Eventing: Adelaide: Rose takes the early lead in the Adelaide CCI4*

23 November 2012

Rose takes the early lead in the Adelaide CCI4*

Beijing silver medallist Shane Rose has taken an early lead in the Adelaide International CCI4* which started Thursday at the Adelaide Parklands.

Please disregard the image sent through with the initial press release.

Image caption: Shane Rose and APH Moritz at the 2012 Adelaide International Three Day Event. Photo credit: www.inmotionphotography.ifp3. com

Rose and his 10 year old gelding APH Moritz have a slim lead over the field and will start Saturday’s Cross Country Cross phase with a 1.5 penalty advantage after their dressage score of 45.80 narrowly edged out the second placed combination of Craig Barrett and Wendela Jamie who scored 47.30.

Sydney Olympic gold medallist and defending champion of the event, Stuart Tinney (Pluto Mio) is sitting on a score of 49.80 which currently has him in third position.

With a challenging cross country course still to contest and hot conditions forecast for the remainder of the weekend, Rose is all too aware that this year’s competition will be decided over the forthcoming days.

“I’m certainly going to do my best tomorrow. Craig and Stuart are on very good horses and they’ve very capable riders so it will be interesting to see how we finish up tomorrow.

“Stuart has won a gold medal, Craig’s got a super horse which has won major three star events and they’re both really good competitors so I really need to be on my game,” Shane said.

Second placed Craig Barrett is searching for his four star win.

“My competition career at this level is definitely limited. The horses that I’ve had in the past have been good horses but they’ve never quite made the top level.

“We come to this event knowing that if you’re competing against the likes of Shane and Stuart, you’re actually competing against the best in the world because they’ve been there and won Olympic medals,” Craig said.

Earlier today, event organisers made the decision to shorten the cross country course, ordered extra ice and water trucks and installed water-spraying archways and sprinklers for horses.

“It’s going to be hot on cross country day so hopefully the horses will be fit enough. Pluto Mio’s been doing a lot of galloping so hopefully he can pull through,” Stuart Tinney said.

The Adelaide International Three Day Event is the second leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC FEI ClassicsTM – a six series competition made up of the world’s only four star event competitions. The AI3DE is the only four star event in the southern hemisphere.

Cross Country action commences on Saturday and will see horses and riders weave their way through the stunning Adelaide Parklands. CCI2* competition will start from 10am with CCI4* action to begin at 1:30pm.

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Eventing: HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Shane Rose and APH Moritz take the lead after Dressage in Adelaide - By Anna Sharpley

Shane Rose and APH Moritz “have a good day at the office”, taking the lead after Dressage at the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide (Jenny Barnes/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 23 November 2012

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Shane Rose and APH Moritz take the lead after Dressage in Adelaide - By Anna Sharpley

Beijing Team Silver medallist, Shane Rose had a good day at the office today in Adelaide, taking the lead in the HSBC FEI Classics™ Dressage phase, as well as the CCI 2* competition. 

Rose claimed the early lead in the HSBC FEI Classics™ with 45.80 penalties riding the Leder family, Jamie McDonald and Lee Hokianga’s Australian-bred Warmblood, APH Moritz by APH Coriolo.

He is closely followed by HSBC Bursary candidate Craig Barrett, who has started but never completed the four-star competition in Adelaide, but certainly means to do so this year riding the 2011 Melbourne CCI 3* winner, Wendela Jamie. Henry and Helen Hicks’ impressive Thoroughbred gelding is just a breath away on 47.30 penalties. And just over a point away from Barrett, Stuart Tinney is well placed in third with John and Jane Pittard’s 2012 New South Wales Eventing Champion, Pluto Mio.

Craig Barrett riding Wendela Jamie take second place after the dressage phase. Photo by Jennie Barns FEI

It is no surprise that these three experienced riders top the leader board after day one, however Shane commented: “I still have to do a good job to win. With Craig and Stuart just behind me, I have to be just as much on my game as if there were 100 in the class.” 

Tomorrow, the heat will be an extra consideration to add to Wayne Copping’s already acknowledged tough, 4-star course. Technical Delegate Alec Lahore (GBR) declared the course: “very interesting, with some lovely features. It is a challenging track and as technical as 2011, with plenty of big fences.”

Whilst Rose, Barrett and Tinney all cut their Eventing teeth in dusty, hot country New South Wales, their horses did not and the expected 35⁰C is likely to have a big influence.

Although low humidity and breezy conditions will make the temperatures easier on both equine and human athletes, the organisers have ensured that horse welfare remains right at the forefront by putting in place some other measures.

The 4-star Cross Country course has been shortened by 30 seconds, extra ice and water trucks will be available, and water-spraying archways and sprinklers have been installed to cool down horses.

Stuart Tinney riding Pluto Mio takes 3rd place after dressage. Photo by Jennie Barns FEI

Rose described the track as, “a good test, but if you do a good job, you can steer them around. Galloping ten and a half minutes will be a big test for me.”

Barrett, who also holds provisional fifth place riding Sandhills Brillaire, a home-bred by Staccato, said: “We are all just trying to do our best against the course and in terms of tough competition, if you are competing against Shane and Stuart, you are competing against the best in the world”. 

Experienced Victorian rider, Murray Lamperd holds fourth place riding Jae Wishart’s beautiful Thoroughbred, Under The Clocks on 50.70.

Sixth-placed Natalie Blundell with Julia McLean’s ex-racehorse, Algebra, will also hope to make a move up the leader board tomorrow after placing fourth in last year’s HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide.

John Twomey, who has spent a decade riding in New Zealand and is now back in Australia, has a talented memento of his time there in the form of the New Zealand-bred, Highly Recommended that is by Brilliant Invader out of a Distelfink mare. They hold seventh place with 60.50 penalties and they will be hoping to add nothing further to that score.

Results after Dressage

1      Shane Rose/APH Moritz 45.80

2      Craig Barrett/Wendela Jamie 47.30

3      Stuart Tinney/Pluto Mio 49.80

4      Murray Lamperd/Under The Clocks 50.70

5      Craig Barrett/Sandhills Brillaire 51.00

6      Natalie Blundell/Algebra 54.20

7      John Twomey/Highly Recommended 60.50

= 8      Crystal Conning/Marcus Aurelius 61.209     

Robert Palm/Koko Black 61.20

10    Andrew Cooper/Guest Of Honour 62.00

Full results on www.australian3de.com.au

Follow the action LIVE tomorrow (Saturday, 24 November) on FEI TV www.feitv.org, the FEI’s official video channel:

00:30 CET – 03:45 CET Cross Country 2* Competition

04:23 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country

10:00 CET – 11:15 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country REPLAY 

Download the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 press kit: www.feipresskits.org/

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics™, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation. 

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 calendar

1 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 24-28 October 2012

2 Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) - 22-25 November 2012

3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) - 25-28 April 2013

4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 3-6 May 2013

5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* (GER) - 13-16 June 2013

6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 5-8 September 2013

Notes to editors

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics™ series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub: www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics, you can access the HSBC Rankings, past series news and the information below:

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 Final Standings (full 2012 standings here).

1 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 40 points ($150,000, Series Champion)

2 Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 39 ($75,000)

3 Alison Springer (USA) 17 ($50,000)

4 Michael Jung (GER) 15 ($33,000)

5 Stuart Tinney (AUS) 15 ($25,000)

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics™ prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total fund of US$333,000 split as follows:

1^st - US$150,000 (Series Champion)

2^nd - US$75,000

3^rd - US$50,000

4^th - US$33,000

5^th - US$25,000

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2012 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2012.

FEI TV www.feitv.org, the FEI’s official video channel, will be live from Adelaide:

Saturday 24^th November

00:30 CET – 03:45 CET Cross Country 2* Competition

04:23 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country

10:00 CET – 11:15 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country REPLAY 

Sunday 25^th November

01:30 CET – 03:30 CET Jumping 2* Competition (*last two hours of competition)

04:55 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Jumping (*also available on Monday, 26^th November in the afternoon as Video-On-Demand).

Join the FEI on Facebook & twitter

Our signature twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics™ #Eventing

Australian International 3 Day Event will provide live results on www.australian3de.com.au

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Driving: FEI: Boyd Exell starts in top form in Hannover

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Photo Caption: Boyd Exel (AUS) was in top form in Hannover (GER) where he won the first leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving’s 12^th season ©Rinaldo de Craen/FEI.

Hannover (GER), 28 October 2012

Boyd Exell starts in top form in Hannover
by Cindy Timmer

Four-time FEI World Cup™ Driving Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) had an excellent start of the FEI World Cup™ Driving’s 12^th season in Hannover, Germany this weekend. Exell and his team of horses were in top form and they performed as if their last World Cup competition had taken place only last week and not eight months ago at the previous season’s Final held in Bordeaux (FRA) in Febuary. Exell won the opening leg in Hannover ahead of IJsbrand Chardon (NED) and Tomas Eriksson (SWE).

Exciting Winning Round
Boyd Exell drove a very fast and clear first round and challenged Chardon who followed him in the arena. Chardon drove his team of Lipizzaner horses at high speed throughout the course, but had one knockdown and was unable to beat Exell’s time.

Tomas Eriksson did the same and finished just behind Chardon in third place. Both Eriksson and Chardon knocked a ball down in the Winning Round, which gave Exell an advantage of approximately 12 seconds. The Australian drove his team magnificently round the course and even changed routes in the first marathon obstacle in order to go faster. In the last part of the course, he went at such a high speed that he unexpectedly cut a corner and drove his horses through the marathon obstacle to the last gate. This made the many enthusiastic spectators explode with joy and Exell was loudly cheered as he crossed the finishing line having scored a clear round. He was declared the winner and was presented with a special saddle chair, which was offered to him by the sponsor of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Hannover, Klingenberg exclusive furniture.

Preparation
It was all a matter of preparation. Exell finished fourth in the first competition on Saturday evening and took his time on Sunday morning to prepare his wheeler and leader horses well for the World Cup competition. Boyd drove an experienced team of horses including the 20-year old leader horse Bill who will now get a rest until the Final in February 2013.

Postponed test
IJsbrand Chardon’s horses are fast but they keep knocking balls down which sets the team back. Chardon has been training with a new Lipizzaner at home for the past three weeks and wanted to drive it in Hannover in order to test the speed of the team. But the horse was injured only a few days before the start of the season and Chardon has had to postpone the test. The Dutch driver was nevertheless pleased with his horses and left the arena feeling good.

Tricky course
All drivers agreed that the course in Hannover, designed by World Cup course designer Dr Wolfgang Asendorf, was very tricky. The top favourites had all several knockdowns on the first night and Asendorf decided to slightly modify the course to make it more fluent. Tomas Eriksson, who was the first one in, was informed only a few minutes before the Winning Round that the course had been shortened. This change made a top performance difficult. Eriksson did his very best but knocked one ball down and finished in third place.

Much to learn
Wild card driver Daniel Schneiders (GER) won the first competition on Saturday evening, but it did not go so well for him today. He knocked over an element in the marathon obstacle and had several knockdowns, which caused him to finish in sixth place. “I have a lot to learn,” said the former pony pair and pony team driver afterwards.

Koos de Ronde (NED) was unable to get his horses into the right rhythm and came in fifth, ahead of World Cup newcomer Georg von Stein (GER), who is using some of his outdoor horses.

Quotes:

Boyd Exell (AUS): “We were all a bit rusty on the first night. Neither the horses nor my navigator Michelle or myself were well prepared. In the World Cup round we were all much better. Michelle was brilliant again, well ahead of the game and helped me all the time.”

IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “I have a good feeling, the speed of my team was good. The only thing I have to improve is the knockdowns. I was pleased that the course was changed after the first day; it was more fluent and open in the World Cup competition, which was better for the sport and the spectators.”

Tomas Eriksson (SWE): “It was a very tricky course and I didn’t find it all that pleasant to drive. It had too many sharp turns and this forced me to pull my horses back which is something I do not like doing. But the competitors field in Hannover was very strong so I am pleased with my third place and with my horses.”

Results CAI-W Hannover 2012:

1. Boyd Exell (AUS) 214,48
2. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 231,22
3. Tomas Eriksson (SWE) 235,69
4. Koos de Ronde (NED) 130,33
5. Georg von Stein (GER) 141,05
6. Daniel Schneiders (GER) 178,91

Official results: warm-up competition / World Cup competition

Standings after 1 of 8 events:

1. Boyd Exell (AUS) 10
2. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 7
3. Tomas Eriksson (SWE) 5
4. Koos de Ronde (NED) 3
5. Georg von Stein (GER) 2

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HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Paget shows all his promise at Pau By Kate Green

Jonathan Paget (NZL), who was foot-perfect across country on Clifton Promise to take the lead at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA), opening leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013. (Kit Houghton/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 27 October 2012

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Paget shows all his promise at Pau

By Kate Green

Jonathan Paget (NZL) rode across country with typical New Zealand verve to take a slender lead at the end of a thrilling day at Les Etoiles de Pau, the first leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013.

Olympic champion Michael Jung (GER) is breathing down Paget’s neck after an equally classy display on Leopin FST, while Paget’s compatriot Andrew Nicholson, who steered two horses round clear and inside the optimum time, is third on Nereo, and young Astier Nicolas (FRA) thrilled the large home crowd with a flamboyant clear on Jhakti du Janlie to claim overnight fourth.

Just one Jumping rail covers the top four riders after a day of unexpected drama over a Cross Country course which rewarded bold, committed riding.

As predicted, the early fences proved influential. Dressage leaders Christopher Burton (AUS) and Underdiscussion had a runout at the narrow fence at four and later retired after a further stop at the third water complex (fence 23).

Bill Levett (AUS), seventh after Dressage on Hippolyte, and Karin Donckers (BEL), eighth on Lamicell Charizard, refused at the imposing water complex at fence six and both rider subsequently decided to call it a day.\

Regular Pau visitor Oliver Townend (GBR) was eliminated when Sonas Rovatio missed the bank out of the water and fell at 6d, and 2010 winner Andreas Dibowski (GER) retired when FRH Butts Avedon stopped halfway over the log into the water at 6c. Buck Davidson (USA), riding Ballynoe Castle RM, and Laura Collett (GBR) on the former show hunter Noble Bestman also gave up after stops here.

The two most experienced competitors in the field, Mary King (GBR) and Mark Todd (NZL), both landed on the floor in surprise incidents.

King’s Imperial Cavalier, sixth after Dressage, slipped on landing after fence nine, a hay wagon, while Todd’s Major Milestone hit the spread at fence 19. Neither horse was hurt, and the riders were on their feet immediately, more frustrated than anything else. In an unfortunate day for the British rider, she also retired her first ride Kings Temptress after a runout at four.

Paget’s performance was all the more creditable as he only started riding 10 years ago, his first introduction being a bronco-riding competition in Australia. His progress has been meteoric, with individual seventh place at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, fifth at Burghley in 2011 and 2012, and a team bronze medal and 10^th place at the London Olympic Games on Clifton Promise.   

“This was a different sort of course for me but it rode better than I expected,” said Paget, who is known on the circuit as Jock. “I found it quite mentally challenging, but the ground held up well and was not too slippery.”

The Olympic champion was also pleased with his day’s work. “Leopin really proved himself today,” said Michael Jung, who still achieved the optimum time of 10 minutes 54 seconds despite taking a long route at the second water complex (fence 12) where the quick option comprised two sharply angled brushes. “He has a long galloping stride and I knew I could do a long route and still get the time.”

Andrew Nicholson’s two rides were typically smooth – he is also in seventh place on Mr Cruise Control. “Both horses felt lovely and it’s been an enjoyable day,” said the HSBC Rankings leader. “I’m lucky to have them to ride. I always like this course because you’ve got to be switched on.”

Astier Nicolas, who has been based in Britain training with Olympic Ground Jury member Nick Burton at Hartpury, was visibly thrilled to find himself in such elevated company, especially as Pau is his local event – he lives near Toulouse. “I had a runout on both my other CCI4* rides so I’m very pleased to have this under my belt. Perhaps I am more mature now,” he smiled.

“I always thought I could go clear at a CCI4*, but now I know I can. It took me a little while to get into the course and my horse was a bit hesitant at the first water, but he was great after that. He’s an honest horse that goes for the flags and having everyone cheering really helped me.”

Last year’s winner William Fox-Pitt (GBR) proved an assured pathfinder on the stallion Chilli Morning, on which he has risen seven places to sixth. He also had a great round on the nine-year-old Bay My Hero, now in fifth.

Fox-Pitt admitted to feeling apprehensive before Cross Country, partly due to the overnight torrential rain and black clouds which only lifted just as the CCI4* began, and partly because he was concerned the stallion, a new ride this season, might come unstuck at fence six. He is also nervously awaiting the arrival of his third child, as his wife Alice is due to give birth at any minute.

“I’ve had a few things playing on my mind this week and it was in the back of my head that if the horses didn’t go well I could just go home early, but it’s all turned out a lot better than expected!” he said.

“I’ve had quite an interrupted season with Chilli but he is accepting me more. He gave me a lovely ride. And with Bay My Hero it’s a bit like riding my old 14.2hh pony. He knows where to go and is clever and cat-like, despite the fact that the ground was more slippery by the time I went on him.”

At the end of the day, there were 33 completions from 62 starters with 22 clear rounds, 11 of which were inside the optimum time. The scores are agonizingly close at the top, so a thrilling Jumping finale is assured. Watch all the action live on FEI TV tomorrow.

Results after Cross Country

1 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 36.7 + 0 = 36.7

2 Michael Jung/Leopin FST (GER) 38.3 + 0 = 38.3

3 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 39.0 + 0 = 39.0

4 Astier Nicolas/Jhakti du Janlie (FRA) 39.5 + 0 = 39.5

5 William Fox-Pitt/Bay My Hero (GBR) 41.7 + 0 = 41.7

6 William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning (GBR) 44.7 + 0 = 44.7

7 Andrew Nicholson/Mr Cruise Control (NZL) 45.7 + 0 = 45.7

8 Kevin McNab/Clifton Pinot (AUS) 50.2 + 0 = 50.2

9 Gemma Tattersall/Stormhill Kossack (GBR) 42.6 + 8.0 = 60.6

10 Caroline Powell/Onwards And Upwards (NZL) 53.2 + 0 = 53.2

Full results on www.event-pau.fr

Follow the action on FEI TV www.feitv.org

Download the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 press kit: www.feipresskits.org/

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics™, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation. 

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 calendar

1 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 24-28 October 2012

2 Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) - 22-25 November 2012

3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) - 25-28 April 2013

4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 3-6 May 2013

5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* (GER) - 13-16 June 2013

6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 5-8 September 2013

Notes to editors

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics™ series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub: www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics, you can access the HSBC Rankings, past series news and the information below:

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 Final Standings (full 2012 standings here).

1 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 40 points ($150,000, Series Champion)

2 Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 39 ($75,000)

3 Alison Springer (USA) 17 ($50,000)

4 Michael Jung (GER) 15 ($33,000)

5 Stuart Tinney (AUS) 15 ($25,000)

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics™ prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total fund of US$333,000 split as follows:

1^st - US$150,000 (Series Champion)
2^nd - US$75,000
3^rd - US$50,000
4^th - US$33,000
5^th - US$25,000

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2012 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2012.

Watch the action LIVE from Pau on FEI TV, the FEI’s official video website:

28 October - Jumping: 14.15 CET

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TUNE IN! $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix Online at WIHS.org and On TV at NBC Sports Network!

WHAT: The $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, is a FEI World Cup Qualifier event. WHEN: The class will run tonight, October 27, as the second class of the evening session, which begins at 7 p.m. The evening session will be livestreamed at www.wihs.org. With less than 24-hour turnaround, highlights of the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix and Washington International Horse Show will be aired on NBC Sports Network at 3:30 p.m. EST. WHERE: The $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, is part of the 54th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), held at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. WHO: The class will host 28 of the world's best show jumpers, including Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Kent Farrington, Reed Kessler, and more! Melanie Smith Taylor and Kenny Rice will be the on-air talent for NBC Sports Network. HOW: Don't forget to watch tonight online, and then tune in or set your DVRs to NBC Sports Network tomorrow to see the produced coverage on WIHS and the grand prix! To buy your ticket for the President's Cup Grand Prix at Washington International Horse Show and be a part of show jumping history, please visit www.wihs.org/tickets/. Visit http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/ to find NBC Sports Network in your area. Last year's President's Cup Grand Prix winners, Nick Skelton and Carlo 273 About The Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org): An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country's leading metropolitan indoor horse show and the pinnacle of the equestrian year with leading riders, including Olympic medalists, and fabulous horses. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Highlights include the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, the Puissance high-jump competition; and WIHS Equitation Classic Finals featuring the country's top junior riders. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities will round out this family-friendly event. Since its debut, the Washington International has been a Washington, DC, institution attended by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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Endurance: FEI: ENDURANCE ROUND TABLE DEBATES PROPOSED RULE CHANGES

Photo caption (pictured from left to right): Ruth Carlson, chair of the FEI Endurance Committee; Ian Williams, FEI Director, Non-Olympic Sports; Brian Sheehan, FEI Endurance Committee member, at today’s Round Table. © Edouard Curchod/FEI

ENDURANCE ROUND TABLE DEBATES PROPOSED RULE CHANGES  

The Endurance Round Table session, which shared the final morning of the FEI Sports Forum with the Eventing Round Table, attracted representatives of National Federations (NFs) and veterinarians for discussion on proposed rule changes that will be presented to the FEI General Assembly 2012 in November. Various proposals made by the FEI Endurance Committee were debated before the meeting was opened up for general discussion.

The FEI Technical Committee has undertaken a full review of the present rules for Endurance Riding in the context of the rapid expansion of the discipline worldwide. The major rules changes, dealing with qualification, entries and the composition of championship teams, all received unanimous support from the participants.

Speaking after the session, FEI Director Non-Olympic Sports Ian Williams said: “to change the fundamentals of entries, qualifications and teams is a fantastic step forward.”

The changes involved the introduction of an Elite status for Junior, Young and Senior Athletes, the possibility of bringing spare horses to competitions, and adopting a format that would allow all six members of a squad to contribute to the final team result with the best three scores counting.

Under the proposed new rule, to achieve Junior/Young Rider Elite Athlete Status, athletes must have successfully completed a minimum of 10 CEI 2* 120km events or higher. To maintain this status, they must successfully complete at least one CEI 120km or higher event within every successive 24 months.

Senior Elite Athlete status would be awarded to riders who successfully complete a minimum of 10 CEI 3* 160km events or higher. To maintain Senior Elite Athlete status, Athletes must successfully complete at least one CEI 160 km within every successive 24 months.

FEI Veterinary Delegate Frederic Barrelet (SUI) suggested that, apart from these qualification criteria, any disciplinary action within the 24-month status-maintaining period should be taken into account. The suggestion was taken on board by the Committee.

There was also strong support for changes in the rules relating to establishing the field of play, and the creation of the role of course designer. This new role will have a direct bearing on the level of safety and challenge of the courses.

The FEI Technical Committee also sought feedback on the final horse inspection and whether to change it to make it more spectator friendly.

FEI Endurance Committee Brian Sheehan (AUS) was adamant that horse welfare was not negotiable. “We can’t put public adulation before horse welfare or we can throw our rule book away,” he said. “We should think of ways to make the inspection easier for spectators to understand but we will never compromise our welfare standards.”

The welfare perspective was also to the fore when former Endurance Committee member Jean-Louis Leclerc (FRA) asked for information about what was being done to address the incident of fractures in competition.

Fred Barrelet, one of the FEI’s most senior and experienced 4* vets and head of Veterinary Services for the upcoming FEI World Endurance Championships in Euston Park (GBR), responded to the question. “It is necessary to have assessment and understanding of when and where injuries occur,” he said. “We can then know where the problems are and how they should be addressed. If the rules as they stand are implemented correctly, I am confident that incidents of career limiting and career ending injuries can be reduced back to a low level.”

Ian Williams confirmed that the FEI has been looking into both the causes and prevention of these types of injuries “to ensure that the welfare of the horse is absolutely the central pillar of endurance in the future”. He stated that there is an ongoing review in FEI Headquarters, compiling facts and figures to create the safest possible environment for Endurance horses.

Mr Barrelet also reported that Annamaria Nagy (HUN), based at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket (GBR), is currently doing a PhD on orthopaedic injury rates in Endurance horses globally. This data will also play an important role in the FEI study.

In his wrap-up of the key discussion points, Ian Williams summarised, “The FEI is absolutely aware of the issues that this discipline faces and the rule changes have addressed what issues we can, but we are looking for more information to create a safe environment for our horses to perform in Endurance.”

Endurance Committee chair Ruth Carlson brought the meeting to a close. “Please know that it’s not just in a forum like this that we welcome input,” she said. “If you have a concern, a suggestion, a problem, we want to hear about it. Please get in touch with us. We will take everything seriously and get back to everyone.”

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FEI: FEI SIGNS BRIGHTON DECLARATION ON WOMEN AND SPORT

FEI President HRH Princess Haya signs the agreement for the adoption of the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport by the FEI in the company of 1^st Vice President John McEwen (right) and 2^nd Vice President Pablo Mayorga (left).

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Lausanne (SUI), 6 March 2012

FEI SIGNS BRIGHTON DECLARATION ON WOMEN AND SPORT

FEI President HRH Princess Haya, 1st Vice President John McEwen and 2nd Vice President Pablo Mayorga today signed the agreement for the formal adoption by the FEI of the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport, joining an impressive list of signatories that include the IOC, IPC and numerous International Federations.

The FEI member Federations voted unanimously at the 2011 FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in support of the FEI becoming a signatory of the Brighton Declaration.

The document was signed during the FEI Executive Board’s March meeting and Princess Haya, one of only two female International Federation presidents, used the opportunity to comment on the ongoing commitment of both the FEI and the IOC to promoting women in sport.

“Equestrian sport is one of the few Olympic sports in which women compete on equal terms with men. Signing the Brighton Declaration today shows the ongoing commitment of the FEI to equality in our sport”, Princess Haya said.

“The IOC is working hard to have female participation and representation at all levels. The IOC and President Rogge in particular have done so much to promote women in sport and in the Olympic movement, both in the sporting arena itself and on the governance side.

“The Olympic Charter states that sports are a right for everyone and there should be no discrimination in practicing sports on the basis of gender. That is central to the FEI ethos and we truly value the fact that our sport is one based on equality. Not only do men and women compete on equal terms, but we also have women serving in senior positions at all levels in our sport.”

Women first competed in Olympic equestrian sport 60 years ago. Denmark’s Lis Hartel, individual silver medallist in Dressage at the 1952 Olympic Games, was one of four female riders competing in Helsinki. The first woman to participate in Olympic Jumping was Pat Smythe (GBR), who won team bronze at the 1956 Olympic Games in Stockholm. Eight years later, Lana du Pont (USA) was the first woman to compete in an Olympic three-day event when she rode in Tokyo (JPN) in 1964.

In 1976 in Montreal (CAN), Barbara Kemp became the first woman to design an Olympic Cross Country course. The first woman to design an Olympic Jumping course was Linda Allen, who produced the courses at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta (USA).

Notes to Editors:

The Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport was the result of an international conference on women and sport in Brighton, UK in 1994. The Declaration is based on 10 Principles: Equity and Equality in Society and Sport; Facilities; School and Junior Sport; Developing Participation; High Performance Sport; Leadership in Sport; Education, Training and Development; Sports Information and Research; Resources; Domestic and International Cooperation.

For further information on the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport please visit: http://www.iwg-gti.org/conference-legacies/brighton-1994/

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JUMPING: WEF: WELLINGTON: Keenan and Chapot Take The Top

Lillie Keenan Triumphs in USEF/Platinum Performance Show Jumping Talent Search     Laura Chapot and Valentia Take Top Prize in World Development Group 1.35m Jumpers For Immediate Release Lauren Fisher and Jennifer Wood for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. Wellington, FL - January 20, 2012 - Forty-one of the nation's top young riders showed in the USEF/Platinum Performance Show Jumping Talent Search in Wellington this morning with a win for Lillie Keenan aboard Chansonette Farm LLC's Monterrey. Riders showed over a course set by Danny Moore, of Spring Hill, FL, and the top twelve were invited to return under saddle. The second week of the FTI WEF runs through Sunday, January 22, and is sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1, 2012, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit. The highlight jumper class in week two is the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2* on Saturday, January 21, at 7 p.m. Following Keenan in the prizes, Kristen Lutz rode Roseberry, owned by Heritage Farm Inc., to second place. Schaefer Raposa and Heritage Farm's Zendor Z finished third. Catherine Tyree placed fourth aboard Missy Clark and North Run's Co Co Pop. Abby Bertelson and her own Eclypso finished fifth, and Alexandria Desiderio rounded out the top six aboard Heritage Farm's Gentle R. Monterrey is an eleven-year-old KWPN gelding by Calvados. The gelding, previously named Uriam, was owned and ridden by Michael Murphy last year. He led Murphy to a second place finish in the 2011 USEF/Platinum Performance Show Jumping Talent Search Finals this fall and was named best horse of the competition. Keenan was very impressed with the horse and purchased him just two weeks ago. Her father came up with the name Monterrey, drawing from the gelding's Mexican origin.  Lillie Keenan and Monterreyat the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, www.sportfot.com.   "I started with him last week and we were second in the Talent Search and won the Maclay, so the little that I have shown him has been very successful," Keenan stated. "He is a new ride for me, but he has been great. He is not fazed by anything; he doesn't care about the water. He is perfect; you can do him in the Maclay, you can do him in the Washington hunter phase, you can do him in the Talent Search. He is good about it all; he is brave and he is a lot of fun."  Commenting on her round over fences today, Keenan acknowledged, "I thought it was good. There were places I could have ridden it a little bit better, but he did his job. I probably could have helped him a few places, like the water, but he was a good boy." Keenan was one of the top riders in last year's USEF/Platinum Performance Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, but was disappointed not to make it into the final four. She hopes to return to the Finals this year with a more familiar horse. Keenan explained, "Last year we took a chance with a horse that I did not know very well and the horse had not been to finals for two years, so stuff happens. I couldn't really control it, but at least I still have some more years. Hopefully I can go back. I am really lucky to have this horse and I think that he can definitely do it. Obviously he did really well last year with Michael, so I think he is a great horse for a class like that." Week two of the 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with the conclusion of the Elite Equine Shavings Amateur-Owner Hunter Over 35 division in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results please visit www.showgroundslive.com. Chapot Continues 1.35m Success with Valentia Laura Chapot and Valentia, a 2002 KWPN mare by Calvino Z, were last year's FTI WEF Circuit Champions in the 1.35m division. They have continued their success this year and have already posted three wins in the division after today. "She's had a great start to the circuit. I'm really happy. She's jumping great," Chapot said. "I'm so pleased that she's starting out so well after a long break and coming out of the cold north. To come down here and be really competitive in the first two weeks is very exciting." Chapot said that Valentia is "a lot of fun in the ring." She explained, "She can be a little bit difficutl in the schooling area. She is nervous about other horses and gets a little jittery, but once you get her through the in-gate, she really focuses on her job. Once you get in the ring, she really likes to take charge and go fast." Laura Chapot and Valentia at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, www.sportfot.com.  Laura Chapot and Valentia Having come up through the ranks of the Young Jumper classes, Valentia has found her stride in the 1.35m division. "The 1.35m is a great base for her. If she doesn't move up here, there are a lot of places over the summer where she can make a stride forward," Chapot noted. For today's class, Chapot liked the course that was set by Michel Ismalun. "I thought it was a good course. There were a couple options, (with) striding and with the turns. It allowed a lot of opportunity for people to do what they needed to do with their horse. They could make cuts to make the win," she remarked. "It wasn't a class where there were so many clear and you had to be absolutely perfect all the way around." Although she didn't have to be perfect for the win, Chapot did feel that Valentia was near that standard in today's class. "It was one of the best rounds that horse has ever had. She really hit the mark on everything I asked her to do. Even though there weren't a lot clear, she was as good as she can go. It was a great feeling," she expressed. For full results please visit www.showgroundslive.com. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of hunter and jumper competition. The highlight class of the week, the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*, will start at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Final Results: $2,500 World Development Group 1.35m Jumpers 1 VALENTIA, LAURA CHAPOT, MARY CHAPOT: 0/62.738 2 GAMA CHAMACO, DARRAGH KENNY, KERRY ANNE LLC: 0/65.672 3 CAZINO, RODRIGO PESSOA, RODRIGO PESSOA/PAM BUIE: 0/65.760 4 LARIAT, JOE FARGIS, SANDRON: 0/69.150 5 VOLUMIA, CHRISTINA SERIO, DERBYDOWN INC: 0/71.080 6 DRAGONFLY, ALEXA LOWE-WISEMAN, ALEXA LOWE-WISEMAN: 0/74.566 7 RSVP, ILAN FERDER, EQUINE TRADING COMPANY: 2/79.261 8 VENUS, MARILYN LITTLE-MEREDITH, RAYLYN FARMS INC: 3/80.754 9 LIVERPOOL, JIMMY TORANO, TORANO & LAURENZO: 4/66.045 10 DACHA DE TOULON, FILIP DE WANDEL, SOPHIE LAFORCE: 4/67.562 11 VALENTINO, HARRISON SHURE, HARRISON SHURE: 4/70.588 12 PRINCE DU BONNEVILLE, VICTOR AMAYA, GOTHAM ENTERPRIZES: 4/72.999

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Derby Cross Tonight!

 It's Derby Cross time again.  Our sponsor, FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips is sponsoring again!  Watch all the action live from Wellington tonight on USEF Network tonight at 7 p.m eastern!

For Immediate Release

January 11, 2012

FLAIR TO CONTINUE SPONSORSHIP OF THE WELLINGTON PRO DERBY CROSS IN 2012

Flair LLC, makers of FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips, is pleased to announce its continuing sponsorship of the Wellington PRO Rider Derby Cross Competition.  This year’s competition is to be held on January 20, 2012 at 7pm at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington Florida, with The Calcutta Welcoming Party to be held at The Gallery on January 19, 2012 at 6:30pm – also in Wellington, Florida.

FLAIR Strips – which support and protect the respiratory system of the hard-working equine athlete -- will be provided to all competitors and the company will sponsor a cross-country fence during the Wellington competition.

PRO Derby Cross is a hybridized form of interactive entertainment and sporting competition designed to showcase some of the best equestrian talent in the United States and Canada.

PRO Derby Cross Teams are comprised of five horse and rider combinations drawn from the worlds of Eventing, Show Jumping, and Polo. Each team is captained by an internationally renowned Eventer and filled in with two more Eventers, one Show Jumper, and one Polo Player- each a world-class equestrian in his or her own right.

This year, six Derby Cross teams will compete individually over a three-minute course that will again be designed by Olympic Gold Medalist and Canadian Eventing Team Coach David O’Connor. The course will ask horses and riders to be brave over the cross-country fences and accurate over show jumps all while competing against the clock.

For more information about FLAIR Nasal Strips please visit http://www.flairstrips.com

For more information about PRO Derby Cross, please visit http://www.derbycross.com

For more information about Pro Riders visit http://www.professionalriders.org/

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