Classic Eventing Nation

Monday Video: Japanese Crash Course with Team USA

By on Jul 26, 2021 5:48 pm -

Japanese Words and Phrases đŸ‡ŻđŸ‡”

#TeamUSA got to practice their Japanese ahead of the #TokyoOlympics with the help of #USADressage owner, Akiko Yamazaki! How did they do?

Posted by US Equestrian on Friday, July 23, 2021

Our friends from the U.S. dressage, show jumping and eventing teams are settling in at Tokyo. Before they touched down, though, they, they had enough time for a classroom session with dressage rider and owner Akiko Yamazaki. They learn common phrases like “My name is” and “good afternoon.” The only phrase missing in translation was “more leg!” Who do you think wins star student?

In the meantime, there’s LOADS to follow this week + a 13 hour time difference (for us east coasters at least). We’ve got the hub to keep you straight; CLICK HERE to get all the info you need and daily coverage links in one handy, bookmarkable post.

Go Eventing!

#TheTeaFromTokyo: The Eventers Take a Spin in the Main Arena

By on Jul 26, 2021 2:17 pm -

It’s been a big day for our eventers out in Tokyo, because today was the first time they got the chance to ride in the extraordinary arena in which they’ll perform their dressage tests later this week. It’s also been a big day for EN, as our boots-on-the-ground reporter Sally Spickard arrived at the venue today, camera in tow, to document the action as it happened. You can check out her super photos and a round-up of her experience so far here, and then, keep on scrolling for a social media round-up full of the latest updates from Tokyo.

China’s Alex Hua Tian celebrated the first-ever eventing team for his country:

Australia’s Andrew Hoy enjoyed some dressage:

The USA’s Phillip Dutton shared an update on the weather:

Horse & Hound‘s editor Pippa Roome enjoyed a classic Tokyo sunset as she settled in to watch the familiarisation:

Photographer Shannon Brinkman captured that crazy sky from a different angle:

Doug Payne and Vandiver enjoyed a schooling session on the main stage:

Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier enjoyed a session on her homebred, Alpaga d’Arville:

France’s Karim Laghouag and Triton Fontaine head into the ring for a schooling session after stepping into team duties, following the sad withdrawal of Tom Carlile and Birmane earlier today:

Phillip Dutton and Z get to work:

The Netherlands’ Merel Blom, one of two individual competitors for the country, puts The Quizmaster through his paces:

The formidable British team logs some miles in the arena:

Hong Kong’s Thomas Heffernan Ho and 20-year-old Tayberry take in the sights at their first Olympics:

US team reserves Tamie Smith and Mai Baum have been catching everyone’s attention since Aachen, and they continued to sparkle tonight: 

Poland’s Pawel Spisak prepares for his fifth Olympics:

The US team made early strides: 

India’s Fouaad Mirza got settled in with the gorgeous Seigneur Medicott, formerly a Bettina Hoy ride:

The Australian team nabbed an early slot in the ring: 

Commentator John Kyle managed a bit of sightseeing amongst all his hard work: 

Great Britain’s Laura Collett made use of the best photo op at the venue: 

…and the Kiwis had the same idea: 

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

It’s Almost Game Time: Eventing Arena Familiarization Photo Gallery

By on Jul 26, 2021 1:44 pm -

Team Poland enjoy a sunset slot in the main arena. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I’ve officially reached hour 30 of being awake (unless you count the two hour sort-of-nap I grabbed on my flight from Seattle to Tokyo Haneda airport, which I definitely don’t), but it’s well worth the lost sleep and jet lag to be able to hit the ground running here in Japan. The logistical dance members of the media had to do to get accredited for these Games were astronomical (though, I’m sure, still pale in comparison to the project that was getting the horses to Tokyo!), as Japan remains strongly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and, understandably, hesitant to allow plane loads of strange people from faraway lands into their country willy nilly.

Have you got Tokyo swag envy yet? We certainly do – now where’s the nearest gift shop? Photo by Sally Spickard.

So, before I could even book my ticket, there was a whole mess of steps I first needed to tick through. Multiple pre-trip Covid tests (plus another one for good measure upon arrival in Japan), submission of a strict Activity Plan from which we cannot deviate, agreement to submit to contact tracing during our stay in Tokyo and many, many other things were required from us before we were allowed to travel. Luckily, I was able to apply and get approval to operate upon arrival instead of undergoing a three-day isolation period like some of my peers. I will need to submit to Covid testing for each of the first few days while I am here to ensure I remain virus-free.

But now, the logistical stress of getting here is behind me and, well, I’m here! All it took was a text from photographer friend Shannon Brinkman to let me know she had a taxi coming this evening to take her to the eventing arena familiarization, and as soon as I could get through the lengthy intake process at the airports, navigate a bus to the Media Transport Mall (basically a massive hub of busses heading in every direction to every sport), then another to my hotel to drop my bags and wash my face, I was skipping down the stairs, camera in tow, to go check out the sights.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti get down to business in Canada’s schooling slot. Photo by Sally Spickard.

You’ve no doubt seen loads of pictures, videos and social media posts by now but let me just reaffirm: the Equestrian Park is pure magic. It comes looming out from among the rest of the urban city buildings like a veritable horsey paradise, and the towering stands gave me a pang of sadness that they won’t be filled with even a small number of spectators (though I understand the reasons why). Suffice it to say there will still be plenty of atmospheric pressure on these horses once they’re in this cavernous space all on their own. Luckily, they’ll only have to be in there for about five minutes total thanks to the newly shortened Olympic Games dressage test.

The teams and individuals, who were grouped by threes or fours, were each given 20 minutes to come and school in the dressage arena itself as well as the surrounding space (of which there is plenty). For the final 10 minutes of that time, the riders were given the competition arena to get in some practice while the next team schooled outside. Afterward, some of the riders swapped saddles to go hop over a few fences to practice for the show jumping phase, which will be held partially at night on Monday.

Tamie Smith gives Mai Baum a stretch and a pat during her schooling session. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Most of the riders focused on the basics, focusing on getting their horses moving forward and relaxing down to the bridle. Perhaps a benefit of having been here for nearly a week already, most horses seemed fairly settled and unbothered by the big atmosphere. That is, of course, subject to change once eight of their friends are no longer visible! A few riders practiced some of the movements from the test, in particular the flying lead changes that will end up counting for nearly 20% of the dressage score.

Tomorrow will be a light day for me, followed by a cross country course walk with Derek di Grazia and other media members on Wednesday. Thursday the fun begins with the first horse inspection, and Friday it’s off to the races! Stay tuned for much more from Tokyo – for now, I sleep!

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

US Team Announced for CHIO Aachen in September

By on Jul 26, 2021 12:04 pm -

A return to the buzz and camaraderie of a pre-COVID world is Aachen’s biggest hope for their new dates – and if all goes according to plan, the venue will be back to providing a full championship experience for competing teams. Photo courtesy of CHIO Aachen/Andreas Steindl.

US Equestrian has announced the exciting line-up of athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the rescheduled CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S in Germany, set to take place from September 15-19.

“Simultaneously as we are out in Tokyo in our last preparation before the Olympic Games, our eyes have consistently been looking forward to the FEI Eventing World Championship in Pratoni, Italy, next year,” said Erik Duvander, U.S. Performance Director of Eventing. “This year’s CHIO Aachen is an opportunity for our riders to get a proper team experience in a unique environment that simulates a championship. I believe we have a high-quality group of athletes and horses that are tracking in this direction.”

The following athlete-and-horse combinations have been selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S and are listed in alphabetical order:

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

  • Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off the Record Syndicate

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Shelby Allen.

  • Sydney Elliott (Bossier, La.) and QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan at the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

  • Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

The following combination has been selected as the alternate for the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S:

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

  • Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Vermiculus, a 2007 Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars

The Ultimate Guide to Eventing at Tokyo 2020

By on Jul 26, 2021 11:28 am -

Is this the real life, or is this just fantasy? It’s hard to believe, really, that after all that the last 18 months has thrown at us, we’re really, truly at the Tokyo Olympics. It might be a quieter affair than usual, with no spectators in the capacious stadiums, but the competition is still set to be smoking hot. We’ll be on site bringing you everything you need to know (and, as always, some of the stuff you don’t really need to know, but will thoroughly enjoy nonetheless). Consider this your Tokyo bible – keep it bookmarked for the easiest access to all the essential information you need, including schedules, live-streams, up-to-the-minute scoring, and, of course, every last bit of coverage EN puts out. We’ll be adding each new article as it goes live – simply scroll to the bottom to find the latest additions.

Ready? Let’s do this thing.

THE LOCATION: Tokyo, baby! The last time the Olympics were hosted here was way back in 1964, and this time, the equestrian events have brand new, top-spec venues of their own. The arena-based phases will take place at Baji Koen Equestrian Park in Setagaya, while the cross-country course is set over a former landfill site at Sea Forest. This stunning waterfront venue is also used for rowing and canoeing, and boasts the best city backdrop of the whole Games.

THE COMPETITION: The Olympics runs at a modified level somewhere between a four- and five-star: the dressage test is a shortened version of a CCI5* test, but runs at less than four minutes, and cross-country runs as an eight-minute four-star track, at around 4500m and with roughly 38 jumping efforts. The final day is split into two showjumping rounds: the first will be set at 1.25m and the second, for those who have qualified to fight for an individual medal, is at 1.30m. You can check out the Olympic dressage test here, and for further insight into what makes it such a challenge, check out FEI judge Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride’s analysis.

For the first time, teams will bring forward three horses and riders, without a drop score – but in some circumstances, they’ll be able to substitute their reserve combination into play, even once the competition is underway.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: This is the creme-de-la-creme of championships, and everyone wants to get onto those final podiums. The legacy of great results means something different for each country: many national sporting federations provide financial incentives to individuals who earn medals, and often, funding for the sport in general is dependent on Olympic success.

THE TEAMS: Twenty-nine countries come forward to battle it out for Olympic glory, with fifteen nations fielding teams. Two of those are making history already: China and Thailand have never qualified eventing teams for the Games before. Each team is made up of three competitors, though each can bring a travelling reserve combination who can be substituted at any point in the competition for a penalty. In total, we’re looking at 77 definite entries, though if no substitutions are made, we’ll see 64 actually compete.

THE FORMAT: This is the first Games at which we’ll see the new Olympic eventing format in action. That means that teams are now down to three, without a dropscore — instead, there’s the option to sub in a reserve horse and rider. For all the info you need on the new format, check out these guides:

THE OFFICIALS: There’s a truly top-notch cast of ground jury members on duty in Tokyo. Great Britain’s Nick Burton will serve as president of the ground jury, while Sweden’s Christina Klingspoer and the USA’s Jane Hamlin will work alongside him. The FEI Technical Delegate for the week is the Great Britain’s Philip Surl, while the Assistant TD is New Zealand’s Neil Mackenzie-Hall. The cross-country course will be designed by the USA’s Derek di Grazia, who designs the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and will design at Burghley from 2022. Great Britain’s Richard Clapham will work as cross-country controller.  On Sunday, the showjumping track – which will be used for both a team session and an individual medal session – will be designed by Santiago Varela. He’s also the designer for the pure showjumping, and was a technical delegate for the Rio Olympics. You can find out more about the course designers here.

THE REIGNING CHAMPIONS: France took the gold in Rio, followed by Germany in silver and Australia in bronze. On the individual podium, we saw Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW take gold for Germany, Astier Nicolas and Piaf de b’Neville earn silver for France, and Phillip Dutton round out the podium with a bronze for the USA.

[Times are listed in Tokyo time. For further global time zones, keep scrolling!]

Thursday, 29 July:

  • 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.: First horse inspection

Friday, 30 July:

  • 8:30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.: Morning dressage session (team and individual)
  • 5.30 p.m. – 8.10. p.m.: Afternoon dressage session (team and individual)

Saturday, 31 July:

  • 8.30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.: Final dressage session (team and individual)

Sunday, 1 August:

  • 7.45 a.m. – 11.10 a.m.: Cross-country (team and individual)

Monday, 2 August:

  • 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.: Final horse inspection
  • From 5.00 p.m.: Team showjumping final and individual qualifier
  • Following on: Individual showjumping final
  • Following on: Medal ceremonies – team and then individual

TEAM ORDER OF GO: Thailand,  Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, China, Poland, Sweden, France, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, Brazil

WHERE TO WATCH: Here’s our global live-stream guide.

HOW TO FOLLOW: No matter where in the world you are, you’ll never be starved for content from the Games, which promise to be enormously well-attended by the world’s media heavyweights, despite ongoing restrictions and travel complications. Here are some of the Instagram accounts and hashtags you’ll want to follow to see the competition from all angles


Hashtags: #tokyo2020, #olympics, #tokyotogether, #tokyo2020olympics, #twohearts, #olympicequestrian, #unitedbyemotion

Accounts: The Olympics, Horse&Hound, The Chronicle of the Horse, FEI Eventing, Equestrian Team GBR, US Equestrian, Eventing Ireland, and Equestrian Life Australia are among the boots on the ground. Don’t forget to follow EN, too – we’ll be bringing you all the insanity in the middle you could possibly need, with editor Sally Spickard on site in Tokyo. Want to know the juiciest stats throughout the competition? Make sure you follow EquiRatings and sign up for the super Eventing Manager game to play along.

THE ESSENTIALS:

Final Scores

Final Team Scores

Show Jumping Fence Analysis: Team Final/Individual Qualifier

Show Jumping Fence Analysis: Individual Final

Cross-Country Results

Cross-Country Fence Analysis

Need to Knows: The Tokyo 2020 Eventing Line-Up At a Glance

The Form Guide: Rider Edition

The Form Guide: Team Edition

The Global Live-Stream Guide

Cross-Country Island Life with Derek diGrazia

DAILY LINKS: 

MONDAY, AUGUST 2ND:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST:

SATURDAY, JULY 31ST: 

FRIDAY, JULY 30TH: 

THURSDAY, JULY 29TH: 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH: 

TUESDAY, JULY 27TH:

MONDAY, JULY 26TH:

SUNDAY, JULY 25TH:

SATURDAY, JULY 24TH: 

FRIDAY, JULY 23RD:

Pre-Games essentials:

Horses and Courses: Behind the Scenes with the Tokyo Olympics Course Designers

Walk Through the New Olympic Eventing Dressage Test with Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride

Take a Peek Inside Pre-Export Quarantine in Aachen with Courtney Carson

The Logistics of Flying Horses to Tokyo

Your Tokyo Olympic Quick Facts from the FEI

Team changes:

July 7 – US Equestrian Announces Eventing Substitution for Tokyo 2020

July 9 – Olympic Update: French Team Shuffles After Qing du Briot Withdrawal

July 13 – Olympic Update: Stuart Tinney and Leporis Replace Chris Burton and Quality Purdey for Australia

July 19 – Olympic Update: A New Traveling Reserve for the British Eventing Team

July 26 – A Blow for Reigning Olympic Champions as Individual Medal Hopeful Withdrawn

Pre-Games social media round-ups: 

July 8 – The Journey Begins: North American Horses and Riders Embark on an Epic Adventure to Tokyo

July 9 – Journey to Tokyo: Horses and Riders Arrive at Aachen

July 12 – Catching up with Horses and Riders Travelling to the Olympics

July 13 – Go Go Gallop

July 15 – A Little Dance, A Little Jump

July 16 – Four Days ’til Liftoff!

TEAM BREAKDOWNS:

Australia:

  • Andrew Hoy with Vassily de Lassos – 12-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding (Jaguar Mail – Illusion Perdue, by Jalienny), owned by Paula and David Evans, Stefanie Hoy, and the rider
  • Kevin McNab with Don Quidam – 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Quidam – Nairobi, by Amethist), owned by Scuderia 1918 and Emma McNab
  • Shane Rose with Virgil – 16-year-old Australian Warmblood gelding (Vivant – unknown Thoroughbred dam), owned by Michelle Hasibar, Niki Rose and the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Stuart Tinney with Leporis – 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Lasino – Miss Danny, by Heraldik xx), owned by Karen Tinney and the rider

Brazil:

  • Carlos Parro with Goliath – 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Chello III – Octa, by Belisar), owned by EMTEC Laboratories and the rider
  • Rafael Losano with Fuiloda G – 11-year-old Finnish Sport Horse mare (Van Gogh – Quiloda Z, by Quilot Z), owned by Cristiana Losano, Wagner Losano and the rider
  • Marcelo Tosi with Glenfly  – 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Presenting xx – Dorans Glenn xx, by Over The River xx), owned by the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Marcio Appel and Iberon JMen – 19-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse gelding (Indoctro – Landina JMen, by Landino), owned by Samantha Tonello

China:

  • Sun Huadong with Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z – 11-year-old Zangersheide mare (Lord Chin – Paola, by Matchero), owned by Houfeng Shen and Yu Liu
  • Alex Hua Tian with Don Geniro – 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Don Kennedy – Gina, by Giorgione), owned by Pip Higgins, Sarah Higgins, Pam Dews, and the rider
  • Bao Yingfeng with Flandia 2 – 15-year-old Westphalian mare (Fidertanz 2 – Petit Fleur, by Polany), owned by Houfeng Shen and Yu Liu
  • Travelling reserve: Liang Ruiji with Agora de Bordenave – 11-year-old Anglo-Arab mare (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz –Milady de Bordenave, by Daguet du Rochau), owned by Man Yin Rebecca Fok, Hoi Au Ha, Yongtao Ao, and Jea Young Pai

France:

  • Karim Laghouag with Triton Fontaine – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Gentleman IV – Grenouil Fontaine, by Nightko), owned by Philippe Lemoine, Guy Bessat, Camille Laffitte, and the rider
  • Christopher Six with Totem de Brecey – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mylord Carthago*HN – Jessy Landaise, by Quouglof Rouge), owned by François and Juliane Souweine
  • Nicolas Touzaint with Absolut Gold – 11-year-old Selle Français gelding (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz – Belle Meralaise, by Verglas), owned by Haras de Coudrettes
  • Travelling reserve: none – Karim was originally the reserve, but stepped into the team on July 26 after Tom Carlile was forced to withdraw Birmane due to a tie-up.

Germany:

  • Sandra Auffarth with Viamant du Matz (Lets Dance 73, reserve) – 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Diamant de Semilly – Heralina, by Voltigeur le Malin), owned by Prinz Nikolaus von Croy
  • Michael Jung with Chipmunk FRH (fischerWild Wave – reserve) – 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro – Havanna, by Heraldik xx), owned by Deutsches Olympiade-Komitee fĂŒr Reiterei e.V., Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, Klaus Fischer, Sabine Fisch
  • Julia Krajewski with Amande de B’NĂ©ville – 11-year-old Selle Francais mare (Oscar des Fontaines – Perle be B’NĂ©ville, by Elan de la Cour), owned by rider and Bernd Heicke
  • Travelling reserve: Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida (12-year-old Hanoverian mare by Contendro out of Expo and owned by Alina, Andreas and Susanna Dibowski)

Great Britain:

  • Laura Collett with London 52 – 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos – Vernante, by Quinar), owned by Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett, and the rider
  • Tom McEwen with Toledo de Kerser – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Diamant de Semilly – Ariane du Prieure II, by Papillon Rouge), owned by Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Inns, and Ali McEwen
  • Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class – 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Courage II – Kilderry Place, breeding unknown), owned by Karyn Schuter, Angela Hislop, and Val Ryan
  • Travelling reserve: Ros Canter with Allstar B – 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ephebe For Ever – Narenca B, by Ekstein), owned by Caroline Moore and the rider

Ireland:

  • Sarah Ennis with Woodcourt Garrison – 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Garrison Royal – Davitt Star, by Furisto), owned by Breda Kennedy
  • Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue – 12-year-old British-bred Sport Horse gelding (Jaguar Mail – Rock Me Baby, by Rock Kind), owned by The Salty Syndicate and the rider
  • Sam Watson with Flamenco – 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tullabeg Fusion – Tullabeg Heidi, by Ardenteggle Sir), owned by Vahe Bogossian
  • Travelling reserve: Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua – 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Jack Of Diamonds – Highland Destiny, by Flagmount King), owned by Margaret Kinsella

Italy:

  • Susanna Bordone with Imperial Van De Holtakkers – 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Quidam de Revel – Ava VD Holtakkers, by Argentinus), owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzocchi
  • Vittoria Panizzon with Super Cillious – 12-year-old British-bred Sport Horse gelding (Deanes San Ciro Hit – Lady Priscilla, by Rock King), owned by Lucy Allison, Deborah Bevan, Juliet Donald, and the rider
  • Arianna Schivo with Quefira de l’Ormeau – 17-year-old Selle Français mare (Iolisco de Quinhon HN – Isabelle du Brulot, by Beausejour IV), owned by the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Stefano Brecciaroli with Bolivar Gio Granno – 10-year-old Anglo Arab stallion (Gio Granno – Native de Sautussan, by Faalem), owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzochi

Japan:

  • Yoshiaki Oiwa with Calle 44 – 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cristo 5 – Sara IV, by Quebec), owned by the rider
  • Toshiyuki Tanaka with Talma d’Allou – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Opium de Talma – Belle de l’Etang, by Prince Ig’Or), owned by Riding Club Crane
  • Kazuma Tomoto with Vinci de la Vigne – 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Esterel des Bois – Korrigane de Vigne, by Duc du Hutrel), owned by the Japan Equestrian Federation
  • Travelling reserve: Ryuzo Kitajima with Feroza Nieuwmoed – 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (VDL Groep Zagreb – Uthodina, by Frisbee Kerellec), owned by Riding Club Crane

New Zealand:

  • Jesse Campbell with Diachello – 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado – Visser Cholin, by Chello I), owned by Kent Gardner and the rider
  • Jonelle Price with Grovine de Reve – 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Hermea de Reve – Erkina Jane, by Rimilis), owned by Therese Miller and the rider
  • Tim Price with Vitali – 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contender – Noble Lady I, by Heraldik xx), owned by Joe and Alex Giannamore and the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Bundy Philpott with Tresca NZPH – 15-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse gelding (Fuego du Parlet – Paradise NZPH, by Barbarian), owned by Brian Philpott and the rider

Poland:

  • MaƂgorzata Cybulska with Chenaro 2 – 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Chequille – Dayenne, by Dinaro), owned by Marzenna Walden
  • Jan Kaminski with Jard – 11-year-old Polish Half-Bred gelding (Czuwaj – Jucznia, by Chef Supreme) owned by Marcin Kaminski
  • Joanna Pawlak with Fantastic Frieda – 12-year-old Hanoverian mare (For Edition – Pirola, by Pinkus), owned by the rider
  • Travelling reserve: none. Jan Kaminski has stepped into the team following Pawel Spisak and Banderas’s elimination at the first horse inspection.

Switzerland:

  • Robin Godel with Jet Set – 14-year-old Spanish Sport Horse gelding (Nordico – Carina), owned by Jean-Jacques FĂŒnfschilling and Olivia Sellar
  • Melody Johner with Toubleu du Rueire – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mr Blue – La Guna de Rueire, by Bayard d’Elle), owned by Peter Hasenböhler and Peter Thuerler
  • Felix Vogg with Colero – 13-year-old Westfalian gelding (Captain Fire – Bonita, by Bormio xx), owned by JĂŒrgen Vogg
  • Travelling reserve: Eveline BodenmĂŒller with Violine de la Brasserie – 12-year-old Swiss Warmblood mare (Galant Normand – Clarte de la Brasserie, by Cinema), owned by Mathias BodenmĂŒller and Christian Kohn

Sweden:

  • Louise Romeike with Cato 60 – 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contendro I – Melanocarpa, by Heraldik xx), owned by Hinrich, Louise and Susanne Romeike
  • Ludwig SvennerstĂ„l with Balham Mist – 14-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Mill Law – Rock Me Baby, by Rock King), owned by Andrew Ayres and SvennerstĂ„l Eventing AB
  • Therese Viklund with Viscera – 13-year-old Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2 – Wilhelmientje, by Wolkentanz), owned by Lena Nyström
  • Travelling reserve: Sara Algotsson Ostholt with Chicuelo – 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Click and Cash 1155 – Expensi, by Empire 1115), owned by Patricia Oddshammar & Gunnar Modalen

Thailand:

  • Arinadtha Chavatanont with Boleybawn Prince – 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Colin Diamond – Ann Brook Lass, by Clover Hill), owned by Karnchanaporn and Tanakom Chavatanont, Natthaya Lertrungamorn
  • Weerapat Pitakanonda with Carnival March – 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cavalier Carnival – Ryans Cruise, by Atlantic Cruise), owned by Harald Link, Sureeporn Pitakanonda, and Nunthinee Tanner
  • Korntawat Samran with Bonero K – 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Son de Niro – Moonlight, by Damiro), owned by Nara Ketusingha and Vithai Laithomya
  • Travelling reserve: none

USA:

  • Phillip Dutton with Z – 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z), owned by Thomas Tierney, Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, Simon Roosevelt, and Suzanne Lacy
  • Boyd Martin with Tsetserleg TSF – 14-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II – Thabana, by Buddenbrock), owned by Christine Turner, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner (On Cue – reserve)
  • Doug Payne with Vandiver – 17-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II – Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx), owned by Debi Crowley, Doug Payne, and Jessica Payne
  • Travelling reserve: Tamie Smith with Mai Baum – 15-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Loredano 2 – Ramira, by Rike), owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

INDIVIDUAL BREAKDOWNS: 

Austria:

  • Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati with DSP Cosma – 12-year-old Brandenburg mare (Canterbury – Farah, by Ferman), owned by the rider
  • Lea Siegl with DSP Fighting Line – 14-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Ostermond xx – Pia, by Laretto Diabolo), owned by Marianne MĂŒhlböck

Belgium:

  • Lara de Liedekerke-Meier with Alpaga d’Arville – 15-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Wunder Boy van de Zuuthoeve – Mooney Raaphorst xx, by Shamaraan xx), owned by Larga S.P.R.L.

Belarus:

  • Alexandre Zelenko with Carlo Grande JR – 11-year-old Polish Half-Bred gelding (Carlo Grande – Kaloe, by Spartakus), owned by the Belarus Republic Olympic Equestrian and Breeding Center

Canada:

  • Colleen Loach with Qorry Blue d’Argouges – 17-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mr Blue – Hardie du Bourg, by Count Ivor), owned by Peter Barry

Czech Republic:

  • Miloslav Prihoda Jr with Ferreolus Lat – 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Jaguar Mail – Veonille II, by Royal Dance), owned by Vladimir Malak and the rider
  • Miroslav Trunda with Shutterflyke – 10-year-old Dutch Riding Horse mare (Sir Shutterfly – Zaramba, by BMC Kigali), owned by Svobodova Adela

Denmark:

  • Peter Flarup with Fascination – 10-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion (Favorit Ask – La Mirage, by Lando), owned by Victoria Ulrikke Hjortnaes

Ecuador:

  • Nicolas Wettstein with Altier d’Aurois – 11-year-old Selle Français gelding (Sisley de la Tour Vidal – Julye d’Aurois, by Crystal Diamonds), owned by Frank Wettstein, Monique Deyme, and the rider

Hong Kong:

  • Thomas Heffernan Ho and Tayberry – 20-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Feridoon – Rismo, by Kimball), owned by Irene Ho and Miranda Rauis

India:

  • Fouaad Mirza with Seigneur – 15-year-old Westfalian gelding (Seigneur d’Alleray xx – Gina XIII, by Finley-M), owned by M/S Embassy Property Development PVT Ltd

The Netherlands:

  • Merel Blom with The Quizmaster – 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Albaran xx – Zarah-Maro, by Casco), owned by Stal Hulsman B.V. and Blom Sports Stables
  • Janneke Boonzaaijer with Champ de Tailleur – 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Quidam de Revel – Vera, by Oberon du Moulin), owned by HJC Roozendaal and Lieke van der Werf

Puerto Rico:

  • Lauren Billys with Castle Larchfield Purdy – 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Karistos – Hallo Purdy, by Hallo), owned by the Purdy Syndicate CCC and the rider

Russia:

  • Andrey Mitin with Gurza – 14-year-old Trakehner mare (Kwazimodo – Gabonya, by Bant), owned by Ferdinand Kibizov and the rider
  • Mikhail Nastenko with MP Imagine If – 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan – Fast Morning Flight, by Errigal Flight), owned by Tatyana Gura

South Africa:

  • Victoria Scott-Legendre with Valtho des Peupliers –12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Tinka’s Boy – Etna Pierreville, by Rosire), owned by the rider

Spain:

  • Francisco Gavino Gonzalez with Source de la Faye – 15-year-old Anglo-Arab mare (Tresor du Renom – dam unknown), owned by Francisco Gaviño Carabantes

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

Michael Jung Aims to Make More History With a Hat-Trick of Gold in Tokyo

By on Jul 26, 2021 9:00 am -

Germany’s Michael Jung rides his 2019 European Championship horse fischerChipmunk FRH in Luhmuhlen, (GER) and is aiming to make history with a hatric gold in Tokyo (JPN). FEI/ Oliver Hardt/Getty Images

After Germany’s Michael Jung won the second of his two consecutive Individual Olympic Equestrian Eventing titles at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games he was asked what he had next in his sights. “Tokyo 2020 of course, and the Europeans and maybe the world title along the way!”, he replied.

He wasn’t joking of course, because the 38-year-old who made Eventing history by becoming the first to hold the European, Olympic, and World Championship titles at the same time is one of the most formidable athletes in all of equestrian sport.

He didn’t make it to the FEI World Equestrian Gamesℱ in 2018 when his horse had an injury, but at the FEI European Championships the following year he took team gold and was just pipped at the post for the individual title by team-mate Ingrid Klimke.

This is a man who sets the bar really high for everyone else, and if he can do the individual hat-trick in Tokyo then he will set a new Olympic record. Charles Pahud de Mortanges from The Netherlands came out on top in Amsterdam in 1928 and again at the following Olympics in Los Angeles in 1932, and New Zealand’s Mark Todd won in Los Angeles in 1984 and again in Seoul in 1988. Both riders partnered the same horse on each occasion, the Dutchman riding Marcroix and the Kiwi riding the legendary Charisma.

Jung was also riding the same horse, the mighty Sam, when coming out on top at London 2012 and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This time around he will partner his 2019 European Championship horse Chipmunk, and the world waits to see what more magic he can bring.

Team silver

He’ll be joined on the German team by two of the three athletes who helped clinch team silver in Rio, Sandra Auffarth (Viamant du Matz) and Julia Krajewski (Armande de B’Neville). However it is the French who line out as defending team champions, with Thomas Carlile (Birmane), Nicolas Touzaint (Absolut Gold HDC) and Christopher Six (Totem de Brecey) flying the flag for Les Bleus.

The British arrive as reigning world champions with the world number one, Oliver Townend (Ballaghmore Class), number five Tom McEwen (Toledo de Kerser) and number 22, Laura Collet (London 52) in their side, backed up last-minute replacement reserve Ros Canter with Allstar B, the horse she rode to individual gold at the FEI World Equestrian Gamesℱ 2018. . There’s great strength in depth in this selection, while the Irish world silver medallists, and the Kiwi side that includes husband-and-wife Tim and Jonelle Price, also look highly competitive.

But there are further Olympic records hanging in the balance. Australia’s Andrew Hoy, Shane Rose and Stuart Tinney have 166 years of life-experience and eight Olympic medals between them. And 62-year-old Hoy could make Olympic history by becoming the first athlete to win gold medals an incredible 29 years apart. He won his first team gold in Barcelona in 1992 and if he could do it again he’d break the all-time record set by Hungarian fencer Aladár Gerevich, who triumphed in 1932 and 1960.

Hoy went on to win two more team golds, at Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, and just by turning up in Tokyo he will set an Australian record with his eighth Olympic appearance since his debut in Los Angeles in 1984 at the age of 25.

From left: Sandra Auffarth, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Julia Krajewski. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Changes

The sport of Eventing has been subject to many changes down the years and at the Tokyo 2020 Games there will be a new and shorter Dressage test, which will take just under four minutes to complete. The Dressage and Jumping phases will be staged at Baji Koen Equestrian Centre in the city, while the Cross Country action will be held at Sea Forest Park in Tokyo Bay.

Following the Ready Steady Tokyo Equestrian Test event staged at Sea Forest in August 2019, during which an FEI official climate impact study and horse monitoring project took place, the Cross Country course was shortened to approximately eight minutes.

It’s all a long way from the first time Eventing was included in the Olympic programme back in 1912 in Stockholm when the competition began with Phase A, “an Endurance ride over 55km in four hours” and Phase B, “Cross-country over 5km in 15 minutes with 12 obstacles”.

After a rest day the all-military competitors then set out to tackle “Steeplechase over 3,500m in 5 minutes and 50 seconds with 10 obstacles”, while on day four there was “Jumping over 15 obstacles up to 1.30m high and 3.00m wide” before finally finishing up on day five with “Dressage”. From seven starting teams, four completed and Sweden took both Team and Individual gold.

Times have indeed moved on, but the partnership between horse and athlete remains at the heart of equestrian sport, and in Olympic Eventing that partnership is at its zenith.

What is Eventing?

Once known as “The Military” because it was a test for cavalrymen and their horses, Eventing is the most comprehensive test of horse and rider, combining the separate disciplines of Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping, with results from each phase totalled for a final score. It is the lowest score that wins, both for the team and individual medals.

It has been an Olympic sport since 1912.

Michael Jung and Sam at the first horse inspection in Rio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

How it will play out


The Team and Individual competitions will run concurrently on consecutive days as follows: Dressage test (over two days, 30/31 July), Cross Country test (1 August) and First Jumping Competition (2 August) to determine the Team classification.

The Individual Final Jumping test will take place after the Team Jumping Final on the same day (2 August), with the top 25 battling it out for the medals.

Eventing Dressage and Jumping will both be staged at Baji Koen Equestrian Centre, with horses travelling to Sea Forest Park for Cross Country day.

To enable a finish by just after 11.00, the start time on Cross Country day will be 07.45 JST.

Horses can be substituted for the team competition, and a horse/athlete combination may be substituted by a reserve combination for medical/veterinarian reasons in any of the three tests after the start of the competition.

The top-25 horse/athlete combinations go through to the Individual Final.

The athlete rides the same horse throughout for the Individual classification.

There will be two horse inspections – on 29 July, the day before the Dressage phase begins, and on 2 August before the final Jumping phase takes place.

A drawn starting order will be used for the Dressage and Cross-Country tests but in the final Jumping test horse/athlete combinations will go in reverse order of merit.

Facts and Figures:

  • 29 countries
  • 15 teams
  • 65 horse/athlete combinations
  • 14 countries represented by individuals
  • Australia, Germany and USA share the biggest number of team victories in Olympic Eventing history with four each.
  • Australia, victors in Rome in 1960, has the unique record of winning three team titles in a row – at Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996 and on home ground in Sydney in 2000.
  • Team France are the defending Olympic champions.
  • The French have twice claimed the team title – in Athens in 2004 and at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
  • Germany’s Michael Jung is the defending double-champion having won the Individual title at London 2012 and again at the Rio 2016 Games.
  • Germany has won the Olympic Eventing Individual title on three occasions but Sweden holds the record for most wins with a total of four, the last recorded on home soil in Stockholm in 1956 by Petrus Kastenman riding Illuster.
  • When the Olympic Games were last staged in Tokyo in 1964, the Eventing it was held in Karuizawa, 150km north-west of Tokyo.
  • History was made when a woman competed in an Olympic three-day event for the very first time that year. The USA’s Lana du Pont, who 27 years later as Mrs Wright won team gold at the World Driving Championships in Paris (FRA), finished 33rd of the 34 horse-and-rider combinations that completed. A total of 48 riders from 12 nations participated, and 14 were eliminated in the Cross Country phase.
  • At Tokyo in 1964, Italy claimed Team gold and the Individual title went to team member Mauro Checcoli riding Surbean.

The Teams

Australia: Andrew Hoy (Vasilly de Lassos), Shane Rose (Virgil), Stuart Tinney (Leporis). Alternate: Kevin McNab (Don Quidam).

Brazil: Carlos Parro (Goliath), Marcelo Tosi (Glenfly), Rafael Mamprin Losano (Fuiloda G). Alternate: Marcio Appel Cheuiche (Iberon Jemen).

China: Alex Hua Tian (Don Geniro), Huadong Sun (Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z), Yingfeng Bao (Flandia 2). Alternate: Ruiji Liang (Agora de Bordenave).

France: Thomas Carlile (Birmane), Nicolas Touzaint (Absolut Gold), Christopher Six (Totem de Brecey). Alternate: Karim Laghouag (Triton Fontaine).

Germany: Sandra Auffarth (Viamant du Matz), Michael Jung (Chipmunk FRH), Julia Krajewski (Amande de B’Neville). Alternate: Andreas Dibowski (FRH Corrida).

Great Britain: Laura Collett (London 52), Tom McEwen (Toledo de Kerser), Oliver Townend (Ballaghmor Class). Alternate:Ros Canter (Allstar B).

Ireland: Cathal Daniels (Rioghan Rua), Sarah Ennis (Woodcourt Garrison), Sam Watson (Flamenco). Alternate: Austin O’Connor (Colorado Blue).

Italy: Susanna Bordone (Imperial van de Holtakkers), Victoria Panizzon (Super Cillious), Arianna Schivo (Quefire de l’Ormeau). Alternate: Stefano Brecciaroli (Bolivar Gio Granno).

Japan: Yoshiaki Oiwa (Tullyoran Cruise), Toshiyuki Tanaka (Taima d’Allou), Kazuma Tooto (Vinci de la Vigne).

New Zealand: Tim Price (Vitali), Jonelle Price (Grovine de Reve), Jesse Campbell (Diachello). Alternate: Bundy Philpott (Tresca).

Poland: Pawel Spisak (Banderas), Malgorzata Cybulska (Chenaro 2), Joanna Pawlak (Fantastic Frieda). Alternate: Mateusz Kiempa (Libertina).

Sweden: Ludwig Svennerstal (Balham Mist), Theese Viklund (Viscera), Louise Romeike (Cato S). Alternate: Sara Algotsson Ostholt (Chicuelo).

Switzerland: Robin Godel (Jet Set), Melody Johner (Toubleu dd Rueire), Felix Vogg (Cartania). Alternate: Eveline Bodenmuller (Bioline de la Brasserie).

Thailand: Arinadtha Chavatanont (Boleybawn Prince), Weerapat Pitakanonda (Carnival March), Korntawat Samran (Bonero K).

USA: Philip Dutton (Z), Boyd Martin (Tsetserleg TSF), Doug Payne (Vandiver). Alternate: Tamra Smith (Mai Baum).

The Individuals

Austria: Lea Siegl (DSP Fighting Line), Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati (DSP Comsa).

Belgium: Lara De Liederke-Meier (Alpaga d’Arville).

Belarus: Alexandre Zeleno (Carolo Grande JR), Aliaksandr Faminou (Martinie).

Canada: Colleen Loach (Qorry Blue d’Argouges), Jessica Phoenix (Pavarotti).

Czech Republic: Miloslav Prihoda Jr (Ferreolus Lat), Miroslav Trunda (Shutterflyke).

Denmark: Peter Flarup (Fascination).

Ecuador: Nicolas Wettstein (Altier d’Aurois).

Hong Kong: Thomas Heffernan Ho (Tayberry).

India: Fouaad Mirza (Seigneur).

Netherlands: Merel Bloom (The Quizmaster), Janneke Boonzaaijer (Champ de Tailleur).

Puerto Rico: Lauren Billys (Castle Larchfield Purdy).

ROC: Andrey Mitin (Gurza), Mikhail Natstenko (MP Imaging If).

Republic of South Africa: Victoria Scott-Legendre (Valtho Des Peupliers).

Spain: Francisco Gavino Bonzalez (Source de la Faye).

The Officials

Ground Jury President: Nick Burton GBR
Ground Jury Members: Christina Klingspor SWE and Jane Hamlin USA.
Technical Delegate: Philip Surl (GBR)
Course Designer: Derek Di Grazia USA
Chief Steward: Helen Christie NZL

The Nations:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Puerto Rico, Republic of South Africa, ROC, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA.

James Alliston Pulls Off Three Top-Two Finishes at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 26, 2021 9:00 am -

James Alliston and Paper Jam. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

James Alliston was the big winner of the weekend at The Event at Rebecca Farm, with 3 top 2 finishes in the FEI divisions. James won first and second in the CCI4*-Short, as well as first place in the CCI4*-Long.

CCI4*-L

James Alliston and Paper Jam jumped a double-clear in showjumping to win the CCI4*-Long on Sunday with a final score of 38.8. James said the 12-year-old Hanoverian “was really awesome – honestly I wasn’t expecting to win because I had some time penalties yesterday. But he’s a really sweet horse and a real tryer, and I am excited for him going forward.” James will run Galway with “Jammers” at the end of the year. He also said, “He’s a fast horse, he doesn’t get tired. I’m hoping he can go 5*. He’s got all the pieces.”

James, who is based in California, loves coming to Rebecca Farm and says that “riding is one of those sports that’s all about experience.” Coming to The Event is quite eye opening because of the natural terrain, as well as the atmosphere. It prepares horses and riders for other big venues away from home.

Caroline Martin (USA) and Islandwood Captain Jack. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack added 4 jump penalties to finish in second place with a score of 38.9. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse who goes by “James” is owned by Caroline’s mom, Sherrie Martin. “I am really pleased with him. I wanted to come out here and practice going fast on cross country – fast but under control. He’s an amazing horse
 and I am quite lucky to have a horse like him. He’s a horse of a lifetime for sure,” said Caroline.

She and James will probably be heading to the Maryland 5* this fall. Her advice for riders who hope to compete at the FEI level is to “Watch. Watch everything. Being here, even though you’re still in the U.S., it’s a little like being in Europe.” Caroline was also very genuine when she encouraged riders to strike up conversations with their role models and reminded us that “we all just ride horses for a living, and we care genuinely about each other.”

Jennie Brannigan (USA) and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam had 8 jump penalties to finish in third on a score of 41.0. “Grampa” is an 11-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Tim and Nina Gardner. Jennie said she was hoping to be third this weekend, and she was happy to be in the [press] tent on Sunday. “That little horse has to try his heart out to compete at this level
 I am just thrilled he tried as hard as he did because he has to overcome a lot to compete at this level.”

Jennie’s advice for aspiring FEI riders was to “Stay realistic about what we’re doing. Don’t take yourself so seriously that you don’t enjoy it.” She went on to say that it’s important not to let the highs take you too high, or the lows too low.

At the end of the day, this is a very challenging and dangerous sport and it’s all about keeping it fun and staying safe. Jennie spoke about the tragic death of event rider Annie Goodwin on July 14th and emphasized that it should serve as a reminder to all of us to be good to each other, and to help and care for each other.

Maya Black (USA) and Miks Master C. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

CCI4*-S

The final placings for the CCI4*-Short remained the same from cross country until the end of competition on Sunday. Maya Black maintained the lead to win first place with Miks Master C, a 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Laurie Cameron. Maya and Mickey added 4 jump penalties for a final score of 33.8. Giving advice for up-and-coming riders who have the goal of competing in the FEI divisions at Rebecca Farm, Maya said to be prepared. Practice and prepare, and understand what is expected.

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA) and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver added 4 jump penalties to finish in second place with a score of 43.6. The Monster Partnership owns the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Liz, who was happy with her choice to come to Montana, said “What a great event this is, oh my gosh we had so much fun. It’s been an absolutely great event for the horses – beautiful weather, perfect ground, and a lot of atmosphere for them.” Speaking about The Monster’s show jumping round today, Liz said “I thought he jumped really well – he’s a bit out of practice. He was a good boy to just sort of pony up and come here.” In terms of next steps, Liz and The Monster will be heading to Pau for the 5*.

Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II, a 10-year-old British Sport Horse, jumped clear and added .4 time penalties, for a third-place finish with a score of 58.7. “Ernie” is owned by Arnell Sporthorses.

“He was so good! I was sort of thinking I want to take him to Morvan [Park] – take him east. He’s green and he needs experience.” Bec said that coming to Rebecca Farm in comparison to other venues is “off the chart. You come with really high expectations a lot of the time. There’s a lot more going on at an event like this
 there are a lot more variables.” The additional variable make it an amazing learning experience for horses and riders.

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

CCI3*-L

James Alliston and Nemesis, a 7-year-old Canadian Warmblood owned by Alliston Equestrian maintained their lead in the CCI3*-Long with a double-clear round for a final score of 33.1. “He was really good, really good. He is young but he has been a big winner already. His mind is excellent. He keeps a really level head and has the talent, but also “strength of mind” to come out on day one of competition and do a good job.”

Nemesis is a young horse and James commented that “It’s early in his career to do this, but they learn so much from coming here and going on the grass. Rebecca Farm really exposes them to how it’s going to be when they go to somewhere like Kentucky.”

James also grabbed the second-place finish in the CCI3*-L with Alliston Equestrian’s RevitaVet Calaro. The 9-year-old Holsteiner put in a double-clear round for a final score of 34.3. James said that Calaro and Nemesis have come up together. He used to always beat Nemesis at prelim, but at intermediate they switched that up. Calaro is a really talented horse, but his mind can be a bit trickier: “When he comes to a show he gets really excited. He learned a lot from this show – he got a bit tired on cross country, but I think that was good for him because he came out more relaxed today.”

James also wanted to send a “Big thank you to his owner and to Garyn [Heidemann],” who had him previously as a dressage horse, “because they gave him to me and allowed me to whatever I wanted with him.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and her self-owned Atlantic Vital Spark added 4 penalties for a rail and a third- place finish with a score of 38.1. The 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse who goes by “Ted” in the barn, did well in Montana on the “fabulous ground” and Lucienne was very complimentary of the excellent, consistent footing.

They made the long journey from South Carolina for the first time this year, and she plans to make The Event at Rebecca Farm an annual destination. Lucienne spoke highly of her entire experience in Montana, including a trip to nearby Glacier National Park. She also finished 7th in the CCI3*-L on her mare Tremanton (aka Ting Ting), a 9-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Horse Scout Eventing, LLC. Lucienne is planning to give the horses a holiday now, and then go to Octoberfest at Stable View this fall.

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

CCI2*-L

Tommy Greengard and self-owned Joshuay MBF maintained their lead to win the CCI2*-Long. Adding only one rail to their dressage score of 25.4, Tommy and Josh, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood, finished with a score of 29.4. “It’s been amazing
 it was so great to bring him here. The goal was to get him here and I wasn’t sure it would happen
 but he came and showed up for me in a big way. I really couldn’t ask for him to be any better. He jumped higher and higher, and worked harder and harder all weekend.”

Josh will stay at the prelim level for a while, although Tommy hasn’t decided exactly what’s next. He said, “I want him to feel like King Kong at the end of the year. He hasn’t put a foot wrong all year and I want him to feel his absolute best self before moving him up.” Tommy also won the Sr. Open Training A division on his dressage score of 23.9 on Andrea Pfeiffer’s Leonardo Diterma.

Maya Black and Laurie Cameron’s 6-year-old Hanoverian, Double Diamond C, also added just one rail on Sunday to finish second on a score of 31.0. “Overall, I was really pleased with him. He’s been a pretty consistent horse all along. I am personally a little bummed that I had a rail, but I was very pleased with him overall, all weekend.” Maya said “Petey” shows so much promise as a young horse and will stay at the preliminary level for a while. “He is entered right now for the AECs and then we’ll see what the fall holds. Maybe he’ll do another 2-Long in the fall, but otherwise we’ll keep chugging along.”

Alexis Larson and PL Diamond’s Inspiration maintained their dressage score throughout the weekend and consistently moved up the placings from 14 th after dressage, to 6 th after cross country, and into a third-place finish on Sunday. The 9-year-old Irish Draught, who goes by “Izzy” has been coming to Rebecca Farm with Alexis for four years now.

“She’s a jumping beast
 picks up her feet, and is everything you could ask for in a good mare.” Alexis commented that “competing out on the toughest course with some of the best riders is really exciting. Have fun, and really ride what you have been practicing. Think about all of that stuff you have been preparing for – this is the moment!” Alexis is based in Carnation, WA and trains with Marc and Erin Grandia of Full Gallop Eventing.

Congratulations to all of the riders and horses – it was a fun and safe weekend at Rebecca Farm, and we look forward to more action in 2022!

ABOUT THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM

The Event at Rebecca Farm presented by Montana Equestrian Events is held every July in Kalispell, Montana. One of the largest equestrian triathlons in the United States, The Event is also considered to have some of the world’s finest scenery. Each year it draws hundreds of riders of all levels, from amateur to Olympians. The 2021 Event celebrates the 20th anniversary of Rebecca Farm.

The Event at Rebecca Farm features thirteen courses ranging from novice to Olympic qualifier, which were originally developed by world-renowned course designer, Mark Phillips. In 2012, Scottish equestrian Ian Stark redesigned the Rebecca Farm courses. Known for his immense
contributions to eventing, Stark has won multiple Olympic medals and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

CCI4*-L Final Results: 

CCI4*-S Final Results: 

CCI3*-L Final Top 10: 

CCI2*-L Final Top 10: 

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Volunteer, Halt Cancer at X, Live Stream, Show Photographer, EN’s Coverage

This week’s coverage is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products – and you can win some cool KPP swag and receive a discount on product all year long just by entering through this simple survey. Good luck!

A Blow for Reigning Olympic Champions as Individual Medal Hopeful Withdrawn

By on Jul 26, 2021 6:30 am -

Tom Carlile and Birmane. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

France’s Tom Carlile has announced the withdrawal of 10-year-old Birmane from Tokyo’s eventing competition in a statement on social media this morning. The Selle Français mare, who finished in the top ten when representing France at the Nations Cup finale at Boekelo as an eight-year-old, was France’s strongest entrant in this year’s line-up as the country comes forward to defend its team gold won at Rio.

Travelling reserve and Rio competitor Karim Florent Laghouag will now step into the team proper with Triton Fontaine, leaving France without a substitute combination to use if any of their team members are unable to complete the competition.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that my mare will be withdrawn from this Olympics,” reads the statement, translated from French. “I wish Karim & Triton Fontaine great games, I am sure they will best defend the hopes of the whole French team.”

Birmane’s withdrawal follows a bout of myositis, a condition that can cause muscle inflammation and weakness after exertion – more colloquially known as tying up.

“It was following the galloping work done earlier this week that Birmane suffered from myositis,” the statement continues. “It is not a secret that she has suffered from this muscle pathology from the past. Nevertheless, it had been more than two seasons since my team had worked to manage it to perfection to make her ready for this Olympic deadline.”
Birmane will remain in Tokyo until the end of the eventing competition, after which she will travel back to France with the rest of the team.
“Seeing this dream escape from our fingertips…. We feel inconsolable,” says Tom. “We had been warned that weather conditions would be formidable. Despite all the measures taken by the organizers, my mare can’t acclimate to these conditions. She will come home healthy once her buddies pass their games, and we hope to see her soon at the top of the podiums.”

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jul 26, 2021 5:55 am -

It’s official: I’ve been well and truly struck by Olympic fever. (The figurative kind, mind you, not an actual case of COVID.) I’ve been intently watching all the dressage coverage and then, when it finishes, switching over to literally any other sport that happens to be on, and now I think I might be an expert on men’s volleyball. Maybe. Anyway, as it turns out, I really can cry about anything, even if I don’t understand the rules of what I’m watching at all. Do I understand why everyone’s screaming about the diving? No! Am I sobbing about those little land-seals flinging themselves into the pool with such reckless abandon anyway? Absolutely!

National Holiday: It’s All or Nothing Day. Fitting for an Olympics, sure, but it only makes me think of this bop.

The Weekend in Tokyo:

Can’t get enough Olympics? Every Monday beginning July 5 and daily beginning July 28 through August 3, you can get all of the latest Olympic eventing news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for EN’s Olympic Digest newsletter for free here.

US Weekend Action:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: [Website] [Results] [Halt Cancer at X] [EN’s Coverage]

USPC Festival Eventing Championships: [Website] [Results]

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T.: [Website]

Horse Park of New Jersey II H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Silverwood Farm H.T.: [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Action:

Aston-le-Walls (3): Results

Isleham: Results

Warwick Hall (3): Results

Your Monday Reading List:

Olympic athletes have been warned against hugging one another on the podium, as it’s a breach of COVID safety policies. This truly is the year of the awkward elbow tap. [Athletes warned to stop hugging each other on Olympic podium]

Meet Sebastien, the Olympic mount of Canada’s Lindsay Kellock. He’s a grumpy chap with a secret heart of gold and he loves a bit of pumpkin spice, so I feel like we’ll all relate to him a bit. [Stable Personalities: Big Ego, Big Talent, Big Future]

Ireland’s equestrians will all be able to wear yellow ribbons as they compete in Tokyo, to pay respects to much-loved young rider Tiggy Hancock, who died in a training accident recently. [Riding for Tiggy: Ireland’s Olympic team commemorates young rider]

The Germans did what Germans do best and dominated the sand-dancing over the weekend. Did you know that if Isabell Werth wins double gold this week, she’ll become Germany’s most decorated female Olympian of all time? [Germans Show their Might ahead of Team Medal Decider at 2021 Olympics]

Belgian dressage rider Laurence Roos’ grandfather died of COVID – and now the aim is to honour him with super performances at the Games. [‘I lost my grandfather to Covid – I hope I make him proud’]

The FutureTrack Follow:

One of my new favourite games is people-spotting in the background of Olympic coverage, such as the opening ceremony (hi Ludwig Svennerstal! Hello to the top third of Tom Carlile’s head, and the top third only! Howdy, Felix Vogg!) and the dressage competition. Turns out a few of our eventers really like to get up close and personal to the pony prancing, and you won’t be surprised at all to find out which ones. Top tog Peter Nixon is on site in Tokyo for Horse & Hound, and his super photos have given us the golden opportunity for more stalking. See who you can spot in the carousel of images above!

Morning Viewing:

Catherine Dufour‘s 81%+ test with Bohemian nearly made me do a little cry yesterday. They finished up the Grand Prix in second place – and their stunning test is worth at least a cursory glance.

Today in Tokyo: US Advances, Germans Establish Authority Ahead of Dressage Team Medals Finale

By on Jul 25, 2021 9:19 pm -

Compiled from FEI and US Equestrian press releases. 

Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Salvino. Photo by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.

Team Germany continued to build up a head of steam when moving to the top of the Dressage Grand Prix leaderboard at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games today. Two great rides, from Dorothee Schneider with Showtime and the living legend that is Isabell Werth with Bella Rose, secured pole position at the end of the competition which decided the eight best nations that will go through to Tuesday’s medal-decider, the Grand Prix Special in which all teams start from scratch.

Joining the defending champions will be Great Britain, who finished second today followed by Denmark, USA, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal and Spain.

Meanwhile the 18 individuals that have made the cut to Wednesday’s Individual medal decider are also confirmed. The two best from each of the six qualifying groups – Charlotte Fry and Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), Therese Nilshagen and Juliette Ramel (SWE), Cathrine Dufour and Carina Cassoe Kruth (DEN), Edward Gal (NED), Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Dorothee Schneider and Isabell Werth (GER), Sabine Schut-Kery and Adrienne Lyle (USA) are through. Also qualified are the six next-best individuals, Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN), Beatriz Ferrer-Salat (ESP), Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED), Carl Hester (GBR), Rodrigo Torees (POR) and Steffen Peters (USA).

Carina Cassoe Krut (DEN) and Heiline’s Danciera. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

Top two spots

Denmark’s Cassoe Kruth and America’s Lyle claimed the top two spots in Group D when the action resumed this evening, and then Germany’s Schneider headed up Group E after a lovely test. Schneider said her horse was “a little bit tense but it’s normal for him on first day”. She’s had a late return to top competition for a range of reasons.

“Showtime competed at the European Championships in 2019 and then he was at home because I wanted to keep him safe for the Olympic Games in 2020 and then there were no Games! I wanted to start early in 2021 but then I had an accident in April. But he’s an experienced horse and once he gets out to compete three or four times he’s fine”, she said of the gelding who carried her to team gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and who she has ridden since he was a three-year-old.

A fall when a horse she was competing dropped dead during a prize-giving ceremony left her with a broken collarbone, “but it’s all good now!”, she said. “It took a little time to come back and it wasn’t so easy mentally, but we are back now and I’m happy again”, she explained.

Isabell Werth (GER) and Bella Rose 2. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

Solidity

Compatriot Werth headed up the final group of 10 horse-and-athlete combinations and, last to go tonight, underpinned the solidity of the German challenge. With her beloved Bella Rose who scored 82.500 she pinned Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and the charming little chestnut gelding Gio into second place in that group.

However both of these ladies look to have a lot more in store for the coming days. And Dujardin, whose reign of supremacy with the great Valegro changed a lot about the sport of Dressage in recent years, is clearly super-excited about her latest rising star. You could feel that rivalry between herself and the evergreen queen, Werth, filling the air once again tonight.

Isabell Werth (GER) and Bella Rose 2. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Gio. Photo by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Gio. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

Talking about Gio, Dujardin said, “I was so happy, he’s a very green inexperienced horse, so it was a bit of the unknown what to expect. Hagen (Germany in April this year) is the biggest show he’s done and he delivered there. I couldn’t ask for any more today, he went in there and he tried his heart out. He’s just unbelievable, he keeps giving. I felt emotional on the last centreline because when you have a ride like that, win or lose that’s what it’s all about for me.

“He’s like a little powerhouse, he’s small but definitely mighty, for where he is at his training I know he can give even more and I’m so happy with him”, she said.

Isabell Werth (GER) and Bella Rose 2. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

Rivalry

Werth clearly enjoys the renewed rivalry with her British counterpart because it feeds her competitive edge. “It’s always very important that you have strong field of competitors because then you push each other to top performances and that’s the spirit of competition”, she pointed out.

She described the 17-year-old Bella Rose as “my dream horse and when she’s in top shape she is the best – her way of moving, her character, her charisma, her piaffe/passage down the centreline – of course Weihe (her other mare Weihegold) is super and the younger ones too, but with Bella you have the feeling there is always something more possible!”

Talking about these “Games like no other” in Tokyo, the multiple Olympic champion said the lack of an audience could be influential. “Mostly you will see it in the medal decisions, especially in the Freestyle. There will be music but no crowd to carry the horses and riders — it makes a big difference — but on the other hand we are so happy that we can be here, can compete that we have an Olympic Games. We are in a discipline that is really depending on Games, because then we are more in the focus of the media and the world and it gives the younger riders at home the motivation and support so it’s a big package we have, and we are very thankful to be here”.

 

Steffen Peters (USA) and SuppnKasper. Photo by US Equestrian.

Team USA

On the second day of FEI Grand Prix competition at Equestrian Park in Tokyo, the U.S. Dressage Team saw its final two pairs help to secure a team start in the FEI Grand Prix Special for Team Medals set to take place on Tuesday, July 27. Adrienne Lyle (Wellington, Fla.) and Salvino were the first team combination to contest the second day of competition in Group D, with the duo earning a 74.876 percent and qualifying for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle for Individual Medals. Steffen Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Suppenkasper rounded out the evening, going second-to-last in Group F, and earning a score of 76.196 percent. The team qualified in fourth place overall with 7389.5. total points.

Lyle has had the ride on the impressive 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Betsy Juliano LLC for nearly six years and the strength of their partnership was on display during their test. With experience as an individual from the London 2012 Olympic Games, Lyle was reflective on her experience in Toyko and the importance of the team environment.

“He has some great talent in the piaffe and passage and unfortunately we had some tension and balance issues got in the way of showing off what he’s really capable of today. I know there’s so much more in there,” commented Lyle. “This is my second Olympics, but everything is a little bit different with COVID, and the format is completely different, so in a lot of ways it’s all very new. We have a wonderful team and everyone is so supportive. We train so hard for this and to get to be here and to think about everyone who starts on this journey and being one of three selected to represent this country is awesome. This whole experience has been wonderful.”

Steffen Peters (USA) and SuppnKasper. Photo by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.

As the team’s Olympic veteran, Peters brought his experience and composure forward to his FEI Grand Prix test with Suppenkasper, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki. Starting in his fifth Olympic Games, Peters understood the need to give the team a strong performance to secure their team start on Tuesday in a competitive field and delivered with a clean and conservative test.

“It was a good test. It was a bit conservative because we had some trouble spots with the flying changes in the warm-up, so I rode those really carefully, but the rest I rode very forward. We had a super relaxed walk tour, which for Mopsie in an arena like this, to be that relaxed is a wonderful feeling,” said Peters. “I think today I really wanted to go for a clean test and get a decent score, which we did. With a 76 percent, I think that puts us in a really good place going into the Special.”

Chef d’Equipe Debbie McDonald was pleased with the team’s qualification for the FEI Grand Prix Special, as well as all three combinations qualifying for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle for Individual Medals.

“It was really important that we put in two solid tests today in order to qualify us for the Grand Prix Special on Tuesday, and after Sabine’s great ride yesterday, Adrienne and Steffen made sure we got the scores we needed to get there,” commented McDonald. “We’ll start with a clean slate in terms of scoring on Tuesday and will begin preparing for what is going to be a very intense competition for team medals.”

The U.S. Dressage Team will return to competition on Tuesday, July 27, as they aim for the podium in the FEI Grand Prix Special for Team Medals, which will begin at 5:00 p.m. JST/4:00 a.m. EDT. The draw order with ride times will be announced on Monday, July 26. The following countries will partake in the FEI Grand Prix Special for Team Medals: Germany, Great Britain, Denmark, United States, The Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, and Spain.

Joao Miguel Torrao (POR) riding Equador. Photo by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.

Facts and Figures:

  • If Isabell Werth wins double-gold she will become the most decorated female German Olympic athlete of all times.
  • The IOC and FEI have given special permission to Irish athletes across all equestrian disciplines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to wear a yellow ribbon in memory of young rising star, Tiggy Hancock, who tragically suffered a fatal fall last month. Dressage rider Heike Holstein was the first to compete with hers today. She said, “We are very proud to wear it, and grateful to the IOC and FEI for allowing us to do it.”

Dorothee Schneider (GER) and Showtime FRH. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

  • The judges awarded the maximum score of 10 on 14 occasions during tonight’s second half of the Grand Prix which is the Team and Individual qualifying competition and 13 of them were earned by Isabelle Werth’s Bella Rose (GER) – 7 for piaffe, 5 for passage/piaffe transitions and one for halt. A single 10 was awarded to Charlotte Dujardin’s Gio (GBR) for two-tempi changes.

Hiroyuki Kitahara (JPN) and Huracan. Photo by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.

Quotes:

Christian Schumach (AUT) who scored 70.900 with Te Quiero SF: “I’m super happy with my horse and super happy with my riding. Overall there was one mistake in the twos and that was clearly my mistake, I was enjoying the surroundings and the Olympic experience too much so it wasn’t his fault, he did a super job! he’s really young (10 years old) and this was only his seventh Grand Prix.”

Heike Holstein (IRL): “It’s special when you breed a foal that you know from when it is running around in your fields as a baby, breaking it, competing it and taking it all the way to the Olympic Games!”

Steffen Peters (USA), talking about his ride on Suppenkasper: “He’s a hot horse so to do a relaxed clean test was a very good start. This was not the test to go crazy in, we’ll do that in the Special! It’s been four years of a complete love affair with him, he’s such a big, kind teddy bear. He’s 18.2 hands tall but there’s not a mean bone in his body, he always tries and I’m one of the fortunate riders who gets to ride him!”

He complimented the judges on the scores they gave his team-mate Sabine Schut-Kery yesterday whose pathfinding ride got the US off to a great start.

“Sabine is a cool, calm competitor with a helluva horse. Not too many people know her that well but I appreciate that some of the judges who had never seen her before gave her a very good score”.

Results here  https://tokyo2020.live.fei.org/

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