Equestrian News NI » Endurance

FEI signs landmark agreement with Olympic Channel

News Desk — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 08:17:59 +0000

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the global governing body for equestrian sport, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Olympic Channel. The FEI is one of 27 International Federations to have signed an agreement with the IOC to work together to bring sport to a massively increased television audience worldwide.

“Sport touches many cultures and people of all ages and, in our efforts to maintain a long-lasting positive impact worldwide, we are delighted to be part of this ground-breaking initiative value and to provide content to the Olympic Channel”, FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “This is a unique opportunity to open a global window on our sport, encouraging fans around the world to pursue their potential through sports contribution.

“By sharing our sport and our athletes’ stories on the Olympic Channel, we will be part of a new global network, together with our International Federation counterparts within the Olympic Movement, inspiring generations through the power of sport at its very best.”

IOC President Thomas Bach, who recently chaired a joint Olympic Channel Board of Directors meeting at the newly inaugurated OCS facilities in Madrid, said: “The Olympic Channel will mark a major shift in how the Olympic Movement connects with young people all year round. The International Federations have embraced the Olympic Channel and we look forward to working with them on the exciting programming and promotional opportunities. The newly formed Olympic Channel team is making steady progress, with the emphasis on ensuring the product is right and the quality of the programming matches our ambition. We look forward to announcing the 2016 launch date in the coming weeks.”

Mark Parkman, General Manager of Olympic Channel Services, said: “Preparations for the launch of the Olympic Channel are on course and the announcement of these cooperation agreements with our IF partners is another important step forward. We expect to make further announcements regarding collaborations with other IFs and stakeholders in the near future. Content production has begun, the technology and platforms are being tested, and there is a growing sense of energy and excitement here among the Olympic Channel team as we prepare for launch this year.”

The creation of an Olympic Channel was one of the key recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020, aiming to provide a new way to engage young people and core fans in the Olympic Movement, while also promoting the Olympic values on a consistent basis.

The Channel will broadcast live sports events, news and athlete stories, as well as historical Olympic footage and official films from the IOC’s archives. There will also be a focus on educational and youth-oriented programming, sustainability, sports science and nutrition, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Olympic Channel collaborations aim to complement the International Federations’ current broadcast and distribution arrangements. The Olympic Channel team is currently working with the IFs to create innovative partnerships, including live event coverage, highlights, magazine shows, news coverage and original programming.

In addition to the FEI, OCS has concluded agreements with Badminton World Federation (BWF); International Basketball Federation (FIBA); International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF); International Boxing Association (AIBA); International Canoe Federation (ICF); International Fencing Federation (FIE); International Golf Federation (IGF); International Gymnastic Federation (FIG); International Hockey Federation (FIH); International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF); International Judo Federation (IJF); International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM); International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF); International Ski Federation (FIS); International Swimming Federation (FINA); International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF); International Tennis Federation (ITF); International Triathlon Union (ITU);International Weightlifting Federation (IWF); United World Wrestling (UWW); World Archery Federation (WA); World Curling Federation (WCF); World Rowing Federation (FISA); World Rugby (WR); World Sailing (WS) and World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)

As well as its ongoing discussions with other IFs, the Olympic Channel Services team is working to build and strengthen collaborations with athletes, National Olympic Committees, Rights-Holding Broadcasters, Worldwide TOP Partners, Organising Committees for the Olympic Games, candidate cities, recognised sports organisations, as well as with major digital and social media platforms.

Equestrian News NI Out of Office

News Desk — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:13:39 +0000

The Equestrian News NI office will be closed until the end of September due to staff holidays and essential website maintenance.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk and we will reply on our return.

Thank you for your continued readership as we promote and report on equestrian activities of interest to the local equestrian community.

What’s On at Lessans This Summer

News Desk — Wed, 13 May 2015 06:29:55 +0000

Outdoor Cash Derby

Sunday 3 May @ 1.30pm – the Lessans Cash Derby is back – and this time it’s moving outdoors…! Classes from 50cm warm-up to 1m. Ridden over a mixture of showjumps and cross-country fences, steps, bank, etc. Cash prizes up for grabs for higher classes; these will also be ridden partially on grass and will contain a timed section. £15 per round.

First Aid for Horses & Social Night

Friday 8 May @ 7pm – Learn some potentially life-saving first aid tips for horses, then enjoy a catch-up and chat afterwards over dinner. £10 per person (dinner is included and a family ticket is available – please contact the yard to enquire). All visitors welcome!

Showjumping Training Competitions

Sundays 10, 17 & 24 May @ noon – Classes from cross-poles (assisted / unassisted) to 1m. Because this is a training show, instructors will be on hand to offer practical help with any issues, should you wish to take advantage of it. The two higher classes will be ridden against the clock to let you practice your speed turns, with cash prizes for 1st place in each. £5 per round.

Flatwork / Polework Course

Tuesdays 19 & 26 May @ 6pm or 7pm (TBA depending on numbers) – this course is open to all ages and will include polework exercises to help you develop your flatwork for both dressage and jumping. £15 per lesson; please book in advance.

Beach Ride

Friday 29 May to leave yard at 6pm – join us for a relaxing evening beach ride. Competent riders only please, and own transport arrangements required. All visitors welcome.

Cash Jumping Competitions

Sundays 7, 14 & 21 June @ noon – classes from 50cm (clear-round jumping/warm-up only) to 1m.
£5 per round for 50cm clear-round jumping; £10 per two rounds competition jumping from 60-70cm upwards, with the second round ridden against the clock. Cash prizes on offer!

Combined Training / Dressage Competition On Grass

Friday 26 June @ 6pm – choose whether to enter Combined Training (dressage & showjumping) or dressage only. Both the showjumping and dressage tests will be ridden in grass arenas. Dressage tests will be available to download in advance at Intro, Prelim or Novice level. Jumping classes will be 50cm, 70cm or 90cm. £15 for Combined Training competition (test + one round jumping, with cash prizes on offer). £10 for dressage only (additional £5 if you wish to ride a second test). £5 per one round jumping only (no dressage).

Lessans Cash Derbies

Sundays 28 June & 5 July @ 12.30pm – the Lessans Cash Derby hits the fields, with a mixture of showjumps and cross-country fences. Classes from 50cm to Open (85cm+). Cash prizes on offer! £15 per round.

Kids Summer Course

Three-day course on 29, 30 & 31 July – our ever-popular Kids Summer Course is back and will comprise flatwork, showjumping and cross-country lessons plus practical talks. It is open to all ages of children and teens, and to all abilities, from novice to advanced (groups will be split and lessons will be provided suited to the appropriate ability level). £90 per person; MUST be booked in advance.

Hack & BBQ Social

Friday 14 August @ 6.30pm – hacks will be split by riding level, so will be suitable for all ages and abilities. A BBQ dinner (weather-dependent) or cooked meal is included and will follow the hack – bring your own bottle! All visitors very welcome; come along and meet old friends or even make some new ones… £20 per person.

Mini One-Day Event

Saturday 15 August @ 10am – entrants will compete across a dressage test, a round of showjumps and a shortened cross-country course. Classes from 50cm upwards. £25 per entry.

Lessans Summer Show

Saturday 22 August @ 9am – the show will include a full schedule of showing classes for children and adults, plus gymkhana classes for children, a showjumping arena, a Working Hunter arena, a doggy show and many more fun activities for all the family. More details to follow…

Adult Summer Course

Three-day course on 28, 29 & 30 August – for those of you old enough to remember, our famed (or infamous!) Adult Summer Course returns to its traditional roots… Participants will receive two lessons per day in flatwork, showjumping or cross-country, plus a practical lecture each day. It will include breakfast and a dinner party, and will also involve a few other surprise activities – but we’re not going to tell you about those just yet! £120 per person; MUST be booked in advance.

For more information on all these events, contact Philippa Auret at Lessans Riding Stables on 028 9751 0141 or 07808923894. Visit our website (www.lessansridingstables.com) for details of our other services. And don’t forget to follow Lessans Riding Stables on facebook for our most up-to-date news!

Ireland Storm to Silver in Saratosa Modern Pentathlon

News Desk — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 08:46:42 +0000

Irish Olympians, Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe and Natalya Coyle, claiming silver for Ireland at Sarasota World Cup 22/02/2015

IRELAND stormed to silver in the mixed relay event at the Sarasota Modern Pentathlon World Cup yesterday on Sunday in Florida, USA.

Irish Olympians, Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe and Natalya Coyle made a late charge for the podium by moving from eighth to second in the final combined run/shoot event.Ireland scored 15 victories in fencing to begin the day in sixth position. Coyle and Lanigan-O’Keeffe produced the second fastest swim time of 1:58,35 to move up to fourth overall. A costly show jumping round from the Irish athletes saw them drop down to eighth place before the combined run/shoot event.

Coyle shot well for the first series making up ground on athletes ahead of her but it was her second 800m run where she surged through the field and overtook the leading Russian athlete and handing over to Lanigan-O’Keeffe in first place.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe kept his cool on the range and ran stride for stride with World number one and World Champion Alexsander Lesun but Lesun proved too strong in the final 800m and pulled away from the young Irish talent.

The Irish team’s time for the combined event of 11:56,16 was the fastest.

Russia won gold, Ireland silver and Canada came through to take the bronze medal.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe who shone in the individual qualification event was disappointed with his performance in the men’s final where he finished 28th yesterday (Saturday) but felt like he redeemed himself today: “I knew I would be tired after competing in the final yesterday but my motivation was to get on that podium. When I was exhausted in the swimming and running I just kept positive thinking of the opportunity”

Coyle who failed to make the final in the individual event earlier in the week was delighted with the result: “I’m so happy as I didn’t make the final and felt I had a point to prove. Hopefully we can keep this momentum for the rest of the world cup series and building towards Olympic qualification”.

Andy Mackenzie, acting Performance Director for the Irish team was delighted with the spirit shown by the young Irish athletes: “With this being the start of the Olympic qualification season, both Arthur and Natalya are showing some great form which really bodes well for the future”.

This result equals the best performance by Irish athletes at a World Cup as Coyle previously won silver with teammate Eanna Bailey at the Palm Springs World Cup in 2013.

Both Coyle and Lanigan-O’Keeffe now return to Ireland to resume training after a three week altitude camp in Colorado. Focus will now be on the second World Cup event in Cairo in March where both athletes will be aiming to replicate this form in the individual event.

FEI Endurance Forum in Costa Rica discusses new Endurance rules

News Desk — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 07:37:25 +0000

FEI Endurance Forum in Costa Rica discusses new Endurance rules

Over 64 delegates attended the FEI Endurance Forum in Tilaran, Costa Rica, as part of the FEI’s plan to further develop Endurance worldwide. (Photo: FEI)

Over 64 delegates from FEI Group V attended an FEI Endurance Forum in Tilaran, Costa Rica on 23-25 January 2015, the first Forum following the introduction of the new Endurance rules on 1 August last year.

FEI Group V covers Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Athletes, officials including judges, technical delegates and veterinarians, as well as coaches and owners, gathered for the three-day Forum organised with the Costa Rica National Federation and Costa Rica Endurance Association to discuss Endurance across Central and South America and globally.

Key areas addressed included horse inspections, the field of play, anti-doping and veterinary rules, disqualification and the FEI Online Entry System, which gives access to over 100,000 international athletes through a single online platform.

At the end of the Forum, a one-hour Endurance ride was held to demonstrate the new rules in action.

“The FEI Endurance Forum was extremely productive in a region where Endurance enjoys huge success,” FEI Endurance Director Manuel Bandeira de Mello said.

“We’re now looking forward to rolling out our series of Endurance courses and seminars throughout 2015, as part of our plan to develop one of the FEI’s fastest-growing disciplines.”

About FEI

The FEI, founded in 1921, is the world governing body for Jumping, Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving & Para-Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining, in which last year alone 3,557 events were held around the world representing over 150% growth since 2003.

The FEI, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), celebrated 100 years of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The FEI also became one of the first International Federations to govern and regulate international para sport, alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines, when Para-Equestrian Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para-Equestrian Dressage, which has been a regular fixture at the Paralympic Games since 1996 and joined the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2010, and Para-Driving.

Equestrian News NI Christmas Closure Dates

News Desk — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:25:00 +0000

The Equestrian News NI Offices will be closed from Thursday 25th December until Thurs 1st January inclusive.

We will be carrying out essential maintenance to the website during the break, however should anyone need to contact us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk we would hope to follow up with any requests as soon as we open again.

Thank you to everyone to contributed to the website in 2014 by sending in press releases, equestrian dates, advertising events, and keeping us up to date with everything equestrian so we could pass on that information to our audiences throughout the world.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to bringing you news, results, photographs and classifieds in the New Year.

Kindest Regards,

The Equestrian News Team

Greenmount Equine Hospital

News Desk — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:47:00 +0000

A new equine veterinary hospital is opening in Greenmount Park adjacent to Limerick Racecourse this Saturday. An Open Day is being held to mark the launch and showcase the premises on Saturday 27th December 2014 from 10am to 1pm. The guest of honour, Lady Harrington, who previously owned Greenmount Stud with the late Lord Harrington, will be officially cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony which will take place at 12pm.

The hospital is located within the grounds of the old Greenmount Stud and the facility has been reinvigorated to create a centre of excellence for equine care. Offering a wide range of services including neo-natal critical care, lameness/poor performance investigations, reproductive services and with a fully equipped surgical facility we will be able to cater for your horse’s every need.

Greenmount Equine Hospital is headed up by Donncha Houlihan MVB MRCVS and Paul Houlihan MVB MRCVS. Both brothers are originally from Birdhill, Co. Tipperary and look forward to offering their combined experience to owners, trainers and breeders in the surrounding areas.

Donncha Houlihan commented “We are delighted to have the opportunity to return home and set up a dedicated equine veterinary facility in a location such as Greenmount Park which is steeped in equine history and so close to Limerick Racecourse. We are looking forward to welcoming Lady Harrington to officially launch the hospital. We would also like to extend an open invitation to anybody wishing to receive a tour of our new facility on the day and afterwards to join us in a toast to the winner of the Annual Greenmount Equine Hospital Bumper”.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Greenmount Equine Hospital, Greenmount Park, Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick
Office: 061 513777 / 087 994 7682 Email: greenmountequinehospital@gmail.com
Website: www.greenmountequinehospital.ie

Edited with BlogPad Pro

Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos elected as FEI President

News Desk — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 08:29:12 +0000

Ingmar De Vos (BEL) was elected as President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) yesterday by an overwhelming majority in the first round of voting, earning 98 votes out of a possible 131.

De Vos, 51, Secretary General of the FEI since May 2011, was elected to take charge of the world governing body of equestrian sport during this morning’s session of the FEI General Assembly in Baku (AZE).

The result was announced by HRH Princess Haya, the outgoing President, with the simple words, “I am pleased to announce we have a new FEI President, Ingmar De Vos”. Her words were met with prolonged applause from close to 350 delegates representing 91 National Federations, stakeholders, sponsors and international media.

“I’m really very honoured and overwhelmed by this enormous support,” a clearly emotional De Vos said, “and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your confidence. Baku will be in my memory forever.

“Elections are always difficult, as it splits a little bit the family, but I guarantee that I will be the president of all of you, I will serve all the members of our community and I will work very hard to keep this unity.”

He went on to thank his great friend and mentor Jacky Buchmann, who has recently been re-elected as President of the Belgian Equestrian Federation. And finally, with great emotion, he thanked outgoing President Princess Haya.

“Words cannot explain what she has done for our organisation. She has shown leadership, she has guided us through difficult waters, she has innovated us, she has modernised us. She has left us with a great legacy and I believe, together with many of you, that it is our responsibility to preserve the legacy and go on with the roadmap she has shown us. Words are not enough to thank her. Over the years we have become good friends, and I am thankful and grateful for your support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Congratulations from IOC President

Shortly after his election, De Vos received a letter of congratulations from IOC President Thomas Bach. “Please accept my congratulations on your election as President of the International Equestrian Federation. The IOC enjoys a long-standing relationship with FEI, its elected members and administration. We are sure that FEI will continue its growth under your leadership. Your previous experience in different positions of the Equestrian sports will be invaluable for you in this new office. On behalf of the IOC and the entire Olympic Movement, I wish you every success in the new role you are undertaking.”

De Vos takes over the reins as FEI President at the conclusion of today’s FEI General Assembly for a four-year term, and is eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive terms. He has stated that he will resign as Secretary General as soon as he takes over the Presidency this afternoon and will appoint an interim Secretary General to take over the role until a permanent replacement is found.

The other candidates standing for election were Pierre Durand (FRA), Pierre Genecand (SUI), John McEwen (GBR), and Ulf Helgstrand (DEN). Helgstrand withdrew his candidacy before the vote, and a sixth candidate, Javier Revuelta del Peral (ESP) withdrew from the election process in November.

Saintfield Santa Ride Launched in Style

News Desk — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 08:10:35 +0000

Pictured at Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday, Joan Cunningham (Ride Organiser) Caroline McMillan, Santa, Suzanne Hill and Ashleigh Kirkpatrick. Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride was launched in style at Rowallane Garden Saintfield on Thursday 13th.Nov. and was kindly hosted by the National Trust. Taking on a Dowton Abbey theme guests were greeted on arrival by the Butler (Seamus Rodgers), the House Maid (Loraine Johnston) and the House Keeper (Vi Patterson) It was attended by Sponsors, friends and the media. Ride Organiser Joan Cunningham welcomed everyone and thanked them all for their much valued and continued support. Alastair McIlveen and Simon Beckett from North Down Marquees both attended as did the three Directors of NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch Michela Preston, Jason Barr and Keith Emerson. Freda Murphy Saintfield Livestock Mart. also attended. Down District Council was represented by councillor Robert Burgess and Councillor Dermott Curran.

This years ride takes place on Saturday 6th.December from Saintfield Livestock Mart.by kind permission of Mr.Brian and Geoffrey Murphy. The day begins with everyone arriving at the Mart.at 11.00am for a mulled wine and mince pie reception in the Marquee. There will be lots of prizes for the best turned out Santas and every child under the age of 12 who takes part in the ride will receive an award. Prizes will be presented during Lunch.

Pictured at Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Launch at Rowallane Garden Saintfield last Thursday. From left:— Loraine Johnston (House maid), Freda Murphy (Saintfield Livestock Mart.Hosts of The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride) Keith Emerson (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch) Seamus Rodgers (Butler), Valerie McBride (McBride Fashions) Vi Patterson (House Keeper), Jason Barr (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch), Leo Casement (Equestrian Artist), Michaela Preston (NFU Mutual Saintfield Branch) Photo: John Gibson, Sporting Images NI

At 12.00 noon the ride which is strictly a hack so should suit all riders moves out and makes it’s way to Saintfield Town. At 1.00pm Saintfield Main Street will be swarming with Santas led by the “Real Santa” and his celebrity guests in a magnificent Horse Drawn Carriage. This spectacular sight is not to be missed. Well wishers coming to see the Ride will be entertained by Live Christmas Music from the famous Panache and plenty of craic from comedian Terence McKeag. Santa and his guests will alight from his carriage at the Christmas Tree to meet and greet everyone before making his way back to the Marquee at the Mart. to enjoy lunch and more live Christmas music and entertainment.

Entrance to the marquee is free and anyone wishing to have lunch can do so for a donation of £5 children under 12 free. The cost of the ride is £20 for adults and £10 for children. This includes the Mulled Wine Reception and Lunch. Why not get yourself Sponsored? Sponsorship forms can be down loaded from the websitewww.saintfieldhorseshow.com/saintfieldchristmascharityride Further detail contact Joan Cunningham 02897 519030 or 07775860744 email joancunningham1@gmail.com

Yamamah flies to gold for Sheikh Hamdan

News Desk — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 08:19:56 +0000

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and Yamamah claimed individual Endurance gold in Sartilly, with the Netherlands’ Marijke Visser (Laiza de Jalima) taking silver ahead of Qatar’s Abdulrahman Saad AS Al Sulaiteen and Koheilan Kincso. (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (UAE) and the outstanding mare Yamamah, means “little dove” in Arabic, led from the start to finish to win the individual gold medal at a challenging Endurance competition in Sartilly at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 to take over the world title from his father, Sheikh Mohammed.

Written By Kate Green

European Champion Jaume Punti Dachs (ESP) finished fifth on Novisaad d’Aqui and led home his jubilant compatriots Jordi Arboix Santacreu, sixth on Mystair des Aubus, and Cervera Sanchez-Arnedo (Strawblade, 22^nd) to take team gold.

There was much national excitement when the home side, France, took silver, with Jean-Philippe Frances (Secret de Mon), Franck Laousse (Niky de la Fontaine) and Nicolas Ballarin (Lemir de Gargassan) finishing eighth, 11^th and 12^th respectively.

The Swiss trio of Barbara Lissarrague on Preume de Paute, fourth individually, Sonja Fritschi (Okkarina d’Alsace) and Andrea Amacher (Rustik d’Alsace) claimed team bronze.

The Netherlands’ Marijke Visser (NED) was visibly thrilled with second place and an individual silver medal with the UAE-owned grey gelding Laiza de Jalima. Qatari rider Abdulrahman Saad AS Al Sulaiteen and Koheilan Kincso also finished strongly to take bronze ahead of Swiss rider Barbara Lissarrague on Preume de Paute.

“This event really deserved the title of World Championships today,” said Brian Sheehan, Chair of the FEI Endurance Committee, who praised the effectiveness of the new monitoring measures. “There has been a great deal of sportsmanship and co-operation with riders. It’s been a world-class event that I am proud to be associated with.”

A combination of changeable weather and footing conditions, plus stringent veterinary procedures whittled the field down to 38 finishers. Brian Sheahan felt that the low number of finishers proved the veterinary protocols in place to protect horse welfare were working.

“This was a World Equestrian Games and the course was extremely technical and extremely challenging,” he said. “The weather made it even tougher and the vets were extremely careful to ensure that the horses were protected at all times, meaning that the number of finishers was unexpectedly low for a championship.”

A spectacular mass of 165 riders representing a record 47 nations set off in a damp, muddy dawn, but midday sun turning the slippery ground to a holding consistency, and the Ground Jury, which had already removed the minimum speed of 15 kilometres per hour for the first two loops, then reduced the minimum speed to 14kph for loops three to five to allow horses to take their time on the course.

In another change to the format, this year there were five loops (of 37.9 kilometres, 35.8km, 32.8km, 33.1km and 20.4km) instead of six. Riders had to cope with ever-changing terrain, including wet sand on the second 35.8km loop which attracted crowds of spectators as horses traversed the beautiful bay of Mont St Michel.

The UAE team set the early pace and dominated the first two loops, but by the end of the third loop only Sheikh Hamdan and the quality Australian-bred bay mare Yamamah (formerly Kurrajong Concorde), winner of the Open European title last year with Sheikh Hamdan’s brother Sheikh Rashid, was left in the competition.

The duo, who won the 120km CEI at Windsor (GBR) in May, had the course to themselves for much of the day and returned home to massive cheers from a hugely supportive crowd.

Last year’s world number one in Endurance, Sabrina Arnold (GER), withdrew Saltan during the first loop and the defending World Equestrian Games champion, Spain’s Maria Alvarez Ponton, had a fall with Qualif du Poncelet on the third loop.

Isha Judd (URG) suffered a broken femur in a fall and Alberto Morales Morales (CRC) was taken to hospital complaining of neck pain after the first loop.

Tragically, the Costa Rican horse Dorado, ridden by Claudio Romero Chacon, died instantly of a head injury after striking a tree at the side of the track in a forested area on the first loop, shortly after 08.30. The rider was in a serious but stable condition this evening after undergoing surgery for fractures and internal injuries.

“Our thoughts are with Claudia Chacon Romero, who is currently recovering in hospital post-surgery, and the connections of Dorado, who sadly died in a tragic accident today,” Brian Sheahan said. “Our hearts go out to them.”

There were no other serious injuries to any horses.

The medal ceremony will take place at 15.00 today during the break in the Grand Prix Freestyle Dressage in the d’Ornano Stadium in Caen.

Full results on www.normandy2014.com

Eagerly anticipated Endurance event at iconic site

News Desk — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:09:25 +0000

Maria Alvarez Ponton (ESP) and Nobby on their way to individual gold in the Endurance event at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010. (Kit Houghton/FEI)

Endurance will see an impressive number of starters for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, beating all previous records by almost 10% when the 160-kilometre ride gets underway on Thursday 28 August.

Written by By Berry Pattison

The competition takes place in Sartilly, just over 100 kilometres from the main Games venue in Caen and a total of 47 nations from as far afield as China, Colombia, Kazakhstan and Thailand will be welcomed onsite when the stables open next Monday 25 August.

The definite entries for the discipline show a total of 173 athletes, with 198 horses declared. National Federations are able to enter up to five athletes and seven horses for the pre-ride inspection, with chefs d’equipe declaring their final horses after the inspection.

The 2014 Games has seen the introduction of a higher minimum speed, this year set at 15kph, to ensure that all horses competing are fit enough to deal with the distance and tough questions asked on track. And for the first time at Championship level, the 160km track is made up of only five loops rather than the more traditional six-loop format.

With a start time of 7am, combinations will set out to tackle one of the most technical courses in recent Championship history. Loop 1, La Lucerne is 37.9km long and stretches to the north of the venue. Loop 2, Avranches is 35.8km long, and includes the stunning bay with the incredible backdrop of Mont Saint-Michel.

Champeaux, the third loop, is 32.8km long and covers ground to the west of the venue. The penultimate loop, Jullouville, is 33.1km long while the final loop, Dragey, is the shortest at just 20.4km long, stretching out to the south-west of the venue.

This year will see many familiar faces, both equine and human, battling for the ultimate title in Endurance riding. Expectations are high for the home nation, France, which has one of the most consistent track records of podium positions over recent years. France took team gold in Jerez de la Frontera (ESP) in 2002 as well as Aachen (GER) in 2006. The French also scooped team silver in 2010 in Kentucky (USA) and will no doubt be looking to step back up to first place on home soil.

Whilst the French team fields some new faces on the Championship scene, one of the most experienced team riders of all is included in the line-up. Jean Philippe Frances has, since 1997, represented his country at Championship level no less than 10 times and will certainly be looking to claim the gold in front of his home crowd.

Alongside France, there will be a keen interest in the UAE, Germany, Spain and Oman, who have dominated the top spots over recent years. But, with the emergence of some exciting new Endurance nations such as Costa Rica and Slovakia, the race is wide open. Both the United States, who narrowly missed out on a team medal in the 2012 World Championships at Euston Park (GBR), and New Zealand have a high chance of bringing home a medal, with both nations showcasing young, upcoming talent alongside experienced, seasoned combinations.

On an individual level the event is just as open. With the notable omission of the Endurance great Nobby, who is now enjoying his well-earned retirement, the status of favourite equine must be held by the incredibly talented 15-year-old mare, Yamamah (previously named Kurrajong Concorde and bred by FEI Award Winner Meg Wade of Australia) which is declared as one of the squad horses for the UAE. Another familiar name on the definite entries list is the legendary Easy Fontnoire, which was part of the silver medal French team in Kentucky. Four years on, this 12-year-old mare will now be partnered by Saudi athlete Tarek Taher.

Many young riders are included in the 2014 line-up and they pose a formidable threat to the senior opposition. Oriana Ricca (URU), winner of the 2013 Pan-Am Games, will partner Talita Kumi, the Spanish horse she rode to fourth place in the Junior/Young Rider World Championships in Tarbes (FRA) last year. Kelsey Russell (USA), who finished fifth in the same Championships aboard Valerie Kanavy’s My Wild Irish Gold, will once again partner this talented bay Anglo-Arab, competing in their first senior Games.

With such high levels of team work required, Endurance is often thought of as a family, all-inclusive discipline and this year is no exception. Nearly 60 years cover the ages of the athletes, with the youngest entrant being 14-year-old Constanza Laliscia (ITA), with the oldest – 72 year old Rouslan Gekiev from Russia – turning 73 just three weeks after the event.

No less than six teams include family connections. Both Germany and Luxembourg field sisters, Melanie and Sabrina Arnold competing for Germany, and Mickels and Valy Schmartz flying the Luxembourg flag. The well-known faces of Heather and Jeremy Reynolds will both be part of Team USA, whilst Spain will be represented by well-known husband-and-wife team, Jaume Punti Dachs and Maria Alvarez Ponton. The Spanish family links at the Games don’t stop there, as fellow team member Javier Cervera has a cousin competing in the Jumping at D’Ornano Stadium in Caen.

New Zealand has selected mother and daughter Andrea and Georgia Smith, who will both be competing on home-bred horses. And finally, it really is a family affair for Australia, with mother and daughter Penny and Alexandra Toft competing and father Peter Toft acting as chef d’equipe.

With such widespread talent the Endurance event at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy is sure to be one of the closest contests in a long time and is most certainly not one to be missed.

For the non-Olympic athletes competing in Endurance, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ is the absolute pinnacle of their sporting career, with many years of training and dedication going into just one day of performance. With horse welfare and fair play top of the agenda, the opportunity to watch the talents and abilities of these top level combinations competing across the dramatic French countryside is eagerly anticipated.

Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM 2014 Land Rover Preview

News Desk — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 13:06:05 +0000

In late August and early September, the finest horses and riders from a variety of disciplines will be heading to Normandy in France.

They will be there for the seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games which will officially be known as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014.

As proud Official Sponsor and Official Vehicle of the games, Land Rover visited the location of the Games in Normandy and caught up with some of the key individuals and competing riders who will be in action in August and September.

Find out more about what the Games means to the riders, including Team GBR rider and Land Rover ambassador Zara Phillips, and see what it takes to compete in the biggest equestrian event in the world after the Olympics