FEI Sports Forum Turns Focus To Future Of Para-Equestrian Dressage And Non-Olympic Sports

The final afternoon of the two-day FEI Sports Forum focused on Para-Equestrian Dressage and non-Olympic sports, with the session being opened by Trond Asmyr, FEI Director, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage.

The decision to limit Freestyle to the top third of athletes in each Para-Equestrian grade at Games and Championships was well received by National Federations. This will be implemented for the first time at a Paralympic Games at Rio 2016. The proposal to implement a change to the drop score system for team results from 1 January 2017 was equally well received.

Key areas from the inaugural Para-Equestrian Dressage Forum in Essen (GER) last month, which was attended by para-equestrian experts and athletes from 22 countries, were also highlighted, including re-naming the grades, recruiting new and young riders, pushing for more combined Para-Equestrian Dressage and able bodied Dressage events, and the potential for an FEI World Cup™ series with sponsor support.

“Maintaining the focus on Para-Equestrian Dressage is our top priority,” explained Trond Asmyr. “A record-breaking 33 nations and 100 riders and horses competed for Para-Equestrian Dressage medals at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014, which was a major breakthrough.

“The Paralympic Games are now the second largest multi-sport event in the world, and next year we will be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Para-Equestrian Dressage in the Paralympic Movement at the Rio 2016 Games. The FEI is wholeheartedly committed to growing Para-Equestrian Dressage and creating more opportunities for our athletes to compete at the top-level.”

Proposals for Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, Reining

The Technical Committees for Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining made several proposals for consideration at today’s Sports Forum specifically on Championships formats, and with spectator experience at the forefront.

Bettina de Rham, FEI Director, Driving, Reining & Vaulting

* Driving four-in-hand: shorter dressage test for individuals; for teams (all in one day): dressage, pas-de-deux and cones relay, or combined marathon; pure cone event for individual drivers

* Endurance: change from one-day 160km format to a two-day 100km-per-day format, with a controlled start on the second day; maximum of four combinations per National Federation, and only highest placed three to count for team classification; countries starting with less than three combinations only eligible for individual classifications

* Vaulting: introduce “Nations Format” team classification (composition – one Individual Female, one Individual Male and one Squad); recreating the atmosphere of Vaulting at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 by consulting with event organisers on lighting, music and spectator engagement

* Reining: maximum number of athletes at Championships: 100; individuals in the Final to choose own music

National Federations flagged the need to safeguard horse welfare and respect rest periods, following the proposal of the two-day, 100km-per-day Endurance format. There was also support from National Federations to introduce the Nations Format in Vaulting and several of the innovations proposed for Driving were backed by delegates.

Emma Seeley, Chairman of the FEI Vaulting Committee. FEI

The session concluded with a Reining Round Table focusing on the revision of the competition and Championships format, pattern classification and a presentation of Para-Reining competitions (CPERIs).

FEI Athlete Committee inaugural meeting

The first FEI Athletes’ Committee meeting since the FEI Athlete Representative elections last year was also held at FEI Headquarters today.

“Athletes play a vital role in the way equestrian sport is developing and appealing to wider audiences, thanks to their experience, passion and knowledge of the sport,” said Maria Gretzer, Chair of the FEI Athlete Committee. “Our first session was a great success, and we’ll be covering athlete career management and athlete involvement in FEI Championships and Games at our next meeting.”

FEI President closes Sports Forum 2015

Ingmar De Vos, FEI President, closed the FEI Sports Forum 2015 today at the IMD in Lausanne (SUI) thanking all participants, including the International Olympic Committee, National Federations, FEI stakeholders, Organisers and athletes, and the FEI Technical Committees for all their work in preparing the proposals that were heard over the two-day session. (FEI/Germain Arias-Schreiber)

FEI President Ingmar De Vos brought the 2015 edition of the FEI Sports Forum to a close, thanking all participants, including the International Olympic Committee, National Federations, FEI stakeholders including athletes and Organisers, and the FEI Technical Committees for all their work in preparing the proposals.

“The Technical Committees have put forward strong, and sometimes quite provocative proposals, but it’s been done deliberately to make you think”, he said. “The debate that I’ve heard here over the last two days has been very good and there’s been some real out of the box thinking, but nothing has been decided yet. The Sports Forum is a phase in a very transparent decision making process where the ideas of the Committees can be tested against the ideas of our members and our stakeholders.

“The Committees now have a very clear idea of what they have to do on some of the key areas that have been discussed, and they will finalise the proposals before they go out to the National Federations and then to the General Assembly.

“There are also several other areas that need to be further explored, and the FEI will be conducting a survey with National Federations for deeper discussion.

“We know the World Equestrian Games should be shorter and we absolutely need to control the costs and the number of athletes, so that Organising Committees can establish a realistic budget. And we know that we need to be very clear on the more detailed requirements. But one of the most important conclusions from the Forum is that there is a future for the World Equestrian Games and it’s a bright future, as long as we address the issues that have been brought to the table.

“I am confident about the place of equestrian in the Olympic programme. All International Federations need to understand they will be judged on different parameters than in the past. We are living in a more competitive world than ever before and all sports are trying to get the best out of that world. We need to take our responsibility seriously. We will continue to work very closely with the IOC and go to them with our proposals within the set deadlines.”

After thanking delegates for their valuable contributions to the decision making process, the FEI President urged everyone, including those who were unable to attend the Sports Forum, to continue the debate on the dedicated FEI online platform.

FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15: Surprise Win For Austria’s Pas-De-Deux Dynamo In Munich

Excited fans at the opening qualifier of the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 in Munich’s iconic Olympic Hall were treated to a double Austrian victory today from Lisa Wild and pas-de-deux dynamo Stefanie Millinger and Evelyn Freund, with Viktor Brüsewitz scoring the home win for Germany.

The Salzburg-based Millinger and Freund, who came sixth at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, stole the show with a near-perfect African-themed routine, pushing their compatriots Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha – the pas-de-deux world and FEI World Cup™ champions – into second place.

“We can’t believe it. It is our first World Cup victory, and it feels so good”, said Freund, standing with Millinger, both with tears in their eyes.

“We were counting on being in the top three, but this result is just amazing”, added their coaches Marissa Jöbstl and Roswita Haigermoser. And they had even more reason to be happy – another star from their club UVT Salzburg Wals-Schullergut secured the best result in the female individual competition.

Beyond the backflip

Lisa Wild had spectators on the edge of their seats with her backflip off her horse Robin, lunged by Nina Rossin.

She stunned judges and fans when she first revealed a backflip landing back on her horse at the FEI World Vaulting Championships 2012 in Le Mans.

She left the Munich spectators in awe again at her talents, and with her clean performance in the Olympic Hall, she proudly claimed her top spot.

“This is a really great day for me!”, said Wild, who unfortunately did not qualify for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy this summer.

“I’m so happy for her, because she has shown a lot of self-confidence here in Munich after a difficult season”, said her coach Jöbstl. “Now she has proved she is back at the top level of the sport.”

Lisa Wild (AUT) – famous backflip on Robin © Daniel Kaiser/FEI

Savouring the seconds

The recent rule change to extend the one-minute routines for individual vaulters by 20 seconds was welcomed by Viktor Brüsewitz, world number three, who was ectstatic with his first FEI World Cup™ Vaulting qualifier win in Munich.

Vaulting on Adlon with lunger Alexander Hartl (GER), he said: “I will never forget Munich, because this is my very first World Cup victory, and thanks to the rule change I had more time to enjoy it!”

Viktor Brüsewitz (GER) savouring every second in Munich © Daniel Kaiser/FEI

Live in Paris

A total of 18 vaulters, including world champion Joanne Eccles (GBR), will head to the second qualifier of the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 at the famous Salon du Cheval de Paris (FRA), where FEI TV (www.feitv.org) live coverage will continue:
28 November – 14.30 (local time) & 29 November – 17.45

FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 sees the world’s best 30 vaulters from nine nations battle for points across a four-leg European city tour, before the Final in March 2015. The athletes from Austria, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Netherlands and Switzerland competing in this challenging series are listed here. The top six female and male vaulters, and top four pas-de-deux, based on their best two results in the series, will come together at the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 Final in March 2015, where they will start from scratch.

Munich results:

Male individual: 1. Viktor Brüsewitz (GER), 8,537; 2. Julian Wilfling (GER), 8,346; 3. Jannik Heiland (GER), 8,231
Female individual: 1. Lisa Wild (AUT), 8,641; 2. Simone Jäiser (SUI), 8,372; 3. Kristina Boe (GER), 8,159
Pas-de-deux: 1. Evely Freund/Steffanie Millinger (AUT), 8,714; 2. Jasmin Lindner/Lukas Wacha (AUT), 8,593; 3. Pia Engelberty/Torben Jacobs (GER), 8,588

Daniel Kaiser

FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15: World’s Top Vaulters Head To Munich’s Iconic Olympic Hall

The stage is set for an electrifying FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15, with 30 of the world’s best vaulters from nine nations poised for the four-leg European city tour, before the Final in March 2015.

This fourth edition of the series comes just two months after the hugely successful vaulting at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, with spectators roaring support for their athletes over five days of awe-inspiring competition in the Zenith Arena, which has hosted world-renowned artists, including Leonard Cohen.

A total of 23 athletes from the FEI World Cup™ line-up, including reigning champion Anna Cavallaro (ITA) who is seeking to score a hat-trick, are now poised to battle it out at the first leg of FEI World Cup™ Vaulting starting tomorrow (6-7 November) in Munich’s iconic Olympic Hall, which has welcomed the likes of Elton John, Metallica and James Blunt.

Austria’s Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha, the pas-de-deux FEI World Cup™ champions and gold medalists at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, will also jump into action in Munich. “By staging the qualifiers in major cities, the series attracts amazing audiences,” said Lindner. “The World Cup is vital for the future development of vaulting. We’re all set for Munich, and can’t wait to compete in front of our home crowd in Salzburg in the run-up to Christmas.”

World champion Joanne Eccles (GBR) and WH Bentley are all set for the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 which brings together the world’s best vaulters at four European city qualifiers before the March 2015 final. (Daniel Kaiser/FEI)

Nineteen-year-old Adam Lukac from Slovakia, a brand new face in this year’s FEI World Cup™ Vaulting, will make his début in Munich. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I want to inspire youngsters in Slovakia that if they do their best, they can one day compete in the World Cup.”

Every second counts

The world’s top individual vaulters now have an additional 20 seconds to impress the judges following a recent rule change to extend the one-minute routines. Great Britain’s Joanne Eccles, world and European number one since 2009, will be using this opportunity to her advantage when she starts the World Cup series at the second leg in Paris (FRA), 28-29 November.

“The valuable extra seconds will really count in my freestyle, when I’ll be able to show more emotion in my routine,” said Eccles, whose unique one-handed handstand manoeuvre has become her trademark. “There’s always a great buzz at the World Cup and I can’t wait to get started. I want to show how amazing vaulting is, and when spectators enjoy my performances I enjoy them even more.”

Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha (AUT), current world champions, have worked on their choreography for almost a year and are now ready to defend their FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 title. (Daniel Kaiser/FEI)

The 10 male and 10 female individuals, plus seven pas-de-deux pairs, that have qualified for this series from Austria, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Netherlands and Switzerland are listed here.

After Munich, the series heads to Paris (FRA), followed by charming Salzburg (AUT) on 11-14 December, with the last leg in Leipzig (GER) on 15-18 January 2015.

The top six female and male vaulters, and top four pas-de-deux, based on their best two results in the series, will then come together at the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2014/15 Final in March 2015, where they will start from scratch.

FEI President Officially Closes Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 In Normandy

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

FEI President HRH Princess Haya officially closed the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy at the D’Ornano Stadium Yesterday evening, bringing to an end two weeks of incredible sport.

The final medals of the Games were presented by IOC Member, Tsunekazu Takeda, Vice-President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Member of the FEI Olympic Council, to Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands who took the Jumping title after a thrilling Top Four final.

The seventh FEI World Equestrian Games™ broke records across the board, with 74 participating nations, an increase of 25% on the last Games in 2010, a record 12 nations making their FEI World Equestrian Games™ debut, and record coverage of the Games across all media platforms.

Horseman extraordinaire Lorenzo was one of the highlights of the Opening Ceremony of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 at the Stade d’Ornano in Caen, Normandy, on 23 August in front of a sellout crowd of 21,000 spectators. (Arnd Bronkhorst/FEI)

Around 570,000 people came to the Games, more than 230,000 people visited the Games Village, and around 50,000 attended the Alltech Music Festival that ran on eight nights during the Games. A total of 3,000 volunteers provided support for the Organising Committee.

Almost 1,800 accredited media from 52 countries sent coverage of the Games around the world across all media platforms – broadcast, print, online and social media. Over 1,000 hours of broadcast coverage for the Games were beamed to more than 200 territories on television and globally via digital platforms to a global television audience of 500 million.

In addition to massive coverage in the traditional media, the Games were a huge success across all social media platforms, including the FEI’s YouTube Channel, which exceeded 5.5 million views during the Games.

The FEI also held its first ever FEI Observers Programme, with high-level delegations from Rio 2016 and Bromont 2018 visiting the Games, and the first ever FEI World Equestrian Games Experience for potential future bidders for the Games, with representatives from Japan, Australia, Ireland, UAE, Qatar, UK and Denmark.

Vaulter, Jacques Ferrari, nearly raised the roof off the Zenith Arena in Caen tonight when securing the first gold medal for France at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014. (Jon Stroud/FEI)

During the final moments of the Games closing ceremony this evening, Laurent Beauvais, President of the Normandy 2014 Organising Committee, returned the FEI flag to Princess Haya, who in turn handed it on to Pauline Quinlan, Mayor of Bromont, the Canadian city that will host the Games in 2018. The Canadian anthem was played as the Canadian flag was paraded around the arena by members of the Bromont/Montreal 2018 Organising Committee.

In a poignant message to a packed stadium, still buzzing after the excitement of watching local hero Patrice Delaveau take individual silver, Princess Haya offered the thanks of the equestrian family to Normandy and to France for hosting the 2014 Games.

“This is the final time that I will stand before you at a World Equestrian Games as President of the FEI,” she said. “This is a hugely poignant moment in my life. And I will leave this stadium tonight truly knowing the measure of the gift that you have given the sport I love. Thanks to Normandy and thanks to France, I now know our beloved sport is where it should be.

“When the rest of the world looks at France, we see Freedom, Equality, and Harmony through brotherhood. (Liberté. Égalité. Fraternité.)

“You have given our athletes the freedom (Liberté) to compete fairly and without reserve, while putting the welfare of the horse at the heart of all that they do on this beautiful stage.

“You have witnessed the equality (Égalité) that only the horse can bring, to men and women, to young and old, to able bodied and the less able. And you have provided a stage to celebrate the bond between a horse and rider which represents one of the purest kinds of love, the bond of brotherhood (Fraternité).

“Thanks to you, the French people, our sport is now strong, proud, and you have given it the freedom to roam the world, as horses have since the beginning of time itself. This spirit of the beautiful region of Normandy, this spirit of France will forever live on in our hearts. Thank you, Normandy; thank you, France.”

FEI President HRH Princess Haya was visibly moved as she thanked Normandy and France for two weeks of incredible sport before declaring the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 officially closed. (Leanjo de Koster/FEI).

At the end of her speech, a visibly emotional Princess Haya, with tears running down her face, gave the final words of the Games: “And now, it is my duty to declare the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. . . .closed.”

FEI President Is Made Officer Of The National Order Of The Legion Of Honour

FEI President HRH Princess who was today made Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction. The flag of the European Union, of which France is a member state, and the French flag are pictured in the background. (FEI/Liz Gregg)

FEI President HRH Princess Haya was today made Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction.

Laurent Fabius, French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, presented HRH Princess Haya with the Legion of Honour insignia in the Prefecture of Caen (FRA), the main host city of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014.

Addressing international media and over 100 guests at the special ceremony in the magnificent setting of the Gold Salon (Salon doré), he cited HRH Princess Haya’s career as an Olympic athlete, her contribution to equestrian sport as FEI President and her success in bringing the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 to Normandy.

He also charted HRH Princess Haya’s extensive and well-documented humanitarian efforts in some of the harshest parts of the world.

“You are a remarkable person,” Laurent Fabius said. “Due to the inspiration you have given to many people over the years, through your sporting and humanitarian efforts, France is extremely happy to pronounce you Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.”

HRH Princess Haya is pictured with Laurent Fabius (right), French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, at the special ceremony held at the prefecture of Caen (FRA) today. A holder bearing the insignia of the Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour appears in the background. (FEI/Liz Gregg)

“I accept this honour on behalf of all of my colleagues at the Fédération Equestre Internationale and everyone who contributed to the success of the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, including the 3,000 French volunteers and the wonderful people of this region, who welcomed the equestrian world to their home,” Princess Haya said in her acceptance speech.

“I accept this honour on behalf of the dedicated humanitarian aid workers that I encounter in my travels as a UN Messenger of Peace – the selfless healthcare workers from Médecins Sans Frontières, the humanitarians from the World Food Programme, and so many other committed people who serve those in need long after I have returned to the comforts of my home.

“I accept this honour knowing that I have done so little to earn it, but inspired to do more in my limited capacity to advocate for a more equitable, more compassionate and a more peaceful future. I am deeply grateful,” she concluded.

Princess Haya follows in the footsteps of her late father, HM King Hussein I, who accepted the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour in 1967.

Since its creation in 1802 by then-First Consul and later Emperor of the French Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour has been awarded to historic personalities such as the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi; Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey; Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II; Queen Elizabeth II; former Polish President Lech Wałęsa; and Akihito, the reigning Emperor of Japan.

The list of prestigious recipients also includes American animator, producer, director, screenwriter, and philanthropist Walt Disney; one of the greatest writers of the 20th century Graham Greene; Belgian Eddy Merckx, one of the best cyclists of all time; Italian philosopher and novelist Umberto Eco; Canadian singer Céline Dion; French mountaineer and Minister of Sport Maurice Herzog, an IOC member until his death in 2012; and American musician, singer-songwriter, artist, and writer Bob Dylan.

Former FEI Presidents HRH Prince Philip and HRH Prince Bernhard both held the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.

The insignia of the Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction, which was awarded to HRH Princess Haya today. (FEI/Liz Gregg)

FEI President To Receive France’s Highest Honour

FEI President HRH Princess Haya will be made Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction and one of the best known in the world.

Princess Haya will receive the insignia from Laurent Fabius, French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, at a special ceremony on Saturday 6 September, in Caen (FRA), main host city of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014.

FEI President HRH Princess Haya who will be made Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction

The National Order of the Legion of Honour, often referred to as the Legion of Honour (La Légion d’honneur), is awarded on behalf of the French head of state in recognition of eminent public services.

Created by Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802, the Legion of Honour is the first modern order awarded on personal merit alone. Unlike the traditional military or chivalry orders, the Legion was from the onset open to men – and since 1851 to women – from all ranks and professions without distinction of birth, fortune, or social standing. The Legion was a secular institution from the very beginning, whereas all previous long-established orders in France, and more generally in Europe, were crosses or shared a clear Christian background.

The vast majority of recipients of the Legion of Honour are French nationals. Foreign nationals, who have served France and the ideals it upholds, may however also receive the distinction.

The Legion of Honour cannot be requested. The recipients are selected by the members of the French government who work in cooperation with the members of parliament, mayors, representatives of various associations, and presidents of professional and sports federations to identify the most deserving individuals.

First Ever FEI Observer Programme Run At Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 In Normandy

A high-level observer programme for organisers of future key equestrian events is being carried out for the first time at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA). Teams from the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 in Bromont (CAN) are currently in Normandy to experience and get a detailed understanding of the complex organisational requirements of top-level equestrian events.

Paul Coté, President of the Bromont Organising Committee COJEM2018, Roger Deslauriers, general manager of the Bromont Equestrian Park, and the Mayor of Bromont Pauline Quinlan are the key members of the Canadian delegation attending the Games in France. They will remain at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ until the end of the event and will be involved in the handover ceremony that brings the Games to a close this Sunday.

Impressive Brazilian delegations are also in attendance at the Games in Normandy. The members of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games were joined by seven representatives of the Ministry of Sport, the universities in charge of the preparation of the Eventing cross country course, as well as the architects responsible for the development of the equestrian venue, which is part of the Deodoro cluster in Rio.

“The FEI Observer Programme provides a valuable opportunity for the organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Bromont to witness first-hand an equestrian event of this magnitude,” Tim Hadaway, FEI Director, Games and Championships, said. “The delegations have visited all the competition venues here in Normandy, as well as back-of-house locations including stabling, training areas, and veterinary facilities. This process has helped them understand the standards expected by National Olympic Committees and National Federations at equestrian events at the very highest level.

Representatives of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in discussion with Stade d’Ornano stable manager Carsten Koch.

“Challenges faced by every organiser differ. The extent and variety of disciplines at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy has enabled our Canadian and Brazilian partners to observe the intricacies of running an event on this scale. We are working very closely with the teams in the lead-up to Rio 2016 and Bromont 2018. We have emphasised the importance of providing optimal conditions and services to the human and equine athletes, sponsors, media, spectators and television viewers.”

COJEM2018 President Paul Coté applauded the FEI Observer Programme initiative. “The organising committee of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Bromont really welcomes this process set up by the FEI,” he commented. “It is a great opportunity for us to learn from the experience of the previous Games organisers, and the close cooperation with the FEI on location will help us launch our activities in partnership with them.”

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy – Preview Week 2

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Lots more sparkling sport ahead as week two gets underway

The thrills and excitement of the first week of fabulous sport at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy will be a hard act to follow. But now that the Dressage, Para-Dressage, Reining, Endurance and Eventing horses have headed for home, the stables at the Games venues in Caen have filled up once more, this time with the world’s top Jumping, Vaulting and Driving horses. Anticipation hangs in the air ahead of another six days of superb sport.

The Jumping athletes and their horses had the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the D’Ornano Arena during today’s training session. The stadium was a great deal more silent than yesterday afternoon when the roars of the crowd celebrated a brilliant double-victory for Germany in team and individual Eventing. The atmosphere was electric then, and from the moment the first rider gets the Jumping championship underway tomorrow morning, the temperature gauge, and the sound level, is sure to rise once again.

Withdrawn

The Olympic and European champions from Great Britain, who had the team Jumping title firmly in their sights, have suffered a major set-back with the news that world number 3, Ben Maher, has withdrawn due to injury to his chosen ride, the mare Cella. But the British still have a very strong hand, with world number 1 Scott Brash riding Hello Sanctos, Joe Clee partnering Utamaro d’Ecaussines, Spencer Roe with Wonder Why and Michael Whitaker with Viking V flying the flag.

The Belgian team has also had to adjust their line-up with Jos Lansink’s horse, Ensor de Litrange, withdrawn before the first horse inspection. This led to a last-minute call-up for Jos Verlooy and Domino, who were so impressive at last summer’s ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning (DEN) and who were members of the winning team at CHIO Aachen in July.

Meanwhile there has also been a re-jig in the Qatari squad. Bassem Hassan Mohammed will ride Eurocommerce California, the horse initially listed to Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani. Mohammed’s original ride, Primeval Dejavu, has been withdrawn and Sheikh Al Thani will now ride Vienna Olympic.

Riders from 54 countries will battle it out for the Jumping medals and 35 nations will be represented in the team competition. The first horse will enter the arena at 09.10 tomorrow morning for the first competition, which counts for both team and individual rankings. There’s a four-second penalty for every fence down in this speed competition. Athlete’s results are converted into penalty points which are carried into another two rounds of jumping on Wednesday and Thursday before the team medals are awarded and the five nations that will be heading for Rio 2016 Olympic Games are confirmed.

It’s a rest day for the Jumpers on Friday, and the top-30 riders then go through to Saturday’s qualifier for the individual top-four Final which brings the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 to a close on Sunday afternoon. Only one of the individual medallists from the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky returns to defend his title – Canada’s Eric Lamaze, who took bronze four years ago.

Olympic champions, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Nino des Buissonnets, who will compete in this week’s Jumping Championships at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, were in fine form during today’s training session at Stade D’Ornano in Caen, France. (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Vaulting

There are four sets of medals up for grabs in Vaulting, which also begins tomorrow morning and which has attracted a record entry of 179 athletes from 22 countries with 17 nations represented by squads.

It’s going to be a busy four days of competition, starting with the Compulsory Tests tomorrow, Freestyle tests on Wednesday, Technical Tests and the first Freestyle Pas-de-Deux on Thursday and the drama-filled Finals for all four events on Friday.

In the battle for the Female honours, Great Britain’s Joanne Eccles can expect a strong challenge from Italy’s Anna Cavallaro, who successfully defended her FEI World Cup™ Vaulting title this year, while in the Pas-de-Deux the Austrian duo of Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha may prove hard to beat.

A total of 35 female and 18 male individuals will take part, and the 12 top teams qualify for the Freestyle Final.

The presence of the host nation’s male Vaulting super-stars, World and FEI World Cup™ Vaulting Champion Nicolas Andreani, and European champion Jacques Ferarri, is set to draw huge, enthusiastic crowds throughout the week, and particularly for Friday’s closing stages.

Driving

The horse inspection for Driving takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday and the action gets underway with Dressage on Thursday and Friday. The Marathon takes place on Saturday and Obstacles on Sunday, and every phase will be staged at the La Prairie Racecourse.

A total of 46 four-in-hand drivers from 17 nations will take part, including world champion and title defender Boyd Exell from Australia. The host nation of France will be represented by eight competitors – three team members and five individuals – and a total of 14 nations will line out for the team medals, including the defending champions from The Netherlands.

At 22, Hungary’s József Dobrovitz junior is the youngest driver while Carlo Mascheroni (ITA) is, at 74, the oldest athlete of the entire Games.

Course Designer is America’s Richard Nicoll and while Boyd Exell looks the man to beat, he will be coming up against the toughest of opposition as America’s Chester Weber looks a serious threat following victories at the key international Driving events at Windsor (GBR), Saumur (FRA) and Aachen (GER). The 2012 silver medallist also won the test event at Caen in 2013, leaving nothing to chance.

Facts and Figures:

Jumping:
153 horse-and-rider combinations will start in the first competition, which begins tomorrow at 09.10.
First rider into the arena will be Finland’s Jessica Timgren with Vaillant.
54 National Federations will be represented.
35 National Federations represented by teams.
19 National Federations represented by individuals only.
Only 1 of the individual medallists from the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky returns to defend his medal – Canada’s Eric Lamaze who took bronze four years ago.
Course designer is Frederick Cottier (FRA).

Vaulting:
179 athletes from 22 countries.
17 nations represented by squads of 6 vaulters.
4 competitions – Squad, Female Individual, Male Individual and Pas de Deux.
4 sets of medals, and the lunger also receives a medal along with the vaulters.
12 top teams qualify for the Freestyle Final.
35 Female Individuals.
18 Male Individuals.

Driving:
Horse inspection 10.30am on Wednesday 3 September.
46 four-in-hand drivers from 17 nations, including world champion and title defender Boyd Exell from Australia
Host nation France is well represented with eight competitors – three team members and five individuals.
A total of 14 teams will line up in the nations competition, in which the Netherlands is the defending champion.
At 22, Hungary’s József Dobrovitz Jr. is the youngest driver.
At 74, Carlo Mascheroni (ITA) is the oldest athlete of the entire Games.
Course Designer is Richard Nicoll (USA).

Louise Parkes

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy – Sandra Auffarth Takes Germany To The Top

Sandra Auffarth takes Germany to the top of the world

German riders gave a master class in Jumping at the finale of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ Eventing competition to give Germany the full set of titles: Olympic, European and now World team gold medals, with Sandra Auffarth also taking individual gold.

All four riders – Sandra Auffarth, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Dirk Schrade – were flawless over the coloured poles and Auffarth, whose performance on the magnificent Opgun Louvo has been exemplary throughout the event, deservedly collected what looks like the first of many individual titles.

“It’s unbelievable that we are double world champions,” said the modest Auffarth. “When I first rode Opgun Louvo I didn’t think he was a future champion, but we have taken every level step by step and he’s been fantastic this weekend, really working hard.”

Defending champion Jung, who won individual silver on his brave little mare fisherRocana FST, was quick to compliment his team mate. “Sandra is a true world champion,” he said. “She went across country last of all in the worst ground but she and her horse know each other so well.

“For me, it would have been great to come to a world championships on the same horse (La Biosthetique Sam) four years later, but I’m happy with silver because my mare did such a fantastic job. She’s a very clever horse.”

As at last year’s FEI European Championships, only William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Chilli Morning, the Cross Country leaders, were able to halt German domination of the medals by taking individual bronze.

Sandra Auffarth and the Normandy-bred Opgun Louvo were foot-perfect throughout to take individual Eventing gold and lead the Germans to team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy. (Trevor Holt/FEI)

Although Britain’s team silver medal always looked secure, thanks to a great clear round from Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, the Germans’ brilliance pushed Fox-Pitt right to the wire and he had no leeway to win the individual title that so many people feel this classic horseman deserves.

His charming stallion Chilli Morning was impeccably behaved, considering the deafening cheers for Auffarth that would have blown the roof off had the stadium had one, but he just caught the second fence with his front legs and, to muffled groans, that was the gold medal gone.

“Of course I’m frustrated, but I’m probably lucky not to have had two fences down,” Fox-Pitt said philosophically. “I’ve never ridden a stallion at any decent level before. He’s a real worker and trier, and he’s a rare commodity. I’m very proud of him and it’s great for his future as a sire.”

Meanwhile, an interesting battle had been developing for team bronze. The Australians held third place in the team competition after Cross Country but lost it at a strike with an unfortunate 24-fault round from Shane Rose and Taurus.

The French could have benefitted from this, but Jean Teulere (Matelot du Grand Val) and Cedric Lyard (Cadeau du Roi) collected eight faults apiece. Sadly, Maxime Livio’s superb clear round on Qalao des Mers, which elevated him from eighth to fifth place individually, was not enough to rescue the home team’s medal chances.

Instead, the Netherlands team, who have been giving notice of deepening strength with their consistent results in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ series, rode for their lives to be deserved recipients of team bronze, the country’s first ever medal at world championship level.

Elaine Pen and Vira have been one of the up-and-coming partnerships this year and they produced a beautiful clear round to rise seven places to 13th individually. Merel Bloom (Rumour Has It) was also clear in 26th place and the talented Tim Lips, who has long flown the Dutch flag in Eventing, finished in 18th place on Keyflow N.O.P.

Speaking on behalf of his team mates, British-based Andrew Heffernan, who retired Boleybawn Ace on the Cross Country, said: “This means more than you can possibly imagine. We came here with one goal, which was to qualify for Rio, and not only have we done that but we’ve had a fantastic experience. It’s our first world medal, so watch out the rest of the world!”

An electric atmosphere in the 21,000-seat arena fully justified the decision to transport the horses from the Dressage and Cross Country venue into the D’Ornano Stadium in Caen as the capacity crowd got into the spirit of the occasion, sporting national flags, executing Mexican waves and cheering ecstatically.

Frederic Cottier’s Jumping course provided the perfect finale; it was testing – there were a few refusals – but not at all punishing and horses were jumping well despite the testing conditions of the previous day’s Cross Country.

The top six nations – medallists Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands, plus France, Australia and Ireland – have all secured qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

About the new World Champion
Sandra Auffarth, 27, is steeped in horsemanship, having competed in Jumping to a high level as well as Eventing. Her parents, Karl-Heinz and Barbel Auffarth, breed competition horses at their Stal Auffarth, which has been established for 30 years. Sandra is closely involved with the business and plans to take it over when her parents retire.

She has ridden the 12-year-old Opgun Louvo, a Normandy-bred Selle Francais by Shogoun ll, since he was five. They sprang to prominence at the 2011 FEI European Championships when they won team gold and individual silver and in 2012 they won Olympic team gold and individual bronze. The horse spent part of 2013 on the sidelines, but came back to claim victory at the Aachen CCIO3* this year.

Final Individual Results
1 Sandra Auffarth/Opgun Louvo (GER)* 35.2 + 16.8 + 0 = 52.0
2 Michael Jung/fischerRocana FST (GER)* 40.7 + 11.6 + 0 = 52.3
3 William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning (GBR)* 37.5 + 12.8 + 4 = 54.3
4 Jonelle Price/Classic Moet (NZL) 48.5 + 4.0 + 4 = 56.5
5 Maxime Livio/Qalao des Mers (FRA)* 45.3 + 13.2 + 0 = 58.5
6 Karin Donckers/Fletcha van’t Verahof (BEL)* 42.3 + 13.6 + 4 = 59.9
7 Peter Thomsen/Horseware’s Barney (GER) 46.3 + 14.0 + 0 = 60.3
8 Boyd Martin/Shamwari 4 (USA)* 46.3 + 13.6 + 4 = 63.9
9 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL)* 45.3 + 7.2 + 12 = 64.5
10 Andreas Ostholt/So Is Et (GER) 46.3 + 10.4 + 8 = 64.7
(* denotes team rider)

Team medals

GOLD: Germany 177.9 (Sandra Auffarth/Opgun Louvo, 52.0; Michael Jung fischerRocana FST 52.3; Ingrid Klimke/FRH Escada JS, 73.6; (Dirk Schrade/Hop and Skip, 135.3)

SILVER: Great Britain 198.8 (William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning, 54.3; Zara Phillips/High Kingdom, 68.9; Kristina Cook/De Novo News, 75.6 (Harry Meade/Wild Lone)

BRONZE: Netherlands 246.8 (Elaine Pen/Vira, 72.3; Tim Lips/Keyflow N.O.P., 79.9; Merel Blom/Rumour Has It, 94.6 (Andrew Heffernan/Boleybawn Ace, RET XC)By Kate Green

Kate Green

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy – Eventing Cross Country Germany Still On Course For Gold

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Germany still on course for gold but Britain closes gap

Germany is still on course to win team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, but Great Britain has closed the gap after a thrilling day’s Cross Country during which the huge cheering crowd witnessed some truly outstanding horsemanship.

Britain, the only team to have four clear rounds, has risen from fifth to second place and is within three Jumping fences of the Germans. Australia is now third, France fourth and Netherlands sixth after the dramatic departures of the New Zealand and US teams.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) conjured a brilliant performance from Chilli Morning and now heads the individual Cross Country leader board, on a score of 50.3. But the British camp is in subdued mood because after the sad loss of Wild Lone, the horse ridden by team anchorman Harry Meade into 25th place with 26.4 time penalties, which collapsed and died after the finish.

“Harry is a close friend of mine and it’s hard to celebrate much,” Fox-Pitt said afterwards. “It was the hardest terrain I’ve ridden, because the ground was very soft and the course demanding, but Chilli gave me a lovely ride. There are not many Eventing stallions who would keep trying for you like that and I’m very proud of him.”

Despite the devastating tragedy for Harry Meade, he was determined to state that he felt the Cross Country course played no part in Wild Lone’s death.

“The ground conditions played no part in what happened to Wild Lone,” said an understandably emotional Meade. “He gave me a wonderful ride and felt extremely comfortable. I’m obviously devastated but I want to say that I thought the course was a very good test and I would be very sad if anybody was to draw any incorrect conclusions that the tough, testing nature of the competition in any way contributed towards what happened.”

There were 40 clear rounds and 63 completions from the 87 starters, including many excellent displays of sympathetic horsemanship.

An exciting Jumping phase is in store tomorrow as only 2.2 penalties cover the first five riders on the individual leader board. The Dressage leader Sandra Auffarth (GER) had a superb round on the powerful French-bred chestnut Opgun Louvo. She added 16.8 time penalties compared to Fox-Pitt’s 12.8, and is now in second place just 1.7 penalties adrift on a score of 50.2.

Auffarth’s team mate, defending champion Michael Jung (GER), proved an inspirational pathfinder on the relatively inexperienced nine-year-old fischerRocana FST. Jung is now third on 50.3 and could easily become the first rider to win back-to-back world titles since Bruce Davidson (USA) in 1974-78.

“She did a wonderful job,” said Jung of his gallant mare. “She was very focussed. I gave her a little more time in between fences, but her energy when she saw the fences and lit up was fantastic.”

Ingrid Klimke (GER) incurred 32.4 time penalties on FRH Escada JS and is now in 21st place, while Dirk Schrade is Germany’s discard score after two run-outs on Hop and Skip.

The New Zealand team had a less than happy day, but individual rider Jonelle Price produced the class round of the day, finishing with fastest time to collect just four penalties, rising 22 places to fourth on the neat little thoroughbred Classic Moet.

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), the only remaining member of the Kiwi team, also made Pierre Michelet’s exacting course look easy and produced the second fastest time, for 7.2 penalties. He is now in fifth place on a score of 52.5 on Nereo and is another within touching distance of becoming his country’s fourth world champion, following Blyth Tait (1990 and 1998) and Vaughn Jefferis (1994).

New Zealand’s pathfinder Mark Todd fell when Leonidas ll tripped on landing up the step out of the water at fence 30, which was the most influential obstacle. Then Tim Price on a tiring Wesko was pulled up by stewards near end of the course. Jock Paget, third after Dressage on Clifton Promise, was left to go all out for an individual medal, but pulled up after a run-out at the second corner at fence 5 and plans to re-route to Burghley next weekend.

The USA team was eliminated when their first two riders, Buck Davidson (Ballynoe Castle RM) and Phillip Dutton (Trading Aces), both retired. Their best rider is Boyd Martin, who is in ninth place with Shamwari.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and the stallion Chilli Morning take over the individual lead after a superb Cross Country round which puts Great Britain three fences behind overnight leaders Germany in team Eventing at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (Trevor Holt/FEI)

Badminton winners Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh, 17th, were excellent pathfinders for the Australian team, who are now in bronze position. With the team down to three riders, following the withdrawal of Christopher Burton’s TS Jaimaino due to colic, there was great pressure on Shane Rose (Taurus, 30th) and Paul Tapner (Kilronan, 13th), who both went clear.

The French team is fourth, with their youngest rider, Maxime Livio, the highest-placed in eighth on Qalao des Mers. “I have never ridden with such patriotic support, not just for French riders but for every nation,” he said.

There were many notably determined performances, including that of British pathfinder Zara Phillips, for whom this was by far the biggest test since giving birth to her daughter Mia in January. She survived an alarming moment at the bounce of hedges after the water at fences 17-18 and found herself hanging perilously out of the back of the saddle, but recovered well and is now in 15th place on High Kingdom.

“My horse was definitely in charge,” said the 2006 world champion. “I was just steering and trying to hang on. I was too far off the hedges but he got me out of trouble. I wasn’t nervous because I knew the horse I was on. He was fantastic.”

Sam Watson, 23rd on Horseware Bushman and pathfinder for the sixth-placed Irish team, summed up the day. “You had to combine looking after your horse with remembering it was a world championship and riding for your life. For me, it feels like a great day’s hunting in Ireland when you’ve jumped fences you’d never dreamed of and you’re now in the pub recovering!”

Tomorrow, there will be a final Horse Inspection at Haras du Pin before the horses are driven to Caen for the Jumping phase which starts in the main D’Ornano Stadium at 14.00 CEST. Follow all the action on FEI TV (www.feitv.org) and with live scoring on http://www.normandy2014.com

Individual Results after Cross Country
1 William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning (GBR)* 37.5 + 12.8 = 50.3
2 Sandra Auffarth/Opgun Louvo (GER)* 35.2 + 16.8 = 52.0
3 Michael Jung/fischerRocana FST (GER)* 40.7 + 11.6 = 52.3
4 Jonelle Price/Classic Moet (NZL) 48.5 + 4.0 = 52.5
5 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL)* 45.3 + 7.2 = 52.5
6 Karin Donckers/Fletcha van’t Verahof (BEL)* 42.3 + 13.6 = 55.9
7 Andreas Ostholt (GER) 46.3 + 10.4 = 56.7
8 Maxime Livio/Qalao des Mers (FRA)* 45.3 + 13.2 = 58.5
9 Boyd Martin/Shamwari 4 (USA)* 46.3 + 13.6 = 59.9
10 Peter Thomsen/Horseware’s Barney (GER) 46.3 + 14.0 = 60.3
(* denotes team rider)

Team Results after Cross Country
1 Germany 177.9
2 Great Britain 186.8
3 Australia 226.8
4 France 235.5
5 Netherlands 238.8
6 Ireland 294.3
7 Canada 324.0
8 Brazil 347.7
9 Spain 363.8

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Full results on http://www.normandy2014.com

Kate Green

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy – Para-Equestrian Dressage Individual Freestyle Medals

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Para-Equestrian Dressage in Normandy hits highest notes

The sun shone, the crowds came, and the horses dazzled at La Prairie Racecourse in Caen today, as the Para-Equestrian Dressage riders at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) took to the arena for individual freestyle medals.

The Grade Ia title was won by Italy’s Sara Morganti with Royal Delight. She scored 78.800% to beat the reigning European and Paralympic Champion Sophie Christiansen (GBR) on Janeiro 6, who finished with silver on 77.550%. Germany’s Elke Philipp was overjoyed with her bronze medal with Regaliz on 76.750%.

Morganti said: “This is a dream come true. Royal Delight was beautiful today. She was on the music and did everything she could. I hoped and worked for a medal, and I dreamed of gold.”

Christiansen’s Normandy experience has been poignant, as this was her last ride with her trainer, Clive Milkins (GBR), who has worked with her throughout her incredibly successful career. After a few tears, she said: “I rode the best test I could. It shows how much the standard has gone up since London 2012, which is great for the sport. I’m looking forward to the next two years and digging deep. It’s good that this happens now, instead of at Rio.”

FEI President HRH Princess Haya celebrates freestyle medal day at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) with triple gold medallists Zion and Lee Pearson (GBR), the world’s most successful Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete. (Leanjo de Koster/FEI)

Winners take it all

Great Britain’s Lee Pearson sealed his stunning return to international competition with Zion, claiming his third gold medal of the Games with 80.050%. Austria’s Pepo Puch on Fine Feelings S claimed his second silver at the Games with 78.000% and Nicole Den Dulk of The Netherlands was again delighted with bronze on Wallace with 75.150%.

“It’s been an amazing competition for me,” said Pearson. “I’ve trusted this horse for years and this week he has proven me right. He’s been through a lot over the last five years and I’m over the moon. I don’t think he could have gone any better today.”

Waking up as world champion

There was more joy for The Netherlands in Grade II individual freestyle, when Games first-timer Rixt van der Horst on Uniek sealed her Normandy freestyle gold with 76.350%. “It’s what I’ve dreamed of,” she said. “I tried to relax and enjoy it because I had nothing to lose. Maybe tomorrow I will realise I am double world champion!”

Canada’s Lauren Barwick on Off to Paris took silver with 76.250% and Den Dulk’s team mate Demi Vermeulen claimed bronze with 71.900%.

Unstoppable Netherlands

Sanne Voets, runner up to Germany’s Hannelore Brenner in the individual competition, took the Grade III freestyle title. On Vedet PB, Voets scored 77.450% to Brenner’s 76.200% on Women of the World. Denmark’s Annika Lykke Risum won bronze, watched by her seven month old baby Alexander, on Aros A Fenris with 73.050%.

“It’s amazing,” said Voets. “I can’t believe it yet – this is big! It’s the reward for a lot of hard work. The partnership me and my horse have is very special. He gave it everything and was there for me. We did this together.”

In the Grade IV, Belgium’s Michèle George rode FBW Rainman to an impressive 78.650%, claiming gold over Sophie Wells with Valerius who secured silver on 78.050%, and Netherlands’ Frank Hosmar on Alphaville N.O.P. finishing on bronze with 75.950%.

At the end of a week of surprises, emerging stars and sublime performances in the heart of Normandy, Great Britain topped the medal table again, this time with four gold and four silver medals.

The Para-Equestrian Dressage at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 will be remembered for new faces, who are now challenging the champions. The clear winner overall however is undoubtedly the sport itself, which has bathed in the limelight in Normandy.

Rob Howell

Para-Equestrian Dressage: Lee Pearson Successfully Defends World Individual Grade 1b In Normandy

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Lee Pearson successfully defends world individual Grade Ib in Normandy

Four years of waiting for another individual gold medal to add to his already record-breaking tally came to an end for an emotional Lee Pearson (GBR), who took the Grade Ib individual title at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) today.

Pearson has won 32 Paralympic, world and European titles in his career so far, but his last individual gold was four years ago at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky. At London 2012 he took silver and bronze in the individual tests, something of a shock result at the time, and gold in the team competition, and then missed the cut for selection for the British team at last year’s European Championships.

Pearson, riding Zion, scored 77.310% ahead of his London 2012 rival and freestyle gold medallist Pepo Puch of Austria. Riding Fine Feeling S, Puch scored 74.793% to take silver, while the bronze went to Nicole Den Dulk of The Netherlands, riding Wallace to score 71.621%.

End of a tough journey

Clearly moved by his victory, Pearson said: “I just love that horse. He gives me everything. He was still a bit aware of his surroundings within the arena, which is quite novel because normally he’s totally focussed on me, but he stayed really relaxed.

“It’s been a tough journey, what with London and not getting selected for the Europeans and a tough five years personally as well. It’s also been tough with this horse. A lot of people didn’t have faith in him, but I always have from day one. We’ve had our problems – he broke my back in four places – but I adore riding him. I ride him outdoors on my own and we’re just two naughty beans that have fun together. We make the perfect pair.

“I don’t love too many horses, they are all treated equally in my yard, but I do love him and we have proved quite a few people wrong and it means a lot.”

London 2012 individual bronze medallist, and current European champion Puch said of his silver: “At the beginning I was quite afraid about my score. I had to wait and wait as I rode at the beginning, so I had the whole day waiting but I’m really happy with the silver. I was sitting and watching my colleagues and watching the Austrian rider in the Dressage arena. That’s the good thing about these Games, we have a lot of disciplines taking place.”

Puch had competed at previous Games as an able bodied rider before an accident caused his disability. He added: “I know them all and this is my third discipline at a World Equestrian Games.”

Great Britain’s Lee Pearson (centre) celebrates clinching the Grade Ib individual title at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 with Austria’s Pepo Puch taking silver and The Netherlands’ Nicole Den Dulk scoring bronze. (Jon Stroud/FEI)

First medal

In taking the bronze, The Netherlands’ Den Dulk won her first major international medal and had a smile that looked as if she had won gold. “I have no words,” she said. “This was out of this world. I have so much emotion. My whole goal was just to come high enough to ride in the freestyle and now I am standing here with a medal. It’s unbelievable. Pepo is my ultimate hero in Para-Equestrian Dressage and I have just been beside him on the stage.”

Close call in Grade III

Earlier in the day, Germany’s Hannelore Brenner had claimed the first gold medal of the Para-Equestrian Dressage competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014.

Brenner, riding Women of the World, successfully defended her 2010 world individual title against Sanne Voets of The Netherlands, and Susanne Jensby Sunesen of Denmark.

The double London 2012 gold medallist scored 73.610% to Voets’ 73.146%, riding Vedet PB. Sunesen, on Thy’s Que Faire, scored 71.976%.

After receiving her medal, Brenner said: “I am really happy. The ride was wonderful and I am so happy that it was enough for the first place. You don’t know till the end of the competition and I didn’t stay to watch as I don’t have the nerves for that, but I looked at the live score when Sanne was riding. I think it took a year off my life!

“It could be the last time with my horse because she is 19 years old so I am very emotional, more than the other years.”

The first and second place results in the Grade III echo those of last year’s European Championships. Voets reflected on that and said: “Last year in Herning I won the same medal in the same test and the difference between me and Hannelore was quite big, but now we are getting closer every time. It’s going to be exciting in the freestyle.” Voets won the freestyle competition at the Europeans, with Brenner taking the silver.

Sunesen’s bronze is her first major international medal, having come fifth at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. “It is wonderful,” she said. “I nearly cried when I got to the podium and I am just so happy. It means a lot to break through.”

Tomorrow sees the final individual tests decided as Grades Ia, II and IV riders take to the arena. Crucially tomorrow, the team competition will also be decided with the top three teams earning the first places at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Rob Howell