Classic Eventing Nation

Three Nations to Seek Olympic Qualification at Poland’s Baborówko CCIO4*-L

By on May 22, 2019 1:00 pm -

Paweł Warszawski and Aristo A-Z are long-listed for the Polish Baborówko team. Photo by M&R Photo courtesy of Equestrian Festival Baborówko.

The banner event on Europe’s FEI eventing calendar this week is Poland’s Baborówko Equestrian Festival, headlined by a CCIO4*-L qualifier for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The event takes place Thursday, May 23, through Sunday, May 26.

Three teams from the C group (Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia) will compete for Olympic qualification: Poland, Russia and Belarus. Each country competing for the qualification can enter a team of four horse and rider pairs into the class, with the results of the three best pairs to count for the final ranking.

The home team has declared a long list of six horse-rider combinations to represent Poland: Jan Kamiński with Jard, Mateusz Kiempa with Grand Supreme, Mariusz Kleniuk with Winona, Joanna Pawlak with Fantastic Frieda, Paweł Spisak with Banderas, and Paweł Warszawski with Aristo A-Z. The squad is led by team trainer Marcin Konarski. The organizers invite spectators to support the Polish national team on Sunday by wearing white and red and bringing Polish flags.

Paweł Spisak (POL) and Banderas are long-listed for the Polish Baborówko team. Photo by M&R Photo courtesy of Equestrian Festival Baborówko.

While the team competition promises to be hot, all eyes will be on the power couple that is Michael Jung and Julie Krajewski’s hugely successful former ride fischerChipmunk FRH. The pair finished 2nd at their first CCI4*-S outing at Marbach earlier this month, adding four cross country time faults and a rail to their dressage score of 21.7 in dressage.

In addition to the CCIO4*-L, Baborówko offers a CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIYH2*-S and one national L class. The CCI4*-S entry list is plenty star-studded. Ones to watch:

  • Tim Price (NZL), who brings forth his accomplished five-star and 2014 WEG partner Wesko — the pair won Luhmühlen in 2014, and were 2nd at Kentucky and 3rd at Pau in 2015. The event will also be his first international eventing outing with Clara M, previously campaigned by Jonty Evans.

Tim Price (NZL) has two CCIO4*-L entries: Clara M and Wesko. Photo by M&R Photo courtesy of Equestrian Festival Baborówko.

  • Michael Jung (GER) will be bringing the heat with his two entries. Corazon had a top 10 finish in the Wiesbaden ERM leg last year, was 2nd in the Strzegom CCI4*-L* in October, and most recently finished 7th in the Marbach CCI4*-S earlier this month. Highlighter is the less experienced, with Baborówko marking his second outing at the level.

Michael Jung (GER) has two entries in the CCIO4*-L: Corazon and Highlighter. Photo by M&R Photo courtesy of Equestrian Festival Baborówko.

  • Andreas Dibowski (GER) is bringing out his big guns in his longtime mount FRH Butts Avedon, with whom he has completed six five-stars — this pair is more than capable of winning any four-star in the land. FRH Corrida was Andreas’ 2018 WEG mount and is fresh off a win at the Marbach CCI4*-S earlier this month.

Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida (GER). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The international class athletes will compete for the event record-breaking prize pool of 465 000 PLN. Dressage kicks off tomorrow, with cross country to follow on Saturday and show jumping on Sunday. We encourage our international readers to go support the event, which sounds like a family-friendly experience for spectators that includes demonstrations, canine competitions, a trade fair and attractions for kids.

Baborówko Equestrian Festival: Website, Entries, Schedule

Which Countries Are Qualified for Eventing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

By on May 22, 2019 11:00 am -

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

What is the path to qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games? A total of 65 combinations will compete in eventing, with 15 teams made up of three combinations each (45 total combinations) and a further 20 slots allotted to individual combinations. EN is breaking down the qualification process in a handy series of articles.

As the host nation, Japan automatically received one of the team quota places. The top six teams from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games at Tryon also qualified. As Japan finished fourth at WEG and already had qualification as the host nation, the qualification berth stretched to the team that finished seventh.

Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand all secured Olympic qualification at WEG. Alongside Japan, that gives us seven nations already qualified for Tokyo, with a further eight team slots up for grabs.

This is a critical week for qualification, as one Olympic team slot is on the line at Baborówko CCIO4*-L in Poland, with two team slots up for grabs at Saumur CCIO3*-L in France.

The CCIO4*-L at Baborówko is an FEI Olympic Qualification Event for Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Central Asia. Belarus, Poland and Russia have all fielded teams for the competition. The best placed team from those three countries will secure Olympic qualification. Click here to view the full entry list.

The CCIO3*-L at Saumur is serving as an FEI Olympic Qualification Event for Africa and the Middle East, as well as Southeast Asia and Oceania. China, Hong Kong and Thailand have all fielded teams, and the two best placed nations will take an Olympic slot. Click here to view the full entry list.

Looking ahead to the Pan American Games, which run at the CCIO3*-L level on Aug. 1-4 in Lima, Peru, two Olympic slots will be awarded to the two best placed teams. No countries in FEI Olympic Groups D and E have secured qualification, and all eyes will be on the U.S., Canada and Brazil.

Two Olympic team slots will be awarded to the two best placed teams from FEI Olympic Groups A and B not already qualified at the FEI European Championships, which run at the CCIO4*-L level in Luhmühlen, Germany, on Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Great Britain, Ireland, France and Germany are already qualified.

The 15th and final Olympic team slot will be awarded at the conclusion of the 2019 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series to the highest ranked country in the final standings not already qualified. The series kicks off this weekend at Houghton Hall CCIO4*-S in England and will conclude at Boekelo CCIO4*-L in the Netherlands on Oct. 13. Click here to view the Nations Cup calendar.

Next up in EN’s series: the qualification process for the 20 individual slots. If you want to read more about Tokyo qualification in the meantime, click here. Go Eventing.

Super Saturday: Woodside Ups the Ante for Highly Anticipated Spring Event

By on May 22, 2019 9:21 am -

2018 Preliminary Challenge Rider winner Krista Stevenson on Caison. Photo by Sherry Stewart, courtesy of Woodside.

A 1,200 square-foot on-course VIP tent adds an awesome fan experience to The Spring Event at Woodside this year, set for May 24-26 at The Horse Park at Woodside. “Super Saturday’s” VIP cross-country tent opportunity enhances an event already famous nationally as host of The Preliminary Challenge. The tent provides front row seats next to the North Water Complex with big screen TVs live streaming action from the rest of the Ian Stark-designed international cross country course — plus, food, drink and fun with fellow fans.

The Preliminary Challenge was launched in 2009 to promote a critical crossroad in the journey to international competition. The Challenge offers $15,000 in prize money in both the rider and horse divisions. This alone draws large fields and ups the performance pressure, both of which are important to those pursuing the sport’s top levels.

The amped-up atmosphere created by Friday dressage in the Grand Prix Arena, Ian Stark’s cross-country track — now with the new VIP tent — and Saturday night’s stadium jumping showdown cranks the atmospheric volume to 11. For the finalé, sold-out dinner gala crowds ring the Grand Prix Arena, cheering as the top 10 pairs compete in reverse order of their standings.

Gala seating is tented and heated and sells out at light-speed: dinner tickets are $60 each; tables of 10 are $550. Cross-country tent admission is $75 after that. Both are available here. General admission and an informative event program come with $10 parking.

USEA Rob Burk will break from volunteer start box timing Saturday to give an informal talk about the sport at 4 p.m. The United States Pony Club has a booth manned all weekend with members happy to share info and advice. Both can be found at the pavilion area near the show office.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin won the Preliminary Challenge in 2015. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

See Tomorrow’s Stars

In celebrating and incentivizing Preliminary level competition with the Challenge, organizer Robert Kellerhouse is ushering more horses and riders onto the higher levels, while giving fans an early look at tomorrow’s stars.

Last year’s USEF National CCI3* Champion, Frankie Thieriot-Stutes, has taken two horses to the Preliminary Challenge title: her current partner Chatwin in 2015 and Uphoria in 2012. Last Year’s AEC Gold Cup Final winner Tamie Smith was a 2010 champion with C.S.I., and she has two horses entered this year.

The Preliminary Challenge is a launchpad for young riders, too. It has a direct correlation to the North American You Championships for Area VI. The 2017 top rider, Mallory Hogan, went on to the NAYC that year and the next, then made her CCI4* debut this year with Clarissa Purissima, her Preliminary Champion partner. One of Mallory’s 2017 NAYC teammates was 2016’s winner Delany Vaden riding Redrox Jazzman. You get the idea…

 

Flat-Out Fun!

“It’s the most fun competition anywhere,” say recent winners, junior Krista Stevenson and professional Bec Braitling. Both athletes find their fun in the most intense, demanding, pressure-packed environments. “There is no other show like the Preliminary Challenge,” says Krista, winner of 2018’s rider division aboard Caison. She’s been targeting the competition most of her riding life. “You’re jumping under the lights in front of hundreds of people. You really just want to enjoy it because it’s really a big deal. To win it … That was really cool!”

Well-established professional Bec Braitling has already achieved the high performance wins to which Krista aspires, but the veteran has the same kid-in-a-candy-store enthusiasm for the Preliminary Challenge.

Bec rode Santana II to the title in 2017. “It’s really a fun challenge for me as a rider. You are typically sitting on a young horse, and it’s a fun stepping stone. The kind of pressure it puts on you helps you find out what kind of horse you have in terms of its international potential.”

For Krista, last year’s win still manifests in recognition from a wider circle of peers and pros, and in her confidence. “It really gave me the sense that we can do this,” says the NAYC hopeful, “that we are capable and qualified and that we should keep working hard.”

Last year’s horse division winner Staccato traveled from Washington state to contest the Challenge with Jordan Lindstedt. He had several Preliminary starts under his belt already, but the Challenge was all new everything, Jordan recalls. “The ring is quite impressive, surrounded in the big white tents.” From dressage in the Grand Prix ring on through to Saturday night’s stadium jumping, “It’s a lot to take in.” Staccato handled it and has parlayed the positive experience into continued success, most recently winning April’s Open Intermediate at Twin Rivers.

If intense competition equals fun, then this year’s Preliminary Challenge is going to be off-the-charts fun for riders and fans, as the field is already stacked with top contenders. Bec Braitling has three horses entered, including fast-rising star Dassett Ricochet. Tamie Smith and many-time Woodside wonder James Alliston are among the pros also angling for the top prize and valuable mileage for their younger horses.

Meg Pelligrini has to be a favorite in the rider division. She’s arriving from Southern California with two rides: RF Eloquence, her partner in two recent CCI2* wins, and her superstar Connemara/Thoroughbred, Ganymede.

Nearly 50 combinations are entered to take on the Preliminary Challenge. Click here to view the entry list. Stay tuned for full coverage of Woodside throughout the weekend. Go Eventing.

Woodside Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, EN’s Coverage

Preliminary Challenge Past Winners

Year Horse Champion Rider Champion
2018 Staccato (Jordan Linstedt) Krista Stevenson (Caison)
2017 Santana II (Bec Braitling) Mallory Hogan (Clarissa Purissima)
2016 Thomascourt Cooley (James Alliston) Delaney Vaden (RedRox Jazzman)
2015 Chatwin (Frankie Thieriot Stutes) Tristen Hooks (Learning To Fly)
2014 Henry (David Adamo) JoAnna Saunders (Ansel Adams)
2013 Che Landscape (Matthew Brown) Kiera Carter (Corinthoz)
2012 Uphoria (Frankie Thieriot) Julie Flettner (Ping Pong)
2011 Roxabelle (Erin Kellerhouse) Zachary Brandt (Cavallino Cocktail)
2010 C.S.I. (Tamie Smith) Kelly Loria (Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds)
2009 Jude’s Law (Beth Temkin) Lindsay Connors (Ballingowan Pizazz)

 

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Services

By on May 22, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via Willow Draw on Facebook.

Last year it was the east coast and England who suffered an abundance of event cancellations due to heavy rainfall. Those regions have been much luckier this year with regards to weather, but after a bout of heavy rainfall in northern Texas and more on the way, Willow Draw announced the cancellation of its May 25th event. The organizers are working to issue refunds for paid entries less office fees. [Willow Draw Charity Show Cancelled]

National Holiday: National Craft Distillery Day 🥃

U.S. Weekend Action:

Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Virginia Horse Trials International & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

*CANCELLED* Willow Draw Charity Show [Website]

The Spring Event at Woodside [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

May-Daze at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Coconino Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Maryland Horse Trials FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

You Wednesday News & Notes:

A five-star veteran and stalwart of Buck Davidson’s barn, Park Trader is an eventing rockstar. Frankly though, he’d really rather be left alone than be fussed over. Get to know “Kobe” who, despite having been successful at the top level of the sport actually kind of hates to work. [Behind The Stall Door With: Park Trader]

Canadian show jumper and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze recently broke his silence on the health concerns that he has dealt with over the last year and a half and sidelined him from international competition for six month: a brain tumor. Please join us in wishing Eric and his family the very best throughout his recovery. [‘I Didn’t Know How To Tell Them’: Eric Lamaze Speaks Out About His Brain Tumor]

Don’t lie — you’ve dreamed of quitting your day job and moving far, far away to ride horses for a living. Meghan Laffin did just that, quitting her New York City network news job and moving to California to manage a dressage barn. There she encountered Jasper, a feral Mustang who had been the victim of a Mexican rodeo tradition that involves roping and tripping horses, who after gaining his trust, has earned her a USDF Bronze medal and taken her to Third Level. [A Leap Of Faith And The Mustang Who Landed It]

Goss Dodge and Lake Champlian Ferries have been announced as co-title sponsors of this year’s Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) Festival of Eventing. The ever-popular destination event Woodstock, Vermont hosts Area I’s only FEI divisions every August. [GMHA]

 

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

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Posted by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces on Tuesday, May 21, 2019

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Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Bodexpress’ Break for Freedom

By on May 21, 2019 4:00 pm -

War of Will should’ve been the big headline this weekend at the Preakness Stakes, but it was Bodexpress, the horse who dumped his jockey John Velazquez and still finished the race riderless, who stole the show. Hanging near the end of the pack, he kept on the full 1 3/16 miles, until retired jockey Kaymarie Kreidel managed to catch him. That’s a horse who definitely understands his job!

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#EventerProblems Vol. 182, Presented by Haygain: Blessed Are the Trainers …

By on May 21, 2019 2:00 pm -

… for putting up with all our crap. Over and over and over again.

Let’s start with this little anecdote from trainer Sabrina Miller, who writes, “I thought you might find this amusing. I did. I walk out of the ring and discover my student’s mothers created a game to play while they wait for their kids.”

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Miller.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Miller.

Apparently, this is now “a thing.”

Honestly, though, have you hugged your trainer today?

On second thought, maybe just buy them a nice bottle of bourbon. Here are the rest of your #EventerProblems this week!

View this post on Instagram

#horselife #eventerproblems

A post shared by Colleen Mills (@mills0898) on

Stay strong, EN. Go Eventing.

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.

Up Your Game With This 20-Minute Rider Fitness Video

By on May 21, 2019 11:00 am -

Laura Crump Anderson is an Equestrian Fitness Specialist at InForm Fitness Leesburg. She is certified as a personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine and specializes in working with riders of all ages and disciplines. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science, is a Certified Personal Trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine, and has evented through Training level. Read more of her EN fitness columns here. 

Are you wanting to up your in-the-saddle fitness game, but you’re on a tight time budget? This is the program for you.

Laura explains: “This video is an effective workout that does not require too much time outside of the tack. As riders we spend a lot of energy ensuring that our horses, are fit and sound and ready to compete. It is time we take the same dedication to our own fitness.”

Go Eventing.

‘We Need More Transparency In Our Sport’: Inquest Examines Deaths of Olivia Inglis & Caitlyn Fischer

By on May 21, 2019 8:53 am -

Left: Caitlyn Fischer and Ralphie. Photo by Main Event Photography.
Right: Olivia Inglis and Coriolanus. Photo by Allira Fontana Photography.

An inquest to investigate the deaths of 17-year-old Olivia Inglis and 19-year-old Caitlyn Fischer as a result of fatal injuries sustained in rotational falls on cross country in 2016 is underway at the New South Wales Coronors Court in Sydney, Australia.

Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee opened the two-week long inquest, which began on Monday, May 13, and will continue through Friday, May 24, to examine nine “public safety issues” surrounding Australian eventing, including:

  • whether the design of the cross country courses contributed to Olivia and Caitlyn’s deaths
  • whether safety procedures at events are sufficient to minimize risk
  • whether medical training and emergency response procedures at events are adequate

Olivia Inglis was competing in her first CNC2* (now CCN3*-S) at Scone Horse Trials with Coriolanus, her 11-year-old Thoroughbred. She had previously completed two CCI* and one CIC* (now CCI2*-L and CCI2*-S) with the horse, and in 28 starts they had only one cross country jumping penalty. Olivia died on March 6, 2016, when Coriolanus rotated over fence 8B on Jonathan Nicholson’s course, an open oxer set four strides from a vertical on a downhill approach, and fell on her.

Charlotte Inglis, Olivia’s mother, said she had expressed concern over the fence when they walked the course the day before, as it had very thin rails, which Charlotte said gave it a “deceptive appearance,” and no ground line, Hunter Valley News reported. The oxer was not fitted with frangible technology.

Charlotte heard over a radio that Olivia had fallen and ran to her side. David Keys, a former combat medic with the army reserve and trained physician assistant, had already reached her. While Olivia still had a faint pulse, Charlotte testified that David “struggled” to use his equipment. Paramedics arrived on the scene 20 minutes after Olivia’s fall in a Westpac helicopter, but were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at the scene due to a ruptured pulmonary artery. Coriolanus was later euthanized due to a fractured neck.

David testified during the inquest that he had been hired to provide “general first aid” by private contractor Health Services International, News.com.au reported. While he approached his employer about needing better equipment and more advanced medical professionals at events prior to Olivia’s fall, David says that he was told that would be “cost prohibitive.”

Equestrian Australia (EA) now requires that paramedics with the capacity to provide advanced life support be present at events, a recommendation that came from the organization’s own investigation of Olivia’s death. “No less than 34 points of contention have been identified with the course and the coordination of the event, the accident and emergency responses, and the way safety was handled,” The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Caitlyn Fischer was competing in her first CCI* (now CCI2*-L) at Sydney International Horse Trials with Ralphie, her 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. They had previously completed five CIC* (now CCI2*-S) together, three without cross country jumping penalties. Caitlyn died on April 30, 2016, when Ralphie chipped in an extra stride and rotated over fence two on Stuart Tinney’s course, a table set over water, and landed on her.

“It appears Caitlyn and Ralphie approached the fence at good speed,” Peggy Dwyer, counsel assisting the inquest, said, “but Ralphie appeared to look at something other than the jump as he approached it, and just before the jump Ralphie tried to put one more stride in.”

Caitlyn’s mother, Ailsa, gave testimony that she ran over to her daughter as soon as the fall occurred, but knew immediately she was dead. Ailsa also testified that EA’s report following the death contained “many errors of fact,” including which day Caitlyn had arrived at the competition, The Australian reported. 

“My feeling was that for something as significant as a death,” Ailsa said, “regardless of whether it’s an accident or not, it’s really important to look at what we can learn — to look at what was done really well and to look at what can we can learn from what has happened.”

‘We Need More Transparency’

Following Olivia and Caitlyn’s deaths, Willinga Park owner Terry Snow donated $250,000 to further safety initiatives in Australian eventing. EA subsequently launched the Making Eventing Safer Fund, which distributed funding to events across Australia to fit fences with frangible technology. EA also adopted a rule change in February 2018 to mandate the use of frangible devices on all National short and long format courses, as well as all FEI courses.

Charlotte said she ultimately believes the culture of eventing must change so that riders and trainers are encouraged to speak up with their concerns about course design, Hunter Valley News reported. “We need more transparency in our sport. We need to be able to make informed decisions on whether we want to jump a course.”

Lucy Warhurst, EA CEO, said in a statement read at the inquest: “Both Olivia and Caitlyn are sorely missed by the entire equestrian community. … We know that you are determined to see the risk of serious injuries or tragedies are addressed. We share that determination.”

EN will continue to follow the inquest, which has dominated headlines across Australia over the past week. Further resource links are included below.

Further reading:

Racing’s Inglis family on coping with the loss of their daughter Olivia

Inquest into teenage eventers’ deaths hears medic ‘didn’t know how to use equipment’

Equestrian deaths: mother was with fallen teen seven minutes before medical staff

Equestrian death: Caitlyn Fisher’s mother alarmed by investigation

Mother raised concerns about equestrian course before daughter’s fatal ride, inquest told

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on May 21, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The AEC is going to be a big one this year. Moving to the Kentucky Horse Park, every single competitor will get a chance to compete in the Rolex Arena. The USEA has guaranteed that every single division will hold at least show jumping in the iconic space. And now we’re less than 100 days out!

[The Countdown to AEC is On! 100 Days to Go!]

National Holiday: National Strawberries and Cream Day

Events Opening This Week: The Maryland International + Horse Trials, Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Twin Rivers Summer H.T., South Farm H.T., Round Top H.T., Powder Basin H.T., Coconino Summer I H.T., Twin Rivers Summer H.T.,

Events Closing This Week: Plantation Field H.T., The Middleburg H.T., River Glen June H.T., Queeny Park H.T., Feather Creek Farm H.T., Camelot Equestrian Horse Park-Over The Moon in June H.T., Derbyshire Farms H.T.

Tuesday News: 

CBD products are the newest fad in the horse world. Different from Marijuana, CBD products have be promised to reduce pain and anxiety, but with how quickly they’ve gained speed, the research world hasn’t quite had the chance to catch up. [Get Off Your High Horse: What You Need To Know About CBD Oils And Supplements]

Don’t miss this hilarious retelling of Bodexpress’ escape to freedom at the Preakness Stakes, as told by the horse himself. [Why I Ditched My Jockey: Bodexpress’s Quest For Fame In His Own Words]

Just in on Jumper Nation: Alex Granato & Carlchen W Can’t Be Caught in $134K Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* in Kentucky

Hot on Horse Nation: Freakness at the Preakness: Running of the Urinals

Tuesday Video:

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Eventing Marbach with Michael Jung and Andrew Hoy

By on May 20, 2019 4:30 pm -

Demo Cross Country CCI4*-S Marbach Eventing 2019

Order your personal video: mario@thevideomaker.it

Posted by Eventing Marbach (Internationale Marbacher Vielseitigkeit) on Saturday, May 18, 2019

Last weekend, while our eyes were on Jersey Fresh and Chatsworth ERM Leg 1, another contingent of top international riders on WEG 2018 horses were out in force in Marbach, Germany contesting the four-star levels at the Internationale Marbacher Vielseitigkeit.

Michael Jung had three rides in the CCI4*-S including fischerChipmunk FRH, the eleven-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I X Havanna, by Heraldik I) owned by Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff who was previously very successfully campaigned by Julia Krajewski. The pair came out with a bang in their first appearance together at the CCI4*-S level earning a dressage score of 21.7 and adding four time penalties across the country. Michael and “Chip” were leading the division going into the show jumping, but pulled a single rail to give fellow German Andreas Dibowski and half-sister FRH Corrida, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare (Contendro I X Expo, by Espri) owned by BG Corrida, the win by one-tenth of a penalty point.

The other two horses that Michael rode in the CCI4*-S were making their debut at the level. Michael took seventh place with Corazon, a nine-year-old Hanoverian mare (Casillas 2 X Skyline, by Sir Donnerhall) owned by Maria Stein and he guided his youngest ride, eight-year old Irish Sport Horse gelding Highlighter (Caretino 2 X Traumerin, by Landgraf I) owned by the Jung family and Anette Schmid to 31st place after picking up 20 penalties.

You can watch Michael and Highlighter’s cross country round in the video above — just prepare to be delighted by the techno remix of Pirates of the Caribbean that accompanies it. Honestly, if it doesn’t make your Monday then I don’t know what to tell you.

Andrew Hoy and the 10-year-old Anglo-Arab Vassily de Lassos (Jaguar Mail X Illusion Purdue, by Jalienny) owned by Paula and David Evans and Andrew were the only pair in the four-star to finish on their dressage score and their stellar clear rounds rocketed them from 28th place after dressage to third place overall. You can ride along with them in the helmet cam video below.

View full results of Eventing Marbach here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this post incorrectly identified the video of Michael Jung as him riding fischerChipmunk FRH. This has not been corrected.