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000, effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her.
Dujardin has been provisionally suspended since 23 July 2024 for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.
During her suspension, Dujardin is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation.
British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in Dujardin's ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.
On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video, submitted by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant, that showed Dujardin excessively whipping a horse during a training session at a private stable.
The FEI immediately began an investigation, and contacted both Dujardin and her National Federation.
Dujardin confirmed she was the person in the video on 23 July, and informed the FEI that she would withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She also agreed to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FEI’s investigation, conducted with Dujardin’s full cooperation, concluded that Dujardin was the only person who had engaged in a rule violation in relation to the video. Additionally, the investigation found that aside from the conduct shown in the video, no other rule violations had occurred during, or in connection with, the training session.
Since the video’s release, the FEI has not received any additional complaints or reports of violations concerning Dujardin’s conduct.
Following the investigation, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings, citing three charges i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.
Given the gravity of the offence and the relevant mitigating circumstances, including Dujardin’s prior clean disciplinary record and her voluntary withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the FEI proposed a one-year suspension and a CHF 10,000 fine.
In accordance with the provisions of the FEI disciplinary rules, Dujardin admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by the FEI.
Following this, the FEI and Dujardin entered into an ‘Acceptance of Sanctions’ agreement, which was subsequently submitted to the FEI Tribunal, for confirmation in a binding FEI Tribunal decision.
The full decision of the FEI Tribunal, formally confirming the sanctions set out in the agreement is available here.
As noted in the FEI Tribunal’s decision, Dujardin’s acceptance of the proposed sanctions renders this decision final and not subject to appeal.
“It is regrettable that this case has put our sport in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially during a critical time leading up to the Olympic Games,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.
“Yet, despite the challenges, the FEI acted decisively by immediately opening an investigation and imposing a provisional suspension.
“These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences. We believe this outcome reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare and to its role as guardian of our equine partners.”
Notes to Editor
The disciplinary proceedings were run according to Article 30 (Claim) of the Internal Regulations of the FEI Tribunal and Article 163 and 164 of the FEI General Regulations.
According to the FEI General Regulations (Article 164.6) during the period of a Suspension the Person, Horse and/or body suspended may take no part in any Competition or Event and/or in any activities related to any Competition or Event, as an Athlete, Support Personnel, Horse and/or Official or in the organisation of, any Competition or Event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any Competition or Event under the jurisdiction of an NF in accordance with the Statutes or in any FEI and/or NF related activity (e.g. FEI courses, meetings, General Assembly etc.). For the avoidance of any doubt, training FEI Athletes and/or FEI Horses (whether at FEI Events or anywhere else) is to be considered as an FEI related activity. Persons are entitled to train their own Horses at their own facilities or at private facilities (i.e. not linked to any FEI or national Events/trainings’ facilities).
Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) rode the round of his life to take victory in the sixth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League in Madrid this afternoon with the 12 year-old gelding Hantano. This marked his first World Cup win and sees him go down in history as the first Italian athlete to win the Madrid leg of the series.
Javier Trenor Paz set a strong but fair first test in the first round, making use of four maximum height obstacles and a range of material types and colours around his thirteen-fence track. He put his wealth of building experience at IFEMA Madrid to expert use by producing a track slightly less technically demanding than other legs in consideration that historically, horses can find this venue more daunting than others.
He may have been left rueing this decision when four of the first seven combinations produced clear rounds comfortably inside his allowed time of 69 seconds. Three of those athletes however, sit within the top 11 on the Longines World Rankings List. World No. five Julian Epaillard (FRA), winner of this class in 2021 and 2022, showed the rest of the field how to master the course when producing the first clear from second draw with his home bred 11 year-old gelding Donatello d’Auge. Two horses later, three- time World Cup Final Champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) produced the second clear with a round epitomising his masterful horsemanship on the World Cup first-timer Lancelotta. In just a plain snaffle bridle, the 11 year old mare skipped around without touching a pole belying her inexperience at this level.
Robert Whitaker (GBR) followed suit with his winning partner from Verona, the striking black stallion Vermento and Martin Fuchs (SUI) guided a spring- heeled Connor Jei to the fourth clear round after just seven athletes. Faults started to accumulate here on in, highlighting the fact that the early draw was packed full of horses and athletes of an exceptional calibre rather than that a soft task had been set.
Fences fell all around Trenor Paz’s track with only three of the 16 obstacles remaining in the cups for the duration of the first round. The final line required scope, care and obedience testing horse and athletes’ concentration and fitness right to the end of the 13-fence track. The delicate white planks set at the maximum height of 1.60m came quickly after a turn and were followed by a five-stride distance to a large Liverpool oxer strategically constructed with horizontally- striped blue and white poles. The final fence claimed eight victims whilst its predecessor, fence 12, dashed the dreams of five combinations, amongst them three fancied combinations that were otherwise faultless.
Mariano Martinez Bastia (ESP) raised the roof of his home show producing the sole clear from the 6 Spanish athletes that contested round one. Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ regulars Marcus Ehning (GER), Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Wilma Hellström all returned clean sheets, meaning that at the halfway stage, a jump- off of at least eight combinations was guaranteed.
Perhaps lured into a false sense of security by the athletes that had gone before him, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor produced a foot perfect round with Bentley de Sury to open the second half of round one, but a single time fault kept them out of the jump off. Seven riders faulted before Max Kuhner (AUT) added his name to the jump- off list. Double Olympic Bronze medallists Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Beauville Z N.O.P lived up to all expectations in producing clear round number 10. Next in was Piergiorgio Bucci who masterfully guided the big gelding Hantano around Madrid’s tight arena in his own unique style. Completing the Jump- off start list were Kim Emmen (NED) and Michael Pender (IRL).
Julian Epaillard was the first to navigate Trenor Paz’s jump- off track and looked like he was on par to set an unbeatable standard before the penultimate fence fell to finish on four faults in a sensationally quick time of 39.60. One by one, hot favourites dropped out of contention as fences fell in quick times with athletes feeling the pressure of the high-class field waiting in the wings behind them.
Drawn 6th of the 13 qualified athletes, reigning Champion here in Madrid, Marcus Ehning put on another customary exhibition when producing the first clear of this year’s battle against the clock. Never breaking his rhythm, he guided Dps Revere around the track without fault in a time of 42.54 seconds. It looked like he might be the Maestro of Madrid once more when Wathelet and Helström faulted and Kühner produced the second clear in a steadier time of 45.70.
But the masters of consistency, Maikel van der Vleuten, glided around the inside lines of the track gradually building momentum to be the first combination to take a stride out between fences 8b and 9, going seven strides where others had gone 8. Their polished performance saw them stop the clock in 41.48 to take the lead at this late stage. Bucci followed on Hantano. They cruised round the course taking inside lines and the shortest distance options in total harmony with one another never missing a beat. A horse towering in stature, contesting only his second ever World Cup Qualifier, one would be forgiven for dismissing Hantano’s chances here this evening at this early stage in his career. But such is the bond formed between Bucci and his ride of just one year, that they deceptively sliced 0.71 seconds from the leading time to break the beam in 40.77 with just one athlete remaining.
No stranger to the podium, Ireland’s Michael Pender set sail aboard his long-term boss’s home bred 10 year-old mare HHS Los Angeles. There looked to be little between them and the leading time but the exuberant mare landed a long way out from the penultimate fence meaning Pender had to work a bit harder and took a stride more than he would have liked to around the turn before the gallop to the last. This proved costly as they crossed the finish line in a time of 41.22, slotting them into second place allowing Bucci to celebrate his first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ victory and relegating Van der Vleuten to third place.
Bucci realised a dream this evening when winning the sixth leg in Madrid. “It’s an amazing feeling, I really like this show, I’ve often been placed here but never close to winning so I’m really happy!”
Bucci was quick to credit his relatively inexperienced mount Hantano.
“My horse is amazing, fast and a winner! He has a funny style, but he’s really good and I hope we will have more wins!”
Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA)
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel wasn’t originally on Bucci’s agenda but his wins here tonight may see his plans for April 2025 change dramatically! He heads to A Coruña next week and will “make a new plan” incorporating picking up enough points to qualify him for his first Final next April.
After six legs of the Western European League, Kevin Staut (FRA) remains at the top of the standings with 49 points. Richard Vogel (GER) sits in second place on 42, Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) have 36 points apiece holding not third and fourth spots whilst Robert Whitaker (GBR) and Marcus Ehning (GER) round out the top six with 28 points each. Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) jumps straight into the top 20 sharing equal 16th position with Verona victor Sophie Hinners (GER).
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League moves on to A Coruña next week for the seventh leg of the 2024/2025 season being held on 07 - 10 December 2024.
Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE made a lasting impression in Madrid by claiming their first-ever FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier victory. Competing in a freestyle field of 10 combinations in front of packed stands, Basquin was the only athlete to break the 80% barrier. Germany’s Carina Scholz with Tarantino and Spain’s home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat with Elegance completed the podium, securing second and third place, respectively.
The elegant and light-footed Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (owned by Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation), danced to victory under Basquin’s guidance. While their freestyle score of 80.925% in Madrid was slightly below their personal best from Lyon (FRA) - where the pair placed third just two weeks ago - it was more than enough to secure the win. Basquin also dominated the Grand Prix on Friday, making it a double victory for the French athlete and her talented gelding.
A diverse field entertains Madrid
Though the field in Madrid featured only 10 combinations, the audience enjoyed a vibrant display of a variety of horses, athletes, and music. From powerful Lusitanos to a Jumping-bred horse and refined Dressage ballerinas, the competition offered something for everyone. Musical choices ranged from Spanish castanets and opera, to Lady Gaga, The Beatles, and David Bowie, creating a dynamic atmosphere that thrilled spectators.
Ferrer-Salat sets an early standard
Third to enter the arena, Spain’s experienced Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and her partner Elegance (owned by Deliber S.L.) delivered an impressive performance. After some tension in the Grand Prix, the pair redeemed themselves with a confident freestyle. The powerful Elegance excelled in piaffe and passage, moving elegantly to opera music and finishing with a 360-degree piaffe pirouette. Their score of 77.145% set a high benchmark for the rest of the field.
It took a while for anyone to approach Ferrer-Salat’s score. Austria’s Diana Porsche and her own Douglas followed immediately after. The duo presented a rhythmic freestyle with an uphill frame, but a mistake in the two-tempi changes relegated them to sixth place overall.
Skarsoe and Jiménez Cobo
Luxembourg’s Fie Christine Skarsoe came close to challenging Ferrer-Salat, riding the striking grey Lusitano stallion Imperador Dos Cedros (owned by Manon Ackermann). Performing to a lively Beatles medley, the stallion impressed with a very solid test and super piaffe and passage. However, their final score of 76.665% fell short of overtaking Ferrer-Salat.
Triple Olympian Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobo, one of Spain’s most experienced Dressage athletes, entered the ring as the penultimate competitor. Riding his elegant chestnut Quartar (owned by the athlete and Sylvia Fort Brescia De Mulder), the 65-year-old Spaniard delivered a polished performance. Cobo’s freestyle earned him 77.145%, matching Ferrer-Salat’s score but leaving him just behind due to slightly lower artistic marks.
Scholz claims second
Germany’s Carina Scholz eventually unseated Ferrer-Salat from the top spot with her own 17-year-old Tarantino. Despite his Jumping pedigree, the gelding impressed with outstanding collected work, particularly in piaffe and passage. Scholz, who continues to lead the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League standings after Madrid, came to the competition with a clear goal: “I wanted to dance in the freestyle, have fun, and enjoy the show!”
Her efforts paid off, as she delivered a seamless performance to secure second place with 79.415%. “We had a very polished freestyle today, and Tarantino was super relaxed in this atmosphere. I absolutely loved it here,” Scholz said after the competition.
Basquin seals the win
As the final athlete to enter the arena, Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE delivered the ultimate performance of the evening. Their harmonious freestyle combined fluidity and elegance, underlining their strong partnership. She describes the gelding as a true warrior. “He is very generous and has a real fighting spirit. He loves to perform and enjoys being in front of the audience,” Basquin said about her 14-year-old partner.
"I think we had a flawless freestyle with no major mistakes. What really pays off is the harmony between us"
Pauline Basquin (FRA)
This was Basquin’s first time competing in Madrid, though she had previously performed at the Madrid Horse Week as part of the Cadre Noir Gala. She still competes in their iconic uniform. Her ambitions for this season include securing a spot at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final and preparing for the the FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) next year. “We are working hard to improve, so perhaps one day we can win a medal,” she concluded.
A trio of experienced stars
With Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, Tarantino, and Elegance aged 14, 17, and 15 respectively, the podium in Madrid featured seasoned horses who are still performing at their peak. Home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat echoed this sentiment: “Elegance still feels young and full of energy. Compared to last year, when we also placed third here in Madrid, he performed much better today.” The five-time Olympian, who earned individual bronze and team silver at the Athens 2004 Olympics, continues to be a cornerstone of Spanish dressage with her performance in Madrid.
The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League continues in London (GBR) on December 18–19, so, don’t miss a hoofbeat…
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