Driving: FEI: Pairs Driving Championship: Twenty-four nations represented at 15th FEI World Pairs Driving Championships in Conty

Reigning World Champion Harrie Verstappen (NED) will defend his gold medal in Conty. Image: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI

The Driving world will gather in the Picardie region in France this week (24-28 August), when the Ateliers du Val de Selle will host the 15th FEI World Pairs Driving Championship in Conty. Sixty-nine competitors from 24 nations, will battle against each other for the individual and team medals, with 18 nations fielding teams and six countries sending individuals.

Amongst the competitors is reigning World Champion Harrie Verstappen (NED), who will not only defend his individual gold medal, but also help defend the Dutch team title, won at the 2009 FEI World Pair Driving Championship in Kecskemét (HUN). The 2009 silver medallist Beat Schenk (SUI) is one of the many medal favourites, as well as Vilmos Lazar (HUN), who has just recovered from several broken ribs.

The youngest competitor in Conty is the 15-year-old Anna Sandmann (GER), daughter of successful international four-in-hand driver Christoph Sandmann, who will act as her navigator in the marathon. Anna is competing as an individual.

The course design in Conty is in the capable hands of Barry Hunter (GBR), who is making his World Championship debut. Barry has been an international course designer since 2004 and has worked in the UK and the USA, including Lowther, Sandringham, Royal Windsor, Erddig, British National Championships, Live Oak, Sunshine State and Katydid events.

The Ground Jury is chaired by Dr Klaus Christ (GER) and the members are Anne-Marie Turbe (FRA), Bert Jambon (BEL), Hanspeter Rüschlin (SUI) and Diana Brownlie (GBR).

Conty has a long history in equestrian events, including the FEI World Single Driving Championship in 2002 and the international combined driving event (CAI) that takes place in Conty every year.

The high-level sporting centre in Conty is managed by the Ateliers du Val de Selle, an establishment that helps and supports handicapped adults and is cherished by its founder Allain Houard, who is an international course designer himself. The World Championship also holds a festivity programme including circus acts and equestrian shows, other competitions such as national farriery contests, a draft horse competition and an international friendly driving event for disabled people.

Programme:

Thursday 25 August: dressage (first part)

Friday 26 August: dressage (second part)

Saturday 27 August: marathon

Sunday 28 August: obstacle driving competition and medal ceremony

Website: http://www.avscompetition.com/

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Eventing: World Cup: JOHNSTONE CLINCHES FEI WORLD CUP™ EVENTING 2011 SERIES VICTORY

Clarke Johnstone (NZL) on Orient Express seals victory in FEI World Cup™ Eventing 2011. Photo: PSV J. Morel.

Clarke Johnstone (NZL) was celebrating with a large bottle of champagne, part of his spoils from Haras du Pin (FRA), where he finally sealed victory in the FEI World Cup™ Eventing 2011.

 “I’ve just flown five horses from New Zealand to England, so I’m not really in credit at the moment!” joked Johnstone. “But this is a very satisfying result and I’m going to enjoy it.”

Johnstone is perennially successful in FEI World Cup™ Eventing - he finished fifth overall last year - but this time the 24-year-old World team bronze medallist set an unmatchable target right from the start of the season. He scored a win and a third place in his native New Zealand, at Kihikihi, and when he also triumphed in the next event in the series, at Sydney (AUS), the dye was cast.

For good measure, Johnstone completed Haras du Pin (FRA), the seventh and final event in the 2011 series, in sixth place on Kihikihi winner Orient Express, but his overall series victory was assured even before the competition started at the French venue.

Another of the younger riders, Christopher Burton (AUS), tracked Johnstone all the way, only finishing four points shy to take second place in the series.

Burton put up a magnificent fight. Having slotted into second at Kihkihi (NZL) and second and fifth at Sydney (AUS); riding the same two horses, Newsprint and Holstein Park Leilani, he then finished second and third at Haras du Pin to close the gap. But even if he had won the series climax, he would still have been an agonising one point in arrears behind Johnstone.

At the culmination of seven fiercely contested CIC3*s in seven countries, Belarusian rider Aliaksandr Faminou has made history as the highest placed rider from Eastern Europe in the history of the FEI World Cup™ Eventing. His brilliant achievement of three placings at Minsk (BLR) proved highly profitable, leaving him third in this year’s series.

Southern hemisphere riders filled seven out of the top 10 places at Haras du Pin (FRA), site of a French national stud and one of the most attractive venues in the calendar. In a tight finish, Clayton Fredericks (AUS), twice an FEI World Cup™ Eventing champion, riding Dunges Laurent Rose, won by less than one penalty ahead of Burton on Newsprint.

Fredericks had led after Cross Country on his other horse, the German-bred mare Be My Guest, but an expensive 16 Jumping faults dropped the partnership to fourth behind Burton’s Holstein Park Leilani.

After a relatively trouble-free Cross Country phase, the Jumping proved hugely influential - there was only one clear round from the 34 riders to complete the competition.

International FEI World Cup™ Eventing

“The efforts of New Zealand and Australia to gain points in Europe this year have really  paid off, with Clarke Johnstone, Christopher Burton, Shane Rose and Clayton Fredericks all in the top six,” said Catrin Norinder, Director of Eventing & Olympic at the FEI.

“The fact that eight nations made it into the top ten of this year’s FEI World Cup Eventing is also testament to how widely this trophy is contested globally.

“Riders from 15 countries competed on the series this year and this has really captured the imaginations of Eventing fans around the world, who have followed the series right through to its culmination in Haras du Pin.”

About the winner

Clarke Johnstone (NZL), 24, is from New Zealand’s South Island where his parents farm sheep and cattle. He started riding at the age of 12 and after graduating from Otago University, he spent three years based near Hamilton, North Island. He has now travelled to Gloucestershire, England, with five horses and the aim of competing at next year’s London Olympic Games.

He was long-listed for the 2008 Olympics with Oakley Vision, a horse he started riding when he was only 14, and made his team debut last year with Orient Express, a horse produced by 2000 Olympian Paul O’Brien (NZL), winning a team bronze medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Kentucky (USA).

He now heads to Burghley CCI4* (GBR) with Incognito and Taupo CCI3* winner Kolora Stud Secrets and to Blenheim CCI3* (GBR) with Orient Express.

FEI World Cup™ Eventing Standings (after 7 of 7 events)

1 Clarke Johnstone (NZL) 118
2 Christopher Burton (AUS) 114
3 Aliaksandr Faminou (BLR) 92
4 Michael Jung (GER) 79
5 Shane Rose (AUS) 70
6 Clayton Fredericks (AUS) 77
7 Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) 68
8 Mykhailo Nastenko (RUS) 64
9 Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) 62
10 Peter Thomsen (GER) 56

For full standings, please click here.

FEI World Cup™ Eventing Prize-Money

1 Clarke Johnstone (NZL) €15,000
2 Chris Burton (AUS) €9,000
3 Aliaksandr Faminou (BLR) €4,000

*The total prize money for FEI World Cup™ Eventing 2011 is €28,000. This year there were seven legs in the series, with each leg contributing €4,000. 

Results from Haras du Pin

1 Clayton Fredericks/Dunges Laurent Rose (AUS) 43.5 + 3.2 + 4 = 50.7
2 Christopher Burton/Newsprint (AUS) 43.5 + 0 + 8 = 51.5
3 Christopher Burton/Holstein Park Leilani 50.6 + 0 + 8 = 58.6
4 Clayton Fredericks/Be My Guest (AUS) 43.3 + 0 + 16 = 59.3
5 Alix de Herce/Minx du Mane Roz (FRA) 52.6 + 3.6 + 4 = 60.2
6 Clarke Johnstone/Orient Express (NZL) 48.9 + 0 + 12 = 60.9
7 Cedric Lyard/Narcos de Soulac (FRA) 49.1 + 4 + 8 = 61.1
8 Mark Todd/NZB Campino (NZL) 43.7 + 10 + 8 = 61.7
9 Regis Prud Hon/Debiut (FRA) 52.2 + 5.6 + 4 = 61.8
10 Paul Tapner/Kilfinnie ll (AUS) 45.6 + 0 + 17 = 62.6
11 Eddy Sans/Kramique (FRA) 45.0 + 9.2 + 12 = 66.2

Full results on www.legrandcomplet.com

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Driving: USEF: Dancer, Wrigley-Miller and Yoder Set to Drive in their First FEI World Pair Driving Championship in France - By Joanie Morris

Joe Yoder Winning the 2011 National Championship (Photo by Picsofyou.com)

Lexington, KY - The 2011 FEI World  Pair Driving Championship get underway this week in Conty, France, and three American drivers are set to make their International Championships debut.
Led by Chef d'Equipe Chester Weber and Coach Michael Freund, the U.S. will be represented by Katherin Dancer, Misdee Wrigley-Miller and Joe Yoder. These three drivers drove as a team at Reisenbeck CAI in July and earned valuable international experience which Weber believes will serve them well going into the World Championship.

Dancer, a German expatriate now lives in California where she runs a riding program - she drives a team of Warmblood horses and comes off a strong spring which featured a third place finish at the USEF National Pair Driving Championships at the Live Oak CDE in March. She is guided by her husband Scott, who serves as her navigator.

Wrigley-Miller is also driving on her first international team, but she is also hugely successful in the Saddlebred world. She drives a promising group of young warmbloods and with her pair, Wrigley-Miller had top finishes at the Live Oak CDE, Sunshine State CDE and at the German National Championships. She also competed at Great Britain's Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2010. 

She has one of the best navigators in the world, Dutch superstar Koos de Ronde, on her carriage for the marathon.

"We made that decision earlier in the year," said Weber. "It seems to be going quite well. There was a small injury to one of her best marathon horses - but that horse is back for the World Championships and we are excited about that."

Joe Yoder Winning the 2011 National Championship (Photo by Picsofyou.com)

Joe Yoder began to make a name for himself in 2010 driving a four-in-hand, and he recently relocated from his Montana home to Aiken, South Carolina, where he drives for Jack Wetzel. Yoder turned 30 this year, and Weber feels that he has a long career in the sport ahead of him. He is the 2011 USEF National Pair Driving Champion.

"I think Joe is an up-and-coming driver," said Weber. "He's part of America's driving future, our hope is this that he will drive teams next."

But first, there is Conty to conquer and Weber is optimistic about what the week has in store for his team:

"All of them are quite inexperienced in terms of international competition and their first Nations Cup show was in Reisenbeck, but they all have some very nice horses," said Weber. "I try to treat them all like professionals because they have all obviously merited their position at a World Championships, I try to encourage them all to have three steady days in a row. They all got a lot of perspective while at Reisenbeck. I am optimistic about them. I am smart enough to never underestimate Michael Freund's ability to coach them. And they've been based there for the last week at training camp - he will have made some progress working on their weakness from the last big event. Michael and I are about the most competitive people, so we will do our best for a good result with this good team."

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Endurance: FEI: BAHRAIN AND UAE TAKE YOUNG ENDURANCE HORSE TITLES - by Louise Parkes

Salman Isa Al Radhi from Bahrain steered Persepolia Larzac to win the 8 Year Old title at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses 2011 at Compiegne in France last Friday.  Photo: FEI/Gilly Wheeler.

FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR YOUNG HORSES 2011, COMPIEGNE (FRA)
Lausanne (SUI), 22 August 2011

Horse and rider combinations from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates claimed the titles at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses which took place at Compiegne in France last Friday. Over testing courses, and in intense heat, it was Bahrain's Salman Isa Al Radhi and Persepolia Larzac who returned the quickest time in the 8 Year Old division, while the UAE's Shames Sd Sn Al Marri produced a strong ride with Qatar La Majorie to win the 7 Year Old competition.

Endurance riding only developed into a competitive sport in the 1950s and arrived in Europe during the following decade. In 1982 it became an FEI-approved discipline, and gradually the number of events increased. In 1998 the World Championships were staged in the United Arab Emirates, with competitors from 47 Federations taking part, and this proved the catalyst for an explosion of growth in participation over the following years.

This year's FEI World Championships for Young Endurance Horses attracted competitors from 20 countries - Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.

8 Year Olds
Of the 27 starters in the 8 Year Old Championship, a total of 14 were representing France, but the host nation had to settle for silver medal position when Bahrain's Al Radhi completed the 160 km course with an average speed of 19.442 kmh. Al Radhi, who only joined the Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain in 2011, was delighted with the performance of his mare Persepolia Larzac.  "From the third loop I could feel her speed.  I rode her in a 160km race in Germany this year and came fifth, but this is my first time in Compiegne" he explained.

Sandrine Lance and Movisko du Lauragais finished second for France with an average speed of 19.298 kmh, but felt she could have done better. "I now realise I could have gone faster" she said afterwards.  "I was much too careful.  When I saw the winner going faster I should have kept up with him but I didn't, and I left it too late to put things right.  But I've had this horse since he was five so I'm pleased with my ride and my horse" she added.

Spain's Monica Comas Molist and Princesse de Campagne finished third when clocking an average speed of 19.269 kmh.  "Princesse is a lovely mare, bred in France" said Molist.  "Last year she was second in the 7 Year Old Championships.  We only did a 90km ride earlier this year in preparation for coming here.  My ambition is to be on the World Cup team for Spain, but it's been a dream to win in Compiegne!" she added.

7 Year Olds
There was an even larger field of 42 runners in contention for the 7 Year Old medals.  This course ran over a 120 km track, and 14 of the starters were from France.  But it was the sole representative from the United Arab Emirates who produced the winning performance, Shames Sd Sn Al Marri racing home with an average speed of 21.201 kmh from his horse, Qatar La Majorie.

 "I've been riding in Endurance competition for five years, but this is my first win and my biggest win!" said the rider.  "It's my first season in Europe.  The course was difficult because of the hills, but I'm very happy.  My ambition is to be always on the podium!" he added.

Once again a French rider came in second, Philipp Tomas crossing the line with Quotien Persky having recorded an average speed of 20.922.  In modern Endurance competition, the emphasis is on the horse finishing in good condition rather than the one that finishes first, and it can take years for a partnership to develop to top level. Endurance requires extensive preparation, and key to success is the support crew who help ensure the health and well-being of both horse and rider during competition.  Tomas carefully managed some concerns he had about his horse early in the race.   "I was worried to begin with because he was not drinking that much, but after the third loop he was much better so I was happier.  My policy is always to stay in touch with the leader and make my challenge on the last loop, but this time I just wasn't fast enough" he explained.

Qatar's Faleh Nasser Al Bughaneim came home third with an average speed of 20.919 from Querotz de Benech.  "I've competed here five times now, and for sure it's a great place.  I won the 7 year Old Championship here in 2009, but this is the first time to be here with this horse.  I think I will be on the Qatar team for the Open European Championship next month", the rider commented.

Ian Williams, the FEI'S Director of Non-Olympic Sports, attended the event and said, "it was very competitive, with a tough battle for the medals.  As always, the Compiegne organisers have done a tremendous job, and the good completion rate is testimony to both the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses".

Results:
7 Year Old Championship: GOLD - Qatar La Majorie (Shames Sd Sn Al Marri) UAE; SILVER - Quotien Persky (Philippe Tomas) FRA; BRONZE - Querotz de Benech (Faleh Nasser Al Bughaneim) QAT.
8 Year Old Championship: GOLD - Persepolia Larzac (Salman Isa Al Radhi) BRN; SILVER - Movisko du Lauragais (Sandrine Lance) FRA; BRONZE - Princesse de Campagne (Monica Comas Molist) ESP.

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Eventing: True Prospect: Bruce Duchossois and ACE Private Risk Services Make $20,000 Donation to USET Foundation in Memory of Horses Lost

Bob Courtemanche (Division President ACE Group Private Risk Services) hands the donation in honor of the fallen event horses to Bruce Duchossois, co-chair of the USET Foundation's Development Committee, flanked by Boyd Martin and Kirk James (COO Hub International) and Phillip and Evie Dutton. Photo By: Lauren R. Giannini.

Gladstone, NJ - August 22 2011 - The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is honored to announce that USET Foundation Trustee Bruce Duchossois and ACE Private Risk Services have made a generous donation to the organization following the tragedy at True Prospect Farm. On May 31, fire destroyed the barn rented by international event rider Boyd Martin from Phillip Dutton of West Grove, PA. Of the 11 horses stabled in the wood and stone bank barn, six perished in the blaze.

In the aftermath of the fire, the entire eventing community rallied. Bruce Duchossois, who competes in the Amateur-Owner hunters, has owned several of Dutton's top three-day horses, including Connaught. Dutton, who earned Olympic Team Gold in 1996 riding for Australia, became an American citizen in 2006. In 2007, he earned Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver riding for the USA. In 2008 he piloted Connaught to first place in the prestigious four-star Kentucky Rolex Three-Day Event. About five years ago Duchossois became partners with Dutton in the ownership of True Prospect Farm.

Duchossois learned that ACE Private Risk Services, the high-net worth personal lines company of global insurance carrier, the ACE Group - who settled the claim quickly and gracefully - planned to make a donation in honor of the six horses. Several of those horses were being considered to represent the USA for the 2011 Pan American Games and now would never have a chance to prove themselves. Duchossois happens to be co-chair of the USET Foundation's Development Committee, which raises funds for the USA's elite equestrian athletes. He was involved to the nth degree with the horses and people at True Prospect Farm and with the USET Foundation. He offered to match whatever amount ACE Private Risk Services donated to the USET Foundation.
          
"I think that what ACE Private Risk Services is doing is phenomenal," said Duchossois. "Insurance - you can't live with it, you can't live without it - and what these ACE people have done really is above and beyond. It was a beautiful old stone barn, and the horses - well, they were priceless. To settle the way they did and then to come back and make a donation to the USET Foundation in the memory of the horses - well, it's unheard of. It opens eyes that they are good people and that they want to give back. I was blown away.
          
On Tuesday, August 16th at True Prospect Farm, Bob Courtemanche, Division President of ACE Private Risk Services, and W. Kirk James, Chief Operating Officer of Hub International (the broker that matched up ACE with True Prospect), met with Duchossois, Dutton and his wife Evie, and Martin. Courtemanche presented the check for the USET Foundation to Duchossois. In a spirit of camaraderie and compassion, ACE's donation to the USET Foundation does more than honor the six fallen event horses: it also pays tribute to the incredible bravery of the people who risked their lives to save the five.
          
"We protect property, but at the end of the day we protect people," said Courtemanche. "If we can help to make a sad situation better by honoring the bravery and compassion of the people at True Prospect Farm, that's part of our job. It's not just property they lost in that fire. They lost horses, and they aren't replaceable the way machines are. I'm learning about the partnership between horse and rider."
          
"It's moving. It restores my faith in the American culture, that everything's not just about money," said Martin. "It's fantastic when a company goes far beyond the call of duty and sees a terrible situation and they put their hat and money out for such a wonderful donation."

" In the wake of such tragedy ACE Private Risk Services and Bruce Duchossois have graciously recognized the loss of these talented and incredible horses with a gift to the USET Foundation that will continue to help this country's United States Equestrian Teams on the international stage. The generous gifts exemplify the kindness and thoughtfulness of ACE and Bruce, and for which the USET Foundation is truly appreciative. We wish Boyd and Phillip the very best as they courageously move forward in achieving competitive excellence, while always remembering the incredible horses that make it possible."

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America's elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

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Eventing: FEI: European Championships: WHO WILL MAKE HISTORY AT THE HSBC FEI EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo caption: Kristina Cook leads Great Britain to Gold at HSBC FEI European Championships 2009 in Fontainebleau (FRA). Image: Kit Houghton/FEI.

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 22 August 2011

The hand of history will be resting heavily on some of the 71 riders heading for this week’s HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship in Luhmühlen (GER) on 25-28 August, as anticipation mounts for what promises to be an enthralling competition.

Host nation Germany, the reigning Olympic Champions, were World Champions in 2006, and their superstar rider Michael Jung (GER) is widely tipped for yet more individual honours. But they are making no secret of their longing to win European team gold on home ground for the first time - they had to settle for silver last time in Luhmühlen in 1999.

German team trainers Hans Melzer and Christopher Bartle have some of the world’s most talented and experienced riders from which to choose a dozen representatives - the home side is allowed 12 places.

Most notable among them are the World Champion Jung, riding his fabulous horse La Biosthetique Sam, and a quartet of Olympic gold medallists: Ingrid Klimke, Frank Ostholt, Peter Thomsen and dual CCI4* winner Andreas Dibowski.

Add to that mix former Pau CCI4* winner Dirk Schrade and Luhmühlen CCI4* runner-up Sandra Auffarth, who has been taking the circuit by storm, plus a host of other consistently successful competitors, and German supporters could well be celebrating by Sunday evening.

But British enthusiasm for overseas championships is legendary, and their supporters will be equally keen to party. Great Britain has won the last eight meetings and will not be interrupting their record-breaking run without a fight. If they win team gold at this, the 30th European Eventing Championships, it will be their 22nd since the competition began in 1953.

Piggy French (GBR), the reigning European individual silver medallist and Badminton runner-up on Jakata, will make her senior team debut, joining Mary King (GBR) – who heads into Luhmühlen topping the HSBC Rankings - William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Nicola Wilson (GBR), team World Champions last year.

London 2012 is also calling..

The HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships have special significance for European nations not yet qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The two best ranked teams from Olympic Groups A, B and C will qualify to take part. Five nations have already earned their place after qualifying at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky last year: Canada, New Zealand, USA, Germany and Belgium. They will join host nation Great Britain.  

Irish riders will be hoping Luhmühlen is a lucky place for them. Ireland last won team gold back here in 1979 when Sam Watson’s father, John, was among the medallists, while Germany's premier Eventing venue was also the setting for Belgium’s first ever medal, bronze, in 1999.

The French who, surprisingly, have never won the European team title, are sending a mix of old and new faces, including former dual individual gold medallist Nicolas Touzaint and rising star Donatien Schauly, who makes his senior team debut.

And everyone will be willing Italy’s brave Susanna Bordone to success. The versatile rider, who was flying the Italian flag at last week's FEI European Dressage Championships and is applying for a racing as well as her flying licence, suffered severe facial injuries at Luhmühlen CCI4* in June after being bitten by her horse.

Fourteen nations will be represented when the first Horse Inspection gets underway on Wednesday, 24 August: Belgium, Finland*, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania*, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia*, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland (*denotes individual riders only).

HSBC & Eventing
HSBC has renewed its support for a further three-year term to include title sponsorships of the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships in 2011 and 2013 and the HSBC FEI Classics™ until the end of 2013.

FEI TV Live Schedule:

27 August: Cross Country 10.30 - 16.00 CEST

28 August: Jumping Group 1 11.00 - 12.40 CEST and Jumping Group 2 and Medals Ceremony 13.40 - 15.20 CEST

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Vaulting: FEI: British News: Double delight for Vaulters in France

Reigning World Champion, Joanne Eccles, has successfully defended her senior female European title at the European Championships in Le Mans, France (16-21 August).

Joanne (22) from Tillicoultry in Scotland, retained the title that in 2009 made her the first Team GBR vaulter to win an FEI Vaulting Championship medal, after a stunning performance aboard her long-standing partner W H Bentley, lunged by father John Eccles.

Her final score of 8.553, one of her highest scores this year, came just 0.02 ahead of Germany’s Sarah Kay, who finished on 8.533, illustrating how closely fought the senior female competition has been this year.

Joanne commented on her result; “It was really good in there. It was a pretty much almost perfect test and was really hard to judge what the score would be at the end. It’s been a tough few days but I’m absolutely ecstatic with the result. In 2009 it was amazing to win my first Championship medal but this time it almost means more as I’ve had to fight so hard for it.”

As well as taking the individual title, Joanne and sister Hannah (19) produced a stunning test in another closely fought competition to take Silver in the Pas de Deux, with a final score of 8.411, just 0.008 behind the eventual Gold medallists, Germany (8.419). Bronze went to Austria, who finished on 8.245.

This is only the second Championship medal for Great Britain in the Pas de Deux, after the sisters achieved Silver at the FEI Pairs Championships last year in Austria.

The pair, who are members of the Wee County Vaulting Group, compete the Pas de Deux on W H Bentley, again lunged by their father John.

Chef d’Equipe for the Vaulting squad, Lucy Bell added; “It’s been a long week and has been very tense and tight throughout the two competitions. There was a lot of pressure going into the arena today but as always brilliant performances were delivered on both counts; it’s a fantastic result for both Joanne and Hannah and for British Vaulting.”

For full competition details visit www.boulerie-jump.com

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Jumping: HITS: Culpeper: Laura Linback captivates Grand Prix action at HITS Culpeper

CULPEPER, VA (August 22, 2011) --- Laura Linback of Mundelin, Illinois and Woodrun's Whittaker MVNZ, whom they call "Fred" in the barn, had an amazing week at HITS Culpeper. Last Friday, they captured the win in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix and successfully followed up with a big win in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida was the Grand Prix course designer for the Winston National and Sunday's premier card featured 26 starters.

"The course was spectacular," said Linback, who is a regular competitor at HITS Culpeper and HITS Ocala and travels alongside her husband, Troy and their son, Owen. "It rode really well and I was pretty confident about it. Fred only rubbed one rail at what seemed to be a difficult line for some."

Linback was rightfully excited after scoring the two biggest wins in the Grand Prix field this week.

"Fred is so easy and fun to ride. It's been a really exciting summer with him," she said. "He's just an eight year-old, so he's still a baby, but he's been going clear a lot this summer in the Grand Prix. He's still young, so we won't over-use him too much, but it's exciting to see where we'll progress."

After the first round, five horse-and-rider combinations returned for the jump-off. Australian native Matt Williams of Wellington, Florida aboard Samantha Tuerk's Watch Me VD Mangelaar returned first and set the pace with four jumping faults in 45.508 seconds. The duo has earned major ribbons this summer at HITS Culpeper and HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York as they continue on the home stretch of the HITS show jumping season.

Fellow Australian and Nations Cup rider Thaisa Erwin of Apex, North Carolina was the second to go clear in the first round and returned for the jump-off aboard her own Matilda. The duo left all the fences intact, but earned three time faults in the jump-off, which gave them a brief lead and eventually earned them a second-place finish. Overall, it was a successful day for the Apex Equestrian Center, as Thaisa's husband, head trainer Matthias Hollberg finished twelfth aboard his upcoming Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix mount Wadisson, owned by the Apex Equestrian Center.

Linback returned next and took over the lead with a clear effort in 44.780 seconds, which set the Great American Time to Beat.

"In the jump-off, I just took a shot," said Linback. "I wanted to ride my horse the best I could and not try to think about it too much. Luckily, it worked out well for us."

Linback would also finish in seventh place aboard her second mount, Woodrun's Uppsala.

Colombian Olympian Manuel Torres of Ashburn, Virginia and Chambacunero, a 14 year-old gelding owned by TG Show Stables, were the next to show and had the fastest time of 41.584 seconds. Four jumping faults, however, would eventually settle them into third place.

Last to show was Kate Gerhart of Sellersville, Pennsylvania aboard Cathy Gerhart's Timo. At the Cavalier Classic in July, they took the second-place ribbon in the $40,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. This time, they had four faults in 43.432 seconds to capture fourth place honors, as they continue on towards the Pfizer Million.

"Timo is such a good boy and he's so much fun to ride," said Gerhart. "We're going to try our best to qualify for the Pfizer Million. We still need a few more classes to qualify, but I look forward to being there in Saugerties next month."

This week, the Constitution Classic will highlight August competition at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia. Riders will have one more qualifying class for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and Pfizer Million, when the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, take center stage this weekend. After this week, the road to Pfizer Million Weekend will move to its final destination at HITS-on-the-Hudson for two consecutive weeks of show jumping and, of course, the richest show jumping finale in the world on Sunday, September 11.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

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Hunters: Culpeper: Patty Stovel wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper aboard Kenya

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) —Patty Stovel and Shoal Creek Stables’ Kenya gained the momentum they needed in Culpeper to capture Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight a week of tough competition in the hunter rings of the Winston National at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

The duo’s latest victory marks their third triumph in a Devoucoux class this summer as they topped the field of 22 that showed over course designer Rian Beals’ first-round course. “Kenya is getting better as the summer goes on and that is a good thing,” said Stovel. “I am very fortunate to have a great owner who let us take our time with this horse.”

The last time the duo showed at HITS Culpeper they scored the blue at the Cavalier Classic in the featured class for hunters. Then, a few weeks ago, they struck glory again topping 70 starters at the NY Horse & Pony Show at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York proving they are one of the teams to beat in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final .

Going into the weekend, Stovel and Kenya were eighth in the current Rider Rankings for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final with 224 points. Saturday’s win will help to push them into the top five with only two qualifiers left before the big weekend on September 10-11 in Saugerties.

“I have said it before. This horse can win on any given day!” said Stovel. “There will be some great horses and great riders there and I am sure hoping that we are up for the challenge.”

Stovel finished on Sunday with a total score of 179 and led the charge at HITS Culpeper, boasting the top score in both rounds and winning the class by five points. Winn Alden, of Bristow, Virginia, rode Barbara Sheffield’s Cameo Appearance to a second-place effort and junior rider Alexandra Warner of Silver Springs, Maryland, took third aboard her own Valentine.

The next opportunity to qualify for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix takes place this coming weekend at HITS Culpeper during the Constitution Classic before the final chance to earn valuable points for Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS-on-the-Hudson VII, September 1-5.

About Devoucoux

Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to this year's phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 3'3" Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the historic Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 10-11 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

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Jumping: HITS: Jennie Edwards captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper

                 
CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) — Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome rose to the top when she won the blue in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals on Saturday night at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida is a seasoned equitation rider and trains under the tutelage of her aunt, Ginny Edwards at Hidden Hollow Farm. In all, 33 riders navigated course designer Jerry Dougherty's route, and 12 of the top riders were invited back to show on the flat. After the flat phase, the top four were brought back for additional testing over fences, after which, Edwards emerged as the winner.

“I got this horse back in March and he’s been such a great ride,” said Jennie Edwards. “I’ve learned so much on him already. This is one of the most important events I look forward to each year, so winning it was just great. I couldn’t believe when it happened.”

For her efforts, Jennie Edwards won a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, and a cooler donated by Gary Baker, while Ginny Edwards won a $300 trainer award for helping to guide her student to the crown.

“My goals this year were to qualify for the USEF Pessoa Medal Finals, the regional ASPCA Maclay Finals and this Final,” added Edwards. “I’ve been able to do all of that so far, so this year has been really successful for me. I’m very lucky to have my aunt as my trainer - she is so caring and hardworking, and it made the win a lot more special with her there.”

Also taking top honors in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals was Ashley Foster of Brooksville, Maryland. Foster trains at Rolling Acres Farm with her mother, Patty Foster and her aunt, Mary Lisa Leffler. For her second-place performance, she received a pair of custom leather half chaps, donated by Chuck Pinnel’s Custom Leather.

The third-place ribbon was awarded to Kimberly Meighan of Leesburg, Virginia and, for her accomplishment she won a show bridle, donated by Hidden Hollow Farm.

For their participation in the prestigious event, each of the riders in the top ten were awarded a $75 gift certificate to Champion Saddlery, a selection of saddle pads courtesy of Clifton Saddlery, as well as ribbon sashes donated by Tom Struzzieri. All of the qualifiers for the class were treated to a welcome reception, sponsored by Hollins College, received boutonnieres from TuDane Farm and went home with gift bags from Dover Saddlery.

“I have to say that since we have been doing this class, the riding has been getting better and better,” said event coordinator Pam Haviland. “I am proud that we can come together and host such a great event for our young riders.”

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

WEG Central® - For the latest news in equestrian sport!

Dressage: FEI: European Championships: British riders add silver and bronze individual medals to the European team gold already in the bag

British Equestrian Federation Press Release
Date: 20/08/11. For immediate release

GB’s Carl Hester and Laura Bechtolsheimer once again rose to the fore in magnificent form to claim individual titles in today’s grand prix special. Their medals add to the team gold already won two days ago by the accomplished quartet of riders at a championship where British dressage has truly come of age. The pair claimed silver and bronze respectively in a nail-biting contest at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011, Rotterdam, 20 August.

Dutch threat Adelinde Cornilessen was first of the big guns to ride with her reigning European Champion horse Parzival.  Despite an error of course they set the bar high, posting a massive score of 82.113% for their home crowd that the British and German riders would have to go all out to beat.

GB’s team rookie and talk of the town, Charlotte Dujardin was first to try her hand with Valegro. The young combination wowed the judges as they had in their grand prix test but a couple of expensive mistakes kept them out of the eventual shakeup to finish sixth with a healthy 76.548%.

Laura Bechtolsheimer was having the “ride of her life” with the huge chestnut gelding Mistral Hojris until he dropped off the hand after the extended walk. “When a big horse like that loses the impulsion it’s hard to keep everything together and the errors creep in.” She explained. “He got away from me in the grand prix test on Thursday; maybe I warmed him up just a bit too much to be sure the same wouldn’t happen again today.” But beautiful riding still coaxed him round for a score good enough for 79.196%.

Penultimate rider to go, Carl Hester, knew he was in with a shout if he and his horse Uthopia, who he co-owns with Sasha Stewart, could repeat the quality of work they’d produced just two days before for the grand prix. The pair danced their way through a sparkling test, again producing spectacular extended trot and passage work but an unfortunate slip-up in the one time changes caused a third Brit to drop vital points. “I was completely focussed trying to ride my extensions for 10’s and the passage as high as I could get them. It felt amazing until he tripped in the canter work, I got out of timing and we just lost our rhythm.” said Carl who still earned a PB of 81.682%.

Only the record breaking super-stallion Totilas, last to go with his new German rider Alexander Matthias Rath, could knock a Brit from the podium. Instead Rath, who has struggled all week to create the magic we know his mount is capable of had to settle for 77.039%.

Adelinde’s proved a score that couldn’t be beaten and the Dutch lifted gold leaving the rest of the spoils for the British: Carl Hester claimed silver, his first ever individual medal and Laura Bechtolsheimer equalled her 2009 European performance to take the bronze.

“I either had to steal one or win one to make my career complete” joked Carl “I’ve come here with a young horse and he’s produced the best work he’s capable of at this time. Our focus was the grand prix and the team medal but I just enjoy riding the special so much, to win silver is amazing.”

“Should’ve, would’ve, could’ve” quipped Laura “I’m still really happy with bronze and especially to get two British riders on the podium is just fantastic! I’m so proud!”

Earlier in the day Britain’s fourth rider Emile Faurie and the 12 year old Dutch bred gelding Elmegardens Marquis posted a respectable score of 68.542% to finish in eventual 21st place.

Carl Hester, Laura Bechtolsheimer and Charlotte Dujardin all ride in tomorrow’s final, the grand prix freestyle to music competition, where a second set of individual medals is up for grabs.

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Dressage: FEI: THREE MORE TEAMS QUALIFY FOR LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES DRESSAGE

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 19 August 2011

Sweden, Spain and Denmark qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games as a result of their placings in yesterday's FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 team competition. Sweden finished fourth on a score of 214.437%, Spain was fifth (211.580%), and Denmark sixth (209.985%). The three leading nations at the Championships had already achieved Olympic qualification. Gold medallists Great Britain are automatically qualified as next year’s Olympic Games’ host nation. The silver medallists from Germany and the bronze medallists from The Netherlands had previously secured their spots at last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky.

This brings the number of teams qualified to date for London 2012 to seven: Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, USA (who qualified at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky), Sweden, Spain and Denmark.

The next event for direct team qualification is the Pan American Games to be held in Guadalajara (MEX) from 14 to 29 October. The two best placed teams from Olympic Groups D (North America) and E (Central and South America), excluding the USA, will secure participation in London.

The Pan American Games will be followed by the two FEI-approved qualification events which will take place in Sydney (AUS) on 28 October and Ermelo (NED) on 2 November which are open to teams from the Olympic Groups F (Africa and Middle East) and G (South East Asia and Oceania). Combined standings from both competitions will be produced and the two best ranked teams, excluding the teams listed above, will qualify for London 2012.

Eleven nations qualify directly for the 2012 Olympic Dressage competition through team competitions at FEI Championships, with a team consisting of three athletes and three horses. However, the total number of nations participating in the team competition in London may exceed 11 since additional composite teams made up of three individuals from the same nation may qualify through the FEI Olympic Athletes Rankings.

The complete qualification procedure for the Dressage competitions at the 2012 Olympic Games is available here.

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Eventing: World Cup: NEW ZEALAND’S JOHNSTONE HAS ONE LAST PUSH IN FEI WORLD CUP™ EVENTING

Clarke Johnstone (NZL) - leader since first leg of FEI World Cup™ Eventing 2011 in Kihikihi (NZL) Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 19 August 2011

Antipodean riders Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Chris Burton (AUS) are making absolutely sure of their FEI World Cup™ Eventing bonus by travelling to the last event in the 2011 series, which is underway at Haras du Pin (FRA) today.

Both riders are now based in Britain, where they are making quite an impact on the national circuit.

They will be hard to beat in the race to secure the FEI World Cup™ Eventing 2011 champion title and for Clarke Johnstone this would be a sweet victory after his brilliant wins at the first and second legs at Kihikihi (NZL) and Sydney (AUS).

A strong field of 47 riders representing 12 nations will contest this popular event, including several leading French names and Olympians such as Mark Todd (NZL) and Clayton Fredericks (AUS), so the Antipodean influence is expected to be strong.

Emily Baldwin, who scored a one-two-three on Drivetime at FEI World Cup™ Eventing's third leg at Chatsworth (GBR), and was last year's Le Pin winner, had signalled that she would be returning to the final leg of the 2011 series in her quest for further points. She will be missed after suffering a broken collarbone at Gatcombe.

Follow the event on www.legrandcomplet.com

A full report on Haras du Pin and the final standings in the FEI World Cup™ Eventing 2011 will be published after the event.

FEI World Cup™ Eventing Standings (after 6 of 7 events)
1 Clarke Johnstone (NZL) 118
2 Chris Burton (AUS) 108
3 Aliaksandr Faminou (BLR) 96
4 Michael Jung (GER) 79
5 Shane Rose (AUS) 70
6 Yoshiaki Oiwa (JAP) 66
7 Mykhailo Nastenko (RUS) 64
8 Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) 62
9 Peter Thomsen (GER) 56
10 Niklas Lindback (SWE) 41

FEI World Cup™ Eventing Calendar for 2011
1 Kihikihi (NZL), 07-10 April 2011
2 Sydney (AUS), 06-08 May 2011
3  Chatsworth (GBR), 14-15 May 2011
4 Strzegom (POL), 23-26 June 2011
5 Minsk (BLR), 13-17 July 2011
6 Malmö (SWE), 05-07 August 2011
7 Le Pin au Haras (FRA), 18-21 August 2011

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Historic first Championship Gold medal for British Dressage

18 August, 2011

Spectacular rides from each of the British quartet sealed an historic victory for Team GBR at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011, Rotterdam, 18 August 2011.  Each rider gave their all to secure the first gold medal ever won in dressage on the World stage and in doing so, fulfilled the hopes of a dressage nation that has risen to meteoric success in three short years. Their final team score of 238.678 set a new European record and sealed an emphatic win over Germany and the Netherlands.

Gloucestershire-based Charlotte Dujardin first ignited British hopes, setting alight day one of the competition with the 9 year old Valegro, who is co-owned by her mentor Carl Hester and Roly Luard.  Riding only their sixth International Grand Prix test together the pair produced a sparkling test to score a PB of 78.30% that was also good enough for fourth. Alongside Emile Faurie’s trailblazing score of 70.426% that he banked with Joanne Vaughan’s Elmegardens Marquis, the Brits had laid down the gauntlet for the competition.

Excitement rose as Carl Hester produced a breathtakingly beautiful test with the 10 year old Uthopia, causing the crowd to gasp and murmur, as he put the horse he co-owns with Sasha Stewart through its paces. Their score of 82.568%, another personal best, confirmed it, catapulting the team into the lead and leaving Carl top of the scoreboard.  “This is a dream” he commented “and even more fantastic because we’ve had the horse since he was a 4 year old; he’s a family pet who’s turned into a superstar.”

Even without Laura’s score, Germany would have needed 85.165% to knock Team GBR off the gold medal position after expensive mistakes from each of their first three riders. In the cauldron of pressure of the Kralingse Bos arena Alexander Matthias Rath and Totilas made uncharacteristic errors in the onetime changes and final passage for 79.453% to seal the win for Britain.

Meanwhile, Laura Bechtolsheimer rode superbly to guide a hot Mistral Horjis home for 77.280%, to finish in fifth place, and help Britain break the European record for a team test. “He was very flighty in there and too bothered by the noise which pushed him over the edge. I felt like a small blonde girl on a big ginger horse, rather than the harmonious picture we usually go for!” she joked. “Still I don’t think I can be too upset, this is still fairly indescribable.”

Charlotte summed up saying: “We came here all hoping to win gold, so it’s kind of crazy that we have!”

The British victory left the Dutch and Germans to fight it out for silver. After a heroic performance from Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival (NED) the Netherlands finished in third place with a total of 222.645, behind the Germans on 226.110.

All British riders will compete the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, after Emile finished in eighteenth place.

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Dressage: FEI European Championships: BRITISH CLINCH HISTORIC TEAM VICTORY by Louise Parkes

The British team of (L to R) Emile Faurie, Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester and Laura Bechtolsheimer won the team title at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam (NED) today.  Photo: FEI/Peter Nixon.

FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 - Day 2, Team Championship
Rotterdam (NED), 18 August 2011

Britain claimed team gold for the first time in the 25-year history of the FEI European Dressage Championships when Carl Hester and the fabulous stallion, Uthopia, produced a dream performance at the Kralingsbos stadium in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today.  With his country already in front at the halfway stage following yesterday's good results from first-line rider Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis and the new British star partnership of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, 44-year-old Hester racked up a score of 82.568 which left him with the leading individual mark of the competition and took the pressure off anchor Laura Bechtolsheimer with Mistral Hojris.

The result is a triumph for British Dressage which, over the last three years, has risen up the ranks and now looks like the most threatening force in the sport ahead of next year's Olympic Games on their home turf.

"Some of us have seen Great Britain through the dark days - 20 years ago this would never have seemed possible - so it's a truly historic moment for us, and London should be a sell-out now!" Hester said proudly this evening.

BATTLE FOR SILVER
Germany pipped The Netherlands by just over three points in the battle for the silver medals, Isabell Werth's test with El Santo NRW slotting her temporarily into individual second place with a score of 75.213.  "I was unhappy with the piaffe, but the rest was very good", she commented afterwards. And she laughed when adding that "his piaffe was really good during the prize-giving this evening!".

Team-mate Matthias Alexander Rath was pleased with his score of 79.453 with Totilas, the horse that set the world of Dressage alight with spectacular performances for Holland's Edward Gal during the FEI European Championships at Windsor (GBR) two years ago. The 27-year-old German has the unenviable task of following in Gal's record-breaking footsteps, but he showed that his relationship with the great stallion is growing stronger and more secure.

He admitted this evening that he feels under plenty of pressure every time he goes in the ring, but said that being at these championships is no different to anywhere else. "There is always pressure riding Totilas, but he always tries his best for me and he tries not to make mistakes. I have a lot of fun with him every day I ride him", Rath pointed out.

Fun and great sport have been the theme of these championships so far, and Gal, the hero of the 2009 Championships but this time around the man who provided the drop-score for the defending champions from The Netherlands after a tense test with Sisther de Jeu, said "in the warm-up I won, but when I came into the ring it was all gone!".  Like the Germans, the Dutch admitted that the British were always the favourites to take the 2011 team title. "It wasn't a surprise to be honest", said Isabell Werth. "We all expected them to be very strong."

BREATH-TAKING TEST
Hester and Uthopia were amongst the first group in action this morning and produced a breath-taking test. The crowd gasped with delight as the stallion sprang off the ground in his first extended trot which earned an average score of 9.6, and that set the tone for the rest of the performance which included lovely piaffe, pirouette and tempi changes. The final extended trot was so extravagant that it drew gasps and giggles from the sidelines and 10s from the judges.  Hester admitted that he wasn't sure what was happening when he heard people laughing - "I thought maybe there was a dog in the ring or something!" he said afterwards.

But it was just the sheer enjoyment of witnessing a horse and rider working in perfect harmony, and there were many tear-filled eyes, and faces wearing foolish grins, as the British partnership drew to a final halt to rapturous applause. Hester dropped the reins and Uthopia seemed to be smiling himself as he left the arena with an air of total relaxation.

"He felt more controlled that he did at Hickstead where he was almost wildly flamboyant", commented the rider afterwards. "He felt really light in my hand today. He's a 10-year-old but he behaves more like an old man! He used to be the opposite, big and bouncy, but he's settling - this is only his sixth Grand Prix in his life and I'm still finding out about warming him up.  I rode him twice today - you see everyone else doing it so you think, yeh I better go back out there and do the same!" he added.

ALREADY DECIDED
By the time last-line British rider, Bechtolsheimer, went into action the fate of the 2011 gold medals was already decided so she was only riding for an individual finishing spot that would earn her a place amongst the top-30 who will line out in Saturday's Grand Prix Special for the Individual medals. That didn't take the edge off her desire to do well however.

"I wanted to do a great performance, to show that Alf and I are in good form, but he was tense, the noise and the atmosphere got to him and he was really strong today. He was stronger than he has ever been actually, and at one stage I was just holding on for dear life!" Bechtolsheimer said.  Her score of 77.280 was good enough for individual fifth place however behind team-mate Dujardin who kicked off the British success yesterday.

Rath was pushed down the order by The Netherlands' Adelinde Cornelissen, last to go in the entire competition with Jerich Parzival and delayed for over 30 minutes after a thunderstorm and lightning strike on the showgrounds led to a temporary halt to the competition. Cornelissen is a cool customer however, and with 81.155 slotted into individual second spot ahead of the German rider. With so many wonderful individual performances over the last few days, it seems spectators are in for a real treat when the action resumes on Saturday and again in Sunday's Freestyle.

Hester must now be hot favourite to head the Special, but this evening he was just savouring the delight of what he, and his team-mates, have achieved so far.  "Every now and then you have a dream ride and I had it today, it was very smooth, especially for a horse so young.  I've never had one like this before - I'm so glad he came into my life before my retirement.  I'm so very lucky to have him.  Today was a great day for us, and for our sport at home," he concluded.

Result:
GOLD - Great Britain 238.678  : Elmegardens Marquis (Emile Faurie) 70.426, Valegro (Charlotte Dujardin) 78.830, Uthopia (Carl Hester) 82.568, Mistral Hojris (Laura Bechtolsheimer) 77.280.
SILVER - Germany 226.110: Damon Hill NRW (Helen Langehanenberg) 71.079, Donnperignon (Christoph Koschel) 71.444, El Santo NRW (Isabell Werth) 75.213, Totilas (Matthias Alexander Rath) 79.453.
BRONZE - The Netherlands 222.645: Moedwill (Sander Marijnissen) 70.578, Exquis Nadine (Hans Peter Minderhoud) 70.912, Sisther de Jeu (Edward Gal) 70.912, Jerich Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) 81.155.
4. Sweden 214.437:  Bocelli 1044 (Rose Mathisen) 68.024, Lennix (Cecilia Dorselius) 66.763, Favourit (Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven) 69.939, Watermill Scandic HBC (Patrik Kittel) 76.474..
5. Spain 211.580 : Faberge (Beatriz Ferrer-Salat) 67.842, Jade De MV (Claudio Castilla Ruiz) 66.900, Fuego de Cardenas (Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz) 73.404, Prestige (Jordi Domingo Coll) 70.334.
6. Denmark 209.985:  Jonstrupgaardens Raneue (Lisbeth Seierskilde) 69.970, Exquis Clearwater (Anne Van Olst) 68.632, Blue Hors Romanov (Sune Hansen) 67.660, Digby (Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein) 71.383.
Full results at http://goo.gl/b23Ods

Facts and Figures:
This was Great Britain's first ever gold medal in the 25-year history of the FEI European Dressage Championships.
Their total score of 238.678 set a new European record.
The defending champions from The Netherlands took bronze behind Germany in silver medal position.
Three teams qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games as a result of their placings in the FEI European Championships 2011 team event - Sweden, Spain and Denmark who finished fourth, fifth and sixth.  The three leading nations - the British gold medallists, the silver medallists from Germany and the bronze medallists from The Netherlands previously achieved Olympic qualification at last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky.
The top individual score of the team championships was registered today by Great Britain's Carl Hester riding the 10 year old Uthopia - 82.568.
This horse is jointly-owned by the rider and former Irish international event rider Sasha Stewart.
The Netherlands' Adelinde Cornelissen was last to go with Jerich Parzival and came closest to Hester's leading score when earning a mark of 81.155.
Germany's Matthias Alexander Rath and the black stallion Totilas which broke many records during his short but remarkable career with Holland's Edward Gal slotted finished individuall third with a mark of 79.453.
The competition was temporarily suspended with just three riders left to go due to a lightning strike on the showgrounds at Rotterdam.  Switzerlan'ds Hans Staub and Warbeau had completed some of the early movements when the thunder-storm struck and the judges decided, for safety reasons, to stop the competition.  It restarted 30 minutes later.
The Judges Supervisory Panel (JSP) changed 40 marks out of a total of 16,000.  These 40 marks were spread over 24 horse/rider combinations.

Quotes:
Carl Hester (GBR) - "I've got a wonder-horse, but I was nearly more emotional about Charlotte and Valegro yesterday - they are so good and so young, it was just so pleasant". Carl Hester, talking about Uthopia - "he is owned by Sascha (Harrison) and myself and her father, I bought him for her when he was a four year old. He was the first horse I looked at for her and although he's not big he feels like a huge horse, he's massive to sit on, she found him a bit too much as a 5 year old.  I called her and told her I'd found a small one for her, and that the next one would be a big one for me but there never was a next one!  Hopefully we will keep him until the Olympic Games - people are ringing every week for that horse but he's not for sale until after the Olympic Games.  He's a lovely horse, you could put your grandmother on him, and yet when he goes in the arena his movement is so expressive!"

Isabell Werth (GER) - "All of our riders made mistakes today, some unforced errors as they say in tennis, so we have to do better to come closer and be more competitive".

Matthias Alexander Rath (GER) - "In the one-tempi we had a little mistake and in the end also, but I was really happy with my horse".

Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), when asked how she coped while being held before her test due to the thunderstorm "you have to cope and stay concentrated, it wasn't the perfect preparation, you don't plan on a half-hour of walking, but you have to deal with it.  I went to the indoor arena".

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Dressage: FEI: European Championships: BRITISH TAKE THE LEAD IN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AS DUJARDIN SHINES by Louise Parkes

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro produced a sparkling test to put Great Britain in the lead after the first day of the team competition at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today.  Photo: FEI/Peter Nixon.

FEI EUROPEAN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 - Day 1, Team Championship
Rotterdam (NED), 17 August 2011

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Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Valegro created a great buzz of excitement with a delightful late-morning test at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today that put the British on course for team gold for the first time in the 25-year history of the event.

A score of 78.830 from the 26 year old who has been working as stable-rider for team-mate Carl Hester for the last four years, has cemented the British position.  And it is now up to Dujardin's boss, Hester riding the exciting Uthopia, and to Laura Bechtolsheimer with Mistral Hojris, to capitalise on the advantage provided by their considerably less-experienced colleague whose score, along with that of veteran Emile Faurie's mark of 70.426 with Elmegardens Marquis, brought the British tally to 149.256.

Germany lies second as the action resumes in the morning, but they are heading the third-placed defending champions from The Netherlands by only just over a single point, so the battle for silver and bronze promises to be a close-fought affair.

HELD THE LEAD
Second into the arena, it was Helen Langehanenberg (GER) and Damon Hill NRW who held the lead after the first tranche of riders completed. But there was a tension about the work produced by the German duo who were awarded a score of 71.079. Meanwhile Faurie's calm, controlled ride on the big bay gelding Elmegardens Marquis included some lovely piaffe, but few could have expected that his compatriot Dujardin would produce a personal-best performance on her debut at championship level to place the British in a position of such strength.

Christoph Korschel and Donnperignon bolstered German chances with a score of 71.444 just before Dujardin entered the arena.  But, like Langehanenberg, he admitted afterwards that his test included too many mistakes. "In the tempi changes we are normally good, but we lost a lot of points there and it was disappointing for me, I expected more", Koschel said afterwards.

In contrast, Dujardin had no such complaints.  From the outset her test oozed confidence and coordination, her relationship with the nine-year-old Valegro played out through her lightness of hand as they blended together for a flowing performance that began with an average score of 8.9 for extended trot and hardly wavered.  It was clear the judges were enjoying what they were seeing, and as Ground Jury President, Poland's Wojtek Markowski, said afterwards, "it was a fantastic ride for Charlotte!".

SENSATION
In her first season at Grand Prix level, Dujardin is already a sensation.  "This feels amazing, I'm thrilled even to get here, very excited, very keen and wanting to do well", she said today.  Asked if she felt under huge pressure this morning, she explained that Valegro had done all his work to perfection during the warm-up so she was amazed when he produced the same result in his test.  But her attitude helps her a lot.  "I don't see going into the arena any different from outside. I go down the centre line like I do at home, I forget about where I am and I just concentrate", she explained.

In stark contrast, that centre line has become something of an issue for The Netherlands’ Hans Peter Minderhoud and Exquis Nadine.  The mare, now 16, really lost her cool in the closing stages of their test during last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky and although she held firm in the earlier part of her test today there was a mistake after the extended canter "and going down the centre line I never know what she is going to do!" the rider admitted.  He held her together, but, as he said "I hoped to do a little better". The pair earned a mark of 70.912 which, when added to the impressive 70.578 from relative newcomer Sander Marijnissen riding Moedwill, brought the Dutch tally to 141.490, just 1.033 behind the German first-day total.  Nadine of course has had a long and remarkable career that has embraced European and World Championships along with Olympic Games.

All eyes are now, however, on the British going into tomorrow's second-half of the team event.  They took team silver at the FEI European Championships in Lipica, Slovenia in 1993, Faurie was a member of the side that claimed bronze at Hickstead in 2003 and two years ago, again on their home turf at Windsor, they were silver medallists once again.  It seems the path to gold is clearly laid out before them - but Hester and Bechtosheimer have to take them the rest of the way.

Result (at halfway stage of team championship):
1. Great Britain 149.256 - Elmegardens Marquis (Emile Faurie) 70.426, Valegro (Charlotte Dujardin) 78.830;
2, Germany 142.523 - Damon Hill NRW (Helen Langehanenberg) 71.079, Donnperignon (Christoph Koschel) 71.444;
3, The Netherlands 141.490 - Moedwill (Sander Marijnissen) 70.578, Exquis Nadine (Hans Peter Minderhoud) 70.912;
4, Denmark 138.602 - Jonstrupgaardens Raneue (Lisbeth Seierskilde) 69.970, Exquis Clearwater (Anne van Olst) 68.632;
5, Sweden 134.787 - Bocelli 1044 (Rose Mathisen) 68.024, Lennox (Cecilia Dorselius) 66.763;
6, Spain 134.742 - Faberge (Beatriz Ferrer-Salat) 67.742, Jade de MV (Claudio Castilla Ruiz) 66.900; 7, Switzerland 130.851 - Ronaldo 11 (Markus Graf) 64.696, Rokoko N (Elisabeth Eversfield-Koch) 66.155;
8, France 128.526 - Le Guerrier (Anne-Sophie Serre) 65.152, Passe Partout (Sebastien Duperdu) 63.374;
9, Finland 127.812 - Axis TSF (Terhi Stegars) 68.131, MD Waterford (Alexandra Malstrom) 59.681; 10, Belgium 127.402 - Question de Liberte (Johan Zagers) 62.584, Donnerfee (Claudia Fassaert) 64.818;
11, Norway 124.149 - Orlando (Cathrine Rasmussen) 63.906, Carte d'Or (Camilla Kalseth) 60.243;
12, Poland 68.650 - Martini (Beata Stremier) 69.650;
13, Portugal 67.173 - Ziripiti (Maria Caetano) 67.173;
14, Austria 66.474 - Fabriano 58 (Renate Voglsang) 66.474;
15, Italy 61.292 - Harmonia (Ester Soldi) 61.292;
16, Russian Federation 55.699 - Vodevil (Yulia Vinnitskaja) 55.699.

Full results at http://goo.gl/b23Od

Facts and Figures:
30 riders competed on the first day of the Team Competition at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today.

Great Britain's Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro set the arena alight when last into the arena this morning with a great test that earned a mark of 78.830.

Charlotte, 26 years old, has been stable-rider for team-mate Carl Hester for the last four years.
This is her first season of Grand Prix competition.

16 nations are competing in the team event at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011.

Quotes:
British team member Emile Faurie, talking about his horse Elmegardens Marquis "I was pleased with him, he was relaxed and did everything I asked of him today".

Germany's Helen Langehanenberg "I was happy with my horse but sadly we had some mistakes - they were bad for us and expensive for us."

Britain's Charlotte Dujardin, when asked if Valegro, which is owned by Carl Hester, is for sale "He's not mine - I don't know!"

Britain's Charlotte Dujardin - "I have the best job in the world - I have nothing but fun working for Carl.  I have been riding Valegro since he was five and he was very successful as a young horse.  He's like a power machine, he's always with me and he was great today.  He's never seen cameras before or anything like that, but he just takes it all in his stride".

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