Will there be a return of #RaveHorse?? Steffen Peters (USA) and Suppenkasper will compete in Denmark for Team USA. Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the fact that the concept of “WEG” really isn’t a thing this cycle, and I’m a little sad about it.
If you missed it — and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you if you had — there are three major World Championship sites hosting what would otherwise be known as World Equestrian Games disciplines for the 2022 cycle. You’ll recall that the World Equestrian Games/World Championships run on a four-year cycle, and qualifying berths for the next Olympics are on the line, among many other titles and bragging rights.
Due to the FEI’s decision that there would not be a single venue to host every discipline — eventing, show jumping, dressage, driving, para dressage, endurance, vaulting — this year’s Championships were split. Herning, Denmark will host show jumping, dressage, and para dressage August 6-15, Rocca di Papa, Italy will host eventing and driving September 15-25, and Verona, Italy will host the endurance championships October 19-23.
“When we opened the process for the FEI World Championships 2022 to single and multi-discipline bids, our intention was to have events that were more manageable and sustainable at proven venues,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said at the time of the decision.
Personally, I think I’d prefer the whole shebang: a real World Equestrian Games as we’re used to. Aachen, which hosted the 2006 WEG, comes to mind as an ideal venue that can sustainably support a multi-discipline effort — and already does with its annual CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival. And don’t forget that Bromont is now under new ownership — this venue lost out on its bid to host the 2018 WEG after funding could not be secured, and the new ownership group has major plans to grow equestrian sport and play homage to the park’s Olympic roots. Ocala, FL could also be a major contender for a World Championships with the recent purchase of the Ocala Jockey Club by the owners of the World Equestrian Center, however the master plans for the Jockey Club are still facing contention from county commissioners and community members.
At any rate, I’ll still be tuning in for the ECCO FEI World Championships in Denmark. Entries were just released, so you can go stalking here.
What about you, EN? Where would you love to see the next World Equestrian Games land?
U.S. Weekend Preview
Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. (Allentown, NJ): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Major International Events
Hambro Sport Horses Burgham International CCI4*-S (Morpeth, UK): [Entries/Times/Scoring]
FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders (Hartpury, UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]
Kilguilkey House International CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S (Cork Co, Ireland): [Website] [Entries/Times]
Wednesday News & Reading
The newest education program at the USEA, Emerging Athletes 21, has kicked off a series of regional clinics featuring ICP-certified coaches. It’s an opportunity to obtain some intensive training without having to travel to the other side of the country — a huge benefit for nurturing rising talent! You can keep up with the action from around the country here — you might even spot a familiar byline!
Ashlynn Meuchel jokes that her 5* partner, Emporium, was affordable because he was feral. That’s how you know it’s a great story, honestly. Read more about Ashlynn and Emporium here.
Speaking of the other World Championships happening this year, I always enjoy a good peek behind the curtain of upper level programs in other disciplines. This Haygain spotlight on show jumper and Denmark-bound Brian Moggre highlights some key aspects of care at home that play into success on the international circuit.
Tack Facts from Sterling Essentials:
It’s hot and humid in most parts of the country these days (or, in a lot of areas, raining buckets), which means the risk of funky, moldy, gunky tack is higher than ever. And that’s never ideal when you think about how much we invest in our tack and how important it is for our horses’ comfort. Check out these tips from Sterling Essentials:
View this post on Instagram
Wednesday Video Break
A cool spotlight on equine assisted learning at Urban Horse Project in Vancouver, Canada:
