Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday Video: Shepherd Ranch BN & Novice Winners

By on Aug 31, 2021 5:00 pm -

Thank heart Ride On Video for bringing us all the West Coast eventing action! Today they began posting rider videos from Shepherd Ranch H.T., which took place over the weekend in Santa Ynez, California.

Here are three of winners from the Novice Rider, Open Novice and Open Beginner Novice divisions. You can view complete results here!

Julia Wood and Absolute CCSH won Novice Rider on a score of 36.6.

Madeline Sexton and Arya Stark won Open Novice on a score of (29.5).

Pam Fisher and Sea Lioness won Open Beginner Novice on a score of 26.5.

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

The Inclusion & Accessibility Legacy of the 2020 Tokyo Equestrian Park

By on Aug 31, 2021 3:00 pm -

The Baji Koen Equestrian Park was the venue for the majority of the equestrian events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

The Baji Koen Equestrian Park has won plaudits from the international equestrian community for the top notch facilities that have played a key role in the high quality of competition during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. But the Japan Racing Association (JRA) which owns and run the facilities, has far reaching plans to ensure barrier free access to equestrian sport.

JRA has worked towards the development and preparation of the Equestrian Park, not just with the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in mind, but also with a view to boosting the long term development of the sport.

“We began planning the re-development of the venue even before Tokyo won the right to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” adviser to the JRA’s horse-affairs division Takahiro Nishio explained.

“The Equestrian Park was not initially built to cater to the specific needs and requirements of people with disabilities. But through our preparations for the Paralympic Games, we have gained a better understanding of what we need to do to create a safe and welcoming structure which allows people with different impairments to fully enjoy all that equestrian sport has to offer.

“All our development plans have been created to include accessibility requirements for people with disabilities so that the Equestrian Park, which also functions as a city park, can bring clear benefits to our community even after the Paralympic Games have ended.”

Opened in 1940, the Equestrian Park was created to provide training for riders and horses, and to host equestrian competitions as well as educational and training programmes. The venue was scheduled to host the equestrian competitions at the 1940 Olympic Games which were cancelled on account of war. It was a natural choice for the equestrian events at the Olympic Games that were subsequently held in Tokyo in 1964.

While the original plan for equestrian put forward by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee was for a temporary venue in the Tokyo Bay area, the JRA and the Japanese Equestrian Federation (JEF) pushed for the alternative which was to reuse the 1964 Olympic equestrian venue at Baji Koen. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) were in full support of this as the Equestrian Park would deliver a more tangible and useful legacy for equestrian sport in Japan.

Post Paralympic Games, the JRA has ambitious plans to create pathways and programmes that allow riders engaged in therapeutic programmes to gradually move into Para Dressage competition. There are currently only a few therapeutic riding clubs in the country and the JRA wants to put in place the necessary structures that will allow these programmes to develop across Japan.

“The JRA has provided athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games with some incredible facilities in which to compete,” FEI Director of Games Operations Tim Hadaway said.

“JRA has gone over and above with their support and have provided specialists like veterinarians, farriers, footing maintenance staff and equestrian instructors. Through their  affiliated companies, the JRA also provided feed and bedding, transportation of competition horses and turf maintenance advice for the field-of-play on the Sea Forest Cross Country Course to ensure the best possible conditions for the equestrian competitions. 

“All the work the JRA has done to date is laying a solid foundation for the development of Para Equestrian sport in Japan and they have led the way by example, through their support of the Japan Para Dressage team.”

Mitsuhide Miyaji, Sho Inaba, Katsuji Taskashima and Soshi Yoshigoe are the four members of the Para Dressage team who trained and prepared for the Paralympic Games at the Equestrian Park and with the full support of the JRA.

Mitsuhide Miyaji, 63, used to work as an assistant trainer at the JRA before he suffered a stroke in July 2005 and was left without feeling on the right side of his body. Tokyo 2020 is his second Paralympic Games after Rio 2016, where he was the only equestrian representative from Japan.

A former jockey with the JRA, Katushi Takashima, 28, was injured during a race that left the right side of his body paralysed. He participated in the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 and Tokyo 2020 was his first appearance at a Paralympic Games.

Twenty six year-old Sho Inaba, who made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo 2020, was born with cerebral palsy that affected his lower limbs and he took up riding at the age of eight for rehabilitation in his hip joint. He represented his country at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 where he finished 14th.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was also a first for 21 year-old Soshi Yoshigoe who is a student at Nippon Sport Science University. He took up horse riding as part of his rehabilitation programme but it was not until high school that he became interested in Para Dressage. Encouraged by the President of his University and colleagues, he has made his mark on the Para Equestrian scene in Japan.

All four athletes hope that the Paralympics will be the catalyst for the continued development of Para Equestrian and other disability sports in Japan.

“Until now, there has been little recognition of Para Sports in this country,” Mitsuhide Miyaji said.

“But the Paralympics have been a good opportunity for many people to learn about Para Equestrian and for them to see how people with various disabilities can get involved in the sport.

“There was no coverage of Para Equestrian Sport in Japan when I took part in the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016. But in the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, there have been many live broadcasts in Japan because of the collaboration between the JRA and Green Channel, the Satellite Broadcasting Foundation for Horseracing, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

“This has allowed people to see for themselves what the sport has to offer. Also by having so many people in Japan involved in the organisation of the Paralympic Games, it has helped change the perception of Para Equestrian sport in the country.”

Your Ultimate Guide to the USEA American Eventing Championships

By on Aug 31, 2021 1:00 pm -

Kloie Hicks and Sugar Rush. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We’re all set to go for an incredible week in the Bluegrass State, where the USEA American Eventing Championships are kicking off today with a record number of entries across all divisions. The USEA has been hard at work priming the Kentucky Horse Park for the 1000+ horses and riders who will be tackling the championship courses set by Derek di Grazia (cross country) and Robert Murphy (show jumping), and there will also be a live stream provided by RNS Video Media for anyone who is unable to attend in person.

We’ll be bringing you daily social media highlights on our Instagram story, photos from Shannon Brinkman’s team, and plenty of other reports to keep you up to speed on the happenings in Kentucky. This is the last year that AEC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park (for the near future, at least), so it’s due to be an extra special year, particularly when considering the cancelation of the championship in 2020. Riders who qualified for 2020 were eligible to compete this year with some additional MERs.

You can bookmark this page for updated articles from AEC, and you can also visit the USEA’s AEC hub full of more information and coverage. We’ll link some pertinent information below for you as well.

Schedule of Events

Live Stream Schedule

Ride Times

Stabling Assignments

AEC Digital Program

EN’s Coverage

Saturday, September 4

#AEC2021 Beginner Novice Cross Country Live Updates
‘It’s Been Almost 40 Years Since I Evented’: Penny Welsh & Mr. Poppers Lead AEC BN Master Amateur Dressage

Friday, September 3

Day Four at #AEC2021 Recap
By the Numbers: #AEC2021 Beginner Novice Master Amateur

Thursday, September 2

Thursday Photo Gallery from Shannon Brinkman
Day Three at #AEC2021: First Champions Crowned
Thursday Video: The First #AEC2021 Helmet Cams Are In!
#AEC2021 $60,000 USEA Adequan Advanced Final Cross Country Live Updates

Wednesday, September 1

Day Two at #AEC2021: Catching Up with Your Division Leaders
View or Download Your AEC Cross-Country Course Maps Here!
Enter EN’s AEC ‘Kentucky Performance of the Week’ Nomination Contest, presented by Kentucky Performance Products

Tuesday, August 31

Day One at #AEC2021: Rain, Rain, Go Away
Tuesday #AEC2021 Instagram Round-up: A Soggy Start

USA’s Roxanne Trunnell Breaks Paralympic Record in Stunning Night of Freestyle Displays

By on Aug 31, 2021 9:00 am -

Equestrian Freestyle Grade 1 winners: L-R: Rihards Snikus (LAT) silver, Roxanne Trunnell (USA) gold, Sara Morganti (ITA) bronze (FEI/Liz Gregg)

Roxanne Trunnell (USA) broke the nine-year-old Grade I Paralympic Freestyle record tonight in a stunning Freestyle competition which also saw Sir Lee Pearson (GBR) take his third gold of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The highest scoring podium

Grade I was the only Grade to have three athletes with a score of over 80% on the podium. Roxanne Trunnell (USA) scored 86.927% on Dolton to break the previous record of 84.750% set by Sophie Christiansen (GBR) in London 2012.

“I just wanted a nice test. It felt good with the music the whole time,” Roxanne said. “It’s been really nice. Everyone is so happy and friendly it makes everyone in the barn happy. It’s just fun. Everyone will be excited when we get home.”

The ever-brilliant Rihards Snikus (LAT) took his second silver in Tokyo on King of the Dance with 82.087%, doubtless prompting more demands for his DJing skills when he gets back home. For Rihards, these two medals more than make up for his disappointment at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. And third place went to Sara Morganti (ITA) on Royal Delight, with 81.100%.

Sir Lee makes it a golden 14

Sir Lee Pearson (GBR) became the most successful athlete in the entire competition by taking his third gold medal of Tokyo 2020, the 14th of his Paralympic career, in the Grade II Freestyle.

His relatively inexperienced and home-bred partner, Breezer, took him to a massive 82.447% to take the title ahead of Pepo Puch (AUT) who rode Sailor’s Blue to a score of 81.007%. Meanwhile Lee’s young teammate, Georgia Wilson (GBR), added another brilliant bronze to her collection on Sakura with 76.754%, which is not a bad result for the reserve rider who was called to Tokyo as a last minute replacement for Sophie Christiansen.

“Number 14, not that we’re counting,” laughed Lee. “I’m twice over the moon. I actually didn’t care if I medalled. That horse gave me his heart in there. He was so much braver than the team and individual test a few days ago. He was still nervous, and we had a tiny little spook when we entered but I said ‘come on we can do this’.”

Lee came to Tokyo with Breezer having had to retire from their selection event. “I’ve not managed to ride this Freestyle in a competition so I’ve been nervous for days. He’s brilliant. I’m taking the best horse home. I didn’t think I could love him any more than I did before but he’s beautiful, amazing.”

Sanne’s HAEVNly gold

Sanne Voets (NED) stormed to victory in the Grade IV Freestyle with a massive personal best score of 82.085% to win her class. Riding Demantur N.O.P. to the stirring music of Dutch artists HAEVN, she finished comfortably ahead of silver medallist Louise Etzner Jakobbson (SWE) who scored 75.935% on Goldstrike B.J. Manon Claeys (BEL) took bronze on San Dior 2 with 75.680%.

Louise’s silver was even more remarkable given that she broke her leg falling off her bike just a couple of months ago, and only got back on a horse to ride two weeks ago during the horses’ quarantine in Aachen (GER).

Speaking after her ride, Sanne said: “I’m not sure I can find the right words. I was really focussed and normally when I first enter a test I try to make eye contact with the judge. I never did that here it was just me and my horse and the music. It was a bit like hypnosis. It felt powerful and soft and relaxed and confident. Sometimes when you ride a test you’re thinking ‘what do I do now?’ but it was like it just happened to me. It felt like we found that true harmony and it was the two of us and no one else.”

Michele’s golden double

Michele George (BEL) was dominant again in the Grade V Freestyle, defending her London 2012 and Rio 2016 titles with aplomb. She scored 80.590% on Best of 8 to pip Frank Hosmar (NED) to the title by just 0.350 of a point. Frank, riding Alphaville N.O.P. scored 80.240 to take the silver, while Regine Mispelkamp (GER) took bronze with 76.820 on Highlander Delight’s.

“I’m really blown away. The mare is just fantastic. What can I say, I’m a bit speechless because coming over here with a young horse and showing the world what she’s capable of is just genius. I knew she could, but I thought maybe it was a bit early to show everyone because at home she can work like a queen but at home is at home.”

Michele went into the arena just after Frank had posted his great score. “Once you’re riding into the arena you don’t look at that,” she said. “I know he had a high score but I thought the mare feels good, so I came into the arena and tried to make something even better. That’s the spirit.”

Tobias’s double delight

In the second highest winning score of the night, Tobias Thorning Jorgensen (DEN) rode Jolene Hill to his second gold of the Paralympic Games in the Grade III Freestyle. Together they scored a massive 84.347% to take the title ahead of Natasha Baker (GBR), who scored 77.614% on Keystone Daw Chorus. Anne Katrin Lubbe (NOR) took the bronze on La Costa Majlund with 76.477%.

A clearly delighted Tobias said after his ride: “I feel great. I left my head out here this time because I wanted to show I can do this. I just rode to the edge of being too much and I was probably closer to some mistakes today than I was yesterday, but I took the chance.

“I always had the dream of double gold but I knew it would be hard. I would be happy if it was a silver or bronze, just to get two medals at my first Paralympics, but two golds is amazing.”

At the end of five days of stunning Para Dressage competition, the horses and athletes of Tokyo 2020 will now start their journeys home. They will remember a record-breaking week of drama and fierce competition which saw new champions crowned and titles re-won or defended.

Great Britain top the Para Dressage table, with three golds, three silvers and two bronzes, ahead of The Netherlands’ two golds, two silvers and two bronzes. Belgium take the third spot with two golds and two bronzes, followed by the USA in fourth position with two golds and a bronze.

The world’s best Para Dressage athletes will gather again in August 2022 at the FEI World Championships in Herning (DEN). Until then, the memories of this competition in Tokyo will be slow to fade. It’s been a dazzling, brilliant Paralympic Games.

Key links

#WeThe15

Toyko 2020 Para Equestrian pages

FEI Paralympic Games History Hub

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Aug 31, 2021 7:59 am -

There have been so many great initiatives throughout the equestrian world over the last year or so, all of which encourage access to the industry for riders from all kinds of backgrounds. One I’ve watched keenly is the Riding A Dream Academy, inspired and spearheaded by Ebony Horse Club graduate Khadijah Mellah, who became the first ever Hijabi jockey to win a race when she took top honours in the Magnolia Cup charity race back in 2019. Now, the first batch of participants in the Riding a Dream Academy is seeking to follow in her footsteps as an inner-city rider-turned-jockey, and they’ve just completed their first residential week in Newmarket, England, where they’ve logged plenty of hours in the saddle and learned tonnes about the world of racing. We love to see it.

National Holiday: It’s National Trail Mix Day. (Why?)

Events Opening Today: Ocala Fall Horse Trials, Pine Hill Fall H.T.

Events Closing Today: MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event, Stone Gate Farm H.T., Marlborough H.T, GMHA September H.T., Otter Creek Fall H.T., Flying Cross Farm H.T., Unionville Horse Trials, The Event at Skyline, Aspen Farms H.T.

News and Notes from Around the World:

Are you as psyched for the AECs as we are? We know you are — and we know you’ll be utterly, ludicrously excited to preview the courses to come this week through USEventing’s virtual cross-country walks. [Preview the 2021 AEC Cross-Country Courses]

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who, in the wake of Tokyo, thinks the format change for equestrian sports was a good idea. Journalist Pippa Cuckson lays out her thoughts on why it backfired for the showjumping competition, and questions why equestrians are being put under this unique pressure. [Only 30 Flags in Diving, So Why the Pressure On Us?]

Want to maximise your course-riding prowess? Minimise your aids first, with help from Joe Fargis. [Joe Fargis: Keep Your Riding Simple]

There are few limits to what a great horse can do for us. For Janina Lagemann-Doné, that horse was Cayenne Z, and his role has been to help his rider deal with a life-changing cancer diagnosis in her twenties. [F you, cancer. Thank you, CZ.]

Listen: Ireland’s Sam Watson tells his Tokyo story, from pre-quarantine export in Aachen to the real deal and beyond.

Watch: Relive Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore’s winning round in the CCI4*-S at Great Meadow.

Monday Video: How a Snowman Can Help Improve Your Dressage

By on Aug 30, 2021 4:30 pm -

I know, I know … it still feels too early to be thinking about pumpkin spice, never mind snowmen, but it’s all in the name of better dressage! The snowman exercise is a favorite of dressage rider and YouTuber Amelia Newcomb for improving the canter, improving suppleness, waking up a lazy horse and relaxing a tense horse — basically, you name it and it’s a good exercise for it!

The snowman exercise has been a staple in Amelia’s training toolbox for years. In fact, the video above was uploaded in 2019 and just recently she posted a new video about the same exercise, but with variations on it for all levels. Don’t wait until winter to incorporating this exercise into your own dressage practice!

US Equestrian Announces Re-Opening of Bidding for 2023-2027 CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L & Advanced

By on Aug 30, 2021 2:30 pm -

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 at the 2020 Tryon International Three-Day Event. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The CCI4*-L competitions on the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar have been approved by the USEF Board of Directors and publicly announced via press release. The USEF Eventing Bid Review Group is continuing to evaluate the Bid Applications received for the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and Advanced levels for 2023-2027.

USEF has approved an additional round of bidding to occur. A bid process will open on Friday, August 27 and close on Friday, September 3 for the following weeks:

Week 7: Week 7 will re-open for bidding to one Advanced level event in Area 6.

Week 14: Week 14 will re-open for bidding to one CCI4*-S and Advanced level event in Area 2 or Area 3.

Week 18: Week 18 will re-open for bidding to one Advanced level event in Area 3 and one CCI3*-L level event in Area 5.

Week 21: Week 21 will re-open for bidding to one Advanced level event in Area 6.

Week 23: Week 23 will re-open for bidding to a CCI4*-S or Advanced in Area 6 and 7.

Week 26: Week 26 will re-open for bidding to an Advanced level event in Area 7.

Week 27: Week 27 will re-open for bidding to a CCI4*-S and Advanced level event in Area 2. This week is intended to serve as a preparation competition for the Olympic Games and other Championships.

Week 28: Week 28 will re-open for bidding to an Advanced level event in Area 2.

Bids from organizers who submitted a bid for any of the weeks indicated above in a previous round of bidding are still under consideration.

Bid Applications will only be considered for the weeks indicated above and must meet the criteria of those weeks. To be considered, a complete Bid Application must be submitted by Friday, September 3 to [email protected]. A complete Bid Application must include:

1. Bid Application
2. Application for License Agreement
3. Map of the venue with diagram of the layout of the proposed Event
4. Revenue and expense budget outline for the Event, including known sponsorship
5. Optional: Letters of support or additional documentation for consideration

For more information of the calendaring process and access to the bid application, visit the U.S. Eventing Calendar Process webpage. If you have questions, please email [email protected].

Weekend Winners: Five Points, Seneca Valley, Shepherd Ranch, Town Hill Farm

By on Aug 30, 2021 11:00 am -

Love these two ladies! I’ll just keep going to shows that Ryan Wood and Boyd Martin aren’t at and hopefully we will keep winning ribbons 🤞🏼

Posted by Dominic Schramm on Sunday, August 29, 2021

It’s time to catch up on your score-stalking from the weekend! This week’s Unofficial Low Score Award was earned by Dom Schramm, who piloted the 8-year-old Holsteiner mare Dawn Breaker to a Training level win on a final score of 21.1. This is a mare who has previously earned a 14.3 (insert mind-blown emoji here), so competitive dressage seems to be a strong suit of hers! Congratulations are also in order to the other half of the Schramm fam, Jimmie, who made the step back up to the Advanced level aboard Eclaire, who Jimmie has had and produced since she was four. Well done to all!

Five Points H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Results]

Advanced: Kate Brown and Carnaby (42.0)
Intermediate: Will Faudree and Pleasant Humphrey (40.6)
Open Preliminary: Emily Beshear and Templewood (27.3)
Preliminary Rider: Diana Craven and Fernhill St. Nick (40.9)
Modified: Nicole Kemerling and Modern Man (39.1)
Open Training: Dom Schramm and Dawn Breaker (21.1)
Training Rider: Susanne McDaniel and Corelli (28.9)
Novice Rider: Kylee Casey and Danielle Deer (33.1)
Open Novice: Robin Walker and Cappog Ferro Royale CDS (21.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Willow Chase and Diablo (32.3)
Open Beginner Novice: McKenzie Cumbea and Talisman (27.3)

🚨 Alert- Sappy Post 😎Around 6 years ago, Jenni Autry and I popped on a plane to Frankfurt, Germany to take a look at a…

Posted by Jimmie Holotik Schramm on Sunday, August 29, 2021

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, Md.): [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z (37.6)
Open Preliminary: Boyd Martin and Mystic Fair (37.6)
Open Modified: Daniel Clasing and Et Cetera (28.9)
Modified Rider: Robyn Weaver and Wishbone (33.2)
Training Rider: Laura Delaney and Aragon (30.2)
Training Jr.: Katherine Holzrichter and Idlehour Center Stage (34.0)
Open Training 1: Suzannah Cornue and Clear Crossing (34.2)
Open Training 2: Boyd Martin and Gesalt (28.9)
Open Novice 1: Lillian Heard and Fernhill Mac an Bata (32.4)
Open Novice 2: Lillian Heard and Bellines Quality Lady (30.5)
Novice Jr.: Gianna Fernandez and Excel Star Vero Amore (31.9)
Novice Sr.: Cathrin Weiss and Pegasus Black Gold (32.4)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Morgan McGrath and Windchase Hydra (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Mike Pendleton and Ruby Falls Romeo (30.8)
Beginner Novice Jr.: Lily Kratz and One Lark One Legend (32.0)
Starter 1: Susan Thompson and Legion of Honor (37.5)
Starter 2: Cathrin Weiss and Karpe Diem (27.8)

Shepherd Ranch H.T. (Santa Ynez, Ca.): [Website] [Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Caitlin Davison and M Cloudy De Lune SE (36.5)
Open Preliminary: Mia Richardson and Whats That Sportsfield (37.1)
Preliminary/Training: Sophia Merz and Clara Bö (38.1)
Open Training: Jolie Wentworth and Cruise Control (30.7)
Training Rider: Sloan Bryson and Abright Star (36.9)
Novice Rider: Julia Wood and Absolute CCSH (36.6)
Open Novice: Madeline Sexton and Arya Stark (29.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Leslie van der Wal and Doonhill Dancer (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Pam Fisher and Sea Lioness (26.5)
Open Introductory: Caitlin Davison and Ringo Star (29.0)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTL0lD8r7YsqvATMcLQ71yF_z5ZlPh920wjUNQ0/

Town Hill Farm H.T. (Lakeville, Ct.): [Website] [Results]

Preliminary: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (34.2)
Training A: Bella Moon and Million Dollar Baby (29.5)
Training B: Lourie Yelton and Ripleigh (42.0)
Novice A: Maye Stichter and Know Direction (28.8)
Novice B: Alexander Conrad and Amore (27.1)
Novice C: Alison Silvester and Breeze (29.8)
Beginner Novice A: Logan Williams and Four Star General (36.0)
Beginner Novice B: Hannah Lowin and Infinity KH (22.5)
Beginner Novice C: Tara Astacio and Money to Burn (26.5)
Starter: Sandra Schwinger and Kontrabass (32.7)

All Gold for Germany at Super Segarsjö FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders

By on Aug 30, 2021 10:30 am -

One team, six medals and an Olympic champion! Germany’s Nane Nikolaus Dehn, Kaya Thomsen, Viktoria Weyers and Sophia Rossel pictured with Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Eventing individual gold medallist Julia Krajewski after winning Junior team gold at the FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2021 in Segersjö, Sweden today. Nane Nikolaus Dehn was also crowned individual champion and Kaya Thomsen took individual bronze. (FEI/Roland Thunholm)

German athletes were unstoppable for gold when clinching the team and individual titles in both categories at the FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2021 in Segersjö, Sweden yesterday.

The venue, originally a royal estate that now belongs to the ninth generation of the Montgomery-Cederhielm family, provided the perfect backdrop to a brilliant weekend of sport in which Spain and Ireland took Junior and Young Rider team silver respectively while Italy took double team bronze.

And the closing stages of both competitions was nail-biting to the very end.

Juniors

A total of 67 competitors lined out before the judging panel of Seppo Laine (FIN), Laure Eslan (FRA) and Tim Downes (GBR) in the Junior dressage phase in which Germany established the advantage when Viktoria Weyers and Lariostea H posted a brilliant 22.2 for the leading score ahead of team-mate Nane Nikolaus Dehn and Zilia D who put 23.6 on the board.

On a mark of 27.7, French team member Lisa Gualtieri (A d’Aunis) was lying third while Spain’s Marçal Piro Patau (Kira HDB 20 88) was next in line on 28.0. In the team rankings Germany had the clear lead ahead of France in silver medal position, Ireland in third and Poland in fourth going into yesterday’s cross-country phase which proved very influential.

The 21-fence course, designed by Great Britain’s Eric Winters, saw 13 of the 67 starters eliminated and riders racking up a total of 31 refusals. However 35 horse/athlete combinations came home without fence penalties and 17 were clear within the time of 7 minutes 05 seconds. The bogey fence of the day was the combination at fence 11 where a total of 17 refusals were recorded, and amongst them was one for the German team anchor partnership of Sophia Rossel with Exclusive.

It proved no problem at all for the two leading Germans however, and when Gualtieri missed a flag at fence 19 to drop down the leaderboard then individual competitor Nicoletta Massmann bolstered the German position even further when moving into third after a great tour of the track with Painters Igor.

Alina Dibowski, GER and Barbados 26, during the cross country test for Young Riders. Photo Copyright © FEI/Roland Thunholm

Rocketed up

Piro Patau remained individually fourth when adding just 1.6 time penalties, and the Spanish side that also included Pau Catala Sanuy (Batec), Daniel Sala Aloso (Myatn de Remella) and Arkaitz Arana Delgado (Arvoleda FM) rocketed up from overnight eighth into silver medal position going into today’s final Jumping phase.

Team Italy’s Camilla Luciani (Athina Quandolyn), Ginevra Grizzetti (Junco CP), Ludovica Vincenti (Herminia) and Cecilia Magni (Piano Star) also enjoyed a big bounce from sixth place into potential bronze medal spot thanks to solid cross-country runs. And those team positions remained unchanged this afternoon, despite plenty of drama over the coloured poles.

Four of the top five individuals were flying the German flag as jumping began, because team-member Kaya Thomsen (Da Bin Ich C) moved up from tenth after dressage to fifth after cross-country and was lying just 0.4 penalties behind Piro Patau. As the final stage played out less than two fences separated the top 10, and there was less than a fence between the top two.

Fifth-last to go, Thomsen kept a clean sheet to stay on her dressage score of 30.0 and then fourth-placed Piro Patau followed suit to hold on to his running total of 29.6. But, first of the final three, Massmann had two down to slip out of contention.

Dehn’s single error when the penultimate rider into the ring seemed to suggest he would scoop the silver with 29.2 now on the board. But, last to go, Weyers double-faulted and her final total of 30.2 left her an agonising 0.2 behind team-mate Thomsen who bagged the bronze, while Piro Patau stood on the second step of the podium and 17-year-old Dehn was crowned the 2021 FEI Eventing European Junior champion.

Anna Lena Schaaf , GER and Fairytale 39 , during the cross country test for Young Riders. Photo: Roland Thunholm

Young Riders

A total of 41 contenders rode their dressage tests before judges Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), Dr. Joachim Dimmek (GER) and Joanne Jarden (IRL) in the Young Riders category in which Team Germany once again established the lead from the outset.

Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39 posted the best score of 21.5, and when team-mates Greta Busacker and Scrabble OLD slotted into third with 24.1, Libussa Lubbeke and Darcy F filled fourth with 28.3 and Alina Dibowski and Barbados 26 slotted into sixth, then the German running score was 73.9 going into the second phase.

However Team France were close behind on 84.4, boosted by Anouk Canteloup’s mark of 23.8 with Daniel del Impermeable which left this pair in overnight second. The three-strong Belgian side held third on 96.2 ahead of The Netherlands in fourth on 96.6, but cross-country day would bring changes.

An impressive 20 horse/athlete combinations jumped clear over the solid timber and five made it home inside the time of 8 minutes, with two retirements, nine eliminations and 16 refusals around the 24-fence track.

Dibowski scorched home in 7 minutes 53 seconds to move up three places to third at end of the day, behind Canteloup and Schaaf who held on to the leading two spots when adding just 4.0 and 1.6 time penalties respectively. Busacker’s 5.2 time penalties dropped her one place to fourth ahead of Zazie Gardeau (Udine Jolimon Beam) and Julie Simonet (Sursumcord’Or) in fifth and sixth for France.

Dashed

The team leaderboard showed Germany still out in front and France in silver medal spot after yesterday’s cross-country, but Belgian chances were dashed when Seppe Vilain (Lamparo V) missed fence 16 and Jarno Verwimp’s Mahalia had a fall at fence 20. And the French had no luck either.

Chiara Autin and Urban Legend Blues had been eliminated for three cross-country refusals so when Gardeau’s Udine Jolimon Beam was withdrawn before this morning’s second Horse Inspection and Canteloup’s Daniel del Impermeable wasn’t accepted, then their chances were also gone.

So it was Ireland’s Jim Tyrrell (Rock Gift), Alannah Kelly (Cooley Bounce) and brother and sister Brian (Tullibards Now or Never) and Jennifer Kuehnle (Polly Blue Eyes) who were lying in silver medal spot as the final action got underway today. The departure of the French saw Italy’s Matilde Piovani (Born West), Leonardo Maria Fraticelli (Belamie DHI), Carolina Silvestri (Dutchdaleo Z) and Maria de Angelis Corvi (Bungowla Diamond Time) move from fourth up into bronze, and, like the Irish, they held firm in the final analysis.

A total of 28 lined out over the showjumping course set by Sweden’s Lars Erik Jakobsson, but only four managed to keep a completely clean sheet. It looked like it might be an all-German individual podium with Schaaf, Dibowski and Busacker holding the top three places ahead of the sole remaining French team member, Simonet, sitting in fourth place as the action resumed for the final time.

Adding four faults to her score of 31.2, the French rider then had to sit back and watch the final three take their turn and when Busacker went clear then all the pressure was piled onto the remaining two. Dibowski had no room for error with only a 0.3 advantage over Busacker, but with three fences down her medal hopes were gone. So when, last to go, Schaaf left two on the floor then she would drop to silver medal spot and it would be Busacker who would grab the gold with Simonet taking bronze.

FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders: [Results]

Great Britain Defies the Odds to Take Spectacular Paralympic Team Title

By on Aug 30, 2021 9:30 am -

Celebrations on the podium at Equestrian Park tonight at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with the winners of the team competition. L to R: Rixt van der Horst – Findsley, Sanne Voets – Demantur, Frank Hosmar – Alphavile (NED) Silver medalists; Lee Pearson – Breezer, Sophie Wells – Don Cara M, Natasha Baker – Keystone Dawn Chorus (GBR) Gold medalists; Kate Shoemaker – Solitaer 40, Roxanne Trunnell – Dolton, Rebecca Hart – El Corona Texel (USA) Bronze medallists. (FEI/Liz Gregg)

Suspense and pure grit were on display tonight as Great Britain claimed the Tokyo 2020 Para Dressage Team gold medal, continuing their seemingly unbreakable hold on the title which started in Atlanta 1996. The trio of Sir Lee Pearson (Grade II), Natasha Baker (Grade III) and Sophie Wells (Grade V) scored 229.905 to finish just 0.656 ahead of The Netherlands’ 229.249. And in another momentous shift in the sport, USA took the bronze medal with 224.352, making this their first Paralympic Team podium finish, and the first time the podium hasn’t been made up of all European teams!

How it works

There are three athletes per team. Each Grade competes separately in its own Team Test, with each horse and athlete combination performing a series of pre-determined movements, which differ by Grade. The combined results of each of the teams’ three athletes determine the overall score and the team with the most points wins gold. The competition was run over two days, starting with the athletes from Grades I, II and III performing on Saturday, leaving Grades IV and V to seal the deal today.

Here’s how the day unfolded

At the beginning of the day, the competition was shaping up to be a showdown between the three podium winners, with Great Britain having the slight advantage over the USA, with both countries having two tests already completed.

Natasha Baker with Keystone Dawn Chorus GBR. Team competition. Grade 3.

The Grade V Team test was won by Belgium’s Michele George on Best of 8. She scored 77.047% to put her country into medal contention too.

A crucial score of 75.651% for Sophie Wells (GBR) proved to be a massive boost for her country’s chances of winning, while Frank Hosmar (GBR) on Alphaville N.O.P. posted 74.814% to keep things neck and neck between the two countries.

At the start of the Grade IV Team Test, the British had completed all their rides, leaving the USA and The Netherlands with the knowledge of how much their last two athletes would have to score to beat them.

First up was Kate Shoemaker (USA) on Solitaer 40. She scored 71.825% to put the USA in silver medal position.

Sanne Voets then entered the arena on Demantur N.O.P. and knew she needed to score 78.136% to beat Great Britain. Four minutes later she left, and her score was announced, a massive personal best of 78.200%. However, between the calculation of what was needed to win, and Sanne’s test, Sophie Wells’ score was confirmed slightly higher than the provisional score given earlier, thus handing Great Britain the closest of wins. It could not have been any closer, it could not have been more historic.

Speaking after their medal ceremony, Natasha Baker tried to sum up how the team felt. “I don’t think any of us expected that in a million, trillion, gazillion years to be honest. We’re all so immensely proud of everything our horses have done in the last few days.”

“We had no expectation that we could achieve that” Sophie Wells added. “We genuinely thought it was impossible in the most realistic way. We all had horses that have never done this or been against anyone else. The Dutch are so strong and secure on their horses and we’re not.”

Michele George riding Best of 8 BEL. Gold medal position.

“We haven’t even got any championship horses on this team,” said Lee Pearson.

Team Leader Georgia Sharples paid tribute to the team saying: “I just think these guys are undefeated Paralympic champions but in a whole new context. You’ve heard about the inexperienced horsepower, but never underestimate these guys and what a job they did out there on that field of play.”

The Netherlands were equally enthused by their silver, and the closeness of the competition.

“We’ve been working towards this for five years,” said Sanne Voets, “and this is where you want to perform at your best and, if you can succeed at that you can’t be disappointed.

“There was so much pressure. When we saw the order to go and I realised I was the last rider of the three countries who were expected to win I knew I would know the score needed for team gold.”

And despite coming into the Games as hot favourites for the title, there was delight and relief with bronze for the USA as well, especially Rebecca Hart, who has competed at four Games now.

“I don’t have words right now, she said. It was such an amazing competition and so close. A real nail-biter to the very end. I am so incredibly blessed and happy to be standing here with these two amazing riders. To finally, after so many years, be able to stand on that podium as a country, it’s a lifelong dream come true.”

After the drama of the Team competition, the Para Dressage competition at Tokyo 2020 comes to an end tomorrow, when the top eight individual riders in each Grade take to the arena to dance in the ever-popular Freestyle competition. The five medals will come thick and fast in what will doubtless be another fascinating, exciting and potentially historic end to a brilliant Paralympic Games for Para Dressage.

Key links
#WeThe15
Toyko 2020 Para Equestrian pages
FEI Paralympic Games History Hub