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Jenni Autry

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About Jenni Autry

Originally from San Diego, Jenni discovered eventing thanks to the Bedford Hunt Pony Club in Virginia. After working in both newspapers and magazines, she joined the EN team in 2012. She travels extensively covering the U.S. Eventing Team and has reported at the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, Luhmühlen and Pau. As for her favorite event, it’s a toss-up between Aachen and Boekelo. When she isn’t on the road, she’s busy competing her heart horse, Imperial Striker, better known as Derry.

Latest Articles Written

Canadians Arrive Safely Across the Pond, Team USA En Route

By Jenni Autry on Aug 15, 2014 9:00 am -

Team Canada landed across the pond and is heading to Maizey Manor. Photo via Phoenix Equestrian Team Facebook page.

The first part of the North American contingent has arrived safely in Europe, as the Canadian horses and riders landed in groups in Amsterdam and London earlier this morning. Now the horses head to Maizey Manor in Wiltshire, England, to meet up with coach Clayton Fredericks and team chef d’equipe Jacky Green.

Selena O’Hanlon, Hawley Bennett-Awad and Max Corcoran, Canadian team stable manager. Photo via Hawley’s Instagram.

Meanwhile the Team USA horses left the USET training facility in Gladstone, N.J., at 4 a.m. EST this morning and are waiting to take off at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Lindsey Taylor, Boyd Martin’s groom and barn manager, sent us an update while waiting for the flight to take off:

Emma Ford, Lindsey Taylor, Dr. Susan Johns and Richard Picken. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Taylor.

“The first leg of our journey to France has begun! At 4 a.m. this morning, we departed from training camp at Gladstone headed for JFK airport. The team flying with the horses includes myself, Emma (Phillip Dutton’s groom), Dr. Susan Johns (team veterinarian), and Richard Picken (professional flying groom),” Lindsey said.

“We are scheduled to depart with the eight squad horses and alternates at 10 a.m. EST today, and will land in Liege, Belgium, where we will meet up with the other grooms. We will ship to Chantilly late tonight, where we will be based in France until we head to the WEG venue in Normandy.

“All of the horses are doing very well; they have all flown before, so the trip should go very smoothly for them. We will keep you posted on our travel and training as the trip progresses.”

The first part of Team USA loads up to head to the airport last night. Photo via USEF Eventing High Performance Facebook page.

The grooms who aren’t flying over with the horses left for France last night, and I’m sure they’ll be waiting impatiently in Belgium for the horses to arrive at the airport before hauling to France.

4am and the horses have left Gladstone headed to Normandy!! pic.twitter.com/Oyv2QecTWh — sinead halpin (@sinead_c_Halpin) August 15, 2014

We’ll continue to keep you updated on our North American contingent as the Canadians head to Maizey Manor and the Americans head to Fursan Equestrian Center in Chantilly, France. Go WEG!

Mighty Nice OK After Mild Colic Episode at U.S. Training Camp

By Jenni Autry on Aug 14, 2014 6:28 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton posted on his Facebook page this afternoon that Bruce Duchossois’ Mighty Nice is resting comfortably after a mild colic episode last night, on the second day of U.S. training camp at the USET training facility in Gladstone, N.J. An alternate for the U.S. World Equestrian Games squad, “Happy” was supposed to fly tomorrow to France for training camp in Chantilly with the rest of the squad horses.

“As of right now, our team vets have tentatively cleared him to still go to France as an alternate for the U.S. WEG squad and stick to his ultimate plan of competing at Burghley,” Phillip wrote on his Facebook page. “We will continue to monitor him very closely in the next few days. If the vets feel that it is safe for him to travel, he will go to France on Tuesday.”

We’re relieved to hear that this was just a mild colic episode and Happy pulled through OK. It’s wonderful that our team vets were already on site for training camp and were able to treat Happy, along with Dr. Rachel Gardner of B.W. Furlong & Associates. We will continue to keep you updated on Happy’s condition. Go Happy.

Rescued Thoroughbred ‘Jack’ Moves Up to Prelim

By Jenni Autry on Aug 14, 2014 2:00 pm -

Remember Jack and Jill? When 52 Thoroughbreds founds themselves needing new homes back in 2011 after their elderly owner died, friend of EN Jackie Smith took two as eventing prospects. She’s tracked their progress ever since via her blog, and Jackie sent us her son Kyle’s helmet cam from Fair Hill this past weekend, when Jack, also known as Colinwood Super, successfully moved up to Prelim.

“There was a time this spring when Kyle almost gave up on Jack as an event horse because he was telling Kyle in Aiken this spring that he just wasn’t comfortable going cross country anymore,” Jackie said. “Well, what he was really telling Kyle is that even in the sandy footing of Aiken, he wanted the security of some serious studs to run and jump cross country.

“After that discovery, they got their mojo back and have made a successful move up to Prelim, with Fair Hill being his fourth cross country with no jumping penalties. Who would have thought that scraggly, cautious, coming 3-year-old who stepped off the trailer on that snowy January day would have turned into a Prelim horse just 3 1/2 years later?

“I may have picked him out of the herd, but Kyle has put all the time and training into this guy, who wasn’t always sure he wanted to be an event horse. I couldn’t be more proud of them.” Kyle and Jack finished seventh in the Open Preliminary C division at Fair Hill, scoring 44.4 in dressage, pulling two rails in show jumping and going clear on cross country with 3.6 time penalties for a final score of 56. Go Jack!

Marilyn Little Welcomes RF Scandalous Into Her Barn

By Jenni Autry on Aug 14, 2014 11:00 am -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little has welcomed RF Scandalous, a 9-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Raylyn Farms and Phoebe and Michael Manders, into her barn as her newest upper-level prospect. Previously campaigned in Germany by amateur rider Vivien Reddig in eventing, dressage and show jumping, Marilyn found the mare on a shopping trip to Europe in May.

“She comes from an amateur rider who competed her to the one-star level but didn’t particularly love jumping because she said it makes her nervous, but she’s a very good rider on the flat who gave Scandalous a wonderful base,” Marilyn said. “So many times when you start a partnership with a horse, you have to figure out the former rider’s habits — if they are stiffer to one direction because the rider is. That’s not the case because her rider was so talented.”

Named Cayanoa before Marilyn changed her name to RF Scandalous, the mare is by Carry Gold out of Richardia by Lario, bred by Horst Bührmann in Germany. She has a nice blend of dressage and jumper bloodlines, and Marilyn said she has had other Carry Gold offspring and really loves the breeding.

“She’s in a place where she’s ready to go and become an upper-level horse,” Marilyn said. “It’s an exciting time because of her age; she’s very mature and can move along quickly. The things that make her a little nervous are my strengths, and she’s giving me a huge amount of confidence in the dressage ring. I can actually practice a four-star test on her. She helps me work some things out in the dressage, and I have another horse to practice on in addition to (RF Demeter).”

The mare has Preliminary level qualifications from Germany, where she completed more than 25 events, and Marilyn is working with Shealagh Costello, USEF director of eventing national programs, to try to bring those qualifications to the U.S. In the meantime, Scandalous has competed twice in the U.S. since clearing quarantine on June 25, winning Training at Olney Farm earlier this month on 28.1 and Preliminary at Fair Hill on 26 last weekend.

“She got out of quarantine the week before Great Meadow, so I took her for a little spin on the cross-country course and through the water,” Marilyn said. “Then she went to Olney and was great there — solid cross country, a little nervous in show jumping and in the box, but a real soldier in dressage.

“We went home after that and did some things I thought would help her. At Fair Hill, she was great again on the flat and much more confident cross country. There’s no perfect horse, but she gives you that feeling that she should be. She really reads the jumps so well and is very intelligent.”

If Marilyn can transfer the qualifications she needs, she plans to aim Scandalous at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* this fall, with the ultimate goal being to go for a spot on the U.S. Pan American Games team for next year. “Based on the feeling I have after these last two events, I feel she’s ready to move on up the levels,” Marilyn said.

A striking mare, Scandalous is a bit unique in that she is missing part of her left ear, which Marilyn said she forgot to tell new owner Phoebe Manders when she came to see the mare in quarantine. “She saw the right side of her face and then saw the other side and was shocked,” Marilyn said.

And as for a barn name, Marilyn settled on “Kitty,” as the mare is graceful, independent and opinionated like a cat. “They couldn’t flex her behind when we vetted her because she was a bit temperamental about it,” Marilyn said. “We also couldn’t touch her head at first. Now we can get a bridle and bonnet on her without an issue. She’s warming up to us now; she’s definitely a character.”

We wish all the best to Marilyn and Kitty as they build a partnership together and work toward competing at Fair Hill this fall. Be sure to watch the video of Marilyn trying the mare in Germany above, as well as the video of their dressage test at Olney on Aug. 2, which scored 28.1. Go Kitty!

Burghley Unveils Capt. Mark Phillips’ Cross-Country Course

By Jenni Autry on Aug 14, 2014 9:30 am -

Fence 17 and 18a — Maltings Bounce

Burghley has unveiled Capt. Mark Phillips’ 2014 cross-country course with an excellent preview video and tour around the track. Mark, who enters his 22nd year of designing the course, introduced an all-new track last year, changing the direction in which horses and riders run around the grounds, and he kept that same new route this year, though all the combinations are different.

With 32 fences and 45 jumping efforts in all, the course begins with the traditional Olympic Horse Shoe at fence 1. Fence 2 is Lambert’s Sofa, just a short run from the horse shoe to settle the riders’ nerves and help the horses get into a rhythm. Fence 3, the Chinese House, is the last of the easy fences before horses enter the main arena to tackle the Lord Burghley Hurdles at fence 4, the first combination on course.

This year, Mark placed the hurdles in an S-shape, so riders will slalom through the three hurdles, which will be filled with water and surrounded by flowers on the actual cr0ss-country day. Then it’s on to Discovery Valley at fence 5, where riders will have to push the pedal down to get enough impulsion after the ditch at A to make it up the hill to the brush at B, with five strides to a triple brush at C.

Fence 6 is the Elephant Trap, which is a bit of a let-up for horses at this level, Mark said, giving the horses a breather and the chance for the heart rate to steady before moving on to some of the more difficult combinations in the first part of the course. This fence is also set with frangible pins.

The planet fence, which was used on Sue Benson’s course at the 2012 London Olympic and served as fence 5c in Discovery Valley at last year’s Burghley, has now been moved to the Classics Leaf Pit at fence 7. The half moon makes up the B element, with a visually impressive sun owl hole at fence 8.

Riders then head back through Discovery Valley for fence 9, going over the narrow bonnet of the brush to A, then three strides down to the ditch, with a bending three strides to a corner at C, which will likely see glance offs, as the door is wide open to the left, Mark said.

Then it’s on to Herbert’s Hollow at fence 10, where the undulating ground makes for an unbalanced approach for horses. Fence 11 at Herbert’s Hedge is set at 4’9″, making it one of the biggest fences on course, and the 4-minute marker sits just beyond it. Mark expects riders to be about 15 to 20 seconds down on the clock at this point, as it’s impossible to be quick through Discovery Valley both ways, he said.

The V-Rails at fence 12 is one of the new fences on course this year, replacing an oxer that had been used for the past few years. Mark said it will be a rider frightener, being an airy fence set over water. The Land Rover Trout Hatchery comes at fence 13 and 14, with a hedge set in the water and four strides out to the log back in, which has a 6-foot drop on the back. The out at C is a narrow edge and poses a risk for a glance off, Mark said.

Fence 15, The Captain’s Log, comes late in the fifth minute of the course, and it’s the final let-up fence before the most technical section of the track, which begins with the big Maltings Oxer at fence 16. Then riders go on to the Maltings Bounce and Corner at fence 17 and 18, which is the first time a bounce has been seen on the course in at least 10 years, Mark said. It’s an uphill bounce and the most difficult combination on course so far, as a corner set at a 90-degree angle follows at 18b, which looks very tempting for a glance off to the left.

Fence 19ab is the Rolex Combination, with the B element as a corner brush instead of a hedge this year, which creates a glance-off risk to the right. Fence 20ab, the Land Rover Dairy Farm, is more straightforward this year, and Mark said he thinks riders will benefit from ignoring the option here, which goes down a set of steps, and committing to the direct route.

There’s a long gallop after the Land Rover Dairy Farm, giving riders the chance to make up time before coming to fence 21, the Huntsmans Lodge, which is then followed by Cottesmore Leap at fence 22, the biggest fence on course and the traditional Burghley fence. With a three-meter base and the back hedge stretching to 4’9″, riders are always glad to get it behind them, Mark said.

Fence 23 is Winner’s Avenue, set in the fastest section of the course, where horses will reach speeds of up to 700 and 800 meters per minute, making up time with the finish line it sight. Fence 24, the Pardubice, has been on the course for the last few years and is the final let-up fence before the last questions on course.

Fence 25 at Capability’s Cutting is two inches higher this year, and riders will then tackle a steep drop to fence 26, where they have a choice of going left or right over airy oxers. The fence on the left is wider, though Mark said which way riders go will largely depend on how they land off of fence 25.

Fence 27 is Stamford Station, a white parallel named after the local town of Stamford about a mile from the venue. Fence 28ab is the Anniversary Splash, a jump in over a hedge with about a 2-meter drop into the water, then an owl hole out at B on the island, which was also in this same spot last year and jumped well, Mark said.

The Lincolnshire Goose comes at fence 28 and has caught out tired horses in the past; there’s an option with a brush nest here for riders who’d prefer not to take the course. The Lions Bridge Marina is at fence 30ab, where horses and riders will tackle two boats in the water with the Burghley House creating a lovely backdrop.

Fence 31, the Flower Frame, is the penultimate fence on course, and then riders come to the end at fence 32, the Land Rover finale.

“It’s big, it’s Burghley, but I think it’s fair,” Mark said. “Riders will have to take their brains with them and think about how they will strategize the course and how they’re going to be at what time, because it’s not a walk in the park. You can’t go out and just gallop about. Certainly whoever wins it and wins all that Land Rover prize money will be a worthy winner.”

The course is set at 6,500 meters with an optimum time off 11 minutes, 24 seconds. Click here to watch the full preview video with Capt. Mark Phillips, and stay tuned for much more as we count down the weeks to Burghley.

Burghley Links: [Website] [Course Preview Video]

: Fence 1

: Fence 2 — Lambert’s Sofa

: Fence 4abc — Lord Burghley Hurdles

: Fence 5abc — Discovery Valley

: Fence 5c — Discovery Valley

: Fence 6 — Elephant Trap

: Fence 7a — Leaf Pit

: Fence 7b — Leaf Pit

: Fence 8 — Leaf Pit

: Fence 9a — Discovery Valley

: Fence 9bc — Discovery Valley

: Fence 10 — Herbert’s Hollow

: Fence 11 — Hebert’s Hedge

: Fence 12 — V Rails

: Fence 13 — Land Rover Trout Hatchery

: Fence 14abc — Land Rover Trout Hatchery

: Fence 15 — The Captain’s Log

: Fence 16 — Maltings Oxer

: Fence 17 and 18a — Maltings Bounce

: Fence 18b — Maltings Corner

: Fence 19ab — Rolex Combination

: Fence 20a — Land Rover Dairy Farm

: Fence 20b — Land Rover Dairy Farm

: Fence 21 — Huntsman’s Lodge

: Fence 22 — Cottesmore Leap

: Fence 23 — Winner’s Avenue

: Fence 24 — Pardubice

: Fence 25 — Capability’s Cutting

: Fence 26 — Capability’s Cutting

: Fence 27 — Stamford Station

: Fence 28a — Anniversary Splash

: Fence 28b — Anniversary Splash

: Fence 29 — Lincolnshire Goose

: Fence 30ab — Lion Bridge Marina

: Fence 31 — Flower Frame

: Fence 32 — Land Rover Finale

Wednesday Video from KPP: More Hunt Chase Insanity

By Jenni Autry on Aug 13, 2014 6:00 pm -

We can’t resist posting another video of the hunt chase insanity at the Dublin Horse Show this past weekend. We posted the final race between the Kildares and Wards Unions earlier this week. Now watch how the Kildares toppled the Killinicks in the opening round Sunday night on their way to clinching victory in the final.

The chase starts with the Killinicks taking an early lead after the first horse for the Kildares misses the sixth fence. But then the second horse for the Killinicks is so excited to go that the rider can’t get close enough to hand off the baton, allowing the Kildares to narrow the gap. When the fourth Killinick horse stops at the rolltop on the mound and blows by the final brush, the Kildares gallop on to victory.

Tally ho!

Pavarotti Named as Replacement to Canadian WEG Squad

By Jenni Autry on Aug 13, 2014 12:00 pm -

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Pavarotti has been called up as a replacement to the Canadian World Equestrian Games squad after A Little Romance suffered an injury in her final gallop prior to shipping out to France, Equine Canada announced today.

“This past Friday, A Little Romance was completing her last gallop prior to leaving for the WEG when she pulled a shoe causing her foot to abscess,” Jessica Phoenix said in a statement. “Don and Anita Leschied and I feel it’s in A Little Romance’s best interest to withdraw her from the WEG as she heals from this injury.

“We want to thank Equine Canada for their diligence, assistance and support in handling this situation and for giving A Little Romance the opportunity to represent Canada. This horse has an amazing future ahead of her and we are excited to see her back in competition in the near future.”

We’re disappointed for all of Blue’s connections, as we know how excited they were to watch her compete in Normandy. Congrats to Pavarotti’s owner Don Good on the call up to the squad.

Team Canada is now Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott, Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice, Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High, and Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Read all about them in our WEG guide here.

[Canadian Eventing Team Announces Substitution for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Game 2014]

Who Jumped It Best? GMHA Festival Edition

By Jenni Autry on Aug 13, 2014 10:30 am -

Brittany Barrett and Brave Indy. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? GMHA Edition! We usually post photos from the upper levels for these polls, but this week we thought it would be fun to showcase some of the competitors in the Training Rider division at GMHA. Check out these six horses and riders courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto and then vote in the poll below for who you think jumped it best. Go Eventing! [GMHA Scores]

Kim Dwight and Pocket Change. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Lila Gendal and Theatre Royal. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Alicia McKersie and Noah. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

John Roach and Royal View. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Cindy Welch and Just Jack. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Team USA in the Final Countdown to Normandy

By Jenni Autry on Aug 13, 2014 9:00 am -

Team BDJ gets in the spirit! Photo submitted by Helene Gallagher.

Team USA has officially entered the final countdown leading up to the World Equestrian Games, as the horses shipped to the USET training facility in Gladstone, N.J., yesterday for training camp, which will be held today and tomorrow, before flying to France on Friday.

The team will have lessons with coach David O’Connor today, followed by vet evaluations and any last minute treatments needed to get the horses feeling their best for Normandy. Team show jumping coach Silvio Mazzoni will also be on site for jump schools with the riders during training camp.

The great migration to France officially begins tomorrow when some of the grooms fly over, with the remaining grooms and Dr. Susan Johns, one of the U.S. team vets, going over with the horses on Friday. All the team riders will be flying over this weekend, with the whole crew meeting up at Fursan Equestrian Center in Chantilly for the remainder of training camp starting Monday.

After an intensive week of lessons and final preparations in Chantilly, the horses will ship to Le Pin National Stud on Monday, Aug. 25, to get settled in for the Games. The first horse inspection is on Wednesday, Aug. 27, two weeks from today. Are you getting excited yet?

Teams like Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland have all called up riders off their alternate lists due to minor injuries and lameness issues, but so far — knock on wood — all the U.S. horses have stayed sound and healthy.

That’s due in large part to the more protective approach David has taken with the horses in the lead up to Normandy, first team alternate Marilyn Little said this morning during a chat on her drive up to Gladstone for training camp.

“He went the protective road and chose to prepare the horses in a nurturing way,” Marilyn said. “If you look at Great Meadow, it was more like an Intermediate track. Before that, some of the horses ran at Jersey, and some didn’t. In contrast, the Germans pelted their horses at Aachen, and threw them against a wall to see what sticks before naming their team.

“Many of the British and Kiwi horses went out at Hartpury this past weekend and were really going for it even through that ground was hard. That is just the way they do it there, and they do that to keep the pressure on.”

We’ll know soon enough if the more conservative approach to preparing for the Games works to Team USA’s advantage. Definite entries will be named tomorrow, and Marilyn said if there are any last minute changes made to the squad, she and RF Demeter are ready if needed.

“I’m blessed that Demi is in such good form and I can prepare her for Normandy, and if that doesn’t work out, she can stay at that level for another week until Burghley,” Marilyn said. “It’s a timing thing — you want them to peak at exactly the right moment.”

Best of luck to Team USA in training camp this week, and we wish all the humans and equines safe flights as they start flying out tomorrow. Keep it locked on EN for all the Team USA news as we count down the days to Normandy. Go Eventing.

Katie Frei Given Yellow Card on Behalf of Her Hell-Raising Mini

By Jenni Autry on Aug 12, 2014 1:30 pm -

Katie Frei, Houdini and Spartacus at Rebecca Farm. Photo courtesy of Katie Frei.

Katie Frei received a very peculiar FEI yellow card at Rebecca Farm for “incorrect behavior/endangering other competitors,” but that doesn’t tell the whole story. You’ll notice there’s no division or horse name listed with the yellow card violation on the FEI’s website. That’s because the horse in question doesn’t have an FEI passport, and he didn’t compete at Rebecca. In fact, he’s too small to be ridden.

The culprit is Spartacus, a Miniature Horse and traveling companion to Katie’s neurotic upper-level OTTB Houdini, who competed in the CIC3* at Rebecca last month. Houdini and Spartacus, owned by Katie’s husband, Sven, became fast friends last year, and Katie found that with Spartacus at his side, nervous Houdini became a totally different horse.

“This mini has been a godsend for Houdini,” Katie said. “He has enjoyed a pretty successful career thus far, but it hasn’t been without a struggle. The traveling and competing takes a huge toll on him physically because he’s so wound up. He was always underweight and battling ulcers. Since he and Spartacus got together, he’s gained at least 100 pounds.”

Since Houdini typically goes off his feed at competitions, Katie didn’t think twice about bringing Spartacus to Montana, as she’s brought him to many venues previously without any problems. “We were basically traveling for two weeks; that was too long of a time for Houdini to go without eating, and with Spartacus there, he ate every meal,” Katie said.

But when Spartacus got loose for about 15 minutes on Thursday morning at Rebecca, spooking a horse in the process, event officials called a meeting after the first horse inspection, ultimately giving Katie a yellow card for “incorrect behavior/endangering other competitors.”

Allegations were made that Spartacus had been loose the night before the incident after officials saw this photo on Katie’s Facebook page — you can see the horse is actually on a pink lead rope — but they were more upset that she had not received approval from the organizers to bring Spartacus to Rebecca.

“I regret not doing my due diligence, and, for that, I should have some type of punishment,” Katie said. “I am starting the Eventers Bad Girl Club, since I just can’t seem to stay out of trouble.” This is Katie’s second yellow card this year, as she also received one at Red Hills CIC3* in March for “abuse of horse/excessive use of bit.”

“After a refusal, Houdini bolted — straight towards the ground jury actually — and I pulled up hard,” Katie said. “He began to back up, and they constituted that as horse abuse. I’m not saying I was in the right there either and did not deserve a warning of some type.”

Mary King’s two-month suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the same 12-month period caused an uproar earlier this summer, and while Katie has also received two yellow cards this year, she won’t receive a suspension, as they were given for two different offenses.

Katie said she apologized profusely to the organizers and officials, and she decked Spartacus out in pink and campaigned for Halt Cancer at X donations on her Facebook page in an effort to smooth things over. The incident won’t deter her from hitting the road again with Spartacus, Katie said, though she’ll be sure to secure the proper clearance in the future.

“Before Spartacus, Houdini hadn’t been able to be turned out for more than a few hours at a time because he would run and run,” Katie said. “Now he can live normally because with his little buddy, he’s totally calm. I definitely think that Houdini is one of the more high maintenance four-star horses out there, but he’s my only four-star horse, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he is happy and healthy. From now on, I will go through the right processes to ensure he can travel with his beloved mini.”

EN has long lamented the need for an overhaul of the FEI’s yellow card system — here’s one of John’s more famous rants on the subject — and ~~Spartacus’~~ Katie’s yellow card at Rebecca serves as an excellent case study for why reform is needed. Should FEI officials be able to award yellow cards for an incident related to a horse that is not even competing? Would they have awarded a yellow card if it had been Houdini who got loose?

And then there’s the issue of woefully inadequate, short descriptions of why a yellow card is given. In Katie’s case, “incorrect behavior/endangering other competitors” could lead people looking at the yellow card list — which is publicly available on the FEI’s website — to jump to a wide range of assumptions.

Did she mow down competitors in warmup? Push someone into the water jump on a course walk? Set fire to a barn aisle? Without enough information to get a clear picture of why a yellow card is given, people reading these reports will jump to conclusions, which only creates confusion.

What do you think, EN? Should Katie have received a yellow card for Spartacus’ antics? Should the FEI list more information about a violation once a yellow card is given? Will you be able to sleep tonight for fear that a hell-raising Miniature Horse will haunt your dreams?

Weigh in with a comment below. Thank you to Katie for helping us shed some light on this bizarre yellow card, and if you want to join the Eventers Bad Girl Club, please shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s currently seeking new recruits.

Update: 6 p.m. EST: We’ve just been informed that little Spartacus is a stallion. It seems like campaigning for testicular cancer research a la our good friends Balls of Steel would have been a more appropriate way to apologize to officials. What do you think, EN? Does that change your opinion on whether or not a yellow card was appropriate? Or are you still #TeamSpartacus?

Laine Ashker: Savoring the Sweet Taste of Victory

By Jenni Autry on Aug 12, 2014 9:30 am -

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch have had a busy month, winning the big Advanced division at Millbrook Horse Trials for a second year in a row in preparation for defending their Adequan USEA Gold Cup title at the American Eventing Championships next month. In her latest guest blog, Lainey checks in to give us a play-by-play of the big win at Millbrook.

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.

From Laine:

If someone told me last year that in the late summer of 2014 I would find myself winning a bareback puissance (without a shirt to boot), reclaiming the victory at Millbrook for the second year in a row and trying my hand at FEI dressage all within three weeks, I would look at them bewildered accompanied with a slightly confused chuckle and carry on.

Truth be told, the last three weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement filled with tireless hours of travel, frequent pit stops to Wawa and abundant greetings from strangers acknowledging my shirtless bareback win in front of a crowd of 5,000 (not to mention the many pics of evidence that circled around various portals of online social media). Oh yes, to say it’s been an “eventful” three weeks is quite the understatement.

As you may know, my plans for Al this year changed when Rolex didn’t pan out for us due to an untimely abscess. With my new goal for Al pointing us to the AECs, I chose to bring him up to Millbrook Horse Trials to once again tackle Tremaine Cooper’s lofty Advanced track, which I feel is always a great prep for the tough fall events. After two days worth of lessons from my long-time coach and friend, Buck Davidson, the team headed north to the beautiful state of New York.

Similar to last year, the Advanced class was a large one, filled with many of our U.S. WEG team members and amazingly talented horseflesh. What made this year even more difficult is that Millbrook opted to use the tougher of the two Advanced tests that has four flying changes instead of two.

Being that the last time Al had performed an Advanced level dressage test was in early April at the Fork, my goal was to simply ride every movement in the test with as much accuracy and brilliance, even if I had to forsake a few points for making a mistake.

You see, Al has always been a horse to place in the top after dressage at the horse trials because he moves well and, above all, paints a very relaxed picture. However, boring tests aren’t winning tests on the world scale. I can truly grasp that statement as I gain more experience in the sport, and I am constantly learning how far to push Al or when to scale back in the warm up.

Additionally, being that I am constantly practicing two, three and four tempi changes with my dressage horse, Santiago del Escarvido, I have been able shake the nerves and anxiety I sometimes foster when thinking of the Advanced test with four changes. Simplicity is always key, my friends.

I told you before my goal was to enter that sandbox pushing all the buttons I have trained into my horse of over 11 years, and, despite one mistake from asking Al for too much in the extended trot where he broke to a canter for a few strides, I can confidently say that I came, I saw and I CONQUERED those damn flying changes, and I couldn’t have been happier with Al’s performance, which left us sitting in second place (tied with my coach, of course) going into the cross country.

The course at Millbrook was what I expected: technical yet gallopy. I was very happy to see the slide taken off the Advanced course, which was replaced with a kinder, downhill slope on the approach to the last two jumps. I left the start box with one goal in mind: to have a safe, clear round.

Although it took me to about fence seven to really feel “settled in,” Al was on his A-game and gave me the boost I needed to confidently pilot him home to a clear and, to my surprise, the second fastest round in the class, moving us into the overnight lead with Phillip Dutton hot at my heels and less than two points separating first through fifth. GULP!

Once again on Sunday afternoon, Al and I slowly made our way to the warm-up ring to tackle the really big and super intimidating show jumping course. As the warm up ring slowly began to empty out, soon it was only Phil, Buck and I left bustling about. As soon as Buck jumped his round aboard Copper Beech, he scurried over to me to give me a few last-minute reminders, which was quickly interrupted by the roar of the crowd, as Phillip had just posted a double-clear round.

The best advice Buck has ever given to me going into a pressure-cooking situation such as the one I was faced with was to BREATHE. With that in mind, Al and I cantered into the ring. Breathe. Did a little rein back to make sure Al’s attention was on me. Breathe. Picked up the canter and set our focus on the first jump. Breathe.

When we jumped the last jump and the announcer loudly reported, “CLEAR,” I suddenly remembered to BREATHE again! I felt a huge sense of relief and even greater sense of gratitude to be sitting on the horse that I am, who highlights my strengths as a rider yet is so forgiving of my shortcomings.

What an honor it was for me to lead a victory gallop with people who I have idolized since I was a little girl and whom I still look up to still in this sport, with my adoring mother and amazing groom Lauren Sherrill there to share the sweet taste of victory.

The road to the AECs is still a long one, but with the recent win under my belt, I have added a little swagger to my step. The next stop for Al is Five Points Horse Trials in Southern Pines, N.C., where we will have one more Advanced prep before the big show, and I will have (hopefully) dusted off the rust and nerves that left me feeling a little uneasy at times at Millbrook. Until then folks, saddle up, kick on and go for the gold! We’ve got a kick butt U.S. WEG team to cheer on!

Scientists Talk Preserving Equine Welfare at WEG

By Jenni Autry on Aug 11, 2014 4:00 pm -

An aerial view of the cross-country course at Le Pin National Stud. Photo courtesy of the FEI.

With the World Equestrian Games just two weeks away — the Team USA horses ship out for France on Friday! — the 10th annual conference of the International Society for Equitation Science this past weekend focused heavily on the topic of how to preserve horse welfare at major events.

Equitation science studies the welfare of horses in training and competition, and while the world’s leading researchers on equitation science had plenty of criticism to dole out about horses competing at the highest levels of equestrian sports, they also had many positive things to say.

Christa Lesté-Lasserre attended the conference in Denmark and posted comments made about WEG from leading equitation science researchers over on The Horse. Dr. Andrew McLean of the Australian Equine Behavior Center made the following comments:

“There is a great possibility that we could be doing these high-level competitions so much better, so that they wouldn’t be such an invasion of the animals’ welfare. But I’m quite happy that things are slowly going in a better direction. Valegro (ridden by British dressage competitor Charlotte Dujardin) is a good example of that.

“Most of the elite level dressage horses we’ll see at WEG this year aren’t exhibiting anywhere near enough self-carriage—which was much more prominent 30 years ago. I really hope the world follows the lead of Carl Hester and Dujardin in bringing self-carriage back, and I’m very glad the judges are rewarding it in dressage tests.

“Even so, horses are remarkably adaptable. Habituation ability is the one thing that we’ve selectively bred for, more than anything. So horses are pretty capable of habituating to the various environments and conditions we put them in, including these high-level events.”

Click over to The Horse for many more comments on WEG and horse welfare from the world’s leading equitation science researchers. How do you think we can better preserve equine welfare at the highest levels of equestrian sport? Weigh in with a comment below.

[WEG and Welfare: Are They Compatible? Science Says Yes!]

Have the Stars Aligned for Buck Davidson?

By Jenni Autry on Aug 11, 2014 12:30 pm -

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower at GMHA. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

When Denny Emerson gives a shout out to Buck Davidson via Facebook and an EN reader emails us also singing his praises all on the same morning, we post it here for you to see.

With the Team USA horses shipping out to France on Friday, Buck is in his final days of preparation for this year’s World Equestrian Games with Ballynoe Castle RM, looking for redemption after the 2010 WEG in Kentucky didn’t quite go their way.

Here’s what Denny had to say on his Facebook page after watching Buck compete seven horses at GMHA Horse Trials — something he does seemingly every weekend:

“The phrase, ‘At the height of his powers’ — this can be used about those elite in sports, music, theater, politics, many endeavors, who are at the very top of their game.

“Buck Davidson, I think, is there right now. All the stars are aligned, his age, his skills, his supply of super horses, his drive.

“I watched him jump dozens of fences in the GMHA warmup ring yesterday, every one a perfect clone of the others. And weekend after weekend, the same, the same.

“We’ve seen this in other riders, over the decades, Steinkraus, Chapot, Kusner, Matz, Plumb, Bruce Davidson, Mark Todd, Blyth Tait.

“In other sports, Pele, Woods, Bird, Mantle, Phelps, Killy.

“How long does it last? Time will tell. Not forever, but while it’s there, it’s powerful to see.”

Then, a couple hours later, EN reader Karen emailed us echoing Denny’s same sentiment:

“I’m home doing the Monday morning quarterbacking that normally happens after a weekend of eventing. I have just returned from the GMHA Festival of Eventing, reflecting on the weekend. I had to send a note because I had the pleasure of watching Buck Davidson compete many horses this weekend, and I have to say that I am just in complete awe of his hard work and horsemanship.

“I have been a professional horse person for many years and have been able to watch many upper-level riders at so many wonderful events, but watching Buck operate his business this weekend was really something to behold. It was a free clinic in horsemanship and hard work; anyone that didn’t take advantage of watching him missed out on an opportunity to learn from the top rider in the country.

“The kid is a machine, and his team of students and grooms are finely tuned. Honestly, I can’t imagine how incredibly fit he must be to ride all of those horses and do it at the level he does. Every single horse he was on was turned out as if going down the centerline at the World Equestrian Games and glistened with the athletic ability of future super stars. He has proven that he is not just the famous ‘Davidson’ name but deserves every accolade that has come his way.

“Buck made me proud to be an American eventer; he is at the top of his game, ready to show the world that the United States is ready to be back at the top. I am one eventer that was inspired this weekend just by observing one of the best in the world. GO BUCK DAVIDSON, GO AMERICA, GO EVENTING!”

#bringbackthegold

Video of Buck and Petite Flower at GMHA courtesy of Thehorsepesterer:

Hunt Chase Final = Cross Country on Steroids

By Jenni Autry on Aug 11, 2014 10:30 am -

Holy hunt chase! The Kildares faced off against the Wards Unions in the exciting hunt chase final at the Dublin Horse Show this past weekend, and if this doesn’t embody insanity in the middle, we don’t know what does! Teams of four raced around a course set with natural obstacles you would expect to encounter on a hunt (or a cross-country course!), passing off the baton as each rider finished. In this race, Kildare Hunt takes an early lead and holds on to win, but it’s still a blast to watch the whole way through. Would you ride in a hunt chase, EN? Vote below!

28-Year-Old Cruising Honored at Dublin Horse Show (He’s Sexy and He Knows It)

By Jenni Autry on Aug 11, 2014 9:00 am -

Visitors to the Dublin Horse Show yesterday were treated to a visit from world renowned sport horse sire Cruising, who at age 28 still looks every bit as magnificent as he did during his show jumping heyday, when he enjoyed success at prestigious shows like Aachen, Dortmund, Lucerne, San Marino and Wolfsburg.

EN reader Kristen Bateman commented on EN’s Facebook page that watching the video of Cruising made her think of LMFAO’s hit song “Sexy and I Know It.” We highly suggest watching the video while playing the song in the background:

Long considered a leading sire of show jumpers and eventers in the world, Cruising ranked fifth in eventing stallions in last year’s World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses rankings. He has ranked in the top five for the last five years: third in 2012, 2011 and 2010; fourth in 2009; and third in 2008.

Last year, Cruising’s offspring Mr. Cruise Control, ridden by Andrew Nicholson; Harbour Pilot, ridden by Hannah Sue Burnett; Electric Cruise, ridden by Joseph Murphy; and Mr. Medicott, ridden by Phillip Dutton all enjoyed success at the upper levels of eventing. Electric Cruise will represent Ireland at this year’s World Equestrian Games.

Cruising’s daughter, Mo Chroi, won the Bewleys Speed Class yesterday with Capt. Michael Kelly in her final competition before retirement at age 17, and she came out to say farewell to her fans during Cruising’s ceremony. The Dublin Horse Show posted videos of her winning round (above) and retirement ceremony (below) on its Facebook page.

What a lovely moment and tribute to father and daughter, both champions in their own right. Thank you to the Dublin Horse Show for honoring Cruising’s legacy. (He’s sexy and he knows it.) You can watch other great videos from the Dublin Horse Show over on the show’s Facebook page. Go Eventing.

[Dublin Horse Show Facebook Page]

Your Interactive Guide to the 2014 WEG Athletes & Equines

By Jenni Autry on Aug 11, 2014 7:30 am -

Chinch is ready for WEG. Are you?

Welcome to Eventing Nation’s comprehensive and interactive guide to the athletes and equines competing in eventing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. We’ve scoured the Internet to bring you detailed information on each combination, including stats, breeding, recent results, analysis, current world ranking, photos and videos.

Chinch has also provided a handy guide to help you distinguish established world beaters and serious contenders from promising combinations and determined underdogs. In addition, we’ve provided links to rider bios, as well as their websites and social media accounts so you can ~~stalk~~ follow along with them throughout the Games.

Click on each rider and horse’s name to see their FEI profiles, which list detailed event results and major accomplishments. For a horse’s full pedigree (when available), click “breeding,” and then click the individual sire and dam names to see detailed bloodlines, photos and other offspring via the Sport Horse Show and Breed Database.

Please note that in cases of breeding information, some sire and dam discrepancies, as well as spelling variations, exist within the FEI database. We have provided links when available to to show bloodlines and have tried to list the most accurate information possible. If you spot any incorrect links, please shoot us an email at [email protected].

Bookmark this page and keep checking back as we update the information on the horses and riders that will ultimately represent their countries in Normandy. Be sure to click here to check out EN’s extensive coverage and previews of WEG so far. And if you’d like to see us add additional information to the guide, please let us know in the comments below. Go Eventing.

All Things WEG: Website | Definite Entries | WEG Facebook | @normandie2014 | EN’s Coverage

How to use Chinch’s guide:
    = Established world-beaters
   = Serious contenders
  = Promising combination
= Determined underdogs

Paul Tapner and Kilronan. Photo by Jenni Autry.

AUSTRALIA

Chris Burton and TS Jamaimo
15-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding owned by TS Jamaimo Syndicate
Breeding: Urgent Request X Mazyooneh, by Bustino; bred In Australia
Recent Results: 16th, Badminton CCI4*; 5th, Belton CIC3*; 1st, Adelaide CCI4*
Key Facts: No stranger to WEG, Chris represented Australia with Holstein Park Leilani at the 2010 Games in Kentucky, as well as the 2012 London Olympic Games. He made history last year when he catch rode TS Jamaimo to a win in the Adelaide CCI4*, the horse’s first attempt at the level. TS Jamaimo is coming off a strong 16th-place finish at this year’s grueling Badminton CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 14th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Website | Facebook

Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh
11-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Mr. and Mrs. Posford, Jules Carter
Breeding: Touchdown X Calendar Girl, by Trigerrero; bred in Ireland by Frank and Paula Cullen
Recent Results: 15th, Gatcombe Park CIC3*; 1st, Badminton CCI4*; 14th, Burghley CCI4*
Key Facts: Sam rode on the Australian team for the 2010 WEG in Kentucky, where he was unfortunately eliminated on cross country with Happy Times. He also competed on the 2012 London Olympics team with the same horse, again facing elimination on cross country. Sam now returns to the world stage with a new top mount in “Brocks,” who became the fourth mare in history to win Badminton earlier this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 40th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan
11-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Clare, Anne and Mike Prentice
Breeding: Limmerick X Rocklea, by Leabeg; bred in Ireland by Marie Ni Raghallaigh
Recent Results: 27th, Badminton CCI4*; 16th, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: At age 51 and after 20 years of pursuing his dream, Bill is representing Australia for the first time on a senior championship team. He was selected for The Hague WEG team in 1994 with Mirabooka NJ when the horse threw a splint, as well as listed as a reserve rider for the 2012 London Olympics with One Two Many NJ, but an injury also thwarted him then. “Alfie” is new to this level but game, having completed Badminton this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 1,841st
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Twitter

Shane Rose and CP Qualified
11-year-old grey Holsteiner gelding owned by Elizabeth Wischer
Breeding: Quite Capitol X Mareike II, by Corofino I; bred in Germany
Recent Results: 1st, Sydney CCI3*; 7th, Adelaide CCI4*; 1st, Goulburn CIC3*
Key Facts: Shane is making his third WEG appearance for Australia, having also competed in 1998 in Rome with It’s A Knockout and 2006 in Aachen with All Luck, retiring both times on cross country. He won a team silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with All Luck, finishing 27th individually. CP Qualified, his mount for Normandy, moved up to the three-star level last year and finished seventh in the Adelaide CCI4*, his first attempt at the level.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 7th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Facebook | Twitter

Paul Tapner and Kilronan
13-year-old grey Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Fred and Penny Barker
Breeding: Ghareeb X Ramble Way, by Diamond Lad; bred in Ireland by Patrick Fenlon
Recent Results: 11th, Aachen CICO3*; 4th, Badminton CCI4*; 6th, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: Paul represented Australia for the first time at a major championship at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky after winning Badminton that year with Inonothing. He retired on course and will look to complete his first championship for Australia in Normandy with Kilronan, who led after cross country at Badminton this year and ultimately finished in fourth place.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 31st
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio
16-year-old grey Thoroughbred/Hanoverian gelding owned by John and Elizabeth Pittard
Breeding: Daley K X Call on the Wind, by Al Mundhir; bred in Australia
Recent Results: 7th, Camden CIC3*
Key Facts: This will be Stuart’s fourth trip to WEG, having first represented Australia in 1998 in Rome with Jeepster. He rode on the Australian gold medal team with Phillip Dutton at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and also competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics with Jeepster. He finished eighth individually in the 2010 WEG with Vettori and will look to improve on that with his new top mount Pluto Mio, who was called up as a replacement for Sonja Johnson and Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison. “Pluto” completed Adelaide CCI4* last year on his third try, finishing in fifth place.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 47th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook

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AUSTRIA

Harald Siegl and Luis W
12-year-old dark bay Sachsen (SATHU) gelding owned by Ute Siegl
Breeding: Legal Legend xx X Desire, by Wackerbath; bred in Germany by Hans-Heinrich Wittig
Recent Results: 2nd, Feldbach CIC3*; 16th, Luhmühlen CIC3*; 3rd, Dunakeszi CIC3*
Key Facts: Harald rode Gigant II in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, finishing 45th individually, and also represented Austria at the 2006 WEG in Aachen with Nebelwerfer, finishing 36th. He will now contest his second WEG aboard Luis W, who has completed three CCI3* events, most recently at Boekelo last year. Normandy will be the horse’s first CCI4* attempt.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 165th
Chinch Says:
Photo

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BELARUS

Alena Tseliapushkina and Passat
17-year-old dark bay Trakehner gelding owned by Mogilev Regional Olympic Centre
Breeding: Punsch X Sistema, by Seans; bred in Belarus
Recent Results: 2nd, Ratomka CIC3*
Key Facts: Alena first represented Belarus at the 2006 WEG in Aachen, where she was eliminated on cross country aboard Zalim. She then got the ride on Passat, successfully completing the 2008 Beijing Olympics and again representing Belarus in London in 2012, where they were eliminated on cross country. Alena and Passat return to WEG looking for their first completion in a world championships.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 573rd
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos

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Constantin Van Rijckevorsel and Goodwins Reef. Photo by Jenni Autry.

BELGIUM

Lara De Liedekerke and Ducati van den Overdam
11-year-old bay Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Jean De Cloedt
Breeding: Orlando X Faedra Du Genet, by Urous; bred in Belgium by Caus Philippe
Recent Results: 18th, Aachen CICO3*; 10th, Badminton CCI4*; 16th, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Lara is making her second appearance at WEG for Belgium, having ridden Nooney Blue in the 2010 Games in Kentucky, where they placed 43rd individually. Ducati, a hunt horse before starting his career as an eventer, has completed two CCI4* events in the top 20, most recently finishing 10th at Badminton this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 132nd
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | More Info | Website | Twitter

Karin Donckers and Fletcha van ‘T Verahof
9-year-old bay Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Karin and Joris Donckers and De Brabandere
Breeding: Vigo D’arsouilles X Southern Queen xx, by South Gale xx; bred in Belgium by van Dame-de Smedt
Recent Results: 5th, Aachen CICO3*; 3rd, Bramham CIC3*; Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Karin has ridden in five Olympics and five WEGs for Belgium, enjoying her best finish to date at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky, where she placed just outside the medals in fourth with Gazelle de le Brasserie CH. She now returns for her fifth WEG with Fletcha, who is new to the level, having completed one CCI3* at Strzegrom in eighth place last year. Normandy will be Fletcha’s first four-star.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 131st
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Constantin Van Rijckevorsel and Goodwins Reef
12-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Mr. and Mrs. Van Rijckevorsel
Breeding: Ghareeb X Goodwins Belle, by Candle King; bred in Ireland by Larry Costello
Recent Results: 13th, Renswoude CIC3*; 23rd, Luhmühlen CCI4*
Key Facts: No stranger to success on the international level, Constantin has placed in the top 10 individually at two Olympic Games: eighth in 1996 with Otis and 10th in 2004 with Withcote Nellie. He also rode Nellie in the 2000 Olympics, but retired on cross country. Constantin rode Our Vintage in his first WEG in 2010, finishing 45th. Previously ridden by Bill Levett, “Magnus” has completed one CCI4*, finishing 23rd at Luhmühlen this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,142nd
Chinch Says:
Photos | Videos | Facebook | Twitter

Joris Van Springel and Lully Des Aulnes
15-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Joris Van Springel and Holtrust-Speerstra
Breeding: Doris Des Halles X Shadika, by Ightshade; bred in France by Andree Pienne
Recent Results: 6th, Renswoude CIC3*; 15th, Bramham CIC3*
Key Facts: Joris has represented Belgium at three Olympics, with his sole completion coming in 2008 with Bold Action. He rode Lully des Aulnes in the 2012 London Games but retired on cross country. An experienced combination, Joris and Lully des Aulnes have completed three CCI4* events together, and Normandy will be their first WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 162nd
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos

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Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

BRAZIL

Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Josephine MCJ
11-year-old bay Brazilian (BH) mare owned by Marcio Carvalho Jorge, Ana Júlia F. J. Jorge and Rafael Cristianini
Breeding: Potassium xx X Reliquia OF, by El Bacancito; bred in Brazil by Marcio Carvalho Jorge
Recent Results: 9th, Hartpury CIC3*; 23rd, Badminton CCI4*; 1st, Barretos CCI3*
Key Facts: Marco, a doctor and anesthetist who also owns a rubber plantation, won a bronze medal for Brazil with Josephine, a horse he bred, at the 2011 Pan Ams before going on to complete the 2012 London Olympics in 46th place. This is their first trip to WEG, and Marco and Josephine have had a good preparation with a 23rd-place finish at Badminton and ninth at Hartpury CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 205th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos

Gabriel Figueiredo Silva Cury and Grass Valley
14-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Gabriel Figueiredo Silva Cury, Shaady Cury Jr. and Helena Figueiredo Silva Cury
Breeding: Legal Pressure X Connaught Gold, by Clover Hill; bred in Ireland by John A. Coogan
Recent Results: 41st, Hartpury CIC3*; 5th, Bramham CCIU253*; 30th, Chatsworth CIC3*
Key Facts: Gabriel got the ride on Mark Todd’s former WEG partner Grass Valley when Mark started coaching the Brazilian team in preparation for Normandy. Gabriel and Grass Valley finished fifth in the under-25 CCI3* at Bramham earlier this year, and he will be looking to complete his first CCI4* at WEG. No stranger to the world championships, Grass Valley finished 11th with Mark at the 2010 Games in Kentucky.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 278th
Chinch Says:

Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too
14-year-old dark bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Ruy Fonseca and Renata R. Costa
Breeding: Carry X Hannelore, by Sir Shostakovich; bred in Great Britain by Juergen Schimmer
Recent Results: 55th, Hartpury CIC3*; 4th, Red Hills CIC3*; 2nd, Barretos CCI3*
Key Facts: A very experienced combination for Brazil, Ruy and Tom Bombadill Too went to the 2010 WEG — making them an Elite 8 combination that completed in Kentucky and now heads to Normandy — as well as the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Ruy was based in the U.S. earlier this year to prepare for WEG. Unfortunately, he was eliminated from The Fork CIC3* and Rolex CCI4* when the horse stopped in show jumping, unseating him both times.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 946th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Facebook | Twitter

Marcelo Tosi and Eleda All Black
17-year-old dark bay British Sport Horse (CCDM) gelding owned by Bronwe Jones and Ian Greer
Breeding: Kings Composer X Cornish Realm, by Canworthy Monsun; bred in Great Britain by Sue Hicks
Recent Results: 37th, Bramham CCI3*; 28th, Houghton Hall CICO3*
Key Facts: Marcelo first represented Brazil at the 1998 WEG with Xilena, finishing 58th. After a decade out of the championship scene, he returned in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, finishing 22nd with Super Rocky. He moved to England in 2011 to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics, where he finished 44th with Eleda All Black, his mount for Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,891st
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Twitter

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Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice at Rolex. Photo by Jenn Autry.

CANADA

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott
15-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Peter, Susan and Dylan Barry
Breeding: Clover Brigade X Gentle Lassie, by Leabeg; bred in Ireland by Michael Hogan
Recent Results: 58th, Hartpury CIC3*; 33rd, Rolex CCI4*; 24th, Carolina International CIC3*; 11th, Red Hills CIC3*
Key Facts: Peter and Kilrodan Abbott competed in their first championship for Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, where they unfortunately fell victim to Sue Benson’s cross-country course. A very experienced combination, Peter and “Eddie” have completed Rolex CCI4* four times, with their best placing of 11th coming in 2012. This is their first trip to WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 961st
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Facebook

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice
14-year-old dark bay Thoroughbred mare owned by Hawley Bennett-Awad and Linda Paine
Breeding: Audio X Qtrapastree, by Court Ruling; bred in the U.S. by Kingsway Farm
Recent Results: 4th, Rebecca CIC3*; 16th, Rolex CCI4*; 3rd, Galway Downs CIC3*
Key Facts: Gin & Juice is one of just two U.S.-bred horses competing at WEG — the other being Lynn Symansky’s Donner — and Hawley and “Ginny” are contesting an incredible eighth CCI4* together in Normandy. They helped win a team silver medal for Canada at the 2010 WEG — making them one of the Elite 8 pairs who completed and now head to Normandy — and also competed on the 2012 London Olympic team, though they were eliminated on cross country. Ginny bounced around Pierre Michelet’s course at Pau last fall and is coming off a fourth-place finish in the Rebecca Farm CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 126th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High
11-year-old bay Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by John and Judy Rumble
Breeding: Rio Bronco X Evita II; bred in Canada by Epstein Equestrian Inc.
Recent Results: 10th, Rolex CCI4*; 22nd, The Fork CIC3*; 20th, Red Hills CIC3*
Key Facts: Selena represented Canada at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with her late partner Colombo before going on to win a team silver medal at the 2010 WEG. With Foxwood High, she won team silver at the 2011 Pan Ams in Guadalajara and will now make her second appearance at WEG. Selena and “Woody” most recently placed 10th at Rolex CCI4* in the horse’s first attempt at the level.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 178th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti
12-year-old bay Westphalian gelding owned by Don J. Good
Breeding: Pavarotti van de Helle X Fidelia, by Foxiland; bred in Germany by Henrich Borger-Terdues
Recent Results: 8th, Jersey Fresh CIC3*
Key Facts: Jessie competed in her first WEG in 2010 with her longtime partner Exponential, but withdrew after cross country. She and “Tucker” went on to represent Canada in the 2012 London Olympics, where they finished 22nd, and now she returns to WEG with a new partner, Pavarotti, who was called up from the reserve list when A Little Romance developed an abscess. Jessie and Pavarotti won individual gold at the 2011 Pan Ams and placed 10th an Blenheim CCI3* last year. Normandy will be his first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,797th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Website | Facebook

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CHINA

Alex Hua Tian and Harbour Pilot C
15-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Edwina Qu Ye and Qu Jiankui
Breeding: Coolcorron Cool Diamond X Beavers Bugsy Malone, by Hallodri; bred in Ireland
Recent Results: 12th, Burgham CIC3*; 21st, Saumur CCI3*
Key Facts: Alex became the youngest rider to compete in eventing in Olympic history in 2008 with FBW Chico, and he is currently the only Chinese eventer competing at the highest level of the sport. He took over the ride on Harbour Pilot C from Joy Dawes earlier the year and qualified for WEG with a 21st-place finish at Saumur CCI3*. This horse completed Burghley last year with Joy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 928th
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CZECH REPUBLIC

Martin Maivald and Gomba
13-year-old grey Slovak Warmblood mare owned by Slavomir Magal
Breeding: Furioso XXII X Vinica, by Filippy; bred in Slovakia by Grey Farm
Recent Results: 5th, Strzegom CCI3*; 21st, Sopot CIC3*
Key Facts: Martin and Gomba have been competing at the CCI3* level since last year, most recently finishing fifth at Strzegom in June. Normandy will be their first crack at the CCI4* level, and they completed the WEG Test Event at Haras du Pin last year in preparation for this event.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 317th
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Peter Flarup and Calista E. Photo by Jenni Autry.

DENMARK

Peter Flarup and Calista E
13-year-old bay Danish Warmblood mare owned by Mette Moesgaard
Breeding: Solos Landtinus X China Good Looking, by Lagano; bred in Denmark by Eva Soendergaard
Recent Results: 15th, Malmö CICO3*; 2nd, Höör CIC2*; 2nd, Sopot CIC3*
Key Facts: A well-known competitor for Denmark, Peter first rode for the Danish team at the 1998 WEG, where he finished 53rd with Dex. He then rode Silver Ray in the 2006 and 2010 WEG, finishing 25th and 44th, respectively. Peter and Silver Ray also contested the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, ultimately withdrawing. Calista will look to complete her first CCI4* at WEG, having been eliminated at Badminton on cross country earlier this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 100th
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ECUADOR

Nicolas Wettstein and Nadeville Merze
13-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Nicolas Wettstein and Monique Deyme
Breeding: If de Merze X Baronne de Chanes, by Maestro du Manoir; bred in France by Marc Dedeville
Recent Results: 26th, Saumur CIC2*
Key Facts: Nicolas has competed internationally since 2002, but WEG will be his first time representing Ecuador at a major championship. This is a longtime partnership with Nadeville Merze, as Nicolas has campaigned the horse since 2007, and they have successfully completed Luhmühlen CCI4* twice in 2012 and 2013.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 3,878th
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FINLAND

Elmo Jankari and Duchess Desiree
9-year-old black Oldenburg mare owned by Aino and Elmo Jankari
Breeding: Don Primero X Aronja, by Noble Roi xx; bred in Germany by Wilhelm Wehrmann
Recent Results: 4th, Jardy CIC3*; 13th, Luhmühlen CIC3*; 31st, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Elmo and Duchess Desiree won the Young Rider European Championships at Jardy last year and will represent Finland for the first time at the senior championship level in Normandy. Having competed at the international level together since 2011, Elmo and Duchess Desiree moved up to the three-star level last year, finishing 16th at Boekelo CCI3*. This is their first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 271st
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Sanna Siltakorpi and Lucky Accord
15-year-old bay Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Jenni and Sanna Siltakorpi
Breeding: Acacio X Lucky Electra, by Electro; bred in Sweden
Recent Results: 8th, Hünxe CIC2*; 27th, Marbach CIC3*; 10th, Radolfzell CIC2*
Key Facts: Sanna has represented Finland at three European Championships with Lucky Accord, most recently finishing 20th in Malmö last year. They also competed at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky but were eliminated on cross country, so they come to Normandy looking for their four-star completion.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 867th
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Pascal Leroy and Minos de Petra. Photo by Jenni Autry.

FRANCE

Pascal Leroy and Minos de Petra
14-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Pascal and Laurie Leroy
Breeding: Sioux de Baugy X Northia, by Garitchou; bred in France by Martine Chiavassa
Recent Results: 21st, Aachen CICO3*; 5th, Badminton CCI4*; 4th, Ballindenisk CICO3*
Key Facts: Pascal and Minos de Petra are one of the Elite 8 pairs that completed the Kentucky WEG in 2010, finishing in 20th place, and now return again for WEG this year. After a very strong fifth-place finish at this year’s Badminton, Pascal and “Minos” will compete on the world stage for the second time as one of the most experienced combinations on the French team.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 12th
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Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers
10-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Isabelle Debruyne
Breeding: Iolisco de Quinhon X Ucaria de Crestian, by Kachou; bred in France
Recent Results: 7th, Aachen CICO3*; 1st, Saumur CCI3*
Key Facts: Maxime Livio burst onto the international scene last year, finishing in third place at Pau CCI4* with his experienced campaigner Cathar de Gamel in their first four-star. He now heads to Normandy in his first major championship with Qalao de Mers, coming off a win in the Saumur CCI3* and a seventh-place finish at Aachen CICO3* in preparation for the horse’s first CCI4* at WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 62nd
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Cédric Lyard and Cadeau du Roi
12-year-old grey Thoroughbred (PUR SANG) gelding owned by E.A.R.L. and Ludovic Lyard
Breeding: Adieu au Roi X Cadora La Baronnie, by Rahotep; bred in France by Stephanie Lehodey
Recent Results: 2nd, Chatsworth CIC3*
Key Facts: A well-known face on French teams, Cédric first represented France at the 2002 WEG in Jerez with Fine Merveille. They retired on cross country and returned to the international stage two years later at the 2004 Athens Olympics, helping the French team win gold. Cédric has also ridden on three European Championship teams and now returns to his second WEG with Cadeau du Roi, who finished seventh in his first CCI4* at Pau last year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 23rd
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Denis Mesples and Oregon de la Vigne
12-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Denis Mesples
Breeding: Desir du Chateau X Valse Brune IV, by Gentil Pierre; bred in France by Jaques Villotte
Recent Results: 25th, Bramham CCI3*; 27th, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Denis competed at his first major championship at the 2012 London Olympics with Oregon de la Vigne, finishing in 50th place. He now returns to the international stage with his Olympic partner, who completed Badminton and Burghley last year, as well as Pau in 2012. Though they did not get around Badminton this year, they rebounded with a 25th-place finish at Bramham CCI3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,254th
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Rodolphe Scherer and Makara de Montiege
14-year-old grey Selle Francais mare owned by Maryse Bouchet
Breeding: Be Bop III X Clara de Montiege, by Hospodar; bred in France by G.A.E.C. E Montiege
Recent Results: 29th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 9th, Chatsworth CIC3*; 4th, Barraco d’Alva CIC3*
Key Facts: A familiar name on French teams, Rodolphe first represented France at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He placed 12th individually and won team silver at the 1998 WEG in Rome with Bambi de Briere, and he nearly won an individual Olympic medal with her at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, placing fourth. A longtime partnership, Rodolphe and Makara de Montiege placed 14th at the 2009 European Championships in Fontainebleau. They completed Pau CCI4* last year and most recently finished 29th at Luhmühlen CCI4* this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 288th
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Jean Teulère and Matelot du Grand Val
14-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Jean Teulère
Breeding: Eveil de la Cour X Marine, by African Joy; bred in France by Frederic Haentjens
Recent Results: 2nd, Blenheim CCI3* (2013)
Key Facts: A stalwart on French teams, Jean has completed four Olympics and three WEGs, winning individual gold and team silver at the 2002 WEG in Jerez, team gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and team silver at the 1994 WEG in the Hague. He has campaigned Matelot du Grand Val from the one-star level, and they have completed four CCI4* events together. They are coming off a long break and currently unranked in the world, but they have experience in spades.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: N/A
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Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.

GERMANY

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo
12-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Sandra Auffarth and Deutsches Olympiade Komitee
Breeding: Shogoun II X Vanille du Tertre, by J’T’Adore; bred in France by Yves Berlioz
Recent Results: 1st, Aachen CICO3*; 3rd, Strzegom CICO3*
Key Facts: Sandra competed at her first major championships for Germany at the 2012 London Olympics, making it a memorable Games by winning individual bronze and team gold in dominant fashion. Opgun Louvo finished fourth at Badminton and second at Aachen last year and has mostly been bubble wrapped since, recently finishing third in the CICO3* at Strzegom and winning Aachen CICO3*. Watch out.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 65th
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Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST
9-year-old dark bay German Sport Horse (SATHU) mare owned by Joachim and Brigitte Jung
Breeding: Ituango xx X Rose II, by Carismo; bred in Germany by Mirko Glotz
Recent Results: 2nd, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 4th, Marbach CIC3*; 7th, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: In a shocking turn of events, Michael Jung will not ride his reigning World and Olympic champion La Biosthetique Sam FBW after the horse went lame at German team training camp. He’ll ride fischerRocana FST instead, a young mare at just 9 years old who just completed her first CCI4* at Luhmühlen, finishing second. But don’t think her relative inexperience means you should count her out. In her entire three-year FEI career with Michael, she has accumulated 0 cross-country jump penalties and a combined total of just 12 time penalties. Show jumping is her weakest phase, but all Michael seems to do is win gold medals.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 4th
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Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS
10-year-old bay Hanoverian mare owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and DOKR
Breeding: Embassy I X Lehnsherrin, by Lehnsherr; bred in Germany by Juergen Stuhtmann
Recent Results: 2nd, Aachen CICO3*; 2nd, Luhmühlen CIC3*; 1st, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Ingrid has competed in two WEGs, winning team gold in 2006 in Aachen with Sleep Late and most recently finishing 13th with her now retired partner FRH Butts Abraxxas in Kentucky in 2010. She also competed in two Olympics in 2000 and 2004 with Sleep Late, as well as two Olympics with “Braxxi,” winning team gold in both Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. She now returns to WEG with her new partner Escada, who won individual and team gold at last year’s Europeans. The mare has yet to contest a CCI4* and is coming off a second-place finish at Aachen.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 59th
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Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et
11-year-old dark bay Westphalian gelding owned by Marcelis Padmos and DOKR
Breeding: Sunlight xx X Rotessa, by Rotarier; bred in Germany by Marcelis Padmos
Recent Results: 9th, Renswoude CIC3*; 6th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 3rd, Houghton Hall CICO3*
Key Facts: Normandy will be Andreas’ first major championship for Germany, and he landed a spot on the team thanks to a sixth-place finish at Luhmühlen CCI4* with So Is Et in the horse’s first attempt at the level. Andreas and So Is Et finished ninth at Renswoude CIC3* in the horse’s final prep run for Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 59th
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Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip
15-year-old chestnut British Sport Horse gelding owned by Freya Rethmeier
Breeding: Skippy Too X La Sylphide, by Catherston Dazzler; bred in Great Britain by Graham Fletcher
Recent Results: 10th, Aachen CICO3*; 2nd, Strzegom CICO3*; 9th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Dirk Schrade will attempt to complete WEG for the third time in Normandy, having withdrawn with Sindy 43 in Aachen in 2006 and been eliminated with Gadget de la Cere in Kentucky in 2010. He rode on the gold medal team at the 2012 London Olympics with the late King Artus and now returns to WEG with Hop and Skip, who competed at the 2010 Games with Kenki Sato as a stallion. The horse has since been gelded and most recently finished 10th in the Aachen CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 143rd
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Peter Thomsen and Horseware’s Barny
12-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Hans-Peter Clausen
Breeding: Barnaul xx X Hanna II, by Cornetto; bred in Germany by Volker Jacobs
Recent Results: 15th, Aachen CICO3*; 4th, Luhmühlen CIC3*; 19th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Peter Thomsen has represented Germany at two WEGs, finishing 43rd in Rome in 1998 with Warren Gorse and facing elimination with Vilano in Jerez in 2002. He has also competed in three Olympics, retiring in Atlanta in 1996 with White Girl before winning team gold with The Ghost of Hamish in Beijing in 2008 and team gold again in 2012 with Horseware’s Barny, his mount for Normandy. Peter and Barny most recently finished 15th in the Aachen CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 79th
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Harry Meade and Wild Lone at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

GREAT BRITAIN

Tina Cook and De Novo News
11-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding owned by Tina Cook and Jim Chromiak
Breeding: Last News X Douce de Longvaut, by Quouglof Rouge; bred in Great Britain by Tina Cook
Recent Results: 5th, Barbury Castle CIC3*; 26th, Badminton CCI4*
Key Facts: Tina competed in her first WEG for Great Britain in 2002 with Captain Christy and won team gold with her now retired partner Miners Frolic at the 2010 WEG in Lexington. She also completed two Olympics with Miners Frolic, winning individual bronze and team bronze in Beijing in 2008 and team silver in London in 2012. She now returns for her third WEG with De Novo News, who was ninth at Burghley last year and has completed three CCI4* events.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 716th
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William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning
14-year-old chestnut Brandenburg stallion owned by Christopher Stone
Breeding: Phantomic X Koralle, by Kolibri; bred in Great Britain
Recent Results: 9th, Aachen CICO3*; 1st, Bramham CCI3*
Key Facts: ~~Not that he needs an introduction~~ William Fox-Pitt returns for his fourth WEG, having won team gold and individual silver with Cool Mountain in Kentucky in 2010. He also won team bronze and team silver in 2002 and 2006 with Tamarillo, meaning he has won a team medal at each WEG he has contested. William also has three Olympic team medals: two silver and one bronze. Chilli has completed two CCI4* events and is coming off a win in the Bramham CIC3* and ninth-place finish at Aachen CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 259th
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Harry Meade and Wild Lone
13-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Charlotte Opperman
Breeding: Doranstown Hallo X unknown, by Robertsown Boy; bred in Great Britain
Recent Results: 30th, Aachen CICO3*, 32nd; Barbury Castle CIC3*; 3rd, Badminton CCI4*
Key Facts: Much to the delight of his fans, Harry will compete in his first major championships for Great Britain in Normandy. After breaking and dislocating both his elbows last year in a rotational fall, Harry bounced back to finish third at Badminton earlier this year to ultimately land a spot on the team once Izzy Taylor and Pippa Funnell withdrew their horses. Harry and his longtime partner Wild Lone have completed four CCI4* events together.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 88th
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Zara Phillips and High Kingdom
13-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Gleadhill House Stud
Breeding: Master Imp X High Dolly, by Chairlift; bred in Ireland by William Micklem
Recent Results: 25th, Aachen CICO3*; 6th, Hopetoun CIC3*; 12th, Bramham CIC3*
Key Facts: Zara won individual gold and team silver at her first WEG in 2006 with Toytown. She then rode High Kingdom to a team silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and now returns for her second WEG. After giving birth to her daughter, Mia, last year, Zara has been slowly returning to the international scene, most recently finishing 25th in the Aachen CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 391st
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Oliver Townend and Black Tie II
13-year-old black Thoroughbred gelding owned by Karyn Shuter
Breeding: Mughtanim X Deebee Lady, by Brilliant Invader; bred in New Zealand by D.A. and N.H. Bell
Recent Results: 4th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 35th, Houghton Hall CICO3*; 1st, Burnham Market CIC3*
Key Facts: Oliver competed in his first WEG for Great Britain in 2006 at Aachen with Flint Curtis, finishing in 11th place individually. He now returns with Black Tie II, who is out of the same mare as William Fox-Pitt’s Parklane Hawk. “Tonti” finished fourth in his first CCI4* at Luhmühlen this year to land a spot on the team.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 34th
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Nicola Wilson and Annie Clover
10-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Mary and Barry Tweedle
Breeding: Newmarket Venture X Kilderry Clover, by Clover Hill; bred in Ireland by James Bradley
Recent Results: 4th, Bramham CCI3*; 7th, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: Nicola competed in her first WEG in Kentucky in 2010, finishing 15th with Opposition Buzz to help Great Britain win team gold. She and “Dodi” also represented Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics, helping the team win silver on home turf. With Dodi retired from four-stars, Nicola returns to WEG with Annie Clover — who has yet to complete a CCI4* — as a replacement after Izzy Taylor and Pippa Funnell withdrew. Nicola and Annie are coming off a fourth-place finish at Bramham CCI3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 45th
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HUNGARY

László Egyed and My Win
12-year-old bay Holsteiner stallion owned by László Egyed
Breeding: Mytens xx X Balucci, by Acord I; bred in Germany by Rumoar Caspar von Lemmelsdorf
Recent Results: 9th, Strzegom CIC3*; 12th, Dunakeszi CIC3*
Key Facts: László will represent Hungary in his first major championship with My Win, and the pair will also look to complete their first CCI4*. They qualified for Normandy with a ninth-place finish at Strzegom CCI3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 1,414th
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Joseph Murphy and Electric Cruise at Pau. Photo by Jenni Autry.

IRELAND

Clare Abbott and Euro Prince
11-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Cormac McKay
Breeding: Lougheries Quiet Man X Miss Tullydraw; bred in Ireland by Cormac McKay
Recent Results: 18th, Cappoquin CIC3*; 24th, Badminton CCI4*; 24th, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: Clare competed as an individual with Euro Prince at the 2013 European Championships in Malmö and will represent Ireland at her first WEG in Normandy. Clare and Euro Prince moved up to the four-star level this year, finishing 24th at Badminton. They most recently finished 18th in the CIC3* at Cappoquin in their final preparation for WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,143rd
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Aoife Clark and Fenyas Elegance
10-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse mare owned by PJ Hegarty
Breeding: Ricardo Z X Fenya, by Good Thyne; bred in Ireland by PJ Hegarty
Recent Results: 1st, Bramham CCI3*; 19th, Chatsworth CIC3*
Key Facts: Aoife rode on her first team for Ireland at the 2012 London Olympics, placing seventh individually with Master Crusoe. She now heads to her first WEG with Fenyas Elegance, who has dominated in the past year with wins in the Blenheim CCI3* and Bramham CCI3*. Though the mare has yet to contest a CCI4*, she has talent to burn.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 205th
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Sarah Ennis and Stellor Rebound
10-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Niki Potterton, Orla Ennis and Horseware Products Ltd.
Breeding: VDL Ricochet X unknown; bred in Ireland
Recent Results: 3rd, Tattersalls CCI3*; 1st, Chatsworth CIC3*
Key Facts: Sarah competed on her first senior team for Ireland at the 2013 European Championships in Malmö, finishing 39th with Sugar Brown Babe. She now heads to her first WEG with Stellor Rebound, who was 14th at Boekelo CCIO3* last year and has yet to contest a CCI4*. Stellor Rebound most recently finished third in the CCI3* at Tattersalls.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 39th

Joseph Murphy and Electric Cruise
13-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Noel Good, Jill Andrews, A. O’Callaghan and Michelle Nelson
Breeding: Cruising X Kilmanac Sally, by Clover Hill; bred in Ireland by James J. Ryan
Recent Results: 28th, Aachen CICO3*; 2nd, Hopetoun CIC3*; 6th, Tattersalls CIC3*
Key Facts: Joseph Murphy competed in his first major championship for Ireland at the 2012 London Olympics, finishing 14th individually with Electric Cruise. They placed eighth at Pau CCI4* last year and have had a good string of results leading up to their first WEG, finishing sixth at Tattersalls CIC3*, second at Hopetoun CIC3* and 28th at Aachen CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 18th
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Camilla Spiers and Portersize Just A Jiff
14-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Bridget and Camilla Spiers
Breeding: Crosskeys Rebel X Mizen Talent, by Mizen Melody; bred in Ireland by Phillip G. L. White
Recent Results: 17th, Aachen CICO3*; 7th, Saumur CIC3*; 10th, Ballindenisk CICO3*
Key Facts: Camilla and Portersize Just A Jiff have twice represented Ireland in a major championship — the 2010 WEG and 2012 Olympics — only to come up short on cross-country day. They’ll be looking for redemption in Normandy having replaced Austin O’Connor and Ringwood Mississippi on the team. Camilla and Jiff have had a good season thus far, placing seventh at Saumur CCI3* and 17th at Aachen CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 81st
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Sam Watson and Horseware Bushman
15-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by John and Julia Watson and Tom MacGuinness
Breeding: Puissance X Clear Conscience, by Horos; bred in Ireland by John Watson
Recent Results: 15th, Tattersalls CIC3*
Key Facts: Sam competed in his first WEG for Ireland at Kentucky with Horseware Bushman, finishing 26th individually, making them another of the Elite 8 pairs who return again in 2014 after completing in 2010. They’ve had a quiet year in preparation for Normandy, most recently finishing 15th in the Tattersalls CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,837th
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Vittoria Pannizon and Borough Pennyz. Photo by Samantha Clark.

ITALY

Evelina Bertoli and Leitrim Orient Express
11-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Evelina and Alice Bertoli
Breeding: Leitrim Classic Clover X Izodora, by Euphemism; bred in Ireland by W.A. Anderson
Recent Results: 20th, Renswoude CIC3*; 26th, Saumur CCI3*; 32nd, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Evelina has competed for Italy at the junior level since 2002 and now steps up to her first senior championship with Leitrim Orient Express. They were 26th at Saumur CCI3* earlier this year to qualify for WEG and will look to compete their first CCI4* together in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,071st
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Stefano Fioravanti and Nodin d’Orval
13-year-old chestnut Selle Francais gelding owned by Daniele Fioravanti
Breeding: Drakkar des Hutins X d’Ebosia d’Orval, by Benroy
Recent Results: 2nd, Strzegom CCI3*; 3rd, Cluny CIC2*
Key Facts: Stefano has campaigned Nodin d’Orval at the junior level since 2007, stepping up to his first senior team at the European Championships last year, where they finished 48th individually. They have been competing at the CCI3* level since 2012, most recently finishing second in the Strzegom CCI3* in June. Normandy will be their first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 139th
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Alberto Giugni and Sportsfield Quality
12-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Alberto Giugni
Breeding: OBOS Quality X Dinn Ri Diamond, by Laughton’s Flight; bred in Ireland by Linda Courtney
Recent Results: 34th, Fontainebleau CICO3*; 13th, Barroca d’Alva CIC3*
Key Facts: Alberto attempted his first WEG in 2006 at Aachen, where he was eliminated on cross country with The Nightflight. He returns for his second attempt with Sportsfield Quality, who was previously campaigned by Oliver Townend and Lucy Jackson before Alberto took over the ride in 2011. They successfully completed Boekelo last year and will tackle their first four-star in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,074th
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Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz
11-year-old grey Anglo European mare owned by Sally Bullen and Vittoria Panizzon
Breeding: Cevin Z X Sovereign Flight, by Dutch Gold; bred in Great Britain by Sally Bullen
Recent Results: 10th, Gatcombe Park CIC3*; 2nd, Belton CIC3*; 2nd, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Widely considered one of the rising stars of Italian eventing, Vittoria Pannizon and Borough Pennyz finished 11th at the 2012 London Olympics and eighth at the 2013 Europeans. They have had a quiet year in preparation for Normandy, finishing second at Fontainebleau CICO3* and Belton CIC3* and 10th at Gatcombe Park CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 180th
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Giovanni Ugolotti and Stilo Kontika
13-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Giovanni Ugolotti and Kathryn Robinson
Breeding: Condios X Blue Labamba; bred in Great Britain by Linda Slattery
Recent Results: 24th, Burgham CIC3*; 66th, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: Giovanni and Stilo Kontika represented Italy on their first senior team at the 2013 European Championships in Malmö, finishing 25th. They attempted their first CCI4* together at Pau in 2012, where they retired on cross country, and they also retired on course at Badminton earlier this year. They most recently finished 24th at Burgham CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,412nd
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JAPAN

Takayuki Yumira and Latina 43
12-year-old bay Hanoverian mare owned by Riding Club Crane
Breeding: Landor S X Showtime, by Silvio; bred in Germany
Recent Results: 32nd, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: Takayuki represented Japan at his first WEG in 2010, finishing in 51st place with Hooligan. He returned to the international stage for the 2012 London Olympics with Latina 43, his mount for Normandy, but they were unfortunately eliminated on cross country. Takayuki and Latina were 32nd at Belton CIC3* in April.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,262nd
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Elaine Pen and Vira. Photo by Jenni Autry.

NETHERLANDS

Merel Blom and Rumour Has It
11-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by J.M.J. Blom and M.C. Blom-Muilwijk
Breeding: Esteban X Onara, by Candillo; bred in Germany by Arndt Werner
Recent Results: 13th, Badminton CCI4*; 2nd, Barroca d’Alva CIC3*
Key Facts: Merel rode on her first senior team for the Netherlands at the 2013 Europeans, finishing 44th with Umberto DB. She and Rumour Has It have successfully completed four CCI4* events together since 2012, most recently finishing 13th at Badminton this year to land a spot on the Dutch team.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 105th
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Andrew Heffernan and Boleybawn Ace
9-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Andrew Heffernan and Top Eventers Syndicate
Breeding: Harlequin du Carel X Queen Cee, by Cavalier Royale; bred in Ireland
Recent Results: 11th, Bramham CCI3*; 14th, Chatsworth CIC3*; 25th, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Andrew and Millthyme Corolla competed on the Dutch Olympic team in London when the mare was just 9, finishing 33rd individually. With the mare out of commission for WEG, Andrew will now ride Boleybawn Ace, who moved up to three-star level last year as an 8-year-old and most recently placed 11th at the Bramham CCI3* earlier this year. Normandy will be “Harry’s” first attempt at this level.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 341st
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Tim Lips and Keyflow N.O.P.
17-year-old grey Thoroughbred gelding owned by Exchange Investors N.V.
Breeding: Colonel Collins X Amatrics, by Alicante; bred in New Zealand
Recent Results: 7th, Badminton CCI4*; 12th, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Tim rode as an individual at his first major championship at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, finishing 15th with Concrex Oncarlos. They also went to the 2010 WEG, though they were eliminated on cross country, and the 2012 London Olympics, where they finished 38th. Now Tim returns to the international stage with Keyflow after finishing seventh at last year’s Europeans. They were most recently seventh at Badminton.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 115th
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Elaine Pen and Vira
12-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood mare owned by H. Aubert, W.G.E. Pen and M.W.W. Pen
Breeding: Jazz X Option G, by Whinny Jackson; bred in the Netherlands by I. Van Rossum-Van Den Heuvel
Recent Results: 5th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 12th, Marbach CIC3*; 1st, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Elaine and Vira competed on the Dutch team at the 2012 London Olympics and were eliminated on cross country. They completed their first CCI4* together at Luhmühlen earlier this year to land a spot on the Dutch team for WEG. Vira is dressage bred and has incredible quality of movement — definitely a pair you’ll want to remember.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 19th
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Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Jenni Autry.

NEW ZEALAND

Lucy Jackson and Willy Do
13-year-old bay British (BHD) gelding owned by Lucy Jackson and Gillian Greenlees
Breeding: Matinee du Madon X Bonnie Lane, by Hopton Lane; bred in Great Britain by S. Enderby
Recent Results: 11th, Badminton CCI4*; 5th, Burnham Market CIC3*
Key Facts: Lucy Jackson and Willy Do are competing as individuals on their first major team for New Zealand, earning their ticket to Normandy with an 11th-place finish at Badminton earlier this year. They were also 12th at Pau last year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 21st
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Andrew Nicholson and Nereo
14-year-old chestnut Spanish (CDE) gelding owned by Deborah Sellar
Breeding: Fines X Berganza, by Golfi; bred in Spain by Ramon Beca
Recent Results: 6th, Aachen CICO3*; 7th, Gatcombe Park CIC3*
Key Facts: This will be Andrew’s seventh appearance at WEG and second with Nereo, with whom he won individual and team bronze in 2010, making them another of the Elite 8 pairs. They also won team bronze in London at Andrew’s seventh Olympics and finished fourth individually, which Andrew largely attributed to a rain delay stymying his dressage test. Though Andrew and Nereo uncharacteristically parted ways at Badminton earlier this year, they bounced back to finish sixth at Aachen and seventh in the Gatcombe Park CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 755th
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Jock Paget and Clifton Promise
16-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding owned by Frances Stead
Breeding: Engagement X Darn Style, by Cautious Style; bred in New Zealand by Kathryn Abernethy
Recent Results: 27th, Intermediate at Salperton Park
Key Facts: All eyes will be on Jock and Clifton Promise at this year’s WEG, as he was cleared of doping charges following a positive drug test after Burghley last year. Though Jock and Promise, who also join the Elite 8 ranks, haven’t competed much due to the suspension, they have a very successful history together, finishing seventh individually at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky and 10th individually at the 2012 London Olympics to win team bronze. They won Badminton and Burghley in 2013, though lost the Burghley title due to the positive drug test.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: N/A
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Jonelle Price and Classic Möet
11-year-old black Thoroughbred/Irish mare owned by Trisha Rickards
Breeding: Classic X Gamston Bubbles, by Bohemond; bred in Great Britain by Mrs. Hepworth
Recent Results: 3rd, Hartpury CIC3*; 12th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 5th, Chatsworth CIC3*
Key Facts: Jonelle won a team bronze medal at the London Olympics with Flintstar, who has since been sold to the U.S. to young rider Calvin Ramsay. She now returns to the world stage with Classic Möet, a relatively new ride she’s had for about a year since acquiring the mare from Caroline Powell. They were 12th at Luhmühlen in the mare’s first four-star and most recently finished third in the Hartpury CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 107th
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Tim Price and Wesko
11-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by the Wesko Syndicate
Breeding: Karandasj X Kolien, by Mytens; bred in the Netherlands
Recent Results: 2nd, Hartpury CIC3*; 1st, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 1st, Tattersalls CIC3*
Key Facts: After taking a swim at Badminton in this horse’s first four-star attempt, Tim and Wesko re-routed to Luhmühlen, where they took top honors to clinch a spot on his first championship team for New Zealand. After Caroline Powell withdrew Onwards and Upwards, Tim’s wife Jonelle was called up to compete, making this the first team in New Zealand eventing history to have a husband and wife riding together. Tim and Wesko most recently finished second in the competitive Hartpury CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 27th
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Mark Todd and Leonidas II
10-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Mark Todd
Breeding: Landos X Nairobi III, by Parco xx; bred in Germany by Gabriele Pochhammer
Recent Results: 9th, Barbury Castle CIC3*; 14th, Badminton CCI4*; 1st, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: A true legend of the sport, Mark Todd has competed in nine Olympic Games, winning individual gold twice, as well as four WEGs, winning team gold twice. He will ride Leonidas II in his fifth WEG appearance, coming off a 14th-place finish in the horse’s first CCI4* at Badminton and a ninth-place finish in the CIC3* at Barbury Castle. While Leonidas is green to the level, Mark has more than enough experience to deliver a good performance in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 13th
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POLAND

Marta Dziak-Gierlicz and Vacat JP
14-year-old chestnut Anglo-Arabian (PZHK) gelding owned by Hanna Dziak
Breeding: Veritas XO X Valagia xx, by Chiavari xx; bred in Poland by Janow Podlaski
Recent Results: 3rd, Strzegom CCI3*; 23rd, Sopot CIC3*
Key Facts: Marta has competed Vacat JP at the international level since 2005 and now steps up to represent Poland at her first major championship. This pair placed third at Strzegom in their first CCI3* earlier this year and will attempt their first CCI4* in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 262nd
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Jacek Jeruzal and Flandia II
8-year-old bay Westphalian mare owned by Jacek Jeruzal
Breeding: Fidertanz X Petit Fleur, by Polany; bred in Germany by Egon Stiens
Recent Results: 10th, Strzegom CCI3*; 2nd, Wahlsdorf-Liepe CCI2*; 60th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: The youngest horse competing in eventing at WEG at just 8 years old, Flandia completed her first CCI3* at Strzegom earlier this year, finishing in 10th place to qualify for WEG. Jacek and Flandia will now look to complete their first CCI4* together in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 432nd
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Jerzy Krukowski and Apokalipsa M
11-year-old chestnut Polish (PZHK) mare owned by S.K. Moszna
Breeding: Paradys X Amhara, by Le Voltaire; bred in Poland by S.K. Moszna
Recent Results: 3rd, Baborowko CIC2*; 20th, Sopot CIC3*
Key Facts: Jerzy has campaigned Apokalipsa from the CIC* level, bringing her up to compete her first CCI3* last year at Bialy Bor. They were 20th at Sopot CIC3* last year and eliminated at Strzegom CICO3* before most recently finishing third in the Baborowko CIC2*. Jerzy and Apokalipsa will tackle their first CCI4* at WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 214th
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PORTUGAL

Frederico Mexia de Almeida and Play the Joker
16-year-old dark bay British Sport Horse owned by José Folque de Mendonça
Breeding: Parkhall Seymour VII X Jasmin, by John O’Gaunt; bred in Great Britain by Mr. and Mrs. K Godber
Recent Results: 6th, Strzegom CCI3*; 54th, Marbach CIC3*; 25th, Sopot CIC3*
Key Facts: Frederico competed on the Portuguese team at the 2005 European Championships with Pegaso, finishing 50th, and now returns to the international stage with Play the Joker, a horse he acquired from Japanese rider Daiki Chujo last fall. They were sixth at the Strzegom CCI3* together earlier this year and will contest their first CCI4* in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 95th
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Francisco Seabra and Zarthago
10-year-old chestnut Portuguese (Cruzado Português) gelding owned by Equiseabra LDA
Breeding: Carthillo Z X Galway; bred in Portugal
Recent Results: 13th, Jardy CIC3*; 8th, Barraco d’Alva CIC3*
Key Facts: Francisco and Zarthago will represent Portugal for the first time at a major championship, having competed at the international level together since 2010. They were 27th in their first CCI3* together last year at Saumur and were most recently 13th in the Jardy CIC3* in their final prep run for WEG. Normandy will be their first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,269th
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SOUTH AFRICA

Alexander Peternell and Asih
19-year-old Bavarian Warmblood stallion owned by Alexander Peternell and Hans and Victorie van Schon
Breeding: Daimler B X Aqui, by Rio Negro; bred in Germany by Hans van Schön
Recent Results: 22nd, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 34th, Houghton Hall CICO3*
Key Facts: Alexander and Asih represented South Africa at the 2012 London Olympics, finishing in 49th as individuals. They now return to the international stage for WEG after finishing 22nd at Luhmühlen CCI4* earlier this year. Alexander and Asih also completed Burghley last fall. At age 19, Asih is the oldest horse competing in eventing at WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,140th
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Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP. Photo by Jenni Autry.

SPAIN

Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Junco CP
10-year-old bay Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Campeagro Sat
Breeding: Ebene de Montagne X Dunabell; bred in Spain
Recent Results: 15th, Jardy CIC3*; 10th, Saumur CCI3*; 12th, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: Carlos represented Spain in the 2011 and 2013 European Championships with Iberon CP 22, and this is his first trip to the world stage and first major competition with Junco CP. The horse just moved up to the CCI3* level this year, finishing 10th at Saumur and 15th at Jardy. Carlos and Junco will look to complete their first CCI4* together in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 173rd
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Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP
12-year-old bay Anglo-Arabian stallion owned by Antonio Campos Peña
Breeding: Nino X Chiclanera, by Diarikal; bred in Spain by Campeagro Sat
Recent Results: 18th, Jardy CIC3*; 9th, Saumur CCI3*; 2nd, Barroca d’Alva CIC2*
Key Facts: Albert first represented Spain at the 2009 European Championships with Obelix and also competed in the 2011 and 2013 Europeans with Hito CP, his mount for Normandy. He also competes in Grand Prix show jumping and campaigned several horses at Vejer de la Frontera earlier this year. Albert and Hito have completed two CCI4* events: Badminton last year and Pau in 2012. This is their first WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 258th
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Cristina Pinedo Sendagorta and Helena XII
13-year-old dark bay Württemberg mare owned by Enrique Sendagorta
Breeding: Heraldik xx X Fleur, by Fierant xx; bred in Germany by Thomas Zimmerer
Recent Results: 8th, Malmö CICO3*; 20th, Jardy CIC2*; 16th, Saumur CCI3*
Key Facts: Cristina and Helena completed their first CCI3* together at Saumur earlier this year, finishing 16th to qualify for WEG. They have represented Spain at the junior level at Waregem in 2009 and Pardubice in 2010, and this will be their first major championship together, as well as their first attempt at the CCI4* level.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 187th
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Maria Pinedo and Windsor H
14-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding owned by Maria Garcia-Courel
Breeding: Wilawander X Ronda, by Ramiro’s Son; bred in Germany
Recent Results: 13th, Malmo CICO3*; 11th Jardy CIC3*; 11th, Montelibretti CIC3*
Key Facts: Maria represented Spain at the 2013 European Championships with Windsor H and now looks to tackle her first WEG with the horse. He has campaigned at the three-star level since 2009 and most recently finished 13th in the Malmö CICO3*. Normandy will be Maria and Windsor H’s first attempt at the level.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,066th
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RUSSIA

Igor Atrokhov and Indigo Pyreneen
14-year-old bay Anglo-Arabian stallion owned by Maria Ignatieva and Igor Atrohckov
Breeding: Fakou d’Aubrie X Idouane, by Fougueux; bred in France by Jacqueline Blandin
Recent Results: 1st, Planernaya CCI3*
Key Facts: Igor represented Russia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Elkasar, who he parted ways with on cross country. He is now heading to his first WEG with his new top mount Indigo Pyreneen, with whom he contested the 2013 Europeans, which ended in elimination. They won the Planernaya CCI3* in Moscow as their final prep run for WEG, which will be the stallion’s first attempt at a CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 185th
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Yuri Shumskiy and Pinokolada
10-year-old bay Holsteiner mare owned by Yuri Shumskiy
Breeding: Calato X Kira V, by Sun Boulevard; bred in Germany
Recent Results: 2nd, Planernaya CCI3*; 7th, Ratomka CIC3*
Key Fact: Yuri has campaigned Pinokolada (best name ever?) at the international level since 2011. They moved up to the three-star level last year and most recently finished second in their first CCI3* at Planernaya in Moscow to qualify for WEG. Normandy will be their first attempt at the CCI4* level.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 223rd
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Dag Albert and Tubber Rebel. Photo by Jenni Autry.

SWEDEN

Dag Albert and Tubber Rebel
14-year-old grey Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Dag and Liz Albert and Carl and Sally Hanson
Breeding: Rich Rebel X Killea Lady, by Carrabawn View; bred in Ireland by Liam Kenneally
Recent Results: 17th, Luhmühlen CCI4*
Key Fact: A longtime competitor for Sweden, Dag competed at his first Olympics with Nice n’ Easy in 1996, only returning to a major international championship a decade later at the 2006 WEG with Tubber Rebel. Dag and “Bugsy” finished 14th individually in Aachen and also represented Sweden at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, finishing 31st individually. They are coming off a 17th-place finish at Luhmühlen earlier this year and have completed four CCI4* events in all, including Burghley twice.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,342nd
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Anna Hassö and Clover
13-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Anna Hassö and Sune Tjernström
Breeding: Farney Clover X Turrocks Queen, by Great Hussar; bred in Ireland
Recent Results: 24th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 10th, Sopot CIC3*
Key Facts: Anna competed at at her first WEG in Jerez in 2002 with Son of a Bitch — yes, that is actually the horse’s name — and was unfortunately eliminated on course. She and Clover represented Sweden at last year’s European Championships, finishing 27th, and now she returns to WEG with “Bernie” after finishing 24th at Luhmühlen CCI4* earlier this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 902nd
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Anna Hilton and Matrix W
12-year-old chestnut Swedish Warmblood owned by Anna Hilton
Breeding: May Sherif X Milkshake, by Mowgli; bred in Sweden
Recent Results: 11th, Malmö CICO3*; 17th, Saumur CCI3*; 33rd, Burnham Market CIC3*
Key Facts: Anna competed in her first WEG in 1998 in Rome, finished 62nd with Home Run II. She returned to WEG in 2002 in Jerez with Mr. Dalby, completing the event in 27th place, and now will contest WEG for a third time with Matrix W, who finished 17th at Saumur CCI3* earlier this year and was most recently 11th at Malmö CICO3*. Normandy will be the horse’s first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 947th
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Johan Lundin and Johnny Cash
11-year-old grey Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Johan Lundin
Breeding: Business X Fontina, by Robin Z; bred in Sweden by Tina and Johan Lundin
Recent Results: 23rd, Malmö CICO3*; 23rd, Aachen CICO3*; 19th, Badminton CCI4*
Key Facts: Johan first competed on a senior team for Sweden in 2003 at the European Championships with his longtime partner Major Tom, and they went on to compete at WEG in 2006, where they were eliminated on cross country. He now returns for his second WEG looking for redemption with Johnny Cash, who finishing 19th in his first CCI4* at Badminton earlier this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 138th
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Malin Petersen and Sofarsogood
14-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Stefan Haupt and Malin Petersen
Breeding: Naheez X Vanity Fair, by Volturno; bred in Ireland by Charlotte Walshe
Recent Results: 18th, Malmö CICO3*; 29th, Aachen CICO3*; 11th, Copenhagen CIC2*
Key Facts: Malin competed at her first WEG at Kentucky in 2010 with Piccadilly Z, finishing 32nd as an individual. She then represented Sweden at the 2012 Olympics with Sofarsogood, her mount for Normandy, finishing 30th. Malin and Sofarsogood most recently finished 29th at Aachen CICO3* and 18th at Malmö CICO3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 868th
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Ludwig Svennerstal and Alexander
11-year-old bay Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Hakan Svennerstal and Svennerstal & Partners
Breeding: New Balance X Carinette, by Herkules; bred in Sweden by Nils Larsson
Recent Results: 16th, Gatcombe Park CIC3*; 36th, Barbury Castle CIC2*; 4th, Badminton CCI4*
Key Facts: Ludwig, one of Sweden’s rising stars, finished 20th at his first Olympics in 2012 with Shamwari 4 — now Boyd Martin’s mount for Normandy — and heads to his first WEG with Alexander, who finished eighth at Badminton to complete his first CCI4* earlier this year. They most recently finished 16th at the Gatcombe Park CIC3*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 83rd
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Felix Vogg and Onfire. Photo by Jenni Autry.

SWITZERLAND

Patrizia Attinger and Raumalpha
13-year-old bay Trakehner stallion owned by Peter Attinger
Breeding: Friedensfürst X Raumzeit Kontinuum, by Mont du Cantal; bred in Germany by Hubertus Schmidtlein
Recent Results: 23rd, Arville CIC2*; 11th, Saumur CCI3*, 42nd, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Patricia has represented Switzerland at the European Junior Championships since 2005 and will compete on her first senior team in Normandy. One of 11 stallions competing at WEG, Raumalpha has been campaigning at the three-star level since 2011, and he and Patricia will attempt their first CCI4* at WEG. They were 11th at Saumur CCI3* this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 223rd
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Eveline Bodenmüller and Jiva de la Brasserie CH
17-year-old bay Swiss Warmblood mare owned by Michel and Jacques Pellaux
Breeding: Cavallieri xx X Kaoba du Pic, by Tscherkess; bred in Switzerland by Jacques Pellaux
Recent Results: 16th, Renswoude CIC3*; 28th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Eveline and Jiva de la Brasserie CH represented Switzerland at the 2011 and 2013 European Championships, finishing 17th individually in Malmö. They will now attempt their first CCI4* together in Normandy, having recently finished 28th in the Marbach CIC3* and 16th in the Renswoude CIC3* in their final preparation for WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 1,250th
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Jasmin Gambirasio and Thats It
12-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Jasmin and Sabrina Gambirasio
Breeding: Bred in Ireland by Louise McEntee; sire and dam unlisted
Recent Results: 22nd, Hünxe CIC2*; 37th, Saumur CCI3*; 56th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Jasmin has represented Switzerland internationally on the junior level since 2006 and stepped up to her first senior team last year, finishing in 46th individually at the Europeans with Thats It, her mount for Normandy. They placed 37th at Saumur CCI3* earlier this year and most recently finished 22nd in the CIC2* at Hünxe. WEG will be their first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,073rd
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Sébastien Poirier and Tarango de Lully CH
18-year-old bay Swiss Warmblood gelding owned by Sébastien Poirier
Breeding: Gauguin de Lilly X Princesse d’Anjou, by El Toro xx; bred in Switzerland by Bernard Broillet
Recent Results: 31st, Saumur CCI3*
Key Facts: Sébastien and Tarango de Lully CH have competed for Switzerland at three European Championships, finishing 43rd at Malmö last year. They were 31st at Saumur CCI3* earlier this year and will contest their first CCI4* in Normandy. They completed the WEG Test Event last year, placing 29th, in preparation for WEG.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 2,513rd
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Ben Vogg and Noe Des Vatys
13-year-old dark bay Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Ben Vogg
Breeding: Tresor du Renom X Tempete Guichoise, by Cap Martin; bred in France
Recent Results: 5th, Strzegom CIC2*; 30th, Saumur CCI3*; 69th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Ben has represented Switzerland at numerous junior championships, starting back in 2005 with the ponies and working his way up to the European Young Rider Championships with Noe Des Vatys, his mount for Normandy. They placed 30th at Saumur CCI3* this year and were most recently fifth at Strzegom CIC2*. WEG will be their first CCI4*.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 664th
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Felix Vogg and Onfire
12-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding owned by Danièle Vogg
Breeding: Hand In Glove X Latinana, by Le Bavard; bred in France by Nicole Bosuran
Recent Results: 12th, Aachen CICO3*; 14th, Saumur CCI3*; 16th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Felix and Onfire competed at their first championships for Switzerland at the Europeans last year, ultimately retiring on course. They now head to Normandy looking for redemption in their first CCI4*. Felix and Onfire were most recently 14th at Saumur CCI3* and 12th at Aachen CICO3*, making them the anchor pair on the Swiss team.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 433rd
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Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

UNITED STATES

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM
14-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Carl and Cassandra Segal
Breeding: Ramiro B X Ballyvaldon Natalie, by Blue Laser; bred in Ireland by Sylvester Cullen
Recent Results: 3rd, Rolex CCI4*; 4th, The Fork CIC3*; 2nd, Carolina International CIC3*
Key Facts: Buck and Ballynoe Castle RM are one of the Elite 8 pairs who completed WEG in Kentucky in 2010 and now return again for Normandy. “Reggie” has arguably never looked better, and they are coming off a third-place finish at Rolex CCI4*, having clinched the U.S. National Championship in Kentucky the year before. Reggie walked Buck’s longtime groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray down the aisle in her wedding earlier this year.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 16th
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Phillip Dutton and Trading Acces
10-year-old dark bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Trading Aces Syndicate
Breeding: Coevers Diamond Boy X Ballyvonnan Beauty VII, by Leabeg; bred in Ireland
Recent Results: 8th, Rolex CCI4*; 1st, Red Hills CIC3* (with Boyd Martin)
Key Facts: Phillip’s record of five Olympics and five WEGs is bested only by Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson, making him one of the most experienced competitors in Normandy. After piloting catch ride Trading Aces, usually campaigned by fellow U.S. teammate Boyd Martin, to an eighth-place finish in the horse’s first CCI4* completion, Phillip once again finds himself on Team USA. “Oscar” has won two cars this year: a Mercedes for winning Red Hills CIC3* with Boyd in March and a Range Rover for hitting bang on the optimum time at Rolex with Phillip.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 53rd
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Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville
14-year-old chestnut Selle Francais gelding owned by the Manoir de Carneville Syndicate
Breeding: Gaub X Carneville, by Matador du Bois; bred in France by Andre Le Goupil
Recent Results: 4th, Rolex CCI4*; 1st, The Fork CIC3*; 11th, Carolina International CIC3*
Key Facts: Sinead and Manoir de Carneville were controversially denied a spot on the 2012 London Olympic team and instead competed at Burghley that fall, finishing second in triumphant fashion. They now take their rightful spot on Team USA in Normandy for their first WEG, coming off a fourth-place finish at Rolex CCI4* and a win at The Fork CIC3* earlier this year. Team SHE is taking over EN’s Instagram in Normandy, so be sure to follow along with the insanity at @goeventing.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 25th
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Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4
12-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by the Shamwari 4 Syndicate
Breeding: Star Regent xx X Donnica, by Der Clou; bred in Germany by Gita Zuhlsdorf
Recent Results: 3rd, Luhmühlen CCI4*
Key Facts: Boyd Martin delivered Team USA’s best individual finish of 10th place at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky with Neville Bardos and now returns for his second World Championships with Shamwari 4, a horse he acquired from Swedish team rider Ludwig Svennerstal this past winter. After breaking his leg in March, Boyd rallied to make the U.S. WEG squad at the final selection trials in Luhmühlen, finishing third with Shamwari in what can only be described as a do-or-die performance. Expect greatness in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 17th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless
14-year-old dark bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Kim Severson
Breeding: Sired by Mark Twain; bred in Ireland
Recent Results: 11th, Rolex CCI4*; 5th, The Fork CIC3*
Key Facts: One of Team USA’s most decorated riders still competing at the highest levels of the sport, Kim won team gold with Winsome Adante at the 2002 WEG in Jerez before going on to win individual silver and team bronze with “Dan” at the 2004 Athens Olympics. She also competed at the 2006 WEG, making Normandy her third appearance at a World Championships. Though Fernhill Fearless just competed his first CCI4* at Rolex, finishing 11th, he’s a very game, talented cross-country horse. Look for Kim and “Sparky” to be trailblazers over Pierre Michelet’s course in Normandy.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 24th
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook

Lynn Symansky and Donner
11-year-old day Thoroughbred gelding owned by Lynn Symansky
Breeding: Gorky Park X Smart Jane, by Smarten; bred in U.S. by Wilson Securities Group
Recent Results: 1st, Bromont CIC3*
Key Facts: Lynn Symansky has represented Team USA at two Pan American Games, winning team gold with Donner in Guadalajara in 2011. She now makes her first appearance at WEG with the “Flying Deer,” one of two U.S.-bred horses competing in Normandy. Lynn and Donner have already stormed double clear around a Pierre Michelet course at Pau CCI4* last fall to finish 13th. They have had a quiet spring, but expect this pair to dominate on cross-country day — making time on massive courses is just what Donner does.
FEI WBFSH World Ranking: 91st
Chinch Says:
Bio | Photos | Videos | More Info | Website | Facebook | Twitter

[Back to top]

Camilla Spiers and Portersize Just A Jiff Called Up to Irish WEG Team

By Jenni Autry on Aug 8, 2014 12:26 pm -

Camilla Spiers and Portersize Just A Jiff. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Austin O’Connor tweeted earlier today that he had to withdraw Ringwood Mississippi from Ireland’s Word Equestrian Games squad due to a minor injury, and Camilla Spiers has just confirmed via Twitter that she has been called up to the team from the alternate list with Portersize Just A Jiff.

Camilla and Jiff represented Ireland at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, as well as the 2012 London Olympic Games. Ireland’s WEG squad is now made up of:

Clare Abbott riding Cormac Mackay’s Euro Prince (ISH)
Aoife Clark riding PJ Hegarty’s Fenyas Elegance (ISH) (or Henrietta Duchess of Bedford & Jacqueline Norris’s Vaguely North as a direct reserve horse)
Sarah Ennis riding Tom McGuinness, Nicky Potterton and the late Orla Ennis’s Stellor Rebound (ISH)
Joseph Murphy riding Noel Good, Jill Andrews, A. O’Callaghan and Michelle Nelson’sElectric Cruise (ISH)
Camilla Spiers riding Bridget Speirs and her own Portersize Just A Jiff (ISH)
Sam Watson riding Tom MacGuinness, John and Julia Watson’s Horseware Bushman(ISH).

Congrats to Camilla and Jiff on making the team, and we wish the best of luck to Austin as he works through the injury with Ringwood Mississippi.

Go Eventing.

[EN’s WEG Coverage]

Kevin McNab Releases Statement on FEI Exoneration

By Jenni Autry on Aug 8, 2014 11:35 am -

Kevin McNab and Clifton Pinot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kevin McNab has just released a statement following yesterday’s decision by the FEI tribunal to clear both himself and Jock Paget of doping charges when Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot tested positive for the banned substance reserpine following the 2013 Burghley Horse Trials:

“I am very pleased that this is finally over and I can move on with my career without it hanging over me. It’s been tough for my whole team to be in limbo for so long. Allegations such as the one that I have had to face affect many more people than the person accused, and I thank them for their support, which has meant so much to me.

“It is in times of adversity that you really find out the character of people, and I have been humbled by the support that I have had from my owners, particularly Clifton Pinot’s owners Frances Stead and Russell Hall, who have been rocks ever since we received the notification of the positive test result last year. Everyone is now looking forward to moving on and to concentrating on our horses.

“I knew I had done nothing wrong — I’m not a doper, and I’m careful about what I feed my horses. I always knew that it had to be contamination, and the written decision by the FEI Tribunal makes it absolutely clear that I was not at fault. I am a strong supporter of anti-doping.

“It has been a very unpleasant experience, and I hope that if anything good can come out of this, it will be that my case and that of Jock’s serves as a reminder that the effect of doping-related allegations against the innocent are extremely distressing and the protection of innocent parties is as important as detection of the guilty.”

Kevin’s attorney, Rory Mac Neice of Ashfords, also echoed Kevin’s call to protect the innocent until proven guilty in future cases of doping allegations:

“For the last 10 months, Kevin has faced the threat of the destruction of his career, a career that he has worked very hard to build and that has great value to him and those around him. It is difficult to underestimate the effect that doping allegations have on those who are innocent. Kevin is a man of great integrity, and what has been most impressive about him throughout this matter is his unwavering support of the need for sport to take a robust anti-doping position.

“Most people will agree that there should be a robust and consistent anti-doping procedure in sport, but great care must be taken to ensure that the pendulum does not swing too far the other way so that the innocent are also protected. I would like in the future to see the FEI take an strong investigatory role following initial positives and to do so at an early stage to ensure that in cases where there is no fault, such as Kevin’s, these cases can be identified and resolved much more quickly.”

Weigh in, EN. How can the FEI better handle doping cases in the future based on what happened to Kevin and Jock?

Timeline of the Reserpine Controversy:

Aug. 7: Jock Paget, Kevin McNab Cleared of Doping Charges

June 6: FEI Lifts Jock Paget and Kevin McNab’s Suspensions, Final Decision to Come

June 2: Jock Paget’s FEI Tribunal Hearing Begins Tomorrow

April 23: Jock Paget Loses Burghley Title in Partial FEI Tribunal Decision

March 3: Jock Paget Expected to Appear Before FEI Tribunal in Late April, Early May

Dec. 2: Clifton Pinot’s B Sample Also Positive For Reserpine

Nov. 26: Positive B Sample Result from Clifton Promise

Nov. 19: Jock Paget: ‘I’m Not a Doper’

Oct. 30: Paget, McNab Lawyer Up While Awaiting ‘B’ Sample Results

Oct. 21: Clifton Eventers Stands Behind Jock Paget, Kevin McNab

Oct. 16: Frances Stead Speaks Out in Radio Interview

Oct. 15: Jock Paget Reacts to Drug Test Results

Oct. 15: Badminton & Burghley Winner Clifton Promise Tests Positive for Banned Substance

Gillian Warner: The Ultimate Switch Ride

By Jenni Autry on Aug 7, 2014 5:24 pm -

Gillian Warner recently had the wonderful opportunity to take a lesson on Jane Sleeper’s four-star mare UN to prepare for her Pony Club C-3 rating. We would be fangirling over a ride on UN too! Thank you to Gillian for writing, and thank you to Jane for giving Gillian such a cool opportunity. Go Eventing.

Gillian Warner and Jane Sleeper’s UN. Photo courtesy of Gillian Warner.

From Gillian:

“Hands out! Out, out, out! You can do better than that!”

On Monday, I had the amazing opportunity to have a lesson with Jane Sleeper on her four-star mare, UN. It was exciting, and I was more than a little nervous!

A few weeks ago, my mom was looking through the Area ll Young Rider Silent Auction page, when she saw the lesson was up for bid. She texted me asking if I wanted to bid on it. Of course I wanted to … what 15-year-old eventer wouldn’t? I knew that this would be a good ride in more than one way: It would be fun, and it would help me prepare for my C3 Pony Club test. I knew Jane had helped many students get to the A level, so she could really help me with some tips on my riding, and also on switch riding.

We got to Jane’s farm, and everyone was so nice and helpful! We tacked up, headed down to the ring and got on. The entire time I was fan-girling over this super talented, super gorgeous, amazing mare in front of me. I probably looked like:

Jane asked me what I wanted to work on. My response was somewhere along the lines of: “I want to work on riding more from my leg and less from my hand. I’m a perfectionist, and I tend to micromanage the horses too much.” I had no idea how much work I just set myself up for!

As I was walking around, I was so focused on the fact that I was riding UN that I didn’t ask for a nice, forward, marching walk. No worries though; Jane corrected that quickly! Before I knew it, through all of the walk/canter/walk transitions, turn on the haunches, and remembering only to use my leg and body, I got very focused; I even forgot that I was riding a four-star horse!

Then comes the fun part: jumping! We’ll start with a simple cross rail, right? Nope! We started with an exercise to get me to use my leg more. Three jumps were set up in an S shape. I had to go over the jump, leg yield over to get a nice turn to the second jump, jump the second fence and then leg yield the other way to get a nice turn to the third jump. It showed me that I need to work on preparing for the next jump sooner since I missed the turn a few times (whoops)! But UN was so balanced and careful — it was such a cool feeling!

But, even with that exercise, I was still using too much hand. Jane told me to widen my hands so I only had my legs and body to rebalance UN. So I spread them apart a few inches. She told me to widen them more. I spread them out more. “Have a foot on either side!” I spread them out some more. “Spread them out as much as you can!” I felt like I wasn’t going to be in control!

This is how I felt about that:

This is how my mom looked:

How Jane probably felt:

How UN probably felt:

In the end, I kept my hands nice and wide …

… and we were victorious! Thank you to Jane and UN for being wonderful, patient teachers!

More video from the lesson:

New AEC Adult Pony Rider Award Honors Avery Dudasch

By Jenni Autry on Aug 7, 2014 1:30 pm -

Avery Dudasch and Gracefully Dun. Photo courtesy of the USEA.

The USEA will introduce a new Adult Pony Rider Award at this year’s American Eventing Championships in honor of Avery Dudasch, who lost her battle to cancer at age 11. Her mom, Vicki, now campaigns Avery’s pony Gracefully Dun, keeping a promise she made to her daughter before her death, she told the USEA.

“When it came time to stop the fight, Avery’s biggest concern was Grace,” Vicki said. “She was so disappointed that she would not be able to ‘take her to her fullest potential,’ so I promised that I would do my best to make her dreams for the special dun pony come true. So, I ride her pony for Avery.”

The new Adult Pony Rider Award will be given to the highest-placed rider 17 or older who rides a pony 14.2 hands and under in the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training divisions at the AECs.

Jo Whitehouse, USEA CEO, said she has been asked countless times why the organization does not present an award to adult pony riders at the AECS, she said in the USEA’s announcement.

“Suddenly in my mind the USEA had found one of the best reasons in the world to create such an award: to honor the memory of a brave 11-year-old girl who fought a valiant battle to stay with her family and her pony,” Jo said. “Though Avery lost that battle, I hope we will all remember her every time an adult goes out of that start box at the AEC and cheer them on in Avery’s name.”

The USEA has much more on Avery’s touching story over at this link. Thank you to USEA for honoring Avery’s memory with this award. Go Eventing.

[The Memory of Avery Dudasch Lives On at the AEC]

Jock Paget, Kevin McNab Cleared of Doping Charges

By Jenni Autry on Aug 7, 2014 8:00 am -

Jock Paget and Clifton Promise at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The FEI tribunal ruled this morning that Jock Paget and Kevin McNab will be cleared of all doping charges related to Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot’s positive reserpine tests following the Burghley Horse Trials last fall. This is just the second time in history the FEI has exonerated an athlete after a horse tested positive for a banned substance.

“It is very important to the reputation of equestrian and New Zealand sport that no athlete should be knowingly involved in any act of doping,” Equestrian Sports New Zealand president Chris Hodson said in a statement. “That Jock Paget has proved his innocence, which requires a very high standard which has only been achieved in one previous case, is intensely satisfying, and fully justifies the support which ESNZ has given him throughout.”

In its 36-page decision, the FEI explains that a liquid supplement called LesstresseE, manufactured and distributed by Trinity Consultants, was found to contain traces of reserpine upon extensive testing. Both Jock, Kevin and other members of the New Zealand eventing team had used the product for horses that suffered from stress at major competitions.

In building his case with the law firm of Burges Salmon — which won the only other successful banned substance case in 2009 — Jock explained he had started used LesstressE in 2010 under the recommendation of Joe Meyer, who had previously used the supplement in competition with negative testing results.

Jock used LesstressE in 2010 on a horse at Aachen that subsequently tested negative following the event. With Clifton Promise, the horse had tested negative for any banned substances four times between July 2010 and September 2013, always after having been given LesstressE, the FEI’s report said.

Dr. Oliver Pynn, team veterinarian for the New Zealand eventing team, said he requested a list of all supplements Jock was using in May 2012 in order to check the ingredients list. In examining LesstressE, Dr. Pynn said he only found it to contain “benign herbs and tryptophan.”

The FEI’s report also shows that on multiple occasions Jock had contacted Roger Hatch, director of the product manufacturer Trinity Consultants, who “unequivocally confirmed” that LesstressE did not contain any prohibited substances.

But Dr. Mark Dunnett, a consulting equine toxicologist with Independent Equine Nutrition, tested 12 bottles of LesstressE labeled as manufactured between May and August 2013, all of which tested positive for reserpine in quantities ranging from .08 to .11 milliliters. Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot were regularly receiving doses of 25 milliliters during competitions.

After the LesstressE testing confirmed reserpine contamination, Trinity Consultants agreed to a product recall. The bottles returned to the manufacturer were also independently tested and found to contain traces of reserpine, leading to the conclusion that the product had been contaminated before leaving the facility.

The tribunal ultimately exonerated Jock on the basis that he established no fault or negligence for the rule violation. Though the tribunal said it believes Jock did try to enhance the horse’s performance through the use of LesstressE, that “does not necessarily mean that he is ipso facto barred from establishing the absence of fault or negligence.”

Based largely on the fact that Jock provided evidence he had consulted numerous times with the team vet and product manufacturer to ensure the supplement was free of prohibited substances — and that Clifton Promise had tested negative four times after receiving the supplement — the tribunal ultimately ruled to clear Jock.

Jock still loses his Burghley title, which was already stripped in April in a partial FEI tribunal ruling, as the horse competed with a banned substance in its system. The decision comes less than three weeks before Jock and Clifton Promise will represent New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, and Jock said in a statement that he is hugely relieved.

“I feel as though I had my career stripped from me and now someone has said ‘hang on, you can have it back.’ It is complete relief,” Jock said. “I didn’t know if I would be cleared, despite knowing I had done nothing wrong. I knew it wouldn’t be as easy as turning around and saying ‘I didn’t do it’. I was fortunate that we were able to find the source of the contamination, trace it and prove it, and — most importantly — that I wasn’t responsible nor could have known.”

Click here to read the full 36-page ruling from the FEI.

Timeline of the Reserpine Controversy:

June 6: FEI Lifts Jock Paget and Kevin McNab’s Suspensions, Final Decision to Come

June 2: Jock Paget’s FEI Tribunal Hearing Begins Tomorrow

April 23: Jock Paget Loses Burghley Title in Partial FEI Tribunal Decision

March 3: Jock Paget Expected to Appear Before FEI Tribunal in Late April, Early May

Dec. 2: Clifton Pinot’s B Sample Also Positive For Reserpine

Nov. 26: Positive B Sample Result from Clifton Promise

Nov. 19: Jock Paget: ‘I’m Not a Doper’

Oct. 30: Paget, McNab Lawyer Up While Awaiting ‘B’ Sample Results

Oct. 21: Clifton Eventers Stands Behind Jock Paget, Kevin McNab

Oct. 16: Frances Stead Speaks Out in Radio Interview

Oct. 15: Jock Paget Reacts to Drug Test Results

Oct. 15: Badminton & Burghley Winner Clifton Promise Tests Positive for Banned Substance

Jonelle Price Promoted to New Zealand’s WEG Squad

By Jenni Autry on Aug 6, 2014 7:50 pm -

Jonelle Price and Classic Moet. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jonelle Price has been promoted to New Zealand’s World Equestrian Games squad with Classic Moet after Caroline Powell withdrew Onwards and Upwards due to a “niggling injury,” Equestrian Sports New Zealand announced this afternoon.

“I am absolutely gutted, but have always said that if he wasn’t 100 percent, I would step aside and let someone else go,” Caroline said. “He is a stunning horse, and once we get this problem sorted out, he will be back stronger than ever.”

Jonelle’s husband, Tim, is also on the squad with this year’s Luhmühlen CCI4* winner Wesko, making this the first time in New Zealand eventing history a husband and wife will compete together on a team.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity,” Jonelle said. “I’m sorry for Caroline to come in like this, but we are all united in this game and share the highs and lows of the sport. If it was the other way around, I would be equally supportive of her as she is of me.”

Classic Moet, a British-bred Thoroughbred mare owned by Trisha Rickards, is still new to the four-star level, but Jonelle said she is confident the horse is up to the challenge.

“She’s relatively new and has had a fairly quick ride through to four-star level, but she is a gutsy little mare who has improved at a rate that I certainly didn’t expect,” she said.

Andrew Nicholson, Jock Paget, Tim Price and Mark Todd will make up the team, with Jonelle and Lucy Jackson riding as individuals.

[Powell Out, Price In for WEG]

CNN: Bill Levett on WEG, William Fox-Pitt on Beating Germany

By Jenni Autry on Aug 6, 2014 1:30 pm -

With the first horse inspection for eventing at the World Equestrian Games just three weeks away, we’re starting to see a lot of exciting videos and interviews about the competitors surfacing on the web. CNN just released an interview with Bill Levett, who will ride on the Australia team with Shannondale Titan.

Bill, 51, has been trying to represent his country at an international championship for the past 20 years. He was named as a reserve for Australia’s team at the 2012 London Olympic Games but had to withdraw due to injury. Now, he’s finally getting the chance to accomplish his dream.

We’ve been lucky enough to have Bill teach a series of clinics in the States in recent months — you can read a clinic report by EN reader Rachel Wilks here — and EN caught up with him at Badminton to talk about his two top horses, Shannondale Titan and Silk Stone. You can watch that interview here.

CNN also spoke to Great Britian WEG team members Zara Phillip and William Fox-Pitt. William predicts that Germany, the 2012 Olympic gold medal team, will go in as the favorites, but he also points out that Team GB “toppled” the Germans in Kentucky, so it’s really anyone’s game.

Keep it locked on EN for much more from WEG as we countdown the final weeks to Normandy. Go Eventing.

WEG Links: [Website] [EN’s Coverage]

Eventing Nation

Jenni Autry

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Jonelle Price Promoted to New Zealand’s WEG Squad

CNN: Bill Levett on WEG, William Fox-Pitt on Beating Germany

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